SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORP /CA/
10-Q/A, 1998-10-13
RADIO BROADCASTING STATIONS
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                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                  FORM 10-Q/A
 
    (MARK ONE)
          [X]QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR
                                   15(d) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
                   FOR QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1998
 
                                      OR
 
          [_]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR
                 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
               FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM         TO
 
                       COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 333-41733
 
                       SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
             CALIFORNIA                                77-0121400
                                             (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION
   (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                       NUMBER)
   INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
 
 
                                                          93012
   4880 SANTA ROSA ROAD, SUITE 300                     (ZIP CODE)
        CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA
   (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
              OFFICES)
 
      REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (805) 987-0400
 
  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES [X]  NO [_]
 
  As of May 1, 1998 there were 81,672 shares of common stock of Salem
Communications Corporation outstanding.
 
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                        SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
                                     INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PAGE NO.
                                                                        --------
<S>                                                                     <C>
COVER PAGE.............................................................     1
INDEX..................................................................     2
PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION..........................................     3
  Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited).............................     3
      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and
       March 31, 1998..................................................     3
      Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended
       March 31, 1997 and 1998.........................................     4
      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended
       March 31, 1997 and 1998.........................................     5
      Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.............     6
  Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
          and Results of Operations....................................     7
SIGNATURES.............................................................    12
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                         PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
                        SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER 31  MARCH 31
                                                           1997        1998
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>
                        ASSETS
                        ------
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents............................  $  1,645    $  1,439
  Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful
   accounts of $1,249 in 1997 and $1,044 in 1998)......    12,227      11,330
  Other receivables....................................        81          55
  Prepaid expenses.....................................       640         918
  Prepaid income taxes.................................        48          30
  Deferred income taxes................................     2,254       2,528
                                                         --------    --------
Total current assets...................................    16,895      16,300
Property, plant and equipment, net.....................    36,638      37,491
Intangible assets, net.................................   120,083     117,811
Notes receivable from shareholders and accrued
 interest..............................................        94          94
Bond issue costs.......................................     4,907       5,027
Other assets...........................................     6,196       6,180
                                                         --------    --------
    Total assets.......................................  $184,813    $182,903
                                                         ========    ========
         LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
         ------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable.....................................  $  1,050    $    860
  Accrued expenses.....................................       476         499
  Accrued compensation and related.....................     1,381       1,453
  Accrued interest.....................................     3,804           2
  Income taxes.........................................       341         459
                                                         --------    --------
Total current liabilities..............................     7,052       3,273
Long-term debt.........................................   154,500     157,000
Deferred income taxes..................................    12,122      12,027
Other liabilities......................................       457         495
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock, no par value; authorized 100,000
   shares; issued and outstanding 81,672 shares........     5,832       5,832
  Retained earnings....................................     4,850       4,276
                                                         --------    --------
    Total shareholders' equity.........................    10,682      10,108
                                                         --------    --------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.........  $184,813    $182,903
                                                         ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                        SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                              MARCH 31
                                                       -----------------------
                                                          1997        1998
                                                       ----------- -----------
                                                       (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>
Gross broadcasting revenue............................   $17,208     $19,459
Less agency commissions...............................     1,589       1,757
                                                         -------     -------
Net broadcasting revenue..............................    15,619      17,702
Operating expenses:
  Station operating expenses..........................     9,509       9,930
  Corporate expenses (including $200 in shareholder
   salaries in 1997 and 1998).........................     1,316       1,503
  Tax reimbursements to S corporation shareholders....       686         --
  Depreciation and amortization.......................     2,964       3,337
                                                         -------     -------
  Operating expenses..................................    14,475      14,770
                                                         -------     -------
Net operating income..................................     1,144       2,932
Other income (expense):
  Interest income.....................................        72         103
  Loss on disposal of assets..........................      (189)        (22)
  Interest expense....................................    (2,358)     (3,772)
  Other expense.......................................      (176)       (105)
                                                         -------     -------
Loss before income taxes..............................    (1,507)       (864)
Benefit for income taxes..............................      (284)       (290)
                                                         -------     -------
Net loss..............................................   $(1,223)    $  (574)
                                                         =======     =======
Pro forma information (unaudited):
Loss before income taxes as reported above............   $(1,507)    $  (864)
Add back tax reimbursements to S Corporation
 shareholders.........................................       686         --
                                                         -------     -------
Pro forma loss before income taxes....................      (821)       (864)
Pro forma benefit for income taxes....................      (327)       (290)
                                                         -------     -------
Pro forma net loss....................................   $  (494)    $  (574)
                                                         =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                        SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                               MARCH 31
                                                        -----------------------
                                                           1997        1998
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss).....................................   $ (1,223)    $  (574)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
 provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization.......................      2,964       3,337
  Amortization of bank loan fees......................         52          11
  Amortization of bond issue costs....................        --          132
  Deferred income taxes...............................       (275)       (369)
  (Gain) loss on sale of assets.......................        189          22
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
  Accounts receivable.................................        772         923
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets...........        (80)       (260)
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses...............        346      (3,897)
  Other liabilities...................................         15          38
  Income taxes........................................        --          118
                                                         --------     -------
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating
     activities.......................................      2,760        (519)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures..................................     (2,810)     (1,982)
Purchases of radio stations...........................    (15,014)        --
Deposits on radio station acquisitions................       (150)        --
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and
 equipment and intangible assets......................         97          42
Other assets..........................................       (193)          5
                                                         --------     -------
    Net cash used in investing activities.............    (18,070)     (1,935)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and notes
 payable to shareholders..............................     50,160       6,000
Payments of long-term debt and notes payable to
 shareholders.........................................    (30,500)     (2,500)
Payments of bank loan fees............................       (735)        --
Payments of bond issue costs..........................        --         (252)
Repayments (additions) of shareholder notes and
 repayment of accrued interest receivable--net........     (1,872)     (1,000)
Distributions to shareholders.........................       (782)        --
                                                         --------     -------
    Net cash provided by financing activities.........     16,271       2,248
                                                         --------     -------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents..        961        (206)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year........      1,962       1,645
                                                         --------     -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year..............   $  2,923     $ 1,439
                                                         ========     =======
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
  Cash paid during the period for:
    Interest..........................................   $  1,503     $ 7,381
    Income taxes......................................        --          --
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                       SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  Information with respect to the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997
is unaudited. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements
have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and
Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the
information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited
interim financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal
recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial
position, results of operations and cash flows of Salem Communications
Corporation and Subsidiaries (the "Company"), for the periods presented. The
results of operations for the three month period are not necessarily
indicative of the results of operations for the full year. For further
information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes
thereto included in the Salem Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries'
Special Financial Report filed pursuant to Rule 15d-2 promulgated under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, under cover of Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1997.
 
 
NOTE 2. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
  In April 1998, the Company agreed to purchase the assets of radio station
KIEV-AM, Glendale, California, for $33.4 million, $30.4 million of which must
be paid to the seller at closing. The remaining $3 million is for real estate
and is not payable until 18 months after the date of closing. In May 1998, the
Company agreed to purchase the assets of radio stations KTEK-AM, Houston,
Texas and KYCR-AM, Minneapolis, Minnesota, for $2.7 million. The Federal
Communications Commission must approve the assignments of the licenses for
these radio stations to the Company before the purchases can be consummated.
The Company anticipates that the purchases will close in August 1998. The
purchases will be financed primarily by additional borrowings. The Company
intends to amend its Credit Agreement with the banks to allow for such
borrowings. The Company entered into Local Marketing Agreements for KTEK-AM
and KYCR-AM in May 1998.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
  The following discussion of the financial condition and results of
operations of the Salem Communications Corporation, a California corporation
(the "Company"), should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and related notes thereto.
 
  The Company is a radio broadcast company that focuses on serving the
religious/conservative listening audience. The Company's two primary
businesses include the ownership and operation of religious format radio
stations and the development and expansion of a national radio network (the
"Network") offering talk programming, news and music to affiliated stations.
At March 31, 1998, the Company owned and/or operated 43 stations concentrated
in 28 geographically diverse markets across the United States.
 
  The Company was incorporated in California in 1986 in connection with a
combination of most of the radio station holdings of the principal
shareholders of the Company, Edward G. Atsinger III and Stuart W. Epperson
(the "Principal Shareholders"). Each of the Principal Shareholders owned 50%
of the Company's outstanding common stock. New Inspiration Broadcasting
Company, Inc. ("New Inspiration"), the licensee of KKLA-FM, Los Angeles, and
Golden Gate Broadcasting Company, Inc. ("Golden Gate"), the licensee of KFAX-
AM, San Francisco, were owned by the Principal Shareholders and Mr. Epperson's
wife, Nancy A. Epperson. New Inspiration and Golden Gate were both "S
corporations," as that term in defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended. In August 1997, the Company, New Inspiration and Golden Gate
effected a reorganization (the "Reorganization") pursuant to which New
Inspiration and Golden Gate became wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
The S corporation status of New Inspiration and Golden Gate was terminated in
the Reorganization. As a result of the Reorganization the outstanding common
stock of the Company is owned by Mr. Atsinger (50%), Mr. Epperson (36.8%) and
Mrs. Epperson (13.2%).
 
  In September 1997, the Company issued and privately placed $150 million
principal amount of 9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007 (the "Notes").
In March 1998, the Company consummated an offer for all outstanding Notes (the
"Old Notes"), which were subject to certain restrictions on transfer, in
exchange for Notes registered pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "New Notes") and thus not subject to such transfer restrictions
(the "Exchange Offer"). Pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the $150 million in
principal amount of New Notes were issued and like amount of the Old Notes
were canceled. Reference in this report to the Notes includes both the New
Notes and the Old Notes.
 
  The performance of a radio group, such as the Company, is customarily
measured by the ability of its stations to generate Broadcast Cash Flow and
EBITDA. Broadcast Cash Flow is defined as net broadcasting revenue less
station operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization). EBITDA
is defined as Broadcast Cash Flow less corporate expenses. Although Broadcast
Cash Flow and EBITDA are not measures of performance calculated in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and should be viewed as a
supplement to and not a substitute for the Company's results of operations
presented on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles, the
Company believes that Broadcast Cash Flow and EBITDA are useful because they
are generally recognized by the radio broadcasting industry as a measure of
performance and are used by analysts who report on the performance of
broadcast companies.
 
  The principal sources of the Company's revenue are (i) the sale of block
program time, both to national and local program producers, (ii) the sale of
broadcast time on its radio stations for advertising, both to national and
local advertisers, and (iii) the sale of broadcast time for advertising on the
Network.
 
  The Company's revenue is affected primarily by the program and advertising
rates its radio stations and the Network charge. Correspondingly, the rates
for block program time are based upon the stations' ability to attract
audiences that will support the program producers through contributions and
purchases of their products. Advertising rates are based upon the demand for
on-air inventory, which in turn is based on the stations' and the Network's
ability to produce results for its advertisers. Each of the Company's stations
and the Network have a
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
general pre-determined level of on-air inventory that it makes available for
block programs and advertising, which may vary at different times of the day
and tends to remain stable over time. Much of the Company's selling activity
is based on demand for its radio stations' and the Network's on-air inventory.
 
  The Company's revenue and cash flow are also affected by the transition
period experienced by stations acquired by the Company that previously
operated with formats other than religious formats. During the transition
period when the Company develops its program customer and listener base, such
stations typically do not generate significant cash flow from operations. The
Company's quarterly revenue varies throughout the year, as is typical in the
radio broadcasting industry. Quarterly revenue from the sale of block program
time does not tend to vary, however, since program rates are generally set
annually.
 
  In the broadcasting industry, radio stations often utilize trade (or barter)
agreements to exchange advertising time for goods or services (such as other
media advertising, travel or lodging), in lieu of cash. In order to preserve
most of its on-air inventory for cash advertising, the Company generally
enters into trade agreements only if the goods or services bartered to the
Company will be used in the Company's business. The Company has minimized its
use of trade agreements and has generally sold over 90% of its advertising
time for cash. In addition, it is the Company's general policy not to preempt
advertising spots paid for in cash with advertising spots paid for in trade.
 
  The primary operating expenses incurred in the ownership and operation of
the Company's radio stations include employee salaries and commissions, and
facility expenses (e.g., rent and utilities). The Company also incurs and will
continue to incur significant depreciation, amortization and interest expense
as a result of completed and future acquisitions of stations, and due to
existing borrowings and future borrowings. The Company's consolidated
financial statements tend not to be directly comparable from period to period
due to the Company's acquisition activity.
 
  The consolidated statements of operations of the Company for periods prior
to August 13, 1997 include an operating expense called "tax reimbursements to
S corporation shareholders." These amounts represent the income tax liability
of the shareholders created by the income of New Inspiration and Golden Gate,
which prior to the recent Reorganization were each S corporations. Management
considers the nature of this operating expense to be essentially equivalent to
an income tax provision and has excluded this expense from the calculation of
Broadcast Cash Flow and EBITDA. Commencing August 13, 1997, pretax income of
New Inspiration and Golden Gate is included in the Company's consolidated
income tax return and in the Company's computation of the income tax provision
included in its consolidated statement of operations.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  Net Revenue. Net revenue increased approximately $2.1 million or 13.5% to
$17.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $15.6 million for the
same quarter of the prior year. The inclusion of revenue from the acquisitions
of radio stations and revenue generated from local marketing agreements
("LMAs") entered into during 1997 provided approximately $147,000 of the
increase. For stations and networks owned and operated over the comparable
period in 1997 and 1998, net revenue improved approximately $1.9 million or
12.6% to $17.0 million in 1998 from $15.1 million in 1997 due primarily to
increases in on-air inventory and improved selling efforts and to a lesser
extent to program rate increases.
 
  Station Operating Expenses. Station operating expenses increased
approximately $421,000 or 4.4% to $9.9 million for the quarter ended March 31,
1998 from $9.5 million for the same quarter of the prior year. None of such
increase was due to the inclusion of expenses from the acquisitions of radio
stations and networks and expenses incurred for LMAs entered into during 1997.
The 4.4% increase from 1997 to 1998 was primarily due to expenses incurred to
produce the increased revenue in the periods, as described above.
 
  Broadcast Cash Flow. Broadcast Cash Flow increased approximately $1.7
million or 27.9% to $7.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from
$6.1 million for the same quarter of the prior year. As a
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
percentage of net revenue, Broadcast Cash Flow increased to 43.9% for the
quarter ended March 31, 1998 from 39.1% for the same quarter of the prior
year. The increase is primarily attributable to the improved performance of
stations acquired in 1996 and 1997 that previously operated with formats other
than religious formats. These acquired and reformatted stations typically
produce lower margins during the early phase of the transition period from a
non-religious format to a religious format. Broadcast Cash Flow margins
typically improve as the Company implements scheduled program rate increases
and increases spot advertising on the stations.
 
  Corporate Expenses. Corporate expenses increased approximately $187,000 or
14.2% to $1.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $1.3 million
for the same quarter of the prior year, primarily due to additional personnel
and overhead costs associated with station and network acquisitions in 1996
and 1997.
 
  EBITDA. EBITDA increased approximately $1.5 million or 31.3% to $6.3 million
for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $4.8 million for the same quarter of
the prior year.
 
  Tax Reimbursements to S Corporation Shareholders. There were no tax
reimbursements to S corporation shareholders for the quarter ended March 31,
1998 because of the Reorganization which took place in August 1997. New
Inspiration and Golden Gate became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company in
August 1997 pursuant to the Reorganization. The S corporation status of New
Inspiration and Golden Gate was terminated in the Reorganization.
 
  Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense
increased approximately $300,000 or 10.0% to $3.3 million for the quarter
ended March 31, 1998 from $3.0 million for the same quarter of the prior year,
primarily due to radio station and network acquisitions consummated during
1997.
 
  Other Income (Expense). Interest income and loss on disposal of assets were
essentially unchanged for the first quarter of 1998 compared to the same
period in 1997. Interest expense increased approximately $1.4 million or 58.3%
to $3.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 from $2.4 million for the
same quarter of the prior year, primarily due to interest expense associated
with additional borrowings to fund acquisitions consummated during 1997. Other
expense was essentially unchanged for the first quarter of 1998 compared to
the same period in 1997.
 
  Benefit for Income Taxes. Income tax benefit as a percentage of loss before
income taxes (i.e., effective tax rate) was (33.6)% for the quarter ended
March 31, 1998 and (18.9)% for same quarter of the prior year. For the quarter
ended March 31, 1997, the effective tax rate may differ from the federal
statutory income tax rate of 34.0% because of the effect of state income taxes
and the exclusion of federal income taxes relating to the S corporations. The
decrease in the effective tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 as
compared to the same quarter of the prior year is primarily due to a decrease
in state income taxes.
 
  Net Loss. The Company recognized a net loss of approximately ($574,000) for
the quarter ended March 31, 1998, compared to a net loss of approximately
($1.2) million for the same quarter of the prior year.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  The decrease in accounts receivable from December 31, 1997 to March 31, 1998
is due to increased collections during the first quarter of 1998. The decrease
in accrued interest from December 31, 1997 to March 31, 1998 is due to the
payment of interest on the Notes on March 31, 1998.
 
  In the past, the Company principally financed acquisitions of radio stations
through borrowings, including borrowings under credit agreements with banks,
and, to a lesser extent, from cash flow from operations and selected asset
dispositions. In September 1997, the Company used the net proceeds from the
sale of the Notes to repay substantially all of its outstanding indebtedness
under a line of credit agreement, at which time such facility was canceled and
the Company entered into the current Credit Agreement.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
  The Company anticipates funding future acquisitions from operating cash flow
and borrowings, including borrowings under the Company's existing credit
agreement with certain financial institutions (the "Credit Agreement"). At
March 31, 1998, $6.0 million was outstanding under the Company's Credit
Agreement. The maximum amount that the Company may borrow under the Credit
Agreement is limited by the Company's debt to cash flow ratio, adjusted for
recent radio station acquisitions as defined in the Credit Agreement (the
"Adjusted Debt to Cash Flow Ratio"). At March 31, 1998, the maximum Adjusted
Debt to Cash Flow Ratio allowed under the Credit Agreement was 7.0 to 1. The
Company's ability to borrow for the purpose of acquiring a radio station is
further limited by the Credit Agreement in that the Company may not borrow for
an acquisition if the Adjusted Debt to Cash Flow Ratio is greater than 6.0 to
1. At March 31, 1998, the Adjusted Debt to Cash Flow Ratio was 5.55 to 1,
resulting in total borrowing availability of approximately $32.8 million,
approximately $20.3 of which can currently be used for radio station
acquisitions. In addition to debt service requirements under the Credit
Agreement, the Company is required to pay approximately $14.3 million per
annum in interest on the Notes.
 
  The Credit Agreement contains certain additional restrictive covenants
customary for credit facilities of the size, type and purpose contemplated
which, among other things, and with certain exceptions, limits the Company's
ability to enter into affiliate transactions, pay dividends, consolidate,
merge or effect certain asset sales, make certain investments or loans and
change the nature of its business. The Credit Agreement also requires the
satisfaction by the Company of certain financial covenants, which will require
the maintenance of specified financial ratios and compliance with certain
financial tests, including ratios for maximum leverage as described above (not
greater than 7.0 to 1 at March 31, 1998), minimum interest coverage (not less
than 1.25 to 1 at March 31, 1998), minimum debt service coverage (a static
ratio of not less than 1.1 to 1) and minimum fixed charge coverage (a static
ratio of not less than 1.1 to 1).
 
  In April 1998, the Company agreed to purchase the assets of radio station
KIEV-AM, Glendale, California, for $33.4 million, $30.4 million of which must
be paid to the seller at closing, which the Company anticipates will occur in
late August 1998. The remaining $3 million is for real estate and is not
payable until 18 months after the date of closing. In May 1998, the Company
agreed to purchase the assets of radio stations KTEK-AM, Houston, Texas and
KYCR-AM, Minneapolis, Minnesota, for $2.7 million. The Company intends to
borrow approximately $33.1 million under the Credit Agreement to finance these
acquisitions. To permit such borrowings, certain provisions of the Credit
Agreement will have to be waived and others amended. Specifically, the banks
which are party to the Credit Agreement will have to waive the covenant
restricting borrowings for acquisitions when the Adjusted Debt to Cash Flow
Ratio exceeds 6.0 to 1. At March 31, 1998, assuming $33.1 million had been
borrowed at such date to finance the acquisitions of KIEV-AM, KTEK-AM and
KYCR-AM, the Adjusted Debt to Cash Flow Ratio would have been 6.29 to 1. In
addition, the maximum leverage permitted (no greater than 6.25 to 1 from June
29, 1998 through December 30, 1998, and no greater than 5.75 to 1 from
December 31, 1998 through December 30, 1999) will have to be increased
slightly. The Company anticipates that such waiver and amendments will be
permitted by the banks. The Company anticipates that amendments to the Credit
Agreement will provide the Company with a total borrowing availability of
approximately $11.6 million after the acquisitions of KIEV-AM, KTEK-AM and
KYCR-AM. None of this amount will be available for radio station acquisitions.
Management believes that cash flow from operations and borrowings under the
Credit Agreement (as the Company anticipates the Credit Agreement will be
amended) should be sufficient to permit the Company to meet its financial
obligations and to fund its operations for at least the next twelve months.
 
  For the quarter ended March 31, 1998, net cash used in operating activities
was $518,000 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $2.8
million for the quarter ended March 31, 1997. The decrease in 1998 as compared
to 1997 is primarily due to the change in operating liabilities, specifically
accrued interest.
 
  For the quarter ended March 31, 1998, net cash used in investing activities
was $1.9 million as compared to $18.1 million for the quarter ended March 31,
1997. Cash used in investing activities in 1998 was primarily for capital
expenditures for the Company's existing radio stations. Cash used in investing
activities in 1997 was
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
primarily for the acquisition of four radio stations and capital expenditures.
Capital expenditures in 1997 were approximately $800,000 higher than the first
quarter of 1998, primarily due to expenditures for stations acquired in 1997.
 
  For the quarter ended March 31, 1998, net cash provided by financing
activities was $2.2 million as compared to $16.3 million for the quarter ended
March 31, 1997. The decrease in 1998 as compared to 1997 is primarily due to
financing station acquisition activity in 1997. The Company did not acquire
any radio stations in the first quarter of 1998. Proceeds from long-term debt
incurred in 1997 was partially offset by the $30.5 million payment of the note
payable associated with the acquisition of KWRD-FM, Dallas.
 
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
 
  The Company does not expect a significant disruption in operations or any
significant expenditures as a result of computer software issues related to
the year 2000. There can be no assurance, however, that material customers and
vendors of the Company, financial services firms used by the Company, or the
payment system in general will not experience a disruption in operations as a
result of computer software issues related to the year 2000. If any such
disruption were to occur, there can be no assurance it would not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or
operations.
 
SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  This report includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which involve risks and
uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts,
included in this report that address activities, events or developments that
the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including
such things as future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature
thereof), business strategy and measures to implement strategy, competitive
strengths, goals, expansion and growth of the Company's business and
operations, plans, references to future success and other such matters are
forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words "anticipates,"
"believes," "expects," "intends," "forecasts," "plans," "future," "strategy,"
or words of similar import are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. The forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions
and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception
of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as
well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances.
However, whether actual results and developments will conform to the Company's
expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks: general
economic, market or business conditions; the opportunities (or lack thereof)
that may be presented to and pursued by the Company; competitive actions by
other companies; changes in laws or regulations; and other factors, many of
which are beyond the control of the Company. Consequently, all of the forward-
looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary
statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results or
developments anticipated by the Company will be realized or, even if
substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or
effects on the Company or its business operations. Readers are cautioned not
to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only
as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publish revised
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date
hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are urged
to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by the Company
to advise interested parties of certain risks and other factors that may
affect the Company's business and operating results, including the disclosures
made under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" in this report.
 
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<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, SALEM
COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS
BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.
 
Date: October 9, 1998                     Salem Communications Corporation
 
                                                /s/ Edward G. Atsinger III
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Edward G. Atsinger III
                                            President and Chief Executive
                                            Officer
 
                                                     /s/ Dirk Gastaldo
Date: October 9, 1998                      _____________________________________
                                            Dirk Gastaldo
                                            Vice President and Chief Financial
                                            Officer
                                            (Principal Financial Officer)
 
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