10-K 1 g22339e10vk.htm FORM 10-K e10vk
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
Form 10-K
 
     
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
     
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
    For the transition period from          to
 
Commission file number 00-24525
 
 
 
 
Cumulus Media Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
     
Delaware   36-4159663
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
3280 Peachtree Road, N.W.
Suite 2300
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 949-0700
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal offices)
 
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer o
  Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company þ
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)      
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s outstanding voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2009, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $38.8 million, based on 41,715,040 shares outstanding and a last reported per share price of Class A Common Stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market of $0.93 on that date. As of February 25, 2010, the registrant had outstanding 41,616,573 shares of common stock consisting of (i) 35,162,511 shares of Class A Common Stock; (ii) 5,809,191 shares of Class B Common Stock; and (iii) 644,871 shares of Class C Common Stock.
 


 

 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
                 
Item
      Page
Number
      Number
 
 
1
    Business     2  
 
1A.
    Risk Factors     26  
 
1B.
    Unresolved Staff Comments     34  
 
2
    Properties     34  
 
3
    Legal Proceedings     34  
 
PART II
 
5
    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     36  
 
6
    Selected Consolidated Financial Data     39  
 
7
    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     40  
 
7A.
    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     64  
 
8
    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     65  
 
9
    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     65  
 
9A.
    Controls and Procedures     65  
 
9B.
    Other Information     66  
 
PART III
 
10
    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     66  
 
11
    Executive Compensation     66  
 
12
    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     66  
 
13
    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     66  
 
14
    Principal Accountant Fees and Services     66  
 
PART IV
 
15
    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules     66  
        Signatures     69  
 EX-23.1
 EX-23.2
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1


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PART I
 
Item 1.   Business
 
Certain Definitions
 
In this Form 10-K the terms “Company”, “Cumulus”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to Cumulus Media Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
 
We use the term “local marketing agreement” (“LMA”) in various places in this report. A typical LMA is an agreement under which a Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licensee of a radio station makes available, for a fee, air time on its station to another party. The other party provides programming to be broadcast during the airtime and collects revenues from advertising it sells for broadcast during that programming. In addition to entering into LMAs, we will from time to time enter into management or consulting agreements that provide us with the ability, as contractually specified, to assist current owners in the management of radio station assets that we have contracted to purchase, subject to FCC approval. In such arrangements, we generally receive a contractually specified management fee or consulting fee in exchange for the services provided.
 
We also use the term “joint sales agreement” (“JSA”) in several places in this report. A typical JSA is an agreement that authorizes one party or station to sell another station’s advertising time and retain the revenue from the sale of that airtime. A JSA typically includes a periodic payment to the station whose airtime is being sold (which may include a share of the revenue being collected from the sale of airtime).
 
Unless otherwise indicated:
 
  •  we obtained total radio industry listener and revenue levels from the Radio Advertising Bureau (the “RAB”);
 
  •  we derived historical market revenue statistics and market revenue share percentages from data published by Miller Kaplan, Arase & Co., LLP (“Miller Kaplan”), a public accounting firm that specializes in serving the broadcasting industry and BIA Financial Network, Inc. (“BIA”), a media and telecommunications advisory services firm;
 
  •  we derived all audience share data and audience rankings, including ranking by population, except where otherwise stated to the contrary, from surveys of people ages 12 and over (“Adults 12+”), listening Monday through Sunday, 6 a.m. to 12 midnight, and based on, for an individual market, either the Arbitron Market Report, referred to as Arbitron’s Market Report, or the Nielsen Market Report, referred to as Nielsen’s Market Report; and
 
  •  all dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest million, unless otherwise indicated.
 
The term “Station Operating Income” is used in various places in this document. Station Operating Income consists of operating income before depreciation and amortization, LMA fees, corporate general and administrative expenses (including non-cash stock compensation), gain on exchange, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, and costs associated with the terminated transaction. Station operating income is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Station Operating Income isolates the amount of income generated solely by our stations and assists management in evaluating the earnings potential of our station portfolio. In deriving this measure, we exclude depreciation and amortization due to the insignificant investment in tangible assets required to operate our stations and the relatively insignificant amount of intangible assets subject to amortization. We exclude LMA fees from this measure, even though it requires a cash commitment, due to the insignificance and temporary nature of such fees. Corporate expenses, despite representing an additional significant cash commitment, are excluded in an effort to present the operating performance of our stations exclusive of the corporate resources employed. We exclude terminated transaction costs due to the temporary nature of such costs. We believe this is important to our investors because it highlights the gross margin generated by our station portfolio. Finally, we exclude non-cash stock compensation and impairment of goodwill and intangible assets from the measure as they do not represent cash payments for activities related to the operation of the stations.


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We believe that Station Operating Income is the most frequently used financial measure in determining the market value of a radio station or group of stations. Our management has observed that Station Operating Income is commonly employed by firms that provide appraisal services to the broadcasting industry in valuing radio stations. Further, in each of the more than 140 radio station acquisitions we have completed since our inception, we have used Station Operating Income as the primary metric to evaluate and negotiate the purchase price to be paid. Given its relevance to the estimated value of a radio station, we believe, and our experience indicates, that investors consider the measure to be extremely useful in order to determine the value of our portfolio of stations. We believe that Station Operating Income is the most commonly used financial measure employed by the investment community to compare the performance of radio station operators. Finally, Station Operating Income is one of the measures that our management uses to evaluate the performance and results of our stations. Management uses the measure to assess the performance of our station managers and our Board uses it to determine the relative performance of our executive management. As a result, in disclosing Station Operating Income, we are providing our investors with an analysis of our performance that is consistent with that which is utilized by our management and Board.
 
Station Operating Income is not a recognized term under GAAP and does not purport to be an alternative to operating income from continuing operations as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Additionally, Station Operating Income is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow available for dividends, reinvestment in our business or other management’s discretionary use, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements. Station Operating Income should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, results of operations presented on the basis of GAAP. Management compensates for the limitations of using Station Operating Income by using it only to supplement our GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business than GAAP results alone. Station Operating Income has its limitations as an analytical tool, and investors should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.
 
Company Overview
 
We own and operate FM and AM radio station clusters serving mid-sized markets throughout the United States. Through our investment in Cumulus Media Partners, LLC (“CMP”), described below, we also operate radio station clusters serving large-sized markets throughout the United States. We are the second largest radio broadcasting company in the United States based on the number of stations owned or operated. According to Arbitron’s Market Report and data published by Miller Kaplan, we have assembled market-leading groups or clusters of radio stations that rank first or second in terms of revenue share or audience share in substantially all of our markets. As of December 31, 2009, we owned and operated 314 radio stations (including LMAs) in 59 mid-sized United States media markets and operated the 30 radio stations in 9 markets, including San Francisco, Dallas, Houston and Atlanta that are owned by CMP. Under LMAs, we currently provide sales and marketing services for 12 radio stations in the United States in exchange for a management or consulting fee. In summary, we own and operate, directly or through our investment in CMP, a total of 344 stations in 67 United States markets.
 
We are a Delaware corporation, organized in 2002, and successor by merger to an Illinois corporation with the same name that had been organized in 1997.
 
Our Mid-Market Focus . . .
 
Historically, our strategic focus has been on mid-sized markets throughout the United States. Relative to the 50 largest markets in the United States, we believe that mid-sized markets represent attractive operating environments and generally are characterized by:
 
  •  a greater use of radio advertising as evidenced by the greater percentage of total media revenues captured by radio than the national average;
 
  •  rising advertising revenues, as the larger national and regional retailers expand into these markets;
 
  •  small independent operators, many of whom lack the capital to produce high-quality locally originated programming or to employ more sophisticated research, marketing, management and sales techniques;


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  •  lower overall susceptibility to economic downturns; and
 
  •  less exposure to emerging competitive technologies.
 
Among the reasons we have historically focused on such markets is our belief that these markets are characterized by a lower susceptibility to economic downturns. Our belief stems from historical experience that indicates that during recessionary times these markets have tended to be more resilient to economic declines. In addition, these markets, as compared to large markets, are characterized by a higher ratio of local advertisers to national advertisers and a larger number of smaller-dollar customers, both of which lead to lower volatility in the face of changing macroeconomic conditions. We believe the attractive operating characteristics of mid-sized markets, together with the relaxation of radio station ownership limits under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “Telecom Act”) and FCC rules, created significant opportunities for growth from the formation of groups of radio stations within these markets. We capitalized on those opportunities to acquire attractive properties at favorable purchase prices, taking advantage of the size and fragmented nature of ownership in those markets and to the greater attention historically given to the larger markets by radio station acquirers. According to the FCC’s records, as of December 31, 2009 there were 9,630 FM and 4,790 AM stations in the United States.
 
. . . and Our Large-Market Opportunities
 
Although our historical focus has been on mid-sized radio markets in the United States, we recognize that the large-sized radio markets can provide an attractive combination of scale, stability and opportunity for future growth. According to BIA, these markets typically have per capita and household income, and expected household after-tax effective buying income growth, in excess of the national average, which we believe makes radio broadcasters in these markets attractive to a broad base of radio advertisers, and allows a radio broadcaster to reduce its dependence on any one economic sector or specific advertiser. In recognition of this, in October 2005, we announced the formation of CMP, a private partnership created by Cumulus and affiliates of Bain Capital Partners LLC, The Blackstone Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., and in May 2006 acquired the radio broadcasting business of Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff Co. (“Susquehanna”) for approximately $1.2 billion. The group of CMP stations currently consists of 30 radio stations in 9 markets: San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Louisville, Indianapolis and York, Pennsylvania.
 
Strategy
 
We are focused on generating internal growth through improvement in Station Operating Income for the portfolio of stations we operate, while enhancing our station portfolio and our business as a whole, through the acquisition of individual stations or clusters that satisfy our acquisition criteria.
 
Operating Strategy
 
Our operating strategy has the following principal components:
 
  •  achieve cost efficiencies associated with common infrastructure and personnel and increase revenue by offering regional coverage of key demographic groups that were previously unavailable to national and regional advertisers;
 
  •  develop each station in our portfolio as a unique enterprise, marketed as an individual, local brand with its own identity, programming content, programming personnel, inventory of time slots and sales force;
 
  •  use audience research and music testing to refine each station’s programming content to match the preferences of the station’s target demographic audience, in order to enrich our listeners’ experiences by increasing both the quality and quantity of local programming;
 
  •  position station clusters to compete with print and television advertising by combining favorable advertising pricing with diverse station formats within each market to draw a larger and broader listening audience to attract a wider range of advertisers;
 
  •  create standardization across the station platform where possible by using best-in-class practices and evaluate effectiveness using real-time reporting enabled by our proprietary technologies; and


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  •  use our national scale and unique communities of listeners to create new digital media properties and e-commerce opportunities.
 
Acquisition Strategy
 
Our acquisition strategy has the following principal components:
 
  •  assemble leading radio station clusters in mid-sized markets by taking advantage of their size and fragmented nature of ownership;
 
  •  acquire leading stations where we believe we can cost-effectively achieve a leading position in terms of signal coverage, revenue or audience share and acquire under-performing stations where there is significant potential to apply our management expertise to improve financial and operating performance;
 
  •  reconfigure our existing stations, or acquire new stations, located near large markets, that based on an engineering analysis of signal specifications and the likelihood of receiving FCC approval, can be redirected, or “moved-in”, to those larger markets; and
 
  •  conduct ongoing evaluations of our station portfolio and seek out opportunities in the marketplace to upgrade clusters through station swaps with other radio broadcasters.
 
Our acquisition strategy is influenced by certain factors including economic conditions, pricing multiples of potential acquisitions and the ability to consummate acquisitions under the terms of the Credit Agreement governing our senior secured credit facility.
 
As a result of the 2009 amendment to our Credit Agreement (as described below), we are prohibited from acquiring any additional stations or making any otherwise permitted investments throughout the covenant suspension period ending March 31, 2011.
 
Highlights during 2009
 
Economic Developments
 
The current economic crisis has reduced demand for advertising in general, including advertising on our radio stations. In consideration of current and projected market conditions, we expect that overall advertising revenues will have no growth at least through the first quarter of 2010 with single digit growth in certain categories throughout the remainder of 2010. Therefore, in conjunction with the development of the 2010 business plan, we assessed the impact of the current year market developments in a variety of areas, including our forecasted advertising revenues and liquidity. In response to these conditions, we have forecasted maintaining cost reductions achieved in 2009 with no significant increases in 2010.
 
2009 Amendment to the Credit Agreement
 
On June 29, 2009, we entered into an amendment to the credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facility. The credit agreement, as amended, is referred to herein as the “Credit Agreement”. The Credit Agreement maintains the preexisting term loan facility of $750 million, which, as of December 31, 2009, had an outstanding balance of approximately $636.9 million, and reduces the preexisting revolving credit facility from $100 million to $20 million. Additional facilities are no longer permitted under the Credit Agreement.
 
We believe that we will continue to be in compliance with all of our debt covenants through at least December 31, 2010, based upon actions we have already taken, which included: (i) the amendment to the Credit Agreement, the purpose of which was to provide certain covenant relief in 2009 and 2010, (ii) employee reductions of 16.5% in 2009 coupled with a mandatory one-week furlough during the second quarter of 2009, (iii) a new sales initiative implemented during the first quarter of 2009, which we believe will increase advertising revenues by re-engineering our sales techniques through enhanced training of our sales force and greater focus on expanding our customer base beyond traditional advertisers, and (iv) continued scrutiny of all operating expenses. We will continue to monitor our revenues and cost structure closely and if revenues do not achieve forecasted growth or if we exceed our planned spending, we may take further actions as needed in an attempt to maintain compliance with our


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debt covenants under the Credit Agreement. The actions may include the implementation of additional operational efficiencies, additional cost reductions, renegotiation of major vendor contracts, deferral of capital expenditures, and sales of non-strategic assets.
 
2009 Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
During the third quarter of 2009, we reviewed the triggering events and circumstances detailed in ASC 350-20, Property, Plant and Equipment, to determine if an interim test of impairment of goodwill might be necessary. In July 2009, we revised our revenue forecast downward for the last two quarters of 2009 due to the sustained decline in revenues attributable to the current economic conditions. As a result of these conditions, we determined it was appropriate and reasonable to conduct an interim impairment analysis. In conjunction with the interim impairment analysis we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $173.1 million to reduce the carrying value of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill to their respective fair market values. In addition, as part of our annual impairment testing of goodwill conducted during the fourth quarter, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $1.9 million to further reduce the carrying value of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill in certain markets to their respective fair market values. The additional impairment charge was primarily due to the changes in key variables incorporated in the discounted cash flow methodology and a larger-than-expected decline in overall operating results in those markets compared to management’s prior forecasts.
 
* * *
 
To maximize the advertising revenues and Station Operating Income of our stations, we seek to enhance the quality of radio programs for listeners and the attractiveness of our radio stations to advertisers in a given market. We also seek to increase the amount of locally originated programming content that airs on each station. Within each market, our stations are diversified in terms of format, target audience and geographic location, enabling us to attract larger and broader listener audiences and thereby a wider range of advertisers. This diversification, coupled with our competitive advertising pricing, also has provided us with the ability to compete successfully for advertising revenue against other radio, print and television media competitors.
 
We believe that we are in a position to generate revenue growth, increase audience and revenue shares within our markets and, by capitalizing on economies of scale and by competing against other media for incremental advertising revenue, increase our Station Operating Income growth rates and margins. Some of our markets are still in the development stage with the potential for substantial growth as we implement our operating strategy. In our more established markets, we believe we have several significant opportunities for growth within our current business model, including growth through maturation of recently reformatted or rebranded stations, and through investment in signal upgrades, which allow for a larger audience reach, for stations that were already strong performers.
 
Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
Completed Acquisitions
 
Green Bay and Cincinnati Swap
 
On April 10, 2009, we completed an asset exchange agreement with Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (“Clear Channel”). As part of the asset exchange, we acquired two of Clear Channel’s radio stations located in Cincinnati, Ohio in consideration for five of our radio stations in the Green Bay, Wisconsin market. The exchange transaction provided us with direct entry into the Cincinnati market (notwithstanding our current presence in Cincinnati through our interest in CMP), which was ranked #28 at that time by Arbitron. Larger markets are generally desirable for national advertisers, and have large and diversified local business communities providing for a large base of potential advertising clients. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with guidance for business combinations. The fair value of the assets acquired in the exchange was $17.6 million.
 
In conjunction with the exchange, we entered into an LMA with Clear Channel whereby we will provide programming, sell advertising, and retain operating profits for managing the five Green Bay radio stations. In consideration for these rights, we will pay Clear Channel a monthly fee of approximately $0.2 million over the term


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of the agreement. The term of the LMA is for five years, expiring December 31, 2013. Additionally, Clear Channel negotiated a written put option (“the “Green Bay Option”) that allows them to require us to repurchase the five Green Bay radio stations at any time during the two-month period commencing July 1, 2013 (or earlier if the LMA agreement is terminated prior to this date) for $17.6 million (the fair value of the radio stations as of April 10, 2009).
 
WZBN-FM Swap
 
During the first quarter ended March 31, 2009, we completed a swap transaction pursuant to which we exchanged WZBN-FM, Camilla, Georgia, for W250BC, a translator licensed for use in Atlanta, Georgia, owned by Extreme Media Group. Radio One, Inc. filed petitions with the FCC seeking reconsideration of that agency’s approval of the swap. We ultimately entered into a settlement agreement with Radio One, Inc., who then filed a request asking the FCC to dismiss its reconsideration petitions. The FCC has granted that request. In any event, this transaction was not material to our results.
 
Pending Acquisitions
 
At the beginning of 2009, we had pending a swap transaction pursuant to which we would exchange one of our Fort Walton Beach, Florida radio stations, WYZB-FM, for another station then owned by Star Broadcasting, Inc. (“Star”), WTKE-FM. Specifically, the purchase agreement provided for the exchange of WYZB-FM plus $1.5 million in cash for WTKE-FM. We filed applications with the FCC in 2005 to secure its approval of the swap, and the applications were challenged by Qantum Communications (“Qantum”), which has some radio stations in the market. Qantum asserted that it had a 2003 contract to acquire WTKE-FM from Star that Star’s termination of the agreement in April 2005 was void, and that Qantum’s contractual rights had priority over ours. Qantum also complained to the FCC that the swap would allegedly give us an unfair competitive advantage (because the station we would acquire reaches more people than the station we would be giving up). Qantum also initiated litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Star, and ultimately secured a court decision that required Star to sell the station to Qantum instead of us. That decision was affirmed on appeal of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and on November 9, 2009, Qantum completed the acquisition of WTKE-FM. We therefore advised the FCC that we would not consummate our proposed acquisition of WTKE-FM.
 
Qantum’s challenge to the WTKE-FM assignment applications also included a challenge to our acquisition of WPGG-FM from Star, which was also reflected in applications filed with the FCC in May 2005. However, the FCC staff granted our application to acquire WPGG-FM, and we consummated that acquisition in August 2006. Qantum then appealed the staff’s decision to the full commission, and that appeal is still pending. Also still pending is Qantum’s appeal to the full commission of the FCC staff decision granting Star’s request to relocate WPGG-FM from Evergreen, Alabama to Shalimar, Florida (which is in the Fort Walton Beach market).
 
In addition at December 31, 2009, we had pending a swap transaction pursuant to which we would exchange our Canton, Ohio Station, WRQK-FM, for eight stations owned by Clear Channel in Ann Arbor, Michigan (WTKA-AM, WLBY-AM, WWWW-FM, WQKL-FM) and Battle Creek, Michigan (WBFN-AM, WBCK-FM, WBCK-AM and WBXX-FM). We will dispose of two of the AM stations in Battle Creek, WBCK-AM and WBFN-AM, simultaneously with the closing of the swap transaction to comply with the FCC’s broadcast ownership limits; WBCK-AM will be placed in a trust for the sale of the station to an unrelated third party and WBFN-AM will be transferred to Family Life Broadcasting System.
 
Completed Dispositions
 
We did not complete any divestitures during 2009, other than as described above.
 
Acquisition Shelf Registration Statement
 
We have registered an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock, pursuant to registration statements on Form S-4, for issuance from time to time in connection with our acquisition of other businesses, properties or securities in business combination transactions utilizing a “shelf” registration process. As of


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February 28, 2010, we had issued 5,666,553 of the 20,000,000 shares registered in connection with various acquisitions.
 
Industry Overview
 
The primary source of revenues for radio stations is the sale of advertising time to local, regional and national spot advertisers and national network advertisers. National spot advertisers assist advertisers in placing their advertisements in a specific market. National network advertisers place advertisements on a national network show and such advertisements will air in each market where the network has an affiliate. During the past decade, local advertising revenue as a percentage of total radio advertising revenue in a given market has ranged from approximately 72% to 87% according to the RAB. The trends in radio advertising revenue mirrored the deterioration in the current economic environment, yielding declining results over the last three years. In 2009, advertising revenues decreased 18%, after decreasing 9% in 2008 and 2% in 2007.
 
Generally, radio is considered an efficient, cost-effective means of reaching specifically identified demographic groups. Stations are typically classified by their on-air format, such as country, rock, adult contemporary, oldies and news/talk. A station’s format and style of presentation enables it to target specific segments of listeners sharing certain demographic features. By capturing a specific share of a market’s radio listening audience with particular concentration in a targeted demographic, a station is able to market its broadcasting time to advertisers seeking to reach a specific audience. Advertisers and stations use data published by audience measuring services, such as Nielsen, to estimate how many people within particular geographical markets and demographics listen to specific stations.
 
The number of advertisements that can be broadcast without jeopardizing listening levels and the resulting ratings are limited in part by the format of a particular station and the local competitive environment. Although the number of advertisements broadcast during a given time period may vary, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary significantly from year to year.
 
A station’s local sales staff generates the majority of its local and regional advertising sales through direct solicitations of local advertising agencies and businesses. To generate national advertising sales, a station usually will engage a firm that specializes in soliciting radio-advertising sales on a national level. National sales representatives obtain advertising principally from advertising agencies located outside the station’s market and receive commissions based on the revenue from the advertising they obtain.
 
Our stations compete for advertising revenue with other terrestrial-based radio stations in the market (including low power FM radio stations that are required to operate on a noncommercial basis) as well as other media, including newspapers, broadcast television, cable television, magazines, direct mail, coupons and outdoor advertising. In addition, the radio broadcasting industry is subject to competition from services that use new media technologies that are being developed or have already been introduced, such as the Internet and satellite-based digital radio services. Such services reach nationwide and regional audiences with multi-channel, multi-format, digital radio services that have a sound quality equivalent to that of compact discs. Competition among terrestrial-based radio stations has also been heightened by the introduction of terrestrial digital audio broadcasting (which is digital audio broadcasting delivered through earth-based equipment rather than satellites). The FCC currently allows terrestrial radio stations like ours to commence the use of digital technology through a “hybrid” antenna that carries both the pre-existing analog signal and the new digital signal. The FCC is conducting a proceeding that could result in an AM radio station’s use of two antennae: one for the analog signal and one for the digital signal.
 
We cannot predict how existing or new sources of competition will affect the revenues generated by our stations. The radio broadcasting industry historically has grown despite the introduction of new technologies for the delivery of entertainment and information, such as television broadcasting, cable television, audio tapes and compact discs. A growing population and greater availability of radios, particularly car and portable radios, have contributed to this growth. There can be no assurance, however, that the development or introduction in the future of any new media technology will not have an adverse effect on the radio broadcasting industry in general or our stations in particular.


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Advertising Sales
 
Virtually all of our revenue is generated from the sale of local, regional and national advertising for broadcast on our radio stations. In 2009, 2008 and 2007, approximately 90% of our net broadcasting revenue was generated from the sale of local and regional advertising. Additional broadcasting revenue is generated from the sale of national advertising. The major categories of our advertisers include:
 
         
Amusement and recreation   Banking and mortgage   Furniture and home furnishings
Arts and entertainment
  Food and beverage services   Healthcare services
Automotive dealers
  Food and beverage stores   Telecommunications
 
Each station’s local sales staff solicits advertising either directly from the local advertiser or indirectly through an advertising agency. We employ a tiered commission structure to focus our individual sales staffs on new business development. Consistent with our operating strategy of dedicated sales forces for each of our stations, we have also increased the number of salespeople per station. We believe that we can outperform the traditional growth rates of our markets by (1) expanding our base of advertisers, (2) training newly hired sales people and (3) providing a higher level of service to our existing customer base. This requires a larger sales staff than most of the stations employed at the time we acquired them. We support our strategy of building local direct accounts by employing personnel in each of our markets to produce custom commercials that respond to the needs of our advertisers. In addition, in-house production provides advertisers greater flexibility in changing their commercial messages with minimal lead-time.
 
Our national sales are made by Katz Communications, Inc., a firm specializing in radio advertising sales on the national level, in exchange for commission that is based on our net revenue from the advertising obtained. Regional sales, which we define as sales in regions surrounding our markets to buyers that advertise in our markets, are generally made by our local sales staff and market managers. Whereas we seek to grow our local sales through larger and more customer-focused sales staffs, we seek to grow our national and regional sales by offering to key national and regional advertisers groups of stations within specific markets and regions that make our stations more attractive. Many of these large accounts have previously been reluctant to advertise in these markets because of the logistics involved in buying advertising from individual stations. Certain of our stations had no national representation before we acquired them.
 
The number of advertisements that can be broadcast without jeopardizing listening levels and the resulting ratings are limited in part by the format of a particular station. The optimal number of advertisements available for sale depends on the programming format of a particular station. Each of our stations has a general target level of on-air inventory available for advertising. This target level of inventory for sale may vary at different times of the day but tends to remain stable over time. Our stations strive to maximize revenue by managing their on-air inventory of advertising time and adjusting prices up or down based on supply and demand. We seek to broaden our base of advertisers in each of our markets by providing a wide array of audience demographic segments across our cluster of stations, thereby providing each of our potential advertisers with an effective means of reaching a targeted demographic group. Our selling and pricing activity is based on demand for our radio stations’ on-air inventory and, in general, we respond to this demand by varying prices rather than by varying our target inventory level for a particular station. Most changes in revenue are explained by some combination of demand-driven pricing changes and changes in inventory utilization rather than by changes in the available inventory. Advertising rates charged by radio stations, which are generally highest during morning and afternoon commuting hours, are based primarily on:
 
  •  a station’s share of audiences and on the demographic groups targeted by advertisers (as measured by ratings surveys);
 
  •  the supply and demand for radio advertising time and for time targeted at particular demographic groups; and
 
  •  certain additional qualitative factors.
 
A station’s listenership is reflected in ratings surveys that estimate the number of listeners tuned into the station, and the time they spend listening. Each station’s ratings are used by its advertisers and advertising representatives to consider advertising with the station and are used by Cumulus to chart audience growth, set


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advertising rates and adjust programming. Currently, we utilize two station ratings services, Arbitron and Nielsen. While Arbitron has traditionally been our primary source of ratings information for its radio markets, we entered into an agreement with Nielsen on November 7, 2008, subsequently amended in January 2009, pursuant to which Nielsen would rate certain of our radio markets as coverages for such markets under the Arbitron agreement expire. Specifically, Nielsen began efforts to roll out its rating service for 51 of our radio markets in January 2009, and such rollout has been completed.
 
Competition
 
The radio broadcasting industry is very competitive. The success of each of our stations depends largely upon its audience ratings and its share of the overall advertising revenue within its market. Our audience ratings and advertising revenue are subject to change, and any adverse change in a particular market affecting advertising expenditures or any adverse change in the relative market share of the stations located in a particular market could have a material adverse effect on the revenue of our radio stations located in that market. There can be no assurance that any one or all of our stations will be able to maintain or increase current audience ratings or advertising revenue market share.
 
Our stations compete for listeners and advertising revenues directly with other radio stations within their respective markets, as well as with other advertising media as discussed below. Additionally, new online music services have begun selling advertising locally, creating additional competition for both listeners and advertisers. Radio stations compete for listeners primarily on the basis of program content that appeals to a particular demographic group. By building a strong brand identity with a targeted listener base consisting of specific demographic groups in each of our markets, we are able to attract advertisers seeking to reach those listeners. Companies that operate radio stations must be alert to the possibility of another station changing its format to compete directly for listeners and advertisers. Another station’s decision to convert to a format similar to that of one of our radio stations in the same geographic area or to launch an aggressive promotional campaign may result in lower ratings and advertising revenue, increased promotion and other expenses and, consequently, lower our Station Operating Income.
 
Factors that are material to a radio station’s competitive position include station brand identity and loyalty, management experience, the station’s local audience rank in its market, transmitter power and location, assigned frequency, audience characteristics, local program acceptance and the number and characteristics of other radio stations and other advertising media in the market area. We attempt to improve our competitive position in each market by extensively researching and improving our stations’ programming, by implementing advertising campaigns aimed at the demographic groups for which our stations program and by managing our sales efforts to attract a larger share of advertising dollars for each station individually. However, we compete with some organizations that have substantially greater financial or other resources than we do.
 
In 1996, changes in federal law and FCC rules dramatically increased the number of radio stations a single party can own and operate in a local market. Our management continues to believe that companies that elect to take advantage of those changes by forming groups of commonly owned stations or joint arrangements such as LMAs in a particular market may, in certain circumstances, have lower operating costs and may be able to offer advertisers in those markets more attractive rates and services. Although we currently operate multiple stations in each of our markets and intend to pursue the creation of additional multiple station groups in particular markets, our competitors in certain markets include other parties who own and operate as many or more stations than we do. We may also compete with those other parties or broadcast groups for the purchase of additional stations in those markets or new markets. Some of those other parties and groups are owned or operated by companies that have substantially greater financial or other resources than we do.
 
A radio station’s competitive position can be enhanced by a variety of factors, including changes in the station’s format and an upgrade of the station’s authorized power. However, the competitive position of existing radio stations is protected to some extent by certain regulatory barriers to new entrants. The operation of a radio broadcast station requires an FCC license, and the number of radio stations that an entity can operate in a given market is limited. Under FCC rules that became effective in 2004, the number of radio stations that a party can own in a particular market is dictated largely by whether the station is in a defined “Arbitron Metro” (a designation


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designed by a private party for use in advertising matters), and, if so, the number of stations included in that Arbitron Metro. In those markets that are not in an Arbitron Metro, the number of stations a party can own in the particular market is dictated by the number of AM and FM signals that together comprise that FCC-defined radio market. For a discussion of FCC regulation (including recent changes), see “— Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting”.
 
Our stations also compete for advertising revenue with other media, including low power FM radio stations (that are required to operate on a noncommercial basis), newspapers, broadcast television, cable and satellite television, magazines, direct mail, coupons and outdoor advertising. In addition, the radio broadcasting industry is subject to competition from companies that use new media technologies that are being developed or have already been introduced, such as the Internet and the delivery of digital audio programming by cable television systems, by satellite radio carriers, and by terrestrial-based radio stations that broadcast digital audio signals. The FCC authorized two companies, who have since merged to provide a digital audio programming service by satellite to nationwide audiences with a multi-channel, multi-format and with sound quality equivalent to that of compact discs. The FCC has also authorized FM terrestrial stations like ours to use two separate antennae to deliver both the current analog radio signal and a new digital signal. The FCC is also exploring the possibility of allowing AM stations to deliver both analog and digital signals.
 
We cannot predict how new sources of competition will affect our performance and income. Historically, the radio broadcasting industry has grown despite the introduction of new technologies for the delivery of entertainment and information, such as television broadcasting, cable television, audio tapes and compact discs. A growing population and greater availability of radios, particularly car and portable radios, have contributed to this growth. There can be no assurance, however, that the development or introduction of any new media technology will not have an adverse effect on the radio broadcasting industry in general or our stations in particular.
 
We cannot predict what other matters might be considered in the future by the FCC or Congress, nor can we assess in advance what impact, if any, the implementation of any of these proposals or changes might have on our business.
 
Employees
 
At December 31, 2009, we employed approximately 2,255 people. None of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, and we consider our relations with our employees to be satisfactory.
 
We employ various on-air personalities with large loyal audiences in their respective markets. On occasion, we enter into employment agreements with these personalities to protect our interests in those relationships that we believe to be valuable. The loss of one or more of these personalities could result in a short-term loss of audience share, but we do not believe that any such loss would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, taken as a whole.
 
We generally employ one market manager for each radio market in which we own or operate stations, though in certain regions we have market managers who now oversee multiple markets. Historically, a market manager was responsible for all employees of the market and for managing all aspects of the radio operations. As we have reengineered our local sales strategy over the past year, the position of market manager has been significantly refocused on revenue achievement and many administrative functions are managed centrally by corporate employees. On occasion, we enter into employment agreements with market managers to protect our interests in those relationships that we believe to be valuable. The loss of a market manager could result in a short-term loss of performance in a market, but we do not believe that any such loss would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, taken as a whole.
 
Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting
 
General
 
The ownership, operation and sale of radio broadcast stations, including those licensed to us, are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC, which acts under authority derived from the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Communications Act”). The Telecom Act amended the Communications Act and directed the FCC to change certain of its broadcast rules. Among its other regulatory responsibilities, the FCC issues permits and licenses to


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construct and operate radio stations; assigns broadcast frequencies; determines whether to approve changes in ownership or control of station licenses; regulates transmission equipment, operating power, and other technical parameters of stations; adopts and implements regulations and policies that directly or indirectly affect the ownership, operation and employment practices of stations; regulates the content of some forms of radio broadcast programming; and has the authority under the Communications Act to impose penalties for violations of its rules.
 
The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act, the Telecom Act, and related FCC rules and policies (collectively, the “Communications Laws”). This description does not purport to be comprehensive, and reference should be made to the Communications Laws, public notices, and decisions issued by the FCC for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of radio broadcast stations. Failure to observe the provisions of the Communications Laws can result in the imposition of various sanctions, including monetary forfeitures and the grant of a “short-term” (less than the maximum term) license renewal. For particularly egregious violations, the FCC may deny a station’s license renewal application, revoke a station’s license, or deny applications in which an applicant seeks to acquire additional broadcast properties.
 
License Grant and Renewal
 
Radio broadcast licenses are generally granted and renewed for maximum terms of eight years. Licenses are renewed by filing an application with the FCC. Petitions to deny license renewal applications may be filed by interested parties, including members of the public. We are not currently aware of any facts that would prevent the renewal of our licenses to operate our radio stations, although there can be no assurance that each of our licenses will be renewed for a full term without adverse conditions.
 
Service Areas
 
The area served by AM stations is determined by a combination of frequency, transmitter power, antenna orientation, and soil conductivity. To determine the effective service area of an AM station, the station’s power, operating frequency, antenna patterns and its day/night operating modes are required. The area served by an FM station is determined by a combination of transmitter power and antenna height, with stations divided into classes according to these technical parameters.
 
There are eight classes of FM radio stations, with each class having the right to broadcast with a certain amount of power from an antenna located at a certain height. The most powerful FM radio stations are Class C FM stations, which operate with the equivalent of 100 kilowatts of effective radiated power (“ERP”) at an antenna height of up to 1,968 feet above average terrain and which usually provide service to a large area, typically covering one or more counties within a state. There are also Class C0, C1, C2 and C3 FM radio stations which operate with progressively less power and/or antenna height. Class B FM stations operate with the equivalent of 50 kilowatts ERP at an antenna height of up to 492 feet above average terrain. Class B stations typically serve large metropolitan areas as well as their associated suburbs. There are also Class B1 stations that can operate with 25 kilowatts ERP at an antenna height of up to 328 feet above average terrain. Class A FM stations operate with the equivalent of 6 kilowatts ERP at an antenna height of up to 328 feet above average terrain, and generally serve smaller cities and towns or suburbs of larger cities.


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The following table sets forth, as of February 28, 2010, the market, call letters, FCC license classification, antenna elevation above average terrain (for FM stations only), power and frequency of all our owned and/or operated stations, all pending station acquisitions operated under an LMA, and all other announced pending station acquisitions:
 
                                                 
                          Height
             
                          Above
             
                          Average
    Power
 
                  Expiration Date
  FCC
  Terrain
    (in Kilowatts)  
Market
  Stations   City of License   Frequency     of License   Class   (in feet)     Day     Night  
 
Abilene, TX
  KBCY FM   Tye, TX     99.7     August 1, 2013   C1     745       100       100  
    KCDD FM   Hamlin, TX     103.7     August 1, 2013   C0     984       100       100  
    KHXS FM   Merkel, TX     102.7     August 1, 2013   C1     745       99.2       99.2  
    KTLT FM   Anson, TX     98.1     August 1, 2013   C2     305       50       50  
Albany, GA
  WALG AM   Albany, GA     1590     April 1, 2012   B     N/A       5       1  
    WEGC FM   Sasser, GA     107.7     April 1, 2012   C3     312       11.5       11.5  
    WGPC AM   Albany, GA     1450     April 1, 2012   C     N/A       1       1  
    WJAD FM   Leesburg, GA     103.5     April 1, 2012   C3     463       12.5       12.5  
    WKAK FM   Albany, GA     104.5     April 1, 2012   C1     981       100       100  
    WNUQ FM   Sylvester, GA     102.1     April 1, 2012   A     259       6       6  
    WQVE FM   Albany, GA     101.7     April 1, 2012   A     299       6       6  
Amarillo, TX
  KARX FM   Claude, TX     95.7     August 1, 2013   C1     390       100       100  
    KPUR AM   Amarillo, TX     1440     August 1, 2013   B     N/A       5       1  
    KPUR FM   Canyon, TX     107.1     August 1, 2013   A     315       6       6  
    KQIZ FM   Amarillo, TX     93.1     August 1, 2013   C1     699       100       100  
    KZRK AM   Canyon, TX     1550     August 1, 2013   B     N/A       1       0.2  
    KZRK FM   Canyon, TX     107.9     August 1, 2013   C1     476       100       100  
Ann Arbor, MI
  WLBY AM   Saline, MI     1290     October 1, 2012   D     N/A       0.5       0  
    WQKL FM   Ann Arbor, MI     107.1     October 1, 2012   A     289       3.0       3.0  
    WTKA AM   Ann Arbor, MI     1050     October 1, 2012   B     N/A       10       0.5  
    WWWW FM   Ann Arbor, MI     102.9     October 1, 2012   B     499       49       42  
Appleton, WI
  WNAM AM   Neenah Menasha, WI     1280     December 1, 2012   B     N/A       5       5  
    WOSH AM   Oshkosh, WI     1490     December 1, 2012   C     N/A       1       1  
    WPKR FM   Omro, WI     99.5     December 1, 2012   C2     495       25       25  
    WVBO FM   Winneconne, WI     103.9     December 1, 2012   C3     328       25       25  
Atlanta, GA
  W250BC   Riverdale, GA     97.9     April 1, 2012   D     991       0.3       0.3  
Bangor, ME
  WBZN FM   Old Town, ME     107.3     April 1, 2014   C2     436       50       50  
    WDEA AM   Ellsworth, ME     1370     April 1, 2014   B     787       20       20  
    WEZQ FM   Bangor, ME     92.9     April 1, 2014   B     787       20       20  
    WQCB FM   Brewer, ME     106.5     April 1, 2014   C     1079       100       100  
    WWMJ FM   Ellsworth, ME     95.7     April 1, 2014   B     997       0.9       0.9  
Battle Creek, MI
  WBCK FM   Battle Creek, MI     95.3     October 1, 2012   A     269       3       3  
    WBXX FM   Marshall, MI     104.9     October 1, 2012   A     328       6       6  
Beaumont, TX
  KAYD FM   Silsbee, TX     101.7     August 1, 2013   C3     503       10.5       10.5  
    KBED AM   Nederland, TX     1510     August 1, 2013   D     N/A       5       0  
    KIKR AM   Beaumont, TX     1450     August 1, 2013   C     N/A       1       1  
    KQXY FM   Beaumont, TX     94.1     August 1, 2013   C1     600       100       100  
    KSTB FM   Crystal Beach, TX     101.5     August 1, 2013   A     184       6       6  
    KTCX FM   Beaumont, TX     102.5     August 1, 2013   C2     492       50       50  
Bismarck, ND
  KACL FM   Bismarck, ND     98.7     April 1, 2013   C1     837       100       100  
    KBYZ FM   Bismarck, ND     96.5     April 1, 2013   C1     963       100       100  
    KKCT FM   Bismarck, ND     97.5     April 1, 2013   C1     837       100       100  
    KLXX AM   Bismarck, ND     1270     April 1, 2013   B     N/A       1       0.3  
    KUSB FM   Hazelton, ND     103.3     April 1, 2013   C1     965       100       100  


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                          Height
             
                          Above
             
                          Average
    Power
 
                  Expiration Date
  FCC
  Terrain
    (in Kilowatts)  
Market
  Stations   City of License   Frequency     of License   Class   (in feet)     Day     Night  
 
Blacksburg, VA
  WBRW FM   Blacksburg, VA     105.3     October 1, 2011   C3     479       12       12  
    WFNR AM   Blacksburg, VA     710     October 1, 2011   D     N/A       10       0  
    WNMX FM   Christiansburg, VA     100.7     October 1, 2011   A     886       0.8       0.8  
    WPSK FM   Pulaski, VA     107.1     October 1, 2011   C3     1207       1.8       1.8  
    WRAD AM   Radford, VA     1460     October 1, 2011   B     N/A       5       0.5  
    WWBU FM   Radford, VA     101.7     October 1, 2011   A     66       5.8       5.8  
Bridgeport, CT
  WEBE FM   Westport, CT     107.9     April 1, 2014   B     384       50       50  
    WICC AM   Bridgeport, CT     600     April 1, 2014   B     N/A       1       0.5  
Canton, OH
  WRQK FM   Canton, OH     106.9     October 1, 2012   B     341       27.5       27.5  
Cedar Rapids, IA
  KDAT FM   Cedar Rapids, IA     104.5     February 1, 2013   C1     551       100       100  
    KHAK FM   Cedar Rapids, IA     98.1     February 1, 2013   C1     459       100       100  
    KRNA FM   Iowa City, IA     94.1     February 1, 2013   C1     981       100       100  
    KRQN FM   Vinton, IA     107.1     February 1, 2013   A     371       4.7       4.7  
Cincinnati, OH
  WNNF FM   Cincinnati, OH     94.1     October 1, 2012   B     866       16       16  
    WOFX FM   Cincinnati, OH     92.5     October 1, 2012   B     866       16       16  
Columbia, MO
  KBBM FM   Jefferson City, MO     100.1     February 1, 2013   C2     600       33       33  
    KBXR FM   Columbia, MO     102.3     February 1, 2013   C3     856       3.5       3.5  
    KFRU AM   Columbia, MO     1400     February 1, 2013   C     N/A       1       1  
    KJMO FM   Linn, Mo     97.5     February 1, 2013   A     328       6       6  
    KLIK AM   Jefferson City, MO     1240     February 1, 2013   C     N/A       1       1  
    KOQL FM   Ashland, MO     106.1     February 1, 2013   C1     958       69       69  
    KPLA FM   Columbia, MO     101.5     February 1, 2013   C1     1063       42       42  
    KZJF FM   Jefferson City, MO     104.1     April 1, 2013   A     348       5.3       5.3  
Columbus-Starkville, MS
  WJWF AM   Columbus, MS     1400     June 1, 2012   C     N/A       1       1  
    WKOR AM   Starkville, MS     980     June 1, 2012   D     N/A       1       0.1  
    WKOR FM   Columbus, MS     94.9     June 1, 2012   C2     492       50       50  
    WMXU FM   Starkville, MS     106.1     June 1, 2012   C2     502       40       40  
    WNMQ FM   Columbus, MS     103.1     June 1, 2012   C2     755       22       22  
    WSMS FM   Artesia, MS     99.9     June 1, 2012   C2     505       47       47  
    WSSO AM   Starkville, MS     1230     June 1, 2012   C     N/A       1       1  
Danbury, CT
  WDBY FM   Patterson, NY     105.5     June 1, 2014   A     610       0.9       0.9  
    WINE AM   Brookfield, CT     940     April 1, 2014   D     N/A       0.7       0  
    WPUT AM   Brewster, NY     1510     June 1, 2014   D     N/A       1       0  
    WRKI FM   Brookfield, CT     95.1     April 1, 2014   B     636       29.5       29.5  
Dubuque, IA
  KLYV FM   Dubuque, IA     105.3     February 1, 2013   C2     348       50       50  
    KXGE FM   Dubuque, IA     102.3     February 1, 2013   A     308       2       2  
    WDBQ AM   Dubuque, IA     1490     February 1, 2013   C     N/A       1       1  
    WDBQ FM   Galena, IL     107.5     December 1, 2012   A     328       6       6  
    WJOD FM   Asbury, IA     103.3     February 1, 2013   C3     643       6.6       6.6  
Eugene, OR
  KEHK FM   Brownsville, OR     102.3     February 1, 2014   C1     919       100       43  
    KNRQ FM   Eugene, OR     97.9     February 1, 2014   C     1010       100       75  
    KSCR AM   Eugene, OR     1320     February 1, 2014   D     N/A       1       0  
    KUGN AM   Eugene, OR     590     February 1, 2014   B     N/A       5       5  
    KUJZ FM   Creswell, OR     95.3     February 1, 2014   C3     1207       0.6       0.6  
    KZEL FM   Eugene, OR     96.1     February 1, 2014   C     1093       100       43  
Faribault-Owatonna, MN
  KDHL AM   Faribault, MN     920     April 1, 2013   B     N/A       5       5  
    KQCL FM   Faribault, MN     95.9     April 1, 2013   A     328       3       3  
    KRFO AM   Owatonna, MN     1390     April 1, 2013   D     N/A       0.5       0.1  
    KRFO FM   Owatonna, MN     104.9     April 1, 2013   A     174       4.7       4.7  

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                          Height
             
                          Above
             
                          Average
    Power
 
                  Expiration Date
  FCC
  Terrain
    (in Kilowatts)  
Market
  Stations   City of License   Frequency     of License   Class   (in feet)     Day     Night  
 
Fayetteville, AR
  KAMO FM   Rogers, AR     94.3     June 1, 2012   C2     692       25       25  
    KFAY AM   Farmington, AR     1030     June 1, 2012   B     N/A       10       1  
    KQSM FM   Fayetteville, AR     92.1     June 1, 2012   C3     531       7.6       7.6  
    KMCK FM   Siloam Springs, AR     105.7     June 1, 2012   C1     476       100       100  
    KKEG FM   Bentonville, AR     98.3     June 1, 2012   C1     617       100       100  
    KYNF FM   Prairie Grove, AR     94.9     June 1, 2012   C2     761       21       21  
    KYNG AM   Springdale, AR     1590     June 1, 2012   D     N/A       2.5       0.1  
Fayetteville, NC
  WFNC AM   Fayetteville, NC     640     December 1, 2011   B     N/A       10       1  
    WFVL FM   Lumberton, NC     102.3     December 1, 2011   A     269       6       6  
    WMGU FM   Southern Pines, NC     106.9     December 1, 2011   C2     469       50       50  
    WQSM FM   Fayetteville, NC     98.1     December 1, 2011   C1     830       100       100  
    WRCQ FM   Dunn, NC     103.5     December 1, 2011   C2     502       48       48  
Flint, MI
  WDZZ FM   Flint, MI     92.7     October 1, 2012   A     328       3       3  
    WRSR FM   Owosso, MI     103.9     October 1, 2012   A     482       2.9       2.9  
    WWCK AM   Flint, MI     1570     October 1, 2012   D     N/A       1       0.2  
    WWCK FM   Flint, MI     105.5     October 1, 2012   B1     328       25       25  
Florence, SC
  WBZF FM   Hartsville, SC     98.5     December 1, 2011   A     328       6       6  
    WCMG FM   Latta, SC     94.3     December 1, 2011   C3     502       10.5       10.5  
    WHLZ FM   Marion, SC     100.5     December 1, 2011   C3     328       25       25  
    WHSC AM   Hartsville, SC     1450     December 1, 2011   C     N/A       1       1  
    WMXT FM   Pamplico, SC     102.1     December 1, 2011   C2     479       50       50  
    WWFN FM   Lake City, SC     100.1     December 1, 2011   A     433       3.3       3.3  
    WYMB AM   Manning, SC     920     December 1, 2011   B     N/A       2.3       1  
    WYNN AM   Florence, SC     540     December 1, 2011   D     N/A       0.3       0.2  
    WYNN FM   Florence, SC     106.3     December 1, 2011   A     328       6       6  
Fort Smith, AR
  KBBQ FM   Van Buren, AR     102.7     June 1, 2012   C2     574       17       17  
    KLSZ FM   Fort Smith, AR     100.7     June 1, 2012   C2     459       50       50  
    KOAI AM   Van Buren, AR     1060     June 1, 2012   D     N/A       0.5       0  
    KOMS FM   Poteau, OK     107.3     June 1, 2013   C     1893       100       100  
Fort Walton Beach, FL
  WFTW AM   Ft Walton Beach, FL     1260     February 1, 2012   D     N/A       2.5       0.1  
    WKSM FM   Ft Walton Beach, FL     99.5     February 1, 2012   C2     438       50       50  
    WNCV FM   Shalimar, FL     100.3     April 1, 2012   A     440       3.5       3.5  
    WYZB FM   Mary Esther, FL     105.5     February 1, 2012   C3     305       25       25  
    WZNS FM   Ft Walton Beach, FL     96.5     February 1, 2012   C1     438       100       100  
Grand Junction, CO
  KBKL FM   Grand Junction, CO     107.9     April 1, 2013   C     1460       100       100  
    KEKB FM   Fruita, CO     99.9     April 1, 2013   C     1542       79       79  
    KDBN FM   Parachute, CO     101.1     April 1, 2014   A     —1397       0.2       0.2  
    KEXO AM   Grand Junction, CO     1230     April 1, 2013   C     N/A       1       1  
    KKNN FM   Delta, CO     95.1     April 1, 2013   C     1424       100       100  
    KMXY FM   Grand Junction, CO     104.3     April 1, 2013   C     1460       100       100  
Green Bay, WI
  WDUZ AM   Green Bay, WI     1400     December 1, 2012   C     N/A       1       1  
    WDUZ FM   Brillion, WI     107.5     December 1, 2012   C3     879       3.6       3.6  
    WOGB FM   Kaukauna, WI     103.1     December 1, 2012   C3     879       3.6       3.6  
    WPCK FM   Denmark, WI     104.9     December 1, 2012   C3     515       10       10  
    WQLH FM   Green Bay, WI     98.5     December 1, 2012   C1     499       100       100  
Harrisburg, PA
  WHGB AM   Harrisburg, PA     1400     August 1, 2014   C     N/A       1       1  
    WNNK FM   Harrisburg, PA     104.1     August 1, 2014   B     699       20.5       20.5  
    WTPA FM   Mechanicsburg, PA     93.5     August 1, 2014   A     719       1.3       1.3  
    WWKL FM   Palmyra, PA     92.1     August 1, 2014   A     601       1.5       1.5  

15


Table of Contents

                                                 
                          Height
             
                          Above
             
                          Average
    Power
 
                  Expiration Date
  FCC
  Terrain
    (in Kilowatts)  
Market
  Stations   City of License   Frequency     of License   Class   (in feet)     Day     Night  
 
Huntsville, AL
  WHRP FM   Gurley, AL     94.1     April 1, 2012   A     945       0.7       0.7  
    WUMP AM   Madison, AL     730     April 1, 2012   D     N/A       1       0.1  
    WVNN AM   Athens, AL     770     April 1, 2012   B     N/A       7       0.3  
    WVNN FM   Trinity, AL     92.5     April 1, 2012   A     423       3.1       3.1  
    WWFF FM   New Market, AL     93.3     April 1, 2012   C2     914       14.5       14.5  
    WZYP FM   Athens, AL     104.3     April 1, 2012   C     1115       100       100  
Kalamazoo, MI
  WKFR FM   Battle Creek, MI     103.3     October 1, 2012   B     482       50       50  
    WKMI AM   Kalamazoo, MI     1360     October 1, 2012   B     N/A       5       1  
    WRKR FM   Portage, MI     107.7     October 1, 2012   B     486       50       50  
Killeen-Temple, TX
  KLTD FM   Temple, TX     101.7     August 1, 2013   C3     410       16.5       16.5  
    KOOC FM   Belton, TX     106.3     August 1, 2013   C3     489       11.5       11.5  
    KSSM FM   Copperas Cove, TX     103.1     August 1, 2012   C3     558       8.6       8.6  
    KTEM AM   Temple, TX     1400     August 1, 2013   C     N/A       1       1  
    KUSJ FM   Harker Heights, TX     105.5     August 1, 2013   C2     600       33       33  
Lake Charles, LA
  KAOK AM   Lake Charles, LA     1400     June, 1 2012   C     N/A       1       1  
    KBIU FM   Lake Charles, LA     103.3     June 1, 2012   C2     479       35       35  
    KKGB FM   Sulphur, LA     101.3     June 1, 2012   C3     479       12       12  
    KQLK FM   DeRidder, LA     97.9     June 1, 2012   C2     492       50       50  
    KXZZ AM   Lake Charles, LA     1580     June 1, 2012   B     N/A       1       1  
    KYKZ FM   Lake Charles, LA     96.1     June 1, 2012   C1     479       100       100  
Lexington, KY
  WCYN-FM   Cynthiana, KY     102.3     August 1, 2012   A     400       3.4       3.4  
    WLTO FM   Nicholasville, KY     102.5     August 1, 2012   A     373       4.6       4.6  
    WLXX FM   Lexington, KY     92.9     August 1, 2012   C1     850       100       100  
    WVLK AM   Lexington, KY     590     August 1, 2012   B     N/A       5       1  
    WVLK FM   Richmond, KY     101.5     August 1, 2012   C3     541       9       9  
    WXZZ FM   Georgetown, KY     103.3     August 1, 2012   A     328       6       6  
Macon, GA
  WAYS AM   Macon, GA     1500     April 1, 2012   D     N/A       1       0  
    WDDO AM   Macon, GA     1240     April 1, 2012   C     N/A       1       1  
    WDEN FM   Macon, GA     99.1     April 1, 2012   C1     581       100       100  
    WROK FM   Macon, GA     105.5     April 1, 2012   C3     659       6.1       6.1  
    WLZN FM   Macon, GA     92.3     April 1, 2012   A     328       3       3  
    WMAC AM   Macon, GA     940     April 1, 2012   B     N/A       50       10  
    WMGB FM   Montezuma, GA     95.1     April 1, 2012   C2     390       46       46  
    WPEZ FM   Jeffersonville, GA     93.7     April 1, 2012   C1     679       100       100  
Melbourne, FL
  WAOA FM   Melbourne, FL     107.1     February 1, 2012   C1     486       100       100  
    WHKR FM   Rockledge, FL     102.7     February 1, 2012   C2     433       50       50  
    WINT AM   Melbourne, FL     1560     February 1, 2012   D     N/A       5       0  
    WSJZ FM   Sebastian, FL     95.9     February 1, 2012   C3     289       25       25  
Mobile, AL
  WBLX FM   Mobile, AL     92.9     April 1, 2012   C     1708       98       98  
    WDLT FM   Chickasaw, AL     98.3     April 1, 2012   C2     548       40       40  
    WGOK AM   Mobile, AL     900     April 1, 2012   B     N/A       1       0.4  
    WXQW AM   Fairhope, AL     660     April 1, 2012   B     N/A       10       0.9  
    WYOK FM   Atmore, AL     104.1     April 1, 2012   C     1708       98       98  
Monroe, MI
  WTWR FM   Luna Pier, MI     98.3     October 1, 2012   A     443       3.4       3.4  

16


Table of Contents

                                                 
                          Height
             
                          Above
             
                          Average
    Power
 
                  Expiration Date
  FCC
  Terrain
    (in Kilowatts)  
Market
  Stations   City of License   Frequency     of License   Class   (in feet)     Day     Night  
 
Montgomery, AL
  WHHY FM   Montgomery, AL     101.9     April 1, 2012   C0     1096       100       100  
    WLWI AM   Montgomery, AL     1440     April 1, 2012   B     N/A       5       1  
    WLWI FM   Montgomery, AL     92.3     April 1, 2012   C     1096       100       100  
    WMSP AM   Montgomery, AL     740     April 1, 2012   B     N/A       10       0.2  
    WMXS FM   Montgomery, AL     103.3     April 1, 2012   C     1096       100       100  
    WNZZ AM   Montgomery, AL     950     April 1, 2012   D     N/A       1       0  
    WXFX FM   Prattville, AL     95.1     April 1, 2012   C2     476       50       50  
Myrtle Beach, SC
  WDAI FM   Pawley’s Island, SC     98.5     December 1, 2011   C3     666       6.1       6.1  
    WIQB AM   Conway, SC     1050     December 1, 2011   B     N/A       5       0.5  
    WJXY FM   Conway, SC     93.9     December 1, 2011   A     420       3.7       3.7  
    WLFF FM   Georgetown, SC     106.5     December 1, 2011   C2     492       50       50  
    WSEA FM   Atlantic Beach, SC     100.3     December 1, 2011   C3     476       12       12  
    WSYN FM   Surfside Beach, SC     103.1     December 1, 2011   C3     528       8       8  
    WXJY FM   Georgetown, SC     93.7     December 1, 2011   A     315       6       6  
Nashville, TN
  WNFN FM   Millersville, TN     106.7     August 1, 2012   C3     966       3       3  
    WQQK FM   Goodlettsville, TN     92.1     August 1, 2012   A     461       3.1       3.1  
    WRQQ FM   Belle Meade, TN     97.1     August 1, 2012   C2     517       44.4       44.4  
    WSM FM   Nashville, TN     95.5     August 1, 2012   C     1280       100       100  
    WWTN FM   Hendersonville, TN     99.7     August 1, 2012   C0     1296       100       100  
Odessa-Midland, TX
  KBAT FM   Monahans, TX     99.9     August 1, 2013   C1     574       100       100  
    KGEE FM   Pecos, TX     97.3     August 1, 2014   A     70       0.3       0.3  
    KMND AM   Midland, TX     1510     August 1, 2013   D     N/A       2.4       0  
    KNFM FM   Midland, TX     92.3     August 1, 2013   C     984       100       100  
    KODM FM   Odessa, TX     97.9     August 1, 2013   C1     361       100       100  
    KRIL AM   Odessa, TX     1410     August 1, 2013   B     N/A       0.9       0.2  
    KZBT FM   Midland, TX     93.3     August 1, 2013   C1     440       100       100  
Oxnard-Ventura, CA
  KBBY FM   Ventura, CA     95.1     December 1, 2013   B     876       12.5       12.5  
    KHAY FM   Ventura, CA     100.7     December 1, 2013   B     1211       39       39  
    KVEN AM   Ventura, CA     1450     December 1, 2013   C     N/A       1       1  
    KVYB FM   Santa Barbara, CA     103.3     December 1, 2013   B     2969       105       105  
Pensacola, FL
  WCOA AM   Pensacola, FL     1370     February 1, 2012   B     N/A       5       5  
    WJLQ FM   Pensacola, FL     100.7     February 1, 2012   C     1708       98       98  
    WRRX FM   Gulf Breeze, FL     106.1     February 1, 2012   A     407       3.9       3.9  
Poughkeepsie, NY
  WALL AM   Middletown, NY     1340     June 1, 2014   C     N/A       1       1  
    WCZX FM   Hyde Park, NY     97.7     June 1, 2014   A     1030       0.3       0.3  
    WEOK AM   Poughkeepsie, NY     1390     June 1, 2014   D     N/A       5       0.1  
    WKNY AM   Kingston, NY     1490     June 1, 2014   C     N/A       1       1  
    WKXP FM   Kingston, NY     94.3     June 1, 2014   A     545       2.3       2.3  
    WPDA FM   Jeffersonville, NY     106.1     June 1, 2014   A     627       1.6       1.6  
    WPDH FM   Poughkeepsie, NY     101.5     June 1, 2014   B     1539       4.4       4.4  
    WRRB FM   Arlington, NY     96.9     June 1, 2014   A     1007       0.3       0.3  
    WRRV FM   Middletown, NY     92.7     February 1, 2013   A     269       6       6  
    WZAD FM   Wurtsboro, NY     97.3     June 1, 2014   A     719       0.6       0.6  
Quad Cities, IA
  KBEA FM   Muscatine, IA     99.7     February 1, 2013   C1     869       100       100  
    KBOB FM   DeWitt, IA     104.9     February 1, 2013   C3     469       12.5       12.5  
    KJOC AM   Davenport, IA     1170     February 1, 2013   B     N/A       1       1  
    KQCS FM   Bettendorf, IA     93.5     February 1, 2013   A     318       6       6  
    WXLP FM   Moline, IL     96.9     December 1, 2012   B     499       50       50  

17


Table of Contents

                                                 
                          Height
             
                          Above
             
                          Average
    Power
 
                  Expiration Date
  FCC
  Terrain
    (in Kilowatts)  
Market
  Stations   City of License   Frequency     of License   Class   (in feet)     Day     Night  
 
Rochester, MN
  KLCX FM   Eyota, MN     103.9     April 1, 2013   A     567       1.3       1.3  
    KFIL AM   Preston, MN     1060     April 1, 2013   D     N/A       1       0  
    KFIL FM   Chatfield, MN     103.1     April 1, 2013   C3     522       3.5       3.5  
    KDZZ FM   Saint Charles, MN     107.7     April 1, 2013   A     571       2       2  
    KOLM AM   Rochester, MN     1520     April 1, 2013   B     N/A       10       0.8  
    KROC AM   Rochester, MN     1340     April 1, 2013   C     N/A       1       1  
    KROC FM   Rochester, MN     106.9     April 1, 2013   C0     1109       100       100  
    KVGO FM   Spring Valley, MN     104.3     April 1, 2013   C3     512       10       10  
    KWWK FM   Rochester, MN     96.5     April 1, 2013   C2     528       43       43  
    KYBA FM   Stewartville, MN     105.3     April 1, 2013   C2     492       50       50  
Rockford, IL
  WKGL FM   Loves Park, IL     96.7     December 1, 2012   A     551       2.2       2.2  
    WROK AM   Rockford, IL     1440     December 1, 2012   B     N/A       5       0.3  
    WXXQ FM   Freeport, IL     98.5     December 1, 2012   B1     492       11       11  
    WZOK FM   Rockford, IL     97.5     December 1, 2012   B     452       50       50  
Santa Barbara, CA
  KMGQ FM   Goleta, CA     106.3     December 1, 2013   A     827       0.1       0.1  
    KRUZ FM   Santa Barbara, CA     97.5     December 1, 2013   B     2920       17.5       17.5  
Savannah, GA
  WBMQ AM   Savannah, GA     630     April 1, 2012   D     N/A       4.8       0  
    WEAS FM   Springfield, GA     93.1     April 1, 2012   C1     981       100       100  
    WIXV FM   Savannah, GA     95.5     April 1, 2012   C1     988       98       98  
    WJCL FM   Savannah, GA     96.5     April 1, 2012   C     1161       100       100  
    WJLG AM   Savannah, GA     900     April 1, 2012   D     N/A       4.4       0.2  
    WTYB FM   Tybee Island, GA     103.9     April 1, 2012   C2     344       50       50  
    WZAT FM   Savannah, GA     102.1     April 1, 2012   C0     1328       98       98  
Shreveport, LA
  KMJJ FM   Shreveport, LA     99.7     June 1, 2012   C2     463       50       50  
    KQHN FM   Waskom, TX     97.3     August 1, 2013   C2     533       42       42  
    KRMD AM   Shreveport, LA     1340     June 1, 2012   C     N/A       1       1  
    KRMD FM   Oil City, LA     101.1     June 1, 2012   C0     1134       97.7       97.7  
    KVMA FM   Shreveport, LA     102.9     June 1, 2012   C2     535       42       42  
Sioux Falls, SD
  KDEZ FM   Brandon, SD     100.1     April 1, 2013   A     558       2.2       2.2  
    KIKN FM   Salem, SD     100.5     April 1, 2013   C1     941       100       100  
    KKLS FM   Sioux Falls, SD     104.7     April 1, 2013   C1     981       100       100  
    KMXC FM   Sioux Falls, SD     97.3     April 1, 2013   C1     840       100       100  
    KSOO AM   Sioux Falls, SD     1140     April 1, 2013   B     N/A       10       5  
    KSOO FM   Lennox, SD     99.1     April 1, 2013   C3     328       25       25  
    KXRB AM   Sioux Falls, SD     1000     April 1, 2013   D     N/A       10       0.1  
    KYBB FM   Canton, SD     102.7     April 1, 2013   C2     486       50       50  
Tallahassee, FL
  WBZE FM   Tallahassee, FL     98.9     February 1, 2012   C1     604       99.2       99.2  
    WGLF FM   Tallahassee, FL     104.1     February 1, 2012   C0     1411       92.2       92.2  
    WHBT AM   Tallahassee, FL     1410     February 1, 2012   D     N/A       5       0  
    WHBX FM   Tallahassee, FL     96.1     February 1, 2012   C2     479       37       37  
    WWLD FM   Cairo, GA     102.3     April 1, 2013   C2     604       27       27  
Toledo, OH
  WKKO FM   Toledo, OH     99.9     October 1, 2012   B     500       50       50  
    WLQR AM   Toledo, OH     1470     October 1, 2012   B     N/A       1       1  
    WRQN FM   Bowling Green, OH     93.5     October 1, 2012   B1     397       7       7  
    WLQR FM   Delta, OH     106.5     October 1, 2012   A     367       4.8       4.8  
    WTOD AM   Toledo, OH     1560     October 1, 2012   D     N/A       5       0  
    WWWM FM   Sylvania, OH     105.5     October 1, 2012   A     390       4.3       4.3  
    WXKR FM   Port Clinton, OH     94.5     October 1, 2012   B     617       30       30  

18


Table of Contents

                                                 
                          Height
             
                          Above
             
                          Average
    Power
 
                  Expiration Date
  FCC
  Terrain
    (in Kilowatts)  
Market
  Stations   City of License   Frequency     of License   Class   (in feet)     Day     Night  
 
Topeka, KS
  KDVB-FM   Effingham, KS     96.9     June 1, 2013   A     227       0.1       0.1  
    KDVV FM   Topeka, KS     100.3     June 1, 2013   C     984       100       100  
    KMAJ AM   Topeka, KS     1440     June 1, 2013   B     N/A       5       1  
    KMAJ FM   Carbondale, KS     107.7     June 1, 2013   C1     772       53       53  
    KTOP FM   St. Marys, KS     102.9     June 1, 2013   C2     598       30       30  
    KRWP FM   Stockton, MO     107.7     February 1, 2013   C3     479       11.7       11.7  
    KTOP AM   Topeka, KS     1490     June 1, 2013   C     N/A       1       1  
    KWIC FM   Topeka, KS     99.3     June 1, 2013   C3     538       6.8       6.8  
Waterloo, IA
  KCRR FM   Grundy Center, IA     97.7     February 1, 2013   C3     407       16       16  
    KKHQ FM   Oelwein, IA     92.3     February 1, 2013   C     991       100       100  
    KOEL AM   Oelwein, IA     950     February 1, 2013   B     N/A       5       0.5  
    KOEL FM   Cedar Falls, IA     98.5     February 1, 2013   C3     423       15       15  
Westchester, NY
  WFAF FM   Mount Kisco, NY     106.3     June 1, 2014   A     443       1       1  
    WFAS AM   White Plains, NY     1230     June 1, 2014   C     N/A       1       1  
    WFAS FM   Bronxville, NY     103.9     June 1, 2014   A     667       0.6       0.6  
Wichita Falls, TX
  KLUR FM   Wichita Falls, TX     99.9     August 1, 2013   C1     808       100       100  
    KOLI FM   Electra, TX     94.9     August 1, 2013   C2     492       50       50  
    KQXC FM   Wichita Falls, TX     103.9     August 1, 2013   C2     807       19       19  
    KYYI FM   Burkburnett, TX     104.7     August 1, 2013   C1     1017       92       92  
Wilmington, NC
  WAAV AM   Leland, NC     980     December 1, 2011   B     N/A       5       5  
    WGNI FM   Wilmington, NC     102.7     December 1, 2011   C1     981       100       100  
    WKXS FM   Leland, NC     94.5     December 1, 2011   A     416       3.8       3.8  
    WMNX FM   Wilmington, NC     97.3     December 1, 2011   C1     884       100       100  
    WWQQ FM   Wilmington, NC     101.3     December 1, 2011   C2     545       40       40  
Youngstown, OH
  WBBW AM   Youngstown, OH     1240     October 1, 2012   C     N/A       1       1  
    WHOT FM   Youngstown, OH     101.1     October 1, 2012   B     705       24.5       24.5  
    WLLF FM   Mercer, PA     96.7     August 1, 2014   A     486       1.4       1.4  
    WPIC AM   Sharon, PA     790     August 1, 2014   D     N/A       1.3       0.1  
    WQXK FM   Salem, OH     105.1     October 1, 2012   B     446       88       88  
    WSOM AM   Salem, OH     600     October 1, 2012   D     N/A       1       0  
    WWIZ FM   Mercer, PA     103.9     August 1, 2014   A     295       6       6  
    WYFM FM   Sharon, PA     102.9     August 1, 2014   B     604       33       33  
 
Regulatory Approvals
 
The Communications Laws prohibit the assignment or transfer of control of a broadcast license without the prior approval of the FCC. In determining whether to grant an application for assignment or transfer of control of a broadcast license, the Communications Act requires the FCC to find that the assignment or transfer would serve the public interest. The FCC considers a number of factors in making this determination, including (1) compliance with various rules limiting common ownership of media properties, (2) the financial and “character” qualifications of the assignee or transferee (including those parties holding an “attributable” interest in the assignee or transferee), (3) compliance with the Communications Act’s foreign ownership restrictions, and (4) compliance with other Communications Laws, including those related to programming and filing requirements.
 
As discussed in greater detail below, the FCC may also review the effect of proposed assignments and transfers of broadcast licenses on economic competition and diversity. See “— Antitrust and Market Concentration Considerations”.
 
We had two assignment applications, approved by the FCC, that were subject of an application for review filed with the FCC by Qantum. The applications proposed the exchange of two of our FM stations in the Fort Walton Beach, Florida market for two other stations in that market owned by Star, including WTKE-FM. Qantum has some

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radio stations in the market and had a 2003 contract to acquire WTKE-FM from Star that Qantum said was still in effect. Qantum also complained to the FCC that the swaps would give us an unfair competitive advantage (because the stations we would acquire reach more people than the station we would be giving up). Despite the pendency of Qantum’s objection, we closed on one of the acquisitions (WPGG-FM). However Qantum initiated litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Star with respect to WTKE-FM and secured a court decision that required the sale of the station to Qantum instead of us. That decision was affirmed on appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and Qantum acquired WTKE-FM in November 2009. We do not believe that our inability to make the exchange for WTKE-FM will have a material adverse impact on our overall operations taken as a whole.
 
Qantum also filed an opposition to the proposal of the former licensee of WPGG-FM to relocate that station from Evergreen, Alabama, to Shalimar, Florida, which is in the Fort Walton Beach, Florida market (where Qantum also has stations). The FCC staff granted the proposal and rejected Qantum’s reconsideration petition (which was filed before we acquired WPGG-FM). Qantum filed an appeal asking the full Commission to reverse the FCC staff’s decision. After Qantum filed that appeal, we acquired WPGG-FM and changed the call sign to WNCV-FM. As the new licensee of the station, we filed an opposition to Qantum’s appeal challenging the relocation of the station to Shalimar, Florida. The matter is still pending before the FCC, and we cannot predict the outcome. Final resolution of the case could take years. It is possible that the FCC could ultimately require that the station be relocated back to Evergreen, Alabama. We do not believe that any such decision would have a material adverse impact on our overall operations taken as a whole.
 
Ownership Matters
 
The Communications Act restricts us from having more than one-fourth of our capital stock owned or voted by non-United States persons, foreign governments or non-United States corporations. We are required to take appropriate steps to monitor the citizenship of our stockholders, such as through representative samplings on a periodic basis, to provide a reasonable basis for certifying compliance with the foreign ownership restrictions of the Communications Act.
 
The Communications Laws also generally restrict (1) the number of radio stations one person or entity may own, operate or control in a local market, (2) the common ownership, operation or control of radio broadcast stations and television broadcast stations serving the same local market, and (3) except in the 20 largest designated market areas (“DMAs”), the common ownership, operation or control of a radio broadcast station and a daily newspaper serving the same local market.
 
None of these multiple and cross ownership rules requires any change in our current ownership of radio broadcast stations or precludes consummation of our pending acquisitions. The Communications Laws will limit the number of additional stations that we may acquire in the future in our existing markets as well as new markets.
 
Because of these multiple and cross ownership rules, a purchaser of our voting stock who acquires an “attributable” interest in us (as discussed below) may violate the Communications Laws if such purchaser also has an attributable interest in other radio or television stations, or in daily newspapers, depending on the number and location of those radio or television stations or daily newspapers. Such a purchaser also may be restricted in the companies in which it may invest to the extent that those investments give rise to an attributable interest. If one of our attributable stockholders violates any of these ownership rules, we may be unable to obtain from the FCC one or more authorizations needed to conduct our radio station business and may be unable to obtain FCC consents for certain future acquisitions.
 
The FCC generally applies its television/radio/newspaper cross-ownership rules and its broadcast multiple ownership rules by considering the “attributable” or cognizable, interests held by a person or entity. With some exceptions, a person or entity will be deemed to hold an attributable interest in a radio station, television station or daily newspaper if the person or entity serves as an officer, director, partner, stockholder, member, or, in certain cases, a debt holder of a company that owns that station or newspaper. Whether that interest is attributable and thus subject to the FCC’s multiple ownership rules, is determined by the FCC’s attribution rules. If an interest is attributable, the FCC treats the person or entity who holds that interest as the “owner” of the radio station, television


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station or daily newspaper in question, and that interest thus counts against the person in determining compliance with the FCC’s ownership rules.
 
With respect to a corporation, officers, directors and persons or entities that directly or indirectly hold 5% or more of the corporation’s voting stock (20% or more of such stock in the case of insurance companies, investment companies, bank trust departments and certain other “passive investors” that hold such stock for investment purposes only) generally are attributed with ownership of the radio stations, television stations and daily newspapers owned by the corporation. As discussed below, participation in an LMA or a JSA also may result in an attributable interest. See “— Local Marketing Agreements” and “— Joint Sales Agreements”.
 
With respect to a partnership (or limited liability company), the interest of a general partner (or managing member) is attributable. The following interests generally are not attributable: (1) debt instruments, non-voting stock, options and warrants for voting stock, partnership interests, or membership interests that have not yet been exercised; (2) limited partnership or limited liability company membership interests where (a) the limited partner or member is not “materially involved” in the media-related activities of the partnership or limited liability company, and (b) the limited partnership agreement or limited liability company agreement expressly “insulates” the limited partner or member from such material involvement by inclusion of provisions specified in FCC rules; and (3) holders of less than 5% of an entity’s voting stock. Non-voting equity and debt interests which, in the aggregate, constitute more than 33% of a station’s “enterprise value”, which consists of the total equity and debt capitalization, are considered attributable in certain circumstances.
 
On June 2, 2003, the FCC adopted new rules and policies (the “New Rules”) which would modify the ownership rules and policies then in effect (the “Current Rules”). Among other changes, the New Rules would (1) change the methodology to determine the boundaries of radio markets, (2) require that JSAs involving radio stations (but not television stations) be deemed to be an attributable ownership interest under certain circumstances, (3) authorize the common ownership of radio stations and daily newspapers under certain specified circumstances, and (4) eliminate the procedural policy of “flagging” assignment or transfer of control applications that raised potential anticompetitive concerns (namely, those applications that would permit the buyer to control 50% or more of the radio advertising dollars in the market, or would permit two entities (including the buyer), collectively, to control 70% or more of the radio advertising dollars in the market). Certain private parties challenged the New Rules in court, and the court issued an order which prevented the New Rules from going into effect until the court issued a decision on the challenges. On June 24, 2004, the court issued a decision which upheld some of the FCC’s New Rules (for the most part, those that relate to radio) and concluded that other New Rules (for the most part, those that relate to television and newspapers) required further explanation or modification. The court left in place, however, the order which precluded all of the New Rules from going into effect. On September 3, 2004, the court issued a further order which granted the FCC’s request to allow certain New Rules relating to radio to go into effect. The New Rules that became effective (1) changed the definition of the “radio market” for those markets that are rated by Arbitron, (2) modified the Current Rules method for defining a radio market in those markets that are not rated by Arbitron, and (3) made JSAs an attributable ownership interest under certain circumstances.
 
On February 4, 2008, the FCC issued a Report and Order on Reconsideration which changed Commission rules to allow common ownership of a radio station or a television station and a daily newspaper in the top 20 DMAs and to consider waivers to allow cross- ownership of a radio or television station with a daily newspaper in other DMAs. The FCC retained all other rules related to radio ownership without change. That rule change is being challenged in court. In the meantime, the FCC is conducting other proceedings to determine whether any further changes in the broadcast ownership rules are warranted. We cannot predict the outcome of those other proceedings or whether any new rules adopted by the FCC will have a material adverse effect on us.
 
Programming and Operation
 
The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the “public interest”. To satisfy that obligation broadcasters are required by FCC rules and policies to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests and to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness. Complaints from listeners concerning a station’s programming may be filed at any time and will be considered by the FCC both at the time they are filed and in connection with a licensee’s renewal application. FCC rules also require broadcasters to


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provide equal employment opportunities (“EEO”) in the hiring of new personnel, to abide by certain procedures in advertising opportunities, to make information available on employment opportunities on their website (if they have one), and maintain certain records concerning their compliance with EEO rules. The FCC will entertain individual complaints concerning a broadcast licensee’s failure to abide by the EEO rules but also conducts random audits on broadcast licensees’ compliance with EEO rules. We have been the subject to numerous EEO audits. To date, none of those audits has disclosed any major violation that would have a material adverse effect on our operations. Stations also must follow provisions in the Communications Law that regulate, a variety of other activities, including, political advertising, the broadcast of obscene or indecent programming, sponsorship identification, the broadcast of contests and lotteries, and technical operations (including limits on radio frequency radiation).
 
On January 24, 2008, the FCC proposed the adoption of certain rules and other measures to enhance the ability of radio and television stations to provide programming responsive to the needs and interests of their respective communities. The measures proposed include the creation of community advisory boards, requiring a broadcaster to maintain a main studio in the community of license of each station it owns, and the establishment of processing guidelines in FCC rules to evaluate the nature and quantity of non-entertainment programming provided by the broadcaster. Those proposals are subject to public comment. We cannot predict at this time to what extent, if any, the FCC’s proposals will be adopted or the impact which adoption of any one or more of those proposals will have on our Company.
 
Local Marketing Agreements
 
A number of radio stations, including certain of our stations, have entered into LMAs. In a typical LMA, the licensee of a station makes available, for a fee, airtime on its station to a party which supplies programming to be broadcast during that airtime, and collects revenues from advertising aired during such programming. LMAs are subject to compliance with the antitrust laws and the Communications Laws, including the requirement that the licensee must maintain independent control over the station and, in particular, its personnel, programming, and finances. The FCC has held that such agreements do not violate the Communications Laws as long as the licensee of the station receiving programming from another station maintains ultimate responsibility for, and control over, station operations and otherwise ensures compliance with the Communications Laws.
 
A station that brokers more than 15% of the weekly programming hours on another station in its market will be considered to have an attributable ownership interest in the brokered station for purposes of the FCC’s ownership rules. As a result, a radio station may not enter into an LMA that allows it to program more than 15% of the weekly programming hours of another station in the same market that it could not own under the FCC’s multiple ownership rules.
 
Joint Sales Agreements
 
From time to time, radio stations, enter into JSAs. A typical JSA authorizes one station to sell another station’s advertising time and retain the revenue from the sale of that airtime. A JSA typically includes a periodic payment to the station whose airtime is being sold (which may include a share of the revenue being collected from the sale of airtime). Like LMAs, JSAs are subject to compliance with antitrust laws and the Communications Laws, including the requirement that the licensee must maintain independent control over the station and, in particular, its personnel, programming, and finances. The FCC has held that such agreements do not violate the Communications Laws as long as the licensee of the station whose time is being sold by another station maintains ultimate responsibility for, and control over, station operations and otherwise ensures compliance with the Communications Laws.
 
Under the FCC’s New Rules, a radio station that sells more than 15% of the weekly advertising time of another radio station in the same market will be attributed with the ownership of that other station. In that situation, a radio station cannot have a JSA with another radio station in the same market if the FCC’s ownership rules would otherwise prohibit that common ownership.
 
New Services
 
In 1997, the FCC awarded two licenses to separate entities XM Satellite Radio Holding Inc. (“XM”) and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (“Sirius”) that authorized the licensees to provide satellite-delivered digital audio radio


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services. XM and Sirius launched their respective satellite-delivered digital radio services shortly thereafter and subsequently filed an application in 2007 with the FCC proposing to merge their two operations into a single company. On August 5, 2008, the FCC released an order granting that application. Private parties filed appeals with the United States Court of Appeals, but the two companies nonetheless consummated their merger in the summer of 2008.
 
Digital technology also may be used by terrestrial radio broadcast stations on their existing frequencies. In October 2002, the FCC released a Report and Order in which it selected in-band, on channel (“IBOC”) as the technology that will permit terrestrial radio stations to introduce digital operations. The FCC now will permit operating radio stations to commence digital operation immediately on an interim basis using the IBOC systems developed by iBiquity Digital Corporation (“iBiquity”), called HD Radiotm. In March 2004, the FCC (1) approved an FM radio station’s use of two separate antennas (as opposed to a single hybrid antenna) to provide both analog and digital signals of the FM owner secured Special Temporary Authorization (“STA”) from the FCC and (2) released a Public Notice seeking comment on a proposal by the National Association of Broadcasters to allow all AM stations with nighttime service to provide digital service at night. In April 2004, the FCC inaugurated a rule making proceeding to establish technical, service, and licensing rules for digital broadcasting. On May 31, 2007, the FCC released a Second Report and Order which authorized AM stations to use an IBOC system at night, authorized FM radio stations to use separate antennas without the need for an STA, and established certain technical and service rules for digital service. The FCC also released another rulemaking notice to address other related issues. On January 29, 2010, the FCC released another Order which authorized FM radio stations to increase the power of their digital signal to 10% of the ERP of the analog signal. That Order will become effective in March 2010. The inauguration of digital broadcasts by FM and perhaps AM stations requires us to make additional expenditures. On December 21, 2004, we entered into an agreement with iBiquity pursuant to which we committed to implement HD Radiotm systems on 240 of our stations by June, 2012. In exchange for reduced license fees and other consideration, we, along with other broadcasters, purchased perpetual licenses to utilize iBiquity’s HD Radiotm technology. On March 5, 2009, we entered into an amendment to our agreement with iBiquity to reduce the number of planned conversion, extend the build-out schedule, and increase the license fees to be paid for each converted station. At this juncture, we cannot predict how successful our implementation of HD Radiotm technology within our platform will be, or how that implementation will affect our competitive position.
 
In January 2000, the FCC released a Report and Order adopting rules for a new low power FM radio service consisting of two classes of stations, one with a maximum power of 100 watts and the other with a maximum power of 10 watts. On December 11, 2007, the FCC released a Report and Order which made changes in the rules and provided further protection for low power FM radio stations and, in certain circumstances, required full power stations (like the ones owned by the Company) to provide assistance to low power FM stations in the event they are subject to interference or required to relocate their facilities to accommodate the inauguration of new or modified service by a full power radio station. The FCC has limited ownership and operation of low power FM stations to persons and entities which do not currently have an attributable interest in any FM station and has required that low power FM stations be operated on a non-commercial educational basis. The FCC has granted numerous construction permits for low power FM stations. We cannot predict what impact low power FM radio will have on our operations. Adverse effects of the new low power FM service on our operations could include interference with our stations and competition by low power stations for listeners and revenues.
 
In April 2009, the FCC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that proposed a number of changes in the FCC’s policies for allocating radio stations to particular markets and preferences that would be accorded to applicants to implement the command of Section 307(b) of the Communications Act that radio services be distributed fairly throughout the country. One set of proposals would limit the ability of companies like ours to relocate a radio station from a rural community to a community closer to or in an urban area. The FCC did not address that latter issue when it released its First Report and Order on February 3, 2010. Instead, that report and order only concerned (1) a priority to be given to American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages and their members in any auction or other distribution of radio stations to serve tribal lands and (2) certain technical changes in the processing of applications for AM radio stations. We do not expect any of those changes to have any impact on our operations. However, the FCC’s adoption of other proposals in that rulemaking proceeding could limit our options in relocating or acquiring radio stations and, to that extent, may have an adverse impact on our operations. At this juncture, however, we


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cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt any additional new rules in that proceeding and, if so, the precise impact which those new rules could have on our operations.
 
In addition, from time to time Congress and the FCC have considered, and may in the future consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect the operation, ownership and profitability of our radio stations, result in the loss of audience share and advertising revenues for our radio stations, and affect our ability to acquire additional radio stations or finance such acquisitions.
 
Antitrust and Market Concentration Considerations
 
Potential future acquisitions, to the extent they meet specified size thresholds, will be subject to applicable waiting periods and possible review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), by the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission, either of whom can be required to evaluate a transaction to determine whether that transaction should be challenged under the federal antitrust laws. Transactions are subject to the HSR Act only if the acquisition price or fair market value of the stations to be acquired is $65.2 million or more. Most of our acquisitions have not met this threshold. Acquisitions that are not required to be reported under the HSR Act may still be investigated by the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission under the antitrust laws before or after consummation. At any time before or after the consummation of a proposed acquisition, the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission could take such action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary, including seeking to enjoin the acquisition or seeking divestiture of the business acquired or certain of our other assets. The Department of Justice has reviewed numerous radio station acquisitions where an operator proposes to acquire additional stations in its existing markets or multiple stations in new markets, and has challenged a number of such transactions. Some of these challenges have resulted in consent decrees requiring the sale of certain stations, the termination of LMAs or other relief. In general, the Department of Justice has more closely scrutinized radio mergers and acquisitions resulting in local market shares in excess of 35% of local radio advertising revenues, depending on format, signal strength and other factors. There is no precise numerical rule, however, and certain transactions resulting in more than 35% revenue shares have not been challenged, while certain other transactions may be challenged based on other criteria such as audience shares in one or more demographic groups as well as the percentage of revenue share. We estimate that we have more than a 35% share of radio advertising revenues in many of our markets.
 
We are aware that the Department of Justice commenced, and subsequently discontinued, investigations of several of our prior acquisitions. The Department of Justice can be expected to continue to enforce the antitrust laws in this manner, and there can be no assurance that one or more of our pending or future acquisitions are not or will not be the subject of an investigation or enforcement action by the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission. Similarly, there can be no assurance that the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission or the FCC will not prohibit such acquisitions, require that they be restructured, or in appropriate cases, require that we divest stations we already own in a particular market. In addition, private parties may under certain circumstances bring legal action to challenge an acquisition under the antitrust laws.
 
As part of its review of certain radio station acquisitions, the Department of Justice has stated publicly that it believes that commencement of operations under LMAs, JSAs and other similar agreements customarily entered into in connection with radio station ownership assignments and transfers prior to the expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act could violate the HSR Act. In connection with acquisitions subject to the waiting period under the HSR Act, we will not commence operation of any affected station to be acquired under an LMA, a JSA, or similar agreement until the waiting period has expired or been terminated.


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Executive Officers of the Company
 
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers as of February 28, 2010:
 
             
Name
 
Age
 
Position(s)
 
Lewis W. Dickey, Jr. 
    48     Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Joseph P. Hannan
    38     Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Interim Chief Financial Officer
John G. Pinch
    61     Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer
John W. Dickey
    43     Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer
 
Lewis W. Dickey, Jr. is our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. L. Dickey has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since December 2000. Mr. Dickey was one of our founders and initial investors, and served as Executive Vice Chairman from March 1998 to December 2000. Mr. L. Dickey is a nationally regarded consultant on radio strategy and the author of The Franchise — Building Radio Brands, published by the National Association of Broadcasters, one of the industry’s leading texts on competition and strategy. Mr. L. Dickey also serves as a member of the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Board of Directors. He holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University. Mr. L. Dickey is the brother of John W. Dickey.
 
Joseph P. Hannan is our Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Interim Chief Financial Officer. He was appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer on July 1, 2009 and, effective March 3, 2010, is our Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that, he served as our Vice President and Financial Controller since joining the Company in April 2008. From May 2006 to July 2007, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the radio division of Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC) and from March 1995 to November 2005 he served in a number of executive positions including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Lambert Television, Inc., a privately held television broadcasting, production and syndication company.
 
From September 2007 to April 2008, Mr. Hannan served as a director and member of the audit and compensation committees of Regent Communications (NASDAQ: RGCI). From January 2008 to October 2009, he was a director of International Media Group, a privately held television broadcast company, and from January 2000 to November 2005, he was a director, Treasurer and Secretary of iBlast, Inc., a broadcaster owned wireless broadband company. Mr. Hannan received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.
 
John G. Pinch is our Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Pinch has served as Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer since May 2007, and prior to that served as our Chief Operating Officer since December 2000, after serving as the President of Clear Channel International Radio (“CCU International”). At CCU International, Mr. Pinch was responsible for the management of all CCU radio operations outside of the United States, which included over 300 properties in 9 countries. Mr. Pinch is a 30-year broadcast veteran and has previously served as Owner/President of WTVK-TV Ft. Myers-Naples, Florida, General Manager of WMTX-FM/WHBO-AM Tampa, Florida, General Manager/Owner of WKLH-FM Milwaukee, and General Manager of WXJY Milwaukee.
 
John W. Dickey is our Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer. Mr. J. Dickey has served as Executive Vice President since January 2000 and as Co-Chief Operating Officer since May 2007. Mr. J. Dickey joined Cumulus in 1998 and, prior to that, served as the Director of Programming for Midwestern Broadcasting from 1990 to March 1998. Mr. J. Dickey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University. Mr. J. Dickey is the brother of Lewis W. Dickey, Jr.
 
Available Information
 
Our Internet site address is www.cumulus.com. On our site, we have made available, free of charge, our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and our proxy statement. We also provide a link to an independent third-party


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Internet site, which makes available, free of charge, our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
 
Many statements contained in this report are forward-looking in nature. These statements are based on our current plans, intentions or expectations, and actual results could differ materially as we cannot guarantee that we will achieve these plans, intentions or expectations. See “— Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those specifically identified below.
 
Risks Related to Our Business
 
Our results of operations have been, and could continue to be, adversely affected by the downturn in the U.S. economy and in the local economies of the markets in which we operate.
 
Revenue generated by our radio stations depends primarily upon the sale of advertising. Advertising expenditures, which we believe to be largely a discretionary business expense, generally tend to decline during an economic recession or downturn. Furthermore, because a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from local advertisers, our ability to generate advertising revenue in specific markets is directly affected by local or regional economic conditions. Consequently, the recent recession in the national economy and the economies of several individual geographic markets in which we own or operate stations will likely continue to adversely affect our advertising revenue and, therefore, our results of operations.
 
Even with a recovery from the recent recession in the economy, an individual business sector that tends to spend more on advertising than other sectors might be forced to reduce its advertising expenditures if that sector fails to recover on pace with the overall economy. If that sector’s spending represents a significant portion of our advertising revenues, any reduction in its expenditures may affect our revenue.
 
We operate in a very competitive business environment.
 
The radio broadcasting industry is very competitive. Our stations compete for listeners and advertising revenues directly with other radio stations within their respective markets, and some of the owners of those competing stations may have greater financial resources than we do. Our stations also compete with other media, such as newspapers, magazines, cable and broadcast television, outdoor advertising, satellite radio, the Internet and direct mail. In addition, many of our stations compete with groups of two or more radio stations operated by a single operator in the same market.
 
Audience ratings and market shares fluctuate, and any adverse change in a particular market could have a material adverse effect on the revenue of stations located in that market. While we already compete with other stations with comparable programming formats in many of our markets, any one of our stations could suffer a reduction in ratings or revenue and could require increased promotion and other expenses, and, consequently, could have a lower Station Operating Income, if:
 
  •  another radio station in the market was to convert its programming format to a format similar to our station or launch aggressive promotional campaigns;
 
  •  a new station were to adopt a competitive format; or
 
  •  an existing competitor was to strengthen its operations.
 
The Telecom Act allows for the consolidation of ownership of radio broadcasting stations in the markets in which we operate or may operate in the future. Some competing consolidated owners may be larger and have substantially more financial and other resources than we do. In addition, increased consolidation in our target markets may result in greater competition for acquisition properties and a corresponding increase in purchase prices we pay for these properties.


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A decrease in our market ratings or market share can adversely affect our revenues.
 
The success of each of our radio stations, or station clusters, is primarily dependent upon its share of the overall advertising revenue within its market. Although we believe that each of our stations or clusters can compete effectively in its market, we cannot be sure that any of our stations can maintain or increase its current audience ratings or market share. In addition to competition from other radio stations and other media, shifts in population, demographics, audience tastes, casualty events, and other factors beyond our control could cause us to lose our audience ratings or market share. Our advertising revenue may suffer if any of our stations cannot maintain its audience ratings or market share.
 
We must respond to the rapid changes in technology, services and standards that characterize our industry in order to remain competitive.
 
The radio broadcasting industry is subject to technological change, evolving industry standards and the emergence of new media technologies and services. In some cases, our ability to compete will be dependent on our acquisition of new technologies and our provision of new services, and we cannot assure that we will have the resources to acquire those new technologies or provide those new services; in other cases, the introduction of new technologies and services, including online music services, could increase competition and have an adverse effect on our revenue. Recent new media technologies and services include the following:
 
  •  audio programming by cable television systems, direct broadcast satellite systems, Internet content providers (both landline and wireless), Internet-based audio radio services, smart phone and other mobile applications, satellite delivered digital audio radio service and other digital audio broadcast formats;
 
  •  HD Radiotm digital radio, which could provide multi-channel, multi-format digital radio services in the same bandwidth currently occupied by traditional AM and FM radio services; and
 
  •  low power FM radio, which could result in additional FM radio broadcast stations in markets where we have stations.
 
We also cannot assure that we will continue to have the resources to acquire other new technologies or to introduce new services that could compete with other new technologies. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that competition arising from new technologies may have on the radio broadcasting industry or on our business.
 
We face many unpredictable business risks that could have a material adverse effect on our future operations.
 
Our operations are subject to many business risks, including certain risks that specifically influence the radio broadcasting industry. These include:
 
  •  changing economic conditions, both generally and relative to the radio broadcasting industry in particular;
 
  •  shifts in population, listenership, demographics or audience tastes;
 
  •  the level of competition from existing or future technologies for advertising revenues, including, but not limited to, other radio stations, satellite radio, television stations, newspapers, the Internet, and other entertainment and communications media; and
 
  •  changes in laws as well as changes in governmental regulations and policies and actions of federal regulatory bodies, including the United States Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission and the FCC.
 
Given the inherent unpredictability of these variables, we cannot with any degree of certainty predict what effect, if any, these risks will have on our future operations. Any one or more of these variables may have a material adverse effect on our future operations.
 
There are risks associated with our acquisition strategy.
 
We intend to continue to grow through internal expansion and by acquiring radio station clusters and individual radio stations primarily in mid-size markets. We cannot predict whether we will be successful in pursuing these


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acquisitions or what the consequences of these acquisitions will be. Consummation of our pending acquisitions and any acquisitions in the future are subject to various conditions, such as compliance with FCC and antitrust regulatory requirements. The FCC requirements include:
 
  •  approval of license assignments and transfers;
 
  •  limits on the number of stations a broadcaster may own in a given local market; and
 
  •  other rules or policies, such as the ownership attribution rules, that could limit our ability to acquire stations in certain markets where one or more of our stockholders has other media interests.
 
The antitrust regulatory requirements include:
 
  •  filing with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission under the HSR Act, where applicable;
 
  •  expiration or termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act; and
 
  •  possible review by the United States Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission of antitrust issues under the HSR Act or otherwise.
 
We cannot be certain that any of these conditions will be satisfied. In addition, the FCC has asserted the authority to review levels of local radio market concentration as part of its acquisition approval process, even where proposed assignments would comply with the numerical limits on local radio station ownership in the FCC’s rules and the Communications Act.
 
Our acquisition strategy involves numerous other risks, including risks associated with:
 
  •  identifying acquisition candidates and negotiating definitive purchase agreements on satisfactory terms;
 
  •  integrating operations and systems and managing a large and geographically diverse group of stations;
 
  •  diverting our management’s attention from other business concerns;
 
  •  potentially losing key employees at acquired stations; and
 
  •  diminishing number of properties available for sale in mid-size markets.
 
We cannot be certain that we will be able to successfully integrate our acquisitions or manage the resulting business effectively, or that any acquisition will achieve the benefits that we anticipate. In addition, we are not certain that we will be able to acquire properties at valuations as favorable as those of previous acquisitions. Depending upon the nature, size and timing of potential future acquisitions, we may be required to raise additional financing in order to consummate additional acquisitions. We cannot assure that our debt agreements will permit us to consummate an acquisition or access the necessary additional financing because of certain covenant restrictions, or that additional financing will be available to us or, if available, that financing would be on terms acceptable to our management. More specifically, we are prohibited from making any station acquisitions or otherwise Permitted Acquisitions (as defined in the Credit Agreement) through the Covenant Suspension Period (as defined in the Credit Agreement) ending March 31, 2011.
 
We may be restricted in pursuing certain strategic acquisitions because of our agreement with CMP.
 
Under an agreement that we entered into with CMP and the other investors in CMP in connection with the formation of CMP, we have agreed to allow CMP the right to pursue first any business opportunity primarily involving the top-50 radio markets in the United States. We are allowed to pursue such business opportunities only after CMP has declined to pursue them. As a result, we may be limited in our ability to pursue strategic acquisitions or alternatives primarily involving large-sized markets (including opportunities that primarily involve large-sized markets but also involve mid-sized markets) that may present attractive opportunities for us in the future.


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We have written off, and could in the future be required to write off, a significant portion of the fair market value of our FCC broadcast licenses and goodwill, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
As of December 31, 2009, our FCC licenses and goodwill comprised 85.2% of our assets. Each year, and on an interim basis if appropriate, we are required by ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, to assess the fair market value of our FCC broadcast licenses and goodwill to determine whether the carrying value of those assets is impaired. During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 we recorded impairment charges of approximately $175.0 million, $498.9 million, and $230.6 million, respectively, in order to reduce the carrying value of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill to their respective fair market values. Our future impairment reviews could result in additional impairment charges. Such additional impairment charges would reduce our reported earnings for the periods in which they are recorded.
 
Disruptions in the capital and credit markets could restrict our ability to access further financing.
 
We rely in significant part on the capital and credit markets to meet our financial commitments and short-term liquidity needs if internal funds are not available from operations. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets, as have been experienced during 2009, could adversely affect our ability to draw on our credit facilities. Access to funds under those credit facilities is dependent on the ability of our lenders to meet their funding commitments. Those lenders may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests from their borrowers within a short period of time. The disruptions in capital and credit markets have also resulted in increased costs associated with bank credit facilities. Continuation of these disruptions could increase our interest expense and adversely affect our results of operations.
 
Longer term disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation, reduced alternatives or failures of significant financial institutions, could adversely affect our access to financing. Any such disruption could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding can be arranged. Such measures could include deferring capital expenditures and reducing or eliminating future uses of cash.
 
We are exposed to credit risk on our accounts receivable. This risk is heightened during periods when economic conditions worsen.
 
Our outstanding trade receivables are not covered by collateral or credit insurance. While we have procedures to monitor and limit exposure to credit risk on our trade receivables, there can be no assurance such procedures will effectively limit our credit risk and avoid losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
 
We are exposed to risk of counterparty performance to derivative transactions.
 
Although we evaluate the credit quality of potential counterparties to derivative transactions and only enter into agreements with those deemed to have minimal credit risk at the time the agreements are executed, there can be no assurances that such counterparties will be able to perform their obligations under the relevant agreements, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
 
We are dependent on key personnel.
 
Our business is managed by a small number of key management and operating personnel, and our loss of one or more of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on our business. We believe that our future success will depend in large part on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel and to expand, train and manage our employee base. We have entered into employment agreements with some of our key management personnel that include provisions restricting their ability to compete with us under specified circumstances.


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We also employ several on-air personalities with large loyal audiences in their individual markets. On occasion, we enter into employment agreements with these personalities to protect our interests in those relationships that we believe to be valuable. The loss of one or more of these personalities could result in a short-term loss of audience share in that particular market.
 
The broadcasting industry is subject to extensive and changing Federal regulation.
 
The radio broadcasting industry is subject to extensive regulation by the FCC under the Communications Act. We are required to obtain licenses from the FCC to operate our stations. Licenses are normally granted for a term of eight years and are renewable. Although the vast majority of FCC radio station licenses are routinely renewed, we cannot assure that the FCC will grant our existing or future renewal applications or that the renewals will not include conditions out of the ordinary course. The non-renewal or renewal with conditions, of one or more of our licenses could have a material adverse effect on us.
 
We must also comply with the extensive FCC regulations and policies in the ownership and operation of our radio stations. FCC regulations limit the number of radio stations that a licensee can own in a market, which could restrict our ability to acquire radio stations that would be material to our financial performance in a particular market or overall.
 
The FCC also requires radio stations to comply with certain technical requirements to limit interference between two or more radio stations. Despite those limitations, a dispute could arise whether another station is improperly interfering with the operation of one of our stations or another radio licensee could complain to the FCC that one our stations is improperly interfering with that licensee’s station. There can be no assurance as to how the FCC might resolve that dispute. These FCC regulations and others may change over time, and we cannot assure that those changes would not have a material adverse effect on us.
 
The FCC has been vigorous in its enforcement of its indecency rules against the broadcast industry, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
FCC regulations prohibit the broadcast of “obscene” material at any time, and “indecent” material between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The FCC has increased its enforcement efforts over the last few years with respect to these regulations. FCC regulatory oversight was augmented by recent legislation that substantially increased the penalties for broadcasting indecent programming (up to $325,000 for each incident), and subjected broadcasters to license revocation, renewal or qualification proceedings under certain circumstances in the event that they broadcast indecent or obscene material. However, the FCC has refrained from processing and disposing of thousands of complaints that have been filed because of uncertainty concerning the validity of prior FCC rulings, which are now being challenged in various courts. It is impossible to predict when courts will finally resolve outstanding issues and what, if any, impact those judicial decisions will have on any complaints that have been or may be filed against our stations. Whatever the impact of those judicial decisions, we may in the future become subject to new FCC inquiries or proceedings related to our stations’ broadcast of allegedly indecent or obscene material. To the extent that such an inquiry or proceeding results in the imposition of fines, a settlement with the FCC, revocation of any of our station licenses or denials of license renewal applications, our results of operation and business could be materially adversely affected.
 
We are required to obtain prior FCC approval for each radio station acquisition.
 
The acquisition of a radio station requires the prior approval of the FCC. To obtain that approval, we would have to file a transfer of control or assignment application with the FCC. The Communications Act and FCC rules allow members of the public and other interested parties to file petitions to deny or other objections to the FCC grant of any transfer or assignment application. The FCC could rely on those objections or its own initiative to deny a transfer or assignment application or to require changes in the transaction as a condition to having the application granted. The FCC could also change its existing rules and policies to reduce the number of stations that we would be permitted to acquire in some markets. For these and other reasons, there can be no assurance that the FCC will approve potential future acquisitions that we deem material to our business.


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Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
 
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, which may adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to operate our business, remain in compliance with debt covenants and make payments on our indebtedness.
 
As of December 31, 2009, our long-term debt, including the current portion, was $636.9 million, representing approximately 171.0% of our stockholders’ deficit. Our senior secured credit facilities have interest and principal repayment obligations that are substantial in amount.
 
Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences, including:
 
  •  requiring a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, therefore reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;
 
  •  exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest;
 
  •  increasing our vulnerability to general economic downturns and adverse industry conditions;
 
  •  limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;
 
  •  limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors who have less debt; and
 
  •  restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures.
 
We and our restricted subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, subject to the restrictions contained in our senior secured credit facilities. If new indebtedness is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.
 
The Credit Agreement imposes significant restrictions on us.
 
The Credit Agreement limits or restricts, among other things, our ability to:
 
  •  incur additional indebtedness or grant additional liens or security interests in our assets;
 
  •  pay dividends, make payments on certain types of indebtedness or make other restricted payments;
 
  •  make particular types of investments or enter into speculative hedging agreements;
 
  •  enter into some types of transactions with affiliates;
 
  •  merge or consolidate with any other person or make changes to our organizational documents or other material agreement to which we are a party;
 
  •  sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of our assets (except within certain limits) or enter into sale-leaseback transactions; or
 
  •  make capital expenditures beyond specific annual limitations.
 
The Credit Agreement also requires us to maintain specified financial ratios and to satisfy certain financial condition tests. Our ability to meet those financial ratios and financial condition tests can be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot be sure that we will maintain those ratios or meet those tests. A breach of any of these restrictions could result in a default under the Credit Agreement. See “— If we cannot continue to comply with the financial covenants in our debt instruments, or obtain waivers or other relief from our lenders, we may default, which could result in loss of our sources of liquidity and acceleration of our indebtedness”.


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If we cannot continue to comply with the financial covenants in our debt instruments, or obtain waivers or other relief from our lenders, we may default, which could result in loss of our sources of liquidity and acceleration of our indebtedness.
 
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, and the instruments governing such indebtedness contain restrictive financial covenants. Our ability to comply with the covenants in the Credit Agreement will depend upon our future performance and various other factors, such as business, competitive, technological, legislative and regulatory factors, some of which are beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain compliance with all of these covenants. In that event, we would need to seek an amendment to the Credit Agreement, or a refinancing of, our senior secured credit facilities. There can be no assurance that we can obtain any amendment or waiver of the Credit Agreement, or refinance our senior secured credit facilities and, even if so, it is likely that such relief would only last for a specified period, potentially necessitating additional amendments, waivers or refinancings in the future. In the event that we do not maintain compliance with the covenants under the Credit Agreement, the lenders could declare an event of default, subject to applicable notice and cure provisions, resulting in a material adverse impact on our financial position. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Agreement, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. Our lenders have taken security interests in substantially all of our consolidated assets, and we have pledged the stock of our subsidiaries to secure the debt under our credit facility. If the lenders accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we may be forced to liquidate certain assets to repay all or part of the senior secured credit facilities, and we cannot be assured that sufficient assets will remain after we have paid all of the borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities. Our ability to liquidate assets is affected by the regulatory restrictions associated with radio stations, including FCC licensing, which may make the market for these assets less liquid and increase the chances that these assets will be liquidated at a significant loss.
 
Risks Related to Our Class A Common Stock
 
The public market for our Class A Common Stock may be volatile.
 
We cannot assure that the market price of our Class A Common Stock will not decline, and the market price could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to such factors as:
 
  •  conditions and trends in the radio broadcasting industry;
 
  •  actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results, including audience share ratings and financial results;
 
  •  changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
 
  •  technological innovations;
 
  •  competitive developments;
 
  •  adoption of new accounting standards affecting companies in general or affecting companies in the radio broadcasting industry in particular; and
 
  •  general market conditions and other factors.
 
Further, the stock markets, and in particular the NASDAQ Global Select Market, on which our Class A Common Stock is listed, from time to time have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that were not necessarily related or proportionate to the operating performance of the affected companies. In addition, general economic, political and market conditions such as recessions, interest rate movements or international currency fluctuations, may adversely affect the market price of our Class A Common Stock.


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Certain stockholders control or have the ability to exert significant influence over the voting power of our capital stock.
 
As of February 25, 2010, and after giving effect to the exercise of all of their options exercisable within 60 days of that date, Lewis W. Dickey, Jr., our Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director, his brother, John W. Dickey, our Executive Vice President, and their father, Lewis W. Dickey, Sr., collectively beneficially own 11,669,524 shares, or approximately 33%, of our outstanding Class A Common Stock, and 644,871 shares, or 100%, of our outstanding Class C Common Stock, which collectively represents approximately 44% of the outstanding voting power of our common stock. Consequently, they have the ability to exert significant influence over our policies and management, subject to a voting agreement between these stockholders and us. The interests of these stockholders may differ from the interests of our other stockholders.
 
As of February 25, 2010, BA Capital Company, L.P., referred to as BA Capital, and its affiliate, Banc of America SBIC, L.P., referred to as BACI, together beneficially own 1,687,410 shares, or approximately 5%, of our Class A Common Stock and 5,809,191 shares, or 100%, of our Class B Common Stock, which is convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock. BA Capital also holds options exercisable within 60 days of February 28, 2010 to purchase 10,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock. Assuming that those options were exercised for shares of our Class A Common Stock, and giving effect to the conversion into shares of our Class A Common Stock of all shares of Class B Common Stock held by BA Capital and BACI, BA Capital and BACI would hold approximately 18% of the total voting power of our common stock. BA Capital and BACI are both affiliates of Bank of America Corporation. BA Capital has the right to designate one member of our Board and Mr. Sheridan currently serves on our Board as BA Capital’s designee. As a result, BA Capital, BACI and Mr. Sheridan have the ability to exert significant influence over our policies and management, and their interests may differ from the interests of our other stockholders.
 
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
In various places in this annual report on Form 10-K, we use statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to our future plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Although we believe that, in making any of these statements, our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, these statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from these projected. When used in this document, words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “intends”, and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those referred above to under “Risk Factors” and as otherwise described in our periodic filings with the SEC from time to time.
 
Important facts that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, certain of which are beyond our control, include:
 
  •  the impact of general economic conditions in the United States or in specific markets in which we currently do business;
 
  •  industry conditions, including existing competition and future competitive technologies;
 
  •  the popularity of radio as a broadcasting and advertising medium;
 
  •  cancellations, disruptions or postponements of advertising schedules in response to national or world events;
 
  •  our capital expenditure requirements;
 
  •  legislative or regulatory requirements;
 
  •  risks and uncertainties relating to our leverage;
 
  •  interest rates;
 
  •  our continued ability to identify suitable acquisition targets;
 
  •  consummation and integration of pending or future acquisitions; and
 
  •  access to capital markets.


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Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, we cannot be certain that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if any of them do occur, what impact they will have on us. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as required under federal securities laws. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 2.   Properties
 
The types of properties required to support each of our radio stations include offices, studios, transmitter sites and antenna sites. A station’s studios are generally housed with its offices in business districts of the station’s community of license or largest nearby community. The transmitter sites and antenna sites are generally located so as to provide maximum market coverage.
 
At December 31, 2009, we owned studio facilities in 9 of our 59 markets and we owned transmitter and antenna sites in 52 of our 59 markets. We lease additional studio and office facilities in 50 markets and additional transmitter and antenna sites in 42 markets. In addition, we lease corporate office space in Atlanta, Georgia. We do not anticipate any difficulties in renewing any facility leases or in leasing alternative or additional space, if required. We own or lease substantially all of our other equipment, consisting principally of transmitting antennae, transmitters, studio equipment and general office equipment.
 
No single property is material to our operations. We believe that our properties are generally in good condition and suitable for our operations; however, we continually look for opportunities to upgrade our studios, office space and transmission facilities.
 
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings
 
On December 11, 2008, Qantum filed a counterclaim in a foreclosure action we initiated in the Okaloosa County, Florida Circuit Court. Our action was designed to collect a debt owed to us by Star, which then owned radio station WTKE-FM in Holt, Florida. In its counterclaim, Qantum alleged that we tortuously interfered with Qantum’s contract to acquire radio station WTKE from Star by entering into an agreement to buy WTKE after Star had represented to us that its contract with Qantum had been terminated (and that Star was therefore free to enter into the new agreement with us). The counterclaim did not specify the damages Qantum was seeking. We did not and do not believe that the counterclaim has merit, and, because there was no specification of damages, we did not believe at the time that the counterclaim would have a material adverse effect on our overall financial condition or results of operations even if the court were to determine that the claim did have merit. In June 2009, the court authorized Qantum to seek punitive damages because it had satisfied the minimal threshold for asserting such a claim. In August 2009, Qantum provided us with an expert’s report that estimated that Qantum had allegedly incurred approximately $8.7 million in compensatory damages. Our liability would be increased if Qantum is able to secure punitive damages as well.
 
We continue to believe that Quantum’s counterclaim against us has no merit; we have denied the allegations and are vigorously defending against the counterclaim. However, if the court were to find that we did tortuously interfere with Qantum’s contract and that Quantum is entitled to the compensatory damages estimated by its expert as well as punitive damages, the result could have a material adverse effect on our overall financial condition or results of operations.
 
In April 2009, we were named in a patent infringement suit brought against us as well as twelve other radio companies, including Clear Channel, Citadel Broadcasting, CBS Radio, Entercom Communications, Saga Communications, Cox Radio, Univision Communications, Regent Communications, Gap Broadcasting, and Radio One. The case, captioned Aldav, LLC v. Clear Channel Communications, Inc., et al, Civil Action No. 6:09-cv-170, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division (filed April 16, 2009), alleges that the


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defendants have infringed and continue to infringe plaintiff’s patented content replacement technology in the context of radio station streaming over the Internet, and seeks a permanent injunction and unspecified damages. We believe the claims are without merit and are vigorously defending this lawsuit.
 
On January 21, 2010, Brian Mas, a former employee of Susquehanna Radio Corp., filed a purported class action lawsuit against us claiming (i) unlawful failure to pay required overtime wages, (ii) late pay and waiting time penalties, (iii) failure to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (iv) failure to indemnity for necessary expenses and losses, and (v) unfair trade practices under California’s Unfair Competition Act. The plaintiff is requesting restitution, penalties and injunctive relief, and seeks to represent other California employees fulfilling the same job during the immediately preceding four year period. We are vigorously defending this lawsuit.
 
From time to time, we are involved in various other legal proceedings that are handled and defended in the ordinary course of business. While we are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, our management does not believe, based upon currently available facts, that the ultimate resolution of any such proceedings would have a material adverse effect on our overall financial condition or results of operations.


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PART II
 
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Market Information For Common Stock
 
Shares of our Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share have been quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (or its predecessor, the NASDAQ National Market) under the symbol CMLS since the consummation of the initial public offering of our Class A Common Stock on July 1, 1998. There is no established public trading market for our Class B Common Stock or our Class C Common Stock. The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low closing sales prices of the Class A Common Stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, as reported in published financial sources.
 
                 
Year
  High     Low  
 
2008
               
First Quarter
  $ 7.82     $ 4.90  
Second Quarter
  $ 6.76     $ 3.93  
Third Quarter
  $ 4.85     $ 2.00  
Fourth Quarter
  $ 4.24     $ 0.33  
2009
               
First Quarter
  $ 2.89     $ 0.90  
Second Quarter
  $ 1.25     $ 0.78  
Third Quarter
  $ 1.92     $ 0.50  
Fourth Quarter
  $ 2.87     $ 1.88  
2010
               
First Quarter (through February 25, 2010)
  $ 2.64     $ 2.31  
 
Holders
 
As of February 25, 2010, there were approximately 1,161 holders of record of our Class A Common Stock, two holders of record of our Class B Common Stock and one holder of record of our Class C Common Stock. The figure for our Class A Common Stock does not include an estimate of the number of beneficial holders whose shares may be held of record by brokerage firms or clearing agencies.
 
Dividends
 
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since our inception and do not currently anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings for use in our business. We are currently subject to restrictions under the terms of the credit agreement governing our credit facility that limit the amount of cash dividends that we may pay on our Class A Common Stock. We may pay cash dividends on our Class A Common Stock in the future only if we meet certain financial tests set forth in the credit agreement.


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Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Incentive Plans
 
The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2009, the number of securities outstanding under our equity compensation plans, the weighted average exercise price of such securities and the number of securities available for grant under these plans:
 
                         
                (c)
 
                Number of Shares
 
    (a)
    (b)
    Remaining Available for
 
    To be Issued
    Weighted-Average
    Future Issuance Under
 
    Upon Exercise of
    Exercise Price of
    Equity Compensation
 
    Outstanding Options
    Outstanding Options
    Plans (Excluding
 
Plan Category
  Warrants and Rights     Warrants and Rights     Column)(a)(c)  
 
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Stockholders
    875,997     $ 3.70       13,676,139 (1)(2)
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Stockholders
    54,313     $ 2.69       1,917,936  
                         
Total
    930,310               15,594,075  
                         
 
 
(1) The Company has previously stated in public filings that it intends to issue future equity compensation only under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, pursuant to which 3,023,627 shares remained for issuance as of December 31, 2009.
 
(2) These shares remain available for future issuance as stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance shares and units, and other stock-based awards.
 
The only existing equity compensation plan not approved by our stockholders is the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan. Our Board adopted the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan on March 1, 2002, and stockholder approval of that plan was not required. For a description of all equity compensation plans, please refer to Note 11, “Stock Options and Restricted Stock” in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Repurchases of Equity Securities
 
On May 21, 2008, our Board of Directors terminated all pre-existing share repurchase programs and authorized the purchase, from time to time, of up to $75.0 million of our Class A Common Stock, subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement and compliance with other applicable legal requirements. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and consistent with the Board approved repurchase plan, we repurchased approximately 0.1 million shares of our Class A Common Stock for cash in the open market at an average repurchase price per share of $1.93.
 
                                 
                Total Number of Shares
    Minimum Dollar Value of
 
                Purchased as Part of
    Shares that may Yet be
 
    Total Number of
    Average Price Per
    Publicly Announced
    Shares Purchased
 
    Shares Purchased     Share     Program     under the Program  
 
                            $ 75,000,000  
January 1, 2008 — December 31, 2008
    2,967,949     $ 2.198       2,967,949       68,477,544  
January 1, 2009 — January 31, 2009
    99,737     $ 1.930       99,737     $ 68,284,628  
                                 
Total
    3,067,686               3,067,686          
                                 


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Performance Graph
 
The following graph compares the total stockholder return on our Class A Common Stock for the year ended December 31, 2009 with that of (1) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”); (2) the NASDAQ Stock Market Index the (“NASDAQ Composite”); and (3) an index (“Radio Index”) comprised of radio broadcast and media companies (see note (1) below). The total return calculation set forth below assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2005 with reinvestment of dividends into additional shares of the same class of securities at the frequency with which dividends were paid on such securities through December 31, 2009. The stock price performance shown in the graph below should not be considered indicative of future stock price performance.
 
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
 
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
 
                                                   
      12/31/2005     12/31/2006     12/31/2007     12/31/2008     12/31/2009
Cumulus
      82.29 %       68.90 %       53.32 %       16.51 %       18.37 %
S & P 500
      100.00 %       117.03 %       121.16 %       74.53 %       89.33 %
NASDAQ
      100.00 %       111.03 %       121.92 %       72.49 %       102.89 %
Radio Index(1)
      100.00 %       73.79 %       36.24 %       11.57 %       31.94 %
                                                   
 
(1) The Radio Index includes the stockholder returns for the following companies: Saga Communications Inc, Radio One, Inc. Entercom Communications Corp., Emmis Communications Corp. and Regent Communications, Inc. During the year ended December 31. 2009 Clear Channel, a company that had been part of the Radio Index, was no longer publicly traded and, as a result, was removed from the Radio Index.


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Item 6.   Selected Consolidated Financial Data
 
The selected consolidated historical financial data presented below has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005. Our consolidated historical financial data is not comparable from year to year because of our acquisition and disposition of various radio stations during the periods covered. This data should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, as set forth in Part II, Item 8 and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” set forth in Part II, Item 7 herein (dollars in thousands, except per share data).
 
                                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006(4)     2005(4)  
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
                                       
Net revenues
  $ 256,048     $ 311,538     $ 328,327     $ 334,321     $ 327,402  
Station operating expenses (excluding depreciation, amortization and LMA fees)
    165,676       203,222       210,640       214,089       227,413  
Depreciation and amortization
    11,136       12,512       14,567       17,420       21,223  
LMA fees
    2,332       631       755       963       981  
Corporate general and administrative (including non-cash stock compensation expense)
    20,699       19,325       26,057       41,012       19,189  
Gain on sale/exchange of assets
    (7,204 )           (5,862 )     (2,548 )      
Realized loss on derivative instrument
    3,640                          
Restructuring charges
                            (215 )
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets(1)
    174,950       498,897       230,609       63,424       264,099  
Costs associated with terminated transaction
          2,041       2,639              
                                         
Operating loss
    (115,181 )     (425,090 )     (151,078 )     (39 )     (205,288 )
Interest expense, net
    (33,989 )     (47,262 )     (60,425 )     (42,360 )     (22,715 )
Terminated transaction fee
          15,000                    
Losses on early extinguishment of debt
                (986 )     (2,284 )     (1,192 )
Other income (expense), net
    (136 )     (10 )     117       (98 )     (239 )
Income tax benefit
    22,604       117,945       38,000       5,800       17,100  
Equity losses in affiliate
          (22,252 )     (49,432 )     (5,200 )      
                                         
Net loss
  $ (126,702 )   $ (361,669 )   $ (223,804 )   $ (44,181 )   $ (212,334 )
                                         
Basic and diluted loss per common share
  $ (3.13 )   $ (8.55 )   $ (5.18 )   $ (0.87 )   $ (3.17 )
OTHER DATA:
                                       
Station Operating Income(2)
  $ 90,372     $ 108,316     $ 117,687     $ 120,232     $ 99,989  
Station Operating Income margin(3)
    35.3 %     34.8 %     35.8 %     36.0 %     30.5 %
Cash flows related to:
                                       
Operating activities
  $ 28,691     $ 76,654     $ 46,057     $ 65,322     $ 78,396  
Investing activities
    (3,060 )     (6,754 )     (29 )     (19,217 )     (92,763 )
Financing activities
    (62,410 )     (49,183 )     (16,134 )     (48,834 )     (12,472 )
Capital expenditures
    (3,110 )     (6,069 )     (4,789 )     (9,211 )     (9,315 )
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
                                       
Total assets
  $ 334,064     $ 543,519     $ 1,060,542     $ 1,333,147     $ 1,405,600  
Long-term debt (including current portion)
    633,508       696,000       736,300       731,250       569,000  
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption
                             
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
  $ (372,512 )   $ (248,147 )   $ 119,278     $ 337,007     $ 587,043  
 
 
(1) Impairment charge recorded in connection with our interim and annual impairment testing under ASC 350. See Note 4, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill”, for further discussion.
 
(2) See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a quantitative reconciliation of Station Operating Income to its most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP.
 
(3) Station Operating Income margin is defined as Station Operating Income as a percentage of net revenues.
 
(4) We recorded certain immaterial adjustments to the 2006 and 2005 consolidated financial data.


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Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis is intended to provide the reader with an overall understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, sources and uses of cash, contractual obligations and financial position. This section also includes general information about our business and a discussion of our management’s analysis of certain trends, risks and opportunities in our industry. We also provide a discussion of accounting policies that require critical judgments and estimates as well as a description of certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our historical results. You should read the following information in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes to our consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as the information set forth in Item 1A. “Risk Factors”.
 
Highlights during 2009 and Overview
 
The advertising environment for 2009 lagged behind 2008. The RAB has reported that trends in radio advertising revenue mirrored fluctuations in the current economic environment yielding declining results over the last three years. In 2009, advertising revenues decreased 18.0%, after decreasing 9.0% in 2008 and 2.0% in 2007.
 
During the third quarter of 2009, we reviewed the triggering events and circumstances detailed in ASC 350-20, Property, Plant and Equipment to determine if an interim test of impairment of goodwill might be necessary. In July 2009, we revised our revenue forecast downward for the last two quarters of 2009 due to the sustained decline in revenues attributable to the current economic conditions. As a result of these conditions, we determined it was appropriate and reasonable to conduct an interim impairment analysis. In conjunction with the interim impairment analysis we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $173.1 million to reduce the carrying value of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill to their respective fair market values. In addition, as part of our annual impairment testing of goodwill and broadcast licenses (conducted in the fourth quarter), we further revised our revenue forecast downward for certain markets due to a larger-than-forecasted decline in overall operating results for those markets, and, as a result, we recorded a further impairment charge of approximately $1.9 million to further reduce the carrying value of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill to their respective fair market values.
 
On June 29, 2009, we entered into the amendment to the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement maintains the preexisting term loan facility of $750 million, which, as of December 31, 2009, had an outstanding balance of approximately $636.9 million, and reduced the preexisting revolving credit facility from $100 million to $20 million. Additional facilities are no longer permitted under the Credit Agreement. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Amended Credit Agreement” for further discussion of the Credit Agreement.
 
On April 10, 2009, we completed an asset exchange agreement with Clear Channel. As part of the asset exchange, we acquired two of Clear Channel’s radio stations located in Cincinnati, Ohio in consideration for five of our radio stations in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In conjunction with the exchange, we and Clear Channel entered into an LMA whereby we will provide programming, sell advertising, and retain operating profits for managing the five Green Bay radio stations. In consideration for these rights, we will pay Clear Channel a monthly fee of approximately $0.2 million over the term of the agreement. The term of the LMA is for five years, expiring on December 31, 2013. In conjunction with the LMA, we have included the net revenues and station operating expenses associated with operating the Green Bay stations in our consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the LMA (April 10, 2009) through December 31, 2009. Additionally, Clear Channel negotiated a written put option that allows them to require us to repurchase the five Green Bay radio stations at any time during the two-month period commencing July 1, 2013 (or earlier if the LMA agreement is terminated prior to this date) for $17.6 million (the fair value of the radio stations as of April 10, 2009). We accounted for the put option as a derivative contract and accordingly, the fair value of the put was recorded as a liability at the acquisition date and offset against the gain associated with the asset exchange. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the derivative are recorded through earnings. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Completed Acquisitions — Green Bay and Cincinnati Swap”.


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Liquidity Considerations
 
We believe that we will continue to be in compliance with all of our debt covenants through at least December 31, 2010, based upon actions we have already taken, which included: (i) the amendment to the Credit Agreement, the purpose of which was to provide certain covenant relief in 2009 and 2010, (ii) employee reductions of 16.5% during 2009 coupled with a mandatory one-week furlough during the second quarter of 2009, (iii) a new sales initiative implemented during the first quarter of 2009, which we believe will increase advertising revenues by re-engineering our sales techniques through enhanced training of our sales force and greater focus on broadening our revenue base beyond traditional advertisers, and (iv) continued scrutiny of all operating expenses. We will continue to monitor our revenues and cost structure closely and if revenues do not exceed forecasted growth or if we exceed our planned spending, we may take further actions as needed in an attempt to maintain compliance with our debt covenants under the Credit Agreement. The actions may include the implementation of additional operational efficiencies, cost reductions, further renegotiation of major vendor contracts, deferral of capital expenditures, and sales of non-strategic assets.
 
As of December 31, 2009, the effective interest rate on the borrowings pursuant to the credit facility was approximately 4.25%. As of December 31, 2009, our average cost of debt, including the effects of our derivative positions, was 6.48%. We remain committed to maintaining manageable debt levels, which will continue to improve our ability to generate cash flow from operations.
 
Our Business
 
We engage in the acquisition, operation, and development of commercial radio stations in mid-size radio markets in the United States. In addition, we, along with three private equity firms, formed CMP, which acquired the radio broadcasting business of Susquehanna in May 2006. As a result of our investment in CMP and the acquisition of Susquehanna’s radio operations, we are the second largest radio broadcasting company in the United States based on number of stations and believe we are the fourth largest radio broadcasting company based on net revenues. As of December 31, 2009, directly and through our investment in CMP, we owned or operated 345 stations in 67 United States markets and provided sales and marketing services under local marketing, management and consulting agreements (pending FCC approval of acquisition) to one additional station. The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations includes the results of acquisitions and local marketing, management and consulting agreements.
 
Advertising Revenue and Station Operating Income
 
Our primary source of revenues is the sale of advertising time on our radio stations. Our sales of advertising time are primarily affected by the demand for advertising time from local, regional and national advertisers and the advertising rates charged by our radio stations. Advertising demand and rates are based primarily on a station’s ability to attract audiences in the demographic groups targeted by its advertisers, as measured principally by various ratings agencies on a periodic basis, generally two or four times per year. Because audience ratings in local markets are crucial to a station’s financial success, we endeavor to develop strong listener loyalty. We believe that the diversification of formats on our stations helps to insulate them from the effects of changes in the musical tastes of the public with respect to any particular format.
 
The number of advertisements that can be broadcast without jeopardizing listening levels and the resulting ratings is limited in part by the format of a particular station. Our stations strive to maximize revenue by managing their on-air inventory of advertising time and adjusting prices based upon local market conditions. In the broadcasting industry, radio stations sometimes utilize trade or barter agreements that exchange advertising time for goods or services such as travel or lodging, instead of for cash. Trade revenue totaled $16.6 million in 2009, $14.8 million in 2008 and $17.9 million in 2007. Our advertising contracts are generally short-term. We generate most of our revenue from local and regional advertising, which is sold primarily by a station’s sales staff. Local advertising represented approximately 90%, 90% and 88% of our total revenues in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
Our revenues vary throughout the year. As is typical in the radio broadcasting industry, we expect our first calendar quarter will produce the lowest revenues for the year as advertising generally declines following the winter


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holidays, and the second and fourth calendar quarters will generally produce the highest revenues for the year. Our operating results in any period may be affected by the incurrence of advertising and promotion expenses that typically do not have an effect on revenue generation until future periods, if at all.
 
Our most significant station operating expenses are employee salaries and commissions, programming expenses, advertising and promotional expenditures, technical expenses, and general and administrative expenses. We strive to control these expenses by working closely with local market management. The performance of radio station groups, such as ours, is customarily measured by the ability to generate Station Operating Income. See the quantitative reconciliation of Station Operating Income to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, which follows in this section.
 
Results of Operations
 
Analysis of Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
The following analysis of selected data from our consolidated statements of operations should be referred to while reading the results of operations discussion that follows (dollars in thousands):
 
                                                         
    Year Ended December 31,     2009 vs 2008     2008 vs 2007  
    2009     2008     2007     $ Change     % Change     $ Change     % Change  
 
Net revenues
  $ 256,048     $ 311,538     $ 328,327       (55,490 )     (17.8 )%     (16,789 )     (5.1 )%
Station operating expenses (excluding depreciation, amortization and LMA fees)
    165,676       203,222       210,640       (37,546 )     (18.5 )%     (7,418 )     (3.5 )%
Depreciation and amortization
    11,136       12,512       14,567       (1,376 )     (11.0 )%     (2,055 )     (14.1 )%
LMA fees
    2,332       631       755       1,701       **     (124 )     **
Corporate general and administrative (including non-cash stock compensation expense)
    20,699       19,325       26,057       1,374       7.1 %     (6,732 )     (25.8 )%
Gain on exchange of assets or stations
    (7,204 )           (5,862 )     (7,204 )     **     5,862       (100.0 )%
Realized loss on derivative instrument
    3,640                   3,640       **           **
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
    174,950       498,897       230,609       (323,947 )     (64.9 )%     268,288       116.3 %
Costs associated with terminated transaction
          2,041       2,639       (2,041 )     (100.0 )%     (598 )     (22.7 )%
                                                         
Operating loss
    (115,181 )     (425,090 )     (151,078 )     309,909       (72.9 )%     (274,012 )     181.4 %
Interest expense, net
    (33,989 )     (47,262 )     (60,425 )     13,273       (28.1 )%     13,163       (21.8 )%
Terminated transaction fee
          15,000             (15,000 )     **     15,000       **
Losses on early extinguishment of debt
                (986 )           **     986       (100.0 )%
Other income (expense), net
    (136 )     (10 )     117       (126 )     1260.0 %     (127 )     (108.5 )%
Income tax benefit
    22,604       117,945       38,000       (95,341 )     (80.8 )%     79,945       210.4 %
Equity losses in affiliate
          (22,252 )     (49,432 )     22,252       (100.0 )%     27,180       (55.0 )%
                                                         
Net loss
  $ (126,702 )   $ (361,669 )   $ (223,804 )   $ 234,967       (65.0 )%   $ (137,865 )     61.6 %
                                                         
 
 
** Calculation is not meaningful.
 
Our management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 have been presented on a historical basis.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2009 versus Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
Net Revenues.  Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $55.5 million, or 17.8%, to $256.0 million compared to $311.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to a $5.0 million decrease in political revenue and the impact the recent economic recession has had across our entire station platform. We believe that advertising revenue in our markets will have no significant growth at least through the first quarter of 2010 with modest growth in certain categories throughout the remainder of 2010. We believe two areas of potentially strong growth for radio advertising in 2010 could be cyclical political advertising and automotive advertising fueled by a general recovery in that sector.


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Station Operating Expenses (excluding Depreciation, Amortization and LMA Fees).  Station operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $37.5 million, or 18.5%, to $165.7 million compared to $203.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to our continued efforts to contain operating costs, such as employee reductions, a mandatory one-week furlough, and continued scrutiny of operating expenses. We will continue to monitor all our operating costs and, to the extent we are able to identify any additional cost saving measures we will implement them, in an attempt to remain compliant with current and future covenant requirements.
 
Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $1.4 million, or 11.0%, to $11.1 million compared to $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, resulting from a decrease in our asset base due to assets becoming fully depreciated coupled with a decrease in capital expenditures.
 
LMA Fees.  LMA fees totaled $2.3 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. LMA fees in the current year were comprised primarily of fees associated with stations operated under LMAs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Battle Creek, Michigan.
 
Corporate General and Administrative (including Non-Cash Stock Compensation Expense).  Corporate operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased $1.4 million, or 7.1%, to $20.7 million compared to $19.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to non-recurring severance costs and other professional fees associated with corporate restructuring of approximately $0.6 million, an increase of $1.0 million in professional fees associated with our defense of certain lawsuits, transaction costs associated with an asset exchange and the amendment to the credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facilities, and a $1.2 million increase in franchise taxes resulting from one-time prior period credits, partially offset by a $1.8 million decrease in non-cash stock compensation, with the remaining $0.4 million increase attributable to miscellaneous expenses.
 
Realized Loss on Derivative Instrument.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded a charge of $3.6 million related to our recording of the fair market value of the Green Bay Option. We entered into the Green Bay Option in conjunction with an asset exchange in the second quarter of 2009; therefore, there is no amount related to the Green Bay Option recorded in the accompanying 2008 consolidated statements of operations. The Green Bay Option declined in value primarily due to the continued decline in the market operating results.
 
Gain on Exchange of Assets or Stations.  During the second quarter of 2009 we completed an exchange transaction with Clear Channel to swap five of our radio stations in Green Bay, Wisconsin for two of Clear Channel’s radio stations located in Cincinnati, Ohio. In connection with this transaction, we recorded a gain of approximately $7.2 million during the second quarter. We did not complete any similar transactions in the prior year.
 
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets.  We recorded approximately $175.0 million and $498.9 million of charges related to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The impairment loss related to the broadcasting licenses and goodwill recorded during the third and fourth quarters of 2009 was primarily due to changes in certain key assumptions and estimates used to determine fair value. The primary drivers of the change were decreases in advertising revenue growth projections for the radio broadcasting industry (see Note 7, “Fair Value Measurements” in the notes to the financial statements that accompany this report).
 
Costs Associated With Terminated Transaction.  We did not incur any costs associated with a terminated transaction for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to $2.0 million in 2008. These costs were attributable to a going-private transaction that was terminated in May 2008.
 
Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense, net of interest income, for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $13.3 million, or 28.1%, to $34.0 million compared to $47.3 million for the year ended year ended December 31, 2008. Interest expense associated with outstanding debt decreased by $11.9 million to $22.0 million as compared to $33.9 million in the prior year’s period, primarily due to lower average levels of bank debt, as well as a decrease in the interest rates associated with our indebtedness. This decrease was offset by a $13.6 million


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increase in the yield-adjustment associated with our interest rate swap, due to a decrease in the LIBOR rate. We fixed $400.0 million of our term loan assuming interest rates would continue to increase, however, in light of the recent economic downturn our borrowing rates have significantly decreased and remain extremely low. Thus, this fluctuation in the derivative increased our interest expense. The following summary details the components of our interest expense, net of interest income (dollars in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended
       
    December 31,        
    2009     2008     $ Change  
 
Bank borrowings — term loan and revolving credit facilities
  $ 21,958     $ 33,850     $ (11,892 )
Bank borrowings yield adjustment — interest rate swap
    13,395       (190 )     13,585  
Change in the fair value of interest rate swap agreement
    (3,043 )     11,029       (14,072 )
Change in fair value of interest rate option agreement
    175       2,611       (2,436 )
Other interest expense
    1,565       950       615  
Interest income
    (61 )     (988 )     927  
                         
Interest expense, net
  $ 33,989     $ 47,262     $ (13,273 )
                         
 
Income Tax Benefit.  We recorded a tax benefit of $22.6 million as compared with a $117.9 million benefit during the prior year. The income tax benefit in both periods is primarily due to the impairment charge on intangible assets.
 
Equity Loss in Affiliate.  In 2009 and 2008 our share of CMP’s accumulated deficit exceeded our investment in CMP and as a result we did not record a gain or loss in 2009. In 2008, the equity losses in affiliate were limited to our investment in CMP, which totaled $22.3 million.
 
Station Operating Income.  As a result of the factors described above, Station Operating Income for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased $17.9 million, or 16.6%, to $90.4 million compared to $108.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure.  The following table reconciles Station Operating Income to net income as presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, in thousands):
 
                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008  
 
Operating loss
  $ (115,181 )   $ (425,090 )
Depreciation and amortization
    11,136       12,512  
LMA fees
    2,332       631  
Noncash stock compensation
    2,879       4,663  
Corporate general and administrative
    17,820       14,662  
Gain on exchange of assets or stations
    (7,204 )      
Realized loss on derivative instrument
    3,640        
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
    174,950       498,897  
Costs associated with terminated transaction
          2,041  
                 
Station Operating Income
  $ 90,372     $ 108,316  
                 
 
Intangible Assets (including Goodwill).  Intangible assets, net of amortization, were $217.5 million and $384.0 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These intangible asset balances primarily consist of broadcast licenses and goodwill. Intangible assets, net, decreased from the prior year primarily due to a $175.0 million impairment charge taken for the year ended December 31, 2009, in connection with our impairment evaluations of intangible assets in the third and fourth quarters of 2009.


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In light of the overall economic environment, we continue to monitor whether any impairment triggers are present and we may be required to record material impairment charges in future periods. Our impairment testing requires us to make certain assumptions in determining fair value, including assumptions about the cash flow growth of our businesses. Additionally the fair values are significantly impacted by macroeconomic factors, including market multiples at the time the impairments tests are performed. The recent general economic pressures that impacted both the national and a number of our local economies may result in non-cash impairments in future periods. More specifically, the following could adversely impact the current carrying value of our broadcast licenses and goodwill: (a) sustained decline in the price of our common stock, (b) the potential for a decline in our forecasted operating profit margins or expected cash flow growth rates, (c) a decline in our industry forecasted operating profit margins, (d) the potential for a continued decline in advertising market revenues within the markets we operate stations, or (e) the sustained decline in the selling prices of radio stations. We continue to monitor whether any impairment triggers are present and may be required to record material impairment charges in future periods.
 
The recent economic crisis has reduced demand for advertising in general, including advertising on our radio stations. As such, revenue projections for the industry were down, which impacted our calculation by virtue of reducing our future cash flows, resulting in a proportionate reduction in our discounted cash-flow valuation. Likewise, the combination of a decline in current revenues and future projected revenues coupled with frozen capital markets have contributed significantly to a decline in transactions to acquire or sell companies within the industry, the result of which has been a compression in the multiples on the radio station transactions that have been completed in recent years. In the aggregate, these recent economic developments have resulted in significant downward pressures on valuations across the radio industry as a whole. Therefore, as a company that has experienced significant synthetic growth at historically greater multiples than those currently utilized in our valuation model, we are experiencing relatively large write-downs associated with our impairment calculation.
 
The table below represents the assets and liabilities at December 31, 2009 which we measured at fair value and the percentage thereof which use unobservable Level 3 inputs to do so.
 
                                 
          Quoted Prices in
    Significant Other
    Significant
 
          Active Markets
    Observable Inputs
    Unobservable Inputs
 
    Total Fair Value     (Level 1 )     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
 
Financial assets measured at fair value at December 31, 2009
                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,382     $ 4,382     $     $  
                                 
Total financial assets
    4,382       4,382              
Non-financial assets
                               
Goodwill
    56,121                   56,121  
Other intangible assets
    161,380                   161,380  
                                 
Total financial assets
    217,501                   217,501  
                                 
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 221,883     $ 4,382     $     $ 217,501  
                                 
Financial liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2009
                               
Interest rate swap
  $ (15,639 )           $ (15,639 )   $  
Green Bay option
    (6,073 )                     (6,073 )
                                 
Total financial assets
  $ (21,712 )   $     $ (15,639 )   $ (6,073 )
                                 
Level 3 assets as a percentage of total assets measured at fair value
            98.0 %                
Level 3 liabilities as a percentage of total liabilities measured at fair value
            28.0 %                
 
Year Ended December 31, 2008 versus Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
Net Revenues.  Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $16.8 million, or 5.1%, to $311.5 million compared to $328.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, reflecting a decrease in demand


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for advertising due to the pressures our client base is facing during the current economic recession partially offset by a $5.1 million increase in political revenue. Management has implemented numerous sales initiatives nationwide in an effort to facilitate growth primarily by targeting new industries and markets for penetration.
 
Station Operating Expenses (excluding Depreciation, Amortization and LMA fees).  Station operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $7.4 million, or 3.5%, to $203.2 million compared to $210.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily attributable to certain cost containment initiatives across our station platform. Management is focused on preserving our operating income and cash flows from operations by reducing our variable cost in an effort to keep pace with the downturn in demand for marketing/advertising from our client base due to the recession.
 
Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $2.1 million, or 14.1%, to $12.5 million compared to $14.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily attributable to previously recorded assets being fully depreciated.
 
LMA Fees.  LMA fees totaled $0.6 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. LMA fees for the year ended December 31,2008 were comprised primarily of fees associated with LMAs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ann Arbor and Battle Creek, Michigan, while LMA fees for the year ended December 31, 2007 were comprised primarily of fees associated with LMAs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Muskegon, Michigan, and a station operated under a JSA in Nashville, Tennessee.
 
Corporate General and Administrative (including Non-Cash Stock Compensation Expense).  Corporate operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $6.7 million, or 25.8%, to $19.3 million compared to $26.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily attributable to a decrease in non-cash stock compensation of $4.6 million in addition to certain cost containment initiatives implemented by management due to contraction within the economy.
 
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets.  We recorded approximately $498.9 million of charges related to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2008. The impairment loss in connection with our review of broadcasting licenses and goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2008 (see Note 4, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” in the accompanying notes to the financial statements), was primarily due to: (1) an increase in the discount rate used; (2) a decrease in station transaction multiples; and (3) a decrease in advertising revenue growth projections for the broadcasting industry.
 
Costs Associated With Terminated Transaction.  On May 11, 2008, we, Cloud Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), and Cloud Merger Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), entered into a Termination Agreement and Release to terminate the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 23, 2007, among us, Parent and Merger Sub (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub would have been merged with and into us, and as a result we would have continued as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. As a result of the termination of the Merger Agreement, and in accordance with its terms, we received a termination fee in the amount of $15.0 million in cash from the investor group that owned Parent.
 
Losses on Early Extinguishment of Debt.  Losses on early extinguishments of debt totaled $0.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared with $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Losses incurred during 2007 were comprised of previously capitalized loan origination expenses.
 
Interest Expense, net.  Interest expense, net of interest income, for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $13.2 million, or 21.8%, to $47.3 million compared to $60.4 million for the year ended year ended December 31, 2007, primarily due to a lower average cost of bank debt and decreased levels of bank debt


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outstanding during the current year. The following summary details the components of our interest expense, net of interest income (dollars in thousands):
 
                                 
    Year Ended
             
    December 31,     Increase/
       
    2008     2007     (Decrease)        
 
Bank borrowings — term loan and revolving credit facilities
  $ 33,850     $ 54,446     $ (20,596 )        
Bank borrowings yield adjustment — interest rate swap
    (190 )     (5,528 )     5,338          
Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments
    13,640       13,039       601          
Other interest expense
    949       (868 )     1,817          
Interest income
    (987 )     (664 )     (323 )        
                                 
Interest expense, net
  $ 47,262     $ 60,425     $ (13,163 )        
                                 
 
Income Tax Benefit.  We recorded a tax benefit of $117.9 million as compared with a $38.0 million benefit during the prior year. The income tax benefit in both periods is primarily due to the impairment charge on intangible assets.
 
Equity Loss in Affiliate.  The equity losses in affiliate were limited to our investment in CMP which totaled $22.3 million. Our equity method investment in affiliate was $0.0 at December 31, 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2007 we recognized $49.4 million of equity losses in CMP.
 
Station Operating Income.  As a result of the factors described above, Station Operating Income for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $9.4 million, or 8.0%, to $108.3 million compared to $117.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure.  The following table reconciles Station Operating Income to net income as presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, in thousands):
 
                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Operating loss
  $ (425,090 )   $ (151,078 )
Depreciation and amortization
    12,512       14,567  
LMA fees
    631       755  
Noncash stock compensation
    4,663       9,212  
Corporate general and administrative
    14,662       16,845  
Gain on exchange of assets or stations
          (5,862 )
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
    498,897       230,609  
Costs associated with terminated transaction
    2,041       2,639  
                 
Station Operating Income
  $ 108,316     $ 117,687  
                 
 
Intangible Assets (including Goodwill).  Intangible assets, net of amortization, were $384.0 million and $881.9 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These intangible asset balances primarily consist of broadcast licenses and goodwill. Intangible assets, net, decreased from the prior year primarily due to $498.9 million of impairment charges taken for the year ended December 31, 2008, in connection with our annual impairment evaluation of intangible assets.
 
Seasonality
 
We expect that our operations and revenues will be seasonal in nature, with generally lower revenue generated in the first quarter of the year and generally higher revenue generated in the second and fourth quarters of the year. The seasonality of our business reflects the adult orientation of our formats and relationship between advertising purchases on these formats with the retail cycle. This seasonality causes and will likely continue to cause a variation in our quarterly operating results. Such variations could have an effect on the timing of our cash flows.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Historically, our principal need for funds has been to fund the acquisition of radio stations, expenses associated with our station and corporate operations, capital expenditures, repurchases of our Class A Common Stock, and interest and debt service payments.
 
The following table summarizes our historical funding needs for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
 
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Repayments of bank borrowings
  $ 59,110     $ 115,300     $ 764,950  
Interest payments
    24,769       33,122       54,887  
Capital expenditures
    3,110       6,069       4,789  
Repurchases of common stock
    193       6,522       104  
Acquisitions and purchase of intangible assets
          1,008       975  
 
Funding needs on a long-term basis will include capital expenditures associated with maintaining our station and corporate operations, implementing HD Radiotm technology and potential future acquisitions. In December 2004, we purchased 240 perpetual licenses from iBiquity, which will enable us to convert to and utilize iBiquity’s HD Radiotm technology on up to 240 of our stations. Under the terms of our original agreement with iBiquity, we agreed to convert certain of our stations over a seven-year period. On March 5, 2009, we entered into an amendment to our agreement with iBiquity to reduce the number of planned conversions, extend the build-out schedule, and increase the license fees to be paid for each converted station. We anticipate that the average cost to convert each station will be between $0.08 million and $0.15 million.
 
Our principal sources of funds for these requirements have been cash flow from operations and borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities. Our cash flow from operations is subject to such factors as shifts in population, station listenership, demographics or, audience tastes, and fluctuations in preferred advertising media. In addition, customers may not be able to pay, or may delay payment of accounts receivable that are owed to us. Management has taken steps to mitigate this risk through heightened collection efforts and enhancements to our credit approval process. As discussed further below, borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities are subject to financial covenants that can restrict our financial flexibility. Further, our ability to obtain additional equity or debt financing is also subject to market conditions and operating performance. In addition, pursuant to the June 2009 amendment to the Credit Agreement, we are required to repay 100% Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) on a quarterly basis beginning September 30, 2009 through December 31, 2010, while maintaining a minimum balance of $7.5 million of cash on hand. We have assessed the implications of these factors on our current business and determined, based on our financial condition as of December 31, 2009, that cash on hand and cash expected to be generated from operating activities and, if necessary, further financing activities, will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated financing needs for working capital, capital expenditures, interest and debt service payments and potential acquisitions and repurchases of securities and other debt obligations through December 31, 2010. However, given the uncertainty of our markets’ cash flows, pending litigation and the impact of the current economic environment, there can be no assurance that cash generated from operations will be sufficient or financing will be available at terms, and on the timetable, that may be necessary to meet our future capital needs.
 
Consideration of Recent Economic Developments and the Outlook for 2010
 
The economic crisis in 2008-2009 has reduced demand for advertising in general, including advertising on our radio stations. In consideration of current and projected market conditions, we expect that overall advertising revenues will have no growth at least through the first quarter of 2010 with modest growth in certain categories throughout the remainder of 2010. Therefore, in conjunction with the development of the 2010 business plan, we assessed the impact of the current year market developments in a variety of areas, including our forecasted advertising revenues and liquidity. In response to these conditions, we have forecasted maintaining cost reductions achieved in 2009 with no significant increases in 2010.
 
While preparing our 2010 business plan, we assessed future covenant compliance under our credit agreement, including consideration of market uncertainties, as well as the incremental cost that would be required to potentially


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amend the terms of the Credit Agreement. We believe we will continue to be in compliance with all of our debt covenants through at least December 31, 2010 based upon actions we have already taken, as well as through additional paydowns of debt we will be required to make during 2010 from existing cash balances and cash flow generated from operations. Further discussion of our debt covenant compliance considerations is included below.
 
If our revenues were to be significantly less than planned due to difficult market conditions or for other reasons, our ability to maintain compliance with the financial covenants in our credit agreements would become increasingly difficult without remedial measures, such as the implementation of further cost abatement initiatives. If our remedial measures were not successful in maintaining covenant compliance, then we would need to negotiate with our lenders for relief, which relief could result in higher interest expense or other fees or costs. Failure to comply with our financial covenants or other terms of our credit agreements and failure to negotiate relief from our lenders could result in the acceleration of the maturity of all outstanding debt. Under these circumstances, the acceleration of our debt could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
                         
    2009   2008   2007
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 28,691     $ 76,654     $ 46,057  
 
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, net cash provided by operating activities decreased $48.0 million and increased $30.6 million, respectively. Excluding non-cash items, we generated comparable levels of operating income for 2009 and 2008 as compared with the prior years. As a result, the movement in cash flows from operations was primarily attributable to the timing of certain payments. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, our working capital was $(3.5) million and $72.4 million, respectively.
 
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
 
                         
    2009   2008   2007
 
Net cash used in investing activities
  $ (3,060 )   $ (6,754 )   $ (29 )
 
For the year ended December 31, 2009 net cash used in investing activities decreased $3.7 million, primarily due to a $1.2 million decrease in capital expenditures, a $0.2 million decrease in proceeds from the sales of radio assets year over year. Net cash used in investing activities increased $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase is primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in capital expenditures as well as a decrease of $5.7 million in proceeds from the sales of radio assets year over year and a decrease of $0.2 million cash used to fund acquisition costs.
 
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities
 
                         
    2009   2008   2007
 
Net cash used in financing activities
  $ (62,410 )   $ (49,183 )   $ (16,134 )
 
For the year ended December 31, 2009 net cash used in financing activities increased $13.2 million, primarily due to repayment of borrowings under our credit facility. For the year ended December 31, 2008 net cash used in financing activities increased $33.1 million, due to repayment of borrowings under our credit facility. During 2007, net cash used in financing activities decreased $32.7 million, primarily due to a decrease in costs associated with share repurchases offset by a decrease in net proceeds from the 2007 refinancing as compared to the 2006 refinancing.
 
Completed Acquisitions
 
Green Bay and Cincinnati Swap
 
On April 10, 2009, we completed an asset exchange agreement with Clear Channel. As part of the asset exchange, we acquired two of Clear Channel’s radio stations located in Cincinnati, Ohio in consideration for five of our radio stations in the Green Bay, Wisconsin market. The exchange transaction provided us with direct entry into the Cincinnati market (notwithstanding our current presence in Cincinnati through our investment in CMP), which


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was ranked #28 at that time by Arbitron. Larger markets are generally desirable for national advertisers, and have large and diversified local business communities providing for a large base of potential advertising clients. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with guidance for business combinations. The fair value of the assets acquired in the exchange was $17.6 million (refer to the table below for the purchase price allocation). We incurred approximately $0.2 million of acquisition costs related to this transaction and expensed them as incurred through earnings within corporate general and administrative expense. The results of operations for the Cincinnati stations acquired are included in our consolidated statements of operations since the acquisition date. The results of the Cincinnati stations were not material. Prior to the asset exchange, we did not have a preexisting relationship with Clear Channel within the Green Bay market.
 
In conjunction with the exchange, we entered into an LMA with Clear Channel whereby we provide programming, sell advertising, and retain operating profits for managing the five Green Bay radio stations. In consideration for these rights, we pay Clear Channel a monthly fee of approximately $0.2 million over the term of the agreement. The term of the LMA is for five years, expiring December 31, 2013. In conjunction with the LMA, we included the net revenues and station operating expenses associated with operating the Green Bay stations in our consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the LMA (April 10, 2009) through December 31, 2009. Additionally, Clear Channel negotiated the Green Bay Option, which allows them to require us to repurchase the five Green Bay radio stations at any time during the two-month period commencing July 1, 2013 (or earlier if the LMA agreement is terminated prior to this date) for $17.6 million (the fair value of the radio stations as of April 10, 2009). We accounted for the Green Bay Option as a derivative contract and accordingly, the fair value of the Green Bay Option was recorded as a liability at the acquisition date and offset against the gain associated with the asset exchange. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the derivative are recorded through earnings.
 
In conjunction with the transactions, we recorded a net gain of $7.2 million, which is included in gain on exchange of assets in the statement of operations. This amount represents a gain of approximately $9.6 million recorded on the Green Bay stations sold, net of a loss of approximately $2.4 million representing the fair value of the Green Bay Option at acquisition date.
 
The table below summarizes the purchase price allocation:
 
         
Allocation
  Amount  
 
Fixed Assets
  $ 458  
Broadcast Licenses
    15,353  
Goodwill
    874  
Other Intangibles
    951  
         
Total Purchase Price
  $ 17,636  
Less: Carrying value of Green Bay Stations
    (7,999 )
         
Gain on asset exchange
  $ 9,637  
Less: Fair value of Green Bay Option — April 10, 2009
    (2,433 )
         
Net Gain
  $ 7,204  
         
 
WZBN-FM Swap
 
During the first quarter ended March 31, 2009, we completed a swap transaction pursuant to which we exchanged WZBN-FM, Camilla, Georgia, for W250BC, a translator licensed for use in Atlanta, Georgia, owned by Extreme Media Group. The transaction was accounted for in accordance with the guidance for business combinations. This transaction was not material to our results.
 
Completed Dispositions
 
We did not complete any divestitures during the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, other than as described above.


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Pending Acquisitions
 
At the beginning of 2009, we had pending a swap transaction pursuant to which we would exchange one of our Fort Walton Beach, Florida radio stations, WYZB-FM, for another owned by Star, WTKE-FM. Specifically, the parties’ agreement provided for the exchange of WYZB-FM plus $1.5 million in cash for WTKE-FM. Following the filing of the assignment applications with the FCC, the applications were challenged by Qantum, which had a 2003 contract with Star to acquire WTKE-FM. Although Star represented to us that the Qantum contract had been terminated, Qantum contended that Star’s termination was void and that its contract was still in effect. Qantum submitted a complaint to the FCC that our proposed swap with Star would give us an unfair competitive advantage (because the station we would acquire reaches more people than the station we would be giving up). Qantum also initiated litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Star and secured a court decision that required Star to sell the station to Qantum instead of us. That decision was affirmed on appeal of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and Qantum consummated its acquisition of WTKE-FM on November 9, 2009. Therefore, we will not be implementing our proposed swap with Star for WTKE-FM.
 
Amended Credit Agreement
 
2009 Amendment
 
We experienced revenue declines in late 2008 and throughout 2009 in line with macro industry trends and consistent with our radio peer group, particularly when compared to groups with similar market sizes and portfolio composition. In anticipation of significant revenue declines and in an attempt to mitigate the effect of these declines on profitability, in early 2009 we engaged in an aggressive cost cutting campaign across all of our stations and at corporate headquarters as well. However, even with these cost containment initiatives in place, our rapidly deteriorating revenue outlook left uncertainty as to whether we would be able to maintain compliance with the covenants in the then-existing Credit Agreement. As an additional measure, in June 2009 we obtained an amendment to the Credit Agreement that, among other things, temporarily suspended certain financial covenants, as further described below.
 
The Credit Agreement maintains the preexisting term loan facility of $750 million, which had an outstanding balance of approximately $647.9 million immediately after closing the amendment, and reduced the preexisting revolving credit facility from $100 million to $20 million. Incremental facilities are no longer permitted as of June 30, 2009 under the Credit Agreement.
 
Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are collateralized by substantially all of our assets in which a security interest may lawfully be granted (including FCC licenses held by its subsidiaries), including, without limitation, intellectual property and all of the capital stock of our direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Broadcast Software International, Inc., which prior to the amendment, was an excluded subsidiary. Our obligations under the Credit Agreement continue to be guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries.
 
The Credit Agreement contains terms and conditions customary for financing arrangements of this nature. The term loan facility will mature on June 11, 2014. The revolving credit facility will mature on June 7, 2012.
 
Borrowings under the term loan facility and revolving credit facility will bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.00% or the Alternate Base Rate (defined as the higher of the Bank of America, N.A. Prime Rate and the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%) plus 3.00%. Once we reduce the term loan facility by $25 million through mandatory prepayments of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement), as described below, borrowings will bear interest, at the our option, at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.75% or the Alternate Base Rate plus 2.75%. Once we reduce the term loan facility by $50 million through mandatory prepayments of Excess Cash Flow, as described below, borrowings will bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.25% or the Alternate Base Rate plus 2.25%.
 
In connection with the closing of the Credit Agreement, we made a voluntary prepayment in the amount of $32.5 million. We also are required to make quarterly mandatory prepayments of 100% of Excess Cash Flow through December 31, 2010, before reverting to annual prepayments of a percentage of Excess Cash Flow, depending on our leverage, beginning in 2011. Certain other mandatory prepayments of the term loan facility will


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be required upon the occurrence of specified events, including upon the incurrence of certain additional indebtedness and upon the sale of certain assets.
 
Covenants
 
The representations, covenants and events of default in the Credit Agreement are customary for financing transactions of this nature and are substantially the same as those in existence prior to the amendment, except as follows:
 
  •  the total leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants for the fiscal quarters ending June 30, 2009 through and including December 31, 2010 (the “Covenant Suspension Period”) have been suspended;
 
  •  during the Covenant Suspension Period, we must: (1) maintain minimum trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of $60 million for fiscal quarters through March 31, 2010, increasing incrementally to $66 million for fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, subject to certain adjustments; and (2) maintain minimum cash on hand (defined as unencumbered consolidated cash and cash equivalents) of at least $7.5 million;
 
  •  we are restricted from incurring additional intercompany debt or making any intercompany investments other than to the parties to the Credit Agreement;
 
  •  we may not incur additional indebtedness or liens, or make permitted acquisitions or restricted payments, during the Covenant Suspension Period (after the Covenant Suspension Period, the Credit Agreement will permit indebtedness, liens, permitted acquisitions and restricted payments, subject to certain leverage ratio and liquidity measurements); and
 
  •  we must provide monthly unaudited financial statements to the lenders within 30 days after each calendar-month end.
 
Events of default in the Credit Agreement include, among others, (a) the failure to pay when due the obligations owing under the credit facilities; (b) the failure to perform (and not timely remedy, if applicable) certain covenants; (c) cross default and cross acceleration; (d) the occurrence of bankruptcy or insolvency events; (e) certain judgments against us or any of our subsidiaries; (f) the loss, revocation or suspension of, or any material impairment in the ability to use of or more of, any of our material FCC licenses; (g) any representation or warranty made, or report, certificate or financial statement delivered, to the lenders subsequently proven to have been incorrect in any material respect; and (h) the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the loan commitments, accelerate all loans and exercise any of their rights under the Credit Agreement and the ancillary loan documents as a secured party.
 
As discussed above, our covenants for the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:
 
  •  a minimum trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA of $60 million;
 
  •  a $7.5 million minimum cash on hand; and
 
  •  a limit on annual capital expenditures of $15.0 million annually.
 
The trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA and cash on hand at December 31, 2009 were $72.5 million and $16.2 million, respectively.
 
If we had been unable to obtain the June 2009 amendments to the Credit Agreement, such that the original total leverage ratio and the fixed charge coverage ratio covenants were still operative, those covenants for the year ended December 31, 2009 would have been as follows:
 
  •  a maximum total leverage ratio of 8.00:1; and
 
  •  a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.20:1.


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At December 31, 2009, the total leverage ratio was 8.66:1 and the fixed charge coverage ratio was 1.58:1. For the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2011 (the first quarter after the Covenant Suspension Period), the total leverage ratio covenant will be 6.5:1 and the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant will be 1.20:1.
 
2010 Company Outlook
 
Management believes that the Company will continue to be in compliance with all of its debt covenants through at least December 31, 2010, based upon actions the Company has already taken, which include: (i) the amendment to the Credit Agreement, the purpose of which was to provide certain covenant relief in 2009 and 2010 (see Note 9, “Long-Term Debt”), (ii) employee reductions of 16.5% in 2009 coupled with a mandatory one-week furlough during the second quarter of 2009, (iii) a new sales initiative implemented during the first quarter of 2009, which we believe will increase advertising revenues by re-engineering the Company’s sales techniques through enhanced training of its sales force, and (iv) continued scrutiny of all operating expenses. However, the Company will continue to monitor its revenues and cost structure closely and if revenues do not exceed expected growth or if the Company exceeds planned spending, the Company may take further actions as needed in an attempt to maintain compliance with its debt covenants under the Credit Agreement. The actions may include the implementation of additional operational efficiencies, additional cost reductions, renegotiation of major vendor contracts, deferral of capital expenditures, and sales of non-strategic assets.
 
As discussed further in Note 9, “Long-Term Debt”, we amended the Credit Agreement in June 2009, whereby the total leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants for the Covenant Suspension Period have been suspended. During the Covenant Suspension Period, our loan covenants require us to: (1) maintain a minimum trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of $60 million for fiscal quarters through March 31, 2010, increasing incrementally to $66 million for fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, subject to certain adjustments; and (2) maintain minimum cash on hand (defined as unencumbered consolidated cash and cash equivalents) of at least $7.5 million. For the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2011 (the first quarter after the Covenant Suspension Period), the total leverage ratio covenant will be 6.5:1 and the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant will be 1.20:1. At December 31, 2009, our total leverage ratio was 8.67:1 and the fixed charge coverage ratio was 1.58:1. In order to comply with the leverage ratio covenant at March 31, 2011, we estimate that we will be required to reduce a significant amount of debt by March 31, 2011. We plan to fund these debt payments from cash flows generated from operations.
 
If we are unable to comply with our debt covenants, we would need to seek a waiver or amendment to the Credit Agreement and no assurances can be given that we will be able to do so. If we were unable to obtain a waiver or an amendment to the Credit Agreement in the event of a debt covenant violation, we would be in default under the Credit Agreement, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial position.
 
If the Company were unable to repay its debts when due, the lenders under the credit facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. The Company has pledged substantially all of its assets as collateral under the Credit Agreement. If the lenders accelerate the maturity of outstanding debt, the Company may be forced to liquidate certain assets to repay all or part of the senior secured credit facilities, and the Company cannot be assured that sufficient assets will remain after it has paid all of the its debt. The ability to liquidate assets is affected by the regulatory restrictions associated with radio stations, including FCC licensing, which may make the market for these assets less liquid and increase the chances that these assets will be liquidated at a significant loss.
 
Warrants
 
We issued warrants to the lenders in connection with the execution of the amendment to the Credit Agreement which allow the holders to acquire up to 1.25 million shares of our Class A Common Stock. Each warrant is immediately exercisable to purchase our underlying Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.17 per share and has an expiration date of June 29, 2019.


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Accounting for the Modification of the Credit Agreement
 
The amendment to the Credit Agreement was accounted for as a loan modification and accordingly, we did not record a gain or a loss on the transaction. For the revolving credit facility, we wrote off approximately $0.2 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, based on the reduction of capacity. With respect to both debt instruments, we recorded $3.0 million of fees paid directly to the lenders as a debt discount which are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining term of the debt.
 
We classified the warrants as equity at $0.8 million at fair value at inception. The fair value of the warrants was recorded as a debt discount and is amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining term of the debt using the effective interest method.
 
As of December 31, 2009, prior to the effect of the forward-starting LIBOR based interest rate swap arrangement entered into in May 2005 (“May 2005 Swap”), the effective interest rate of the outstanding borrowings pursuant to the senior secured credit facilities was approximately 4.25%. As of December 31, 2009, the effective interest rate inclusive of the May 2005 Swap was approximately 6.483%.
 
2007 Refinancing
 
On June 11, 2007, we entered into an amendment to our then-existing credit agreement (as amended, the “2007 Credit Agreement”). The 2007 Credit Agreement provided for a replacement $750.0 million term loan facility and maintained the $100.0 million revolving credit facility. The proceeds were used to repay the prior term loan and revolving credit facility.
 
Borrowings under the replacement term loan facility bore interest, at our option, at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.75% or the Alternate Base Rate (defined as the higher of the Bank of America Prime Rate and the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%) plus 0.75%. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bore interest, at our option, at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 0.675% and 2.0% or the Alternate Base Rate plus a margin ranging between 0.0% and 1.0% (in either case dependent upon our leverage ratio).
 
In May 2005, we entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap agreement that became effective in March 2006, following the termination of our previous swap agreement. This swap agreement effectively fixed the interest rate, based on LIBOR, on $400.0 million of our floating rate bank borrowings through March 2009. As of December 31, 2008, prior to the effect of the May 2005 Swap, the effective interest rate of the outstanding borrowings pursuant to the 2007 Credit Agreement was approximately 3.810%; inclusive of the May 2005 Swap, the effective interest rate was 4.885%. At December 31, 2007, our effective interest rate, including the fixed component of the swap, on loan amounts outstanding under our credit facility was 6.6%.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, our management, in consultation with the Audit Committee of our Board, evaluates these estimates, including those related to bad debts, intangible assets, self-insurance liabilities, income taxes, and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
 
Revenue
 
We recognize revenue from the sale of commercial broadcast time to advertisers when the commercials are broadcast, subject to meeting certain conditions such as persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists and collection is reasonably assured. These criteria are generally met at the time an advertisement is broadcast.


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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. We determine the allowance based on historical write-off experience and trends. We review our allowance for doubtful accounts monthly. All past due balances are reviewed for collectability, particularly those over 120 days. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Although our management believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses, if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
 
Intangible Assets
 
We have significant intangible assets recorded in our accounts. These intangible assets are comprised primarily of broadcast licenses and goodwill acquired through the acquisition of radio stations. We are required to review the carrying value of our goodwill and certain intangible assets annually, and more frequently if circumstances warrant, for impairment and record any impairment to results of operations in the periods in which the recorded value of those assets is more than their fair market value. For the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, we recorded aggregate impairment charges of $175.0 million and $498.9 million, respectively, to reduce the carrying value of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill to their respective fair market values. As of December 31, 2009, we had $217.5 million in intangible assets and goodwill, which represented approximately 65.1% of our total assets.
 
We perform our annual impairment tests for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles during the fourth quarter. The impairment tests require us to make certain assumptions in determining fair value, including assumptions about the cash flow growth rates of our businesses. Additionally, the fair values are significantly impacted by macroeconomic factors, including market multiples at the time the impairment tests are performed. More specifically, the following could adversely impact the current carrying value of our broadcast licenses and goodwill: (a) sustained decline in the price of our common stock, (b) the potential for a decline in our forecasted operating profit margins or expected cash flow growth rates, (c) a decline in our industry forecasted operating profit margins, (d) the potential for a continued decline in advertising market revenues within the markets we operate stations, or (e) the sustained decline in the selling prices of radio stations. The calculation of the fair value of each reporting unit is prepared using an income approach and discounted cash flow methodology. As part of our overall planning associated with the testing of goodwill, we have determined that our geographic markets are the appropriate unit of accounting.
 
The assumptions used in estimating the fair values of the reporting units are based on currently available data and management’s best estimates and, accordingly, a change in market conditions or other factors could have a material effect on the estimated values.
 
During the third quarter of 2009, we reviewed the triggering events and circumstances detailed in ASC 350-20, Property, Plant and Equipment, to determine if an interim test of impairment of goodwill was warranted. In July 2009, we revised our revenue forecast downward for the last two quarters of 2009 due to the sustained decline in revenues attributable to the current economic conditions. As a result of these conditions, we determined it was appropriate and reasonable to conduct an interim impairment analysis. In conjunction with the interim impairment analysis we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $173.1 million to reduce the carrying value of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill to their respective fair market values. In addition, as part of our annual impairment testing of goodwill and broadcast licenses conducted during the fourth quarter, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $1.9 million to further reduce the carrying value of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill in certain markets to their respective fair market values. The additional impairment charge was primarily due to the changes in key variables incorporated in the discounted cash flow methodology and a larger-than expected decline in overall operating results in those markets compared to management’s prior forecasts.


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We generally conducted our impairment tests as follows:
 
Step 1 Goodwill Test
 
In performing our interim impairment testing of goodwill, the fair value of each market was calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis, an income approach. The discounted cash flow approach requires the projection of future cash flows and the calculation of these cash flows into their present value equivalent via a discount rate. We used an approximate eight-year projection period to derive operating cash flow projections from a market participant level. We made certain assumptions regarding future audience shares and revenue shares in reference to actual historical performance. We then projected future operating expenses in order to derive operating profits, which we combined with working capital additions and capital expenditures to determine operating cash flows.
 
For our third quarter interim impairment test and our annual impairment test, we performed the Step 1 test and compared the fair value of each market to its carrying value as of August 31, 2009 and December 31, 2009, respectively. For markets where a Step 1 indicator of impairment existed, we then performed Step 2 test in order to determine if goodwill was impaired on any of our markets.
 
For our third quarter interim and annual analyses, we determined that, based on our Step 1 goodwill test, the fair value of 1 of our 16 markets containing goodwill balances was below its carrying value, respectively. For the remaining markets, since no impairment indicator existed, we determined that goodwill was appropriately stated as of the relevant testing date.
 
Step 2 Goodwill Test
 
As required by the Step 2 test, we prepared an allocation of the fair value of the markets identified in the Step 1 test as if each market was acquired in a business combination. The presumed “purchase price” utilized in the calculation is the fair value of the market determined in the Step 1 test. The results of the Step 2 test and the calculated impairment charge for the third quarter interim test follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    Reporting Unit
  Implied Goodwill
  August 31, 2009
Market ID
  Fair Value   Value   Carrying Value   Impairment
 
Market 37
  $ 15,006     $ 9,754     $ 11,511     $ 1,757  
 
The results of the Step 2 test and the calculated impairment charge for the fourth quarter annual test follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
    Reporting Unit
  Implied Goodwill
  December 31, 2009
Market ID
  Fair Value   Value   Carrying Value   Impairment
 
Market 27
  $ 935     $ 43     $ 1,023     $ 980  


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The following table provides a breakdown of the goodwill balances as of December 31, 2009, by market:
 
         
Market ID
  Goodwill Balance  
 
Market 7
  $ 3,827  
Market 8
    3,726  
Market 11
    13,847  
Market 59
    875  
Market 17
    2,450  
Market 19
    1,672  
Market 26
    2,068  
Market 27
    43  
Market 30
    5,684  
Market 35
    1,150  
Market 36
    712  
Market 37
    9,754  
Market 48
    1,478  
Market 51
    4,284  
Market 56
    2,585  
Market 57
    1,966  
         
    $ 56,121  
 
To validate our conclusions and determine the reasonableness of the impairment charge related to goodwill, we:
 
  •  conducted an overall reasonableness check of our fair value calculations by comparing the aggregate, calculated fair value of our markets to our market capitalization as of August 31, 2009 for our third quarter interim test and as of December 31, 2009 for our fourth quarter annual test;
 
  •  prepared a market fair value calculation using a multiple of Adjusted EBITDA as a comparative data point to validate the fair values calculated using the discounted cash-flow approach;
 
  •  reviewed the historical operating performance of each market with impairment;
 
The discount rate employed in the market fair value calculation ranged between 12.4% and 12.7% for our third quarter interim test. As a result of changes to variables used to estimate the cost of equity such as the 20-year T-Bond and the discount rate for market risk, we employed a discount rate range of 12.6% to 12.8% for our fourth quarter annual test. We believe that the discount rate ranges were appropriate and reasonable for goodwill purposes at the time of each test due to the resulting implied 7.9 times exit multiple for both the interim and annual periods.
 
For periods after 2009, we projected a median annual revenue growth of 2.2% and median annual operating expense to increase at a growth rate of 1.7% for our third quarter interim test. We increased this projection to 2.5% and 2.3%, respectively, for our fourth quarter annual test, primarily because of changes in market revenue forecasts as of December 31, 2009 compared to September 30, 2009. For each test we derived projected expense growth based primarily on the stations’ historical financial performance and expected future revenue growth. Our projections were based on then-current market and economic conditions and our historical knowledge of the markets.
 
After completing our third quarter interim test, as compared with the market capitalization value of $536.8 million as of August 31, 2009, the aggregate fair value of all markets of approximately $604.0 million was approximately $67.2 million, or 12.52%, higher than market capitalization. After completing our fourth quarter annual test, as compared with the market capitalization value of $633.5 million as of December 31, 2009, the aggregate fair value of all markets of approximately $603.0 million was approximately $30.5 million, or 4.8%, less than market capitalization.


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Key data points included in the market capitalization calculations were as follows:
 
  •  shares outstanding of 41.6 million as of August 31, 2009 and December 31, 2009;
 
  •  average closing price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock over 30 days for August 31, 2009 and December 31, 2009: $1.40 and $2.23 per share, respectively; and
 
  •  debt discounted by 26% and 15.5% (gross $647.9 million and $636.9 million, net $479.4 million and $538.6 million), on August 31, 2009 and December 31, 2009, respectively.
 
Utilizing the above analysis and data points, we concluded the fair values of our markets, as calculated, are appropriate and reasonable.
 
Indefinite Lived Intangibles (FCC Licenses)
 
We perform our annual impairment testing of indefinite lived intangibles (our FCC licenses) during the fourth quarter and on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. Consistent with the guidance set forth in ASC 350-30, we have combined all of our broadcast licenses within a single geographic market cluster into a single unit of accounting for impairment testing purposes. As part of the overall planning associated with the indefinite lived intangibles test, we determined that our geographic markets are the appropriate unit of accounting for the broadcast license impairment testing.
 
In August 2009, we reviewed for potential issues or circumstances that might require us to test our FCC license assets for impairment on an interim basis. In July 2009, we revised our revenue forecast downward for the last two quarters of 2009 due to the sustained decline in revenues for 2009 attributable to the current economic conditions. As a result of these conditions, we determined it was appropriate and reasonable to conduct an interim impairment analysis. During the fourth quarter, we performed our annual impairment testing.
 
As a result of the interim and annual impairment tests, we determined that the carrying value of certain reporting units’ FCC licenses exceeded their fair values. Accordingly, we recorded impairment charges of $171.3 million and $0.9 million as a result of the interim and annual impairment tests, respectively, to reduce the carrying value of these assets.
 
We note that the following considerations continue to apply to the FCC licenses:
 
  •  In each market, the broadcast licenses were purchased to be used as one combined asset;
 
  •  The combined group of licenses in a market represents the “highest and best use of the assets”; and
 
  •  Each market’s strategy provides evidence that the licenses are “complementary”.
 
For the interim and annual impairment tests we utilized the three most widely accepted approaches in conducting our appraisals: (1) the cost approach, (2) the market approach, and (3) the income approach. In conducting the appraisals, we conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the assets being valued.
 
The cost approach measures value by determining the current cost of an asset and deducting for all elements of depreciation (i.e., physical deterioration as well as functional and economic obsolescence). In its simplest form, the cost approach is calculated by subtracting all depreciation from current replacement cost. The market approach measures value based on recent sales and offering prices of similar properties and analyzes the data to arrive at an indication of the most probable sales price of the subject property. The income approach measures value based on income generated by the subject property, which is then analyzed and projected over a specified time and capitalized at an appropriate market rate to arrive at the estimated value.
 
We relied on both the income and market approaches for the valuation of the FCC licenses, with the exception of certain AM and FM stations that have been valued using the cost approach. We estimated this replacement value based on estimated legal, consulting, engineering, and internal charges to be $25,000 for each FM station. For each AM station the replacement cost was estimated at $25,000 for a station licensed to operate with a one-tower array and an additional charge of $10,000 for each additional tower in the station’s tower array.


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The estimated fair values of the FCC licenses represent the amount at which an asset (or liability) could be bought (or incurred) or sold (or settled) in a current transaction between willing parties (i.e. other than in a forced or liquidation sale).
 
A basic assumption in our valuation of these FCC licenses was that these radio stations were new radio stations, signing on-the-air as of the date of the valuation. We assumed the competitive situation that existed in those markets as of that date, except that these stations were just beginning operations. In doing so, we bifurcated the value of going concern and any other assets acquired, and strictly valued the FCC licenses.
 
We estimated the values of the AM and FM licenses, combined, through a discounted cash flow analysis, which is an income valuation approach. In addition to the income approach, we also reviewed recent similar radio station sales in similarly sized markets.
 
In estimating the value of the AM and FM licenses using a discounted cash flow analysis, in order to make the net free cash flow (to invested capital) projections, we began with market revenue projections. We made assumptions about the stations’ future audience shares and revenue shares in order to project the stations’ future revenues. We then projected future operating expenses and operating profits derived. By combining these operating profits with depreciation, taxes, additions to working capital, and capital expenditures, we projected net free cash flows.
 
We discounted the net free cash flows using an appropriate after-tax average weighted cost of capital ranging between approximately 12.7% and 13.0% for the interim test and 13.0% to 13.1% for the annual test, and then calculated the total discounted net free cash flows. For net free cash flows beyond the projection period, we estimated a perpetuity value, and then discounted to present values, as of the valuation date.
 
We performed discounted cash flow analyses for each market. For each market valued we analyzed the competing stations, including revenue and listening shares for the past several years. In addition, for each market we analyzed the discounted cash flow valuations of its assets within the market. Finally, we prepared a detailed analysis of sales of comparable stations.
 
The first discounted cash flow analysis examined historical and projected gross radio revenues for each market.
 
In order to estimate what listening audience share and revenue share would be expected for each station by market, we analyzed the Arbitron audience estimates over the past two years to determine the average local commercial share garnered by similar AM and FM stations competing in those radio markets. Often we made adjustments to the listening share and revenue share based on its stations’ signal coverage of the market and the surrounding area’s population as compared to the other stations in the market. Based on management’s knowledge of the industry and familiarity with similar markets, we determined that approximately three years would be required for the stations to reach maturity. We also incorporated the following additional assumptions into the discounted cash flow valuation model:
 
  •  the stations’ gross revenues through 2017;
 
  •  the projected operating expenses and profits over the same period of time (we considered operating expenses, except for sales expenses, to be fixed, and assumed sales expenses to be a fixed percentage of revenues);
 
  •  the calculations of yearly net free cash flows to invested capital;
 
  •  depreciation on start-up construction costs and capital expenditures (we calculated depreciation using accelerated double declining balance guidelines over five years for the value of the tangible assets necessary for a radio station to go on-the-air); and
 
  •  amortization of the intangible asset — the FCC License (we calculated amortization on a straight line basis over 15 years).


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We performed the following sensitivity analyses to determine the impact of a 1% change in certain variables contained within the impairment model:
 
                 
    Increase in License Impairment  
    At August 31,
    At December 31,
 
Assumption Change
  2009     2009  
    (In millions)  
 
1% decline in revenue growth rates
  $ 80.4     $ 1.6  
1% decline in Station Operating Income
    15.8       2.1  
1% increase in discount rate
    32.6       1.9  
 
After federal and state taxes are subtracted, net free cash flows were reduced for working capital. According to recent editions of Risk Management Association’s Annual Statement Studies, over the past five years, the typical radio station has an average ratio of sales to working capital of 7.56. In other words, approximately 13.2% of a typical radio station’s sales go to working capital. As a result, we have allowed for working capital in the amount of 13.2% of the station’s incremental net revenues for each year of the projection period. After subtracting federal and state taxes and accounting for the additions to working capital, we determined net free cash flows.
 
In connection with the elimination of amortization of broadcast licenses upon the adoption of ASC 350, the reversal of our deferred tax liabilities relating to those intangible assets is no longer assured within our net operating loss carry-forward period. We have a valuation allowance of approximately $267.8 million as of December 31, 2009 based on our assessment of whether it is more likely than not these deferred tax assets related to our net operating loss carry-forwards (and certain other deferred tax assets) will be realized. Should we determine that we would be able to realize all or part of these net deferred tax assets in the future, reduction of the valuation allowance would be recorded in income in the period such determination was made.
 
Stock-based Compensation
 
Stock-based compensation expense recognized under ASC 718, Compensation — Share-Based Payment (“ASC 718”), for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $2.9 million, $4.7 million, and $9.2 million respectively, before income taxes. Upon adopting ASC 718, for awards with service conditions, a one-time election was made to recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For options with service conditions only, we utilized the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate fair value of options issued. For restricted stock awards with service conditions, we utilized the intrinsic value method. For restricted stock awards with performance conditions, we have evaluated the probability of vesting of the awards at each reporting period and have adjusted compensation cost based on this assessment. The fair value is based on the use of certain assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. If other reasonable assumptions were used, the results could differ.
 
Summary Disclosures About Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
 
The following tables reflect a summary of our contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
 
Payments Due By Period
 
                                         
          Less Than
    2 to 3
    4 to 5
    After 5
 
Contractual Cash Obligations
  Total     1 Year     Years     Years     Years  
 
Long-term debt(1)
  $ 636,890     $ 49,026     $ 14,800     $ 573,064     $  
Operating leases
    47,403       8,777       14,479       10,727       13,420  
Digital radio capital obligations(2)
    25,200       180       960       2,280       21,780  
Other operating contracts(3)
    30,706       7,740       15,362       7,604        
                                         
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
  $ 740,199     $ 65,723     $ 45,601     $ 593,675     $ 35,200  
                                         


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(1) Under the Credit Agreement, the maturity of our outstanding debt could be accelerated if we do not maintain certain restrictive financial and operating covenants. Based on long-term debt amounts outstanding at December 31, 2009, scheduled annual principal amortization and the current effective interest rate on such long-term debt amounts outstanding, we would be obligated to pay approximately $104.9 million of interest on borrowings through June 2014 ($26.1 million due in less than one, year, $51.3 million due in years two and three, $27.5 million due in years four and five, and $0.0 million due after five years).
 
(2) Amount represents the estimated capital requirements to convert 210 of our stations to a digital broadcasting format in future periods.
 
(3) Consists of contractual obligations for goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding obligations that include all significant terms. In addition, amounts include $2.5 million of station acquisitions purchase price that was deferred beyond the closing of the transaction and that is being paid monthly over a 5-year period and also includes the employment contract with our CEO, Mr. L. Dickey.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2009.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
ASC 105.  In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Statement No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”, (“SFAS No. 168”) “— a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162. SFAS No. 168 is the new source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. This statement was incorporated into ASC 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles under the new FASB codification which became effective on July 1, 2009. The new Codification supersedes all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become non-authoritative. We adopted this statement during the third quarter of 2009. We have included the references to the Codification, as appropriate, in these consolidated financial statements. Adoption of this statement did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
 
ASC 805.  FASB Statement No. 141(R) Business Combinations was issued in December 2007. This statement was incorporated into ASC 805, Business Combinations, under the new FASB codification. ASC 805 requires that upon initially obtaining control, an acquirer should recognize 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill and assumed liabilities, with only limited exceptions, even if the acquirer has not acquired 100% of its target. Additionally, contingent consideration arrangements will be fair valued at the acquisition date and included on that basis in the purchase price consideration and transaction costs will be expensed as incurred. This statement also modifies the recognition for pre-acquisition contingencies, such as environmental or legal issues, restructuring plans and acquired research and development value in purchase accounting. This statement amends ASC 740-10, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) to require the acquirer to recognize changes in the amount of its deferred tax benefits that are recognizable because of a business combination either in income from continuing operations in the period of the combination or directly in contributed capital, depending on the circumstances. ASC 805 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We adopted this statement on January 1, 2009 and accounted for the acquisitions completed during the first two quarters of 2009 in accordance with the provisions of ASC 805.
 
ASC 805 Update.  In February 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies, which allows an exception to the recognition and fair value measurement principles of ASC 805. This exception requires that acquired contingencies be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date if fair value can be reasonably estimated during the allocation period. This statement update was effective for us as of January 1, 2009 for all business combinations that close on or after January 1, 2009 and it did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.


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ASC 810.  In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is prohibited. SFAS No. 160 was incorporated into ASC 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”) and requires companies to present minority interest separately within the equity section of the balance sheet. We adopted this statement as of January 1, 2009 and it did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
 
ASC 815.  In March 2008, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Statement changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 was incorporated into ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). ASC 815 requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This statement became effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. We adopted this statement on January 1, 2009; see Note 6, “Derivative Financial Instruments”.
 
ASC 855.  In May 2009, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 165, Subsequent Events (“SFAS No. 165”). The statement establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but prior to the issuance of financial statements. This statement was incorporated into ASC 855, Subsequent Events (“ASC 855”). This statement was effective for interim or annual reporting periods after June 15, 2009. ASC 855 sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements as well as the circumstances under which the entity would recognize them and the related disclosures an entity should make. This statement became effective for our financial statements as of June 30, 2009.
 
ASC 810.  In June 2009, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46 (R) (“SFAS No. 167”), which amended the consolidation guidance for variable-interest entities. The amendments include: (1) the elimination of the exemption for qualifying special purpose entities, (2) a new approach for determining who should consolidate a variable-interest entity, and (3) changes to when it is necessary to reassess who should consolidate a variable-interest entity. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years periods beginning after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. We will adopt these provisions on January 1, 2010 and are still assessing the impact they will have on our financial statements.
 
ASC 275 and ASC 350.  In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Lives of Intangible Assets, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of an intangible asset. Under the new codification this FSP was incorporated into two different ASC’s, ASC 275, Risks and Uncertainties (“ACS 275”) and ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). This interpretation was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. We adopted this FSP on January 1, 2009, and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and did not require additional disclosures related to existing intangible assets.
 
ASC 860 and ASC 810.  The FASB issued FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46R-8 in December 2008 and was effective for the first reporting period ending after December 15, 2008. Under the new codification the FSP was organized into two separate sections ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing and ASC 810, Consolidations. These ASC updates require additional disclosures related to variable interest entities, which include significant judgments and assumptions, restrictions on assets, risks and the effects on financial position, financial performance and cash flows. We adopted these ASC updates as of January 1, 2009, and they did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and did not require additional disclosures.
 
ASC 820.  On February 12, 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (“FSP 157-2”), which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 Fair Value Measurements, for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a


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recurring basis (at least annually), to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. Under the new codification the FSP was incorporated into ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). We adopted this ASC update on January 1, 2009 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and did not require additional disclosures.
 
ASC 820. FSP 157-4, FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, and FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1. On April 2, 2009, the FASB issued three FSPs to address concerns about measuring the fair value of financial instruments when the markets become inactive and quoted prices may reflect distressed transactions, recording impairment charges on investments in debt instruments, and requiring the disclosure of fair value of certain financial instruments in interim financial statements. These FSP’s were incorporated into ASC 820 under the new codification. The first ASC update Staff Position, FSP FAS 157-4,Determining Whether a Market is Not Active and a Transaction is Not Distressed” provides additional guidance to highlight and expand on the factors that should be considered in estimating fair value when there has been a significant decrease in market activity for a financial asset. This update became effective for our financial statements as of June 30, 2009 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition and did not require additional disclosures.
 
The second ASC update Staff Position, FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (“FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2”) changes the method for determining whether an, other-than-temporary impairment exists for debt securities and the amount of an impairment charge to be recorded in earnings. We adopted this update during the second quarter of 2009 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and did not require additional disclosures.
 
The third ASC update, Staff Position, FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”) increases the frequency of fair value disclosures from annual only to quarterly. All three updates are effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009, with the option to early adopt for interim periods ending after March 15, 2009. ASC update FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 became effective for our financial statements as of June 30, 2009, see Note 7, “Fair Value Measurements”.
 
ASC 260.  In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”).  Under the new FASB codification this FSP was incorporated into ASC 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). ASC 260 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards that entitle holders to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are considered participating securities and should be included in the computation of earnings per share (“EPS”) pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method of computing EPS is an earning allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. ASC 260 requires retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. We adopted this statement on January 1, 2009. The unvested restricted shares of Class A Common Stock awarded by us pursuant to its equity incentive plans contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends, and thus are participating securities requiring the two-class method of computing EPS; see Note 13, “Earnings per Share” for our disclosure of EPS.
 
ASU 2009-05.  The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-05 which provides additional guidance on how companies should measure liabilities at fair value and confirmed practices that have evolved when measuring fair value such as the use of quoted prices for a liability when traded as an asset. While reaffirming the existing definition of fair value, the ASU reintroduces the concept of entry value into the determination of fair value. Entry value is the amount an entity would receive to enter into an identical liability. Under the new guidance, the fair value of a liability is not adjusted to reflect the impact of contractual restrictions that prevent its transfer. The effective date of this ASU is the first reporting period (including interim periods) after August 26, 2009. Early application is permitted for financial statements for earlier periods that have not yet been issued. We adopted this statement during the third quarter of 2009 and it did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
 
ASU 2010-06.  The FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06 which provides improvements to disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. New disclosures are required for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, disaggregation regarding classes of assets and liabilities, valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements for Level 2 or


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Level 3. These disclosures are effective for the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. Additional new disclosures regarding the purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 beginning with the first interim period. The company will revise their disclosures as of January 1, 2010 and 2011 as appropriate.
 
ASU 2010-09.  The FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09 which provides amendments to certain recognition and disclosure requirements. Previous guidance required that an entity that is an SEC filer be required to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. This update amends the requirement of the date disclosure to alleviate potential conflicts between ASC 855-10 and the SEC’s requirements.
 
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
At December 31, 2009, 37.2% of our long-term debt bears interest at variable rates. Accordingly, our earnings and after-tax cash flow are affected by changes in interest rates. Assuming the current level of borrowings at variable rates and assuming a one percentage point change in the 2009 average interest rate under these borrowings, it is estimated that our 2009 interest expense and net income would have changed by $4.8 million. As part of our efforts to mitigate interest rate risk, in May 2005, we entered into a forward-starting (effective March 2006) LIBOR-based interest rate swap agreement that effectively fixed the interest rate, based on LIBOR, on $400.0 million of our current floating rate bank borrowings for a three-year period. In May 2005, the Company also entered into an interest rate option agreement (the “May 2005 Option”), which provides for Bank of America to unilaterally extend the period of the May 2005 Swap for two additional years, from March 13, 2009 through March 13, 2011. This option was exercised on March 11, 2009 by Bank of America. This agreement is intended to reduce our exposure to interest rate fluctuations and was not entered into for speculative purposes. Segregating the $236.9 million of borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2009 that are not subject to the interest rate swap and assuming a one percentage point change in the 2009 average interest rate under these borrowings, it is estimated that our 2009 interest expense and net income would have changed by $1.8 million.
 
In the event of an adverse change in interest rates, our management would likely take actions, in addition to the interest rate swap agreement discussed above, to mitigate our exposure. However, due to the uncertainty of the actions that would be taken and their possible effects, additional analysis is not possible at this time. Further, such analysis would not consider the effects of the change in the level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment.
 
Foreign Currency Risk
 
None of our operations are measured in foreign currencies. As a result, our financial results are not subject to factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets.


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Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
The information in response to this item is included in our consolidated financial statements, together with the reports thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and KPMG LLP, beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which follows the signature page hereto.
 
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
Not applicable.
 
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures
 
(a)  Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the “Exchange Act”) designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. At the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2009.
 
(b)  Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control Integrated Framework. The Company’s management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, its internal control over financial reporting is effective based on these criteria.
 
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
 
     
Lewis W. Dickey, Jr.    Joseph P. Hannan
     
Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer
  Senior Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
 
(c)  Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
During the fourth quarter of 2009, we completed the redesign and implementation of certain controls related to a previously disclosed material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and, as a result, concluded that the material weakness had been fully remediated.
 
The changes were to controls regarding review of corporate-level accounting transactions, to require our Director of Corporate Accounting and Chief Accounting Officer to perform enhanced, detailed reviews pertaining to certain of these corporate-level accounting transactions, including transactions involving long-lived asset impairment assessments, valuation matters, new or amended borrowing arrangements, and business combinations. Other than as described above, there were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the


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fourth quarter of 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9B.   Other Information
 
None.
 
PART III
 
Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
The information required by this item with respect to our directors, compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and our code of ethics is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Members of the Board of Directors”, “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, “Information about the Board of Directors” and “Code of Ethics” in our definitive proxy statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end. The required information regarding our executive officers is contained in Part I of this report.
 
Item 11.   Executive Compensation
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Executive Compensation” in our definitive proxy statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end.
 
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners & Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
The information required by this item with respect to the security ownership of our management and certain beneficial owners is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in our definitive proxy statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end. The required information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our executive compensation plans is contained in Part II of this report.
 
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in our definitive proxy statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end.
 
Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Auditor Fees and Services” in our definitive proxy statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end.
 
PART IV
 
Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a) (1)-(2) Financial Statements.  The financial statements and financial statement schedule listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing on page F-1 of this annual report on Form 10-K are filed as a part of this report. All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been omitted either because they are not required under the related instructions or because they are not applicable.
 
(a) (3) Exhibits.


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  3 .1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Cumulus Media Inc., as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 8-K, filed on November 26, 2008.
  3 .2   Amended and Restated Bylaws of Cumulus Media Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Form 8-K, filed on November 26, 2008.
  4 .1   Form of Class A Common Stock Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our current report on Form 8-K, filed on August 2, 2002).
  4 .2   Voting Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1998, by and between NationsBanc Capital Corp., Cumulus Media Inc. and the stockholders named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2001).
  4 .3   Shareholder Agreement, dated as of the March 28, 2002, by and between BancAmerica Capital Investors SBIC I, L.P. and Cumulus Media Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit(d)(3) of our Schedule TO-I, filed on May 17, 2006).
  4 .4   Voting Agreement, dated as of January 6, 2009, by and among Cumulus Media Inc. and the Dickey stockholders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K, filed on January 6, 2009).
  4 .5   Form of Warrant Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Form 8-K, filed on June 30, 2009.
  10 .1   Cumulus Media Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our registration statement on Form S-8, filed on June 7, 2001 (Commission File No. 333-62538)).
  10 .2   Cumulus Media Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our registration statement on Form S-8, filed on April 15, 2003 (Commission File No. 333-104542)).
  10 .3   Amended and Restated Cumulus Media Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A of our proxy statement on Schedule 14A, , filed on April 13, 2007 (Commission File No. 333-118047)).
  10 .4   Cumulus Media Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A of our proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed on October 17, 2008 (Commission File No. 000-24525)).
  10 .5   Form of Restricted Shares Agreement for awards under the Cumulus Media Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K, filed on May 27, 2008).
  10 .6   Restricted Stock Award, dated April 25, 2005, between Cumulus Media Inc. and Lewis W. Dickey, Jr. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our current report on Form 8-K, filed on April 29, 2005).
  10 .7   Form of Restricted Stock Award (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our current report on Form 8-K, filed on April 29, 2005).
  10 .8   Form of Restricted Share Award Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(7) of our Schedule TO-I, filed on December 1, 2008).
  10 .9   Form of New Option Award Certificate (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (d)(8) of our Schedule TO-I, filed on December 1, 2008).
  10 .10   Form of 2008 Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our current report on Form 8-K, filed on March 4, 2009).
  10 .11   Form of 2008 Equity Incentive Plan Stock Option Award Agreement.
  10 .12   Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Cumulus Media Inc. and Lewis W. Dickey, Jr. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K, filed on December 22, 2006).
  10 .13   First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2008, between Cumulus Media Inc. and Lewis W. Dickey, Jr. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 8-K, filed on January 6, 2009).
  10 .14   Employment Agreement between Cumulus Media Inc. and John G. Pinch (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2001).
  10 .15   First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2008, between Cumulus Media Inc. and John G. Pinch (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Form 8-K, filed on January 6, 2009).


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  10 .16   Employment Agreement between Cumulus Media Inc. and John W. Dickey (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2001).
  10 .17   First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2008, between Cumulus Media Inc. and John W. Dickey (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 8-K, filed on January 6, 2009).
  10 .18   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1998, by and among Cumulus Media Inc., NationsBanc Capital Corp., Heller Equity Capital Corporation, The State of Wisconsin Investment Board and The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2001).
  10 .19   Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 23, 2002, by and among Cumulus Media Inc., Aurora Communications, LLC and the other parties (identified herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of our current report on Form 8-K, filed on February 7, 2002).
  10 .20   Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 28, 2002, between Cumulus Media Inc. and DBBC, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).
  10 .21   Credit Agreement, dated as of June 7, 2006, among Cumulus Media Inc., the Lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to 10.1 of our current report on Form 8-K, filed on June 8, 2002).
  10 .22   Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2006, among the Cumulus Media Inc., its Subsidiaries identified therein, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).
  10 .23   Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2007, among Cumulus Media Inc., the Lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our current report on Form 8-K, filed on June 15, 2007).
  10 .24   Termination Agreement and Release, dated as of May 11, 2008, between Cumulus Media Inc., Cloud Acquisition Corporation and Cloud Merger Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K, filed on May 12, 2008).
  10 .25   Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2009, by and among, Cumulus Media Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, the Lenders party thereto, and the Subsidiary Loan Parties thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K, filed June 30, 2009).
  10 .26   Warrant Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2009, by and among, Cumulus Media Inc., Lewis W. Dickey, Jr., Lewis W. Dickey, Sr., John W. Dickey, Michael W. Dickey, David W. Dickey, Lewis W. Dickey, Sr. Revocable Trust, DBBC, LLC and the Consenting Lenders party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 8-K, filed June 30, 2009).
  16 .1   Letter regarding a change in the certifying accountant, dated as of June 23, 2008 from KPMG LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to our Form 8-K, filed on June 23, 2008).
  21 .1   Subsidiaries of Cumulus Media Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to our Form 10-K, filed on March 16, 2008).
  23 .1*   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
  23 .2*   Consent of KPMG LLP.
  31 .1*   Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31 .2*   Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .1*   Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Filed herewith
 
(b) Exhibits. See Item 15(a)(3).
 
(c) Financial Statement Schedules.  Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 3rd day of March, 2010
 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
 
  By 
/s/  Joseph P. Hannan
Joseph P. Hannan
Senior Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
/s/  Lewis W. Dickey, Jr.

Lewis W. Dickey, Jr.
  Chairman, President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director,
(Principal Executive Officer)
  March 3, 2010
         
/s/  Joseph P. Hannan

Joseph P. Hannan
  Senior Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
  March 3, 2010
         
/s/  Linda A. Hill

Linda A. Hill
  Corporate Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
  March 3, 2010
         
/s/  Ralph B. Everett

Ralph B. Everett
  Director   March 3, 2010
         
/s/  Eric P. Robison

Eric P. Robison
  Director   March 3, 2010
         
/s/  Robert H. Sheridan, III

Robert H. Sheridan, III
  Director   March 3, 2010


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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of Cumulus Media Inc., are included in Item 8:
 
         
    Page
 
(1)  Financial Statements
       
    F-2  
    F-4  
    F-5  
    F-6  
    F-7  
    F-8  
(2)  Financial Statement Schedule
       
    S-1  


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Cumulus Media Inc.:
 
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders’ deficit and comprehensive loss, and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cumulus Media Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and the financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 
As discussed in Notes 1 and 7, on January 1, 2008, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for and discloses fair value measurements for financial assets and liabilities.
 
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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 3, 2010


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Cumulus Media, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows of Cumulus Media Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) for the year ended December 31, 2007. In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the accompanying financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2007. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule 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 the financial statements are free of material misstatement. 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Cumulus Media Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, in so far as it relates to the year ended December 31, 2007, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
As discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, included in ASC subtopic 740-10, Income Taxes — Overall.
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 17, 2008


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Table of Contents

 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16,224     $ 53,003  
Restricted cash
    789        
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,166 and $1,771 in 2009 and 2008, respectively
    37,504       42,575  
Trade receivable
    5,488       1,624  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4,709       3,287  
                 
Total current assets
    64,714       100,489  
Property and equipment, net
    46,981       55,124  
Intangible assets, net
    161,380       325,134  
Goodwill
    56,121       58,891  
Other assets
    4,868       3,881  
                 
Total assets
  $ 334,064     $ 543,519  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 13,635     $ 18,695  
Trade payable
    5,534       1,949  
Current portion of long-term debt
    49,026       7,400  
                 
Total current liabilities
    68,195       28,044  
Long-term debt
    584,482       688,600  
Other liabilities
    32,598       30,543  
Deferred income taxes
    21,301       44,479  
                 
Total liabilities
    706,576       791,666  
                 
Stockholders’ Deficit:
               
Preferred stock, 20,262,000 shares authorized, par value $0.01 per share, including: 250,000 shares designated as 133/4% Series A Cumulative Exchangeable Redeemable Preferred Stock due 2009, shares designated as stated value $1,000 per share 0; shares issued and outstanding in both 2009 and 2008 and 12,000 12% Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock, stated value $10,000 per share; 0 shares issued and outstanding in both 2009 and 2008
           
Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 59,572,592 shares issued, 35,162,511 and 34,945,290 shares outstanding in 2009 and 2008, respectively
    596       596  
Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 5,809,191 shares issued and outstanding in both 2009 and 2008
    58       58  
Class C common stock, par value $.01 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 644,871 shares issued and outstanding in both 2009 and 2008
    6       6  
Treasury stock, at cost, 24,410,081 and 24,627,302 shares in 2009 and 2008, respectively
    (261,382 )     (265,278 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
          828  
Additional paid-in-capital
    966,945       967,676  
Accumulated deficit
    (1,078,735 )     (952,033 )
                 
Total stockholders’ deficit
    (372,512 )     (248,147 )
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
  $ 334,064     $ 543,519  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

 
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Broadcast revenues
  $ 252,048     $ 307,538     $ 324,327  
Management fee from affiliate
    4,000       4,000       4,000  
                         
Net revenues
    256,048       311,538       328,327  
Operating expenses:
                       
Station operating expenses (excluding depreciation, amortization and LMA fees)
    165,676       203,222       210,640  
Depreciation and amortization
    11,136       12,512       14,567  
LMA fees
    2,332       631       755  
Corporate general and administrative (including non-cash stock compensation expense of $2,879, $4,663, and $9,212, respectively)
    20,699       19,325       26,057  
Gain on exchange of assets or stations
    (7,204 )           (5,862 )
Realized loss on derivative instrument
    3,640              
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
    174,950       498,897       230,609  
Costs associated with terminated transaction
          2,041       2,639  
                         
Total operating expenses
    371,229       736,628       479,405  
Operating loss
    (115,181 )     (425,090 )     (151,078 )
                         
Non-operating income (expense):
                       
Interest expense
    (34,050 )     (48,250 )     (61,089 )
Interest income
    61       988       664  
Terminated transaction fee
          15,000        
Losses on early extinguishment of debt
                (986 )
Other income (expense), net
    (136 )     (10 )     117  
                         
Total non-operating expense, net
    (34,125 )     (32,272 )     (61,294 )
                         
Loss before income taxes and equity in net losses of affiliate
    (149,306 )     (457,362 )     (212,372 )
Income tax benefit
    22,604       117,945       38,000  
Equity losses in affiliate
          (22,252 )     (49,432 )
                         
Net loss
  $ (126,702 )   $ (361,669 )   $ (223,804 )
                         
Basic and diluted loss per common share:
                       
Basic loss per common share (See Note 13, “Earnings Per Share”)
  $ (3.13 )   $ (8.55 )   $ (5.18 )
                         
Diluted loss per common share (See Note 13, “Earnings Per Share”)
  $ (3.13 )   $ (8.55 )   $ (5.18 )
                         
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding (See Note 13, “Earnings Per Share”)
    40,426,014       42,314,578       43,187,447  
                         
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding (See Note 13, “Earnings Per Share”)
    40,426,014       42,314,578       43,187,447  
                         
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

 
 
                                                                                         
    Class A
    Class B
    Class C
          Accumulated
                   
    Common Stock     Common Stock     Common Stock           Other
    Additional
             
    Number
    Par
    Number
    Par
    Number
    Par
    Treasury
    Comprehensive
    Paid-In
    Accumulated
       
    of Shares     Value     of Shares     Value     of Shares     Value     Stock     Income     Capital     Deficit     Total  
 
Balance at January 1, 2007
    58,850,286     $ 588       6,630,759     $ 66       644,871     $ 6     $ (282,194 )   $ 6,621     $ 978,480     $ (366,560 )   $ 337,007  
                                                                                         
Net loss
                                                                            (223,804 )     (223,804 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                                       
Change in fair value of derivative instrument
                                              (1,821 )                 (1,821 )
                                                                                         
Total comprehensive loss
                                                                                    (225,625 )
                                                                                         
Issuance of common stock
    156,232       2                                           1,262             1,264  
Restricted shares issued from treasury
    (360,000 )     (3 )                             17,690             (17,687 )            
Treasury stock buyback
                                        (2,580 )                       (2,580 )
Class B shares transferred for A shares
    821,568       8       (821,568 )     (8 )                                          
Non cash stock compensation expense
                                                    9,212             9,212  
Balance at December 31, 2007
    59,468,086     $ 595       5,809,191     $ 58       644,871     $ 6     $ (267,084 )   $ 4,800     $ 971,267     $ (590,364 )   $ 119,278  
                                                                                         
Net loss
                                                                            (361,669 )     (361,669 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                                       
Change in fair value of derivative instrument
                                              (3,972 )                 (3,972 )
                                                                                         
Total comprehensive loss
                                                                                    (365,641 )
                                                                                         
Issuance of common stock
    104,506       1                                           707             708  
Restricted shares issued from treasury
                                        5,409             (5,409 )            
Dutch offer fees
                                        (33 )                       (33 )
Share repurchase program
                                        (6,522 )                       (6,522 )
Shares returned in lieu of tax payments
                                        (168 )                       (168 )
Non cash stock compensation expense
                                                    4,231             4,231  
Restricted shares issued in connection with exchange offer
                                        3,120             (3,120 )            
                                                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2008
    59,572,592     $ 596       5,809,191     $ 58       644,871     $ 6     $ (265,278 )   $ 828     $ 967,676     $ (952,033 )   $ (248,147 )
                                                                                         
Net loss
                                                                            (126,702 )     (126,702 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                                                       
Change in fair value of derivative instrument
                                              (828 )                 (828 )
                                                                                         
Total comprehensive loss
                                                                                    (127,530 )
                                                                                         
Warrants issued in conjunction with 2009 debt amendment
                                                    812             812  
Restricted shares issued from treasury
                                        5,185             (5,185 )            
Share repurchase program
                                        (193 )                       (193 )
Shares returned in lieu of tax payments
                                        (107 )                       (107 )
Non cash stock compensation expense
                                                    2,653             2,653  
Restricted share forfeitures
                                        (989 )           989              
                                                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
    59,572,592     $ 596       5,809,191     $ 58       644,871     $ 6     $ (261,382 )   $     $ 966,945     $ (1,078,735 )   $ (372,512 )
                                                                                         
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

 
 
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net loss
  $ (126,702 )   $ (361,669 )   $ (223,804 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
                986  
Depreciation and amortization
    11,136       12,512       14,567  
Amortization of debt issuance costs/discount
    1,079       434       421  
Amortization of derivative gain
    (828 )     (3,972 )     (1,821 )
Provision for doubtful accounts
    2,386       3,754       2,954  
Loss on sale of assets or stations
    (29 )     (21 )     (5,890 )
Gain on exchange of assets or stations
    (7,204 )            
Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments
    771       13,640       13,039  
Equity loss on investment in unconsolidated affiliate
          22,252       49,432  
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
    174,950       498,897       230,609  
Deferred income taxes
    (23,178 )     (118,411 )     (34,154 )
Non-cash stock compensation
    2,879       4,663       9,212  
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions/dispositions:
                       
Restricted cash
    (789 )            
Accounts receivable
    2,685       4,833       94  
Trade receivable
    (3,864 )     (290 )     (531 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (1,422 )     2,548       323  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (5,060 )     14       (7,741 )
Trade payable
    3,584       (537 )     (372 )
Other assets
    (328 )     (315 )     1,231  
Other liabilities
    (1,375 )     (1,678 )     (2,498 )
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    28,691       76,654       46,057  
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Proceeds from sale of assets or radio stations
    102       323       6,000  
Purchases of intangible assets
          (1,008 )     (975 )
Acquisition costs
    (52 )           (265 )
Capital expenditures
    (3,110 )     (6,069 )     (4,789 )
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
    (3,060 )     (6,754 )     (29 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from bank credit facility
          75,000       750,000  
Repayments of borrowings from bank credit facility
    (59,110 )     (115,300 )     (764,950 )
Tax witholding paid on behalf of employees
    (107 )     (2,413 )     (311 )
Payments for debt issuance costs
                (1,072 )
Debt discount fees
    (3,000 )            
Payments for repurchases of common stock
    (193 )     (6,522 )     (104 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
          52       303  
                         
Net cash used in financing activities
    (62,410 )     (49,183 )     (16,134 )
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (36,779 )     20,717       29,894  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    53,003       32,286       2,392  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 16,224     $ 53,003     $ 32,286  
                         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
Interest paid
  $ 24,769     $ 33,122     $ 54,887  
Income taxes paid
  $ 895     $ 618     $ 1,205  
Trade revenue
  $ 16,612     $ 14,821     $ 17,884  
Trade expense
  $ 16,285     $ 14,499     $ 17,942  
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
 
1.   Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
 
Description of Business
 
Cumulus Media Inc., (“Cumulus” or the “Company”) is a radio broadcasting corporation incorporated in the state of Delaware, focused on acquiring, operating and developing commercial radio stations in mid-size radio markets in the United States.
 
Liquidity Considerations
 
During 2009 the economic crisis reduced demand for advertising in general, including advertising on the Company’s radio stations. In consideration of current and projected market conditions, overall advertising could continue its decline well into 2010. Therefore, in conjunction with the development of the 2010 business plan, management gave consideration to and incorporated the impact of recent market developments in a variety of areas, including the Company’s forecasted advertising revenues and liquidity.
 
During the third quarter of 2009, the Company reviewed certain events and circumstances to determine if an interim test of impairment of goodwill might be necessary. In July 2009, the Company revised its revenue forecast downward for the last two quarters of 2009 due to the sustained decline in revenues attributable to the current economic conditions. As a result of these conditions, the Company determined it was appropriate and reasonable to conduct an interim impairment analysis. In conjunction with the interim impairment analysis the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $173.1 million to reduce the carrying value of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill to their respective fair market values. In addition, as part of its annual impairment testing of goodwill (conducted in the fourth quarter), the Company further revised the revenue forecast downward for certain markets due to a larger-than-forecasted decline in overall operating results and, as a result, the Company recorded a further impairment charge of approximately $1.9 million to further reduce the carrying value of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill to their respective fair market values.
 
On June 29, 2009, the Company entered into an amendment to the credit agreement governing its senior secured credit facility. The credit agreement, as amended, is referred to herein as the “Credit Agreement”. The Credit Agreement maintains the preexisting term loan facility of $750 million, which, as of December 31, 2009, had an outstanding balance of approximately $636.9 million, and reduces the preexisting revolving credit facility from $100 million to $20 million. Additional facilities are no longer permitted under the Credit Agreement. See Note 9, “Long-Term Debt” for further discussion of the Credit Agreement.
 
Management believes that the Company will continue to be in compliance with all of its debt covenants through at least December 31, 2010, based upon actions the Company has already taken, which include: (i) the amendment to the Credit Agreement, the purpose of which was to provide certain covenant relief in 2009 and 2010 (see Note 9, “Long-Term Debt”), (ii) employee reductions of 16.5% in 2009 coupled with a mandatory one-week furlough during the second quarter of 2009, (iii) a new sales initiative implemented during the first quarter of 2009, which we believe will increase advertising revenues by re-engineering the Company’s sales techniques through enhanced training of its sales force, and (iv) continued scrutiny of all operating expenses. However, the Company will continue to monitor its revenues and cost structure closely and if revenues do not exceed expected growth or if the Company exceeds planned spending, the Company may take further actions as needed in an attempt to maintain compliance with its debt covenants under the Credit Agreement. The actions may include the implementation of additional operational efficiencies, additional cost reductions, renegotiation of major vendor contracts, deferral of capital expenditures, and sales of non-strategic assets.
 
As discussed further in Note 9, “Long-Term Debt”, the Company amended the Credit Agreement in June 2009, whereby the total leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants for the fiscal quarters ending June 30, 2009 through and including December 31, 2010 (the “Covenant Suspension Period”) have been suspended. During the Covenant Suspension Period, the Company’s loan covenants require the Company to: (1) maintain a minimum trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of $60 million for fiscal quarters


F-8


Table of Contents

 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
through March 31, 2010, increasing incrementally to $66 million for fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, subject to certain adjustments; and (2) maintain minimum cash on hand (defined as unencumbered consolidated cash and cash equivalents) of at least $7.5 million. For the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2011 (the first quarter after the Covenant Suspension Period), the total leverage ratio covenant will be 6.5:1 and the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant will be 1.20:1. At December 31, 2009, the Company’s total leverage ratio was 8.66:1 and the fixed charge coverage ratio was 1.58:1. In order to comply with the leverage ratio covenant at March 31, 2011, the Company estimates that it will be required to reduce a significant amount of debt by March 31, 2011. The Company plans to fund these debt payments from cash flows generated from operations.
 
If the Company is unable to comply with its debt covenants, the Company would need to seek a waiver or amendment to the Credit Agreement and no assurances can be given that the Company will be able to do so. If the Company were unable to obtain a waiver or an amendment to the Credit Agreement in the event of a debt covenant violation, the Company would be in default under the Credit Agreement, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position.
 
If the Company were unable to repay its debts when due, the lenders under the credit facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. The Company has pledged substantially all of its assets as collateral under the Credit Agreement. If the lenders accelerate the maturity of outstanding debt, the Company may be forced to liquidate certain assets to repay all or part of the senior secured credit facilities, and the Company cannot be assured that sufficient assets will remain after it has paid all of the its debt. The ability to liquidate assets is affected by the regulatory restrictions associated with radio stations, including FCC licensing, which may make the market for these assets less liquid and increase the chances that these assets will be liquidated at a significant loss.
 
Basis of Presentation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cumulus and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Reportable Segment
 
The Company operates under one reportable business segment, radio broadcasting, for which segment disclosure is consistent with the management decision-making process that determines the allocation of resources and the measuring of performance.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to bad debts, intangible assets, derivative financial instruments, income taxes, stock-based compensation, restructuring and contingencies and litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.


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Table of Contents

 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risks
 
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on several factors including the length of time receivables are past due, trends and current economic factors. All balances are reviewed and evaluated on a consolidated basis. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
 
In the opinion of management, credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the large number of diversified customers and the geographic diversification of the Company’s customer base. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and believes that adequate allowances for any uncollectible accounts receivable are maintained.
 
Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Property and equipment acquired in business combinations are recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition under the purchase method of accounting. Equipment under capital leases is stated at the present value of minimum lease payments.
 
Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Equipment held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining term of the lease. Depreciation of construction in progress is not recorded until the assets are placed into service. Routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
 
Capitalized Software Costs
 
The Company capitalizes certain internal software development costs. Costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and the post-implementation stages are expensed as incurred. Certain qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. These costs generally consist of coding and testing activities. Capitalization begins when the preliminary project stage is complete, management with the relevant authority authorizes and commits to the funding of the software project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, generally three years. The Company had $1.0 million and $0.9 million of unamortized software costs as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company had amortization of approximately $0.0 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, related to capitalized software costs.
 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
The Company’s intangible assets are comprised of broadcast licenses, goodwill and certain other intangible assets. Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life, which include the Company’s broadcast licenses, are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment.
 
In determining that the Company’s broadcast licenses qualified as indefinite lived intangibles, management considered a variety of factors including the Federal Communications Commission’s historical track record of renewing broadcast licenses, the very low cost to the Company of renewing the applications, the relative stability and predictability of the radio industry and the relatively low level of capital investment required to maintain the physical plant of a radio station. The Company evaluates the recoverability of its indefinite-lived assets, which


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Table of Contents

 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
include broadcasting licenses, goodwill, deferred charges, and other assets, in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, and measurement of an impairment loss under these accounting standards require the use of significant judgments and estimates. Future events may impact these judgments and estimates. If events or changes in circumstances were to indicate that an asset’s carrying value is not recoverable, a write-down of the asset would be recorded through a charge to operations.
 
Debt Issuance Costs
 
The costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized using the effective interest method to interest expense over the life of the related debt. The Company recognized amortization expense of $0.4 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
 
Extinguishment of Debt
 
The Company’s losses on extinguishment of debt have been reflected as a component of non-operating expense. Losses recognized during 2007 relate to the retirement of certain term loan borrowings under the Company’s credit facilities.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Fair value changes are recorded in income for any contracts not classified as qualifying hedging instruments. For derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedge instruments, the effective portion of the derivative fair value change must be recorded through other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity (deficit).
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue is derived primarily from the sale of commercial airtime to local and national advertisers. Revenue is recognized as commercials are broadcast. Revenues presented in the financial statements are reflected on a net basis, after the deduction of advertising agency fees by the advertising agencies, usually at a rate of 15%.
 
Trade Agreements
 
The Company provides commercial airtime in exchange for goods and services used principally for promotional, sales and other business activities. An asset and liability is recorded at the fair market value of the goods or services received. Trade revenue is recorded and the liability is relieved when commercials are broadcast and trade expense is recorded and the asset relieved when goods or services are consumed.
 
Local Marketing Agreements
 
In certain circumstances, the Company enters into a local marketing agreement (“LMA”) or time brokerage agreement with a Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licensee of a radio station. In a typical LMA, the licensee of the station makes available, for a fee, airtime on its station to a party, which supplies programming to be broadcast on that airtime, and collects revenues from advertising aired during such programming. Revenues earned and LMA fees incurred pursuant to local marketing agreements or time brokerage agreements are recognized at their gross amounts in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
 
As of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company operated twelve, seven and seven radio stations under LMAs, respectively. The stations operated under LMAs contributed $9.2 million, $6.4 million and $5.0 million, in years 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively, to the consolidated net revenues of the Company.


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Table of Contents

 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Investment in Affiliate
 
As of December 31, 2009 the Company had a 25% economic interest in Cumulus Media Partners (“CMP”), acquired in May 2006. The investment is accounted for under the equity method (see Note 8, “Investment in Affiliate”). The Company’s consolidated operating results include its proportionate share of CMP’s net losses for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007. As of December 31, 2009 the Company’s proportionate share of its affiliate losses exceeded its investment in CMP.
 
Stock-based Compensation
 
The Company currently uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of its stock options. The determination of the fair value of the awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include the historical stock price volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rates and estimated expected dividends.
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company accounts for income taxes under ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). ASC 740 requires the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for all temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is recorded for a net deferred tax asset balance when it is more likely than not that the benefits of the tax asset will not be realized. The Company continues to assess the need for its deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Any adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance would be recorded in the income statement of the period that the adjustment is determined to be required. For a discussion of ASC 740 of which certain provisions were effective for the Company as of January 1, 2007, see Note 12, “Income Taxes”.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet.
 
Comprehensive Income
 
Comprehensive income includes net income as currently reported under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and also considers the effect of additional economic events that are not required to be reported in determining net income, but rather are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (deficit). The Company reports changes in the fair value of derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges as a component of comprehensive income.


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Table of Contents

 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Earnings Per Share
 
Basic income (loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock using the “treasury stock” method.
 
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
The carrying values of cash equivalents, accounts receivables, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. As of December 31, 2009, the fair value of the Company’s term loan was $538.6 million which was based on a risk adjusted rate.
 
Accounting for National Advertising Agency Contract
 
The Company engages Katz Media Group, Inc. (“Katz”) as its national advertising sales agent. The contract has several economic elements that principally reduce the overall expected commission rate below the stated base rate. The Company estimates the overall expected commission rate over the entire contract period and applies that rate to commissionable revenue throughout the contract period with the goal of estimating and recording a stable commission rate over the life of the contract.
 
The potential commission adjustments are estimated and combined in the balance sheet with the contractual termination liability. That liability is accreted to commission expense to effectuate the stable commission rate over the course of the Katz contract.
 
The Company’s accounting for and calculation of commission expense to be realized over the life of the Katz contract requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of commission expense. Actual results may differ from management’s estimates. Over the course of the Company’s contractual relationship with Katz, management will continually update its assessment of the effective commission expense attributable to national sales in an effort to record a consistent commission rate over the term of the Katz contract.
 
Variable Interest Entities
 
The Company accounts for entities qualifying as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. VIEs are required to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that holds the majority of the beneficial interests in the variable interest entity. A VIE is an entity for which the primary beneficiary’s interest in the entity can change with changes in factors other than the amount of investment in the entity. From time to time, the Company enters into local marketing agreements in connection with pending acquisitions or dispositions of radio stations and the requirements of ASC 810 may apply, depending on the facts and circumstances related to each transaction. As of December 31, 2009, ASC 810 has not applied to any local marketing agreements.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
ASC 105.  In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Statement No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”, (“SFAS No. 168”) “— a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162.  SFAS No. 168 is the new source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. This statement was incorporated into ASC 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles under the new FASB codification which became effective on July 1, 2009. The new Codification supersedes all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become non-authoritative. The Company adopted this statement during the third


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
quarter of 2009. The Company has included the references to the Codification, as appropriate, in these consolidated financial statements. Adoption of this statement did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
 
ASC 805.  FASB Statement No. 141(R) Business Combinations was issued in December 2007. This statement was incorporated into ASC 805, Business Combinations, under the new FASB codification. ASC 805 requires that upon initially obtaining control, an acquirer should recognize 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill and assumed liabilities, with only limited exceptions, even if the acquirer has not acquired 100% of its target. Additionally, contingent consideration arrangements will be fair valued at the acquisition date and included on that basis in the purchase price consideration and transaction costs will be expensed as incurred. This statement also modifies the recognition for pre-acquisition contingencies, such as environmental or legal issues, restructuring plans and acquired research and development value in purchase accounting. This statement amends ASC 740-10, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) to require the acquirer to recognize changes in the amount of its deferred tax benefits that are recognizable because of a business combination either in income from continuing operations in the period of the combination or directly in contributed capital, depending on the circumstances. ASC 805 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted this statement on January 1, 2009 and accounted for the acquisitions completed during the first two quarters of 2009 in accordance with the provisions of ASC 805.
 
ASC 805 Update.  In February 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies, which allows an exception to the recognition and fair value measurement principles of ASC 805. This exception requires that acquired contingencies be recognized at fair value on the acquisition date if fair value can be reasonably estimated during the allocation period. This statement update was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009 for all business combinations that close on or after January 1, 2009 and it did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
 
ASC 810.  In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is prohibited. SFAS No. 160 was incorporated into ASC 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”) and requires companies to present minority interest separately within the equity section of the balance sheet. The Company adopted this statement as of January 1, 2009 and it did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
 
ASC 815.  In March 2008, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Statement changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS No. 161 was incorporated into ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). ASC 815 requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This statement became effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. The Company adopted this statement on January 1, 2009; see Note 6, “Derivative Financial Instruments”.
 
ASC 855.  In May 2009, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 165, Subsequent Events (“SFAS No. 165”). The statement establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but prior to the issuance of financial statements. This statement was incorporated into ASC 855, Subsequent Events (“ASC 855”). This statement was effective for interim or annual reporting periods after June 15, 2009. ASC 855 sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements as well as the circumstances under which the entity would recognize them and the related disclosures an entity should make. This statement became effective for the Company’s financial statements as of June 30, 2009.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
ASC 810.  In June 2009, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46 (R) (“SFAS No. 167”), which amended the consolidation guidance for variable-interest entities. The amendments include: (1) the elimination of the exemption for qualifying special purpose entities, (2) a new approach for determining who should consolidate a variable-interest entity, and (3) changes to when it is necessary to reassess who should consolidate a variable-interest entity. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years periods beginning after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application is prohibited. The Company will adopt these provisions on January 1, 2010 and the impact they will have on the Company’s financial statements is still unknown.
 
ASC 275 and ASC 350.  In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Lives of Intangible Assets, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of an intangible asset. Under the new codification this FSP was incorporated into two different ASC’s, ASC 275, Risks and Uncertainties (“ACS 275”) and ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). This interpretation was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted this FSP on January 1, 2009, and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and did not require additional disclosures related to existing intangible assets.
 
ASC 860 and ASC 810.  The FASB issued FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46R-8 in December 2008 and was effective for the first reporting period ending after December 15, 2008. Under the new codification the FSP was organized into two separate sections ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing and ASC 810, Consolidations. These ASC updates require additional disclosures related to variable interest entities, which include significant judgments and assumptions, restrictions on assets, risks and the effects on financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The Company adopted these ASC updates as of January 1, 2009, and they did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and did not require additional disclosures.
 
ASC 820.  On February 12, 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (“FSP 157-2”), which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 Fair Value Measurements, for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. Under the new codification the FSP was incorporated into ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). The Company adopted this ASC update on January 1, 2009 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and did not require additional disclosures.
 
ASC 820.  FSP 157-4, FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, and FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1. On April 2, 2009, the FASB issued three FSPs to address concerns about measuring the fair value of financial instruments when the markets become inactive and quoted prices may reflect distressed transactions, recording impairment charges on investments in debt instruments, and requiring the disclosure of fair value of certain financial instruments in interim financial statements. These FSP’s were incorporated into ASC 820 under the new codification. The first ASC update Staff Position, FSP FAS 157-4,Determining Whether a Market is Not Active and a Transaction is Not Distressed”, provides additional guidance to highlight and expand on the factors that should be considered in estimating fair value when there has been a significant decrease in market activity for a financial asset. This update became effective for the Company’s financial statements as of June 30, 2009 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition and did not require additional disclosures.
 
The second ASC update Staff Position, FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (“FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2”), changes the method for determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists for debt securities and the amount of an impairment charge to be


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
recorded in earnings. The Company adopted this update during the second quarter of 2009 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, and did not require additional disclosures.
 
The third ASC update, Staff Position, FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”) increases the frequency of fair value disclosures from annual only to quarterly. All three updates are effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009, with the option to early adopt for interim periods ending after March 15, 2009. ASC update FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 became effective for the Company’s financial statements as of June 30, 2009, see Note 7, “Fair Value Measurements”.
 
ASC 260.  In June 2008, the FASB issued FSP EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”).  Under the new FASB codification this FSP was incorporated into ASC 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). ASC 260 clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards that entitle holders to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are considered participating securities and should be included in the computation of earnings per share (“EPS”) pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method of computing EPS is an earning allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. ASC 260 requires retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. The Company adopted this statement on January 1, 2009. The unvested restricted shares of Class A Common Stock awarded by the Company pursuant to its equity incentive plans contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends, and thus are participating securities requiring the two-class method of computing EPS; see Note 13, “Earnings per Share” for the Company’s disclosure of EPS.
 
ASU 2009-05.  The FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-05 which provides additional guidance on how companies should measure liabilities at fair value and confirmed practices that have evolved when measuring fair value such as the use of quoted prices for a liability when traded as an asset. While reaffirming the existing definition of fair value, the ASU reintroduces the concept of entry value into the determination of fair value. Entry value is the amount an entity would receive to enter into an identical liability. Under the new guidance, the fair value of a liability is not adjusted to reflect the impact of contractual restrictions that prevent its transfer. The effective date of this ASU is the first reporting period (including interim periods) after August 26, 2009. Early application is permitted for financial statements for earlier periods that have not yet been issued. The Company adopted this statement during the third quarter of 2009 and it did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
 
ASU 2010-06.  The FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06 which provides improvements to disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. New disclosures are required for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, disaggregation regarding classes of assets and liabilities, valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements for Level 2 or Level 3. These disclosures are effective for the interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. Additional new disclosures regarding the purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 beginning with the first interim period. The company will revise their disclosures as of January 1, 2010 and 2011 as appropriate.
 
ASU 2010-09.  The FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09 which provides amendments to certain recognition and disclosure requirements. Previous guidance required that an entity that is an SEC filer be required to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. This update amends the requirement of the date disclosure to alleviate potential conflicts between ASC 855-10 and the SEC’s requirements.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
2.   Acquisitions and Dispositions
 
Acquisitions
 
Green Bay and Cincinnati Swap
 
On April 10, 2009, the Company completed an asset exchange agreement with Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (“Clear Channel”). As part of the asset exchange, the Company acquired two of Clear Channel’s radio stations located in Cincinnati, Ohio in consideration for five of the Company’s radio stations in the Green Bay, Wisconsin market. The exchange transaction provided the Company with direct entry into the Cincinnati market (notwithstanding the Company’s current presence through its investment in CMP), which was ranked #28 at that time by Arbitron. Larger markets are generally desirable for national advertisers, and have large and diversified local business communities providing for a large base of potential advertising clients. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with guidance for business combinations. The fair value of the assets acquired in the exchange was $17.6 million (refer to the table below for the purchase price allocation). The Company incurred approximately $0.2 million of acquisition costs related to this transaction and expensed them as incurred through earnings within corporate general and administrative expense. The $0.9 million of goodwill identified in the purchase price allocation below is deductible for tax purposes. During the fourth quarter the Company adjusted the purchase price allocation to record an intangible asset of approximately $0.7 million related to certain tower leases which will be amortized over the next four years in accordance with the terms of the leases. The results of operations for the Cincinnati stations acquired are included in the statements of operations since the acquisition date. The results of the Cincinnati stations were not material. Prior to the asset exchange, the Company and Clear Channel did not have any preexisting relationship within the Green Bay market.
 
In conjunction with the exchange, Clear Channel and the Company entered into an LMA whereby the Company will provide programming, sells advertising, and retains operating profits for managing the five Green Bay radio stations. In consideration for these rights, the Company pays Clear Channel a monthly fee of approximately $0.2 million over the term of the agreement. The term of the LMA is for five years, expiring December 31, 2013. In conjunction with the LMA, the Company included the net revenues and station operating expenses associated with operating the Green Bay stations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the LMA (April 10, 2009) through December 31, 2009. Additionally, Clear Channel negotiated a written put option that allows them to require the Company to repurchase the five Green Bay radio stations at any time during the two-month period commencing July 1, 2013 (or earlier if the LMA agreement is terminated prior to this date) for $17.6 million (the fair value of the radio stations as of April 10, 2009). The Company accounted for the put option as a derivative contract and accordingly, the fair value of the put was recorded as a liability at the acquisition date and offset against the gain associated with the asset exchange. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the derivative are recorded through earnings. See Note 6, “Derivative Financial Instruments”.
 
In conjunction with the transactions, the Company recorded a net gain of $7.2 million, which is included in gain on exchange of assets in the statements of operations. This amount represents a gain of approximately $9.6 million recorded on the Green Bay Stations sold, net of a loss of approximately $2.4 million representing the fair value of the put option at acquisition date.


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Table of Contents

 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The table below summarizes the final purchase price allocation adjusted through December 31, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
 
         
Allocation
  Amount  
 
Fixed Assets
  $ 458  
Broadcast Licenses
    15,353  
Goodwill
    874  
Other Intangibles
    951  
         
Total Purchase Price
  $ 17,636  
Less: Carrying value of Green Bay Stations
    (7,999 )
         
Gain on asset exchange
  $ 9,637  
Less: Fair value of Green Bay Option — April 10, 2009
    (2,433 )
         
Net Gain
  $ 7,204  
         
 
WZBN-FM Swap
 
During the first quarter ended March 31, 2009, the Company completed a swap transaction pursuant to which it exchanged WZBN-FM, Camilla, Georgia, for W250BC, a translator licensed for use in Atlanta, Georgia, owned by Extreme Media Group. The fair value of the assets acquired in exchange for the assets disposed was accounted for in accordance with the guidance for business combinations. This transaction was not material to the results of the Company.
 
3.   Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment consists of the following as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 (dollars in thousands):
 
                         
    Estimated
             
    Useful Life     2009     2008  
 
Land
          $ 10,088     $ 10,381  
Broadcasting and other equipment
    3 to 7 years       125,462       123,997  
Computer and capitalized software costs
    1 to 3 years       12,527       11,740  
Furniture and fixtures
    5 years       11,824       11,833  
Leasehold improvements
    5 years       10,300       10,297  
Buildings
    20 years       27,138       27,687  
Construction in progress
            1,658       1,873  
                         
              198,997       197,808  
Less: accumulated depreciation
            (152,016 )     (142,684 )
                         
            $ 46,981     $ 55,124  
                         


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Table of Contents

 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
4.   Intangible Assets and Goodwill
 
The following tables present the changes in goodwill and intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):
 
                         
    Indefinite Lived     Definite Lived     Total  
 
Intangible Assets:
                       
Balance as of December 31, 2007
  $ 783,625     $ 13     $ 783,638  
                         
Acquisition
    993             993  
Amortization
          (10 )     (10 )
Impairment
    (459,487 )           (459,487 )
                         
Balance as of December 31, 2008
  $ 325,131     $ 3     $ 325,134  
                         
Acquisition
    15,353       841       16,194  
Disposition
    (7,471 )           (7,471 )
Amortization
          (265 )     (265 )
Impairment
    (172,212 )           (172,212 )
                         
Balance as of December 31, 2009
  $ 160,801     $ 579     $ 161,380  
                         
 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Balance as of January 1: Goodwill
  $ 285,852     $ 285,852  
Accumulated impairment losses
    (226,962 )     (187,552 )
                 
Subtotal
    58,890       98,300  
Goodwill acquired during the year
    874        
Impairment losses
    (2,737 )     (39,410 )
Goodwill related to sale of business unit
    (906 )      
                 
Balance as of December 31: Goodwill
    285,820       285,852  
Accumulated impairment losses
    (229,699 )     (226,962 )
                 
Total
  $ 56,121     $ 58,890  
                 
 
The Company has significant intangible assets recorded and these intangible assets are comprised primarily of broadcast licenses and goodwill acquired through the acquisition of radio stations. Accounting guidance related to goodwill and other intangible assets requires that the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets be reviewed at least annually for impairment. If the carrying value exceeds the estimate of fair value, the Company calculates the impairment as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its implied fair value and charges it to results of operations.
 
Goodwill
 
2009 Impairment Testing
 
The Company performs its annual impairment testing of goodwill during the fourth quarter and on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. The calculation of the fair value of each reporting unit is prepared using an income approach and discounted cash flow methodology. As part of its overall planning associated with the testing of goodwill, the Company determined that its geographic markets are the appropriate reporting unit.
 
During the third quarter of 2009, the Company reviewed the events and circumstances detailed in ASC 350-20 to determine if an interim test of impairment of goodwill might be necessary. In July 2009, the Company revised its revenue forecast downward for the last two quarters of 2009 due to the sustained decline in revenues attributable to


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
the current economic conditions. As a result of these conditions, the Company determined it was appropriate and reasonable to conduct an interim impairment analysis.
 
During the fourth quarter the Company performed its annual impairment test. The assumptions used in estimating the fair values of reporting units are based on currently available data at the time the test is conducted and management’s best estimates and, accordingly, a change in market conditions or other factors could have a material effect on the estimated values.
 
Step 1 Goodwill Test
 
In performing the Company’s interim and annual impairment testing of goodwill, the fair value of each market was calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis, an income approach. The discounted cash flow approach requires the projection of future cash flows and the restatement of these cash flows into their present value equivalent via a discount rate. The Company used an approximate eight-year projection period to derive operating cash flow projections from a market participant level. The Company made certain assumptions regarding future audience shares and revenue shares in reference to actual historical performance. The Company then projected future operating expenses in order to derive operating profits, which the Company combined with working capital additions and capital expenditures to determine operating cash flows.
 
The Company then performed the Step 1 test and compared the fair value of each market to its book net assets as of August 31, 2009 for the interim test and as of December 31, 2009 for its annual test. For markets where a Step 1 indicator of impairment existed, the Company then performed the Step 2 test in order to determine if goodwill was impaired on any of its markets.
 
The Company then determined that, based on its Step 1 goodwill test, the fair value of 1 of its 16 markets containing goodwill balances was below its carrying value for both the interim and annual test. For the remaining markets, since no impairment indicators existed, the Company determined that goodwill was appropriately stated as of the relevant testing date.
 
Step 2 Goodwill Test
 
As required by the Step 2 test, the Company prepared an allocation of the fair value of the markets identified in Step 1 test as if each market was acquired in a business combination. The presumed “purchase price” utilized in the calculation is the fair value of the market determined in the Step 1 test. The results of the Step 2 test for the interim test and the calculated impairment charge is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
                                 
    Reporting Unit
  Implied Goodwill
  August 31, 2009
Market ID
  Fair Value   Value   Carrying Value   Impairment
 
Market 37
  $ 15,006     $ 9,754     $ 11,511     $ 1,757  
 
The results of the Step 2 test for the annual test and the calculated impairment charge is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
                                 
    Reporting Unit
  Implied Goodwill
  December 31, 2009
Market ID
  Fair Value   Value   Carrying Value   Impairment
 
Market 27
  $ 935     $ 43     $ 1,023     $ 980  
 
To validate the Company’s conclusions and determine the reasonableness of the impairment charge related to goodwill the Company:
 
  •  conducted an overall reasonableness check of the Company’s fair value calculations by comparing the aggregate, calculated fair value of the Company’s markets to its market capitalization of August 31, 2009 and December 31, 2009 for the interim and annual test, respectively;


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
  •  prepared a market fair value calculation using a multiple of Adjusted EBITDA as a comparative data point to validate the fair values calculated using the discounted cash-flow approach;
 
  •  reviewed the historical operating performance of each market with impairment;
 
  •  performed a sensitivity analysis on the overall fair value and impairment evaluation.
 
The discount rate employed in the market fair value calculation ranged between 12.4% and 12.7% for the interim test and between 12.6% and 12.8% for the annual test. It is believed that the these discount rate ranges were appropriate and reasonable for goodwill purposes due to the resulting implied 7.9 times exit multiple (i.e. equivalent to the terminal value) for each of the interim and annual periods.
 
For the interim impairment test the Company projected a median annual revenue growth of 2.2% and median annual operating expense to increase at a growth rate of 1.7% post 2009. For the annual test, the Company projected a median annual revenue growth of 2.5% and median annual operating expense to increase at a growth rate of 2.3% post 2009. The Company derived projected expense growth based primarily on the stations’ historical financial performance and expected future revenue growth. Based on current market and economic conditions when the interim and annual tests were performed and the Company’s historical knowledge of the markets, the Company was comfortable with the resulting eight-year forecasts of Station Operating Income by market.
 
As compared with the market capitalization value of $536.8 million as of August 31, 2009, the aggregate fair value of all markets of approximately $604.0 million was approximately $67.2 million, or 12.5%, higher than the market capitalization value. As compared with the market capitalization value of $633.5 million as of December 31, 2009, the aggregate fair value of all markets of approximately $603.0 million was approximately $30.5 million, or 4.8%, less than the market capitalization value.
 
Key data points included in the market capitalization calculation were as follows:
 
  •  shares outstanding of 41.6 million as of August 31, 2009 and December 31, 2009;
 
  •  average closing price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock over 30 days for August 31, 2009 and December 31, 2009: $1.40 and $2.23 per share, respectively; and
 
  •  debt discounted by 26% and 15.5% (gross $647.9 million and $636.9 million, net $479.4 million and $538.6 million), on August 31, 2009 and December 31, 2009, respectively.
 
Utilizing the above analysis and data points, the Company concluded the fair values of its markets, as calculated, are appropriate and reasonable.
 
Indefinite Lived Intangibles (FCC Licenses)
 
2009 Impairment Testing
 
The Company performs its annual impairment testing of indefinite lived intangibles (its FCC licenses) during the fourth quarter and on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. Consistent with the guidance set forth in ASC 350-30, the Company has combined all of its broadcast licenses within a single geographic market cluster into a single unit of accounting for impairment testing purposes. As part of the overall planning associated with the indefinite lived intangibles test, the Company determined that its geographic markets are the appropriate unit of accounting for the broadcast license impairment testing.
 
In August 2009, the Company reviewed the impairment indicators detailed in ASC 350-20 for potential issues or circumstances which might require the Company to test its FCC licenses assets for impairment on an interim basis. In July 2009, the Company revised its revenue forecast downward for the last two quarters in 2009 due to the sustained decline in revenues for 2009 attributable to the current economic conditions. As a result of these conditions, the Company determined it was appropriate and reasonable to conduct an interim impairment analysis. During the fourth quarter, the Company performed its annual impairment test.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As a result of the interim and annual impairment tests, the Company determined that the carrying value of certain reporting units FCC licenses exceeded their fair values. Accordingly, the Company recorded impairment charges of $171.3 million and $0.9 million as a result of the interim and annual impairment tests, respectively, to reduce the carrying value of these assets.
 
The Company notes that the following considerations, as cited by the EITF task force, continue to apply to the FCC licenses:
 
  •  In each market, the broadcast licenses were purchased to be used as one combined asset;
 
  •  The combined group of licenses in a market represents the “highest and best use of the assets”; and
 
  •  Each market’s strategy provides evidence that the licenses are “complementary”.
 
For the interim and annual impairment tests the Company utilized the three most widely accepted approaches in conducting its appraisals: (1) the cost approach, (2) the market approach, and (3) the income approach. In conducting the appraisals, the Company conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the assets being valued.
 
The cost approach measures value by determining the current cost of an asset and deducting for all elements of depreciation (i.e., physical deterioration as well as functional and economic obsolescence). In its simplest form, the cost approach is calculated by subtracting all depreciation from current replacement cost. The market approach measures value based on recent sales and offering prices of similar properties and analyzes the data to arrive at an indication of the most probable sales price of the subject property. The income approach measures value based on income generated by the subject property, which is then analyzed and projected over a specified time and capitalized at an appropriate market rate to arrive at the estimated value.
 
The Company relied on both the income and market approaches for the valuation of the FCC licenses, with the exception of certain AM and FM stations that have been valued using the cost approach. The Company estimated this replacement value based on estimated legal, consulting, engineering, and internal charges to be $25,000 for each FM station. For each AM station the replacement cost was estimated at $25,000 for a station licensed to operate with a one-tower array and an additional charge of $10,000 for each additional tower in the station’s tower array.
 
The estimated fair values of the FCC licenses represent the amount at which an asset (or liability) could be bought (or incurred) or sold (or settled) in a current transaction between willing parties (i.e. other than in a forced or liquidation sale).
 
A basic assumption in the Company’s valuation of these FCC licenses was that these radio stations were new radio stations, signing on-the-air as of the date of the valuation. The Company assumed the competitive situation that existed in those markets as of that date, except that these stations were just beginning operations. In doing so, the Company bifurcated the value of going concern and any other assets acquired, and strictly valued the FCC licenses.
 
The Company estimated the values of the AM and FM licenses, combined, through a discounted cash flow analysis, which is an income valuation approach. In addition to the income approach, the Company also reviewed recent similar radio station sales in similarly sized markets. In estimating the value of the AM and FM licenses using a discounted cash flow analysis, in order to make the net free cash flow (to invested capital) projections, the Company began with market revenue projections. The Company made assumptions about the stations’ future audience shares and revenue shares in order to project the stations’ future revenues. The Company then projected future operating expenses and operating profits derived. By combining these operating profits with depreciation, taxes, additions to working capital, and capital expenditures, the Company projected net free cash flows.
 
The Company discounted the net free cash flows using an appropriate after-tax average weighted cost of capital ranging between approximately 12.7% and 13.0% for the interim test and 13.0% to 13.1% for the annual test


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
and then calculated the total discounted net free cash flows. For net free cash flows beyond the projection period, the Company estimated a perpetuity value, and then discounted to present values, as of the valuation date.
 
The Company performed discounted cash flow analyses for each market. For each market valued, the Company analyzed the competing stations, including revenue and listening shares for the past several years. In addition, for each market the Company analyzed the discounted cash flow valuations of its assets within the market. Finally, the Company considered sales of comparable stations.
 
The first discounted cash flow analysis examined historical and projected gross radio revenues for each market.
 
In order to estimate what listening audience share and revenue share would be expected for each station by market, the Company analyzed the Arbitron audience estimates over the past two years to determine the average local commercial share garnered by similar AM and FM stations competing in those radio markets. Often the Company made adjustments to the listening share and revenue share based on its stations’ signal coverage of the market and the surrounding area’s population as compared to the other stations in the market. Based on management’s knowledge of the industry and familiarity with similar markets, the Company determined that approximately three years would be required for the stations to reach maturity. The Company also incorporated the following additional assumptions into the discounted cash flow valuation model:
 
  •  the stations’ gross revenues through 2017;
 
  •  the projected operating expenses and profits over the same period of time (the Company considered operating expenses, except for sales expenses, to be fixed, and assumed sales expenses to be a fixed percentage of revenues);
 
  •  calculations of yearly net free cash flows to invested capital;
 
  •  depreciation on start-up construction costs and capital expenditures (the Company calculated depreciation using accelerated double declining balance guidelines over five years for the value of the tangible assets necessary for a radio station to go on-the-air); and
 
  •  amortization of the intangible asset — the FCC License (the Company calculated amortization on a straight line basis over 15 years).
 
5.   Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 (dollars in thousands):
 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Accounts payable
  $ 819     $ 2,484  
Accrued compensation
    1,314       1,181  
Accrued commissions
    1,888       2,150  
Accrued federal and state taxes
    1,252       1,236  
Accrued real estate taxes
    1,295       1,129  
Accrued professional fees
    732       1,536  
Accrued interest
    843       3,719  
Accrued employee benefits
    816       36  
Non-cash contract termination liability
    2,082       2,126  
Accrued transaction costs
    1,005       1,236  
Accrued other
    1,589       1,862  
                 
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 13,635     $ 18,695  
                 


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
6.   Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with guidance regarding derivatives and hedging activities. This guidance requires the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded in income for any contracts not classified as qualifying hedging instruments. For derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedge instruments, the effective portion of the change in fair value must be recorded through other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity (deficit).
 
May 2005 Swap
 
In May 2005, the Company entered into a forward-starting LIBOR-based interest rate swap arrangement (the “May 2005 Swap”) to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from interest rate risk attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate of LIBOR. The May 2005 Swap became effective as of March 13, 2006, the end of the term of the Company’s prior swap. The May 2005 Swap expired on March 13, 2009, in accordance with the terms of the original agreement.
 
The May 2005 Swap changed the variable-rate cash flow exposure on $400 million of the Company’s long-term bank borrowings to fixed-rate cash flows. Under the May 2005 Swap the Company received LIBOR-based variable interest rate payments and made fixed interest rate payments, thereby creating fixed-rate long-term debt. The May 2005 Swap was previously accounted for as a qualifying cash flow hedge of the future variable rate interest payments in accordance with guidance related to accounting for derivatives and hedges. Starting in June 2006, the May 2005 Swap no longer qualified as a cash flow hedging instrument. Accordingly, the changes in its fair value have since been reflected in the statement of operations instead of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 includes income of $3.0 million, expense of $3.8 million and income of $5.5 million, respectively.
 
The fair value of the May 2005 Swap was determined in accordance with the provisions for fair value measurements using observable market based inputs (a “Level 2” measurement). The fair value represents an estimate of the net amount that the Company would pay if the agreement was transferred to another party or cancelled as of the date of the valuation. The balance sheets as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 include other long-term liabilities of $0.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively, to reflect the fair value of the May 2005 Swap.
 
May 2005 Option
 
In May 2005, the Company also entered into an interest rate option agreement (the “May 2005 Option”), which provides for Bank of America, N.A. to unilaterally extend the period of the May 2005 Swap for two additional years, from March 13, 2009 through March 13, 2011. This option was exercised on March 11, 2009 by Bank of America, N.A. This instrument was not highly effective in mitigating the risks in cash flows, and therefore it was deemed speculative and its changes in value were accounted for as a current element of interest expense. The balance sheets as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 reflect other long-term liabilities of $15.6 million and $15.5 million, respectively, to include the fair value of the May 2005 Option. The Company reported interest expense of $0.2 million, $11.0 million and $3.2 million, inclusive of the fair value adjustment during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
In the event of a default under the Credit Agreement, or a default under any derivative contract, the derivative counterparties would have the right, although not the obligation, to require immediate settlement of some or all open derivative contracts at their then-current fair value. The Company does not utilize financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
 
The Company’s financial instrument counterparties are high-quality investments or commercial banks with significant experience with such instruments. The Company manages exposure to counterparty credit risk by requiring specific minimum credit standards and diversification of counterparties. The Company has procedures to


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
monitor the credit exposure amounts. The maximum credit exposure at December 31, 2009 was not significant to the Company.
 
Green Bay Option
 
On April 10, 2009, Clear Channel and the Company entered into an LMA whereby the Company is responsible for operating (i.e., programming, advertising, etc.) five Green Bay radio stations and must pay Clear Channel a monthly fee of approximately $0.2 million over a five year term (expiring December 31, 2013), in exchange for the Company retaining the operating profits for managing the radio stations. Clear Channel also has a put option (the “Green Bay Option”) that allows them to require the Company to repurchase the five Green Bay radio stations at any time during the two-month period commencing July 1, 2013 (or earlier if the LMA agreement is terminated before this date) for $17.6 million (the fair value of the radio stations as of April 10, 2009). Clear Channel is the nation’s largest radio broadcaster and as of December 2009 Moody’s gave its debt a CCC credit rating. The Company accounted for the Green Bay Option as a derivative contract. Accordingly, the fair value of the put was recorded as a long term liability offsetting the gain at the acquisition date with subsequent changes in the fair value recorded through earnings.
 
The fair value of the Green Bay Option was determined in accordance with the provisions related to fair value measurements using inputs that are supported by little or no market activity (a “Level 3” measurement). The fair value represents an estimate of the net amount that the Company would pay if the option was transferred to another party as of the date of the valuation. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2009 includes other long-term liabilities of $6.1 million to reflect the fair value of the Green Bay Option. The fair value of the Green Bay Option at December 31, 2009 and the origination date, April 10, 2009, was $6.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Accordingly, the Company recorded $3.6 million of expense in realized loss on derivative instruments associated with marking to market the Green Bay Option to reflect the fair value of the option during the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
The location and fair value amounts of derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets are shown in the following table:
 
Information on the Location and Amounts of Derivatives Fair Values in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands)
 
                     
Liability Derivatives  
        Fair Value  
        December 31,
    December 31,
 
    Balance Sheet Location   2009     2008  
 
Derivative not designated as hedging instruments:
                   
Green Bay Option
  Other long-term liabilities   $ 6,073     $  
Interest rate swap
  Other long-term liabilities     15,639       15,464  
Interest rate swap - option
  Other long-term liabilities           3,043  
                     
    Total   $ 21,712     $ 18,507  
                     


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The location and effect of derivatives in the statements of operations are shown in the following table (in thousands):
 
                     
Liability Derivatives  
        Amount of Income (Expense)
 
        Recognized in Income on
 
        Derivatives for the Year  
Derivative
      December 31,
    December 31,
 
Instruments
  Financial Statement Location   2009     2008  
 
Green Bay Option
  Realized loss on derivative instrument   $ (3,640 )   $  
Interest rate swap
  Interest income/(expense)     3,043       (11,029 )
Interest rate swap — option
  Interest income/(expense)     (175 )     (2,611 )
                     
    Total   $ (772 )   $ (13,640 )
                     
 
7.   Fair Value Measurements
 
The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820 on January 1, 2008 as they relate to certain items, including those requirements related to the Company’s debt and derivative financial instruments which requires, among other things, enhanced disclosures about investments that are measured and reported at fair value and establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework that prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring investments at fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy to be applied to financial instruments when determining fair value are described below:
 
Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access;
 
Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and
 
Level 3 — Valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009 were as follows (in thousands):
 
                                 
          Fair Value Measurements at
 
          Reporting Date Using  
          Quoted
    Significant
       
          Prices in
    Other
    Significant
 
          Active
    Observable
    Unobservable
 
    Total Fair
    Markets
    Inputs
    Inputs
 
    Value     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
 
Financial assets:
                               
Cash equivalents:
                               
Money market funds(1)
  $ 4,382     $ 4,382     $     $  
                                 
Total assets
  $ 4,382     $ 4,382     $     $  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
Other current liabilities
                               
Interest rate swap(2)
  $ (15,639 )   $     $ (15,639 )   $  
Green Bay option(3)
    (6,073 )                 (6,073 )
                                 
Total liabilities
  $ (21,712 )   $     $ (15,639 )   $ (6,073 )
                                 
 
 
(1) This balance is invested in an institutional money market fund. The Company’s Level 1 cash equivalents are valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical investments.
 
(2) The Company’s derivative financial instruments consist solely of an interest rate cash flow hedge in which the Company pays a fixed rate and receives a variable interest rate. The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap is determined based on the present value of future cash flows using observable inputs, including interest rates and yield curves. In accordance with mark-to-market fair value accounting requirements, derivative valuations incorporate adjustments that are necessary to reflect the Company’s own credit risk.
 
(3) The fair value of the Green Bay Option was determined using inputs that are supported by little or no market activity (a Level 3 measurement). The fair value represents an estimate of the net amount that the Company would pay if the option was transferred to another party as of the date of the valuation. In accordance with the requirements of ASC 820, the option valuation incorporates a credit risk adjustment to reflect the probability of default by the Company. The Company reported $3.6 million in realized loss on derivative instruments within the income statement related to the fair value adjustment, representing the change in the fair value of the Green Bay Option. The reconciliation below contains the components of the change in fair value associated with the Green Bay Option for the year ended December 31, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
 
         
Description
  Green Bay Option  
 
April 10, 2009 — fair value origination date
  $ 2,433  
Add: Mark to market fair value adjustment
    3,640  
         
Fair value balance as of December 31, 2009
  $ 6,073  
         
 
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted authoritative guidance related to the accounting and disclosure of fair value measurements for nonfinancial assets and liabilities.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table represents the fair value of the Company’s nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2009 (in thousands):
 
                                 
          Fair Value Measurements at
 
          Reporting Date Using  
          Quoted
    Significant
       
          Prices in
    Other
    Significant
 
          Active
    Observable
    Unobservable
 
    Total Fair
    Markets
    Inputs
    Inputs
 
    Value     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
 
Non-financial assets:
                               
Goodwill
  $ 56,121     $     $     $ 56,121  
Other intangible assets
    161,380                   161,380  
                                 
Total
  $ 217,501     $     $     $ 217,501  
                                 
 
During the year ended 2009, the Company wrote down goodwill and other intangible assets with carrying amounts of $58.9 million and $325.1 million, respectively, to their fair values of $56.1 million and $161.5 million respectively, resulting in an aggregate impairment charge of $175.0 million, which the Company included in the net loss for the year ended December 31, 2009. For further discussion on the calculation of fair value and determination of impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets see Note 4, “Intangible Assets and Goodwill”.
 
The carrying values of receivables, payables, and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The following table shows the gross amount and fair value of the Company’s term loan:
 
                 
    2009   2008
 
Carrying value of term loan
  $ 636,890     $ 696,000  
Fair value of term loan
  $ 538,604     $ 515,700  
 
The fair value of the Company’s term loan is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis, based on the Company’s marginal borrowing rates.
 
8.   Investment in Affiliate
 
On October 31, 2005, the Company announced that, together with Bain Capital Partners, The Blackstone Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners, the Company had formed a new private partnership, CMP. CMP was created by the Company and the equity partners to acquire the radio broadcasting business of Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff Co. The Company and the other three equity partners each hold a 25% economic interest in CMP.
 
On May 5, 2006, the Company announced the consummation of the acquisition of the radio broadcasting business of Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff Co. by CMP for a purchase price of approximately $1.2 billion. Susquehanna’s radio broadcasting business consisted of 33 radio stations in 8 markets: San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Indianapolis and York, Pennsylvania.
 
In connection with the formation of CMP, Cumulus contributed four radio stations (including related licenses and assets) in the Houston, Texas and Kansas City, Missouri markets with a book value of approximately $71.6 million and approximately $6.2 million in cash in exchange for its membership interests. Cumulus recognized a gain of $2.5 million from the transfer of assets to CMP. In addition, upon consummation of the acquisition, the Company received a payment of approximately $3.5 million as consideration for advisory services


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
provided in connection with the acquisition. The Company recorded the payment as a reduction in its investment in CMP. The table below presents summarized financial statement data related to CMP (dollars in thousands):
 
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Income Statement Data:
                       
Revenues
  $ 175,818     $ 212,429     $ 234,544  
Operating expenses
    100,882       128,096       133,150  
Equity in losses in affiliate
          22,252       49,432  
Net (income) loss
    (73,257 )     (545,853 )     197,821  
Balance sheet data:
                       
Assets
    495,165       722,788       1,355,579  
Liabilities
    955,497       1,178,104       1,264,614  
Shareholders’ (deficit) equity
    (460,332 )     (455,316 )     90,965  
 
The Company’s investment in CMP is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The table below summarizes the Company’s investment in CMP as of December 31, 2009:
 
         
    December 31,
 
    2009  
 
Investment in Affiliate at December 31, 2007
  $ 22,252  
Equity losses in Affiliate in 2008
    (22,252 )
         
Investment in Affiliate at December 31, 2008
  $  
         
Equity losses in Affiliate in 2009
     
         
Investment in Affiliate at December 31, 2009
  $  
         
 
Concurrent with the consummation of the acquisition, the Company entered into a management agreement with a subsidiary of CMP, pursuant to which the Company’s personnel will manage the operations of CMP’s subsidiaries. The agreement provides for the Company to receive, on a quarterly basis, a management fee that is expected to be approximately 1% of the CMP subsidiaries’ annual EBITDA or $4.0 million, whichever is greater. The Company recorded as net revenues approximately $4.0 million in management fees from CMP for each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
 
Two indirect subsidiaries of CMP, CMP Susquehanna Radio Holdings Corp. (“Radio Holdings”) and CMP Susquehanna Corporation (“CMPSC”), commenced an exchange offer (the “2009 Exchange Offer”) on March 9, 2009, pursuant to which they offered to exchange all of CMPSC’s 97/8% senior subordinated notes due 2014 (the “Existing Notes”) (1) for up to $15 million aggregate principal amount of Variable Rate Senior Subordinated Secured Second Lien Notes due 2014 of CMPSC (the “New Notes”), (2) up to $35 million in shares of Series A preferred stock of Radio Holdings (the “New Preferred Stock”), and (3) warrants exercisable for shares of Radio Holdings’ common stock representing, in the aggregate, up to 40% of the outstanding common stock on a fully diluted basis (the “New Warrants”). On March 26, 2009, Radio Holdings and CMPSC completed the exchange of $175,464,000 aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes, which represented 93.5% of the total principal amount outstanding prior to the commencement of the 2009 Exchange Offer, for $14,031,000 aggregate principal amount of New Notes, 3,273,633 shares of New Preferred Stock and New Warrants exercisable for 3,740,893 shares of Radio Holdings’ common stock. Although neither the Company nor its equity partners’ equity stakes in CMP were directly affected by the exchange, each of their pro rata claims to CMP’s assets (on a consolidated basis) as an equity holder has been diluted as a result of the exchange.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
9.   Long-Term Debt
 
The Company’s long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2009 and 2008 (dollars in thousands):
 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Term loan, net of debt discount
  $ 633,508     $ 696,000  
Less: Current portion of long-term debt
    49,026       7,400  
                 
    $ 584,482     $ 688,600  
                 
 
A summary of the future maturities of long-term debt follows, exclusive of the discount on debt (dollars in thousands):
 
         
2010
  $ 49,026  
2011
    7,400  
2012
    7,400  
2013
    312,847  
2014
    260,217  
         
    $ 636,890  
         
 
2009 Amendment
 
On June 29, 2009, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement, with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.
 
The Credit Agreement maintains the preexisting term loan facility of $750 million, which had an outstanding balance of approximately $647.9 million immediately after closing the amendment, and reduces the preexisting revolving credit facility from $100 million to $20 million. Incremental facilities are no longer permitted as of June 30, 2009 under the Credit Agreement.
 
The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are collateralized by substantially all of its assets in which a security interest may lawfully be granted (including FCC licenses held by its subsidiaries), including, without limitation, intellectual property and all of the capital stock of the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Broadcast Software International, Inc., which prior to the amendment, was an excluded subsidiary. The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement continue to be guaranteed by all of its subsidiaries.
 
The Credit Agreement contains terms and conditions customary for financing arrangements of this nature. The term loan facility will mature on June 11, 2014. The revolving credit facility will mature on June 7, 2012.
 
Borrowings under the term loan facility and revolving credit facility will bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.00% or the Alternate Base Rate (defined as the higher of the Bank of America, N.A. Prime Rate and the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%) plus 3.00%. Once the Company reduces the term loan facility by $25 million through mandatory prepayments of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement), as described below, the Company will bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.75% or the Alternate Base Rate plus 2.75%. Once the Company reduces the term loan facility by $50 million through mandatory prepayments of Excess Cash Flow, as described below, the Company will bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.25% or the Alternate Base Rate plus 2.25%.
 
In connection with the closing of the Credit Agreement, the Company made a voluntary prepayment in the amount of $32.5 million. The Company also is required to make quarterly mandatory prepayments of 100% of Excess Cash Flow through December 31, 2010 (while maintaining a minimum balance of $7.5 million of cash on


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
hand), before reverting to annual prepayments of a percentage of Excess Cash Flow, depending on the Company’s leverage, beginning in 2011. The Company has included approximately $31.0 million of long term debt as current, which represents the estimated Excess Cash Flow payments over the next 12 months in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. Certain other mandatory prepayments of the term loan facility will be required upon the occurrence of specified events, including upon the incurrence of certain additional indebtedness and upon the sale of certain assets.
 
Covenants
 
The representations, covenants and events of default in the Credit Agreement are customary for financing transactions of this nature and are substantially the same as those in existence prior to the amendment, except as follows:
 
  •  the total leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio covenants for the fiscal quarters ending June 30, 2009 through and including December 31, 2010 (the “Covenant Suspension Period”) have been suspended;
 
  •  during the Covenant Suspension Period, the Company must: (1) maintain minimum trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of $60 million for fiscal quarters through March 31, 2010, increasing incrementally to $66 million for fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, subject to certain adjustments; and (2) maintain minimum cash on hand (defined as unencumbered consolidated cash and cash equivalents) of at least $7.5 million;
 
  •  the Company is restricted from incurring additional intercompany debt or making any intercompany investments other than to the parties to the Credit Agreement;
 
  •  the Company may not incur additional indebtedness or liens, or make permitted acquisitions or restricted payments, during the Covenant Suspension Period (after the Covenant Suspension Period, the Credit Agreement will permit indebtedness, liens, permitted acquisitions and restricted payments, subject to certain leverage ratio and liquidity measurements); and
 
  •  the Company must provide monthly unaudited financial statements to the lenders within 30 days after each calendar-month end.
 
Events of default in the Credit Agreement include, among others, (a) the failure to pay when due the obligations owing under the credit facilities; (b) the failure to perform (and not timely remedy, if applicable) certain covenants; (c) cross default and cross acceleration; (d) the occurrence of bankruptcy or insolvency events; (e) certain judgments against the Company or any of the Company’s subsidiaries; (f) the loss, revocation or suspension of, or any material impairment in the ability to use of or more of, any of the Company’s material FCC licenses; (g) any representation or warranty made, or report, certificate or financial statement delivered, to the lenders subsequently proven to have been incorrect in any material respect; and (h) the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the loan commitments, accelerate all loans and exercise any of their rights under the Credit Agreement and the ancillary loan documents as a secured property.
 
As discussed above, the Company’s covenants for the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:
 
  •  a minimum trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA of $60 million;
 
  •  a $7.5 million minimum cash on hand; and
 
  •  a limit on annual capital expenditures of $15.0 million annually.
 
The trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA and cash on hand at December 31, 2009 were $72.5 million and $16.2 million, respectively.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
If the Company had been unable to secure the June 2009 amendments to the Credit Agreement, so that the total leverage ratio and the fixed charge coverage ratio covenants were still operative, those covenants for the year ended December 31, 2009 would have been as follows:
 
  •  a maximum total leverage ratio of 8.00:1; and
 
  •  a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.20:1.
 
At December 31, 2009, the total leverage ratio was 8.66:1 and the fixed charge coverage ratio was 1.58:1. For the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2011 (the first quarter after the Covenant Suspension Period), the total leverage ratio covenant will be 6.5:1 and the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant will be 1.20:1.
 
Warrants
 
Additionally, the Company issued warrants to the lenders with the execution of the amended Credit Agreement that allow them to acquire up to 1.25 million shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. Each warrant is immediately exercisable to purchase the Company’s underlying Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.17 per share and has an expiration date of June 29, 2019.
 
Accounting for the Modification of the Credit Agreement
 
The amendment to the Credit Agreement was accounted for as a loan modification and accordingly, the Company did not record a gain or a loss on the transaction. For the revolving credit facility, the Company wrote off approximately $0.2 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, based on the reduction of capacity. With respect to both debt instruments, the Company recorded $3.0 million of fees paid directly to the creditors as a debt discount which are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining term of the debt.
 
The Company classified the warrants as equity at $0.8 million at fair value at inception. The fair value of the warrants was recorded as a debt discount and is amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining term of the debt using the effective interest method.
 
As of December 31, 2009, prior to the effect of the May 2005 Swap, the effective interest rate of the outstanding borrowings pursuant to the senior secured credit facilities was approximately 4.25%. As of December 31, 2009, the effective interest rate inclusive of the May 2005 Swap was approximately 6.483%.
 
2007 Refinancing
 
In connection with the refinancing of the Company’s pre-existing credit facilities, in 2007, the Company recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.0 million for 2007, which was comprised of previously deferred loan origination expenses. In connection with the 2007 refinancing, the Company deferred approximately $1.0 million of debt issuance costs, which is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the debt.
 
10.   Stockholders’ Equity
 
(a)  Common Stock
 
Each share of Class A Common Stock entitles its holder to one vote.
 
Except upon the occurrence of certain events, holders of the Class B Common Stock are not entitled to vote. The Class B Common Stock is convertible at any time, or from time to time, at the option of the holder of such Class B Common Stock (provided that the prior consent of any governmental authority required to make such conversion lawful shall have been obtained) without cost to such holder (except any transfer taxes that may be payable if certificates are to be issued in a name other than that in which the certificate surrendered is registered), into Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis; provided that the Board of Directors has determined that the


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
holder of Class A Common Stock at the time of conversion would not disqualify the Company under, or violate, any rules and regulations of the FCC.
 
Subject to certain exceptions, each share of Class C Common Stock entitles its holders to ten votes. The Class C Common Stock is convertible at any time, or from time to time, at the option of the holder of such Class C Common Stock (provided that the prior consent of any governmental authority required to make such conversion lawful shall have been obtained) without cost to such holder (except any transfer taxes that may be payable if certificates are to be issued in a name other than that in which the certificate surrendered is registered), into Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis; provided that the Board of Directors has determined that the holder of Class A Common Stock at the time of conversion would not disqualify the Company under, or violate, any rules and regulations of the FCC.
 
(b)  Share Repurchases
 
On May 21, 2008, the Board of Directors of Cumulus terminated all pre-existing repurchase programs, and authorized the purchase, from time to time, of up to $75 million of its shares of Class A Common Stock. Repurchases may be made in the open market or through block trades, in compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and various other factors, including the requirements of the Company’s credit facility. Cumulus has no obligation to repurchase shares under the repurchase program, and the timing, actual number and value of shares to be purchased will depend on the performance of the Company’s stock price, general market conditions, and various other factors within the discretion of management.
 
During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company repurchased in the aggregate approximately 0.1 million and 3.0 million shares, respectively, of Class A Common Stock for approximately $0.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively, in cash in open market transactions under the board-approved purchase plan.
 
As of December 31, 2009, the Company had authority to repurchase an additional $68.3 million of its Class A Common Stock.
 
(c)  Stock Purchase Plan
 
In 1999, the Company’s Board adopted and its stockholders subsequently approved the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is designed to qualify for certain income tax benefits for employees under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan allows qualifying employees to purchase Class A Common Stock at the end of each calendar year, commencing with the calendar year beginning January 1, 1999, at 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the first and last trading days of the year. The amount each employee can purchase is limited to the lesser of (i) 15% of pay or (ii) $0.025 million of stock value on the first trading day of the year. An employee must be employed at least six months as of the first trading day of the year in order to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 
In June 2002, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan which increased the aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock available for purchase under the plan from 1,000,000 shares to 2,000,000, an increase of 1,000,000 shares.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table summarizes the number of shares of Class A Common stock issued as a result of employee participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan since its inception in 1999 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
                 
          Class A
 
    Issue
    Common Shares
 
Issue Date
  Price     Issued  
 
January 10, 2000
  $ 14.18       17,674  
January 17, 2001
  $ 3.08       50,194  
January 8-23, 2002
  $ 3.19       558,161  
January 2-24, 2003
  $ 12.61       124,876  
January 26-30, 2004
  $ 13.05       130,194  
January 2-28, 2005
  $ 12.82       136,110  
January 2-31, 2006
  $ 10.55       124,598  
March 2-31, 2007
  $ 8.83       108,575  
February 1-29, 2008
  $ 6.83       96,006  
 
As of July 23, 2007, the Company halted future participation in the ESPP and has terminated the plan as of the end of the 2007 plan year.
 
11.   Stock Options and Restricted Stock
 
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted ASC 718 using the modified prospective method. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of its stock options. The determination of the fair value of the awards on the date of grant, using an option-pricing model, is affected by the Company’s stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables and is based principally on the historical volatility. These variables include its expected stock price volatility over the expected term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends.
 
There were no grants of stock options in 2009. Stock options of 956,869 and 10,000 shares were granted during 2008 and 2007, respectively. Stock options vest over four years and have a maximum contractual term of ten years. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock by using a weighted average of historical stock price volatility over the expected term of the options. Management believes historical volatility is a better measure than implied volatility. The Company bases the risk-free interest rate that it uses in its option pricing model on United States Treasury Zero Coupon strip issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term of the options. The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and therefore uses an expected dividend yield of zero in the option pricing model. The Company is required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from estimates. Similar to the expected-term assumption used in the valuation of awards, the Company splits its population into two categories, (1) executives and directors and (2) non-executive employees. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded only for those awards that are expected to vest. All stock-based payment awards are amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods.
 
The assumptions used for valuation of the 2008 and 2007 option awards are set forth in the table below:
 
         
    2008   2007
 
Expected term
     10.0 years      10.0 years
Volatility
  40.9%   32.4%
Risk-free rate
  0.0%   4.7%
Expected dividend rate
  0.0%   0.0%


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recognized approximately $2.9 million, in non-cash stock-based compensation expense relating to stock options. There is no tax benefit associated with this expense due to the Company’s net operating loss position. As of December 31, 2009, there was unrecognized compensation costs adjusted for estimated forfeitures (with a range from approximately 0% to 40%), of approximately $0.3 million related to non-vested stock options that will be recognized over 1.5 years. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.
 
The Company has also issued restricted stock awards to certain key employees. Generally, the restricted stock vests over a four-year period, thus the Company recognizes compensation expense over the four-year period equal to the grant date value of the shares awarded to the employees. To the extent the non-vested stock awards include performance or market conditions management examines the appropriate requisite service period to recognize the cost associated with the award on a case-by-case basis.
 
The Company has different plans under which stock options or restricted stock awards have been or may be granted. A general description of these plans is included in this Note.
 
The Compensation Committee of the Board granted 157,000, 133,000, and 110,000 restricted shares of its Class A Common Stock in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively, to certain officers, pursuant to the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. Consistent with the terms of the awards, one-half of the shares granted will vest after two years of continuous employment. For certain of the awards, an additional one-eighth of the remaining restricted shares will vest each quarter during the third and fourth years following the date of grant. For the other awards, an additional one-fourth of the remaining restricted shares will vest annually during the third and fourth years following the date of grant. The fair value at the date of grant of these shares was $0.3 million for the 2009 grant, $0.7 million for the 2008 grant and $1.1 million for the 2007 grant. Stock compensation expense for these awards will be recognized on a straight-line basis over each award’s vesting period. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company recognized $0.4 million, $0.6 million, and $1.0 million, respectively, of non-cash stock compensation expense related to these restricted shares.
 
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were unrecognized compensation costs of approximately $0.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to these restricted stock grants that will be recognized over 2.4 years. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized over 2.4 years. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.
 
On December 20, 2006, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Employment agreement with the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lewis W. Dickey, Jr. The agreement has an initial term through May 31, 2013 and is subject to automatic extensions of one-year terms thereafter unless terminated by advance notice by either party in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
 
The agreement provides among other matters that Mr. L. Dickey shall be granted 160,000 shares of time-vested restricted Class A Common Stock and 160,000 shares of performance vested restricted Class A Common Stock in each fiscal year during his employment term. The time-vested restricted shares shall vest in three installments, with one-half vesting on the second anniversary of the date of grant, and one-quarter vesting on each of the third and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant, in each case contingent upon Mr. L. Dickey’s continued employment with the Company. Vesting of performance restricted shares is dependent upon achievement of Compensation Committee-approved criteria for the three-year period beginning on January 1 of the fiscal year of the date of grant, in each case contingent upon Mr. L. Dickey’s continued employment with the Company. For 2009, the Company recognized $0.4 million of expense related to the performance restricted awards issued in 2009 and 2008 whose vesting is subject to the achievement of the Compensation Committee approved criteria.
 
In the event that there is a change in control, as defined in the agreement, then any issued but unvested portion of the restricted stock grants held by Mr. L. Dickey shall become immediately and fully vested. In addition, upon such a change in control, we shall issue Mr. L. Dickey an award of 360,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, such number of shares decreasing by 70,000 shares upon each of the first four anniversaries of the date of the agreement.


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Table of Contents

 
CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As an inducement to entering into the agreement, the agreement provided for a signing bonus grant of 685,000 deferred shares of Class A Common Stock. Of the 685,000 deferred bonus shares, 94,875 were treated as replacement shares pertaining to the old employment agreement. The remaining 590,125 shares valued at $6.2 million were charged to non-cash stock compensation in 2006.
 
The agreement also provides that, should Mr. L. Dickey resign his employment or the Company terminate his employment, in each case other than under certain permissible circumstances, Mr. Dickey shall pay to the Company, in cash, $5.5 million (such amount decreasing by $1.0 million on each of the first five anniversaries of the date of the agreement). This potential payment would only be accounted for if and when it occurs similar to a “clawback” feature. This payment is automatically waived upon a change in control. As further inducement, the agreement provided for the repurchase, as of the effective date of the agreement, by the Company of all of Mr. L. Dickey’s rights and interests in and to (a) options to purchase 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, previously granted to Mr. L. Dickey at an exercise price per share of $6.4375, options to purchase 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, previously granted to Mr. L. Dickey at an exercise price per share of $5.92 and options to purchase 150,000 shares of Class A common stock, previously granted to Mr. L. Dickey at an exercise price per share of $14.03, for an aggregate purchase price of $6,849,950 and (b) 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, previously awarded to Mr. L. Dickey as restricted stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $5,275,000. Each purchase price was paid in a lump-sum cash payment at the time of purchase. The purchase was completed on December 20, 2006.
 
As of the date of the agreement, Mr. L. Dickey had 250,000 partially vested, restricted shares that were being amortized under ASC 718. At December 20, 2006 there was an unamortized balance, under ASC 718, of $2.0 million associated with these shares. The Company replaced these shares with 94,875 deferred shares of Class A Common Stock and 155,125 time-vested restricted shares of Class A Common Stock. The Company recognized non-cash stock compensation expense of $0.8 million in 2006, related to the 94,875 replacement deferred shares. The Company will recognize future non-cash stock compensation of $1.3 million associated with the time-vested restricted shares, ratably over the employment contract through May 31, 2013.
 
Mr. L. Dickey was granted 160,000 time-vested, restricted shares of Class A Common Stock in 2007 and will be granted 160,000 time-vested, restricted shares each year for the next six years or 1,120,000 shares in the aggregate. Of the 1,120,000 shares to be issued, non-cash stock compensation expense of $6.8 million related to 524,875 of the shares is being amortized ratably to non-cash stock compensation expense over the period of the employment agreement ending May 31, 2013. These shares represent the number of shares that will legally vest during the employment agreement reduced by the 155,125 shares which were treated as replacement shares for the pre-existing 250,000 partially vested restricted shares discussed above.
 
As previously mentioned, in 2006, the Company repurchased 1,150,000 outstanding shares of Mr. L. Dickey’s fully vested Class A Common Stock options and recorded a charge to equity for $6.8 million. In addition the Company purchased 500,000 partially vested restricted shares for $5.3 million which was charged to treasury stock in shareholder’s equity. The unamortized grant date fair value of $3.2 million was recorded to non-cash stock compensation within the 2006 consolidated statement of operations. The number of signing bonus restricted deferred shares and time-vested restricted shares committed for grant to Mr. L. Dickey and the restricted shares previously granted exceeded the number of restricted or deferred shares approved for grant at December 31, 2006. Accordingly, 15,000 of the signing bonus shares and all of the time-vested restricted shares were accounted for as liability classified awards which required revaluation at the end of each accounting period as of December 31, 2006. Following the modification of the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan in May 2007, all stock based compensation awards are equity classified as of December 31, 2009.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company recognized approximately $10.4 million of non-cash compensation expense in the fourth quarter of 2006 in conjunction with amending Mr. L. Dickey’s employment agreement as described below:
 
         
    2006  
 
Compensation cost related to the original repurchased grant
  $ 3,378  
Deferred bonus shares expensed
    6,986  
Current year ASC 718 amortization of time vested restricted shares
    30  
         
Total non-cash compensation costs
  $ 10,394  
         
 
On December 20, 2007, the Company issued the 685,000 signing bonus restricted shares of Class A Common Stock to Mr. L. Dickey in accordance with his current employment agreement, as described above. As previously stated, these shares, valued at $7.0 million, were expensed in 2006 to non-cash stock compensation. In 2007, the Company recorded $1.0 million to the non-cash stock compensation associated with the time vested awards under Mr. L. Dickey’s Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement. Included in the Treasury Stock buyback for 2007 is $2.6 million for shares withheld representing the minimum statutory tax liability of which $0.3 million was paid during 2007. At December 31, 2009, there was $2.7 million of unrecognized compensation costs for the time vested restricted shares to be amortized ratably through May 31, 2013 associated with Mr. L. Dickey’s December 2006 amended employment agreement.
 
The Company also had an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) that allowed qualifying employees to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock at the end of each calendar year at 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the first or last trading day of the year. Due to the significant discount offered and the inclusion of a look-back feature, the Company’s ESPP was considered compensatory upon adoption of ASC 718. As previously mentioned and pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, the Company halted future participation in the ESPP, and terminated the plan at the end of the 2007 plan year.
 
2008 Equity Incentive Plan
 
The Board adopted the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) on September 26, 2008. The 2008 Equity Incentive Plan was subsequently approved by the Company’s stockholders on November 19, 2008. The purpose of the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan is to attract and retain non-employee directors, officers, key employees and consultants for the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries by providing such persons with incentives and rewards for superior performance. The aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock subject to the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan is 4,000,000. Of the aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock available, up to 3,000,000 shares may be granted as incentive stock options, or ISOs. In addition, no one person may receive options exercisable for more than 400,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in any one calendar year.
 
The 2008 Plan permits the Board to grant nonqualified stock options and ISOs, or combinations thereof. The exercise price of an option awarded under the 2008 Plan may not be less than the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Options will be exercisable during the period specified in each award agreement and will be exercisable in installments pursuant to a Board-designated vesting schedule, provided that awards may not vest sooner than one-third per year over three years. The Board may also provide for acceleration of options awarded in the event of retirement, death or disability of the grantee, or a change of control, as defined by the 2008 Plan.
 
The 2008 Plan also permits the Board to grant stock appreciation rights, or SARs, to receive an amount equal to 100%, or such lesser percentage as the Board may determine, of the spread between the base price (or option price if a tandem SAR) and the value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise. SARs may not vest by the passage of time sooner than one-third per year over three years, provided that any grant may specify that such SAR may be exercised only in the event of, or earlier in the event of, the retirement, death or disability of the grantee, or a change of control. Any grant of SARs may specify performance objectives that must be achieved as


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
a condition to exercise such rights. If the SARs provide that performance objectives must be achieved prior to exercise, such SARs may not become exercisable sooner than one year from the date of grant except in the event of the retirement, death or disability of the grantee, or a change of control.
 
The Board may also authorize the grant or sale of restricted stock to participants. Each such grant will constitute an immediate transfer of the ownership of the restricted shares to the participant, entitling the participant to voting, dividend and other ownership rights, but subject to substantial risk of forfeiture for a period of not less than two years (to be determined by the Board at the time of the grant) and restrictions on transfer (to be determined by the Board at the time of the grant). Any grant of restricted stock may specify performance objectives that, if achieved, will result in termination or early termination of the restrictions applicable to such shares. If the grant of restricted stock provides that performance objectives must be achieved to result in a lapse of restrictions, the restrictions cannot lapse sooner than one year from the date of grant, but may be subject to earlier lapse or modification by virtue of the retirement, death or disability of the grantee or a change of control. The Board may also provide for the elimination of restrictions in the event of retirement, death or disability of the grantee, or a change of control.
 
Additionally, the 2008 Plan permits the Board to grant restricted stock units, or RSUs. A grant of RSUs constitutes an agreement by the Company to deliver shares of Class A Common Stock to the participant in the future in consideration of the performance of services, but subject to the fulfillment of such conditions during the restriction period as the Board may specify. During the restriction period, the participant has no right to transfer any rights under his or her award and no right to vote such RSUs. RSUs must be subject to a restriction period of at least three years, except that the restriction period may expire ratably during the three-year period, on an annual basis, as determined by the Board at the date of grant. Additionally, the Board may provide for a shorter restriction period in the event of the retirement, death or disability of the grantee, or a change of control. Any grant of RSUs may specify performance objectives that, if achieved, will result in termination or early termination of the restriction period applicable to such shares. If the grant of RSUs provides that performance objectives must be achieved to result in a lapse of the restriction period, the restriction period cannot lapse sooner than one year from the date of grant, but may be subject to earlier lapse or modification by virtue of the retirement, death or disability of the grantee or a change of control.
 
Finally, the 2008 Plan permits the Board to issue performance shares and performance units. A performance share is the equivalent of one share of Class A Common Stock and a performance unit is the equivalent of $1.00 or such other value as determined by the Board. A participant may be granted any number of performance shares or performance units, subject to the limitations set forth in the 2008 Plan. The participant will be given one or more performance objectives to meet within a specified period. The specified period will be a period of time not less than one year, except in the case of the retirement, death or disability of the grantee, or a change of control, if the Board shall so determine. Each grant of performance shares or performance units may specify in respect of the relevant performance objective(s) a level or levels of achievement and will set forth a formula for determining the number of performance shares or performance units that will be earned if performance is at or above the minimum or threshold level or levels, or is at or above the target level or levels, but falls short of maximum achievement of the specified performance objective(s).
 
No grant, of any type, may be awarded under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan after November 19, 2018.
 
The Board of Directors administers the 2008 Plan. The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate all or any part of its authority under the 2008 Plan to the Compensation Committee. The Board of Directors has full and exclusive power to interpret the 2008 Plan and to adopt rules, regulations and guidelines.
 
Under the 2008 Plan, current and prospective employees, non-employee directors, consultants or other persons who provide the Company services are eligible to participate.
 
On December 30, 2008, the Company consummated an exchange offer to its employees and non-employee directors (or a designated affiliate of one of the foregoing) to exchange their outstanding options to purchase the


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Company’s Class A Common Stock that were granted on or after October 2, 2000 (“eligible options”) for a combination of restricted shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock (“restricted shares”) and replacement options to purchase Class A Common Stock (“new options”). Options to purchase 5,647,650 shares of Class A Common Stock, or approximately 95.1% of all eligible options, were tendered for exchange and, in accordance with the terms of the Offer, 289,683 restricted shares and new options to purchase 956,869 shares of Class A Common Stock were issued at exercise prices ranging from $2.54 to $3.30 per share under the 2008 Plan. These options vest as follows: 50% of the options vest on the second anniversary of the date of issue and the remaining 50% vest in 25% increments on each of the next two anniversaries with the possible acceleration of vesting for some options if certain criteria are met. The incremental non-cash charge to compensation expense of $1.3 million as well as the non-cash charge to compensation expense of $0.8 million for the non-vested awards exchanged will be recognized over the new vesting period.
 
As of December 31, 2009, there were outstanding options to purchase a total of 976,373 shares of Class A Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $2.54 to $3.30 per share under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan. These options vest quarterly over four years, with the possible acceleration of vesting for some options if certain performance criteria are met. In addition, all options vest upon a change of control as more fully described in the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
2004 Equity Incentive Plan
 
The Board adopted the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan on March 19, 2004. The 2004 Equity Incentive Plan was subsequently approved by the Company’s stockholders on April 30, 2004 and amended with stockholder approval on May 10, 2007. The purpose of the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan is to attract and retain officers, key employees, non-employee directors and consultants for the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries and to provide such persons incentives and rewards for superior performance. The aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock subject to the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan is 3,665,000. Of the aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock available, up to 1,400,000 shares may be granted as incentive stock options, or ISOs, and up to 1,795,000 shares may be awarded as either restricted or deferred shares. In addition, no one person may receive options exercisable for more than 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in any one calendar year.
 
The 2004 Equity Incentive Plan permits the Company to grant nonqualified stock options and ISOs, as defined in Section 422 of the Code. The exercise price of an option awarded under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan may not be less than the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the last trading day before the grant. Options will be exercisable during the period specified in each award agreement and will be exercisable in installments pursuant to a Board-designated vesting schedule. The Board may also provide for acceleration of options awarded in the event of a change in control, as defined by the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
The Board may also authorize the grant or sale of restricted stock to participants. Each such grant will constitute an immediate transfer of the ownership of the restricted shares to the participant, entitling the participant to voting, dividend and other ownership rights, but subject to substantial risk of forfeiture for a period of not less than two years (to be determined by the Board at the time of the grant) and restrictions on transfer (to be determined by the Board at the time of the grant). The Board may also provide for the elimination of restrictions in the event of a change in control.
 
Finally, the Board may authorize the grant or sale of deferred stock to participants. Awards of deferred stock constitute an agreement the Company makes to deliver shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock to the participant in the future, in consideration of the performance of services, but subject to the fulfillment of such conditions during the deferral period as the Board may specify. The grants or sales of deferred stock will be subject to a deferral period of at least one year. During the deferral period, the participant will have no right to transfer any rights under the award and will have no rights of ownership in the deferred shares, including no right to vote such shares, though the Board may authorize the payment of any dividend equivalents on the shares. The Board may also provide for the elimination of the deferral period in the event of a change in control.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
No grant, of any type, may be awarded under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan after April 30, 2014.
 
The Board of Directors administers the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate all or any part of its authority under the 2004 Plan to the Compensation Committee. The Board of Directors has full and exclusive power to interpret the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and to adopt rules, regulations and guidelines.
 
Under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, current and prospective employees, non-employee directors, consultants or other persons who provide the Company services are eligible to participate.
 
As of December 31, 2009, there were outstanding options to purchase a total of 73,033 shares of Class A Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $9.40 to $14.04 per share under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. These options vest quarterly over four years, with the possible acceleration of vesting for some options if certain performance criteria are met. In addition, all options vest upon a change of control as more fully described in the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
2002 Stock Incentive Plan
 
The Board adopted the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan on March 1, 2002. The purpose of the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan is to attract and retain certain selected officers, key employees, non-employee directors and consultants whose skills and talents are important to the Company’s operations and reward them for making major contributions to the Company’s success. The aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock subject to the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan is 2,000,000, all of which may be granted as incentive stock options. In addition, no one person may receive options for more than 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in any one calendar year.
 
The 2002 Stock Incentive Plan permits the Company to grant nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options (“ISOs”), as defined in Sections 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). No options may be granted under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan after May 3, 2012.
 
The Compensation Committee administers the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee has full and exclusive power to interpret the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and to adopt rules, regulations and guidelines for carrying out the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan as it may deem necessary or proper.
 
Under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, current and prospective employees, non-employee directors, consultants or other persons who provide services to the Company are eligible to participate. As of December 31, 2009, there were outstanding options to purchase a total of 54,313 shares of Class A Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $14.62 to $19.25 per share under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan. These options vest quarterly over four years, with the possible acceleration of vesting for some options if certain performance criteria are met. In addition, all options vest upon a change of control as more fully described in the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
2000 Stock Incentive Plan
 
The Board adopted the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan on July 31, 2000, and subsequently amended the Plan on February 23, 2001. The 2000 Stock Incentive Plan was subsequently approved by the Company’s stockholders on May 4, 2001. The purpose of the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan is to attract and retain certain selected officers, key employees, non-employee directors and consultants whose skills and talents are important to the Company’s operations and reward them for making major contributions to the Company’s success. The aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock subject to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan is 2,750,000, all of which may be granted as incentive stock options. In addition, no one person may receive options for more than 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in any one calendar year.
 
The 2000 Stock Incentive Plan permits the Company to grant nonqualified stock options and ISOs, as defined in Sections 422 of the Code. No options may be granted under the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan after October 4, 2010.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Compensation Committee administers the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee has full and exclusive power to interpret the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and to adopt rules, regulations and guidelines for carrying out the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan as it may deem necessary or proper.
 
Under the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, current and prospective employees, non-employee directors, consultants or other persons who provide services to the Company are eligible to participate. As of December 31, 2009, there were outstanding options to purchase a total of 27,204 shares of Class A Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $5.92 to $6.44 per share under the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. These options vest, in general, quarterly over four years, with the possible acceleration of vesting for some options if certain performance criteria are met. In addition, all options vest upon a change of control as more fully described in the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
1999 Stock Incentive Plan
 
In 1999, the Board and the Company’s stockholders adopted the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan to provide the Company’s officers, other key employees and non-employee directors (other than participants in the Company’s 1999 Executive Stock Incentive Plan described below), as well as the Company’s consultants, with additional incentives by increasing their proprietary interest in the Company. An aggregate of 900,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are subject to the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, all of which may be awarded as incentive stock options. In addition, subject to certain equitable adjustments, no one person will be eligible to receive options for more than 300,000 shares in any one calendar year.
 
The 1999 Stock Incentive Plan permits the Company to grant awards in the form of non-qualified stock options and ISO’s. All stock options awarded under the plan will be granted at an exercise price of not less than fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. As of August 30, 2009, no further awards may be granted under the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
The 1999 Stock Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, which has exclusive authority to make all interpretations and determinations affecting the plan. The Compensation Committee has discretion to determine and interpret the terms of any award. The Compensation Committee may delegate to certain of the Company’s senior officers its duties under the plan subject to such conditions or limitations as the Compensation Committee may establish. In the event of any changes in the Company’s capital structure, the Compensation Committee will make proportional adjustments to outstanding awards so that the net value of the award is not changed.
 
The 1999 plan expired on August 30, 2009, after which no awards are permitted.
 
1998 Stock Incentive Plan
 
In 1998, we adopted the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan. An aggregate of 1,288,834 shares of Class A Common Stock are subject to the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, all of which may be awarded as incentive stock options, and a maximum of 100,000 shares of Class A Common Stock may be awarded as restricted stock. In addition, subject to certain equitable adjustments, no one person will be eligible to receive options for more than 300,000 shares in any one calendar year and the maximum amount of restricted stock which will be awarded to any one person during any calendar year is $0.5 million.
 
The 1998 Stock Incentive Plan permits the Company to grant awards in the form of non-qualified stock options and ISO’s and restricted shares of Class A Common Stock. All stock options awarded under the plan will be granted at an exercise price of not less than fair market value of the Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. No award will be granted under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan after June 22, 2008.
 
The 1998 Stock Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, which has exclusive authority to grant awards under the plan and to make all interpretations and determinations affecting the plan. The Compensation Committee has discretion to determine the individuals to whom awards are granted, the amount of


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
such award, any applicable vesting schedule, whether awards vest upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan) and other terms of any award. The Compensation Committee may delegate to certain of the Company’s senior officers its duties under the plan subject to such conditions or limitations as the Compensation Committee may establish. Any award made to a non-employee director must be approved by the Board. In the event of any changes in the Company’s capital structure, the Compensation Committee will make proportional adjustments to outstanding awards so that the net value of the award is not changed.
 
The 1998 plan expired on June 22, 2008, after which no awards are permitted.
 
The following tables represent a summary of options outstanding and exercisable at and activity during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
 
                 
          Weighted
 
          Average
 
    Shares     Exercise Price  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    8,974,434     $ 15.09  
                 
Granted
    10,000       9.97  
Exercised
    (51,657 )     6.37  
Canceled or repurchased
    (254,117 )     13.69  
                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    8,678,660     $ 15.16  
                 
Granted
    956,869       2.27  
Exercised
    (4,500 )     1.94  
Canceled or repurchased
    (7,577,704 )     14.75  
                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    2,053,325     $ 15.16  
                 
Granted
           
Exercised
           
Canceled or repurchased
    (1,123,015 )     12.64  
                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    930,310     $ 3.70  
                 
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2009:
 
                                         
    Outstanding as of
    Weighted Average
    Weighted
    Exercisable as of
    Weighted
 
Range of
  December 31,
    Remaining
    Average
    December 31,
    Average
 
Exercise Prices
  2009     Contractual Life     Exercise Price     2009     Exercise Price  
 
$  0.00-2.79
    346,404       9.00 years     $ 0.88           $  
$  2.79-5.58
    629,969       9.00 years       3.04              
$  5.58-8.36
    27,204       0.83 years       6.36       27,204       6.36  
$ 8.36-11.15
    35,033       5.75 years       9.40       29,295       9.40  
$11.15-13.94
          0.00 years                    
$13.94-16.73
    63,813       3.16 years       14.27       63,813       14.27  
$16.73-19.51
    28,500       3.16 years       19.25       28,500       19.25  
      1,130,923       8.23 years     $ 3.70       148,812     $ 12.82  
                                         
 
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $0.0 million, $0.0 million and $0.1 million respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $0.0 million, $0.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
12.   Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Current income tax expense (benefit):
                       
Federal
  $     $     $ 107  
State and Local
    574       466       (3,953 )
                         
Total current income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 574     $ 466     $ (3,846 )
                         
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
                       
Federal
  $ (17,608 )   $ (98,524 )   $ (29,175 )
State and Local
    (5,570 )     (19,887 )     (6,648 )
State tax rate changes
                1,669  
                         
Total deferred nontax benefit
    (23,178 )     (118,411 )     (34,154 )
                         
Total income tax benefit
  $ (22,604 )   $ (117,945 )   $ (38,000 )
                         
 
Total income tax expense (benefit) differed from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory tax rate of 35% for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 due to the following (dollars in thousands):
 
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Pretax income (loss) at federal statutory rate
  $ (52,289 )   $ (167,875 )   $ (91,631 )
State income tax benefit, net of federal benefit
    (5,499 )     (18,245 )     (10,436 )
Reserve for contingencies
                (4,731 )
Change in state tax rates
    223       (69 )     1,669  
Non cash stock compensation & Section 162 Disallowance
    379       1,071       4,626  
Impairment charges on goodwill with no tax basis
    615       3,405       23,200  
Increase in valuation allowance
    34,696       63,406       40,843  
Other
    (729 )     362       (1,540 )
                         
Net income tax benefit
  $ (22,604 )   $ (117,945 )   $ (38,000 )
                         


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented below:
 
                         
    2009     2008        
 
Current deferred tax assets:
                       
Accounts receivable
  $ 454     $ 691          
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    991       1,131          
                         
Current deferred tax assets
    1,445       1,822          
Less: valuation allowance
    (1,445 )     (1,822 )        
                         
Net current deferred tax assets
                   
                         
Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
                       
Intangible and other assets
    209,057       115,671          
Property and equipment
    2,624       662          
Other liabilities
    19,546       20,319          
Net operating loss
    36,720       95,170          
                         
Noncurrent deferred tax assets
    267,947       231,822          
Less: valuation allowance
    (266,358 )     (231,286 )        
                         
Net noncurrent deferred tax assets
    1,589       536          
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
                       
Intangible assets
    21,301       44,480          
Property and equipment
                   
Other
    1,589       536          
                         
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
    22,890       45,016          
                         
Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
    21,301       44,480          
                         
Net deferred tax liabilities
  $ 21,301     $ 44,480          
                         
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed by applying the Federal income and estimated state tax rate in effect to the gross amounts of temporary differences and other tax attributes, such as net operating loss carry-forwards. In assessing if the deferred tax assets will be realized, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all of these deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which these temporary differences become deductible.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded deferred tax expense of $7.0 million generated during the current year, resulting from amortization of goodwill and broadcast licenses that is deductible for tax purposes, but is not amortized in the financial statements. This charge was offset by a $33.0 million deferred tax benefit resulting from the reversal of deferred tax liabilities in connection with the impairment of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill and investment in affiliates. Also during the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded deferred tax expense of $3.2 million resulting from the exchange of stations with Clear Channel.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded deferred tax expense of $18.0 million generated during the current year, resulting from amortization of goodwill and broadcast licenses that is deductible for tax purposes, but is not amortized in the financial statements. This charge was offset by a $136.7 million deferred tax benefit resulting from the reversal of deferred tax liabilities in connection with the impairment of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill and investment in affiliates.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company recorded deferred tax expense of $18.8 million generated during the current year, resulting from amortization of goodwill and broadcast licenses that is deductible for tax purposes, but is not amortized in the financial statements. This charge was offset by a $54.4 million deferred tax benefit resulting from the reversal of deferred tax liabilities in connection with the impairment of certain broadcast licenses and goodwill and investment in affiliates. Also during the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company revised its estimate for potential tax exposure at the state and local level and, accordingly, recorded $4.7 million reversal against the previously established reserve for these contingencies.
 
At December 31, 2009, the Company has federal net operating loss carry forwards available to offset future income of approximately $110.4 million which will expire in the years 2020 through 2028. A portion of these losses may be subject to limitations due to ownership changes. At December 31, 2009, the Company has state net operating loss carry forwards available to offset future income of approximately $100.7 million which will expire in the years 2010 through 2029. A portion of these losses are subject to limitations due to ownership changes. Federal net operating loss carry forwards decreased $141.8 million compared to the prior year balance of $252.2 million, primarily due to the recognition of cancellation of debt taxable income and the resulting reduction in NOL loss carry forwards.
 
The Company adopted authoritative guidance on January 1, 2007 that clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements. The guidance prescribes a recognition threshold for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken within an income tax return. The Company did not have any transition adjustment upon adoption. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007 was $5.7 million, inclusive of $1.4 million for penalties and interest. Of this total, $5.7 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods.
 
The Company continues to record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in current income tax expense. The total amount of interest and penalties accrued at December 31, 2009 was $0.5 million. The interest and penalties accrued at December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $0.5 million for each year. Interest and penalties included in income tax expense were $0.1 million, $0.2 million, and $(1.2) million for December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2009 was $7.3 million. Of this total, $1.2 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. The entire amount of $7.3 million relates to items which are not expected to change significantly within the next twelve months. Substantially all federal, state, local and foreign income tax years have been closed for the tax years through 2005; however, the various tax jurisdictions may adjust the Company’s net operating loss carry forwards.
 


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
         
    Unrecognized
 
    Tax
 
    Benefits  
(In thousands)      
 
Balance at January 1, 2007
  $ 4,228  
Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities
    (286 )
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations
    (3,261 )
         
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 681  
         
Increases due to tax positions taken during 2008
    9,166  
         
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 9,847  
         
Decreases due to tax positions taken during 2009
    (1,440 )
Decreases due to tax positions taken in previous years
    (1,631 )
         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 6,776  
         
 
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various states.
 
13.   Earnings Per Share
 
For all periods presented, the Company has disclosed basic and diluted earnings per common share utilizing the two-class method in accordance with the guidance for earnings per share. Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The Company determined that it is appropriate to allocate undistributed net income between Class A, Class B and Class C Common Stock on an equal basis as the Company’s charter provides that the holders of Class A, Class B and Class C Common Stock have equal rights and privileges except with respect to voting on certain matters.
 
Non-vested restricted stock carries non-forfeitable dividend rights and is therefore a participating security under the guidance pertaining to earnings per share. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is required for companies with participating securities. Under this method, net income is allocated to common stock and participating securities to the extent that each security may share in earnings, as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. The Company has accounted for non-vested restricted stock as a participating security and used the two-class method of computing earnings per share as of January 1, 2009, with retroactive application to all prior periods presented. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company was in a net loss position and therefore did not allocate any loss to participating securities. Because the Company does not pay dividends, earnings allocated to each participating security and the common stock, are equal. The following table sets forth the

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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
computation of basic and diluted income per share for the year ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands, except per share data).
 
                                 
    2009     2008     2007        
 
Basic Earnings Per Share
                               
Numerator:
                               
Undistributed net loss
  $ (126,702 )   $ (361,669 )   $ (223,804 )        
Participation rights of unvested restricted stock in undistributed earnings
                         
                                 
Basic undistributed net loss — attributable to common shares
  $ (126,702 )   $ (361,669 )   $ (223,804 )        
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Denominator for basic income per common share:
                               
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    40,426       42,315       43,187          
                                 
Basic EPS — attributable to common shares
  $ (3.13 )   $ (8.55 )   $ (5.18 )        
                                 
Diluted Earnings Per Share
                               
Numerator:
                               
Undistributed net loss
  $ (126,702 )   $ (361,669 )   $ (223,804 )        
Participation rights of unvested restricted stock in undistributed earnings
                         
                                 
Basic undistributed net loss — attributable to common shares
  $ (126,702 )   $ (361,669 )   $ (223,804 )        
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    40,426       42,315       43,187          
Effect of dilutive option warrants
                         
                                 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
  $ 40,426     $ 42,315     $ 43,187          
                                 
Diluted EPS — attributable to common shares
  $ (3.13 )   $ (8.55 )   $ (5.18 )        
                                 
 
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, options to purchase 930,310 shares, 2,053,325 shares, and 6,835,721 shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but excluded from the EPS calculations because the exercise price of the options exceeded the average share price for the period. Additionally, the Company excluded warrants from the EPS calculations because including the warrants would be antidilutive.
 
The Company has issued to key executives and employees shares of restricted stock and options to purchase shares of common stock as part of the Company’s stock incentive plans. At December 31, 2009, the following restricted stock and stock options to purchase the following classes of common stock were issued and outstanding:
 
         
    2009  
 
Restricted shares of Class A Common Stock
    1,403,155  
Options to purchase Class A Common Stock
    930,310  
Options to purchase Class C Common Stock
     


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
14.   Leases
 
The Company has non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for land, tower space, office space, certain office equipment and vehicles. The operating leases generally contain renewal options for periods ranging from one to ten years and require the Company to pay all executory costs such as maintenance and insurance. Rental expense for operating leases was approximately $10.0 million, $9.1 million, and $9.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year) as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:
 
         
Year Ending December 31:
     
 
2010
    8,777  
2011
    7,566  
2012
    6,913  
2013
    5,739  
2014
    4,988  
         
    $ 33,983  
         
 
15.   Commitments and Contingencies
 
There are two radio station rating services available to the radio broadcast industry. Traditionally, the Company has utilized Arbitron as its primary source of ratings information for its radio markets, and has a five-year agreement with Arbitron under which it receives programming rating materials in a majority of its markets. On November 7, 2008, however, the Company entered into an agreement with Nielsen pursuant to which Nielsen would rate certain of the Company’s radio markets as coverages for such markets under the Arbitron agreement expire. Nielsen began efforts to roll out its rating service for 51 of the Company’s radio markets in January 2009, and such rollout has now been completed. The Company has forfeited its obligation under the agreement with Arbitron as of December 31, 2008, and Arbitron was paid in accordance with the agreement through April 2009.
 
The national advertising agency contract with Katz contains termination provisions that, if exercised by the Company during the term of the contract, would obligate the Company to pay a termination fee to Katz, calculated based upon a formula set forth in the contract.
 
In December 2004, the Company purchased 240 perpetual licenses from iBiquity Digital Corporation, which will enable it to convert to and utilize digital broadcasting technology on 240 of its stations. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company committed to convert the 240 stations over a seven year period. The Company negotiated an amendment to the Company’s agreement with iBiquity to reduce the number of planned conversions commissions, extend the build-out schedule, and increase the license fees for each converted station. The conversion of original stations to the digital technology will require an investment in certain capital equipment over the next six years. Management estimates its investment will be between $0.08 million and $0.15 million per station converted.
 
In May 2007, the Company received a request for information and documents from the FCC related to the Company’s sponsorship of identification policies and sponsorship identification practices at certain of its radio stations as requested by the FCC. The Company is cooperating with the FCC in this investigation and is in the process of producing documents and other information requested by the FCC. The Company has not yet determined what effect the inquiry will have, if any, on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
On December 11, 2008, Qantum filed a counterclaim in a foreclosure action the Company initiated in the Okaloosa County, Florida Circuit Court. The Company’s action was designed to collect a debt owed to the Company by Star, which then owned radio station WTKE-FM in Holt, Florida. In its counterclaim, Qantum alleged that the Company tortuously interfered with Qantum’s contract to acquire radio station WTKE from Star by


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
entering into an agreement to buy WTKE after Star had represented to the Company that its contract with Qantum had been terminated (and that Star was therefore free to enter into the new agreement with the Company). The counterclaim did not specify the damages Qantum was seeking. The Company did not and does not believe that the counterclaim has merit, and, because there was no specification of damages, the Company did not believe at the time that the counterclaim would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s overall financial condition or results of operations even if the court were to determine that the claim did have merit. In June 2009, the court authorized Qantum to seek punitive damages because it had satisfied the minimal threshold for asserting such a claim. In August 2009, Qantum provided the Company with an expert’s report that estimated that Qantum had allegedly incurred approximately $8.7 million in compensatory damages. The Company’s liability would be increased if Qantum is able to secure punitive damages as well.
 
The Company continues to believe that Quantum’s counterclaim against the Company has no merit; the Company has denied the allegations and is vigorously defending against the counterclaim. However, if the court were to find that the Company did tortuously interfere with Qantum’s contract and that Quantum is entitled to the compensatory damages estimated by its expert as well as punitive damages, the result could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s overall financial condition or results of operations.
 
In April 2009, the Company was named in a patent infringement suit brought against the Company as well as twelve other radio companies, including Clear Channel, Citadel Broadcasting, CBS Radio, Entercom Communications, Saga Communications, Cox Radio, Univision Communications, Regent Communications, Gap Broadcasting, and Radio One. The case, captioned Aldav, LLC v. Clear Channel Communications, Inc., et al, Civil Action No. 6:09-cv-170, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division (filed April 16, 2009), alleges that the defendants have infringed and continue to infringe plaintiff’s patented content replacement technology in the context of radio station streaming over the Internet, and seeks a permanent injunction and unspecified damages. The Company believes the claims are without merit and is vigorously defending this lawsuit.
 
On January 21, 2010, Brian Mas, a former employee of Susquehanna Radio Corp., filed a class purported action lawsuit against the Company claiming (i) unlawful failure to pay required overtime wages, (ii) late pay and waiting time penalties, (iii) failure to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (iv) failure to indemnity for necessary expenses and losses, and (v) unfair trade practices under California’s Unfair Competition Act. The plaintiff is requesting restitution, penalties and injunctive relief, and seeks to represent other California employees fulfilling the same job during the immediately preceding four year period. The Company is vigorously defending this lawsuit.
 
The Company is also a defendant from time to time in various other lawsuits, which are generally incidental to its business. The Company is vigorously contesting all such matters and believes that their ultimate resolution will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Cumulus is not a party to any lawsuit or proceeding that, in management’s opinion, is likely to have a material adverse effect.
 
16.   Defined Contribution Plan
 
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted a qualified profit sharing plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All employees meeting eligibility requirements are qualified for participation in the plan. Participants in the plan may contribute 1% to 15% of their annual compensation through payroll deductions. Under the plan, the Company can provide a matching contribution of 25% of the first 6% of each participant’s contribution, with contributions remitted to the plan monthly. The Company discontinued matching of 401 (k) employee contributions during 2008. During 2009, 2008, and 2007 the Company contributed approximately $0.0 million, $0.6 million and $0.7 million to the plan, respectively.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
17.   Restructuring Charge
 
During the third quarter of 2009 the Company recorded a charge of $0.6 million for non-recurring severance costs associated with corporate restructuring. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a charge of $0.4 million to station operating expense related to one-time termination benefits associated with the termination of approximately 200 employees. The Company’s balance sheet at December 31, 2009 and 2008 did not contain a liability for any costs associated with the one-time restructuring charges since the costs were incurred and paid within the third and fourth quarters, respectively.
 
18.   Termination of Merger Agreement
 
On May 11, 2008, the Company, Cloud Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), and Cloud Merger Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), entered into a Termination Agreement and Release (the “Termination Agreement”) to terminate the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 23, 2007, among the Company, Parent and Merger Sub (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub would have been merged with and into the Company, and as a result the Company would have continued as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent.
 
Parent is owned by an investor group consisting of Lewis W. Dickey, Jr., the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, his brother John W. Dickey, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer, other members of their family, and an affiliate of Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity. The members of the investor group informed the Company that, after exploring possible alternatives, they were unable to agree on terms on which they could proceed with the transaction.
 
As a result of the termination of the Merger Agreement, and in accordance with its terms, in May 2008 the Company received a termination fee in the amount of $15.0 million in cash from the investor group, and the terms of the previously announced amendment to the Company’s existing credit agreement will not take effect.
 
Under the terms of the Termination Agreement, the parties also acknowledged and agreed that all related equity and debt financing commitments, equity rollover commitments and voting agreements shall be terminated, and further agreed to release any and all claims they may have against each other and their respective affiliates.
 
19.   Restricted Cash
 
As of January 1, 2009, the Company changed its health insurance coverage to a self insured policy requiring the Company to deposit funds with its third party administrator (“TPA”) to fund the cost associated with current claims. Disbursements for the incurred and approved claims are paid out of the restricted cash account administrated by the Company’s TPA. As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s balance sheet included approximately $0.2 million in restricted cash related to the self insured policy.
 
During 2009, the Company was required to secure the maximum exposure generated by automated clearing house transactions in its operating bank accounts as dictated by the Company’s bank’s internal policies with cash. This action was triggered by an adverse rating as determined by the Company’s bank’s rating system. These funds were moved to a segregated bank account that does not zero balance daily. As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s balance sheet included approximately $0.6 million in restricted cash related to the automated clearing house transactions.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
20.   Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
 
The following table presents the Company’s selected unaudited quarterly results for the eight quarters ended December 31, 2009 (in thousands, except per share data):
 
                                 
    First
    Second
    Third
    Fourth
 
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter  
 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
                               
Net revenue
  $ 55,353     $ 65,962     $ 65,127     $ 69,606  
Operating income (loss)(1)
    3,580       26,431       (160,054 )     14,862  
Net loss(1)
    (3,296 )     14,074       (143,991 )     6,511  
Basic and diluted (loss) income per common share
  $ (0.08 )   $ 0.34     $ (3.56 )   $ 0.16  
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
                               
Net revenue
  $ 72,900     $ 83,628     $ 79,950     $ 75,060  
Operating income (loss)(2)
    12,859       21,175       21,031       (480,155 )
Net loss(2)(3)(4)
    (4,240 )     30,289       6,000       (393,718 )
Basic and diluted (loss) income per common share
  $ (0.10 )   $ 0.70     $ 0.14     $ (9.55 )
 
 
(1) During the third and fourth quarters of 2009 the Company recorded impairment charges of $173.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively, related to its interim and annual impairment testing.
 
(2) During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $498.9 million related to its annual impairment testing.
 
(3) The quarter ended June 30, 2008 includes a gain on the early extinguishment of debt of $7.2 million, which was recorded in connection with the completion of a new $750.0 million credit agreement in March 2008 and the related retirement of the term and revolving loans under its pre-existing credit agreement.
 
(4) During the second quarter of 2008 the Company received a $15.0 million merger termination fee in connection with failed merger.


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CUMULUS MEDIA INC.
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
                                 
    Balance at
  Provision for
      Balance
    Beginning
  Doubtful
      at End
Fiscal Year
  of Year   Accounts   Write-offs   of Year
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
                               
2009
  $ 1,771     $ 2,386     $ (2,991 )   $ 1,166  
2008
    1,839       3,754       (3,822 )     1,771  
2007
    1,942       2,954       (3,057 )     1,839  
Valuation allowance on deferred taxes
                               
2009
  $ 233,108     $ 34,696     $     $ 267,804  
2008
    169,702       63,406             233,108  


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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
         
  23 .1   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
  23 .2   Consent of KPMG LLP.
  31 .1   Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31 .2   Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .1   Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.