ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
We are one of the largest radio broadcasting companies in the United States and the leading radio broadcasting company primarily targeting African-Americans. Founded in 1980, we own and/or operate 69 radio stations in 22 markets. Of these stations, 39 (29 FM and 10 AM) are in 14 of the top 20 African-American markets.
We are led by our Chairperson and co-founder, Catherine L. Hughes, and her son, Alfred C. Liggins, III, our Chief Executive Officer and President, who together have more than 50 years of operating experience in the radio broadcasting industry. Ms. Hughes, Mr. Liggins and our strong management team have successfully implemented a strategy of acquiring and turning around underperforming radio stations. Our strategy for our radio broadcasting business is to continue to expand within our existing markets and into new markets that have a significant African-American presence. We will achieve this strategy through acquisitions of new radio stations and organic growth of our existing radio stations. We believe radio broadcasting primarily targeting African-Americans continues to have significant growth potential and that we have a competitive advantage in the African-American market and the radio industry in general, due to our focus on urban formats, our skill in programming and marketing these formats, and our turnaround expertise.
We believe that our experience in the African-American market and our substantial radio listener base provides us with a competitive advantage in other complementary media businesses, such as cable television networks, programming content development and Internet-based services. Together with an affiliate of Comcast Corporation, we launched TV One, LLC (TV One) an African-American targeted cable television network in January 2004. In February 2005, we completed the acquisition of a controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc., which operates the Tom Joyner Morning Show and related businesses. We also currently program one channel on XM Satellite Radio.
Significant 2004 and Recent Events
Reach Media, Inc. Acquisition. In February 2005, we completed the acquisition of 51% of the common stock of Reach Media, Inc. (Reach) for approximately $55.8 million in a combination of approximately $30.4 million of cash and 1,809,648 shares of our Class D common stock. Reach was founded in 2003 by Tom Joyner, its Chairman, and David Kantor, its Chief Executive Officer, to operate the Tom Joyner Morning Show and related businesses. Mr. Joyner is a leading nationally syndicated radio personality. The Tom Joyner Morning Show is broadcast on over 115 affiliate stations across the United States and is a top-rated morning show in many of the markets in which it is broadcast. Reach also operates the Tom Joyner Sky Show, the Tom Joyner Family Reunion and various other special event-related activities. Additionally, Reach owns BlackAmericaWeb.com, an African-American targeted Internet destination, and airs a television program on TV One.
Sale of Notes. In February 2005, we completed the private placement of $200.0 million of 6 3/8% senior subordinated notes. The notes are due in February 2013 and interest on the notes is payable in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning August 15, 2005. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were approximately $195.5 million.
Redemption of HIGH TIDES. In February 2005, we redeemed all of our outstanding 6 1/2% Convertible Preferred Remarketable Term Income Deferrable Equity Securities (HIGH TIDES) in the aggregate sum of approximately $310.0 million. The redemption was financed with the net proceeds of the sale of our 6 3/8% senior subordinated notes, borrowings under our revolving credit facility, and available excess cash.
WABZ-FM Acquisition. In November 2004, we completed the acquisition of the assets of WABZ-FM, a radio station located in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Upon completing the acquisition, we consolidated the station with our existing Charlotte operations, changed the call sign to WPZS-FM and reformatted the station. The total acquisition price was approximately $11.5 million in cash. We began broadcasting WPZS-FM in November 2004.
New Mableton Broadcasting Corporation Acquisition. In October 2004, we completed the acquisition of the outstanding stock of New Mableton Broadcasting Corporation, which owns WAMJ-FM, a radio station located in the Atlanta metropolitan area. We had operated WAMJ-FM under a local management agreement since August 2001. New Mableton Broadcasting Corporation’s majority shareholder was an entity controlled by our Chief Executive Officer and President. The total acquisition price was approximately $35.0 million in cash.
KRTS-FM Acquisition. In September 2004, we completed the acquisition of the assets of KRTS-FM, our third radio station located in the Houston metropolitan area. Upon completing the acquisition, we consolidated the station with our existing Houston operations, changed the call sign to KROI-FM and reformatted the station to Spanish-language programming. The acquisition price was approximately $72.5 million in cash. We began broadcasting KROI-FM in September 2004.
WSNJ-FM Acquisition. In February 2004, we completed the acquisition of the assets of WSNJ-FM, a radio station located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Upon receiving the necessary regulatory approvals, we consolidated the station with our existing Philadelphia operations, changed the call sign to WRNB-FM, and reformatted the station. The acquisition price was approximately $35.0 million in cash. We began broadcasting WRNB-FM from our existing Philadelphia facilities in November 2004.
Our Stations and Markets
We own and/or operate radio stations in many of the largest African-American markets. The table below provides information about our radio stations and the markets in which we operate.
(a) “Audience Share Rank” is the relative size of the African-American listenership on our station clusters in a given market compared to other African-American targeted stations in the market, based on average quarter-hour audience shares for the stations.
(b) Audience share data are for the 12+ demographic and derived from the Arbitron Survey four book averages ending with the Fall 2004 Arbitron Survey. In the Miami market, we provide no audience share data because we do not subscribe to the Arbitron service for our station in that market. Audience share data for the Augusta market was not available as of the date of this annual report.
(c) 2004 estimated annual radio revenues are from BIA Financial’s Investing in Radio Market Report, 2004 Fourth Edition.
(d) Population estimates were provided by Arbitron.
The African-American Market Opportunity
We believe that operating urban-formatted radio stations primarily targeting African-Americans continues to have significant growth potential for the following reasons:
Rapid African-American Population Growth. From 1990 to 2000, the African-American population increased from approximately 30.0 million to 36.4 million, a 21.3% increase, compared to a 12.0% increase in the non-African-American population. Furthermore, the African-American population is expected to increase to approximately 40.0 million by 2010, a 9.9% increase from 2000, compared to an expected increase during the same period of 6.0% for the non-African-American population. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000).
Higher African-American Income Growth. The economic status of African-Americans improved at an above-average rate over the past two decades. The per capita income of African-Americans increased 55.3% between 1980 and 2003, while that of the overall population increased 41.4%. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Historical Income Data). African-American buying power was estimated at $723.0 billion for 2004, up 127.4% from 1990, compared to an increase of 100.0% for the overall population. African-American buying power is expected to increase to $965.0 billion by 2009. In 2004, African-Americans accounted for 8.4% of the nation’s total buying power, up from 7.4% in 1990. (Source: “The Multicultural Economy 2004,” Dr. Jeffrey M. Humphreys). In addition, the African-American consumer tends to have a different consumption profile than non-African-Americans. An annual report published by Target Market News provides a list of products and services for which African-American households spent more than white households. In the most recent such annual report, there were dozens of such products and services listed in categories such as apparel and accessories, appliances, consumer electronics, food, personal care products, telephone service and transportation. (Source: Buying Power of Black America, 2004 - 11th Edition, Target Market News).
Growth in Advertising Targeting the African-American Market. We continue to believe that large corporate advertisers are becoming more focused on reaching minority consumers in the United States. The African-American community is considered an emerging growth market within the mature domestic market. It is estimated that major national advertisers spent over $2.5 billion on advertising that targets African-American consumers in 2004, up from $803.0 million in 1993. (Source: Target Market News). We believe many large corporations are expanding their commitment to ethnic advertising.
Growing Influence of African-American Culture. We believe that there continues to be an ongoing “urbanization” of many facets of American society as evidenced by the influence of African-American culture in the areas of music (for example, hip-hop and rap music), film, fashion, sports and urban-oriented television shows and networks. We believe that many companies from a broad range of industries and prominent fashion designers have embraced this urbanization trend in their products as well as their advertising messages.
Growing Popularity of Radio Formats Primarily Targeting African-Americans. We believe that urban programming has been expanded to target a more diverse urban listener base and has become more popular with listeners and advertisers over the past ten years. Nationwide, the number of urban radio stations has increased from 450 in 1994 to 714 in 2004, or 58.6%. (Source: The M Street Corp., Format Trends from 1992 to 2004, Counts as of June 2004). In Spring 2004, the audience share of urban radio stations among listeners age 12 and older was 17.4%, an increase from 11.6% in Spring 1999. (Source: Black Radio Today - 2005 Edition, Arbitron, Inc.).
Concentrated Presence of African-Americans in Urban Markets. Approximately 63.7% of the African-American population resides in the top 25 metropolitan areas. (Source: The U.S. African American Market - 5th Edition, Packaged Facts, January 2004). Relative to radio broadcasters targeting a broader audience, we believe we can cover the various segments of our target market with fewer programming formats and therefore fewer radio stations than the maximum per market allowed by the FCC.
Strong African-American Listenership and Loyalty. In 2004, African-Americans, age 12 and older, spent 22.5 hours per week listening to radio. This compared to 19.8 hours per week for all Americans, age 12 and older. (Source: Black Radio Today - 2005 Edition, Arbitron, Inc. and Radio Today - 2005 Edition, Arbitron, Inc.). We believe that African-American radio listeners exhibit greater loyalty to radio stations that target the African-American community because those radio stations become a valuable source of entertainment and information responsive to the community’s interests and lifestyles.
Acquisition Strategy
Our acquisition strategy is to acquire underperforming radio stations and “stick stations” primarily in the top 60 African-American markets. A stick station is a station generating little or no revenue or cash flow at the time of acquisition that we subsequently reformat or relocate. We seek to make acquisitions in existing markets where expanded coverage is desirable and in new markets where we believe it is advantageous to establish a presence. For strategic reasons, or as a result of an acquisition of multiple stations in a market, we may also acquire and operate stations with formats that primarily target non-African-American segments of the population.
Top 60 African-American Radio Markets in the United States
In the table below, boxes and bold text indicate markets where we own and/or operate radio stations. Population estimates are for 2004 and are based upon data provided by Arbitron.
Operating Strategy
To maximize net broadcast revenue and station operating income at our radio stations, we strive to achieve the largest audience share of African-American listeners in each market, convert these audience share ratings to advertising revenue, and control operating expenses. Through our national presence we also provide advertisers with a radio station advertising platform that is a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to African-Americans. The success of our strategy relies on the following:
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market research, targeted programming and marketing;
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strong management and performance-based incentives;
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radio station clustering, programming segmentation and sales bundling;
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strategic sales efforts;
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marketing platform to national advertisers;
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advertising partnerships and special events; and
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significant community involvement.
Market Research, Targeted Programming and Marketing
We use market research to tailor the programming, marketing and promotions of our radio stations to maximize audience share. We also use our research to reinforce our current programming and to identify unserved or underserved markets or segments of the African-American population and to determine whether to acquire a new radio station or reprogram one of our existing radio stations to target those markets or segments.
We also seek to reinforce our targeted programming by creating a distinct and marketable identity for each of our radio stations. To achieve this objective, in addition to our significant community involvement discussed below, we employ and promote distinct, high-profile on-air personalities at many of our radio stations, many of whom have strong ties to the African-American community.
Strong Management and Performance-Based Incentives
We focus on hiring and retaining highly motivated and talented individuals in each functional area of our organization who can effectively help us implement our growth and operating strategies. Our management team is comprised of a diverse group of individuals who bring significant expertise to their functional areas. We seek to hire and promote individuals with significant potential and the ability to operate with high levels of autonomy.
To enhance the quality of our management in the areas of sales and programming, general managers, sales managers and program directors have significant portions of their compensation tied to the achievement of certain performance goals. General managers’ compensation is based partially on achieving station operating income benchmarks, which creates an incentive for management to focus on both sales growth and expense control. Additionally, sales managers and sales personnel have incentive packages based on sales goals, and program directors and on-air talent have incentive packages focused on maximizing ratings in specific target segments.
Radio Station Clustering, Programming Segmentation and Sales Bundling
We strive to build clusters of radio stations in our markets, with each radio station targeting different demographic segments of the African-American population. This clustering and programming segmentation strategy allows us to achieve greater penetration into each segment of our target market. We are then able to offer advertisers multiple audiences and to bundle the radio stations for advertising sales purposes when advantageous.
We believe there are several potential benefits that result from operating multiple radio stations in the same market. First, each additional radio station in a market provides us with a larger percentage of the prime advertising time available for sale within that market. Second, the more stations we program, the greater the market share we can achieve in our target demographic groups through the use of segmented programming. Third, we are often able to consolidate sales, promotional, technical support and business functions to produce substantial cost savings. Finally, the purchase of additional radio stations in an existing market allows us to take advantage of our market expertise and existing relationships with advertisers.
Strategic Sales Efforts
We have assembled an effective, highly trained sales staff responsible for converting audience share into revenue. We operate with a focused, sales-oriented culture which rewards aggressive selling efforts through a commission and bonus compensation structure. We hire and deploy large teams of sales professionals for each of our stations or station clusters, and we provide these teams with the resources necessary to compete effectively in the markets in which we operate. We utilize various sales strategies to sell and market our stations as stand-alones, in combination with other stations within a given market, and across markets, where appropriate.
Marketing Platform to National Advertisers
Through our acquisitions, we have created a national platform of radio stations in some of the largest African-American markets. This platform reaches over 13 million listeners weekly, more than any other media vehicle primarily targeting African-Americans. Thus, national advertisers find advertising on all our radio stations an efficient and cost-effective way to reach this target audience. Through our corporate sales department, we bundle and sell our platform of radio stations to national advertisers thereby enhancing our revenue generating opportunities, expanding our base of advertisers, creating greater demand for our advertising time inventory and increasing the capacity utilization of our inventory and making our sales effort more efficient.
Advertising Partnerships and Special Events
We believe that in order to create advertising loyalty, we must strive to be the recognized expert in marketing to the African-American consumer in the markets in which we operate. We believe that we have achieved this recognition by focusing on serving the African-American consumer and by creating innovative advertising campaigns and promotional tie-ins with our advertising clients and sponsoring numerous entertainment events each year. In these events, advertisers buy signage, booth space and broadcast promotions to sell a variety of goods and services to African-American consumers. As we expand our presence in our existing markets and into new markets, we may increase the number of events and the number of markets in which we host events based upon our evaluation of the financial viability and economic benefits of such events.
Significant Community Involvement
We believe our active involvement and significant relationships in the African-American community provide a competitive advantage in targeting African-American audiences. In this way, we believe our proactive involvement in the African-American community in each of our markets significantly improves the marketability of our radio broadcast time to advertisers who are targeting such communities.
We believe that a radio station’s image should reflect the lifestyle and viewpoints of the target demographic group it serves. Due to our fundamental understanding of the African-American community, we believe we are able to identify music and musical styles, as well as political and social trends and issues, early in their evolution. This understanding is then integrated into significant aspects of our operations and enables us to create enhanced awareness and name recognition in the marketplace. In addition, we believe our multi-level approach to community involvement leads to increased effectiveness in developing and updating our programming formats. We believe our enhanced awareness and more effective programming formats lead to greater listenership and higher ratings over the long term.
Turnaround Expertise
Prior to acquisition by us, many of our stations were, in our opinion, underperforming. By implementing our operating strategy, we have succeeded in increasing the ratings, net broadcast revenue and station operating income of many of the FM stations we have acquired. We have achieved these improvements while, in many instances, competing against larger media companies. Our turnaround strategy has been especially successful with respect to our operations in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit and Raleigh.
Our Station Portfolio
The following table sets forth selected information about our portfolio of radio stations. Market population data and revenue rank data are from BIA Financial’s Investing in Radio Market Report, 2004 Fourth Edition. Audience share and audience rank data are based on Arbitron Survey four book averages ending with the Fall 2004 Arbitron Survey unless otherwise noted. As used in this table, “n/a” means not applicable or not available and “t” means tied with one or more radio stations.
(1) WPPZ-FM was formerly known as WPHI-FM.
(2) WPHI-FM was formerly known as WPLY-FM.
(3) WRNB-FM was formerly known as WSNJ-FM.
(4) KROI-FM was formerly known as KRTS-FM.
(5) We do not subscribe to the Arbitron service for this market.
(6) WFUN-FM changed format from Urban to Urban AC in December 2004.
(7) WPZS-FM was formerly known as WABZ-FM.
(8) WPZZ-FM was formerly known as WKJS-FM.
(9) WKJS-FM was formerly known as WJMO-FM.
(10) WKJM-FM was formerly known as WPZZ-FM.
(11) A third party operates WROU-AM under a local marketing agreement. WROU-AM was formerly known as WGCV-AM.
(12) We operate WDBZ-AM pursuant to a local marketing agreement.
(13) WDNI-LP, the low power television station that we acquired in Indianapolis in June 2000, is not included in this table.
(14) For the Augusta market, Arbitron issues its radio market survey reports on a semi-annual basis, rather than a quarterly basis as in our other markets.
(15) WROU-FM was formerly known as WRNB-FM.
Advertising Revenue
Substantially all of our net broadcast revenue is generated from the sale of local and national advertising for broadcast on our radio stations. Local sales are made by the sales staff located in our markets. National sales are made by firms specializing in radio advertising sales on the national level. These firms are paid a commission on the advertising sold. Approximately 70% of our net broadcast revenue for the year ended December 31, 2004 was generated from the sale of local advertising and 27% from sales to national advertisers, including network advertising. The balance of net broadcast revenue is primarily derived from tower rental income, ticket sales and revenue related to Radio One sponsored events and other revenue.
We believe that advertisers can reach the African-American community more cost effectively through radio broadcasting than through newspapers or television. Advertising rates charged by radio stations are based primarily on:
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a radio station’s audience share within the demographic groups targeted by the advertisers;
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the number of radio stations in the market competing for the same demographic groups; and
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the supply and demand for radio advertising time.
Advertising rates are generally highest during the morning and afternoon commuting hours.
A radio station’s listenership is reflected in ratings surveys that estimate the number of listeners tuned to a radio station and the time they spend listening to that radio station. Ratings are used by advertisers to evaluate whether to advertise on our radio stations, and are used by us to chart audience growth, set advertising rates and adjust programming.
Strategic Diversification
We continually explore opportunities in other forms of media that are complementary to our core radio business, which we believe will allow us to leverage our expertise in the African-American market and our significant listener base. We currently have invested in the following media businesses:
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TV One, which operates a cable television network offering programming targeted primarily towards African-American viewers (see discussion below);
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Reach Media, Inc., which operates the Tom Joyner Morning Show, a leading, nationally-syndicated radio program, and related businesses (see “Significant 2004 and Recent Events - Reach Media, Inc. Acquisition” above); and
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iBiquity Digital Corporation (iBiquity), a leading developer of in-band on-channel digital broadcast technology.
In July 2003, we entered into an agreement with an affiliate of Comcast Corporation and other investors to form TV One, LLC, an entity formed to launch a cable television network featuring lifestyle, entertainment and news-related programming targeted primarily towards African-American viewers. We have committed to make a cash investment of approximately $74.0 million in TV One, of which we already have funded $37.0 million. We have provided, and will continue to provide, advertising and management services to TV One through January 2009, for which we received additional equity in TV One.
In December 2004, TV One entered into a distribution agreement with DIRECTV, Inc. and certain affiliates of DIRECTV became investors in TV One. As of December 31, 2004, we owned approximately 36% of TV One on a fully-diluted basis, and Comcast owned a slightly smaller stake.
We are currently seeking to generate additional revenue from our new and existing radio station websites by increasing traffic on those websites and attracting new advertisers. Future opportunities could include investments in, or acquisitions of, companies in diverse media businesses, such as an urban-oriented radio network (potentially through Reach), outdoor advertising in urban environments, music production and distribution, publishing, Internet-based services, and other related businesses.
Competition
The radio broadcasting industry is highly competitive. Radio One’s stations compete for audiences and advertising revenue with other radio stations and with other media such as television, the Internet, satellite radio, newspapers, magazines, direct mail and outdoor advertising, some of which may be controlled by horizontally-integrated companies. Audience ratings and advertising revenue are subject to change and any adverse change in a market could adversely affect our net broadcast revenue in that market. If a competing station converts to a format similar to that of one of our stations, or if one of our competitors strengthens its operations, our stations could suffer a reduction in ratings and advertising revenue. Other radio companies which are larger and have more resources may also enter, or increase their presence in, markets where we operate. Although we believe our stations are well positioned to compete, we cannot assure that our stations will maintain or increase their current ratings or advertising revenue.
The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and the emergence of new media technologies, which may impact our business. We cannot assure you that we will have the resources to acquire new technologies or to introduce new services that could compete with these new technologies. Several new media technologies are being, or have been, developed, including the following:
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satellite delivered digital audio radio service, which has resulted in the introduction of several new satellite radio services with sound quality equivalent to that of compact discs;
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audio programming by cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite systems, Internet content providers and other digital audio broadcast formats; and
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digital audio and video content available for listening and/or viewing on the Internet and/or available to be downloaded to portable devices.
As a response to these and other competing technologies, we have entered into an alliance with XM Satellite Radio, whereby we program one channel on XM Satellite Radio’s satellite delivered digital audio radio service. Additionally, we, along with most other public radio companies, have invested in iBiquity, a developer of digital audio broadcast technology. Very recently, we and most of these public radio companies (as well as many privately-held radio companies) have committed over the course of the next four years to convert most analog broadcast radio stations to in-band, on-channel digital radio broadcasts, which could provide multi-channel, multi-format digital radio services in the same bandwidth currently occupied by traditional AM and FM radio services. However, we cannot assure you that these arrangements will be successful or enable us to adapt effectively to these new media technologies.
Antitrust Regulation
An important part of our growth strategy is the acquisition of additional radio stations. The agencies responsible for enforcing the federal antitrust laws, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice, may investigate certain acquisitions. After the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Department of Justice gave increased attention to reviewing proposed acquisitions of radio stations. The Department of Justice is likely to focus particular attention when the proposed buyer already owns one or more radio stations in the market of the station it is seeking to buy. The Department of Justice has challenged a number of radio broadcasting transactions. Some of those challenges ultimately resulted in consent decrees requiring, among other things, divestitures of certain stations. In general, the Department of Justice has more closely scrutinized radio station acquisitions where the involved radio stations account for a significant percentage of local radio advertising revenue.
We cannot predict the outcome of any specific Department of Justice or FTC review of a particular acquisition. Any decision by the Department of Justice or FTC to challenge a proposed acquisition could affect our ability to consummate an acquisition or to consummate it on the proposed terms. For an acquisition meeting certain size thresholds, the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act requires the parties to file Notification and Report Forms concerning antitrust issues with the Department of Justice and the FTC and to observe specified waiting period requirements before consummating the acquisition. If the investigating agency raises substantive issues in connection with a proposed transaction, the parties involved frequently engage in lengthy discussions and/or negotiations with the investigating agency to address those issues, including restructuring the proposed acquisition or divesting assets. In addition, the investigating agency could file suit in federal court to enjoin the acquisition or to require the divestiture of assets, among other remedies. All acquisitions, regardless of whether they are required to be reported under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, may be investigated by the Department of Justice or the FTC under the antitrust laws before or after consummation. In addition, private parties may under certain circumstances bring legal action to challenge an acquisition under the antitrust laws. As part of its increased scrutiny of radio station acquisitions, the Department of Justice has stated publicly that it believes that local marketing agreements, joint sales agreements, time brokerage agreements and other similar agreements customarily entered into in connection with radio station transfers could violate the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act if such agreements take effect prior to the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Furthermore, the Department of Justice has noted that joint sales agreements may raise antitrust concerns under Section 1 of the Sherman Act and has challenged joint sales agreements in certain locations. As indicated above, the
Department of Justice also has stated publicly that it has established certain revenue and audience share concentration benchmarks with respect to radio station acquisitions, above which a transaction may receive additional antitrust scrutiny. However, to date, the Department of Justice has also investigated transactions that do not meet or exceed these benchmarks and has cleared transactions that do exceed these benchmarks.
In the past, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has exercised its discretion to review individual FCC assignment or transfer of control applications involving proposed radio broadcasting transactions that it believes might raise excessive market concentration issues even where an application complies with the FCC’s media ownership limits. As part of its June 2003 decision revising media ownership rules, which proceeding is discussed below, the FCC announced that it would no longer follow this former practice of “flagging” certain assignment and transfer of control applications that raise competitive concerns for its staff to conduct a competitive analysis of the particular market. The FCC continues to adhere to this shift in practice during the pendency of a temporary judicial stay of the revised media ownership rules adopted in the June 2003 decision.
Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting
The radio broadcasting industry is subject to extensive and changing regulation by the FCC of programming, technical operations, employment and other business practices. The FCC regulates radio broadcast stations pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. The Communications Act permits the operation of radio broadcast stations only in accordance with a license issued by the FCC upon a finding that the grant of a license would serve the public interest, convenience and necessity. Among other things, the FCC:
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assigns frequency bands for radio broadcasting;
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determines the particular frequencies, locations, operating power, interference standards and other technical parameters of radio broadcast stations;
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issues, renews, revokes and modifies radio broadcast station licenses;
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imposes annual regulatory fees and application processing fees to recover its administrative costs;
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establishes technical requirements for certain transmitting equipment to restrict harmful emissions;
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adopts and implements regulations and policies that directly or indirectly affect the ownership, operation, program content and employment and business practices of radio broadcast stations; and
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has the power to impose penalties, including monetary forfeitures, for violations of its rules and the Communications Act.
The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and specific FCC rules and policies. This summary does not purport to be a complete listing of all of the regulations and policies affecting radio stations and is qualified in its entirety by the text of the Communications Act, the FCC’s rules, regulations and policies, and the rulings and public notices of the FCC. You should refer to the Communications Act and these FCC notices, rules and rulings for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of radio broadcast stations.
The Communications Act prohibits the assignment of an FCC license, or transfer of control of an FCC licensee, without the prior approval of the FCC. In determining whether to grant requests for consents to assignments or transfers, and in determining whether to grant or renew a radio broadcast license, the FCC considers a number of factors pertaining to the licensee (and any proposed licensee), including restrictions on foreign ownership, compliance with FCC media ownership limits and other FCC rules, the character of the licensee (or proposed licensee) and those persons holding attributable interests in the licensee (or proposed licensee), and compliance with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.
A licensee’s failure to comply with the requirements of the Communications Act or FCC rules and policies may result in the imposition of various sanctions, including admonishment, fines, the grant of a license renewal of less than a full eight-year term, the grant of a license or license renewal with conditions or, for particularly egregious violations, the denial of a license renewal application, the revocation of an FCC license and/or the denial of FCC consent to acquire additional broadcast properties.
Congress, the FCC and, in some cases, local jurisdictions, have had under consideration or reconsideration, or may in the future consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect the operation, ownership and profitability of our radio stations, result in the loss of audience share and advertising revenue for our radio broadcast stations or affect our ability to acquire additional radio broadcast stations or finance such acquisitions. Such matters include or may include:
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changes to the license authorization and renewal process;
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proposals to impose spectrum use or other fees on FCC licensees;
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changes to rules relating to political broadcasting including proposals to grant free air time to candidates, and other changes regarding political and non-political program content, funding, political advertising rates, and sponsorship disclosures;
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proposals to restrict or prohibit the advertising of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages;
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proposals regarding the regulation of the broadcast of indecent or violent content;
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proposals to increase the actions stations must take to demonstrate service to their local communities;
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technical and frequency allocation matters;
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changes in broadcast multiple ownership, foreign ownership, cross-ownership and ownership attribution policies, including the definition of the local market for multiple ownership purposes and the attribution of joint sales agreements for purposes of the FCC’s multiple ownership rules;
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changes to allow telephone companies to deliver audio and video programming to homes in their service areas; and
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proposals to alter provisions of the tax laws affecting broadcast operations and acquisitions.
Finally, the FCC has adopted procedures for the auction of broadcast spectrum in circumstances where two or more parties have filed mutually exclusive applications for authority to construct new stations or certain major changes in existing stations. Such procedures may limit our efforts to modify or expand the broadcast signals of our stations.
We cannot predict what changes, if any, might be adopted, nor can we predict what other matters might be considered in the future, nor can we judge in advance what impact, if any, the implementation of any particular proposals or changes might have on our business.
FCC License Grants and Renewals. In making licensing determinations, the FCC considers an applicant’s legal, technical, financial and other qualifications. The FCC grants radio broadcast station licenses for specific periods of time and, upon application, may renew them for additional terms. A station may continue to operate beyond the expiration date of its license if a timely filed license renewal application is pending. Under the Communications Act, radio broadcast station licenses may be granted for a maximum term of eight years.
Generally, the FCC renews radio broadcast licenses without a hearing upon a finding that:
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the radio station has served the public interest, convenience and necessity;
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there have been no serious violations by the licensee of the Communications Act or FCC rules and regulations; and
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there have been no other violations by the licensee of the Communications Act or FCC rules and regulations which, taken together, indicate a pattern of abuse.
After considering these factors and any petitions to deny a license renewal application (which may lead to a hearing), the FCC may grant the license renewal application with or without conditions, including renewal for a term less than the maximum otherwise permitted. Historically, our licenses have been renewed without any conditions or sanctions imposed. However, there can be no assurance that the licenses of each of our stations will be renewed, will be renewed for a full term or will be renewed without conditions or sanctions.
In August 2003, Chairman Powell announced the creation of a Localism Task Force to advise the FCC on steps the FCC and Congress can take to strengthen localism in television and radio broadcasting. Additionally, on July 1, 2004, the FCC released a Notice of Inquiry to receive direct input from the public on how broadcasters are serving their communities. The Localism Task Force’s findings and recommendations, as well as actions taken by the FCC based on comments received in response to Notice of Inquiry, could affect future licensing decisions.
Types of FCC Broadcast Licenses. The FCC classifies each AM and FM radio station. An AM radio station operates on either a clear channel, regional channel or local channel. A clear channel is assigned to serve wide areas, particularly at night. A regional
channel is assigned to serve primarily a principal center of population and the rural areas contiguous to it. A local channel is assigned to operate unlimited time and serve primarily a community and the suburban and rural areas immediately contiguous to it. Class A radio stations operate unlimited time and are designed to render primary and secondary service over an extended area. Class B radio stations operate unlimited time and are designed to render service only over a primary service area. Class D radio stations operate either daytime, during limited times only, or unlimited time with low nighttime power. Class C radio stations operate unlimited time and are designed to render service only over a primary service area that may be reduced as a consequence of interference.
FM class designations depend upon the geographic zone in which the transmitter of the FM radio station is located. The minimum and maximum facilities requirements for an FM radio station are determined by its class. In general, commercial FM radio stations are classified as follows, in order of increasing power and antenna height: Class A, B1, C3, B, C2, C1, C0 and C. The FCC has adopted a rule that subjects Class C FM stations that do not satisfy a certain antenna height requirement to an involuntary downgrade in class to Class C0 under certain circumstances.
Radio One’s Licenses. The following table sets forth information with respect to each of our radio stations. A broadcast station’s market may be different from its community of license. The coverage of an AM radio station is chiefly a function of the power of the radio station’s transmitter, less dissipative power losses and any directional antenna adjustments. For FM radio stations, signal coverage area is chiefly a function of the ERP of the radio station’s antenna and the HAAT of the radio station’s antenna. “ERP” refers to the effective radiated power of an FM radio station. “HAAT” refers to the antenna height above average terrain of an FM radio station.
(1) WPPZ-FM operates with facilities equivalent to 3 kW at 100 meters.
(2) WPHI-FM was formerly known as WPLY-FM.
(3) WRNB-FM was formerly known as WSNJ-FM and formerly licensed to Bridgeton, NJ. The FCC granted authority to change the community of license to Pennsauken, NJ and we relocated the operations of the stations to serve the greater Philadelphia market.
(4) We also hold a license for K261AB, a translator for KKBT-FM.
(5) KROI-FM was formerly known as KRTS-FM.
(6) WPZS-FM was formerly known as WABZ-FM.
(7) WPZZ-FM was formerly known as WKJS-FM.
(8) WKJM-FM was formerly known as WPZZ-FM.
(9) WKJS-FM was formerly known as WJMO-FM.
(10) A third party operates WROU-AM under a local marketing agreement. WROU-AM was formerly known as WGCV-AM.
(11) We operate WDBZ-AM pursuant to a local marketing agreement.
(12) We also hold a license for WGZB-FM1, a booster for WGZB-FM.
(13) WROU-FM was formerly known as WRNB-FM.
* Renewal of the license is currently pending before the FCC.
To obtain the FCC’s prior consent to assign or transfer control of a broadcast license an appropriate application must be filed with the FCC. If the application to assign or transfer the license involves a substantial change in ownership or control of the licensee, for example, the transfer or acquisition of more than 50% of the voting stock, the long form application must be placed on an FCC public notice for a period of 30 days during which petitions to deny the application may be filed by interested parties. Informal objections may be filed any time until the FCC acts upon the application. If the FCC grants an assignment or transfer application, administrative procedures provide for reconsideration of the grant. The Communications Act also permits the appeal of a contested grant to a federal court in certain instances.
Under the Communications Act, a broadcast license may not be granted to or held by any persons who are not U.S. citizens, whom the Communications Act and FCC rules refer to as “aliens,” including any corporation that has more than 20% of its capital stock owned or voted by non-U.S. citizens or entities or their representatives, by foreign governments or their representatives, or by non-U.S. corporations. Furthermore, the Communications Act prohibits indirect foreign ownership through a parent company of the licensee of more than 25% if the FCC determines the public interest will be served by the refusal or revocation of such license. Thus, for instance, the licenses for our stations could be revoked if more than 25% of our outstanding capital stock is issued to or for the benefit of non-U.S. citizens.
The FCC generally applies its media ownership limits, which are discussed below, to “attributable” interests held by an individual, corporation, partnership or other association or entity, including limited liability companies. In the case of a corporation holding broadcast licenses, the interests of officers, directors and those who, directly or indirectly hold five percent or more of the total outstanding votes of a licensee corporation are generally deemed attributable interests. Certain passive investors that hold stock for investment purposes only become attributable with the ownership of 20% or more of the voting stock of the corporation holding broadcast licenses. An entity with one or more radio stations in a radio market that enters into a local marketing agreement or a time brokerage agreement with another radio station in the same market obtains an attributable interest in the brokered radio station for purposes of the FCC’s local radio station ownership rules, if the brokering station supplies more than 15% of the brokered radio station’s weekly broadcast hours. Similarly, under a new FCC rule, a station licensee’s rights under a contract to sell more than 15% per week of the advertising time on another station in the same market constitutes an attributable ownership interest for purposes of the FCC’s ownership rules. This new rule was adopted as part of a larger 2003 media ownership decision that was challenged in court. The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit remanded to the FCC many of the rules promulgated as part of the FCC’s 2003 media ownership decision and stayed the new rules pending further proceedings by the FCC and review by the court. As a result, the FCC reverted to applying its old rules. The FCC also filed a petition to lift the court’s stay. The Third Circuit agreed to lift portions of the stay, including with respect to the attribution of a contract to sell advertising time. In response, the FCC revised its application forms for transfers of control and assignments of licenses to incorporate these aspects of the new rules, and the FCC is now applying such revisions to all pending and new applications.
Under the FCC’s current policies, debt instruments, non-voting stock, options and warrants for voting stock that have not yet been exercised, minority voting interests in corporations having a single majority shareholder and insulated limited partnership or limited liability company membership interests where the interest holder is not “materially involved” in the media-related activities of the partnership or company generally do not subject their holders to attribution unless such interests implicate the FCC’s equity-debt-plus (or EDP) rule. Under the EDP rule, a major programming supplier or a same-market media entity will have an attributable interest in a station if the supplier or same-market media entity also holds debt or equity, or both, in the station that is greater than 33% of the value of the station’s total debt plus equity. For purposes of the EDP rule, equity includes all stock, whether voting or nonvoting, and equity held by insulated limited partners or limited liability company members. Debt includes all liabilities, whether long-term or short-term. A major programming supplier includes any programming supplier that provides more than 15% of the station’s weekly programming hours. A same-market media entity subject to the ownership restrictions applicable to radio stations includes any holder of an attributable interest in a broadcast station or daily newspaper, located in the same market as the station, but only if the holder’s interest is attributable under an FCC attribution rule other than the EDP rule.
The Communications Act and FCC rules generally restrict ownership, operation or control of, or the common holding of attributable interests in:
•
radio broadcast stations above certain numerical limits serving the same local market;
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radio broadcast stations combined with television broadcast stations above certain numerical limits serving the same local market (radio/television cross ownership); and
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a radio broadcast station and an English-language daily newspaper serving the same local market (newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership).
These media ownership rules are subject to periodic review by the FCC. In its 2003 media ownership decision, the FCC voted to retain the limits it previously had on the number of radio broadcast stations one entity may own, control, or in which it may have an attributable interest, within a local market. The 2003 rules were challenged in court, and the Third Circuit held that the FCC did not adequately justify its radio ownership limits and stayed their implementation. The FCC therefore continues to use the numerical limits. After the Third Circuit partially lifted its stay (but not with respect to the ownership limits) the FCC revised its application forms for transfers of control and assignments of licenses to incorporate these aspects of the new rules, and the FCC is now applying such revisions to all pending and new applications.
The numerical limits on radio stations that one entity may own in a local market, that were in place prior to the 2003 media ownership decision, and retained in that decision but subject to further review based on the Third Circuit’s decision, are as follows:
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in a radio market with 45 or more commercial radio stations, a party may own, operate or control up to eight commercial radio stations, not more than five of which are in the same service (AM or FM).
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in a radio market with 30 to 44 commercial radio stations, a party may own, operate or control up to seven commercial radio stations, not more than four of which are in the same service (AM or FM).
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in a radio market with 15 to 29 commercial radio stations, a party may own, operate or control up to six commercial radio stations, not more than four of which are in the same service (AM or FM).
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in a radio market with 14 or fewer commercial radio stations, a party may own, operate or control up to five commercial radio stations, not more than three of which are in the same service (AM or FM), except that a party may not own, operate, or control more than 50 percent of the radio stations in such market.
To apply these four local numerical caps or tiers, the FCC has adopted rules for defining local radio market areas and the number of radio stations in such markets. For a number of years, the FCC employed a contour-overlap methodology. As part of the 2003 media ownership decision, the FCC decided to rely on Arbitron Metro Survey Areas (in portions of the country where they exist), rather than the contour-overlap methodology. It also grandfathered existing local radio combinations that conflicted with the new rules based on the revised market definition until the combination is sold. While these changes were initially subject to the Third Circuit’s stay, at the request of the FCC the Third Circuit decided to lift its stay with respect to the use of Arbitron Metro Survey areas and the transferability restrictions. Following the partial lifting of the stay, the FCC revised its forms as described above. It is important to note that the market definition employed by the FCC to determine compliance with its rules is not necessarily the same as that used for purposes of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. In addition, for radio stations located outside Arbitron Metro Survey Areas, the FCC instituted a rulemaking to determine how to define local radio markets in such areas. In the interim, the FCC is applying a modified contour-overlap methodology. Under this approach, the FCC uses one overlapping contour methodology for defining a local radio market and counting the number of stations that the applicant controls or proposes to control in that market, and it employs a separate overlapping contour methodology for determining the number of operating commercial radio stations in the market for determining compliance with the local radio ownership caps.
In its 2003 media ownership decision, the FCC also voted to adopt more liberal cross-media limits to replace the former newspaper-broadcast and radio-television cross-ownership rules. It voted to grandfather existing radio or radio/television combinations that otherwise would violate the revised media ownership rules until the combination is sold. These provisions have been remanded by the Third Circuit for further FCC consideration and are currently subject to a judicial stay.
The rules adopted in the FCC’s 2003 ownership decision are still in flux and subject both to further court proceedings and proceedings at the FCC. Certain of the parties to the Third Circuit’s decision have requested review by the United States Supreme Court, which requests remain pending. At the FCC, the rules are currently on remand from the Third Circuit and the FCC has yet to institute further proceedings. There are also petitions for reconsideration of the 2003 ownership decision on file and pending at the FCC. In addition, the FCC’s media ownership rules are subject to periodic review by the FCC. The next periodic review is scheduled to begin in 2006.
All of these attribution and media ownership rules limit the number of radio stations we may acquire or own in any particular market and may limit the prospective buyers of any stations we want to sell.
The form that the FCC’s new rules eventually take, following any further FCC and court action, could affect our business in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, the following:
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enforcement of a more narrow market definition based upon Arbitron markets could have an adverse effect on our ability to accumulate stations in a given area or to sell a group of stations in a local market to a single entity.
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restricting the assignment and transfer of control of radio combinations that exceed the new ownership limits as a result of the revised local market definitions could adversely affect our ability to buy or sell a group of stations in a local market from or to a single entity.
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“attributing” joint sales agreements for multiple ownership purposes could limit our ability to buy or sell time on certain stations.
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in general terms, if the FCC changes the way it defines markets or determines excess market concentration for purposes of the broadcast multiple ownership rules, we could be limited in our ability to acquire new stations in certain markets, in our ability to operate stations pursuant to certain agreements, and in our ability to improve the coverage contours of our existing stations.
Programming and Operations. The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the “public interest” by presenting programming in response to community problems, needs and interests and maintaining certain records demonstrating its responsiveness. The FCC will consider complaints from listeners about a broadcast station’s programming, and such complaints are required to be maintained in a station’s public file for two years. Stations also must pay FCC regulatory and application fees, and follow various FCC rules that regulate, among other things, political advertising, the broadcast of obscene or indecent programming, sponsorship identification, the broadcast of contests and lotteries and technical operation, including limits on human exposure to radio frequency radiation.
The FCC’s rules prohibit a broadcast licensee from simulcasting more than 25% of its programming on another radio station in the same broadcast service (that is, AM/AM or FM/FM). The simulcasting restriction applies if the licensee owns both radio broadcast stations or owns one and programs the other through a local marketing agreement, and only if the contours of the radio stations overlap in a certain manner.
The FCC requires that licensees not discriminate in hiring practices. In November 2002, the FCC adopted new EEO rules, which became effective March 10, 2003, that bar employment discrimination by broadcast stations on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or gender. They also require station employment units with at least five full-time employees to widely disseminate information about all full-time job openings, absent certain limited exceptions, to recruitment sources, including those requesting to be on the job-vacancy notification list, so as to reach all segments of the population in the communities served by the employment unit. In addition, station employment units must undertake a set number of non-vacancy-specific outreach initiatives (normally every two years) from an FCC menu of outreach initiatives, including, for example, meaningful participation in job fairs, internships or scholarship programs. Station employment units subject to these recruitment and outreach requirements must retain various records of their efforts and place in their public inspection files, annually, an EEO public file report (posting an electronic version on their Internet websites). Radio station employment units with more than 10 full-time employees generally must file certain of their annual EEO public file reports with the FCC midway through their license term. The FCC is considering whether to apply these recruitment requirements to part-time employment positions.
From time to time, complaints may be filed against Radio One’s radio stations alleging violations of these or other rules. In addition, the FCC may conduct audits or inspections to ensure and verify licensee compliance with FCC rules and regulations. Failure to observe these or other rules and policies can result in the imposition of various sanctions, including fines or conditions, the grant of “short” (less than the maximum eight year) renewal terms or, for particularly egregious violations, the denial of a license renewal application or the revocation of a license.
Employees
As of February 10, 2005, we employed 1,015 full time employees and 747 part-time employees. Our employees are not unionized except for some of our employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements that we assumed in connection with certain of our station acquisitions. We have not experienced any work stoppages and believe relations with our employees are satisfactory.
Corporate Governance
Code of Ethics. We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers (including our principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) and employees and meets the requirements of the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules. Our code of ethics can be found on our website, www.radio-one.com. We will provide a paper copy of the Code of Ethics, free of charge, upon request.
Audit Committee Charter. Our Audit Committee has adopted a charter as required by the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules. This committee charter can be found on our website, www.radio-one.com. We will provide a paper copy of the Audit Committee Charter, free of charge, upon request.
Environmental
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.
Seasonality
Seasonal net broadcast revenue fluctuations are common in the radio broadcasting industry and are due primarily to fluctuations in advertising expenditures by local and national advertisers. Our first fiscal quarter generally produces the lowest net broadcast revenue for the year.
Internet Address and Internet Access to SEC Reports
Our Internet address is www.radio-one.com. You may obtain through our Internet website, free of charge, copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act. These reports will be available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the SEC. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto shall not be deemed to be incorporated into this Form 10-K.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The types of properties required to support each of our radio stations include offices, studios and transmitter/antenna sites. We typically lease our studio and office space with lease terms ranging from five to ten years in length. A station’s studios are generally housed with its offices in downtown or business districts. We generally consider our facilities to be suitable and of adequate size for our current and intended purposes. We lease a majority of our main transmitter/antenna sites and associated broadcast towers and, when negotiating a lease for such sites, we try to obtain a lengthy lease term with options to renew. In general, we do not anticipate difficulties in renewing facility or transmitter/antenna site leases, or in leasing additional space or sites, if required.
We own substantially all of our equipment, consisting principally of transmitting antennae, transmitters, studio equipment and general office equipment. The towers, antennae and other transmission equipment used by Radio One’s stations are generally in good condition, although opportunities to upgrade facilities are periodically reviewed.
The tangible personal property owned by Radio One and the real property owned or leased by Radio One are subject to security interests under our credit facility.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In November 2001, Radio One and certain of its officers and directors were named as defendants in a class action shareholder complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, now captioned, In re Radio One, Inc. Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, Case No. 01-CV-10160. Similar complaints were filed in the same court against hundreds of other public companies (Issuers) that conducted initial public offerings of their common stock in the late 1990s (the IPO Lawsuits). In the complaint filed against Radio One (as amended), the plaintiffs claim that Radio One, certain of its officers and directors, and the underwriters of certain of its public offerings violated Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 based on allegations that its registration statement and prospectus failed to disclose material facts regarding the compensation to be received by, and the stock allocation practices of, the underwriters. The complaint also contains a claim for violation of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 based on allegations that this omission constituted a deceit on investors. The plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages and other relief.
In July 2002, Radio One joined in a global motion, filed by the Issuers, to dismiss the IPO Lawsuits. In October 2002, the court entered an order dismissing the Company’s named officers and directors from the IPO Lawsuits without prejudice, pursuant to an agreement tolling the statute of limitations with respect to Radio One’s officers and directors until September 30, 2003. In February 2003, the court issued a decision denying the motion to dismiss the Section 11 and Section 10(b) claims against Radio One and most of the Issuers.
In July 2003, a Special Litigation Committee of Radio One’s Board of Directors approved in principle a settlement proposal with the plaintiffs that is anticipated to include most of the Issuers. The proposed settlement would provide for the dismissal with prejudice of all claims against the participating Issuers and their officers and the assignment to plaintiffs of certain potential claims that the Issuers may have against their underwriters. The tentative settlement also provides that, in the event that plaintiffs ultimately recover less than a guaranteed sum from the underwriters, plaintiffs would be entitled to payment by each participating Issuer’s insurer of a pro rata share of any shortfall in the plaintiffs guaranteed recovery. In September 2003, in connection with the proposed settlement, Radio One’s named officers and directors extended the tolling agreement so that it would not expire prior to any settlement being finalized. In June 2004, Radio One executed a final settlement agreement with the plaintiffs. On February 15, 2005, the Court issued a decision certifying a class action for settlement purposes and granting preliminary approval of the settlement subject to modification of certain bar orders contemplated by the settlement. In addition, the settlement is still subject to statutory notice requirements as well as final judicial approval.
We are involved from time to time in various routine legal and administrative proceedings and threatened legal and administrative proceedings incidental to the ordinary course of our business. We believe the resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2004.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Price Range of Our Class A and Class D Common Stock
Our Class A common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “ROIA.” The following table presents, for the quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our Class A common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Our Class D common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “ROIAK.” The following table presents, for the quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our Class D common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Dividends
Since first selling our common stock publicly in May 1999, we have not declared any cash dividends on our common stock. We intend to retain future earnings for use in our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash or stock dividends on shares of our common stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, any determination to declare and pay dividends will be made by our board of directors in light of our earnings, financial position, capital requirements, contractual restrictions contained in our bank credit facility and the indentures governing our senior subordinated notes, and such other factors as the board of directors deems relevant. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis-Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Note 7 of our Consolidated Financial Statements - Long Term Debt.
Number of Stockholders
Based upon a survey of record holders and a review of our stock transfer records, as of March 10, 2005, there were approximately 161 holders of Radio One’s Class A common stock, three holders of Radio One’s Class B common stock, three holders of Radio One’s Class C common stock, and approximately 106 holders of Radio One’s Class D common stock.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table contains selected historical consolidated financial data with respect to Radio One. The selected historical consolidated financial data have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Radio One for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2004. The pro forma results, as if the provisions of SFAS No. 142 had been adopted for all periods presented, are unaudited. The selected historical consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements of Radio One included elsewhere in this report.
(1) Year-to-year comparisons are significantly affected by Radio One’s acquisition of various radio stations during the periods covered.
(2) Interest expense includes non-cash interest, such as the accretion of principal, the amortization of discounts on debt and the amortization of deferred financing costs.
(3) Income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle is the reported amount, less dividends paid on Radio One’s preferred securities.
(4) The pro forma amounts summarize the effect of SFAS No. 142 as of the beginning of the periods presented. For 2000-2001, the net loss is adjusted to eliminate the amortization expense recognized in those periods related to goodwill and FCC licenses, as these indefinite-lived assets are no longer amortized under SFAS No. 142. The adjusted amounts do not include any adjustments for potential impairment of Radio One’s indefinite-lived assets that could have resulted if Radio One had adopted SFAS No. 142 as of the beginning of the years presented and performed the required impairment test under this standard.
(5) Cash interest expense is calculated as interest expense less non-cash interest, including the accretion of principal, the amortization of discounts on debt and the amortization of deferred financing costs, for the indicated period.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following information should be read in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.
Executive Summary
Our net broadcast revenue growth continued to outperform our industry in 2004. Radio One grew its net broadcast revenue approximately 5% for the year versus industry growth in our markets of under 2%. Our success was fairly widespread, with 13 of our 22 markets outperforming the industry. During the year, we acquired stick stations in Houston, Philadelphia and Charlotte that were either significantly underutilized or which we relocated closer to urban areas of the market. These acquisitions should provide us with an opportunity to sustain a growth rate above that of the radio industry.
In general, 2004 was another year of relatively slow growth for the radio industry, continuing a trend that has affected the industry since the attacks of 9/11 and the events that followed (most notably, the recent recession and Iraq war). Among other challenges, the radio industry faces increased competition from a number of technologies affecting the daily lives of consumers; including the continued growth in Internet usage, the increase in the number of subscribers to satellite radio and the overwhelming popularity of iPods and other digital audio recording and listening devices. Terrestrial radio now faces more competition for the time and attention of consumers than at any other point in history. To address these challenges, the industry is working cooperatively on a number of initiatives to enhance the value of radio, including reducing the number of commercial minutes played each hour in an effort to enhance the quality of programming for listeners and implementing new technology that will allow terrestrial radio to broadcast compact-disc-like quality to listeners.
In addition to strengthening our core radio broadcast business through strategic acquisitions and effective cost management, we have been opportunistically investing in and developing complementary businesses. We believe that such investments will enhance our ability to reach the African-American consumer through targeted content and alternate distribution channels. For example, in January 2004, we and Comcast Corporation launched TV One and, in late 2004, we announced the acquisition of a controlling interest in Reach Media, the programming vehicle for Tom Joyner, the leading African-American radio personality. Although it is still too early to determine the impact that these investments and efforts will have on our results, we believe that they represent important milestones toward the achievement of our goal of becoming the most attractive and efficient medium for advertisers to reach African-American consumers.
We are cautiously optimistic about our outlook for 2005. We will be prudent in our analysis of new radio station acquisition opportunities and will take appropriate steps to manage our balance sheet to provide us with the lowest cost of capital and highest level of financial flexibility that we deem prudent.
Introduction
Revenue
We derive revenue from sales of advertisements and program sponsorships on our stations to local and national advertisers and, to a much lesser extent, tower rental income, independent promotion agreements, ticket and other revenue related to special events we sponsor throughout the year and, beginning in 2003, management fees from TV One (net broadcast revenue). Advertising revenue is affected primarily by the advertising rates our radio stations are able to charge as well as the overall demand for radio advertising time in a market. These rates are largely based upon a radio station’s audience share in the demographic groups targeted by advertisers, the number of radio stations in the related market, and the supply of and demand for radio advertising time. Advertising rates are generally highest during morning and afternoon commuting hours.
Our advertising revenue is primarily driven by local advertising. In 2004, approximately 70% of our advertising revenue was generated from local advertising and 27% was generated from national advertising, including network advertising. The balance of 2004 revenue was generated primarily from tower rental income, ticket sales and revenue related to our sponsored events and other revenues.
In the broadcasting industry, radio stations often utilize trade or barter agreements to reduce cash expenses by exchanging advertising time for goods or services. In order to maximize cash revenue from our spot inventory, we minimize the use of trade and barter agreements.
Expenses
Our significant broadcast expenses are (i) employee salaries and commissions, (ii) programming expenses, (iii) advertising and promotion expenses, (iv) rental of premises for studios, (v) rental of transmission tower space and (vi) music license royalty fees. We strive to control these expenses by centralizing certain functions such as finance, accounting, legal, human resources and management information systems and the overall programming management function. We also use our multiple stations, market presence and purchasing power to negotiate favorable rates with certain vendors and national representative selling agencies.
We generally incur advertising and promotional expenses to increase our audiences. However, because Arbitron reports ratings quarterly, any changed ratings and therefore the effects on advertising revenues tend to lag behind the incurrence of advertising and promotional expenditures.
Measurement of Performance
We monitor the growth and operational results of our business using net income and the following key metrics:
(a) Net Broadcast Revenue: The performance of an individual radio station or group of radio stations in a particular market is customarily measured by its ability to generate net broadcast revenue. Net broadcast revenue consists of gross broadcast revenue net of local and national agency commissions, consistent with industry practice. Net broadcast revenue is recognized in the period in which advertisements are broadcast. Net broadcast revenue includes advertising aired in exchange for goods and services (barter), which is recorded at fair value. Other sources of net broadcast revenue include tower rental income, independent promotion agreements, tickets, other revenue related to special events sponsored by us and management fees from TV One.
(b) Station Operating Income: Net income or loss before interest income, interest expense, income taxes, change in accounting principle, depreciation and amortization, equity in net loss of affiliated company, other expense, corporate expenses and non-cash compensation expenses is commonly referred to in our business as “station operating income”. Station operating income is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. Nevertheless we believe station operating income is often a useful measure of a broadcasting company’s operating performance and is a significant basis used by our management to measure the operating performance of our stations within the various markets because station operating income provides helpful information about our results of operations apart from expenses associated with our physical plant, income tax provision or benefit, investments, debt financings, overhead and non-cash compensation. Station operating income is frequently used as one of the bases for comparing businesses in our industry, although our measure of station operating income may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Station operating income does not purport to represent operating loss or cash flow from operating activities, as those terms are defined under generally accepted accounting principles, and should not be considered as an alternative to those measurements as an indicator of our performance.
(c) Station Operating Income Margin: Station operating income margin represents station operating income as a percentage of net broadcast revenue. Station operating income margin is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. Nevertheless, we believe that station operating income margin is a useful measure of our performance because it provides helpful information about our profitability as a percentage of our net broadcasting revenue.
(d) EBITDA: Net income or loss before interest income, interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization is commonly referred to in our business as “EBITDA.” EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. We believe EBITDA is often a useful measure of a company’s operating performance and is a significant basis used by our management to measure the operating performance of our business because EBITDA excludes charges for depreciation, amortization and interest expense that have resulted from our acquisitions and debt financings, and our interest income and income tax provision or benefit. Accordingly, we believe that EBITDA provides helpful information about the operating performance of our business, apart from the expenses associated with our physical plant or capital structure. EBITDA is frequently used as one of the bases for comparing businesses in our industry, although our measure of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. EBITDA does not purport to represent operating loss or cash flow from operating activities, as those terms are defined under generally accepted accounting principles, and should not be considered as an alternative to those measurements as an indicator of our performance.
Summary of Performance
The table below provides a summary of our performance based on the metrics described above:
(1) The reconciliation of net income to station operating income is as follows:
(2) The reconciliation of net income to EBITDA is as follows:
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table summarizes our historical consolidated results of operations:
Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003
Net Broadcast Revenue.
In 2004, we recognized $319.8 million in net broadcast revenue compared to $303.2 million during 2003. These amounts are net of agency commissions, which were $44.0 million during 2004, compared to $41.5 million during 2003. The increase in net broadcast revenue was due primarily to increased demand for advertising on our stations that resulted from our increased listenership and ratings. The revenue growth in several of our markets, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Cleveland, Washington, DC, Dallas, Dayton and Raleigh was partially offset by revenue declines in some of our other markets, including Los Angeles, Louisville, Philadelphia and Richmond, due to soft ratings for some of our stations and general market conditions.
Operating Expenses.
Programming and technical expenses include expenses associated with on-air talent and the management and maintenance of the systems, tower facilities, and studios used in the creation, distribution and broadcast of our programming on our radio stations. Programming and technical expenses also include expenses associated with our research activities and music royalties. The increase in programming and technical expenses in 2004 resulted primarily from an increase in programming expenses relating to our on-air talent partially offset by a non-recurring reduction of approximately $1.0 million in music royalties expense associated with the radio industry’s settlement with American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers during 2004.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses associated with our offices and facilities (outside of our corporate headquarters) and related headcount, marketing expenses and back office expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include expenses related to the advertising traffic (scheduling and insertion) functions. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses between periods resulted primarily from a one-time reimbursement of approximately $3.4 million from a vendor pursuant to certain requirements of a performance-based agreement. Excluding the effect of this reimbursement, selling general and administrative expenses increased by $2.8 million during 2004. This increase resulted primarily from increased compensation during 2004.
Corporate expenses consist of expenses associated with maintaining our corporate headquarters and facilities, including headcount. The increase in corporate expenses resulted primarily from increased compensation, additional professional fees and other expenses incurred to ensure compliance with new regulatory requirements.
The increase in non-cash compensation expense during 2004 resulted primarily from expenses associated with the grant of restricted stock to on-air talent in 2004.
The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense in 2004 was due primarily to the completion of amortization relating to some of our trade names partially offset by depreciation for our additional capital expenditures during 2004.
The decrease in interest expense resulted from lower average debt levels arising from regular paydown of our outstanding debt balance since 2003. Drawdowns totaling $75.0 million on our bank credit facility during 2004 did not significantly affect our interest expense for the year, as these drawdowns occurred late in the year.
In July 2003, we entered into a joint venture agreement with an affiliate of Comcast Corporation and certain other investors to form TV One for the purpose of distributing a new cable television programming service. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below for further discussion. During 2004, we modified our methodology for estimating our equity in the net loss of TV One. As a result of this modification, we recognized a net loss of $3.9 million in 2004 compared to a net loss of $2.1 million in 2003 for our share of the net loss of TV One.
Net income increased to $61.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $53.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, an increase of $7.8 million. This resulted primarily from an increase of $14.2 million in operating income and a decrease of $1.8 million in interest expense during 2004, offset by an increase of $6.3 million in the provision for income taxes during 2004 and an increase of $1.8 million additional equity in net loss of TV One.
Net income applicable to common stockholders is net income less dividends on our HIGH TIDES. The increase in net income applicable to common stockholders was directly attributable to the increase in the net income during 2004. Dividends on our HIGH
TIDES remained unchanged at $20.1 million for 2004 and 2003. In February 2005, we redeemed all outstanding HIGH TIDES using proceeds from our sale of $200.0 million 6 3/8% senior subordinated notes, borrowings of $110.0 million under our revolving bank credit facility, and available excess cash.
Other Data
Station operating income.
Station operating income increased to $175.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared with $159.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, an increase of $16.2 million or 10%. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in net broadcast revenue, partially offset by higher operating expenses as described above. A reconciliation of operating income to station operating income is provided on page 28.
Station operating income margin.
Station operating income margin increased to 55% for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 53% for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in station operating income relative to the increase in net broadcast revenue described above. Contributing to the increase in station operating income during 2004 is the reduction in expenses resulting from a one-time reimbursement of approximately $3.4 million from a vendor pursuant to certain requirements of a performance-based agreement.
EBITDA.
EBITDA was $154.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared with $143.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, an increase of $11.1 million or 8%. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in net broadcast revenue, partially offset by higher operating expenses as described above. A reconciliation of net income to EBITDA is provided on page 28.
Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002
Net Broadcast Revenue.
In 2003, we recognized $303.2 million in net broadcast revenue compared to $295.9 million during 2002. These amounts are net of agency commissions, which were $41.5 million during 2003, compared to $39.9 million during 2002. The increase in net advertising revenue was due primarily to increased demand for advertising on our stations that resulted from our increased listenership, audience reach and ratings. The revenue growth in several of our markets, including Washington, DC, Cincinnati, Dallas, Indianapolis and Raleigh was partially offset by revenue declines in some of our other markets, including Charlotte, Louisville, Philadelphia and Richmond.
Operating Expenses.
Programming and technical expenses include expenses associated with on-air talent and the management and maintenance of the systems, tower facilities, and studios used in the creation, distribution and broadcast of our programming on our radio stations. Programming and technical expenses also include expenses associated with our research activities and music royalties. The increase in programming and technical expenses in 2003 resulted primarily from an increase in programming expenses relating to our on-air talent partially offset by a non-recurring reduction in music royalties associated with the radio industry’s settlement with Broadcast Music, Inc. during 2003.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include expenses associated with our offices and facilities (outside of our corporate headquarters) and related headcount, marketing expenses and back office expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include expenses related to the advertising traffic (scheduling and insertion) functions. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses resulted from strong cost controls, especially in marketing expenses.
Corporate expenses consist of expenses associated with maintaining our corporate headquarters and facilities, including headcount. The increase in corporate expenses resulted primarily from additional professional fees and other expenses incurred to ensure compliance with new regulatory requirements.
The increase in non-cash compensation expense during 2003 resulted primarily from adjustments made during 2003 to the methodology of recognizing non-cash compensation expense.
This increase in depreciation and amortization was due primarily to our additional capital expenditures during 2003, which were partially offset by assets that became fully depreciated during the year.
The decrease in interest expense during 2003 resulted from lower average debt levels arising from regular paydown of our outstanding debt balance and lower interest rates applicable to our outstanding debt as a result of declining leverage throughout most of 2003. We reduced our outstanding debt balance by $52.5 million and $130.0 million during 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Other loss in 2002 resulted from the loss recognized for the write-down of certain investments.
During 2003, we recorded losses of $2.1 million for our share of the net losses of our affiliated company, TV One. In July 2003, we entered into an agreement with certain other investors to form TV One for the purpose of distributing a new television programming service. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below for further discussion.
We recorded a non-cash charge of $29.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2002, net of income tax benefit of $15.0 million, related to an impairment charge associated with the adoption of SFAS No. 142. See “Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements” below for further discussion. No impairment charge was recognized during 2003.
Net income increased to $53.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared with $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $46.7 million. This resulted primarily from an increase of $7.1 million in operating income and a decrease of $17.7 million in interest expense during 2003 coupled with the effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 142 during 2002 which resulted in a charge of $29.8 million, net of taxes in 2002, offset by an increase of $7.2 million in the provision for income taxes during 2003.
Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders is net income less dividends on our HIGH TIDES. The increase in net income applicable to common stockholders was directly attributable to the increase in the net income during 2003. Dividends on our HIGH TIDES remained unchanged at $20.1 million for 2003 and 2002.
Other Data
Station operating income.
Station operating income increased to $159.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared with $151.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $8.1 million or 5%. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in net broadcast revenue, partially offset by higher operating expenses as described above. The reconciliation of operating income to station operating income is provided on page 28.
Station operating income margin.
Our station operating income margin increased to 53% for the year ended December 31, 2003 from 51% for the year ended December 31, 2002. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in station operating income relative to the increase in net broadcast revenue described above. Our station operating income was $159.5 million and $151.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively while our net broadcast revenue was $303.2 million and $295.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
EBITDA.
EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA was $143.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared with $136.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, an increase of $6.8 million or 5%. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in net broadcast revenue, partially offset by higher operating expenses as described above. A reconciliation of net income to EBITDA is provided on page 28.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of liquidity is cash provided by operations and, to the extent necessary, commitments available under our amended and restated bank credit facility and other debt or equity financings. We have used, and will continue to use, a significant portion of our capital resources to consummate acquisitions. These acquisitions were or may be funded with:
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our bank credit facility; and/or
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the proceeds of future common and/or preferred stock, and/or debt offerings; and/or
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internally generated cash flow.
We entered into an amended and restated bank credit facility as of July 17, 2000. Under the credit facility, we have borrowed $350.0 million in term loans and may borrow up to $250.0 million on a revolving basis, subject to applicable covenant restrictions. Historically, we have drawn down funds from the credit facility as capital was required, primarily for acquisitions. As of December 31, 2004, we have repaid $105.0 million of the term loans, leaving an outstanding balance of $245.0 million. As of December 31, 2004 we had drawn down $50.0 million to complete the acquisition of KROI-FM (formerly KRTS-FM), and $25.0 million to complete the acquisition of the outstanding stock of New Mableton Broadcasting Corporation, resulting in our being able to borrow up to an additional $175.0 million on a revolving basis, subject to the applicable covenant restrictions. In February 2005, in connection with the redemption of our HIGH TIDES, we drew down an additional $110.0 million under the revolver. Both the term loan and the revolving commitment under our credit facility bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either LIBOR plus a spread that ranges from 0.625% to 2.00% or the prime rate plus a spread of up to 1.00%, depending on our leverage ratio. Under the bank credit facility, we are required from time to time to protect ourselves from interest rate fluctuations using interest rate hedge agreements. As a result, we have entered into various fixed rate swap agreements designed to mitigate our exposure to higher floating interest rates. These swap agreements require that we pay a fixed rate of interest on the notional amount to a bank and that the bank pays to us a variable rate equal to three-month LIBOR. We currently have swap agreements in place for a total notional amount of $150.0 million. As of December 31, 2004, the periods remaining on the swap agreements range in duration from 11 to 21 months.
Our credit exposure under these swap agreements is limited to the cost of replacing an agreement in the event of non-performance by our counter-party; however, we do not anticipate non-performance. All of the swap agreements are tied to the three-month LIBOR interest rate, which may fluctuate significantly on a daily basis. The valuation of each of these swap agreements is affected by the change in the three-month LIBOR rates and the remaining term of the agreement. Any increase in the three-month LIBOR rate results in a more favorable valuation, while a decrease in the three-month LIBOR rate results in a less favorable valuation. The following table summarizes the interest rates in effect with respect to certain of our debt as of December 31, 2004:
(1) A total of $150.0 million is outstanding subject to fixed rate swap agreements that became effective on December 2, 2002.
(2) Under our fixed rate swap agreements, we pay a fixed rate plus a spread based on our leverage ratio, as defined in our credit agreement. That spread is currently set at 0.63% and is incorporated into the applicable interest rates outlined above.
(3) Subject to rolling 90-day LIBOR plus a spread currently at 0.63% and incorporated into the applicable interest rate outlined above.
Our credit facility and the indenture for our senior secured notes require that we comply with certain financial covenants limiting our ability to incur additional debt. Such terms also place restrictions on us with respect to the sale of assets, liens, investments, dividends, debt repayments, capital expenditures, transactions with affiliates, consolidation and mergers, and the issuance of equity interests, among other things. Our credit facility also requires compliance with financial tests based on financial position and results of operations, including a leverage ratio, an interest coverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio, all of which could effectively limit our ability to borrow under the credit facility or to otherwise raise funds in the debt market. In January 2005, we entered into an amendment with our lenders under our bank facility that modified the financial condition covenants to terms that enabled us to complete a private placement of $200.0 million of 6 3/8% senior subordinated notes due February 2013 and also fully redeem our HIGH TIDES. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with all the covenants of our credit facility and the indentures for our senior subordinated debt.
The following table provides a comparison of our statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:
Net cash flows from operating activities were approximately $123.7 million and $109.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2004, net cash from operating activities increased $14.0 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2003, primarily due to an increase in operating income.
Net cash flows used in investing activities were $155.5 million and $44.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2004, we completed the acquisition of WRNB-FM (formerly WSNJ-FM) in the Philadelphia market for approximately $35.0 million, completed the acquisition of KROI-FM (formerly KRTS-FM) in the Houston market for approximately $72.5 million and completed the acquisition of the outstanding stock of New Mableton Broadcasting Corporation, which owns WAMJ-FM, a radio station in the Atlanta market. The total acquisition price was $35.0 million. We also completed the acquisition of WPZS-FM (formerly WABZ-FM) in the Charlotte market for approximately $11.5 million. Additionally, we made a cash capital contribution of approximately $18.5 million to TV One. Capital expenditures were approximately $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. During the year ended December 31, 2003, we completed the acquisition of WEGK-FM (formerly WBLO-FM) in the Louisville market for approximately $2.0 million and paid approximately $1.3 million to lease tower space in the Dallas market for the next 60 years. We also completed the acquisition of WROU-FM in the Dayton market for approximately $9.2 million. We made our initial cash capital contribution of approximately $18.5 million to TV One. Capital expenditures were approximately $11.4 for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Net cash flows from financing activities were $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to net cash flows used in financing activities of $72.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. During the year ended December 31, 2004, we repaid approximately $52.5 million of the term loans. We drew down $50.0 million from our bank credit facility to complete the acquisition of KROI-FM (formerly KRTS-FM) and also drew down $25.0 million to complete the acquisition of the outstanding stock of New Mableton Broadcasting Corporation. Preferred dividends were approximately $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. During the year ended December 31, 2003, we repaid approximately $52.5 million of the term loans and preferred dividends were approximately $20.1 million.
We continuously review opportunities to acquire additional radio stations, primarily in the top 60 African-American markets, and to make strategic investments. As of the date of this report, other than our agreement with an affiliate of Comcast Corporation, DIRECTV and other investors to fund TV One (the balance of our commitment is $37.0 million at December 31, 2004), we have no definitive agreements to make acquisitions of additional radio stations or to make strategic investments. We anticipate that any future acquisitions and strategic investments will be financed through funds generated from operations, cash on hand, equity financings, permitted debt financings, debt financings through unrestricted subsidiaries or a combination of these sources. However, there can be no assurance that financing from any of these sources, if available, will be available on favorable terms.
During the year ended December 31, 2003, we obtained two standby letters of credit in the amounts of $275,000 and $270,000, in connection with our annual insurance policy renewals. In December 2004, we obtained a new standby letter of credit in the amount of $147,000 to replace the letter of credit of $275,000. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2004, we had two standby letters of credit in the amounts of $147,000 and $270,000. To date, there has been no further activity on these standby letters of credit.
During 2005, we must make minimum principal payments on the term loans in the amount of $70.0 million in equal quarterly installments of $17.5 million. We expect that we will meet the quarterly debt commitments through one or more of the following: (1) cash on hand; (2) cash flow from operations; (3) additional permitted borrowings; or (4) other debt or equity financing.
In May 2001, we completed the private placement of $300.0 million of 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2011, realizing net proceeds of approximately $291.8 million. The net proceeds of the offering were primarily used to repay amounts owed on our bank credit facility and previously outstanding senior subordinated notes.
In February 2005, we completed the private placement of $200.0 million of 6 3/8% senior subordinated notes due February 2013, realizing net proceeds of approximately $195.5 million. The net proceeds from the notes, together with $110.0 million drawdown under our bank credit facility and available excess cash, was used to redeem approximately $310.0 million of our HIGH TIDES. In connection with these transactions, we amended our senior bank facility to enable us to complete the notes offering and the HIGH TIDES redemption.
Our ability to meet our debt service obligations and reduce our total debt, and our ability to refinance the 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes at or prior to their scheduled maturity date in 2011, and our ability to refinance the 6 3/8% senior subordinated notes at or prior to their scheduled maturity date in 2013 will depend upon our future performance which, in turn, will be subject to general economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, including factors beyond our control. During 2005, in addition to scheduled principal repayments of our term loans of $70.0 million, our principal liquidity requirements will be for working capital, continued business development, strategic investment opportunities and for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures.
We believe that, based on current levels of operations and anticipated internal growth, for the foreseeable future, cash flow from operations together with other available sources of funds will be adequate to make required payments of interest on our indebtedness, to fulfill our commitment to fund TV One, to fund potential acquisitions, to fund anticipated capital expenditures and working capital requirements and to enable us to comply with the terms of our debt agreements. However, in order to finance future acquisitions or investments, if any, we may require additional financing and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such financing on terms acceptable to us.
Credit Rating Agencies
On a continuing basis, credit rating agencies such as Moody’s Investor Services and Standard and Poor’s evaluate our debt. As a result of their reviews, our credit rating could change. We believe that any significant downgrade in our credit rating could adversely impact our future liquidity. The effect of a change in our credit rating may limit or eliminate our ability to obtain debt financing, or include, among other things, interest rate changes under any future bank facilities, notes or other types of debt.
Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2002, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148 (SFAS No. 148), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure”, an amendment of SFAS No. 123. This Statement amends FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. The disclosures required by SFAS No. 148 are included in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
In January 2003, FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51.” This interpretation of ARB No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance our activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective immediately for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46, as amended, are effective for the first reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. In December 2003, FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003)(FIN 46(R)), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” FIN 46(R), among other things, defers the effective date of implementation for certain entities. The revised interpretation is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period ending after March 15, 2004, with the exception of structures that are commonly referred to as special-purpose entities, for which the statement is effective for periods ending after December 15, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46(R) did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
In September 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force issued Topic D-108, “Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill.” For some of our acquisitions completed prior to our adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141 (SFAS No. 141), “Business Combinations”, on July 1, 2001, we allocated a portion of the purchase price to the acquisition’s tangible assets in accordance with a third party appraisal, with substantially all of the remaining purchase price being
allocated to FCC license. This allocation method is commonly referred to as the residual method. Since the adoption of SFAS No. 141, we have obtained independent appraisals of the FCC licenses of stations acquired in order to perform our annual impairment tests in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142 (SFAS No. 142), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Topic D-108 prohibits the use of the residual method for all assets acquired in a business combination completed after September 29, 2004. Further, companies that have applied the residual method to the valuation of intangible assets for purposes of impairment testing should perform an impairment test using a direct value method on all intangible assets that were previously valued using the residual method by no later than the beginning of their first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2004. We have determined that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004)(SFAS No. 123(R)), “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS No. 123), Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. SFAS No. 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” SFAS No. 123(R) addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the enterprise or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123(R) is similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123. However, SFAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative to financial statement recognition.
SFAS No. 123(R) must be adopted no later than July 1, 2005. Early adoption will be permitted in periods in which financial statements have not yet been issued. We expect to adopt SFAS No. 123(R) on July 1, 2005.
SFAS No. 123(R) permits public companies to adopt our requirements using one of two methods:
1. A “modified prospective” method in which compensation cost is recognized beginning with the effective date (a) based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123(R) for all share-based payments granted after the effective date and (b) based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123 for all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 123(R) that remain unvested on the effective date.
2. A “modified retrospective” method which includes the requirements of the modified prospective method described above, but also permits entities to restate based on the amounts previously recognized under SFAS No. 123 for purposes of pro forma disclosures either (a) all prior periods presented or (b) prior interim periods of the year of adoption.
We plan to adopt SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified-prospective method.
As permitted by SFAS No. 123(R), we currently account for share-based payments to employees using APB No. 25’s intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognize no compensation cost for employee stock options. Accordingly, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R)’s fair value method will have a significant impact on our results of operations, although it will have no impact on our overall financial position. The impact of adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on levels of share-based payments granted in the future. However, had we adopted SFAS No. 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of SFAS No. 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per share in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption. While we cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the future (because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options), the amount of operating cash flows recognized in prior periods for such excess tax deductions were $460,000, $480,000 and $372,000 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements. We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We consider the following policies to be most critical in understanding the judgments involved in preparing our financial statements and the uncertainties that could affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for our stock-based compensation plan as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (SFAS No. 123), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” which allows us to follow APB No. 25 and recognize no compensation cost for options granted to employees at fair market value. We have computed, for pro forma disclosure purposes, the value of all compensatory options granted during 2004 and 2003, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Options were assumed to be exercised upon vesting for the purpose of this valuation. Adjustments were also made for options assumed forfeited prior to vesting.
Goodwill and FCC Licenses
We have made acquisitions in the past for which a significant portion of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill, FCC licenses, and other identifiable intangible assets. We allocate the purchase price of our acquisitions using the direct value method, in which all assets are directly valued through the receipt of an independent third-party appraisal. Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired in purchase business combinations. Prior to January 1, 2002, goodwill and FCC licenses were amortized over a 15-year period (excluding the assets acquired from Blue Chip Broadcasting, Inc. and Sinclair Telecable, Inc., which were purchased after June 30, 2001). Commencing January 1, 2002, goodwill and FCC licenses are not amortized, but are tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level. In determining the realizability of our indefinite-lived intangible assets, we value FCC licenses using a discounted cash flow analysis prepared by an independent third-party valuation expert. Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of a station’s net assets over its carrying value. Impairment is the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill is the amount determined by deducting the estimated fair value of all tangible and identifiable intangible net assets of the reporting unit from the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If the recorded value of goodwill exceeds its implied value, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. See also Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements - Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. As of December 31, 2004, approximately 90% of our total assets consisted of FCC licenses and goodwill, which are considered indefinite-lived assets and are subject to an annual impairment test.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Excluding Goodwill and FCC Licenses
Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and FCC licenses, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be fully recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances may include a significant deterioration of operating results, changes in business plans, or changes in anticipated future cash flows. If an impairment indicator is present, we will evaluate recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there is identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows generated by other asset groups. If the assets are impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value is generally determined by estimates of discounted cash flows. The discount rate used in any estimate of discounted cash flows would be the rate required for a similar investment of like risk.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We must make estimates of the uncollectibility of our accounts receivable. We specifically review historical write-off activity by market, large customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness and changes in our customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. If circumstances change, such as higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in an agency’s ability to meet its financial obligation to us, our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could change by a material amount.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize and report revenue for broadcast advertising when the commercial is broadcast, net of agency commissions in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements,” as amended by SAB No. 104, Topic 13, “Revenue Recognition, Revised and Updated.” Agency commissions, when applicable, are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing. Generally, clients remit the gross billing amount to the agency and the agency remits the gross billing, less their commission, to us.
Equity Accounting
We account for our investment in TV One under the equity method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock”, and other related interpretations. We have recorded our investment at cost and have adjusted the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the change in Radio One’s claim on the net assets of TV One resulting from losses of TV One as well as other capital transactions of TV One using a hypothetical liquidation at book value approach. We will review the realizability of the investment if conditions are present or events occur to suggest that an impairment of the investment may exist. We have determined that although TV One is a variable interest entity (as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51”), the Company is not the primary beneficiary of TV One. See Note 5 - Investment in Affiliated Company for further discussion.
Contingencies and Litigation
We regularly evaluate our exposure relating to any contingencies or litigation 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 for which an estimate of the liability is not currently available.
Estimation of Effective Tax Rates
We evaluate our effective tax rates regularly and adjust rates when appropriate based on currently available information relative to statutory rates, apportionment factors and the applicable taxable income in the jurisdictions in which we operate, among other factors. Tax contingencies are also recorded to address potential exposures involving tax positions we have taken that could be challenged by taxing authorities. In addition, we consider the appropriateness of recording a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may not be realized. In determining if a valuation allowance is appropriate, we consider whether it is more likely that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, based in part upon management’s judgments regarding future events. These potential exposures result from the varying application of statutes, rules, regulations and interpretations. We believe our estimates of the value of our tax contingencies and valuation allowances are critical accounting estimates as they contain assumptions based on past experiences and judgments about potential actions by taxing jurisdictions. It is reasonably likely that the ultimate resolution of these matters may be greater or less than the amount that we have currently accrued. Our estimate of our effective tax rates has not changed significantly in the past year, with rates that ranged from 38.0% to 38.6%. The effect of a 1% increase in our estimated tax rates as of December 31, 2004, would result in an increase in income tax expense of $1.0 million to $39.7 million from $38.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The 1% increase in income tax expense would result in a decrease in net income of $1.0 million to $40.5 million from $41.5 million (reducing net income per share - diluted by $0.01 to $0.38) for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Impact of Inflation
We believe that inflation has not had a material impact on our results of operations for each of our years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004. However, there can be no assurance that future inflation would not have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.
Seasonality
Several factors may adversely affect a radio broadcasting company’s performance in any given period. In the radio broadcasting industry, seasonal revenue fluctuations are common and are due primarily to variations in advertising expenditures by local and national advertisers. Typically, revenues are lowest in the first calendar quarter of the year.
Capital and Commercial Commitments
Long-term debt
We have raised funds from the following issuances of long-term debt:
•
In July 2000, we established various credit facilities under an agreement with a group of financial institutions whereby we may borrow up to $750.0 million. This agreement was subsequently amended on March 18, 2002 (“the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) to provide a new facility under which we may borrow up to $600.0 million.
•
In May 2001, we completed a private placement of $300.0 million of our 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2011, realizing net proceeds of approximately $291.8 million. The net proceeds of the offering were primarily used to repay amounts owed on our bank credit facility and previously outstanding senior subordinated notes.
•
In February 2005, we completed a private placement of $200.0 million of our 6 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2013, realizing net proceeds of approximately $195.5 million. The net proceeds of the offering, together with a drawdown of $110.0 million under our bank credit facility and available excess cash, was used to redeem approximately $310.0 million of our HIGH TIDES.
The bank credit facility consists of Term A loans (Loan) in an amount up to $350.0 million, and a credit line (Revolver) in an amount up to $250.0 million that may be borrowed on a revolving basis. The interest rate on the bank credit facility is LIBOR plus a spread based on the Company’s leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement. The credit facility requires quarterly interest payments. The credit facility also requires minimum quarterly principal payments, which commenced March 31, 2003. The loans mature in June 2007. As of December 31, 2004, we had $245.0 million outstanding on the Loan and $175.0 million remained available (subject to various covenant restrictions) to be drawn under the Revolver.
Lease obligations
We have non-cancelable operating leases for office space, studio space, broadcast towers and transmitter facilities and non-cancelable capital leases for equipment that expire over the next twenty years.
Contractual Obligations Schedule
The following table represents our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2004:
(1) The above amounts do not include interest, which in some cases is variable in amount.
(2) In February 2005, in connection with the redemption of our HIGH TIDES, we drew down an additional $110.0 million under our bank credit facility.
(3) In February, 2005, we redeemed all outstanding HIGH TIDES using proceeds from our sale of $200.0 million 6 3/8% senior subordinated notes, borrowings under our revolving bank credit facility and available excess cash. Following this redemption, no dividends are payable on the preferred stock.
(4) Other operating contracts/agreements include employment contracts, severance obligations, on-air talent contracts and other programming agreements.
We anticipate that we will fund our obligations and commitments with cash flow from operations and future borrowings.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2004 other than as follows:
We utilize letters of credit in connection with our annual insurance policy renewals. During the year ended December 31, 2003, we obtained two standby letters of credit in the amounts of $275,000 and $270,000, in connection with our annual insurance policy renewals. In December 2004, we obtained a new standby letter of credit in the amount of $147,000 to replace the letter of credit of $275,000. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2004, we had two standby letters of credit in the amounts of $147,000 and $270,000. To date, there has been no further activity on these standby letters of credit. The total outstanding letters of credit of $417,000 of December 31, 2004 were immaterial.
As of December 31, 2004, we had interest rate swap agreements in place for a total notional amount of $150.0 million to hedge our variable rate debt. The periods remaining on the swap agreements range in duration from 11 to 21 months. If we terminate our interest swap agreements before they expire, we will be required to pay early termination fees. Our credit exposure under these agreements is limited to the cost of replacing an agreement in the event of non-performance by our counter-party, however, we do not anticipate non-performance. See Note 6 in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for a detailed discussion of our derivative instruments.
We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet financial arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes at December 31, 2004. Accordingly, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.
RISK FACTORS
Our future operating results could be adversely affected by a number of risks and uncertainties, certain of which are described below. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may impair our business operations. If any of the risks described below actually occur, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
Decreased spending by advertisers can adversely affect our revenue and operating results.
Substantially all of our revenue is derived from sales of advertisements and program sponsorships on our stations to local and national advertisers. Generally, advertising tends to decline during economic recession or downturn. As a result, our advertising revenue is likely to be adversely affected by a recession or downturn in the United States economy, the economy of an individual geographic market in which we own or operate radio stations, or other events or circumstances that adversely affect advertising activity.
We may lose audience share and advertising revenue to competing radio stations or other types of media competitors.
We operate in a highly competitive industry. Our radio stations compete for audiences and advertising revenue with other radio stations and station groups, as well as with other media such as broadcast television, newspapers, magazines, cable television, satellite television, satellite radio, outdoor advertising, the Internet and direct mail. Audience ratings and market shares are subject to change. Any adverse change in a particular market, or adverse change in the relative market positions of the stations located in a particular market could have a material adverse effect on our revenue or ratings, could require increased promotion or other expenses in that market, and could adversely affect our revenue in other markets. Other radio broadcasting companies may enter 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. Our radio stations may not be able to maintain or increase their current audience ratings and advertising revenue. In addition, from time to time, other stations may change their format or programming, a new station may adopt a format to compete directly with our stations for audiences and advertisers, or stations might engage in aggressive promotional campaigns. These tactics could result in lower ratings and advertising revenue or increased promotion and other expenses and, consequently, lower earnings and cash flow for us. Audience preferences as to format or programming may also shift due to demographic or other reasons. Any failure by us to respond, or to respond as quickly as our competitors, could have an adverse effect on our business and financial performance. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain or increase our current audience ratings and advertising revenue.
We must respond to the rapid changes in technology, services and standards which characterize our industry in order to remain competitive.
The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and the emergence of new media technologies, which may impact our business. We cannot assure you that we will have the resources to acquire new technologies or to introduce new services that could compete with these new technologies. Several new media technologies are being, or have been, developed, including the following:
•
satellite delivered digital audio radio service, which has resulted in the introduction of several new satellite radio services with sound quality equivalent to that of compact discs;
•
audio programming by cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite systems, Internet content providers and other digital audio broadcast formats; and
•
digital audio and video content available for listening and/or viewing on the Internet and/or available to be downloaded to portable devices.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to adapt effectively to these new media technologies.
The loss of key personnel, including on-air talent, could disrupt the management and operations of our business.
Our business depends upon the continued efforts, abilities and expertise of our executive officers, including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief operating officer and chief administrative officer, and other key employees, including on-air personalities. We believe that the unique combination of skills and experience possessed by our executive officers would be
difficult to replace, and that the loss of any one of them could have a material adverse effect on us, including the impairment of our ability to execute our business strategy. Additionally, we employ or independently contract with several on-air personalities and hosts of syndicated radio programs with significant loyal audiences in their respective broadcast areas. These on-air personalities are sometimes significantly responsible for the ranking of a station, and thus, the ability of the station to sell advertising. We cannot be assured that these individuals will remain with us or will retain their current audiences.
Our acquisition strategy could be hampered by a lack of attractive opportunities or other risks associated with integrating the operations, systems and management of the radio stations we acquire.
Our acquisition strategy depends significantly on our ability to identify underperforming radio stations or stick stations in attractive markets, to purchase such stations at a reasonable cost and to increase revenue, cash flow and ratings from such radio stations. Some of the material risks that could hinder our ability to implement this strategy include:
•
increases in prices for radio stations due to increased competition for acquisition opportunities;
•
reduction in the number of suitable acquisition targets;
•
failure or unanticipated delays in completing acquisitions due to difficulties in obtaining required regulatory approval, including possible difficulties in obtaining antitrust approval for acquisitions in markets where we already own multiple stations or potential delays resulting from the uncertainty arising from legal challenges to the FCC’s adoption of new broadcast ownership rules;
•
difficulty in integrating operations and systems and managing a large and geographically diverse group of radio stations;
•
failure of some acquisitions to prove profitable or generate sufficient cash flow;
•
issuance of large amounts of common stock in order to purchase radio stations;
•
need to finance acquisitions through funding from the credit or capital markets; and
•
inability to finance acquisitions on acceptable terms.
Our business depends on maintaining our licenses with the FCC. We could be prevented from operating a radio station if we fail to maintain its license.
Radio broadcasters depend upon maintaining radio broadcasting licenses issued by the FCC. These licenses are ordinarily issued for a maximum term of eight years and are renewable. Our radio broadcasting licenses expire at various times through October 1, 2012. Although we may apply to renew our FCC licenses, interested third parties may challenge our renewal applications. In addition, we are subject to extensive and changing regulation by the FCC with respect to such matters as programming, indecency standards, technical operations, employment and business practices. If we or any of our significant stockholders, officers, or directors violate the FCC’s rules and regulations or the Communications Act of 1934, or is convicted of a felony, the FCC may commence a proceeding to impose fines or sanctions upon us. Examples of possible sanctions include the imposition of fines, the renewal of one or more of our broadcasting licenses for a term of fewer than eight years or the revocation of our broadcast licenses. If the FCC were to issue an order denying a license renewal application or revoking a license, we would be required to cease operating the radio station covered by the license only after we had exhausted administrative and judicial review without success.
There is significant uncertainty regarding the FCC’s media ownership rules, and such rules could restrict our ability to acquire radio stations.
The radio broadcasting industry is subject to extensive and changing federal regulation. Among other things, the Communications Act and FCC rules and policies limit the number of broadcasting properties that any person or entity may own (directly or by attribution) in any market and require FCC approval for transfers of control and assignments of licenses.
In June 2003, the FCC issued a media ownership decision which substantially altered its television, radio and cross-media ownership restrictions (the “2003 rules” or “new rules”). The FCC’s media ownership restrictions apply to parties that hold “attributable” interests in broadcast station licensees. With respect to radio, the 2003 rules, among other things, (a) retained the pre-existing numerical limits on the permissible number of radio stations in FCC-defined local radio markets in which a party may co-own or have an attributable interest; (b) redefined local radio markets to rely on Arbitron Metro Survey Areas (Arbitron Metros) (in portions of the country where they exist) in place of the contour-overlap methodology previously used; (c) grandfathered existing local radio combinations that conflict with the new rules based on the Arbitron Metro definition of local radio markets until the combination is sold; (d) provided that a contract to sell more than 15% per week of the advertising time on another in-market radio station (Joint Sales Agreement or JSA) constitutes an attributable interest; and (e) replaced radio-TV and daily newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rules with a more relaxed single set of new cross-media ownership restrictions. In addition, the FCC instituted a rulemaking to determine how to define local radio markets in areas outside Arbitron Metros.
The 2003 rules were challenged in court. The challenges were consolidated before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which initially issued a stay of the new rules before they became effective and subsequently remanded many of them to the
FCC for further proceedings, keeping the judicial stay in place. As a result, the FCC continued to apply the rules in effect before the stay. The FCC also filed a petition to partially lift the judicial stay as it relates to the new local radio ownership restrictions. The Third Circuit lifted the stay as it relates to the FCC’s decision to (i) make JSAs an attributable interest, (ii) define local radio markets based on Arbitron Metros, and (iii) grandfather certain local radio combinations only until the combination is sold. The court declined to lift the stay as to “matters pertaining to numerical limits on local radio ownership and the AM ‘subcap’.” In response, the FCC revised its application forms for transfers of control and assignments of licenses to incorporate these aspects of the new rules, and the FCC is now applying such revisions to all pending and new applications.
The FCC’s media ownership rules remain in flux and subject to further agency and court proceedings. Certain of the parties to the Third Circuit’s decision have requested review by the U.S. Supreme Court, which request remains pending. At the FCC, the new rules are currently on remand from the Third Circuit and the FCC has not yet instituted further proceedings. Also, the FCC has not yet ruled on pending petitions for reconsideration of the decision adopting the 2003 rules.
In addition to the FCC media ownership rules, the outside media interests of our officers and directors could limit our ability to acquire stations. The filing of petitions or complaints against Radio One or any FCC licensee from which we are acquiring a station could result in the FCC delaying the grant of, or refusing to grant or imposing conditions on its consent to the assignment or transfer of control of licenses. The Communications Act and FCC rules and policies also impose limitations on non-U.S. ownership and voting of our capital stock.
Increased enforcement by FCC of its indecency rules against the broadcast industry.
The FCC has recently indicated that it is enhancing its enforcement efforts relating to the regulation of indecency and has threatened to initiate license revocation proceedings against a broadcast licensee who commits a “serious” indecency violation. Legislation that passed in the House and will be offered in the Senate would dramatically increase the penalties for broadcasting indecent programming and potentially subject broadcasters to license revocation, renewal or qualification proceedings in the event that they broadcast indecent material. In addition, the FCC’s heightened focus on the indecency regulatory scheme, against the broadcast industry generally, may encourage third parties to oppose our license renewal applications or applications for consent to acquire broadcast stations.
Two common stockholders have a majority voting interest in Radio One and have the power to control matters on which our common stockholders may vote, and their interests may conflict with yours.
As of December 31, 2004, our Chairperson and her son, our President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), collectively held approximately 56.1% of the outstanding voting power of our common stock. As a result, our Chairperson and the CEO will control most decisions involving us, including transactions involving a change of control, such as a sale or merger. In addition, certain covenants in our debt instruments require that our Chairperson and the CEO maintain a specified ownership and voting interest in us, and prohibit other parties’ voting interests from exceeding specified amounts. In addition, the TV One operating agreement provides for adverse consequences to Radio One in the event our Chairperson and CEO fail to maintain a specified ownership and voting interest in us. Our Chairperson and the CEO have agreed to vote their shares together in elections of members of the board of directors.
We must replace or modify our existing credit agreement by June 30, 2005.
Under our existing credit agreement (as amended in January 2005), we must maintain a ratio of total debt to adjusted EBITDA (as calculated in accordance with our existing credit agreement) of no more than 6.25 to 1.0 through June 29, 2005. Thereafter, our ratio of total debt to adjusted EBITDA may not exceed 4.5 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2004, after giving pro forma effect to (i) the consummation of the Mableton Acquisition and the WABZ-FM Acquisition, (ii) the consummation of the offering of our 6 3/8% senior subordinated notes, (iii) the redemption of the HIGH TIDES, and (iv) the drawdown of an additional $110.0 million under our bank credit facility our ratio of total debt to adjusted EBITDA would be approximately 5.9 to 1.0, which would exceed the maximum ratio of 4.5 to 1.0 that will be permitted as of June 30, 2005.
If, as of June 30, 2005, our ratio of total debt to adjusted EBITDA were to exceed the maximum ratio permitted under the existing credit agreement, we would be in breach of the covenant relating to such ratio and we could be required to seek a waiver or further amendment of such covenant. We cannot assure you that such waivers or further amendments could be obtained, or, if obtained, that they would be on terms acceptable to us. If we were unable to obtain such waivers or further amendments, the lenders under the credit agreement could declare all amounts outstanding under such agreement to be immediately due and payable and such lenders could proceed against any or all of the collateral securing such borrowings. In addition, in certain circumstances such breach or acceleration of amounts due under our credit agreement would cause a default under our 6 7/8% senior subordinated notes and under our 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes.
We intend to replace our existing bank credit facility with a new bank credit facility to, among other things, increase our borrowing capacity, change certain covenants under our current credit agreement (including the ratio of total debt to adjusted EBITDA) and reduce our near- and intermediate-term debt amortization requirement. While we anticipate completing such replacement facility by June 30, 2005, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so, or that we will be able to do so on terms acceptable to us.
Our substantial level of debt could limit our ability to grow and compete.
As of December 31, 2004, we had indebtedness of $620.0 million and were permitted to borrow up to an additional $175.0 million under our existing bank credit facility. We may reborrow under our revolving credit facility as needed to fund our working capital needs, for general corporate purposes and to fund permitted acquisitions and investments. A portion of our indebtedness bears interest at variable rates. Our substantial level of indebtedness could adversely affect us for various reasons, including limiting our ability to:
•
obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt payments or other corporate purposes;
•
have sufficient funds available for operations, future business opportunities or other purposes;
•
compete with competitors that have less debt than we do; and
•
react to changing market conditions, changes in our industry and economic downturns.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Both the revolving commitment and term loan borrowings under our credit facility bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either LIBOR plus a spread that ranges from 0.625% to 2.00% or the prime rate plus a spread of up to 1.00%, depending on our leverage ratio. Under the bank credit facility, we are required from time to time to protect ourselves from interest rate fluctuations using interest rate hedge agreements. We have entered into various fixed rate swap agreements designed to mitigate our exposure to higher floating interest rates. These swap agreements require that we pay a fixed rate of interest on the notional amount to a bank and that bank pay to us a variable rate equal to three-month LIBOR. As of December 31, 2004, we had swap agreements in place for a total notional amount of $150.0 million. The periods remaining on the swap agreements range in duration from 11 to 21 months.
Our credit exposure under these agreements is limited to the cost of replacing an agreement in the event of non-performance by our counter-party, however, we do not anticipate non-performance. All of the swap agreements are tied to the three-month LIBOR interest rate, which may fluctuate significantly on a daily basis. The valuation of each of these swap agreements is affected by the change in the three-month LIBOR rates and the remaining term of the agreement. Any increase in the three-month LIBOR rate results in a more favorable valuation, while a decrease in the three-month LIBOR rate results in a less favorable valuation.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements of Radio One required by this item are filed with this report on Pages to.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
We have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic SEC reports. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control
objectives and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance of reaching our desired disclosure control objectives. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in reaching that level of reasonable assurance.
(b) Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, which appears on page 53 of this Form 10-K, is incorporated by reference herein.
( c) Attestation report of the independent registered public accounting firm
The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, which appears on page 54 of this Form 10-K, is incorporated by reference herein.
(d) Changes in internal control over financial reporting
During the fourth quarter of 2004, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information with respect to directors and executive officers required by this Item 10 is incorporated into this report by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Nominees for Class A Directors,” “Nominees for Other Directors,” “Code of Conduct,” and “Executive Officers” in our proxy statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is expected to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated into this report by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers” in our proxy statement.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required with respect to Item 403 of Regulation S-K under this Item 12 is incorporated into this report by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Principal Stockholders” in our proxy statement.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2004, the number of shares of Class A and Class D common stock that are issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding under our equity compensation plan, the weighted average exercise prices of such securities and the number of securities available for grant under the plan.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated into this report by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in our proxy statement.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated into this report by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Audit Fees” in our proxy statement.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1) Financial Statements
The following financial statements required by this item are submitted in a separate section beginning on page of this report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidating Financial Statements
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedules other than those listed above have been omitted from this Form 10-K because they are not required, are not applicable, or the required information is included in the financial statements and notes thereto.
(a)(2) EXHIBITS: The following exhibits are filed as part of this annual report, except for Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2, which are furnished, but not filed, with this annual report.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on March 15, 2005.
RADIO ONE, INC.
By:
/s/ SCOTT R. ROYSTER
Name:
Scott R. Royster
Title:
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated on March 15, 2005.
By:
/s/ CATHERINE L. HUGHES
Name:
Catherine L. Hughes
Title:
Chairperson, Director and Secretary
By:
/s/ ALFRED C. LIGGINS, III
Name:
Alfred C. Liggins, III
Title:
Chief Executive Officer, President and
Director
By:
/s/ TERRY L. JONES
Name:
Terry L. Jones
Title:
Director
By:
/s/ BRIAN W. MCNEILL
Name:
Brian W. McNeill
Title:
Director
By:
/s/ L. ROSS LOVE
Name:
L. Ross Love
Title:
Director
By:
/s/ D. GEOFFREY ARMSTRONG
Name:
D. Geoffrey Armstrong
Title:
Director
By:
/s/ RONALD E. BLAYLOCK
Name:
Ronald E. Blaylock
Title:
Director
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. The framework used in carrying out our evaluation was the Internal Control - Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. In evaluating our Information technology controls, we also used the framework contained in the Control Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT®), which was developed by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)’s IT Governance Institute, as a complement to the COSO internal control framework. Based on our evaluation under these frameworks, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004.
Our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its audit report which is included herein.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Radio One, Inc.
We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Radio One, Inc.’s Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting, that Radio One, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Radio One, Inc.’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. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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 included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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.
In our opinion, management’s assessment that Radio One, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Radio One, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 2004 consolidated financial statements of Radio One, Inc. and our report dated March 8, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
McLean, Virginia
March 8, 2005
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Radio One, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Radio One, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index on page S-1. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Radio One, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, effective January 1, 2002, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Radio One, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report, dated March 8, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
McLean, Virginia
March 8, 2005
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For The Years Ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004
(In thousands, except share amounts)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
(a) Organization and Business
Radio One, Inc. (a Delaware corporation referred to as Radio One) and subsidiaries (collectively “the Company”) were organized to acquire, operate and maintain radio broadcasting stations. The Company owns and/or operates 69 radio stations in 22 markets throughout the United States.
The Company’s operating results are significantly affected by its share of the audience in markets where it owns and/or operates stations. To increase its share, the Company has made and may continue to make significant acquisitions of radio stations, which may require it to incur additional debt. The service of this debt could require the Company to make significant debt service payments.
In September 2001, the Company began providing programming services to XM Satellite Radio Inc. (XM). Under its agreement with XM, the Company provided five channels of urban radio programming to XM. Following a change in XM’s programming strategy, this agreement was amended effective April 1, 2004 to allow the Company to provide one channel of urban radio programming to XM.
In July 2003, the Company entered into a joint venture with an affiliate of Comcast Corporation and other investors to create TV One, LLC (TV One), an entity formed to operate a cable television network featuring lifestyle, entertainment, and news-related programming targeted primarily towards African-American viewers. The Company expects to make a cash investment of approximately $74.0 million in TV One of which the Company already has funded approximately $37.0 million. The Company will also provide advertising and management services to TV One through January 2009, for which the Company received additional equity in TV One. As of December 31, 2004, the Company owned approximately 36% of TV One on a fully converted basis.
(b) Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Radio One, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the 2004 presentation.
(c) Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash, repurchase agreements and money market accounts at various commercial banks. All cash equivalents have original maturities of 90 days or less. For cash and cash equivalents, cost approximates market value.
The Company has evaluated its investment policies consistent with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, (SFAS No. 115), “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,” and determined that all of its short-term investment securities are to be classified as available-for-sale. Under this requirement, securities are marked to market through stockholders’ equity. The carrying value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities approximates fair value due to the liquidity of the instruments. As a result, the impact on stockholders’ equity is immaterial and has not been recorded. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in interest income on the accompanying statements of operations.
The Company had the following balances for cash, cash equivalents and short term investments:
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(d) Trade Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable is recorded at the invoiced amount. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s estimate of the amount of probable losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on the aging of the receivables, the impact of economic conditions on the advertisers’ ability to pay and other factors.
(e) Equity Method Investments
The Company accounts for its investment in TV One under the equity method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock” and other related interpretations. The Company has recorded its investment at cost and has adjusted the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the change in Radio One’s claim on the net assets of TV One resulting from losses of TV One as well as other capital transactions of TV One using a hypothetical liquidation at book value approach. The Company will review the realizability of the investment if conditions are present or events occur to suggest that an impairment of the investment may exist. The Company has determined that although TV One is a variable interest entity (as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51”), the Company is not the primary beneficiary of TV One. See Note 5 - Investment in Affiliated Company for further discussion.
(f) Goodwill and FCC Licenses
Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired in business combinations. FCC licenses acquired in business combinations are valued using a discounted cash flow analysis. Prior to January 1, 2002, goodwill and FCC licenses were amortized over a 15-year period (excluding the assets acquired from Blue Chip Broadcasting, Inc. and Sinclair Telecable, Inc.). Commencing January 1, 2002, goodwill and FCC licenses are not amortized, but are tested annually for impairment at the reporting unit level. Impairment of goodwill is the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. The implied fair value of goodwill is the amount determined by deducting the estimated fair value of all tangible and identifiable intangible net assets of the reporting unit from the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If the recorded value of goodwill exceeds its implied value, an impairment charge for goodwill is recorded for the excess. The Company conducts its annual test for impairment during the fourth quarter of every year. The Company determined that its long-lived assets were not impaired during 2004 and, accordingly, no impairment charge was recognized. See also Note 4 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets.
(g) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Excluding Goodwill and FCC Licenses
The Company accounts for the impairment of long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and FCC licenses, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 (SFAS No. 144), “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and FCC licenses, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be fully recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances may include a significant deterioration in operating results, changes in business plans, or changes in anticipated future cash flows. If an impairment indicator is present, the Company evaluates recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. Assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows generated by other asset groups. If the assets are impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value is generally determined by estimates of discounted future cash flows. The discount rate used in any estimate of discounted cash flows would be the rate of return for a similar investment of like risk. The Company determined that its long-lived assets were not impaired during 2004 and, accordingly, no impairment charge was recognized.
(h) Financial Instruments
Financial instruments as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 consist of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, trade accounts receivable, notes receivable (which are included in other current assets), accounts payable, accrued expenses, long-term debt and subscriptions receivable. The carrying amounts approximate fair value for each of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, except for the 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes which have a fair value of approximately $334.1 million and $331.5 million, respectively, as compared to a carrying value of $300.0 million for both years. The fair value is determined based on the fair market value of similar instruments.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(i) Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS No. 133), “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 137 (SFAS No. 137), “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133” and “Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 138” (SFAS No. 138), on January 1, 2001. This standard requires the Company to recognize all derivatives, as defined in SFAS No. 133, on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivative value changes are recorded in income for any contracts not classified as qualifying cash flow hedges. For derivatives in qualifying cash flow hedge relationships, any change in value is recognized in earnings. The change in derivative fair value depends on the classification of the derivative as a hedging instrument. For derivatives in qualifying cash flow hedge relationships, the effective portion of the derivative value change must be recorded through other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax. See Note 6 - Derivative Instruments for further discussion.
(j) Revenue Recognition
Revenue for broadcast advertising is recognized when the commercial is broadcast and is reported net of agency commissions in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements,” as amended by SAB No. 104, Topic 13, “Revenue Recognition, Revised and Updated.” Agency commissions, when applicable, are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing. Generally, clients remit the gross billing amount to the agency and the agency remits the gross billing, less their commission, to the Company.
(k) Barter Arrangements
The Company broadcasts certain customers’ advertising in exchange for equipment, merchandise and services. The estimated fair value of the equipment, merchandise or services received is recorded as an expense or capitalized as they are used, consumed or received. Barter revenue is recognized as the related advertising is aired.
(l) Advertising
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Total advertising expenses were $8,522,000, $7,366,000 and $7,040,000 during 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
(m) Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS No. 109), “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based upon the difference between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. The Company provides a valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets when it is more likely that such assets will not be realized. Deferred income tax expense or benefits are based upon the changes in the asset of liability from period to period.
(n) Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principle Board (APB) Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations, and complies with the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS No. 123), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Under APB 25, compensation expense is based upon the difference, if any, on the date of grant, between the fair value of the Company’s stock and the exercise price.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
At December 31, 2004, the Company had one stock-based employee compensation plan, which is described more fully in Note 9 - Stockholders’ Equity. The Company accounts for the plan under the recognition and measurement principles of APB 25, and related interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income (loss), as all options granted under the plan had an exercise price equal to the determined market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123, to stock-based employee compensation:
The per share weighted-average fair value of employee options granted during the year ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $8.02, $11.42 and $6.28, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
In December 2004, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004)(SFAS No. 123(R)), “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, (See Note 1(s) - Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements).
(o) Comprehensive Income
The Company’s comprehensive income consists of net income and other items recorded directly to the equity accounts. The objective is to report a measure of all changes in equity of an enterprise that result from transactions and other economic events during the period, other than transactions with owners. The Company’s other comprehensive income consists principally of gains and losses on derivative instruments that qualify for cash flow hedge treatment.
The following table sets forth the components of comprehensive income:
(p) Segment Reporting
The Company believes it has only one segment, radio broadcasting. The Company came to this conclusion because the Company has one product or service, has the same type of customer and operating strategy in each market, operates in one regulatory environment, has only one management group that manages the entire Company and provides information on the Company’s results as one segment to the key decision-makers. All of the Company’s broadcast revenue is derived from stations located in the United States.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(q) Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Stockholders
In July 2000, the Company completed a private placement of $310.0 million of 6 1/2% Convertible Preferred Remarketable Term Income Deferrable Equity Securities (HIGH TIDES), at $1,000 per security. Dividends accrued on the HIGH TIDES at 6 1/2% per annum from the date of original issuance. Dividends were paid quarterly in arrears, commencing October 15, 2000. The net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, is the net income less the dividends of approximately $20.1 million paid in each year on the HIGH TIDES. In February 2005, the Company redeemed the outstanding HIGH TIDES using the net proceeds of its offering of $200.0 million 6 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2013, borrowings under its revolving credit facility and available excess cash (See Note 15 - Subsequent Events).
(r) Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share (EPS) is based on the weighted average number of common and diluted common equivalent shares for stock options and warrants outstanding during the period the calculation is made, divided into the net income applicable to common stockholders. Diluted common equivalent shares consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants, using the treasury stock method. For the year ended December 31, 2002, approximately $4,021,000 attributable to proceeds from the exercise of outstanding options was excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the effect was antidilutive.
(s) Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure.” This Statement amends SFAS No. 123 to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. The disclosures required by SFAS No. 148 are included in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51.” This interpretation of ARB No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective immediately for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46, as amended, are effective for the first reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. In December 2003, the FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), FIN 46(R) “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” FIN 46(R), among other things, defers the effective date of implementation for certain entities. The revised interpretation is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period ending after March 15, 2004, with the exception of structures that are commonly referred to as special-purpose entities, for which the statement is effective for periods ending after December 15, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46(R) did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In September 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force issued Topic D-108 (Topic D-108), “Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired Assets Other than Goodwill.” For some of the Company’s acquisitions completed prior to its adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141 (SFAS No. 141), “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of,” on July 1, 2001, the Company allocated a portion of the purchase price to the acquisition’s tangible assets in accordance with a third party appraisal, with substantially all of the remaining purchase price being allocated to FCC license. This allocation method is commonly referred to as the residual method. Since the adoption of SFAS No. 141, the Company has obtained independent appraisals of the FCC licenses of stations acquired in order to perform its purchase price allocation. Topic D-108 prohibits the use of the residual method for all assets acquired in a business combination completed after September 29, 2004. Further, companies that have applied the residual method to the valuation of intangible assets for purposes of impairment testing should perform an impairment test using a direct value method on all intangible assets that were previously valued using the residual method by no later than the beginning of their first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2004. The Company has determined that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
In December 2004, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004)(SFAS No. 123(R)), “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25(APB No. 25), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” SFAS No. 123(R) addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the enterprise or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. Generally, the approach in SFAS No. 123(R) is similar to the approach described in SFAS No. 123. However, SFAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative to financial statement recognition.
SFAS No. 123(R) must be adopted no later than July 1, 2005. Early adoption will be permitted in periods in which financial statements have not yet been issued. We expect to adopt SFAS No. 123(R) on July 1, 2005.
SFAS No. 123(R) permits public companies to adopt its requirements using one of two methods:
1. A “modified prospective” method in which compensation cost is recognized beginning with the effective date (a) based on SFAS No. 123(R) for all share-based payments granted after the effective date and (b) based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123 for all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 123(R) that remain unvested on the effective date.
2. A “modified retrospective” method which includes the requirements of the modified prospective method described above, but also permits entities to restate based on the amounts previously recognized under SFAS No. 123 for purposes of pro forma disclosures either (a) all prior periods presented or (b) prior interim periods of the year of adoption.
The Company plans to adopt SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified-prospective method.
As permitted by SFAS No. 123, the Company currently accounts for share-based payments to employees using APB No. 25’s intrinsic value method and, as such, recognizes no compensation cost for employee stock options. Accordingly, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R)’s fair value method will have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations, although it will have no impact on its overall financial position. The impact of adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on levels of share-based payments granted in the future. However, had the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of SFAS No. 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per share in Note 1 to its consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption. While the Company cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the future (because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options), the amount of operating cash flows recognized in prior periods for such excess tax deductions were $460,000, $480,000 and $372,000 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
2. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS:
In November 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets of WABZ-FM, a radio station located in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Upon completing the acquisition, the Company consolidated the station with its existing Charlotte operations, changed the call sign to WPZS-FM and reformatted the station. The total acquisition price was approximately $11.5 million in cash. The Company initially allocated the full value of the purchase price to radio broadcasting licenses on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004. Upon completion of this purchase price allocation in February 2005, the current allocation was adjusted. The Company began broadcasting WPZS-FM in November 2004.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
In October 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of the outstanding stock of New Mableton Broadcasting Corporation, which owns WAMJ-FM, a radio station located in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Company had operated WAMJ-FM under a local management agreement since August 2001. New Mableton Broadcasting Corporation’s majority shareholder was an entity controlled by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President. The total acquisition price was approximately $35.0 million in cash. The Company initially allocated the full value of the purchase price to radio broadcasting licenses on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004. Upon completion of the purchase price allocation in February 2005, the current allocation was adjusted.
In September 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets of KRTS-FM, its third radio station located in the Houston metropolitan area. Upon completing the acquisition, the Company consolidated the station with its existing Houston operations, changed the call sign to KROI-FM and reformatted the station to Spanish-language programming. The acquisition price was approximately $72.5 million in cash, of which $69.8 million and $1.5 million was assigned to FCC license and goodwill, respectively. The Company began broadcasting KROI-FM in September 2004.
In February 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets of WSNJ-FM, a radio station located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Upon receiving the necessary regulatory approvals, the Company consolidated the station with its existing Philadelphia operations, changed the call sign to WRNB-FM, and reformatted the station. The acquisition price was approximately $35.0 million in cash. The Company initially allocated the full value of the purchase price to Radio Broadcasting Licenses on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004. Upon completion of the purchase price allocation in January 2005, the current allocation was adjusted. The Company began broadcasting WRNB-FM from our existing Philadelphia facilities in November 2004.
In July 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with an affiliate of Comcast Corporation and other investors to create TV One, an entity formed to launch a cable television network featuring lifestyle, entertainment and news-related programming targeted primarily towards African-American viewers. The Company has committed to make a cash investment of approximately $74.0 million in TV One, of which the Company has already funded approximately $37.0 million. The Company also provides advertising and management services to TV One through January 2009, for which it received additional equity in TV One. The Company recorded the additional equity received in consideration for these services at approximately $17.0 million, based on the cash value of similar equity interests in TV One. In December 2004, TV One entered into a distribution agreement with DIRECTV, Inc. and certain affiliates of DIRECTV, Inc. became investors in TV One. As of December 31, 2004, the Company owned approximately 36% of TV One on a fully-diluted basis, and Comcast owned a slightly smaller stake. See Investment in Affiliated Company for further discussion.
In July 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of the outstanding stock of Hawes-Saunders Broadcast Properties, Inc., owner and operator of WROU-FM (formerly WRNB-FM) licensed to West Carrollton, OH, for approximately $9.2 million in cash. The Company began operating the station under a local marketing agreement (LMA) in March 2003. The acquisition also resulted in the recording of approximately $8.8 million of an LMA licenses and approximately $2.2 million of other intangible assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, which includes the recording of a deferred tax liability of $2.1 million for the difference in book and tax basis in the assets acquired from the purchase price being in excess of the net book value of the acquired entity.
In conjunction with the Company’s August 2001 purchase of Blue Chip Broadcasting, Inc., the Company began operating WEGK-FM (formerly WBLO-FM), licensed to Charlestown, Indiana, under an LMA and obtained an option to purchase the station. In February 2003 the Company completed the acquisition for approximately $2.3 million in cash.
In April 2002, the Company completed the acquisition of the assets of WHTA-FM (formerly WPEZ-FM), licensed to Hampton, Georgia, from U.S. Broadcasting Limited Partnership for approximately $56.0 million. The Company had been operating the station under an LMA since September 2001.
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the related estimated useful lives. Property and equipment consists of the following:
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, was $11,882,000, $10,612,000 and $9,218,000, respectively.
Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
In June 2001, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142 (SFAS No. 142), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Upon adopting the transitional rules of SFAS No. 142, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $23.2 million, net of an income tax benefit of $14.5 million in the first quarter of 2002, as the carrying value of certain of the Company’s radio FCC licenses exceeded the appraised fair value. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company has reflected this charge as a cumulative effect of an accounting change, effective January 1, 2002, in its statement of operations.
The Company adopted the final provision of SFAS No. 142 in the fourth quarter of 2002 by reviewing the fair value of its reporting units and comparing that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. Based on this analysis, the Company determined that it had an impairment of goodwill (as defined in SFAS No. 142) in its Augusta, Georgia market and recognized an impairment charge of approximately $6.6 million, net of an income tax benefit of $496,000 during the fourth quarter of 2002.
The fair value of goodwill and FCC licenses is determined on a market basis using a discounted cash flow model considering the market’s revenue, number of stations in the market, the performance of stations in the market, the Company’s performance in the market and estimated multiples for the sale of stations in that market. Because the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of goodwill and FCC licenses are based on current conditions, a change in market conditions or in the discount rate could have a significant effect on the estimated value of goodwill or FCC licenses. A significant decrease in the fair value of goodwill or FCC licenses in a market could result in additional impairment charges. The Company will perform an impairment test as of October 1st of each year, or when other conditions suggest an impairment may have occurred.
The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:
Other intangible assets, excluding goodwill and radio broadcasting licenses are being amortized on a straight-line basis over various periods. Other intangible assets consist of the following:
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, was $5,052,000, $7,466,000 and $8,422,000, respectively. The amortization of deferred financing costs was charged to interest expense for all periods presented. The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years for intangible assets, excluding goodwill, FCC licenses, and deferred financing costs.
Future amortization expense may vary as a result of future acquisitions and dispositions.
5. INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATED COMPANY:
In July 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with an affiliate of Comcast Corporation and other investors to create TV One, an entity formed to launch a cable television network featuring lifestyle, entertainment and news-related programming targeted primarily towards African-American viewers. The Company has committed to make a cash investment of approximately $74.0 million in TV One, of which the Company has already funded approximately $37.0 million. In December 2004, TV One entered into a distribution agreement with DIRECTV, Inc. and certain affiliates of DIRECTV became investors in TV One. As of December 31, 2004, the Company owned approximately 36% of TV One on a fully converted basis, and Comcast owned a slightly smaller stake.
The Company has recorded its investment at cost and has adjusted the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the change in Radio One’s claim on the net assets of TV One resulting from losses of TV One as well as other capital transactions of TV One using a hypothetical liquidation at book value approach. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company’s allocable share of TV One’s losses was approximately $3.9 million.
In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recorded a $2.1 million reduction in the equity in losses of TV One to adjust its investment account to reflect the Company’s claim on the net equity of TV One using a hypothetical liquidation at book value approach. Previously, the Company recognized its estimate of its share of losses of TV One based on its ownership percentage of total TV One capital on a fully converted basis upon full satisfaction of all members’ capital commitments in TV One. This adjustment was not material to prior quarters’ results of operations. As a result, the Company has recorded equity in losses of TV One of $3.9 million for 2004, and $6.0 million on a cumulative basis since inception.
Under the hypothetical liquidation at book value approach, the increase in the Company’s claim on the change in net assets of TV One resulting from the new equity contributed to TV One by other investors of $2.8 million has been recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital of Radio One in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 51, Accounting for Sales of Stock by a Subsidiary.
The Company also entered into separate network services and advertising services agreements with TV One in 2003. Under the network services agreement, which expires in January 2009, the Company is providing TV One with administrative and operational support services and access to Company personalities. As these services are provided to TV One, the Company is receiving additional equity in TV One. Additionally, TV One pays the Company an annual service fee of $500,000 in cash. Under the advertising services agreement, the Company is providing a specified amount of advertising to TV One over a term of five years ending in January 2009. As these services are provided to TV One, the Company is receiving additional equity in TV One.
The Company is accounting for these services transactions in accordance with EITF 00-8, Accounting by a Grantee for an Equity Instrument to Be Received in Conjunction with Providing Goods or Services. As these services are provided to TV One, the Company is recording revenue based on the fair value of the most reliable unit of measurement in these transactions. For the advertising services agreement, this has been determined to be the underlying advertising time that is being provided to TV One. For the network services agreement, this has been determined to be the equity received in TV One; as a result, the Company is re-measuring the fair value of the equity received to complete its obligations under the network services agreement in each subsequent reporting period as the services are provided. For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company has recognized $1.9 million and $0.6 million of revenues relating to these two agreements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS:
During 2002, the Company entered into four fixed rate swap agreements to reduce exposure to interest rate fluctuations on certain floating rate debt commitments. The Company accounts for swap agreements under the mark-to-market method of accounting.
The swap agreements had the following terms:
Each swap agreement has been accounted for as a qualifying cash flow hedge of the Company’s senior bank term debt in accordance with SFAS No. 133, whereby changes in the fair market value are reflected as adjustments to the fair value of the derivative instruments as reflected on the accompanying balance sheets.
Under the swap agreements, the Company pays the fixed rate listed in the table above plus a spread based on its leverage ratio (as defined in its bank credit facility). The counterparties to the agreements pay the Company a floating interest rate based on the three-month LIBOR (measurement and settlement is performed quarterly). The counterparties to these agreements are international financial institutions. The Company estimates the net fair value of these instruments as of December 31, 2004 to be a liability of approximately $200,000. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements is estimated by obtaining quotations from the financial institutions, which are parties to the Company’s swap agreements contracts. The fair value is an estimate of the net amount that the Company would pay on December 31, 2004 if the agreements were transferred to other parties or cancelled by the Company.
Costs incurred to execute the swap agreements are deferred and amortized over the term of the swap agreements. The amounts incurred by the Company, representing the effective difference between the fixed rate under the swap agreements and the variable rate on the underlying term of the debt, are included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In the event of early termination of these swap agreements, any gains or losses would be amortized over the respective lives of the underlying debt or recognized currently if the debt is terminated earlier than initially anticipated.
7. LONG-TERM DEBT:
Long-term debt consists of the following:
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Senior Subordinated Notes
In May 2001, the Company closed a private placement of $300.0 million of 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes, realizing net proceeds of $291.8 million. The Company recorded $8.2 million in deferred offering costs which are being amortized to interest expense over the life of the notes using the effective interest rate method.
Bank Credit Facility
In July 2000, the Company established various credit facilities under an agreement with a group of financial institutions whereby the Company may borrow up to $750.0 million. This agreement was subsequently amended on March 18, 2002 to provide a new facility under which the Company may borrow up to $600.0 million. The bank credit facility contains covenants limiting the Company’s ability to incur additional debt and additional liens, make dividend and other payments with respect to the Company’s equity securities, make new investments and sell assets. This bank credit facility also requires compliance with financial tests based on financial position and results of operations, including a leverage ratio, an interest coverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio, all of which could effectively limit the Company’s ability to borrow or otherwise raise funds in the credit and capital markets.
The bank credit facility consists of a Term A Loan in an amount up to $350.0 million and a credit line (Revolver) in an amount up to $250.0 million that may be borrowed on a revolving basis. The interest rate on the bank credit facility is LIBOR plus a spread based on the Company’s leverage ratio, as defined in the credit agreement. The credit facility requires quarterly interest payments. The credit facility also requires minimum quarterly principal payments, which commenced March 31, 2003 and $175.0 million remained available (subject to various covenant restrictions) to be drawn down from the Revolver. The loans mature in June 2007. The weighted average interest rate for the bank credit facility was 7.29%, 5.30% and 3.30% in 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively.
The Company’s bank credit facility and the agreements governing the other outstanding debt contain covenants that restrict, among other things, the ability of the Company to incur additional debt, pay cash dividends, purchase capital stock, make capital expenditures, make investments or other restricted payments, swap or sell assets, engage in transactions with related parties, secure non-senior debt with assets, or merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of its assets.
Future minimum principal payments of long-term debt as of December 31, 2004 are as follows:
In February 2005, the Company amended its bank credit facility (See Note 15 - Subsequent Events).
8. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2004 and 2003. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
The carrying amounts shown in the table are included in the consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued interest, and accrued compensation and related benefits. The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Long-term debt: The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is determined by either estimation by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at rates currently offered to the Company for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities by the Company’s bankers or by quoted market prices at the reporting date for the traded debt securities.
9. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Capitalization
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had authorized 30,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, which is entitled to one vote per share; 150,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, which is entitled to ten votes per share; 150,000,000 shares of non-voting Class C common stock; and 150,000,000 shares of non-voting Class D common stock.
Also, as of December 31, 2004, the Company had authorized 1,000,000 shares of convertible preferred stock of which 310,000 shares were designated 6 1/2% Convertible Preferred Remarketable Term Income Deferrable Equity Securities (HIGH TIDES). Dividends on the HIGH TIDES were payable on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 of each year, commencing October 15, 2000. Aggregate dividends were $20,140,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The HIGH TIDES were non-voting. Starting in July 2003, and continuing for two years, the Company had the right (but not the requirement) to redeem up to $310.0 million of its HIGH TIDES for cash. Depending on the underlying price of the Company’s Class D common stock at the time of settlement for the redemption (if elected by the Company), the Company would have had to fund up to 100% of the amount of the HIGH TIDES to be redeemed in cash, although lesser amounts would be required if certain holders of the HIGH TIDES elected to receive shares of Class D common stock in lieu of cash. In February 2005, the Company redeemed the outstanding HIGH TIDES using the net proceeds of its offering of $200.0 million 6 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2013, borrowings under its revolving credit facility and available excess cash (See Note 15 - Subsequent Events).
1999 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Grant Plan
Effective March 19, 1999, the Company adopted the 1999 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Grant Plan (Plan) under which employees, consultants, and non-employee directors may be granted options to purchase shares of Class A and Class D common stock of the Company. The Company originally authorized 1,408,099 shares of Class A common stock and 3,816,198 shares of Class D common stock for issuance under the Plan. The options are exercisable in installments determined by the compensation committee of the Company’s board of directors. The options expire as determined by the committee, but no later than ten years from the date of grant. On April 11, 2002, the Company’s board of directors voted to increase the number of shares of Class D common stock issuable under the Plan to 5,816,198 and to incorporate all prior amendments into the Plan. This amendment to the Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders on May 14, 2002. On March 9, 2004, the Company’s board of directors voted to increase the number of shares of Class D common stock issuable under the Plan to 10,816,198 and to incorporate all prior amendments to the Plan. This amendment to the Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders on May 26, 2004.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Transactions and other information relating to the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are summarized below:
At December 31, 2004, there were 5,416,857 shares available under the plan for future grants. At December 31, 2004, all options have been issued to employees and directors.
10. INCOME TAXES:
Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and amounts recognized for tax purposes. Deferred taxes are based on tax laws as currently enacted.
The Company acquired the stock of one company in each of the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. Associated with these stock purchases, the Company allocated the purchase price to the related assets acquired, with the excess purchase price (if any) allocated to goodwill. Usually, in a stock purchase, for income tax purposes, the underlying assets of the acquired companies retain their historical tax basis. Accordingly, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately $2.1 million in 2003 related to the difference between the book and tax basis for all of the assets acquired (excluding nondeductible goodwill). The Company expects to complete the purchase price allocation for the 2004 stock acquisition during 2005, and will determine the need for a deferred tax liability for basis differences at that time.
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income taxes to the recorded income tax provision is as follows:
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:
The Company acquired approximately $3.3 million of net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards related to the purchase of Hawes-Saunders Broadcast Properties, Inc. in July 2003. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had an NOL carryforward of approximately $174.2 million, which is recorded as a deferred tax asset. The NOL carryforwards expire beginning in 2018 through 2024. The Company’s utilization of these net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to limitation under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
The Company leased office space in 2004, 2003 and 2002 from a partnership in which the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairperson are partners. Total rent paid to the partnership in each of the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was approximately $119,000, $218,000, and $216,000, respectively. Effective June 28, 2004, the partnership sold the property to a third party. On that date, the Company entered into a new lease that expired in January 2005, after which the Company relocated to a new facility.
The Company’s CEO and Chairperson own a music company called Music One, Inc. The Company sometimes engages in promoting the recorded music product of Music One, Inc.
Three officers of the Company, the CEO, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Chief Administrative Officer, purchased 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, 333,334 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock and 666,666 of the company’s Class D common stock, and 250,000 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock, respectively. The stock was purchased with the
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
proceeds of full recourse loans from the Company in the amounts of $21,105,000, $7,000,000 and $2,005,000, respectively, with accrued interest as of December 31, 2004, of $2,489,000, $1,729,000 and $401,000, and as of December 31, 2003, of $3,275,000, $1,313,000 and $319,000, respectively. The CEO made an interest payment on his loan in the amount of $2.0 million in December 2004. The CEO made a further repayment of $17.8 million on his loan in February 2005 and repaid the balance of the loan of approximately $6.0 million in March 2005. (See Note 15 - Subsequent Events).
The Company also had loans outstanding to the Company’s CEO, CFO and Chief Operating Officer in the amounts of $380,000, $88,000 and $262,000, respectively, with accrued interest as of December 31, 2004, of $163,000, $31,000 and $99,000, and as of December 31, 2003, of $134,000, $25,000 and $80,000, respectively. The loans are due on demand and bear interest at 5.6%. In March 2005, the CEO repaid the balance of his loan of approximately $549,000 in full. (See Note 15 - Subsequent Events).
In February 2002, the Company’s CFO exercised a contractual right to receive a non-interest-bearing loan in the amount of $750,000. The loan was paid in full in January 2005. (See Note 15 - Subsequent Events).
In August 2001, the Company entered into an LMA with New Mableton Broadcasting Corporation (NMBC). NMBC owns WAMJ-FM, a radio station located in the Atlanta metropolitan area. NMBC’s majority shareholder was an entity controlled by the Company’s CEO. Total fees paid under this agreement were approximately $154,000, $223,000 and $152,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Additionally, the Company had a receivable from this company of approximately $630,000 as of December 31, 2003 and 2002. In October 2004, following the receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals, the Company completed the acquisition of the outstanding stock of NMBC. The terms of this acquisition were approved by an independent committee of the Company’s board of directors and a fairness opinion was obtained from an independent third party. The Company paid a total acquisition price of approximately $35.0 million in cash, of which approximately $10.0 million was paid in available cash and $25.0 million was paid through a drawdown on the Company’s bank credit facility. The receivable of approximately $630,000 due from NMBC was also settled upon the completion of the acquisition.
12. PROFIT SHARING AND EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLAN:
The Company maintains a profit sharing and employee savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. This plan allows eligible employees to defer allowable portions of their compensation on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the savings plan. The Company may contribute to the plan at the discretion of its board of directors. The Company made no contributions to the plan during 2004, 2003 or 2002.
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
FCC Broadcast Licenses
Each of the Company’s radio stations operates pursuant to one or more licenses issued by FCC that have a maximum term of eight years prior to renewal. The Company’s FCC broadcast licenses expire at various times through October 1, 2012. Although the Company may apply to renew its FCC broadcast licenses, third parties may challenge the Company’s renewal applications. The Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would prevent the Company from having its current licenses renewed.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Network Organization Agreement
Pursuant to a network organization agreement, on July 18, 2003 the Company and certain other investors formed a limited liability company, TV One for the purpose of developing and distributing a new television programming service in the United States. The Company is committed to provide funding of $74.0 million to TV One. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had capital contributions totalling $37.0 million under this agreement.
Royalty Agreements
The Company has entered into fixed and variable payment agreements with performance rights organizations that expire as late as 2009. During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company incurred expenses of $8.7 million, $9.5 million and $10.1 million, respectively, related to these agreements.
Leases
The Company has noncancelable operating leases for office space, studio space, broadcast towers and transmitter facilities and noncancelable capital leases for equipment that expire over the next 20 years. The future minimum lease payments and rentals under noncancelable leases as of December 31, 2004 are:
Rent expense for 2004, 2003 and 2002 was approximately $6,321,000, $5,913,000, and $5,747,000, respectively. The total cost of assets under capital lease as of December 31, 2004 was approximately $35,000.
Other Contingencies
The Company has been named as a defendant in several legal actions occurring in the ordinary course of business. It is management’s opinion, after consultation with its legal counsel, that the outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
14. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):
The sum of quarterly per share net losses does not necessarily agree to the net loss per share for the year due to the timing of stock issuances.
As described in Note 1, the Company recognized an impairment charge of goodwill in its Augusta, Georgia market of approximately $6.6 million, net of an income tax benefit of $496,000 during the fourth quarter of 2002. As the provisions of SFAS No. 142 related to the impairment of goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets are effective as of January 1, 2002, the financial information for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, which preceded the period in which the transitional goodwill impairment loss was measured, has been restated to reflect the accounting change in that quarter.
During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company modified its methodology for estimating its equity in the operating results of TV One. As a result of this modification, the Company adjusted its previously recorded equity losses in TV One, leading to the recognition of a non-cash equity gain of approximately $2.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2004 and a cumulative non-cash equity loss of $3.9 million for 2004. See Note 5-Investment in Affiliated Company for further discussion.
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
In January 2005, the Company’s CFO repaid, in full, a loan of $750,000 that was extended to him by the Company in 2002. The repayment was effected using a combination of cash and 20,000 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. All shares transferred to the Company in satisfaction of these loans have been retired by the Company.
In February 2005, the Company’s CEO repaid approximately $17.8 million on a loan that was extended to him by the Company in 2001. The repayment was effected using 1,125,000 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. All shares transferred to the Company in satisfaction of these loans have been retired by the Company. In March 2005, the CEO repaid the balance of the loan of approximately $6.0 million in cash. Also in March 2005, the CEO repaid in full, and in cash, the balance of another loan extended to him by the Company in the amount of approximately $549,000.
In February 2005, the Company amended certain provisions of its bank credit facility to permit, among other things, the issuance of additional subordinated indebtedness.
In February 2005, the Company completed the private placement of $200.0 million of its 6 3/8% subordinated senior notes. The notes mature in February 2013 and interest on the notes is payable in cash on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning August 15, 2005. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were approximately $195.5 million.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
In February 2005, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding HIGH TIDES in the aggregate sum of approximately $310.0 million. This redemption was financed with the net proceeds of the sale of Company’s 6 3/8% subordinated senior notes due 2013, borrowings under its revolving credit facility, and available excess cash.
Also in February 2005, the Company completed the acquisition of 51% of the common stock of Reach Media, Inc. for approximately $55.8 million in a combination of approximately $30.4 million of cash and 1,809,648 shares of the Company’s Class D common stock. Reach was founded in 2003 by Tom Joyner, its Chairman, and David Kantor, its Chief Executive Officer, to operate the Tom Joyner Morning Show and related businesses. Mr. Joyner is a leading nationally syndicated radio personality. The Tom Joyner Morning Show is broadcast on over 115 affiliate stations across the United States and is a top-rated morning show in many of the markets in which it is broadcast. Reach also operates the Tom Joyner Sky Show, the Tom Joyner Family Reunion and various other special event-related activities. Additionally, Reach operates BlackAmericaWeb.com, an African-American targeted Internet destination, and airs a television program on TV One.
CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company conducts a portion of its business through its subsidiaries. All of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries (Subsidiary Guarantors) have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Company’s 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2011.
Set forth below are consolidating financial statements for the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2004. The equity method of accounting has been used by the Company to report its investments in subsidiaries. Separate financial statements for the Subsidiary Guarantors are not presented based on management’s determination that they do not provide additional information that is material to investors.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 2004
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidating financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 2003
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidating financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2004
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidating financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidating financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2002
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidating financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2004
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidating financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2004
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidating financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidating financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidating financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2002
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidating financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2002
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidating financial statements.
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO SCHEDULES
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
S-1
RADIO ONE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002
S-2