<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission
Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 240.14a-11(c) or Rule 240.14a-12
</TABLE>
COX RADIO, INC.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
<PAGE> 2
[COX RADIO, INC. LOGO]
To the Stockholders of Cox Radio, Inc.
You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cox Radio,
Inc. to be held at Corporate Headquarters, 1400 Lake Hearn Drive, N.E., Atlanta,
Georgia 30319, on Friday, May 9, 1997, at 9:00 a.m., local time.
Information concerning matters to be considered and acted upon at the
meeting is set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and Proxy Statement.
Please read the enclosed Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement so
you will be informed about the business to come before the meeting. Your vote is
important, regardless of the number of shares you own. On behalf of the Board of
Directors, I urge you to mark, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as soon
as possible, even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. You may, of course,
revoke your proxy by notice in writing to the Corporate Secretary at any time
before the proxy is voted.
Sincerely,
/s/ Robert F. Neil
Robert F. Neil
President and Chief Executive Officer
Atlanta, Georgia
March 25, 1997
<PAGE> 3
COX RADIO, INC.
1400 LAKE HEARN DRIVE, NE
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30319
(404) 843-5000
---------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 9, 1997
---------------------
To the Stockholders of Cox Radio, Inc.
The Annual Meeting of the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock of Cox Radio, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at Corporate
Headquarters, 1400 Lake Hearn Drive, NE, Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, May 9,
1997, at 9:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect a Board of Directors of six members to serve until the
1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors are duly
elected and qualified;
2. To ratify the appointment by the Board of Directors of Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent certified public accountants, as the Company's
independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 1997; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed March 18, 1997 as the record date for the
Annual Meeting with respect to this solicitation. Only holders of record of
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock at the close of business on that
date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any
adjournments thereof as set forth in the Proxy Statement.
The Company's Annual Report to stockholders for the year ended December 31,
1996 is enclosed herewith.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Andrew A. Merdek
Andrew A. Merdek
Corporate Secretary
Atlanta, Georgia
March 25, 1997
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND
RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PAID ENVELOPE AS PROMPTLY
AS POSSIBLE. A PROXY MAY BE REVOKED BY A STOCKHOLDER ANY TIME PRIOR TO ITS USE
AS SPECIFIED IN THE ENCLOSED PROXY STATEMENT.
<PAGE> 4
COX RADIO, INC.
1400 LAKE HEARN DRIVE, NE
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30319
(404) 843-5000
---------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
1997 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
---------------------
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The Board of Directors of Cox Radio, Inc. (the "Company") is furnishing
this Proxy Statement in connection with its solicitation of proxies for use at
the Company's 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held on May 9, 1997, at
9:00 a.m., local time, at Corporate Headquarters, 1400 Lake Hearn Drive, NE,
Atlanta, Georgia 30319, and at any adjournment thereof. Each valid proxy
received in time will be voted at the meeting and, if a choice is specified, it
will be voted in accordance with such specification. A proxy may be revoked by
notice in writing to the Corporate Secretary at the address set forth above at
any time before the proxy is voted.
This Proxy Statement and the proxies solicited hereby are being first sent
for delivery to stockholders of the Company on or about March 26, 1997. The cost
of solicitation of proxies, including the reimbursement to banks and brokers for
reasonable expenses for sending proxy materials to their principals, will be
borne by the Company.
The shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock represented by
valid proxies received by the Company in time for the Annual Meeting will be
voted as specified in such proxies. Executed but unvoted proxies will be voted:
(1) FOR the election of the Board of Directors' nominees for directors;
and
(2) FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent certified public accountants, as the Company's independent
auditors for the year ending December 31, 1997.
If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons
named on such proxies will, unless the stockholder otherwise specifies in the
proxy, vote upon such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
VOTING SECURITIES
The Company has two classes of outstanding voting securities, Class A
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Class A Common Stock"), and Class
B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Class B Common Stock"). As of
March 18, 1997, there were outstanding 8,736,973 shares of Class A Common Stock
and 19,577,672 shares of Class B Common Stock. Only holders of record of shares
of Class A Common Stock or shares of Class B Common Stock at the close of
business on March 18, 1997, which the Company's Board of Directors has fixed as
the record date, are entitled to vote at the meeting.
The Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will vote together as a
single class, with each share of Class A Common Stock being entitled to one
vote, and each share of Class B Common Stock being entitled to ten votes. The
presence in person or by proxy of holders of record of one-third of the issued
and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting which represent a majority of the votes entitled
to be cast by such shares will constitute a quorum. The affirmative vote of a
majority of the votes entitled to be cast by such shares of the issued and
outstanding Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together as a
single class, present at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy, and entitled
to vote, is required for the election of directors and ratification of
appointment of independent auditors.
<PAGE> 5
Shares as to which a stockholder abstains are considered shares entitled to
vote on the applicable proposal and are included in determining whether such
proposal is approved (i.e., an abstention would have the effect of a vote
against the applicable proposal). On the other hand, broker non-votes are not
considered shares entitled to vote on the applicable proposal and are not
included in determining whether such proposal is approved. A broker non-vote
occurs when the nominee of a beneficial owner with the power to vote on at least
one matter does not vote on another matter because the nominee does not have the
discretionary voting power and has not received instructions from the beneficial
owner with respect to such matter. Accordingly, broker non-votes have no effect
on the outcome of a vote on the applicable proposal.
Stockholders will not have appraisal rights with respect to any of the
proposals to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.
As of March 18, 1997, Cox Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("CEI"), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Cox Broadcasting, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Cox Broadcasting"), held approximately 95.7% of the combined
voting power of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Accordingly,
CEI will have sufficient voting power to elect all members of the Board of
Directors, to ratify the appointment of independent auditors and to control
substantially all other actions that may come before the Annual Meeting.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(PROPOSAL NO. 1)
At the meeting, six directors are to be elected to hold office until the
1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their respective successors have
been elected and qualified. All nominees currently are directors of the Company.
The six directors nominated for election at the 1997 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders are: Nicholas D. Trigony; Robert F. Neil; James C. Kennedy; David
E. Easterly; Ernest D. Fears, Jr.; and Paul M. Hughes (collectively, the
"Nominees"). The persons named as proxies intend (unless authority is withheld)
to vote for election of all of the Nominees as directors.
The Board of Directors knows of no reason why any Nominee for director
would be unable to serve as director. If, at the time of the Annual Meeting, any
of the Nominees are unable or unwilling to serve as a director of the Company,
the persons named in the proxy intend to vote for such substitutes as may be
nominated by the Board of Directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE
NOMINEES.
The following information regarding the Nominees, their principal
occupations, employment history, and directorships in certain companies is as
reported by the respective Nominees.
Nicholas D. Trigony, 56, has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors
of the Company since July 1996 and has served as President of Cox Broadcasting
since March 1990. Mr. Trigony joined Cox Broadcasting in September 1986 as
Executive Vice President -- Radio and was Executive Vice President -- Broadcast
from April 1989 to March 1990. He is also a board member of the National
Association of Television Program Executives and serves on its Executive
Committee. Mr. Trigony is the immediate past chairman and current board member
of the Television Operators Caucus, a member of the TV Board of Directors of the
National Association of Broadcasters ("NAB") and chairman of NAB's Media
Convergence Task Force.
Robert F. Neil, 38, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer and
as a director of the Company since July 1996 and was Executive Vice
President -- Radio of Cox Broadcasting from June 1992 to 1996. Previously, he
was Vice President and General Manager of WSB-AM/FM (Atlanta). Mr. Neil joined
Cox Broadcasting in November 1986. Previously, Mr. Neil was Operations Manager
from December 1984 to November 1986 at WYAY-FM (Gainesville). He served as
Operations Manager from October 1983 to
2
<PAGE> 6
December 1984 and as Program Director from March 1983 to October 1983 at WYYY-FM
and WSYR-AM (Syracuse).
James C. Kennedy, 49, has served as a director of the Company since July
1996. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer of CEI since January 1988, and prior to that time was CEI's President
and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Kennedy joined CEI in 1972 and initially worked
with CEI's Atlanta newspapers. Mr. Kennedy serves on the Board of Governors and
the Executive Board of the Newspaper Association of America. He is Chairman of
the Board of Directors of Cox Communications, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary
of CEI ("CCI"), and a director of National Service Industries, Inc., Flagler
Systems, Inc. and Texas Commerce Bankshares N.A.
David E. Easterly, 54, has served as a director of the Company since July
1996 and has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of CEI since
October 1994. He was President of Cox Newspapers, Inc. ("CNI"), a subsidiary of
CEI, from May 1986 through October 1994. Mr. Easterly joined CEI in 1970 at the
Dayton Daily News, transferring to Atlanta in 1981 as Vice President of
Operations for CNI. He was named Publisher of The Atlanta Journal/Constitution
in April 1984. Mr. Easterly is a member of the Board of Directors of the
Associated Press. He is also a director of both CEI and CCI.
Paul M. Hughes, 58, has served as director of Cox Radio since December
1996. He has been President and Chief Operating Officer of OG Holding LTD since
April 1995. From June 1991 through April 1, 1995 he was Chairman of Hughes
Broadcasting Partners.
Ernest D. Fears, Jr., 64, has served as director of Cox Radio since
December 1996. He has been a lecturer at Howard University since 1990 and was a
consultant to the National Institute of Health from February to August of 1996.
From June 1992 to August 1992, he was General Manager for radio station XFRM-FM
in San Diego, California/Tijuana, Mexico. From 1977 to 1986, Mr. Fears was
President and General Manager of radio station WQRX (Washington, D.C.).
As described further in the Company's Annual Report enclosed herewith under
the caption "Item 1. Business -- The NewCity Acquisition," and as described in
the Prospectus contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Commission File No. 333-08737), the Company has entered into an agreement to
acquire NewCity Communications, Inc. and anticipates that it will consummate
this transaction in the first half of 1997.
The Company also anticipates that, following consummation of the NewCity
Acquisition, the Board of Directors of the Company, pursuant to the Company's
by-laws, will increase the size of the Board of Directors to seven and will
nominate and elect Richard A. Ferguson to serve as a member of the Company's
Board of Directors and as an executive officer of the Company. Mr. Ferguson is
not a Nominee for purposes of this Proxy Statement. Richard A. Ferguson has
served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of NewCity since its
organization in 1986. He served as the President of Katz Broadcasting Company,
Inc., a subsidiary of Katz Communications, Inc., from 1981 to 1986, when he led
a management group in organizing NewCity to purchase all of the stock of Katz
Broadcasting Company, Inc. Prior to 1981, he served as the President of Park
City Communications, Inc. ("Park City"), until Park City was acquired by Katz
Communications, Inc. Mr. Ferguson is Chairman of the Radio Board of Directors of
the NAB and a member of the Radio Operators Caucus.
3
<PAGE> 7
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table provides information as of March 18, 1997 with respect
to the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock beneficially
owned by each person known by the Company to own more than 5% of any class of
the outstanding voting securities of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF
VOTE OF ALL
CLASS A CLASS B CLASSES OF
COMMON PERCENT OF COMMON PERCENT OF COMMON
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER STOCK CLASS STOCK CLASS STOCK
------------------------ --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cox Enterprises, Inc.(1)(2)(3)............. 0 0 19,577,672 100.0% 95.7%
BAMCO, Inc.(4)............................. 460,000 5.3% -- -- 0.2%
Mellon Bank Corporation(5)................. 764,000 8.7% -- -- 0.4%
Capital Group Companies, Inc. and Capital
Guardian Trust Company(6)................ 632,300 7.2% -- -- 0.3%
Massachusetts Financial Services
Company(7)............................... 1,077,400 12.3% -- -- 0.5%
FMR Corporation(8)......................... 525,800 6.0% -- -- 0.3%
J.&W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated(9)....... 1,209,500 13.8% -- -- 0.6%
</TABLE>
- - ---------------
(1) The business address for CEI is 1400 Lake Hearn Drive, N.E., Atlanta,
Georgia 30319.
(2) All the shares of Common Stock of the Company that are beneficially owned by
CEI are held of record by Cox Broadcasting. Cox Broadcasting holds
19,577,672 shares of Class B Common Stock that are convertible into the
same number of shares of Class A Common Stock. All the shares of
outstanding capital stock of Cox Broadcasting are beneficially owned by Cox
Holdings, Inc., and all of the shares of outstanding capital stock of Cox
Holdings, Inc. are beneficially owned by CEI. The beneficial ownership of
the outstanding capital stock of CEI is described in footnote (3) below.
(3) There are 202,601,949 shares of common stock of CEI outstanding, with
respect to which (i) Barbara Cox Anthony, as trustee of the Anne Cox
Chambers Atlanta Trust, exercises beneficial ownership over 58,316,422
shares (28.8%); (ii) Anne Cox Chambers, as trustee of the Barbara Cox
Anthony Atlanta Trust, exercises beneficial ownership over 58,316,422
shares (28.8%); (iii) Barbara Cox Anthony, Anne Cox Chambers and Marion H.
Allen, III, as trustees of the Dayton Cox Trust A, exercise beneficial
ownership over 82,745,685 shares (40.8%); and (iv) 222 individuals and
trusts exercise beneficial ownership over the remaining 3,223,420 shares
(1.6%). Thus, Barbara Cox Anthony and Anne Cox Chambers, who are sisters,
together exercise sole or shared beneficial ownership over 199,378,529
shares (98.4%) of the common stock of CEI. In addition, Garner Anthony, the
husband of Barbara Cox Anthony, holds beneficially and of record 14,578
shares of common stock of CEI. Barbara Cox Anthony disclaims beneficial
ownership of such shares. Barbara Cox Anthony and Anne Cox Chambers are the
mother and aunt, respectively, of James C. Kennedy, the Chairman of the
Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of CEI and a director of the
Company.
(4) The information contained in this table with respect to BAMCO, Inc. is based
on a joint filing on Schedule 13G reporting ownership as of December 31,
1996 by BAMCO, Inc. and Baron Capital Management, Inc. Baron Capital
Management, Inc. beneficially owns 57,000 shares of Class A Common Stock,
representing 0.7% of the issued and outstanding Class A Common Stock. The
principal business office of each of BAMCO, Inc. and Baron Capital
Management, Inc. is 767 Fifth Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, New York 10153.
(5) The information contained in this table with respect to Mellon Bank
Corporation is based on a joint filing on Schedule 13G reporting ownership
as of December 31, 1996 by the following direct or indirect subsidiaries of
Mellon Bank Corporation: Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company; Mellon
Bank, N.A.; The Boston Company Asset Management, Inc.; The Dreyfus
Corporation; and Dreyfus Investment Advisors, Inc. The address of Mellon
Bank Corporation and for all reporting persons is One Mellon Bank Center,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258. In the above-referenced Schedule 13G, the
reporting parties reported their percentage of the Class A Common Stock as
10.0%. Based on the number of shares of
4
<PAGE> 8
Class A Common Stock reported in the Schedule 13G as owned by the reporting
parties, the Company believes that the correct percentage should be 8.7%,
as indicated in the table.
(6) The information contained in this table with respect to the Capital Group
Companies, Inc. and Capital Guardian Trust Company is based on a filing on
Schedule 13G reporting ownership as of December 31, 1996. The address for
both reporting persons is 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, California
90071. In the above-referenced Schedule 13G, the reporting parties reported
their percentage of the Class A Common Stock as 8.3%. Based on the number
of shares of Class A Common Stock reported in the Schedule 13G as owned by
the reporting parties, the Company believes that the correct percentage
should be 7.2%, as indicated in the table.
(7) The information contained in this table with respect to Massachusetts
Financial Services Company is based on a filing on Schedule 13G reporting
ownership as of December 31, 1996. The address for the reporting person is
500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
(8) The information contained in this table with respect to FMR Corp. is based
on a joint filing on Schedule 13G reporting ownership as of December 31,
1996 by FMR Corp., Edward C. Johnson 3d and Abigail P. Johnson. The address
for the reporting persons is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. In the above-referenced Schedule 13G, the reporting parties reported
their percentage of the Class A Common Stock as 6.87% Based on the number
of shares of Class A Common Stock reported in the Schedule 13G as owned by
the reporting parties, the Company believes that the correct percentage
should be 6.0%, as indicated in the table.
(9) The information contained in this table with respect to J.&W. Seligman & Co.
Incorporated is based on a Schedule 13G reporting ownership as of March 18,
1997 by J.&W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated. The address for the reporting
person is 100 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
"Beneficial ownership" of the Class A Common Stock of the Company and the
Common Stock of CEI by the Company's directors and Named Executive Officers, and
by all directors and executive officers as a group at March 18, 1997 is shown in
the following table. None of such persons, individually or in the aggregate,
owns 1% or more of the Common Stock of the Company or CEI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES OF NUMBER OF SHARES OF CEI
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER CLASS A COMMON STOCK OWNED COMMON STOCK OWNED
------------------------ -------------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
David E. Easterly............................... 3,000 111,049
Robert B. Green................................. 12,883 --
James C. Kennedy................................ 18,000 0(a)
Marc W. Morgan.................................. 18,826 4,350
Robert F. Neil.................................. 33,278 3,068
Nicholas D. Trigony............................. 1,000 24,374
Ernest D. Fears, Jr............................. 500 --
Paul M. Hughes.................................. -- --
All directors and executive officers as a group
(nine persons, including those named above)... 90,015 142,841
</TABLE>
- - ---------------
(a) Mr. Kennedy owns of record no shares of Common Stock of CEI. Sarah K.
Kennedy, Mr. Kennedy's wife and trustee of the Kennedy Trusts, exercises
beneficial ownership over an aggregate of 7,380 shares of Common Stock of
CEI. In addition, as described above, Barbara Cox Anthony and Anne Cox
Chambers, the mother and aunt, respectively, of Mr. Kennedy, together
exercise sole or shared beneficial ownership over 199,378,529 shares of
Common Stock of CEI. Mr. Kennedy disclaims beneficial ownership of all such
shares.
5
<PAGE> 9
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's executive officers
and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the Company's Class A Common
Stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of the Company's
Class A Common Stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New
York Stock Exchange. Based solely on a review of copies of such reports and
written representations from the reporting person, the Company believes that
from January 1996 through the date of this Proxy Statement, its executive
officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders filed on a timely
basis all reports due under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
During 1996, the Board of Directors met once and took action by unanimous
written consent once following the formation of the Company in connection with
the Company's initial public offering in October 1996. The Company has formed
the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. The members of the Executive
Committee are James C. Kennedy, Nicholas D. Trigony, David E. Easterly and Paul
M. Hughes.
The Company has also formed the Audit Committee and the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors. The members of the Audit Committee and the
Compensation Committee are Paul M. Hughes and Ernest D. Fears, Jr. Mr. Hughes is
the Chair of the Audit Committee and Mr. Fears is the Chair of the Compensation
Committee. The Audit Committee approves the selection of the independent
auditors for the Company, reviews the scope and results of the annual audit,
approves the services to be performed by the independent auditors, reviews the
independence of the auditors, reviews the performance and fees of the
independent auditors, reviews the adequacy of the system of internal accounting
controls and reviews the scope and results of internal auditing procedures. In
addition, the Audit Committee has special meetings to review related party
transactions. The Compensation Committee adopts and oversees the administration
of compensation plans for executive officers and senior management of the
Company, determines awards granted to executive officers under such plans, and
reviews the reasonableness of such compensation.
It is anticipated that the Board of Directors will have three regular
meetings per year, the Audit Committee will have two regular meetings per year
and the Compensation Committee will have one regular meeting per year. The
Executive Committee will meet from time to time as necessary.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
The directors of the Company who are not affiliates of the Company, Paul M.
Hughes and Ernest D. Fears, Jr., are reimbursed for expenses and paid an annual
fee of $20,000. The annual fee is paid as follows: (a) one-half in shares of
Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Cox Radio, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan for
Non-Employee Directors (the "Directors' Restricted Stock Plan") plus (b)
one-half in cash. In addition, the non-affiliate directors receive a meeting fee
of $1,000 for every board meeting and committee meeting attended. The directors
of the Company who are affiliates of the Company do not receive any compensation
for serving on the Company's Board of Directors.
Pursuant to the Directors' Restricted Stock Plan, directors who are not
employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates will receive
50% of any annual Board retainer fee in the form of Class A Common Stock,
subject to certain restrictions and forfeitures prior to the expiration of the
period ending five years after the date of the grant of the award or, if
earlier, the date of death or disability in certain circumstances. The maximum
number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may be granted pursuant to
restricted stock awards under the Directors' Restricted Stock Plan is 25,000.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The executive officers who are not directors of the Company are set forth
below. Executive officers of the Company are elected to serve until they resign
or are removed, or are otherwise disqualified to serve, or until their
successors are elected and qualified.
6
<PAGE> 10
Maritza C. Pichon, 42, has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company
since July 1996. She was Assistant Controller of CEI from June 1990 through June
1996. Previously, she served as manager of accounting, senior accountant and
staff accountant. Ms. Pichon joined CEI in September 1984.
Marc W. Morgan, 47, has served as Senior Vice President of the Company
since July 1996 and has been Vice President and General Manager of WSB Radio and
Regional Radio Vice President of Cox Broadcasting since July 1992. Mr. Morgan
was Vice President and General Manager of WCKG-FM (Chicago) from January 1984 to
July 1992.
Robert B. Green, 43, has served as Regional Vice President of the Company
since July 1996 and has been Vice President and General Manager of the Company's
Miami radio stations, WIOD-AM, WFLC-FM and WHQT-FM, since September 1992. Mr.
Green was Station Manager of WSB-AM/FM (Atlanta) from January 1990 to September
1992.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth certain information for the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively, concerning the cash and non-cash
compensation earned by or awarded to the Chief Executive Officer and the other
executive officers of the Company whose combined salary and bonus exceeded
$100,000 in such periods (the "Named Executive Officers"):
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
------------------------------------
AWARDS
----------------------- PAYOUTS
ANNUAL COMPENSATION RESTRICTED SECURITIES ----------
-------------------------- STOCK UNDERLYING LTIP ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS AWARDS(A) OPTIONS(B) PAYOUTS(C) COMPENSATION(D)
- - --------------------------- ---- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert F. Neil............. 1996 $300,000 $210,000 $721,516 113,515 0 $6,000
President and Chief 1995 266,890 93,450 0 0 $28,478 6,000
Executive Officer
Marc W. Morgan............. 1996 $236,478 $141,887 $405,769 53,886 0 $6,000
Senior Vice President 1995 225,216 87,565 0 0 0 6,000
Robert B. Green............ 1996 $188,953 $102,035 $293,088 46,699 0 $6,000
Regional Vice President 1995 175,770 86,277 0 0 0 6,000
</TABLE>
- - ---------------
(a) Represents units awarded under the Cox Enterprises, Inc. Unit Appreciation
Plan (the "UAP") which were converted to an equivalent award of restricted
stock on October 2, 1996. These shares of restricted stock vest on January
1, 1999, provided the Named Executive Officer remains employed by the
Company. The value of the awards as stated above is based on the closing
price of the Class A Common Stock on the grant date ($22.75). The aggregate
number of restricted shares held by each Named Executive Officer as of
December 31, 1996 and the aggregate value of such restricted shares based on
the closing price of Class A Common Stock as of that date ($17.50) are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES VALUE AT 12/31/96
--------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Robert F. Neil............................... 31,715 $555,013
Marc W. Morgan............................... 17,836 312,130
Robert B. Green.............................. 12,883 225,453
</TABLE>
(b) Represents units awarded in 1996 under the UAP which were canceled and
converted to equivalent awards of options for Class A Common Stock.
(c) Reflects cash payouts and the value as of the date of issuance of CEI stock
awards under the UAP.
(d) Reflects amounts contributed to the Cox Enterprises, Inc. Savings and
Investment Plan (the "401(k) Plan") and credited under the Cox Enterprises,
Inc. Executive Savings Plus Restoration Plan (the "Restoration Plan").
7
<PAGE> 11
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Prior to the closing of the Company's initial public offering on October 2,
1996, the Named Executive Officers participated in the Cox Enterprises, Inc.
Unit Appreciation Plan (the "UAP") which provides incentive compensation to key
employees of CEI and its divisions and subsidiaries. The beginning base price of
each unit awarded under the UAP is equal to the appraised fair market value of a
share of common stock of CEI on the date of the award, as determined by an
independent appraisal firm or firms selected by CEI. As of October 2, 1996,
employees of the Company who held outstanding units under the UAP that were
awarded in 1994, including the Named Executive Officers, were given the option
to cancel and convert such units to equivalent awards of restricted stock under
the Cox Communications, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP"). All of the
Named Executive Officers have exercised this conversion option. UAP units
awarded in 1996 were canceled and converted to stock options under the LTIP. The
number of options and restricted stock awards issued upon conversion of
outstanding UAP awards was based on an estimate of the fair market value of CEI
stock as of the grant date of the option and restricted stock awards, or October
2, 1996. However, based on the appraised fair market value of CEI stock as of
December 31, 1996, the estimated value of CEI stock used to convert UAP awards
to LTIP awards did not fairly represent the appreciation in CEI stock as of the
conversion date. It is anticipated that additional option awards will be issued
in 1997 to adjust for the use of an underestimated CEI stock value in converting
UAP awards to equivalent LTIP awards. The LTIP provides for various forms of
equity-based incentive compensation with respect to Class A Common Stock,
including stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock bonuses, restricted
stock awards, performance units and phantom stock and awards consisting of
combinations of such incentives. The LTIP is administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Company, which has the discretion to determine the type of
awards to grant, when, if and to whom awards are granted, the number of shares
covered by each award and the terms and conditions of each award. The
Compensation Committee has delegated to a management committee the
administration of grants to eligible individuals who are not "insiders" for
purposes of reporting obligations under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). See "Security Ownership of Management."
The following table discloses for the Named Executive Officers information
regarding options granted pursuant to the LTIP during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996:
OPTION GRANTS IN 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
NUMBER OF TOTAL AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
SECURITIES OPTIONS STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OPTION TERM(B)
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES PRICE PER EXPIRATION -----------------------------
NAME GRANTED(A) IN 1996 SHARE DATE 5% 10%
- - ---- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert F. Neil................. 113,515 22.19% $18.50 10/2/2006 $1,320,696 $3,346,903
Marc W. Morgan................. 53,886 10.53 18.50 10/2/2006 626,939 1,588,788
Robert B. Green................ 46,699 9.13 18.50 10/2/2006 543,322 1,376,884
</TABLE>
- - ---------------
(a) Stock options become 60% exercisable on October 2, 1999 with an additional
20% becoming exercisable on October 2, 2000 and October 2, 2001. In
addition, all options will become immediately and fully exercisable if the
stock price achieves, and holds for a period of 10 consecutive trading days,
a level equal to or greater than 140% of the option exercise price.
(b) The dollar amount under the columns are the 5% and 10% rates of appreciation
prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The 5% and 10% rates
of appreciation would result in per share prices of $30.135 and $47.984,
respectively. The Company expresses no opinion regarding whether this level
of appreciation will be realized and expressly disclaims any representation
to that effect.
8
<PAGE> 12
1996 YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS/SARS
OPTIONS AT DECEMBER 31, 1996 AT DECEMBER 31, 1996(A)
---------------------------- ----------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- - ---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert F. Neil............................. 0 113,515 $0 $0
Marc W. Morgan............................. 0 53,886 0 0
Robert B. Green............................ 0 46,699 0 0
</TABLE>
- - ---------------
(a) No options were in-the-money as of December 31, 1996.
Retirement Plans
Cox Enterprises, Inc. Pension Plan. The Cox Enterprises, Inc. Pension Plan
(the "Pension Plan") is a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan. The
Pension Plan covers all eligible employees of CEI and any of its affiliates who
have adopted the Plan (including the Named Executive Officers). The Pension Plan
is funded through a tax-exempt trust, into which contributions are made as
necessary based on an actuarial funding analysis.
The Pension Plan provides for the payment of benefits upon retirement,
early retirement, death, disability and termination of employment. Participants
become vested in their benefits under the Plan after completing five years of
vesting service. The Pension Plan benefit is determined under a formula based on
a participant's compensation and years of benefit accrual service. Participants
may elect from several option forms of benefit distribution.
Cox Executive Supplemental Plan. The Cox Executive Supplemental Plan (the
"CESP") is a non-qualified defined benefit pension plan providing supplemental
retirement benefits to certain CEI management employees (including the Named
Executive Officers). The CESP is administered by the Executive Benefit Committee
whose members are appointed by the CEI Board of Directors. Such committee
designates management employees to participate in the CESP.
The CESP monthly benefit formula, payable at normal retirement, is 2.5% of
a participant's average compensation, as calculated in the CESP multiplied by
the participant's years of benefit service credited under the CESP. The normal
retirement benefit will not exceed 50 percent of a participant's average
compensation at retirement. Benefits payable with respect to early retirement
are reduced to reflect an earlier commencement date. Special disability,
termination of employment and death benefits also are provided. All benefits
payable under the CESP are reduced by benefits payable to the participant under
the Plan. Participants may elect from several optional forms of benefit
distributions.
The CESP is not funded currently by CEI. In the future, the Company will
make annual payments to CEI arising from its employees' participation in this
plan. However, all payments of current and future benefits due to the Company
employees will be made from the general funds of CEI.
9
<PAGE> 13
The following table provides estimates of annual retirement income benefits
payable to certain executives under the Pension Plan and the CESP:
PENSION PLAN AND CESP TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF SERVICE
FINAL AVERAGE -------------------------------------------
COMPENSATION 20 OR
(5 YEARS) 5 10 15 MORE
- - ----------------------------------------- ------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$150,000................................. $18,750 $ 37,500 $ 56,250 $ 75,000
250,000................................. 31,250 62,500 93,750 125,000
350,000................................. 43,750 87,500 131,250 175,000
450,000................................. 56,250 112,500 168,750 225,000
550,000................................. 68,750 137,500 206,250 275,000
650,000................................. 81,250 162,500 243,750 325,000
750,000................................. 93,750 187,500 281,250 375,000
</TABLE>
The Named Executive Officers have been credited with the following years of
benefit service: Mr. Neil, ten years; Mr. Morgan, 12 years; and Mr. Green, six
years. The Pension Plan and the CESP define "compensation" generally to include
all remuneration to an employee for services rendered, including base pay,
bonuses, special forms of pay and certain employee deferrals. Certain forms of
additional compensation, including severance, moving expenses, extraordinary
bonuses, long-term incentive compensation and contributions to employee benefit
plans, are excluded from the definition of compensation. The Pension Plan
credits compensation only up to the limit of covered compensation under Section
401(a)(17) of the Code; the CESP does not impose this limit on covered
compensation. The definition of "covered compensation" under the Pension Plan
and the CESP, in the aggregate, is not substantially different from the amount
reflected in the Annual Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table
set forth above. The estimates of annual retirement benefits reflected in such
table are based on payment in the form of a straight-life annuity and are
determined after offsetting benefits payable from Social Security as provided
under the terms of the Pension Plan and the CESP.
CEI Compensation Committee Interlock and Insider Participation
For the period prior to closing of the Company's initial public offering on
October 2, 1996, the Compensation Committee of CEI, which consists of Ben F.
Love, Barbara Cox Anthony and Anne Cox Chambers, determined the compensation of
the executive officers of the Company. In connection with the public trading of
the Class A Common Stock, the Board of Directors of the Company assumed
responsibility for determinations regarding compensation. On December 9, 1996,
the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors was established, which
currently consists of Paul M. Hughes and Ernest D. Fears, Jr., both of whom are
independent directors.
Of the 202,644,870 shares of CEI common stock outstanding, Barbara Cox
Anthony, as trustee of the Anne Cox Chambers Atlanta Trust, exercises beneficial
ownership over 58,316,422 shares (28.8%), Anne Cox Chambers, as the trustee of
the Barbara Cox Anthony Atlanta Trust, exercises beneficial ownership over 58,
316,422 shares (28.8%) and Barbara Cox Anthony, Anne Cox Chambers and Marion H.
Allen, III, as trustees of the Dayton Cox Trust A, exercise beneficial ownership
over 82,745,685 shares (40.8%). Thus, Barbara Cox Anthony and Anne Cox Chambers,
who are sisters, together exercise sole or shared beneficial ownership over
199,378,529 shares (98.4%) of the common stock of CEI. In addition, Garner
Anthony, the husband of Barbara Cox Anthony, holds beneficially and of record
14,578 shares of common stock of CEI. Barbara Cox Anthony and Anne Cox Chambers
are the mother and aunt, respectively, of James C. Kennedy, the Chairman of the
Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of CEI and a director of the
Company.
10
<PAGE> 14
The following graph compares, for the period beginning on September 26,
1996, the date the Company's registration statement became effective and the
Company's initial public offering was priced at $18.50 and ending on December
31, 1996, the cumulative total return on the Company's Class A Common Stock to
the cumulative total returns on Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and on an
index consisting of certain peer radio broadcasting companies with which the
Company competes (the "Peer Group Index"). The Peer Group Index is comprised of
common stock of American Radio Systems Corp., Chancellor Broadcasting Company,
Clear Channel Communications Inc., Emmis Broadcasting Corporation and SFX
Broadcasting Inc. and is weighted for the respective market capitalization of
each company. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on September 26, 1996 in
the Company's Class A Common Stock and in each of the foregoing indices and that
all dividends were reinvested.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MEASUREMENT PERIOD
(FISCAL YEAR COVERED) CXR PEER S&P 500
<S> <C> <C> <C>
9/26/96 100 100 100
9/30/96 118.9189 103.8958 100.2136
12/31/96 94.59463 81.11477 108.5667
</TABLE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION POLICIES
Prior to September 27, 1996, the Company was privately-held by CEI.
Executive compensation decisions prior to that date were made by the
Compensation Committee of CEI (the "CEI Committee"), which consists of Ben F.
Love, Barbara Cox Anthony, and Anne Cox Chambers. In connection with the
commencement of public trading of Class A Common Stock, the Board of Directors
of the Company assumed the responsibility for making executive compensation
decisions, including the determination of long-term incentive awards made at the
time of the initial public offering of Class A Common Stock, the determination
of 1996 bonuses and the determination of 1997 base salaries. On December 9,
1996, the Board established a Compensation Committee to make future decisions
regarding executive compensation. Paul M. Hughes and Ernest D. Fears, Jr. were
appointed to serve as members of the Compensation Committee.
The Company has developed a policy on executive compensation which is
described in this report. This policy formed the basis of compensation decisions
made by the CEI Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company for 1996.
This policy reflects the Company's belief that stockholders are served well by
11
<PAGE> 15
executive pay programs that are competitive with industry standards, variable
with annual performance, and focused on stockholder value.
In developing compensation plans and setting compensation levels, the
Company reviews competitive compensation data provided in the Towers Perrin
Annual Media Industry Survey: Broadcasting Industry Segment. This survey is
based upon an examination of total compensation levels at companies with which
the Company competes for talent in the marketplace. Where necessary, survey
information is supplemented by proxy statement analysis.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS' COMPENSATION
The total compensation of executive officers consists of three components:
1) base salary; 2) annual incentive compensation; and 3) long-term incentive
awards. The philosophy of the Committee is that a substantial portion of total
compensation should be at risk based on the financial and operational
performance of the Company. The at-risk components of total compensation are
progressively greater for higher level positions.
BASE SALARY
Base salary is designed to provide meaningful levels of compensation to
executives, while helping the Company manage its fixed costs. Salaries for top
executives are determined annually, and are based on the Committee's review of:
job scope and responsibilities; length of service; corporate, unit, and
individual performance; competitive rates for similar positions as indicated by
the Towers Perrin Media Industry Survey; and subjective factors. In general,
executive base salaries are targeted to the 75th percentile of the competitive
data. The 1996 base salaries for the Named Executive Officers were approximately
at the targeted 75th percentile of the competitive data.
ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
Participation in the Annual Incentive Program is limited to a group of
senior managers, including the Named Executive Officers, who have a material
impact on Company performance. Awards earned under the Program are contingent
upon employment with the Company through the end of the year, except for
payments made in the event of death, retirement, disability, or in the event of
a change in control.
Payouts under the Annual Incentive Program are determined based on (a)
annual base salary; (b) a specific percentage of base salary, which increases
for higher level positions commensurate with the greater percentage of
compensation at risk for those with greater responsibilities; and (c) actual
performance in the areas of operating cash flow, station ratings, station
revenue share and other individual objectives. In addition, the participant's
contribution to results during the year is considered, and a discretionary award
in the form of restricted stock may be made.
Awards under the Annual Incentive Program are based on the achievement of
goals relating to performance in the fiscal year. Objective performance goals
are set to represent a range of performance, with the level of the associated
incentive award varying with different levels of performance achievement. The
"minimum" goal is set to reflect the minimum acceptable levels of performance
which will warrant payment of incentive awards. The "maximum" goal reflects an
ambitious level of performance which would only be attainable in an outstanding
year.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
Long-term incentive awards are typically granted annually to provide
executive officers with a competitive long-term incentive opportunity and an
identity of interest with the Company. For periods the Company was
privately-held by CEI, long-term incentive compensation was provided through
grants of units under the Cox Enterprises, Inc. Unit Appreciation Plan (the
"UAP"). Following the commencement of public trading of Class A Common Stock,
long-term incentive compensation is provided through awards under the Cox Radio,
Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP"). Units outstanding under the UAP as
of October 2, 1996
12
<PAGE> 16
were canceled and converted to awards of restricted stock and stock options
under the LTIP as of that time. However, based on the appraised fair market
value of CEI stock as of December 31, 1996, the estimated value of CEI stock
used to convert UAP awards to LTIP awards did not fairly represent the
appreciation in CEI stock as of the conversion date. It is anticipated that
additional option awards will be issued in 1997 to adjust for the use of an
underestimated CEI stock value in converting UAP awards to equivalent LTIP
awards.
It is anticipated that future long-term incentives will be provided
primarily through annual grants of nonqualified stock options under the LTIP. A
stock option permits the holder to buy Company stock at a specific price during
a specific period of time. As the price of Company stock rises, the option
increases in value. The intent of such awards is to provide the recipient with
an incentive to perform at levels that will result in better Company performance
and enhanced stock value. In general, stock option awards will be issued
annually with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company's Class
A Common Stock at the time of award.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
The executive compensation policy described above is applied in
establishing Mr. Neil's compensation year. Mr. Neil participated in the same
executive compensation plans available to the Company's other executive
officers.
In 1996, Mr. Neil had a base salary of $300,000. On the basis of the
Company's performance versus established goals, and Mr. Neil's individual
performance, the Board of Directors determined that an annual bonus of $210,000
had been earned for 1996. In 1996, the Board also authorized the conversion of
Mr. Neil's outstanding unit awards under the Cox Enterprises, Inc. Unit
Appreciation Plan to a grant under the LTIP of a non-qualified stock option for
113,515 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock and an award of 31,715
shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock, subject to certain restrictions.
It is anticipated that, in 1997, Mr. Neil will also receive an additional LTIP
award to adjust for the use of an under-estimated CEI stock value in converting
his UAP awards to equivalent LTIP awards.
TAX DEDUCTIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the deductibility of
compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the executive officers named in
this proxy statement, unless certain requirements are met. It is the present
intention of the Compensation Committee of the Company to preserve the
deductibility of compensation under Section 162(m) to the extent the Committee
believes that doing so would be consistent with the best interests of
stockholders. As such, long-term incentive compensation awards, particularly
stock option awards, are designed to meet the requirements for deductibility
under Section 162(m).
Ernest D. Fears, Jr.
Paul M. Hughes
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
The Company has entered into a revolving credit facility with CEI (the "New
CEI Credit Facility"). Future borrowings under the New CEI Credit Facility will
accrue interest at the prime rate (as reported by The Chase Manhattan Bank N.A.)
plus 1.5%.
CEI performs day-to-day cash management services for the Company, whereby
the bank sends daily notification of Cox Radio's checks presented for payment
and CEI transfers funds from other sources to cover Cox Radio's checks presented
for payment. Settlements of debit or credit balances between the Company and CEI
occur monthly at market interest rates. Certain other management services have
been and will continue to be provided to the Company by CEI. Such services
include rent, legal, corporate secretarial, tax, treasury, internal audit, risk
management, benefits administration and other support services. The Company was
allocated expenses for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 of $1.8
million, $2.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for such services.
Allocated expenses are based on CEI's estimate of expenses related to the
services provided to the Company in relation to those provided to other
divisions of CEI. Rent and occupancy expense is allocated based on occupied
space. Management believes that these allocations are
13
<PAGE> 17
made on a reasonable basis. However, the allocations are not necessarily
indicative of the level of expenses that might have been incurred had the
Company operated on a stand-alone basis. Management has not made a study or any
attempt to obtain quotes from third parties to determine what the cost of
obtaining such services from third parties could have been. The fees and
expenses to be paid by the Company to CEI are subject to change.
The Company's accounts will be included in the CEI consolidated federal
income tax return for periods ending on or prior to October 2, 1996. The
Company's accounts will be included in certain state income tax returns of CEI
(or other CEI subsidiaries) so long as such consolidation is advantageous to
both CEI and the Company, and is permitted under applicable laws and
regulations. The Company has entered into a tax sharing agreement with CEI to,
among other things, provide that current federal (and, if applicable, state)
income tax expenses and benefits are allocated on a separate return basis to the
Company based on the current tax year effects of the inclusion of its income,
expenses and credits in the consolidated income tax returns of CEI (or, if
applicable, based on separate state income tax returns).
Upon the approval of the Audit Committee, the Company has entered into an
agreement (the "HRP Purchase Agreement") with Cox HRP, Inc., an indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of CEI ("Cox HRP"), pursuant to which the Company will purchase
real property in Broward County, Florida for an aggregate purchase price of
approximately $3 million. The Company has also loaned Cox HRP approximately $3
million for construction on the real property that the Company will purchase
under the HRP Purchase Agreement. This loaned amount is the subject of a note
(the "HRP Note") between the Company and Cox HRP. Borrowings under the HRP Note
bear interest at the prime rate (as reported by Chase Manhattan Bank N.A.) plus
1.5%. Upon consummation of the transaction contemplated by the HRP Purchase
Agreement, Cox HRP will be required to repay all amounts payable to the Company
under the HRP Note.
Cox Broadcasting has provided a guaranty of Cox Radio's payment obligations
to NewCity in connection with the NewCity Acquisition. Additional information
regarding this guaranty is provided in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K,
enclosed herewith as part of the Company's annual report to stockholders, under
the caption "Item 1. Business -- The NewCity Acquisition."
Subsidiaries of the Company have entered into leases with Cox Broadcasting
with respect to studio and tower site properties in Atlanta and Dayton that are
used for Cox Radio's radio operations and CEI's television operations in those
markets. The leases have one year terms and the annual rental cost in the
aggregate will be less than $0.5 million.
SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
(PROPOSAL NO. 2)
The Board of Directors has selected the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent certified public accountants, as independent auditors of the Company
for the year ending December 31, 1997. Deloitte & Touche LLP audited the
financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
Deloitte & Touche LLP (or its predecessors) has audited the financial statements
of CEI for many years.
Ratification of this appointment shall be effective upon receiving the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the
Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock present or represented
by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
A representative of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the Annual
Meeting, will be offered the opportunity to make a statement if he desires to do
so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. In the event the
appointment is not ratified, the Board of Directors will consider the
appointment of other independent auditors.
14
<PAGE> 18
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS PROPOSAL.
OTHER MATTERS
Management does not know of any other matters to be considered at the
Annual Meeting. If any other matters do properly come before the meeting,
persons named in the accompanying form of proxy intend to vote thereon in
accordance with their best judgment, and the discretionary authority to do so is
included in the Proxy.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K is enclosed herewith. A copy of
any exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K will be furnished upon request
submitted to the Corporate Secretary.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The Company's transfer agent and registrar is First Chicago Trust Company
of New York, 525 Washington Blvd., Suite 4694, Jersey City, New Jersey 07310.
SUBMISSION OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
It is anticipated that the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the
Company will be held in May 1998. Any stockholders who intend to present
proposals at the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and who wish to have such
proposal included in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting,
must ensure that such proposals are received by the Corporate Secretary of the
Company not later than December 9, 1997. Such proposals must meet the
requirements set forth in the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission in order to be eligible for inclusion in the Company's 1998
proxy materials.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Andrew A. Merdek
Andrew A. Merdek
Corporate Secretary
Atlanta, Georgia
March 25, 1997
15
<PAGE> 19
[COX RADIO, INC. LOGO]
<PAGE> 20
APPENDIX
PROXY
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF COX RADIO, INC.
FOR ANNUAL MEETING ON MAY 9, 1997
THE UNDERSIGNED hereby appoints Robert F. Neil, Andrew A. Merdek and
Maritza C. Pichon, or any of them, and any substitute or substitutes, to be the
attorneys and proxies of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of Cox Radio, Inc. ("Cox") to be held at 9:00 a.m. local time on Friday, May 9,
1997, at Corporate Headquarters at 1400 Lake Hearn Drive, NE, Atlanta, Georgia,
or at any adjournment thereof, and to vote at such meeting the shares of stock
of Cox the undersigned held of record on the books of Cox on March 18, 1997,
the record date for the meeting. The undersigned hereby revokes any previous
proxies with respect to the matters covered by this proxy.
<TABLE>
(change of address/comments)
<S> <C>
----------------------------------------------------
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, NOMINEES:
David E. Easterly, Ernest D. Fears, Jr., Paul M. ----------------------------------------------------
Hughes, James C. Kennedy, Robert F. Neil,
Nicholas D. Trigony ----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS: (If you have written in the above space, please mark
Deloitte & Touche LLP the corresponding box on the reverse side of this card)
You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes, SEE REVERSE SIDE, but you
need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations. [SEE REVERSE
The proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this card. SIDE]
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 21
[X] Please mark your
votes as in this
example.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner
directed herein. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted FOR
proposals 1 and 2.
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR WITHHELD
1. Election of [ ] [ ]
Directors
(See reverse)
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
2. Ratification of [ ] [ ] [ ]
appointment of
independent auditors
3. In the discretion of the proxies named Changes of
herein, the proxies are authorized Address/Comments on
to vote upon other matters as are Reverse Side [ ]
properly brought before the meeting.
I plan to attend the [ ]
meeting
All as more particularly described in the Proxy Statement relating to such
meeting, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged.
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign.
When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give full title as such.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE(S) DATE
- FOLD AND DETACH HERE -
