-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, IfQ/tk8hyuIYHdS9LpUGyCP90Z5BeFQru5Gy+MI5UntMlKtSyZiJsfzD0eDWWyVX 6Spe9uFEod7MhCSh20JVyQ== 0000912057-96-030009.txt : 19961224 0000912057-96-030009.hdr.sgml : 19961224 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000912057-96-030009 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-4 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 FILED AS OF DATE: 19961223 SROS: NASD FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHILDRENS BROADCASTING CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000882160 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RADIO BROADCASTING STATIONS [4832] IRS NUMBER: 411663712 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MN FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-4 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-18575 FILM NUMBER: 96684815 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 724 1ST ST N STREET 2: 4TH FLOOR CITY: MINNEAPOLIS STATE: MN ZIP: 55401 BUSINESS PHONE: 6123383300 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 724 FIRST STREET NORTH STREET 2: FOURTH FLOOR CITY: MINNEAPOLIS STATE: MN ZIP: 55401 S-4 1 FORM S-4 As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 1996 Registration No. 333- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 __________________________ FORM S-4 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 __________________________ CHILDREN'S BROADCASTING CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
MINNESOTA 5961 41-1663712 (State or other Jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer Incorporation or Organization) Classification Code Number) Identification Number)
724 FIRST STREET NORTH MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55401 (612) 338-3300 (Address and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices) JAMES G. GILBERTSON, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND TREASURER CHILDREN'S BROADCASTING CORPORATION 724 FIRST STREET NORTH MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55401 (612) 338-3300 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) COPIES TO: AVRON L. GORDON, ESQ. LANCE W. RILEY, ESQ. BRETT D. ANDERSON, ESQ. CHILDREN'S BROADCASTING CORPORATION BRIGGS AND MORGAN, P.A. 724 FIRST STREET NORTH 2400 IDS CENTER MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55401 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402 (612) 330-9521 (612) 334-8400 _______________ APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: FROM TIME TO TIME AFTER THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. _______________ If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: /X/ If any of the securities being registered on this form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box: / / CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
================================================================================================================ PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM TITLE OF SECURITIES AMOUNT TO BE OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED PER SHARE(1) OFFERING PRICE(1) REGISTRATION FEE - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stock (par value $.02 per share) 5,000,000 $4.125 $20,625,000 $6,250 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Promissory Notes $5,000,000 $ 5,000,000 $1,516 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $25,625,000 $7,766 ================================================================================================================
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) and based upon the last reported sale price for such stock on December 17, 1996, as reported by the NASDAQ National Market System. ________________ THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE. The shares of Common Stock and Promissory Notes registered hereby may be offered for resale by persons who receive such shares or such notes from the Registrant in acquisitions or upon issuance of warrants, options, and other similar securities issued by the Registrant in acquisitions. Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there by any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state. SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 23, 1996 PROSPECTUS CHILDREN'S BROADCASTING CORPORATION 5,000,000 SHARES COMMON STOCK $5,000,000 PROMISSORY NOTES This Prospectus relates to 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Shares"), par value $.02 per share (the "Common Stock"), of Children's Broadcasting Corporation (the "Company") and $5,000,000 of Promissory Notes of the Company (the "Debt Securities") that may be offered for sale and issued by the Company from time to time, together or separately, in connection with future acquisitions of the assets or securities of other businesses or properties in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time of offering. The Shares and the Debt Securities are collectively referred to herein as the "Securities." The Company may also issue Shares upon exercise of warrants, options or other similar instruments issued by the Company from time to time in connection with such acquisitions. No period of time has been fixed within which the Securities may be offered or sold. See "Prospectus Summary -- Purpose of Offering." The Company's Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "AAHS." On December 17, 1996, the average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market System was $4.125 per share. Current market quotations are listed in The Wall Street Journal and many other newspapers of general circulation. It is contemplated that the terms of acquisitions will be determined by direct negotiations between the Company and the owners of the businesses or properties to be acquired, with the Company taking into account the quality of management, the past and potential earning power and growth of the businesses or properties to be acquired, the market value of the Company's securities and other relevant factors. The specific terms of the particular Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, including, where applicable, (i) in the case of Shares, the number of Shares and the terms of offering thereof and (ii) in the case of Debt Securities, the title, aggregate principal amount, denominations, maturity, any interest rate (which may be fixed or variable) and time of payment of any interest, any terms for redemption at the option of the Company or the holder, any terms for sinking fund payments, any terms for conversion or exchange into other securities, any listing on a securities exchange and any other terms in connection with the offering and sale of the Debt Securities, as well as the initial public offering price. The Company's management anticipates that the terms of acquisitions involving the issuance of Securities will be determined by direct negotiations with the owners or controlling persons of the businesses being acquired and that any Shares issued in the acquisitions will be valued at prices reasonably related to quoted market prices for the Common Stock reported as of one or more times during the period beginning on the date the terms of the acquisitions are agreed upon and ending on the date the Shares are issued and delivered. No underwriting discounts or commissions will be paid, although finders' fees may be paid from time to time in connection with certain acquisitions. Any person receiving finders' fees may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). This Prospectus may not be used in connection with public reoffers and resales by persons who will receive Securities covered by this Prospectus and who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act prior to the amendment or supplementation of this Prospectus, if required, to name such persons as selling shareholders and to provide other information. Otherwise, any person deemed to be an underwriter may publicly resell or reoffer such Securities only: (i) by means of a separate Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), (ii) pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, or (iii) pursuant to Rule 145(d) promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act, which Rule sets forth the conditions under which such a person will not be deemed to be an underwriter of such public resales or reoffers. Any profits realized by persons who may be deemed to be underwriters may be deemed to be underwriting compensation. The Company is subject to a variety of federal and state communications statutes, regulations and guidelines, many of which materially affect or have the potential to materially affect the Company's business and financial condition, including but not limited to restricting its ability to engage in certain acquisitions of the assets or securities of other broadcasting businesses. See "Risk Factors -- FCC Regulation." THE SECURITIES INVOLVE CERTAIN RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 8 OF THIS PROSPECTUS. THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO CONSUMMATE SALES OF SECURITIES UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. ________________ THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. ________________ THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS ____________, 1996. THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED SUCH DOCUMENTS (EXCLUDING CERTAIN EXHIBITS) UPON REQUEST DIRECTED TO THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, CHILDREN'S BROADCASTING CORPORATION, 724 FIRST STREET NORTH, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55401, TELEPHONE (612) 338-3300. TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS, ANY SUCH REQUEST SHOULD BE RECEIVED BY THE COMPANY AT LEAST FIVE BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE BY WHICH THE FINAL INVESTMENT DECISION IS TO BE MADE. AVAILABLE INFORMATION The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and, in accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Company pursuant to the Exchange Act may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the regional offices of the Commission located at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material can also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, the Company's Common Stock is quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Company can be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Room of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-4 (herein, together with all amendments and exhibits, referred to as the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act. This Prospectus does not contain all of the information, exhibits and undertakings set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement which may be inspected and copied in the manner and at the sources described above. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE The following documents previously filed by the Company (File No. 0-21534) with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated into this Prospectus by reference: (a) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1995, filed on March 28, 1996. (b) The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 1996, June 30, 1996 and September 30, 1996, filed on May 3, 1996, August 12, 1996 and November 13, 1996, respectively, and amended by Form 10-QSB/A for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1996, filed on October 17, 1996. (c) The Company's 8-K Report filed on January 16, 1996, relating to the bridge loans from Special Situations Fund III, L.P. and Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P. (d) The Company's 8-K Report filed on June 19, 1996, relating to acquisition of Radio Elizabeth, Inc. (e) The Company's 8-K/A Report filed on June 21, 1996, relating to acquisition of Radio Elizabeth, Inc. (f) The Company's 8-K/A Report filed on November 12, 1996, relating to acquisition of Radio Elizabeth, Inc. 2 (g) The Company's 8-K Report filed on June 18, 1996, relating to acquisition of the assets of Radio Station WCAR-AM. (h) The Company's 8-K/A Report filed on June 21, 1996, relating to acquisition of the assets of Radio Station WCAR-AM. (i) The Company's 8-K Report filed on July 3, 1996, relating to changes in the Company's certifying accountant. (j) The Company's 8-K Report filed on July 8, 1996, relating to the safe harbor for forward-looking statement. (k) The Company's 8-K Report filed on July 30, 1996, relating to ABC Radio Networks' termination of its joint operations agreement with the Company. (l) The Company's 8-K Report filed on July 31, 1996, relating to the Company's engagement of Southcoast Capital Corporation. (m) The Company's 8-K Report filed on October 3, 1996, relating to the Company filing a lawsuit in United States District Court for the District of Minnesota against The Walt Disney Company and ABC Radio Networks, Inc. (n) The Company's 8-K Report filed on October 17, 1996, relating to the Company filing Form 10-QSB/A regarding the write-off of a deferred warrant expense resulting from the termination by ABC Radio Networks, Inc. of its joint operating agreement with the Company. (o) The Company's 8-K Report filed on November 12, 1996, relating to the Company signing a commitment letter for a $15,000,000 loan from Foothill Capital Corporation. (p) The Company's 8-K Report filed on December 20, 1996, relating to the Company closing on a $16,500,000 loan from Foothill Capital Corporation. (q) The Company's Definitive Schedule 14A (Proxy Statement) filed on August 26, 1996, relating to the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on September 30, 1996. This Prospectus is accompanied by a copy of the Registrant's latest Form 10-KSB and a copy of the Registrant's latest Form 10-QSB. Further, the Company will provide, without charge, to each person to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the other foregoing documents (other than exhibits to such documents which are not specifically incorporated by reference in such documents). Written requests for such copies should be directed to the Company at 724 First Street North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, Attention: Chief Financial Officer. Telephone requests may be directed to the office of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company at (612) 338-3300. 3 PROSPECTUS SUMMARY THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED BY THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS APPEARING ELSEWHERE OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS GIVES EFFECT TO A ONE-FOR-TWO REVERSE STOCK SPLIT WITH RESPECT TO THE COMMON STOCK EFFECTED ON JANUARY 23, 1996. THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. PURCHASERS OF THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK ARE CAUTIONED THAT THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE RESULTS DISCUSSED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH DIFFERENCES INCLUDE THOSE FACTORS DISCUSSED HEREIN UNDER "RISK FACTORS" AND ELSEWHERE IN THE PROSPECTUS. THE COMPANY Children's Broadcasting Corporation is a full-time national broadcaster of children's radio programming in the United States. The Company develops, produces and distributes programming that is entertaining and informative, and directed to the interests and radio listening patterns of pre-teenage children and their families. The Company's Radio AAHS-Registered Trademark- format provides 24-hour programming featuring music, stories, call-in segments, quizzes and current events features. The programming varies by time of day in order to attract that component of its prospective audience most likely to be listening. The programming originates at the Company's flagship station, WWTC-AM in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is distributed via satellite to a network of radio stations around the country. The Company's growth strategy includes the acquisition of AM radio broadcast licenses ("RBLs") in the top 15 markets, thereby securing the network's presence and continuity in those key markets. Pursuant to that strategy, the Company has acquired RBLs which serve the New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Detroit and Philadelphia markets, and has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the RBL and certain other assets of radio station WAUR-AM in the Chicago market. During the nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Company has acquired RBLs covering the New York City, Detroit and Philadelphia markets. Assuming completion of the pending acquisition of the RBL and certain other assets of radio station WAUR-AM, the Company will distribute its programming to markets representing approximately 40% of the United States' population and will have a presence in the top four markets and seven of the top ten markets in the United States. On July 26, 1996, the Company engaged Southcoast Capital Corporation ("Southcoast") to explore strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value. Southcoast has and continues to hold discussions with various potential strategic partners with a view toward entering into a joint venture, sale or merger. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in completing any transaction with a prospective strategic partner. The Company was incorporated under the Minnesota Business Corporation Act on February 7, 1990. All references to the Company herein include its subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted. The Company's executive office is located at 724 First Street North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, and its telephone number is (612) 338-3300. - ------------------- *Radio AAHS-Registered Trademark-is the registered Trademark of Children's Broadcasting Corporation. 4 BROADCAST STRATEGY The Company seeks to attract listeners and advertisers to the Radio AAHS programming format by continually refining its content and expanding the distribution network. Elements of this strategy include (i) attracting a loyal listenership by maintaining high quality, distinctive programming directed to its target audience, (ii) reinforcing this loyalty by creating a brand identity through the creation of characters which are integrated into its programming, (iii) delivering this listenership base to national advertisers by expanding its radio network to obtain U.S. population coverage, and (iv) making opportunistic acquisitions of RBLs of radio stations in key markets. The Company derives its revenue primarily from the sale of local and network time to advertisers. The Company believes that as its coverage of the U.S. continues to expand, it will be able to sell national advertising time in greater quantities and at significantly higher rates with no significant additional operating costs. To a large extent, the Company is already incurring the production, operating and administrative costs necessary to broadcast the network to the entire U.S. Incremental costs as the network continues to expand are expected to be minimal, excluding the costs of any station acquisitions or local marketing agreements ("LMAs") which the Company may complete or enter into. Radio AAHS is a music-driven format which was developed and is produced for pre-teens. In addition to this primary target market, the format has also been strategically designed to appeal to parents and care givers. This is accomplished through a blend of music, stories, call-in segments, interactive quiz features, interviews and current events. Approximately two-thirds of Radio AAHS programming consists of music which is a combination of children's music and a mix of popular, classical, folk, jazz and other genres of music, including adult-tested current hits and "oldies" which have also tested well with kids. Conversely, kids' music is also tested with adults. Research conducted by the Company, including focus groups and analysis of listener feedback, has shown that having music as the core element of its programming is the best way to attract and retain its target audience. The Company develops and continually conducts focus groups and written and telephonic surveys in order to enhance its understanding of its target audience and ensure that its programming is meeting the demands of both kids and their parents. Management believes that non-musical programming is appealing as well and contributes to the "personality" of the format and to its differentiation from competing formats. Prior to the Company's development of the Radio AAHS format, there were not any full-time radio formats which targeted the pre-teen market. It is estimated that over $1.0 billion in advertising dollars is directed toward children annually, yet only a small percentage of these advertising dollars are currently spent on radio. The Company believes that advertisers trying to reach children have not utilized radio due to the lack of children's programming on the radio. By providing quality programming which is appealing to both pre-teens and their parents and by pursuing vigorous sales and marketing efforts, the Company believes it will be able to attract an increasing portion of the annual advertising dollars aimed at this previously underserved market segment. The Company believes that developing a well-recognized brand identity will enhance its network's visibility and create opportunities for the Company to expand beyond the scope of its broadcast operations. The Company has created characters within its programming, including AAHSIETM, the Company's animated mascot, which it has integrated into is merchandising and Internet enterprise. The characters play roles within the programming and also interact with listeners through telephone call-ins. The Company has developed and intends to continue to develop strategic relationships to assist it in its brand development efforts, and to allow the Company to exploit business opportunities without detracting from management's focus upon the Company's core business. Pursuant to this strategy, the Company recently entered into three year agreements with NetRadio Network, Inc. ("NetRadio") and Precision Tapes, Inc. which will expand the Company's interactive Internet presence and give Radio AAHS programming Internet distribution worldwide. The 5 Company distributes the full 24-hour Radio AAHS format over the Internet pursuant to an agreement with NetRadio. The Web site at which this format can be heard is www.netradioaahs.net. In November 1995, the Company entered into a Joint Operations Agreement (the "Operations Agreement") with ABC Radio Networks, Inc. ("ABC") pursuant to which ABC's affiliate development and national advertising sales staffs would augment the Company's efforts to market the Radio AAHS format to broadcasters and advertisers. Subsequent to the operations agreement, ABC's parent, Cap Cities/ABC was acquired by the Walt Disney Company ("Disney"). The parties operated under the Operations Agreement until July 25, 1996, when ABC notified the Company that ABC would terminate such agreement effective October 24, 1996. On September 26, 1996, the Company filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota against Disney and ABC for injunctive relief and to recover damages for their alleged attempts to misappropriate the Company's confidential information and trade secrets acquired through their strategic relationship with the Company in order to unfairly compete with the Company in the children's radio market. On November 18, 1996, ABC and Disney commenced broadcast of "Radio Disney," a competing format directed toward children age 12 and under in four markets across the country. See "Risk Factors -- Disney/ABC Litigation." RECENT FINANCING The Company entered into an agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with Foothill Capital Corporation ("Foothill") to address the Company's working capital requirements through the creation of three credit facilities (the "Facilities") on November 25, 1996. The Credit Agreement provides the Company with working capital through (a) a $11,500,000 senior secured term loan (the "Term Loan") collateralized by the assets of the Company, payable over four years, (b) a $1,000,000 senior secured reducing/revolving line of credit (the "Revolving Loan") secured by the Company's accounts receivable, and (c) a $4,000,000 acquisition facility (the "Acquisition Loan") secured by future assets acquired by the Company. The Facilities mature on November 26, 2000. The Company's indebtedness under the Facilities is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, by a pledge of its subsidiaries' stock and by a guarantee of its subsidiaries. Additionally, the Company granted Foothill a warrant to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock. The Company was required to pay various service and commitment fees as are standard within the industry. Approximately $3,600,000 of the loan proceeds were held back by Foothill pending performance by the Company of certain post-closing conditions. Funds available from the Term Loan may be used for working capital needs and acquisitions, including the purchase of the RBL and certain other assets of WAUR-AM in the Chicago market. The Revolving Loan may be used for working capital needs and for acquisitions. Advances are not to exceed 80% of eligible accounts receivable less reserves determined by Foothill as determined by material adverse changes. The Term Loan is to be repaid monthly in 42 installments of principal in the amount of 1/54 of the term loan amount beginning in month seven of the Credit Agreement. The Acquisition Loan is to be repaid monthly based upon a five-year amortization schedule, commencing on the first month following funding. Interest rates under the Facilities are payable at the prime rate plus 2.75%. The Credit Agreement contains a number of financial covenants which, among other things, require the Company to maintain specified financial ratios and impose certain limitations on the Company with respect to the amount of funding available for each acquisition under the Acquisition Loan. 6 PURPOSE OF OFFERING The 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.02 per share (the "Shares"), of the Company and the $5,000,000 of Promissory Notes of the Company (the "Debt Securities") covered by this Prospectus may be offered and issued in connection with future acquisitions of other businesses or properties, including the RBLs of other radio stations. The Shares and the Debt Securities are collectively referred to herein as the "Securities." The Company reasonably expects that it will offer and sell the Securities covered by this Prospectus within two years from the initial effective date of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The consideration offered by the Company in such acquisitions, in addition to the Securities offered by this Prospectus, may include cash, debt or other securities (which may be convertible into shares of Common Stock of the Company covered by this Prospectus), guarantees or assumptions by the Company of liabilities of the business being acquired, or a combination thereof. In connection with acquisitions, the Company may enter into contracts that provide for future payments and non-competition agreements with former owners and key executive personnel of companies to be acquired. The Company has not received and does not expect to receive any cash proceeds (other than working capital of acquired companies) in connection with any such issuances. It is contemplated that the terms of acquisitions will be determined by direct negotiations between the Company and the owners of the businesses or properties to be acquired, with the Company taking into account the quality of management, the past and potential earning power and growth of the businesses or properties to be acquired, the market value of the Company's securities and other relevant factors. It is anticipated that shares of Common Stock issued in acquisitions will be valued at a price reasonably related to the market value of the Common Stock either at the time the terms of the acquisition are tentatively agreed upon or at or about the time or times of delivery of the Shares. The number of Securities issued or delivered in connection with such acquisitions will also be negotiated by the parties. It is not expected that underwriting discounts or commissions will be paid by the Company except that finder's fees may be paid to persons from time to time in connection with specific acquisitions. Any person receiving such fees may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act. USE OF PROCEEDS This Prospectus relates to Securities that the Company may issue from time to time in connection with proposed acquisitions by the Company or one or more of its subsidiaries. The Company will receive no proceeds from this Offering other than the value of the assets and securities acquired by the Company in the proposed acquisitions. 7 RISK FACTORS AN INVESTMENT IN THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS, IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY. WHEN USED BELOW AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS, INCLUDING DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, THE WORDS "BELIEVES," "ANTICIPATES" AND "INTENDS" AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH STATEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED. POTENTIAL PURCHASERS OF THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE HEREOF. ACQUISITIONS. One of the Company's strategies used to expand its national network of radio stations broadcasting Radio AAHS is to acquire RBLs in key markets. To date, the Company has acquired 12 RBLs through the acquisition of securities or assets of radio stations and intends to continue to acquire RBLs in the future. Unless the acquisition is of an existing affiliate, the Company will generally convert an acquired station to the Radio AAHS format. Although the Company believes it has identified a number of potential acquisitions, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in acquiring additional RBLs. The Company expects to face competition in acquiring additional RBLs as it seeks to build its national radio network. See "-- Development of National Radio Network." COMPANY DEVELOPMENT; HISTORY OF OPERATING LOSSES. The Company is continuing to develop its radio network and is generally subject to the risks attendant to a new or emerging business venture. The Company has incurred net losses since its inception in 1990 and has not generated positive cash flow sufficient to fund its ongoing operations. For the three years ended December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Company incurred net losses of $3,247,000, $4,519,000, $6,108,000 and $6,682,000, respectively, and anticipates that it will continue to operate at a loss from operations for the remainder of 1996 and throughout 1997. The Company has not generated positive cash flow from operations and has had frequent working capital shortages. Working capital requirements have been met by short-term borrowings from investors, including affiliates of the Company, and from the proceeds of public offerings of the Company's Common Stock, and by the Facilities. The Company continues to seek other sources of financing for its working capital needs and for acquisitions. If the Company should be unable to obtain working capital when required, its operations and prospects would be materially and adversely affected. See "Prospectus Summary - -- Recent Financing." SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE; ADDITIONAL FINANCING REQUIREMENTS. As of December 1, 1996, the Company's consolidated indebtedness approximated 14% of the sum of its shareholders' equity and consolidated indebtedness, assuming performance by the Company of certain post-closing conditions resulting in full funding under the Facilities. Based on current interest rates, the debt service obligations associated with the $16,500,000 Credit Agreement with Foothill necessitate payments of principal and interest of approximately $3,300,000 per year. Further, substantially all assets of the Company serve to secure this loan. This degree of leverage increases the Company's vulnerability to adverse general economic and broadcasting industry conditions and to increased competitive pressures, including pressure from better capitalized competitors. Issuance of additional debt, including the Debt Securities, would increase this degree of leverage and, therefore, could exacerbate the Company's vulnerability to such market conditions. In the event that the Company should default on its obligations under the Credit Agreement, all or substantially all of its assets would be at risk. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to repay or refinance such indebtedness when due, or that the Company would be able to sell all or any portion of its assets or raise additional capital to make required payments on maturing indebtedness. An inability to make payments when due or to comply with covenants and restrictions associated with such indebtedness could give Foothill the right to foreclose on properties securing payment obligations, which would have a material adverse effect upon the Company. Part of the Company's strategy for development and expansion of its network includes acquiring 8 RBLs and/or operating radio properties in key U.S. markets. It is the Company's desire to purchase RBLs in each of the top 15 markets; however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to complete suitable acquisitions on terms favorable or acceptable to the Company. In the event the Company purchases additional RBLs, the limitations on the Credit Agreement may require the Company to seek additional financing for acquisitions and to fund future operations. There can be no assurance that such additional financing will be available to the Company when required, or if available, that it would be on terms acceptable or favorable to the Company. Additional financing could require the sale of equity securities, which could result in significant dilution to the Company's shareholders. DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL RADIO NETWORK. Since late 1992, the Company has been developing a network of affiliated and owned or operated radio stations to carry its satellite-transmitted programming to domestic radio markets. The Company's affiliation agreements have terms varying from one to three years. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to retain existing affiliates or attract additional affiliates. Since the inception of the network a total of 10 former affiliate stations have discontinued their affiliation. In cases where the Company deems it appropriate, the Company intends to seek alternate affiliates by entering into affiliation agreements or LMAs, through which third-party owned stations broker broadcast time to the Company, or by acquiring stations in key markets. In addition, the Company could encounter substantial delays, expenses or other unforeseen difficulties in establishing its network. The Company also risks the potential loss of strategic alliances which it has developed in connection with its strategy to develop the Company's brand, to assist in growth of the Company's network and to pursue ancillary business opportunities. Furthermore, the signal of the Company's affiliates and of its owned and operated stations may not cover households in certain portions of the markets in which such stations broadcast. In addition, the Company's management has limited experience in the development or operation of a national radio network. The success and viability of the Company's network will depend upon its ability to generate substantial revenue from network advertisers. For the year ended December 31, 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Company's network, which is in a development phase, generated $1,059,000 and $1,034,000 in revenue, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, approximately 45%, 51%, 42% and 39% respectively, of the Company's revenue was derived from its radio stations which do not carry the Radio AAHS format: KTEK-AM, Houston, Texas, KCNW-AM, Kansas City, Kansas, WZER-AM, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and KYCR-AM, Minneapolis, Minnesota. For each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Company derived approximately 13%, 16%, 13% and 12% respectively, of its revenue from KTEK-AM; approximately 10%, 11%, 9% and 9% respectively, of its revenue from KCNW-AM; approximately 11%, 12% 11% and 9% respectively, of its revenue from WZER-AM; and approximately 11%, 12%, 9% and 9% respectively, of its revenue from KYCR-AM. If the Company converts any of these stations to the Radio AAHS format, its revenue may be negatively affected until a new advertising base is developed for the Radio AAHS format in those markets. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to acquire additional stations in major markets or to increase the number of network affiliates to a level which would enable it to increase network advertising, even if desired additional acquisitions are made or affiliate relationships are created, or that the Company will be able to generate sufficient advertising revenue to operate profitably in the future. ACCEPTANCE OF RADIO FORMAT. The Company produces and distributes a 24-hour children's radio format. There can be no assurance that the Company's programming will gain acceptance by listeners and advertisers. In addition, the Company's primary target audience is not rated by a recognized rating service. Such ratings are generally used by potential advertisers in making advertising decisions. The Company is working with research companies to attempt to develop such ratings for the pre-teen market. However, there can be no assurance that such ratings can be developed or that the Company will be able to attract additional national advertisers. RISKS RELATED TO ACQUISITION OF RADIO ELIZABETH. On June 4, 1996, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of Radio Elizabeth, Inc. ("REI"), which holds an FCC license for WJDM-AM 9 Radio Station licensed to Elizabeth, New Jersey on the 1530 kHz frequency. REI, in addition to its license for operation on 1530 kHz, presently has issued to it a special temporary authorization ("STA") for operation on 1660 kHz at 10 kw power, which provides coverage of a significant portion of the New York City market. WJDM has been broadcasting the Company's Radio AAHS programming in the nation's largest city radio market since February 1, 1996, over its 1660 kHz frequency. The STA frequency is located in a portion of the spectrum referred to as the expanded band ("Expanded Band") recently allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC") and assigned to certain AM broadcasters in order to implement Congressional policy. REI and other Expanded Band licensees are expected to be allowed to operate on both their original frequencies and the Expanded Band frequencies for a period of five years, after which time the licensee must elect which frequency on which it will continue broadcasting. There can be no assurance that REI will ever receive a permanent license to an Expanded Band frequency, and failure to obtain such a license would leave the Company broadcasting from only the existing licensed frequency, which at 1 kw power does not cover the New York City market, thereby resulting in a substantial diminution of the value of the Company's investment in REI. Most radio receivers produced prior to 1990 cannot receive Expanded Band frequencies. DISNEY/ABC LITIGATION. In November 1995, the Company entered into an Operations Agreement with ABC pursuant to which ABC's affiliate development and national advertising sales staffs would augment the Company's efforts to market the Radio AAHS format to broadcasters and advertisers. The parties operated under the Operations Agreement until July 25, 1996, when ABC notified the Company that ABC would terminate such agreement effective October 24, 1996. Following the termination by ABC of the Operations Agreement, the Company filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota against The Walt Disney Company and ABC for injunctive relief and to recover damages for their alleged attempts to misappropriate the Company's confidential information and trade secrets acquired through their strategic relationship with the Company in order to unfairly compete with the Company in the children's radio market. As a result of the termination by ABC of its Operations Agreement with the Company, the Company has had to rebuild its own affiliate development and national advertising sales staff and is in the process of rebuilding that capability. Further, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in the Disney/ABC litigation or recover any of the damages sought. Such litigation is costly to the Company and legal fees and costs associated with the litigation have reduced and may continue to reduce the Company's working capital. Further, the Company may issue securities to finance the litigation which could result in dilution to the Company's existing shareholders. COMPETITION. The Company currently derives the majority of its revenue from the sale of local radio advertising time on its owned and operated stations to advertisers in their respective metropolitan markets and faces substantial competition from other radio and television stations as well as other media in those markets. Factors contributing to the Company's ability to attract local advertisers include the success of a station in attracting listeners and the perceived quality of the Company's programming. There can be no assurance that the Company can successfully compete for listeners and advertising revenues with other radio and television networks and other entertainment organizations. The Company may also experience competition from developing technologies in the radio industry. In addition to the Company's current competition for local advertising, the Company also competes for network advertising. Disney has commenced test broadcasting of its own children's radio programming in four U.S. markets, thereby entering into direct competition with the Company. Further, other entertainment organizations, including but not limited to radio syndicators and radio stations, many of which have greater resources than the Company, could develop a children's radio format similar to Radio AAHS. Although radio stations must be licensed by the FCC, there are no significant impediments to the entry of new competitors into the Company's markets. While the Company continues to seek protection for its original programming, where appropriate, under applicable copyright and trademark laws, the Radio AAHS format can be and has been imitated by others seeking to enter the children's radio field. 10 VOLATILITY OF MARKET PRICE OF COMMON STOCK. The market price of the Company's Common Stock has been subject to significant fluctuations in response to numerous factors, including variations in the annual or quarterly financial results of the Company or its competitors, changes by financial research analysts in their estimates of the earnings of the Company or its competitors, conditions in the economy in general or in the radio industry in particular, unfavorable publicity or changes in applicable laws and regulations (or judicial or administrative interpretations thereof) affecting the Company or the radio industry. During fiscal year 1996, the market price of the Company's Common Stock has ranged from a high of $14.00 on January 31 and February 22, 1996 to a low of $3.25 on November 20, 1996. There can be no assurance that purchasers of the Shares can sell the Shares at or above the prices at which they were purchased. IMPACT OF SALE OF SHARES; SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE. The Company had approximately 6.0 million shares of Common Stock outstanding as of November 30, 1996, and had warrants and options outstanding to purchase additional Common Stock outstanding totaling approximately 2.6 million common shares exercisable at prices ranging from $2.20 to $13.80 per share. On July 11, 1996, the Commission declared effective the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 which registered for a secondary offering 1.6 million common shares. On November 15, 1996, the Commission declared effective the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, as amended, which registered for a secondary offering 1.1 million common shares. The sale of such shares, the Common Stock offered pursuant to this Prospectus, and the sale of additional Common Stock which may become eligible for sale in the public market from time to time upon exercise of warrants and stock options could have the effect of depressing the market prices for the Company's Common Stock. RELIANCE ON CURRENT MANAGEMENT. The Company is dependent on the management services of its current management team. If the Company were to lose the services of these individuals, its business could be adversely affected. Most of the members of the Company's current senior management team are not subject to employment contracts with the Company. The Company does not maintain insurance on the lives of its key employees. FCC REGULATION. Although the radio broadcast licenses of the stations owned by the Company are already granted, their continuation and the continued validity of any RBL acquired by the Company depend upon compliance with the laws, rules and regulations of the FCC. The FCC can revoke licenses for serious misconduct, subject to the right to an evidentiary hearing, or it may fail to renew a license or impose monetary fines for breach of its rules. Neither the Company nor CAC has ever been denied any FCC license or renewal, or had a fine imposed by the FCC. In recent years, a number of competing applications and formal and informal objections have been filed with respect to broadcast renewal applications. Even though the vast majority of all license renewal applications are granted, and under the Telecommunication Act of 1996 (the "1996 Act") competing applications in license renewal proceedings are no longer allowed, there can be no assurance that renewal of the Company's licenses will be granted. Furthermore, approvals are required for the transfer of ownership. Three directors and attributable shareholders of the Company have interests in AM and FM radio stations unrelated to the Company. Under current FCC regulations, these interests are attributed to the Company and may limit the markets in which the Company can acquire stations. The 1996 Act eliminated the limit upon the number of stations that can be under common ownership or control nationally. Local ownership was substantially relaxed according to market size. See "Risk Factors -- Risks Related to Acquisition of Radio Elizabeth." ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS. The Board of Directors, without any action by the Company's shareholders, has the authority to issue the remaining undesignated and unissued authorized shares and to fix the powers, preferences, rights and limitations of such shares or any class or series thereof, without shareholder approval. Persons acquiring such shares could have preferential rights with respect to voting, liquidation, dissolution or dividends over existing shareholders. The Company is subject to certain provisions of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act which limit the voting rights of shares acquired in "control share acquisitions" and restrict certain "business combinations." Such provisions, as well as the ability to issue undesignated shares, could have the effect of deterring or delaying a takeover or other change in control of the Company, deny shareholders 11 the receipt of a premium on their Common Stock and depress the market price of the Company's Common Stock. CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS. Approximately 34% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock is beneficially owned by the Company's current officers and directors. Accordingly, such persons may be able to significantly influence the Company's business and affairs. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company. NO ASSURANCE AS TO LIQUIDITY ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET SYSTEM. The Common Stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq National Market System. There can be no assurance that the Common Stock will be actively traded on such market or that, if active trading does develop, it will be sustained. ABSENCE OF DIVIDENDS. The Company has not paid any cash dividends since its inception and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company presently expects to retain its earnings to finance the development and expansion of its business. The declaration or payment by the Company of dividends, if any, on its Common Stock in the future is subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on the Company's earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other relevant factors. 12 SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA The following table sets forth certain selected historical consolidated financial information for the Company. The income statement and balance sheet data for the Company included in the selected consolidated financial data for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1995 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for such five-year period. The selected financial data for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 are derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for such periods. All financial data derived from unaudited financial statements reflect, in the opinion of the Company's management, all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of such data. Results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole. The data set forth in the table should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company, and the related notes thereto, incorporated herein by reference. See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference."
Nine Months Ended Years Ended December 31 September 30 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 1996 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- (in thousands, except share and per share data) (in thousands, except share and per share data) STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: Net Revenue: Owned, operated and LMA stations(1) $ 716 $ 734 $ 2,263 $ 3,799 $ 4,047 $ 3,067 $ 2,898 Network -- 7 253 589 1,059 818 1,034 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total net revenue 716 741 2,516 4,388 5,106 3,885 3,932 Operating Expenses: Owned, operated and LMA stations(1) 953 1,309 3,175 5,070 4,955 3,808 3,349 Network -- 369 1,413 1,541 2,593 1,784 2,464 Corporate -- 195 1,007 1,692 1,521 1,170 1,403 Depreciation and amortization 56 77 192 516 937 714 1,574 Write off of deferred warrant expense -- -- -- -- -- -- 1,662 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total operating expenses 1,009 1,950 5,787 8,819 10,006 7,476 10,452 -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Loss from operations (293) (1,209) (3,271) (4,431) (4,900) (3,591) (6,520) Interest expense, net of interest income 59 47 (24) 88 1,208 960 162 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net loss $ (352) $ (1,256) $ (3,247) $ (4,519) $ (6,108) $ (4,551) $ (6,682) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net loss per share $ (.70) $ (1.27) $ (1.39) $ (1.69) $ (2.22) $ (1.69) $ (1.52) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Weighted average number of shares 501,500 991,000 2,330,500 2,703,500 2,815,500 2,696,500 4,470,500 BALANCE SHEET DATA: Working capital (deficit) $ (454) $ (1,128) $ 1,366 $ (3,472) $ (4,421) $ (3,398) $ 908 Total assets 615 1,110 8,603 10,485 13,327 9,430 26,178 Total debt and capital leases (including current portion) 620 1,001 225 3,835 5,809 3,425 2,303 Shareholders' equity (deficit) (538) (441) 7,540 3,070 3,487 2,310 20,082
(1) Includes stations owned and operated by the Company as well as stations owned by third parties but operated under a LMA. 13 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK AUTHORIZED SHARES The Company's Articles of Incorporation authorize it to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of a par value of $.02 per share. As of November 30, 1996, approximately 6.0 million shares were issued and outstanding and approximately 2.6 million shares were reserved for issuance pursuant to options, restricted stock grants and warrants. The remaining shares are undesignated. COMMON STOCK Except for the non-voting shares, no share of Common Stock is entitled to preference over any other share and each share of Common Stock is equal to any other share in all respects. The holders of Common Stock, other than non-voting shares, are entitled to one vote for each share held of record at each meeting of shareholders. The non-voting shares may become shares with full voting rights at such time as they are transferred by the current holder. In any distribution of assets, whether voluntary or involuntary, holders are entitled to receive pro rata the assets remaining after creditors have been paid in full and after any liquidation preference of any other class of stock has been satisfied. The outstanding Common Stock is and the stock offered by the Company hereby upon payment therefor will be, fully paid and nonassessable. The Board of Directors of the Company has the authority to issue the remaining unissued authorized shares and to fix the powers, preferences, rights and limitations of such shares or any class or series thereof, without shareholder approval. Persons acquiring such shares could have preferential rights with respect to voting, liquidation, dissolution or dividends over existing shareholders. Shares could also be issued to deter or delay a takeover or other change in control of the Company. Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive rights to purchase additional securities which may be offered by the Company. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors. Accordingly, the owners of a majority of outstanding voting shares may elect all of the directors if they choose to do so. All shares of Common Stock are entitled to participate equally in all dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor. NON-VOTING COMMON STOCK The Company issued 189,041 shares of non-voting Common Stock in April 1992. All non-voting stock was issued in order to avoid attribution of interests under FCC regulations, and is convertible to voting stock on a share for share basis if such conversion would not result in FCC attribution of interests. CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK The Company's Articles of Incorporation authorize the Company's Board of Directors, without further shareholder action, to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the voting rights, liquidation preferences, dividend rights, repurchase rights, conversion rights, redemption rights and terms, including sinking fund provisions and certain other rights and preferences, of the preferred stock. Although there is no current intention to do so, the Board of Directors of the Company may, without shareholder approval, issue shares of a class or series of preferred stock with voting and conversion rights which could adversely affect the voting power or dividend rights of the holders of Common Stock and may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company. 14 MINNESOTA ANTI-TAKEOVER LAWS The Company is governed by the provisions of Section 302A.671 and 302A.673 of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act Sections 302A.671 and 302A.673 of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act may deny shareholders the receipt of a premium on their Common Stock and may also have a depressive effect on the market price of the Company's Common Stock. In general, Section 302A.671 provides that the shares of a corporation acquired in a "control share acquisition" have no voting rights unless voting rights are approved in a prescribed manner. A "control share acquisition" is an acquisition, directly or indirectly, of beneficial ownership of shares that would, when added to all other shares beneficially owned by the acquiring person, entitle the acquiring person to have voting power of 20% or more in the election of directors. In general, Section 302A.673 prohibits a public Minnesota corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested shareholder" for a period of four years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock of the Company is Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, St. Paul, Minnesota. DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES The terms of the Debt Securities offered by any Prospectus Supplement will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt Securities. Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular series of Debt Securities offered thereby for a description of the following terms or additional provisions of the Debt Securities: (1) the title of the Debt Securities; (2) whether the Debt Securities are senior Debt Securities or subordinated Debt Securities; (3) any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities; (4) the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount thereof) at which the Debt Securities will be issued; (5) the date or dates on which the Debt Securities will mature; (6) the rate or rates per annum at which the Debt Securities will bear interest, if any, and the date from which any such interest will accrue; (7) the interest payment dates on which any such interest on the Debt Securities will be payable; (8) the date, if any, after which and the price or prices at which the Debt Securities may, pursuant to any optional or mandatory redemption provisions, be redeemed, in whole or in part; (9) the denominations in which the Debt Securities will be issuable; (10) any index used to determine the amount of payments of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Debt Securities and the manner in which such amounts shall be determined; (11) the terms and conditions, if any, pursuant to which the Debt Securities are convertible or exchangeable into a security or securities of the Company; (12) the terms pursuant to which the Debt Securities are subject to defeasance; and (13) any other terms of the Debt Securities. The Debt Securities will not be issued pursuant to an indenture between the Company and a trustee. The debt securities will be issued pursuant to an exemption from compliance with the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. Any such Prospectus Supplement will also describe any special provisions for the payment of additional amounts with respect to the Debt Securities. 15 LEGAL MATTERS The validity of the Securities offered hereby and certain legal matters pertaining to the Company, including matters incorporated herein by reference relating to the regulation of the Company by the FCC and related matters, were passed upon on behalf of the Company by Lance W. Riley, Esq., Secretary and General Counsel to the Company. EXPERTS The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and for each of the three years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1995 of Children's Broadcasting Corporation, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent certified public accountants, as set forth in their reports thereon (which contain an explanatory paragraph with respect to substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and management's plans described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements). Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The financial statements of Radio Elizabeth, Inc. for the eleven months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the years ended April 30, 1993, 1994 and 1995, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus have been audited by Smolin, Lupin & Co., P.A., Certified Public Accountants, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The financial statements of Wolpin Broadcasting Company as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Kleiman, Carney & Greenbaum, Certified Public Accountants, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Certain information relating to executive compensation, principal securities holders, certain relationships and related transactions, and other matters concerning the Company is included or incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed with the Commission and incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB accompanies this Prospectus. 16 NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION AND REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE SELLING SHAREHOLDERS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE UNDER THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR SINCE THE DATE OF ANY DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES, OR AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN ANY STATE TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH STATE. _____________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS _____________________ PAGE Available Information 2 Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference 2 Prospectus Summary 4 The Company 4 Broadcast Strategy 5 Recent Financing 6 Purpose of Offering 7 Use of Proceeds 7 Risk Factors 8 Selected Consolidated Financial Data 13 Description of Capital Stock 14 Description of Debt Securities 15 Legal Matters 16 Experts 16 Additional Information 16 CHILDREN'S BROADCASTING CORPORATION 5,000,000 SHARES COMMON STOCK $5,000,000 PROMISSORY NOTES ____________________ PROSPECTUS ____________________ ____________, 1996 PART II -- INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. The Registrant is a Minnesota corporation. Reference is made to Minnesota Statutes Section 302A.521 which provides that a Minnesota business corporation shall indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding, by reason of the former or present official capacity (as defined) of the person, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses incurred by the person in connection with the proceeding if certain statutory standards are met. "Proceeding" means a threatened, pending or completed civil, criminal, administrative, arbitration or investigative proceeding, including one by or in the right of the corporation. Section 302A.521 contains detailed terms regarding such right of indemnification and reference is made thereto for a complete statement of such indemnification rights. Article 6.2 of the Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, provides that directors, officers, employees and agents, past or present, of the Company, and persons serving as such of another corporation or entity at the request of the Company, shall be indemnified by the Company for such expenses and liabilities, in such manner, under such circumstances, and to such extent as permitted under Minnesota Statutes 302A.521. ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES * 3.1 Articles of Incorporation, as amended and restated. ** 3.2 By-laws, as amended and restated. 4 The form or forms of Debt Securities which may be issued by the Registrant will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K. 5 Opinion of Lance W. Riley, Esq. *** 13 Form 10-QSB for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1996. 23.1 Consent of Lance W. Riley, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5). 23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. 23.3 Consent of Smolin, Lupin & Co., P.A., Certified Public Accountants. 23.4 Consent of Kleiman, Carney & Greenbaum, Certified Public Accountants. 24 Power of Attorney (included on signature page to Registration Statement). ______________________ * Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-2 (Registration No. 33-80721). ** Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-18 (Registration No. 33-44412C). *** Specifically incorporated by reference in the Prospectus. See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference." ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS (a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933. II-1 (ii) To reflect in the Prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement. (iii) To include any additional or changed material information on the plan of distribution. (2) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering. (3) To file a post-effective amendment to remove from registration any of the securities that remain unsold at the end of the offering. (b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions summarized in Item 15 above, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel, the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. (c) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that (1) for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance on Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective and (2) for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (d) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the Registration Statement through the date of responding to the request. (e) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the Registration Statement when it became effective. II-2 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Minneapolis and State of Minnesota, on December 20, 1996. CHILDREN'S BROADCASTING CORPORATION By /S/ CHRISTOPHER T. DAHL -------------------------------------- Christopher T. Dahl, President and Chief Executive Officer POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENT, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Lance W. Riley and James G. Gilbertson as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons on the dates and in the capacities indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE /S/ CHRISTOPHER T. DAHL President, Chief Executive December 20, 1996 - ---------------------------- Officer and Director (Principal CHRISTOPHER T. DAHL Executive Officer) /S/ JAMES G. GILBERTSON Chief Operating Officer December 20, 1996 - ---------------------------- and Treasurer (Principal JAMES G. GILBERTSON Accounting Officer and Principal Financial Officer) /S/ RICHARD W. PERKINS Director December 20, 1996 - ---------------------------- RICHARD W. PERKINS /S/ RODNEY P. BURWELL Director December 20, 1996 - ----------------------------- RODNEY P. BURWELL /S/ MARK A. COHN Director December 20, 1996 - ----------------------------- MARK A. COHN
II-3 EXHIBIT INDEX NUMBER DESCRIPTION * 3.1 Articles of Incorporation, as amended and restated. ** 3.2 By-laws, as amended and restated. 4 The form or forms of Debt Securities which may be issued by the Registrant will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K. 5 Opinion of Lance W. Riley, Esq. *** 13 Form 10-QSB for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1996. 23.1 Consent of Lance W. Riley, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5). 23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. 23.3 Consent of Smolin, Lupin & Co., P.A., Certified Public Accountants. 23.4 Consent of Kleiman, Carney & Greenbaum, Certified Public Accountants. 24 Power of Attorney (included on signature page to Registration Statement). ______________________ * Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-2 (Registration No. 33-80721). ** Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-18 (Registration No. 33-44412C). *** Specifically incorporated by reference in the Prospectus. See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference." EX-5 2 EXHIBIT 5 EXHIBIT 5 December 20, 1996 Children's Broadcasting Corporation 724 First Street North Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 Gentlemen: I am General Counsel to Children's Broadcasting Corporation, a Minnesota corporation (the "Company"), in connection with its filing of a registration statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, covering 5,000,000 shares of common stock, $.02 par value, of the Company (the "Shares") and $5,000,000 of promissory notes of the Company (the "Debt Securities"). I have examined the Registration Statement and those documents, corporate records, and other instruments I deemed relevant as a basis for the opinion herein expressed. Based on the foregoing, it is my opinion that when the Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), and the Shares have been issued in connection with proposed acquisitions as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Shares will be legally and validly issued, fully-paid and nonassessable. Based on the foregoing, it is further my opinion that when the Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by order of the Commission, and the Debt Securities have been issued in connection with proposed acquisitions as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Debt Securities will be binding obligations of the Company. I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5 to the Registration Statement and to the reference to myself under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement. /s/ Lance W. Riley ------------------------------------ Lance W. Riley General Counsel Children's Broadcasting Corporation EX-23.2 3 EXHIBIT 23.2 EXHIBIT 23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement (Form S-4) of Children's Broadcasting Corporation for the registration of 5,000,000 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 31, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Children's Broadcasting Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-KSB) for the year ended December 31, 1995, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Minneapolis, Minnesota /s/ Ernst & Young LLP December 17, 1996 EX-23.3 4 EXHIBIT 23.3 EXHIBIT 23.3 [Smolin, Lupin & Co., P.A. letterhead] Children's Broadcasting Corporation 724 First Street North, 4th Floor Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 Gentlemen: We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the use of our reports for the eleven months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 and the reports for the years ended April 30, 1993, 1994, and 1995, with respect to the financial statements of Radio Elizabeth, Inc. incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Children's Broadcasting Corporation for the registration of shares of its common stock. /S/SMOLIN, LUPIN & CO., P.A. - -------------------------------- SMOLIN, LUPIN & CO., P.A. West Orange, New Jersey December 19, 1996 EX-23.4 5 EXHIBIT 23.4 EXHIBIT 23.4 [Kleiman, Carney & Greenbaum, P.C. letterhead] December 19, 1996 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the reference of our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the use of our reports dated January 19, 1996, February 2, 1996 and May 30, 1996, with respect to the financial statements of Wolpin Broadcasting Company incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Children's Broadcasting Corporation for the registration of shares of its common stock. Very truly yours, KLEIMAN, CARNEY & GREENBAUM /S/ MARK CARNEY --------------------------------- MARK CARNEY Certified Public Accountant Farmington Hills, Michigan December 19, 1996 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----