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:
[ ] 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 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
Clear Channel Communications, 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:
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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):
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[ ] 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:
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<PAGE>
Clear Channel Communications, Inc.
P.O. Box 659512
San Antonio, Texas 78265-9512
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held April 27, 1999
As a shareholder of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (the "Company"),
you are hereby given notice of and invited to attend, in person or by proxy, the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held at 200 Concord Plaza
(Merrill Lynch Conference Room-1st Floor), San Antonio, Texas on April 27, 1999,
at 11:00 a.m., for the following purposes:
1. To elect eight directors to serve for the coming year.
2. To amend the Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock of the Company from 600 million shares
to 900 million shares.
3. To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors for
the year ending December 31, 1999.
4. To transact any other business which may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 1999
are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
Your attention is invited to the accompanying Proxy Statement. In
addition, although mere attendance at the meeting will not revoke the proxy, a
shareholder present at the meeting may revoke his or her proxy and vote in
person. To assure that your shares are represented at the meeting, please
complete, date, sign and mail the enclosed Proxy card in the return envelope
provided for that purpose.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Kenneth E. Wyker
Secretary
San Antonio, Texas
March 22, 1999
<PAGE>
- -17-
CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD APRIL 27, 1999
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card is furnished in
connection with the solicitation by the Board of the Directors (the "Board") of
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (the "Company") of proxies for use at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") to be held on April 27, 1999, or
at any adjournment thereof, as set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual
Meeting of Shareholders. Proxies are solicited to give all shareholders of
record at the close of business on March 15, 1999, an opportunity to vote on
matters that come before the meeting. Shares can be voted only if the
shareholder is present in person or is represented by proxy.
When your proxy card is returned properly signed, the shares
represented will be voted in accordance with your directions. You can specify
your choices by marking the appropriate boxes on the enclosed proxy card. If
your proxy card is signed and returned without specifying choices, the shares
will be voted as recommended by the directors. You may revoke your proxy at any
time before it is exercised by so notifying the Secretary of the Company in
writing or in person. Any proxy which is not revoked will be voted at the
meeting. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are being sent to
the shareholders of the Company on or about March 22, 1999.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock is necessary to constitute
a quorum at the Meeting. Only votes cast "for" a matter constitute affirmative
votes. Votes "withheld" or abstaining from voting are counted for quorum
purposes, but since they are not cast "for" a particular matter, they will have
the same effect as negative votes or vote "against" a particular matter. The
votes required with respect to the Items set forth in the accompanying Notice of
Annual Meeting of Shareholders are set forth in the discussion of each Item
herein. In deciding all questions, a holder of Common Stock is entitled to one
vote, in person or by proxy, for each share held in his name on the record date.
Proxies in the form enclosed will be voted at the Meeting, if properly signed,
returned to the Company prior to the Meeting and not revoked. A proxy may be
revoked at any time before it is voted by giving written notice to the Secretary
of the Company prior to the convening of the Meeting, or by presenting another
proxy card with a later date. If you attend the Meeting and desire to vote in
person, you may request that your previously submitted proxy card not be used.
Your vote is important. Accordingly, you are urged to sign and return the
accompanying proxy card whether or not you plan to attend the meeting.
On March 15, 1999, the record date for determination of shareholders
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting, there were 266,039,115 shares
of Common Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Meeting.
<PAGE>
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board is responsible for the management and direction of the
Company and for establishing broad corporate policies. However, in accordance
with corporate legal principles, it is not involved in day-to-day operating
details. Members of the Board are kept informed of the Company's business
through discussions with the Chairman and other officers, by reviewing analyses
and reports sent to them, and by participating in board and committee meetings.
Compensation of Directors
Outside directors are paid $20,000 annual retainer with an additional
$2,500 for each meeting of the Board they attend. In addition, members of the
Compensation Committee are paid $500 for each meeting of the Compensation
Committee they attend. In addition, in February 1993, February 1994, April 1997
and May 1998, each outside director was granted options to purchase 31,250,
25,000, 5,000 and 5,000 shares of Common Stock, respectively. These options vest
20% per year beginning one year from the date of grant.
Board Meetings
During 1998, the Board held nine meetings. Each of the nominees named
above attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of
the Board and the total number of meetings held by committees of the Board on
which that director served.
Committees of the Board
The Board has two committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation
Committee. The Audit Committee, composed of Mssrs. Feld, Strauss and Williams,
is responsible for reviewing the Company's accounting practices and audit
procedures. The Company's Compensation Committee, currently composed of Mssrs.
Strauss and Williams, administers the Company's stock option plans and
performance-based compensation plans and makes recommendations to the Board
concerning compensation arrangements for all officers and directors of the
Company and its subsidiaries. The Compensation Committee annually evaluates the
Company's performance and the actual compensation and share ownership of the
executive officers compared with both the Company's own industry and a broader
group of companies such as the S&P 500. See the attached Board Compensation
Committee Report, which details the basis on which the Compensation Committee
determines executive compensation. Each of the Audit Committee and the
Compensation Committee met once in 1998.
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board intends to nominate at the Meeting the eight persons listed
as nominees below. Each of the directors elected at the Meeting will serve until
the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his successor shall have been
elected and qualified, subject to earlier resignation and removal. The directors
are to be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of the shares
of Common Stock represented and entitled to be voted at the Meeting. Unless
authority to vote for directors is "withheld" in the proxy, the persons named
therein intend to vote "for" the election of the eight nominees listed. Each
nominee has indicated a willingness to serve as director if elected. Should any
nominee become unavailable for election, discretionary authority is conferred to
vote for a substitute. Management of the Company has no reason to believe that
any of the nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve if elected.
<PAGE>
Nominees for Director
The nominees for director are L. Lowry Mays, Karl Eller, Mark P.
Mays, Randall T. Mays, Alan D. Feld, B. J. McCombs, Theodore H. Strauss and
John H. Williams.
L. Lowry Mays, age 63, is the founder of the Company and currently
serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. He has served as a
director of the Company since its inception. Mr. Mays is the father of Mark P.
Mays and Randall T. Mays, who serve as the President and Chief Operating Officer
and the Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer of the Company,
respectively.
Karl Eller, age 70, was the founder of Eller Media Company, a
subsidiary of the Company, and has served as its Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer since 1995. Mr. Eller has over 40 years of experience in the outdoor
advertising industry. He was appointed as a director of the Company in April
1997 in connection with the Company's acquisition of Eller Media Company. Mr.
Eller is the father of Scott Eller who serves as the President of Eller Media
Company.
Mark P. Mays, age 35, serves as the President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company. Mr. Mays is the son of L. Lowry Mays, the Company's
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the brother of Randall T. Mays, the
Company's Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer.
Randall T. Mays, age 33, serves as the Executive Vice President - Chief
Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Mays is the son of L. Lowry Mays, the
Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the brother of Mark P. Mays,
the company's President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Mays also serves on the
board of directors of American Tower Corporation.
Alan D. Feld, age 62, is the sole shareholder of a professional
corporation which is partner in the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer &
Feld, L.L.P. He has served as a director of the Company since 1984. Mr. Feld
also serves on the board of directors of Centerpoint Properties, Inc.
B. J. McCombs, age 71, is a private investor with interests in
automobile dealerships and other investments. He has served as a director of
the Company since its inception.
Theodore H. Strauss, age 74, is the Senior Managing Director of Bear,
Stearns & Co., Inc. He has served as a director of the Company since 1984. Mr.
Strauss also serves on the boards of directors of Sizeler Properties, Inc. and
Hollywood Casinos, Inc.
John H. Williams, age 65, is the Senior Vice President of Everen
Securities, Inc. He has served as a director of the Company since 1984. Mr.
Williams also serves of the board of directors of GAINSCO, Inc.
Management recommends that the shareholders vote "FOR" the director
nominees named above.
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The table below sets forth information concerning the beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of February 28, 1999, for each
director serving on the Board in 1998 and each of the nominees for director;
each of the named executive officers not listed as a director; the directors and
executive officers as a group; and each person known to the Company to own
beneficially more than 5% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock. Except as
otherwise noted, each shareholder has sole voting and investment power with
respect to the shares beneficially owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and Nature of Percent
Name Beneficial Ownership of Class
<S> <C> <C>
L. Lowry Mays................................................... 30,365,275 (1) 11.4%
Karl Eller...................................................... 3,951,050 (2) 1.5%
Mark P. Mays.................................................... 970,185 (3) *
Alan D. Feld.................................................... 130,500 (4) *
B. J. McCombs................................................... 13,561,920 (5) 5.1%
Theodore H. Strauss............................................. 217,944 (6) *
John H. Williams................................................ 11,800 (7) *
Scott Eller..................................................... 1,902,938 (8) *
Randall T. Mays................................................. 590,952 (9) *
Putnam Investments (10)......................................... 21,872,334 8.2%
FMR Corp. (11) ................................................. 16,156,548 6.1%
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (13 persons).... 49,937,876 (12) 18.5%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Percentage of shares beneficially owned by such person does not exceed one
percent of the class so owned.
(1) Includes 995,000 shares subject to options held by Mr. Mays and 100,056
shares held by trusts of which Mr. Mays is trustee, but not beneficiary,
218,570 shares held be the Mays Family Foundation and 20,000,000 shares
held be 4-M Partners, Ltd., over which Mr. L. Mays has either sole or
shared investment or voting authority.
(2) Includes 2,048,112 shares subject to options held by Mr. Eller. In
addition, pursuant to that certain Stockholders Agreement between the
Company and EM Holdings LLC dated as of April 10, 1998, Mr. Eller is
deemed to beneficially own 1,902,938 shares subject to a put right.
(3) Includes 22,224 shares subject to options held by Mr. Mays, 85,976 shares
held by trusts of which Mr. Mays is trustee, but not beneficiary and
43,696 shares owned by Mr. M. Mays' minor child.
(4) Includes 114,500 shares subject to options held by Mr. Feld. Excludes
11,630 shares owned by Mr. Feld's wife, as to which Mr. Feld disclaims
beneficial ownership.
<PAGE>
(5) Includes 12,000 shares subject to options held by Mr. McCombs. Excludes
8,924,452 shares held by trusts of which Mr. McCombs' children are
trustees, as to which Mr. McCombs disclaims beneficial ownership.
(6) Includes 114,500 shares subject to options held by Mr. Strauss.
(7) Includes 10,000 shares subject to options held by Mr. Williams.
(8) Pursuant to that certain Stockholders Agreement between the Company and EM
Holdings LLC dated as of April 10, 1998, Mr. Eller is deemed to
beneficially own 1,902,938 shares subject to a put right.
(9) Includes 22,224 shares subject to options held by Mr. Mays and 9,552
shares held by trusts of which Mr. Mays is trustee, but not beneficiary.
(10) Address: One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(11) Address: 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(12) Includes 3,338,560 shares subject to options held by such persons,
3,201,504 shares held by trusts of which such persons are trustees, but
not beneficiaries, 218,570 shares held be the Mays Family Foundation and
20,000,000 shares held be 4-M Partners, Ltd., 43,696 shares owned by minor
children and 1,902,938 shares subject to a put right.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company believes that compensation of its executive officers and
others should be directly and materially linked to operating performance. For
Fiscal Year 1998, the executive compensation program consisted of the base
salary, a bonus plan based on Company profitability and individual performance
and stock options that generally become exercisable over a five year period.
Employment Agreements
The Company entered into a five-year employment agreement with L. Lowry
Mays, to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective
February 10, 1997. The employment agreement provides for a minimum annual base
salary of $750,000. The salary amount is subject to review by the Compensation
Committee of the Board and may be increased on an annual basis at the beginning
of each fiscal year. The term of the employment agreement is automatically
extended at the end of each year by one additional year, in the absence of a
notice of non-extension from L. Lowry Mays. The employment agreement
contemplates that L. Lowry Mays will be awarded bonus compensation as determined
by the Compensation Committee of the Board. The employment agreement also
provides for severance compensation payable as a lump sum in an amount equal to
the of amount annual salary that would have been paid over the remaining term of
the agreement, if termination occurs for any reason other than for cause or
resignation for other than "Good Reason," as defined in the agreement.
<PAGE>
Prior to its acquisition by the Company, Eller Media Corporation, a
subsidiary of the Company ("Eller Media") entered into an employment agreement
with Karl Eller dated August 18, 1995, which is still in full force and effect.
The agreement provides that Mr. Eller will serve as the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Eller Media for a term of four years. Pursuant to the terms
of the agreement, Mr. Eller is paid an initial base salary of $400,000 per year.
Mr. Eller's initial base salary is increased annually by the percentage increase
in the Consumer Price Index, if any. In addition, Mr. Eller may be granted bonus
compensation at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Pursuant to the
terms of the agreement, Mr. Eller's employment is terminable by the Company at
any time for "Cause," as defined in the agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the
agreement, Mr. Eller may terminate his employment for "Good Reason," as defined
in the agreement, by giving thirty days' written notice. If Mr. Eller terminates
his employment for Good Reason or if the Company terminates Mr. Eller's
employment without Cause, Mr. Eller is entitled to receive all compensation and
benefits owed for the remainder of the term of the agreement. The employment
agreement obligates Mr. Eller for one year following termination of his
employment with the Company, to refrain from engaging in competition with the
Company and from influencing any person to give up an employment or business
relationship with the Company.
Summary Compensation Table
The Summary Compensation Table shows certain compensation information
for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, for the Chief Executive
Officer and each of the other four most highly compensated executive officers
whose total cash compensation exceeded $100,000 for services rendered in all
capacities for the years ended December 31, 1998 (hereinafter referred to as the
"named executive officers").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long-Term Compensation
------------------------------ --------------------------------
Awards Payouts
----------------------- --------
Other Restricted
Annual Stock LTIP All Other
Name And Principal Salary Compen- Awards Payout Compen-
Position Year ($) Bonus ($) sation ($) ($) Options (#) ($) sation($)
-------- ---- --- --------- --- --- --- --- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
L. Lowry Mays 1998 753,425 2,500,000 - - 400,000 - 200,020 (1)
Chairman and CEO 1997 726,014 2,000,000 - - 100,000 - 236,148 (1)
of the Company 1996 601,553 2,000,000 - - 120,000 - 237,577 (1)
Mark P. Mays 1998 291,250 625,000 - - 42,380 - 2,800 (2)
President and COO of 1997 231,910 500,000 - - 34,600 - 3,325 (2)
the Company 1996 170,697 175,000 - - 27,408 - 2,625 (2)
Randall T. Mays 1998 266,667 625,000 - - 42,380 - 2,800 (2)
Senior Vice President 1997 160,773 500,000 - - 34,600 - 2,994 (2)
and CFO of the Company 1996 129,312 86,900 - - 27,408 - 2,265 (2)
Karl Eller 1998 405,815 400,000 - - 20,000 - -
CEO of Eller Media 1997(3) 300,342 250,000 - - 2,398,112 - -
(4)
Company
Scott Eller 1998 229,123 200,000 - - 15,000 - 2,800 (2)
President of Eller Media 1997 (3) 144,135 100,000 - - 20,000 - 1,425 (2)
Company
</TABLE>
- -------------------
(1) Represents $197,220 $232,823 and $234,952 paid by the Company in 1998, 1997
and 1996 respectively, on a split-dollar life insurance policy for L. Lowry
Mays. Such amounts include the entire dollar amount of the term life
portion and the present value to L. Lowry Mays of the interest-free use of
the non-term portion of each premium payment. The remainder represents the
amount of matching contributions paid by the Company under the 401(k) Plan.
(2) Represents the amount of matching contributions paid by the Company under
the 401(k) Plan.
(3) Represents partial year compensation.
(4) In connection with the completion of the Company's acquisition of Eller
Media, the Company issued these options to Mr. Eller upon the assumption of
Mr. Eller's existing options to acquire shares of Eller Media common stock.
<PAGE>
Stock Option Grant Table
The following table sets forth certain information concerning options
granted to the named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realizable Value At
Assumed Annual Rates of Stock
Individual Grants Price Appreciation For Option
Term
------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------
Percent of
Total
Number of Options
Securities Granted to Exercise
Underlying Employees or Base
Options in Fiscal Price Expiration
Name Granted (#) Year ($/share) Date 5% ($) 10% ($)
---- ----------- ---- --------- ---- ------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
L. Lowry Mays 400,000 25% 42.00 2/9/05 6,839,287 15,938,447
Mark P. Mays 40,000 2% 42.00 2/9/05 683,929 1,593,845
2,380 - 46.20 2/9/03 30,379 67,129
Randall T. Mays 40,000 2% 42.00 2/9/05 683,929 1,593,845
2,380 - 46.20 2/9/03 30,379 67,129
Karl Eller 20,000 1% 42.00 2/9/05 341,964 796,922
Scott Eller 15,000 1% 42.00 2/9/05 256,473 597,692
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Stock Option Exercises and Holding Table
The following table set forth certain information regarding stock
options exercised by the named executive officers during the year ended December
31, 1998, including the aggregate value of gains on the date of exercise. In
addition, the table sets forth the number of shares covered by both exercisable
and nonexercisable stock options as of December 31, 1998. Also reported are the
values of "in the money" options which represent the positive spread between the
exercise price of any existing stock options and the Common Stock price as of
December 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Shares Underlying In-the-Money Options
Acquired on Unexercised Options at Fiscal Year-End
Exercise Value Realized at Fiscal Year End (#) ($)
Name (#) ($) Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable
---- --- --- ------------------------- ------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
L. Lowry Mays 500,000 23,215,910 1,120,000 / 0 38,858,690 / 0
Mark P. Mays - - 39,576 / 144,388 1,957,834 / 4,793,783
Randall T. Mays 86,110 2,965,998 14,816 / 144,388 708,383 / 4,793,783
Karl Eller 100,000 4,650,500 2,148,112 / 20,000 103,120,117 / 250,000
Scott Eller - - 0 / 35,000 0 / 831,250
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee currently consists of two outside Board
members, Theodore H. Strauss and John H. Williams.
Overall Policy
The financial success of the Company is linked to the ability of its
executive officers and managers to direct the Company's current operations and
to assess the advantages of potential acquisitions and realign the operations of
the acquired entities with the operating policies of the Company. A major
objective of the Company's compensation strategy is to attract and retain top
quality executives and operating managers. Another objective of the Company's
compensation strategy is to reward managers based on the financial performance
of operations under their control. Financial incentives are used to motivate
those responsible to achieve the Company's financial goals and to align the
interests of the Company's managers with the interests of the Company's
shareholders.
In order to achieve the foregoing objectives, the Company's
compensation includes both a base salary component and incentive compensation.
Incentive compensation includes both annual bonuses and stock options.
Compensation
Base salaries of executive officers are set with respect to comparable
salaries paid by the broadcasting and outdoor industries in those markets in
which the Company operates. The salaries of all executive officers except the
Chief Executive Officer are determined through mutual negotiations between the
executive and the Chief Executive Officer and are based on both past performance
and expected future performance. However, under certain circumstances, the
Company may enter into employment agreements with executive officers.
The performance bonuses for 1998 for the executive officers were based
upon the executives achieving certain budgeted goals, including an increase in
cash flow over the prior year, other selected performance criteria or other
subjective measures of performance. Budgeted goals are set for each such
executive officer pursuant to an extensive annual operating plan established by
the Company and the Chief Executive Officer. Past and expected future
performance was considered on a subjective basis in determining these budgeted
goals, based on the varied circumstances impacting each operating division.
Similarly, in determining option grants, the sole factor weighed was success in
achieving budgeted goals as determined on a subjective basis after consideration
of the varied circumstances impacting each operating division. The Chief
Executive Officer reports to the Compensation Committee as to the compensation
levels and performance goals, which he sets for the Company's executive
officers.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
During 1998, two members of the Compensation Committee, John H.
Williams and Theodore H. Strauss, served on the Performance-Based Compensation
Committee, a subcommittee of the Compensation Committee (the "Subcommittee").
John H. Williams and Theodore H. Strauss are both outside directors within the
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Subcommittee
established the Chief Executive Officer's performance goals and determines the
amount of incentive bonus.
The Company entered into a five-year employment agreement with L. Lowry
Mays, to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer effective February 10,
1997. The employment agreement provides for a minimum annual base salary of
$750,000. The salary amount is subject to review by the Compensation Committee
of the Board and may be increased on an annual basis at the beginning of each
fiscal year. The term of the employment agreement is automatically extended at
the end of each year by one additional year, in the absence of a notice of
non-extension from L. Lowry Mays. The employment agreement contemplates that L.
Lowry Mays will be awarded bonus compensation as determined by the
Performance-Based Compensation Committee of the Board. The employment agreement
also provides for severance compensation payable as a lump sum in an amount
equal to the amount of annual salary that would have been paid over the
remaining term of the agreement, if termination occurs for any reason other than
for cause or resignation for other than "Good Reason," as defined in the
agreement.
In 1998, the Chief Executive Officer's annual salary was $750,000
pursuant to his employment contract with the Company. He was paid a cash bonus
of $2,500,000 in February of 1999 that, while paid in 1999, rewarded the Chief
Executive Officer for performance in 1998. Options were granted to the Chief
Executive Officer in 1998 for the purchase of 400,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock.
<PAGE>
The Subcommittee utilized information gathered from its review of
compensation packages of ten comparable companies in the radio, television and
outdoor advertising industry in determining the Chief Executive Officer's base
salary and overall compensation package. The amount of salary paid and bonus
awarded was judged to be deserving and balanced for the value received by the
shareholders from the Chief Executive Officer's efforts, based on the overall
increase in the Company's after-tax cash flow and the increase in market value
of the Company's Common Stock from year to year.
In evaluating the incentive bonus compensation to be awarded to the
Company's Chief Executive Officer, the Subcommittee reviewed the financial
performance of the Company over the 1998 fiscal year. Based on the performance
goals established by the Subcommittee under the Performance-Based Compensation
Plan adopted by the shareholders at the 1995 Annual Meeting, the Chief Executive
Officer was entitled to an incentive bonus of up to 20% of the increase in the
after-tax cash flow from the 1997 fiscal year to the 1998 fiscal year. In 1998,
after-tax cash flow increased from $213.4 million to $419.7 million, or 97%. The
Subcommittee determined that it was in the best interest of the Company to award
the Chief Executive Officer an incentive bonus of $2,500,000 for 1998 under the
Performance-Based Compensation Plan.
The Subcommittee also noted that the market value of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock at December 31, 1998 was $14.4 billion, an 85% increase
over the market value at December 31, 1997, while the number of shares
outstanding increased by less than 35 percent. Total assets grew by 118% to $7.5
billion in 1998 mainly through acquisitions, while total shareholders' equity at
December 31, 1998 to support that asset base grew to $4.5 billion, a 157%
increase. Many factors contributed to this exceptional performance, but
paramount were the financial and management skills employed by the Chief
Executive Officer and the management group he put in place.
As mentioned above, the Subcommittee gathered competitive compensation
data on ten radio, television and outdoor advertising companies. The companies
were selected by the Subcommittee as the most comparable to the Company in terms
of the properties operated and the markets served. The Subcommittee determined
that these ten companies provided more accurate compensation information
relative to the radio, television broadcasting and outdoor advertising industry
than the entire range of companies covered in the Paul Kagan Associates, Inc.
Broadcast Index used in the Stock Performance Chart included in this Proxy
Statement. Although the companies covered in this index own radio and/or
television and/or outdoor advertising properties, many of these companies also
own and/or operate businesses in such industries as radio and television
networks, newspaper and magazine publishing, film production, financial services
and manufacturing. In the Subcommittee's opinion, the Chief Executive Officer's
1998 compensation corresponded to the median to high end of the range paid by
the ten companies surveyed.
<PAGE>
Policy on Deductibility of Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), limits the tax deduction for compensation paid to the named executive
officers to $1 million. However, performance-based compensation that has been
approved by shareholders is excluded from the $1 million limit if, among other
requirements, the compensation is payable only upon attainment of
pre-established, objective performance goals and the board committee that
establishes such goals consists only of outside directors (as defined for
purposes of Section 162 (m)).
At the 1995 Annual Meeting, the shareholders approved the
Performance-Based Compensation Plan, which meets the requirements of Section
162(m) with respect to the performance-based compensation paid to the Chief
Executive Officer, as discussed above. The Committee's present intention is to
continue to comply with the requirements of Section 162(m).
Respectfully submitted,
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
John Williams and
Theodore H. Strauss
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following chart demonstrates a five year comparison of the
cumulative total returns, adjusted for stock splits and dividends, for the
Company, the Paul Kagan Associates, Inc. Broadcasting Average, and the S&P 500
Composite Index
CEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS
STOCK PERFORMANCE CHART
Indexed yearly Stock Price Close
(Prices adjusted for Stock Splits and Dividends)
[Insert Graph]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDEXED YEARLY STOCK PRICE CLOSE
(Prices adjusted for Stock Splits and Dividends)
- ---------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
12/31/93 12/31/94 12/31/95 12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98
- ---------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
- ---------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Clear Channel 1,000 1,379 2,398 3,927 8,635 11,848
- ---------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
- ---------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
Paul Kagan
Broadcasting Index 1,000 1,107 1,535 1,828 2,846 3,213
- ---------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
- ---------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
S&P 500 Index 1,000 985 1,321 1,588 2,081 2,641
- ---------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
requires the Company's directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of
more than 10% of any class of securities of the Company to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the New York Stock Exchange. Directors, executive officers and greater than
10% shareholders are required to furnish the Company with copies of all Section
16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it,
or written representations from certain reporting persons that no such forms
were required to be filed by those persons, the Company believes that, during
the year ended December 31, 1998, all of its directors and executive officers
were in compliance with the applicable filing requirements.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
The Company paid fees in 1998 to the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss,
Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. Alan Feld, a director of the Company, is the sole
shareholder of a professional corporation which is a partner of such firm. The
Company purchased in 1998 various forms of insurance from Primera. B. J.
McCombs, a director of the Company, owns 75% of Primera. As part of its
operations, the Company leases certain office space in San Antonio, Texas from
the trusts of the children of L. Lowry Mays and B. J. McCombs. This lease
expired on December 31, 1997, however the office space is being rented on a
month to month basis with current monthly rentals of $12,500. The Company also
contracts the printing of its quarterly and annual reports to its shareholders
to Prime Time, Inc., a printing company 75% owned by L. Lowry Mays and operated
by the daughter and son-in-law of Mr. Mays, who also own the remaining 25%
interest. During 1998, the Company incurred approximately $136,500 in expenses
from Prime Time, Inc. The Company believes all of the transactions described
above are no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained with
nonaffiliated parties.
The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Clear Channel Television, Inc.
("CCTV"), adopted its 1991 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the "CCTV
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan"). At December 31, 1998, executive officers Mark
P. Mays, Randall T. Mays, and Herbert W. Hill Jr. held 4,000, 1,000, and 2,000
options respectively under the CCTV Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan. The
exercise price of such options was $1.00 per share. On January 31, 1999, upon
obtaining an appraisal of the value of the options from an outside consulting
firm, the Company repurchased all of the outstanding options at a price of
$744.00 per option.
In May 1977, the Company and its shareholders, including L. Lowry Mays
and B.J. McCombs, entered into a Buy-Sell Agreement ("the Repurchase Agreement")
restricting the disposition of the outstanding shares of Common Stock owned by
L. Lowry Mays and B.J. McCombs and their heirs, legal representatives,
successors and assigns (collectively, "the Restricted Parties"). The Repurchase
Agreement provides that in the event that a Restricted Party desires to dispose
of his shares, other than by disposition by will or intestacy or through gifts
to such Restricted Party's spouse or children, such shares must be offered for a
period of 30 days to the Company. Any shares not purchased by the Company must
then be offered for a period of 30 days to the other Restricted Parties. If all
of the offered shares are not purchased by the Company or the other Restricted
Parties, the Restricted Party offering his or her shares may sell them to a
third party during a period of 90 days thereafter at a price and on terms not
more favorable than those offered to the Company and the other Restricted
Parties. In addition, a Restricted Party may not individually, or in concert
with others, sell any shares so as to deliver voting control to a third party
without providing in any such sale that all Restricted Parties will be offered
the same price and terms for their shares.
Karl Eller, a director and executive officer of the Company, and Scott
Eller, the son of Karl Eller and also an executive officer of the Company,
beneficially own a minority interest of approximately 7% of the outstanding
capital stock of Eller Media. Pursuant to a Stockholders Agreement between the
Company and EM Holdings LLC, dated April 10, 1997, Karl Eller and Scott Eller
have the right, until April 10, 2002, to require the Company to acquire such
stock for 1,902,938 shares of the Company's Common Stock. From and after April
10, 2004 (or before such date upon the occurrence of certain events), the
Company will have the right to acquire the minority interest stake in Eller
Media for 1,902,938 shares of its Common Stock.
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 2: AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO
INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
The current authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
2,000,000 shares of Class A Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value (the "Class A
Preferred Stock"), and 8,000,000 shares of Class B Preferred Stock, $1.00 par
value (the "Class B Preferred Stock," and collectively with the Class A
Preferred Stock, the "Preferred Stock"), and 600,000,000 shares of Common Stock,
$.10 par value (the "Common Stock"), of which no shares of Preferred Stock and
266,177,589 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding at March 15,
1999. On February 15, 1999, the Board adopted a proposed amendment to Article IV
of the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles of
Incorporation") increasing the authorized number of shares of Common Stock from
600,000,000 shares to 900,000,000 shares for submission to the shareholders. In
addition to the 266,177,589 shares of Common Stock outstanding on March 15,
1999, approximately 6,007,000 shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of
currently outstanding options to purchase the Company's Common Stock, 9,281,680
shares are reserved for issuance upon conversion of the Company's 25/8% Senior
Convertible Notes, 1,902,938 are reserved for issuance upon the put of the
minority interest stake in Eller Media and approximately 64,000,000 are reserved
for issuance upon consummation of pending mergers leaving approximately
252,630,793 shares available for issuance.
The Board is authorized to issue shares of Preferred Stock, in one or
more series, and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and qualifications
thereof without any vote or action by the shareholders, provided that shares of
Class B Preferred Stock may not be entitled to more than one vote per share when
voting as a class with the holders of shares of Common Stock. The issuance of
Preferred Stock could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for
distribution to holders of Common Stock, and adversely affect the rights and
powers, including voting rights, of such holders and may have the effect of
delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company. However,
the Board and management of the Company represent that they will not issue,
without prior shareholder approval, shares of Class B Preferred Stock (i) for
any defensive or anti-takeover purpose, (ii) to implement any shareholders'
rights plan, or (iii) with features intended to make any attempted acquisition
of the Company more difficult or costly. Furthermore, no Class B Preferred Stock
will be issued to any individual or group for the purpose of creating a block of
voting power to support management on a controversial issue. No shares of
Preferred Stock have ever been issued.
Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Company and ratably to
receive dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by the Board
from funds legally available therefor, subject to the payment of any outstanding
preferential dividends declared with respect to any Preferred Stock that from
time to time may be outstanding. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company, holders of Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in any assets
available for distribution to shareholders after payment of all obligations of
the Company, subject to the rights to receive preferential distributions of the
holders of any Preferred Stock then outstanding.
If the proposed amendment is approved, all or any part of the
authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock may thereafter be issued without
further approval from the shareholders, except as may be required by law or the
policies of any stock exchange on which the shares of stock of the Company may
be listed, for such purposes and on such terms as the Board may determine.
Holders of the capital stock of the Company do not have any preemptive rights to
subscribe for the purchase of any shares of Common Stock, which means that
current shareholders do not have a prior right to purchase any new issue of
Common Stock in order to maintain their proportionate ownership.
The proposed amendment will not affect the rights of existing holders
of Common Stock except to the extent that future issuances of Common Stock will
reduce each existing shareholders' proportionate ownership.
If the proposed amendment is adopted, Section 1 of Article IV of the
Articles of Incorporation would be amended to read as follows:
"Section 1. Authorized Shares. The aggregate number of shares which the
Corporation shall have the authority to issue is 910,000,000 shares, consisting
of three classes of capital stock:
(a) 900,000,000 shares of Common Stock ("Common Stock"), par value of $.10
each;
(b) 2,000,000 shares of Class A Preferred Stock ("Class A Preferred Stock"),
par value $1.00 each; and
(c) 8,000,000 shares of Class B Preferred Stock ("Class B Preferred Stock"),
par value $1.00 each."
The proposed amendment to Article IV will not change any other aspect
of Article IV.
<PAGE>
The Board has determined that it would be appropriate for the Company
to increase the number of its authorized shares of Common Stock in order to have
additional shares available for possible future acquisition or financing
transactions, stock splits, stock dividends and other issuances, or to satisfy
requirements for additional reservations of shares by reason of future
transactions which might require increased reservations. The Company plans to
issue or reserve for issuance approximately 64 million shares of Common Stock
upon the consummation of the merger between a subsidiary of the Company and
Jacor Communications, Inc., pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
October 8, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"). Consummation of the merger is subject
to the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement between the
parties and to various regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that the
merger will ultimately be consummated. The Company currently has enough shares
of Common Stock authorized for issuance to consummate mergers and other
issuances of Common Stock that have been previously reserved for issuance
without amending its Articles of Incorporation. Furthermore, the Company
currently has no plans to issue any of the additional shares of Common Stock.
The issuance of additional shares of Common Stock could decrease the amount of
earnings and assets available for distribution to the Company's existing
shareholders, and may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a
change in control of the Company.
On July 28, 1998, the Company issued over 124 million shares of Common
Stock in connection with the Company's 2-for-1 stock split that was paid as a
stock dividend. Furthermore, in December 1998 the Company issued over 15 million
shares in connection with a public offering. The Company's ability to have
additional shares of Common Stock available for issuance in possible future
acquisitions and financings is an essential part of the Company's acquisition
strategy. The Company has effected five-for-four stock splits in February 1992,
February 1993, and February 1994, and two-for-one stock splits in November 1995,
December 1996 and July 1998.
The affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Meeting is required
in order to adopt the proposed amendment. Unless indicated to the contrary, the
enclosed proxy will be voted for the proposed amendment. Votes "withheld" or
abstaining from voting will have the same effect as a negative vote or a vote
"against" the proposed amendment. If you do not attend the meeting in person or
return your properly completed and signed proxy card, you will effectively be
voting against the amendment.
The Board recommends that the shareholders vote "FOR" the proposed
amendment.
PROPOSAL 3: SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1998
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent certified public
accountants. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at
the Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will have an opportunity to
make an appropriate statement if they so desire.
The Board has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors to
audit the financial statements of the Company for the year ending December 31,
1999. Unless otherwise directed, the persons named in the accompanying proxy
will vote in favor of the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP.
The Board recommends that the shareholders vote "FOR" the ratification
of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors for the year ending December 31, 1999.
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
A proper proposal submitted by a Company shareholder for consideration
at the Company's 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and received at the
Company's executive offices no later than November 22, 1999 will be included in
the Company's Proxy Statement and form of proxy relating to such Annual Meeting.
If the proposal is adopted, it will be included in the information statements
distributed to shareholders.
GENERAL
Neither management nor the Board knows of any matter to be acted upon
at the meeting other than the matters described above. If any other matter
properly comes before the meeting, however, the proxy holders will vote thereon
in accordance with their best judgment.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. Following
the original mailing of the proxy soliciting material, regular employees of the
Company may solicit proxies by mail, telephone, telegraph and personal
interview. The Company has also retained Georgeson & Company Inc. to aid in the
solicitation of proxies, at an estimated cost of $8,500 plus reimbursement of
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Proxy cards and materials will also be
distributed to beneficial owners of stock, through brokers, custodians, nominees
and other like parties, and the Company expects to reimburse such parties for
their charges and expenses connected therewith.
A copy of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission has been mailed to all shareholders along
with this proxy statement. Additional copies will be available without charge to
shareholders upon written request to Clear Channel Communications, P.O. Box
659512, San Antonio, Texas 78265-9512.
Kenneth E. Wyker
Secretary
<PAGE>
CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Proxy Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors for the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 27, 1999
The undersigned hereby appoints L. Lowry Mays and Alan D. Feld, and
each of them, proxies of the undersigned with full power of substitution for and
in the name, place and stead of the undersigned to appear and act for and to
vote all shares of CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC. standing in the name of
the undersigned or with respect to which the undersigned is entitled to vote and
act at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of said Company to be held in San
Antonio, Texas on April 27, 1999 at 11:00 A.M., central time, or at any
adjournments or postponements thereof, with all powers the undersigned would
possess of then personally present, as indicated on the reverse side.
This undersigned acknowledges receipt of notice of said meeting and
accompanying Proxy Statement and of the 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K and
ratifies and confirms all acts that any of the said proxy holders or their
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
(Continued and to be dated and signed on the reverse side.)
CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
P.O. BOX 11181
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0181
<PAGE>
1. Election of Directors FOR all eight nominees listed below [ ]
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all eight
nominees below [ ] EXCEPTIONS* [ ]
Nominees: L. Lowry Mays Karl Eller Mark P. Mays Randall T. Mays
Alan D. Feld B.J. McCombs Theodore H. Strauss
John H. Williams
(INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee mark
the "EXCEPTIONS" box and write that nominee's name in the space provided
below.)
*Exceptions: ________________________________________________________________
2. Amendment of the Company's Articles of Incorporation to increase the number
of authorized shares of Common Stock.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
3. Ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors
for the year ending December 31, 1999.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
4. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s)
thereof.
Change of Address and/or Comments: [ ]
Please sign your name exactly as it appears hereon. Joint owners should
sign personally. Attorney, Executor, Administrator, Trustee or Guardian should
indicate full title.
Dated:____________________________________, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------
Shareholder's signature
- -----------------------------------------------
Shareholder's signature if stock held jointly
Sign, Date, and Return the Proxy Card Promptly Using the Enclosed Envelope.
Votes MUST be indicated (X) in Black or Blue Ink.
