PROSPECTUS
1,614,802 SHARES
CHILDREN'S BROADCASTING CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
This Prospectus relates to 1,614,802 shares of Common Stock (the
"Shares"), par value $.02 per share (the "Common Stock"), of Children's
Broadcasting Corporation (the "Company") that may be offered for sale for the
account of certain shareholders of the Company as stated herein under the
heading "Selling Shareholders." The Shares being offered by the Selling
Shareholders hereunder are (i) shares issued by the Company in connection with
the acquisition of Radio Elizabeth, Inc. which operates a radio station in New
Jersey; (ii) shares issued by the Company in connection with the purchase of the
assets of Kids Airwaves LLC which operated a Colorado radio station; (iii)
shares issued or issuable upon the exercise of warrants originally issued in
connection with the Company's initial or second public offering completed in
1992; and (iv) shares issued or issuable upon exercise of warrants issued in
connection with bridge financings completed by the Company between 1992 and
1996. No period of time has been fixed within which the Shares may be offered or
sold. The Company's Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "AAHS." On July 2, 1996, the average of the high and low prices of
the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $6.625 per share.
The Selling Shareholders have advised the Company that sales of the
Shares by them, or by their pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in
interest, may be made from time to time in the over-the-counter market, through
negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale or at negotiated prices. The Shares may be sold by one or more of the
following methods: (a) a block trade in which the broker or dealer so engaged
will attempt to sell the Shares as agent but may position and resell a portion
of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; (b) purchases by a
broker or dealer as principal and resale by such broker or dealer for its
account pursuant to this Prospectus; and (c) ordinary brokerage transactions and
transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers. Sales may be made pursuant
to this Prospectus to or through broker-dealers who may receive compensation in
the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Shareholders
or the purchasers of Common Stock for whom such broker-dealer may act as agent
or to whom they may sell as principal, or both (which compensation as to a
particular broker-dealer may be in excess of customary commissions). One or more
supplemental prospectuses will be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") to describe any
material arrangements for the sales of the Shares when such arrangements are
entered into by any of the Selling Shareholders and any other broker-dealers
that participate in the sale of the Shares.
The Selling Shareholders and any broker-dealers or other persons acting
on their behalf in connection with the sale of the Shares may be deemed to be
"underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any commissions
received by them and any profit realized by them on the resale of the Shares as
principals may be deemed to be underwriting commissions under the Securities
Act. As of the date hereof, there are no special selling arrangements between
any broker-dealer or other person and any Selling Shareholder.
The Company will not receive any part of the proceeds of any sales of
Shares pursuant to this Prospectus. Pursuant to the terms of registration rights
granted to the Selling Shareholders, the Company will pay all the expenses of
registering the shares, except for selling expenses incurred by the Selling
Shareholders in connection with this offering, including any fees and
commissions payable to broker-dealers or other persons, which will be borne by
the Selling Shareholders. In addition, such registration rights provide for
certain other usual and customary terms, including indemnification by the
Company of the Selling Shareholders against certain liabilities arising under
the Securities Act.
THE SHARES INVOLVE CERTAIN RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE
6 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED
BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JULY 11, 1996.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and, in
accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with
the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by
the Company pursuant to the Exchange Act may be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the regional offices of the
Commission located at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York
10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661. Copies of such material can also be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.
The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 under the Securities Act. This Prospectus does not contain all of the
information, exhibits and undertakings set forth in the Registration Statement,
certain portions of which are omitted as permitted by the Rules and Regulations
of the Commission. Copies of the Registration Statement and the exhibits are on
file with the Commission and may be obtained, upon payment of the fee prescribed
by the Commission, may be examined, without charge, at the offices of the
Commission set forth above, or may be accessed on the Commission's World Wide
Web site at www.sec.gov. For further information, reference is made to the
Registration Statement and its exhibits.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents previously filed by the Company with the
Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated into this Prospectus by
reference:
(a) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended
December 31, 1995 (File No. 0-21534) filed on March 28, 1996;
(b) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the fiscal
quarter ended March 31, 1996 (File No. 0-21534) filed on May
3, 1996;
(c) The description of the Company's Common Stock contained in its
Registration Statement on Form S-2 (File No. 33-80721) as
filed with the Commission on December 21, 1995 and amended by
Amendment Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 filed on February 1, February 20,
February 27 and February 28, 1996, respectively;
(d) The Company's 8-K Report filed on June 19, 1996 (File No.
0-21534), relating to acquisition of Radio Elizabeth, Inc.;
(e) The Company's 8-K/A Report filed on June 21, 1996 (File No.
0-21534), relating to acquisition of Radio Elizabeth, Inc.;
(f) The Company's 8-K Report filed on June 18, 1996 (File No.
0-21534), relating to acquisition of the assets of Radio
Station WCAR-AM;
(g) The Company's 8-K/A Report filed on June 21, 1996 (File No.
0-21534), relating to acquisition of the assets of Radio
Station WCAR-AM;
(h) The Company's 8-K Report filed July 3, 1996 (File No.
0-21534), relating to changes in the Company's certifying
accountant; and
(i) The Company's 8-K Report filed July 8, 1996 (File No.
0-21534), relating to Cautionary Statements for purposes of
Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the termination of the offering hereunder shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of
such documents.
Any statement contained herein or in a document all or any portion of
which is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the
extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed
document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or
superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company will provide, without charge, to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of any such person, a copy
of any or all of the foregoing documents (other than exhibits to such documents
which are not specifically incorporated by reference in such documents). Written
requests for such copies should be directed to the Company at 724 First Street
North, Fourth Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, Attention: Chief Financial
Officer. Telephone requests may be directed to the office of the Chief Financial
Officer of the Company at (612) 338-3300.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified by the more detailed information and
consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, information in this
Prospectus gives effect to a one-for-two reverse stock split with respect to the
Common Stock effected on January 23, 1996.
This Prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties. Purchasers of the Company's Common Stock are cautioned that
the Company's actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed
in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to
such differences include those factors discussed herein under "Risk Factors" and
elsewhere in the Prospectus, including the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1995.
THE COMPANY
Children's Broadcasting Corporation is the only full-time national
broadcaster of children's radio programming in the United States. The Company
develops, produces and distributes programming that is entertaining and
informative, and directed to the interests and radio listening patterns of
pre-teenage children and their families. The Company's Radio AAHS(R)* format
provides 24-hour programming featuring music, stories, call-in segments, quizzes
and current events features. The programming varies by time of day in order to
attract that component of its prospective audience most likely to be listening.
The programming originates at the Company's flagship station, WWTC in
Minneapolis, Minnesota and is distributed via satellite to a network of radio
stations around the country, which includes stations owned or operated by the
Company as well as affiliated stations owned by third parties.
* Radio AAHS is the registered Trademark of Children's Broadcasting Corporation.
The Company's strategy is to attract listeners and advertisers to the
Radio AAHS programming format by continually refining its content and expanding
the distribution network. Elements of this strategy include (i) attracting a
loyal listenership by maintaining high quality, distinctive programming directed
to its target audience, (ii) reinforcing this loyalty by creating a brand
identity through the creation of characters which are integrated into its
programming, (iii) delivering this listenership base to national advertisers by
expanding its radio network to obtain a critical mass of United States'
population coverage, and (iv) making opportunistic acquisitions of radio
stations in key markets.
The Company derives its revenue primarily from the sale of local and
network time to advertisers. The Company believes that national advertising time
can be sold in greater quantities and at significantly higher rates, with no
significant additional operating costs, as the national coverage of its radio
network increases. In addition, by expanding through acquisitions, the Company
can secure a presence in particular markets and increase the amount of local
advertising time available to it for sale. The Company distributes its
programming to markets representing approximately 34% of the United States'
population, and has a presence in the top two markets and five of the top eight
markets in the United States.
Prior to the Company's development of the Radio AAHS format, there were
not any full-time radio formats which targeted the pre-teen market. It is
estimated that over $1.0 billion in advertising dollars is directed toward
children annually, yet virtually none of these advertising dollars is currently
spent on radio. The Company believes that advertisers trying to reach children
have not utilized radio due to the lack of children's programming on the radio.
By providing quality programming which is appealing to both pre-teens and their
parents and by pursuing vigorous sales and marketing efforts, the Company
believes it will be able to attract an increasing portion of the annual
advertising dollars aimed at this previously under-served market segment.
The Company seeks to further develop the Radio AAHS format and network
by establishing relationships with strategic partners. To date, the Company has
developed strategic relationships with ABC Radio Network, Inc. ("ABC"), The Walt
Disney Company ("Walt Disney") and Time Warner, Inc. In November 1995, the
Company entered into an agreement with ABC (the "ABC Agreement") pursuant to
which ABC's affiliate development and national advertising sales staffs augment
the Company's efforts to market the Radio AAHS format to broadcasters and
advertisers. The Company believes that ABC, the largest radio network company in
the world with more than 2,900 current affiliated radio stations, will enable
the Company to accelerate the expansion of the Radio AAHS network. Pursuant to
the ABC Agreement, ABC was issued a warrant to purchase up to 1,088,684 shares
of the Company's non-voting Common Stock, exercisable through November 23, 1997.
The Walt Disney strategic affiliation includes agreements for the Company to
broadcast from Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
The Company plans, beginning July 15, 1996, to distribute the full
24-hour Radio AAHS format over the Internet pursuant to an agreement with
NetRadio Network. When such distribution begins, the World Wide Web site at
which this format can be heard will be www.netradio.net.
The Company was incorporated under the Minnesota Business Corporation
Act on February 7, 1990. All references to the Company herein include its
subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted. The Company's executive office is located
at 724 First Street North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, and its telephone
number is (612) 338-3300. Its World Wide Web site is www.radio-aahs.com.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in the shares of Common Stock offered hereby involves a
high degree of risk. Prospective investors should carefully consider the
following risk factors, in addition to the other information set forth in this
Prospectus, in connection with an investment in the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby.
When used below and elsewhere in this Prospectus, including documents
incorporated herein by reference, the words "believes," "anticipates," "will"
and "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Potential
purchasers of the Company's Common Stock are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date
hereof.
COMPANY DEVELOPMENT; HISTORY OF OPERATING LOSSES. The Company is
continuing to develop its radio network and is generally subject to the risks
attendant to a new or emerging business venture. The Company has incurred net
losses since its inception in 1990 and has not generated positive cash flow
sufficient to fund its ongoing operations. For the three years ended December
31, 1993, 1994, 1995 and the three months ended March 31, 1996, the Company
incurred net losses of $3,247,000, $4,519,000, $6,107,000 and $1,876,000,
respectively, and anticipates that it will continue to operate at a loss from
operations for the remainder of 1996. Due to such losses, and because the
Company has not generated positive cash flow from operations, the Company has
had frequent working capital shortages. Working capital requirements have been
met by short-term borrowings from investors, including affiliates of the
Company, and from the proceeds of public offerings of the Company's Common
Stock. The Company is seeking sources of financing for its future working
capital needs and for future acquisitions, although it has no current
commitments for such financing. Such arrangements could include debt financing
involving the leveraging of the Company's radio station properties under
agreements with asset-based or other lenders. If the Company should be unable to
obtain working capital when required, its operations and prospects would be
materially and adversely affected. At March 31, 1996, the Company had working
capital of approximately $13,800,000, approximately $8,500,000 of which was
committed by the Company to fund planned acquisitions. See "Risk Factors - Risks
Related to Acquisition of Radio Elizabeth."
RISKS RELATED TO ACQUISITION OF RADIO ELIZABETH. On June 4, 1996, the
Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of Radio Elizabeth,
Inc. ("REI"), which holds a Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") license
for WJDM-AM Radio Station licensed to Elizabeth, New Jersey on the 1530 kHz
frequency. Under the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement entered into in
January 1996 between the Company and the sole shareholder of REI, John Quinn
("Seller"), the aggregate consideration for the acquisition was $11,500,000,
$10,000,000 of which was to be paid in cash and the remainder over ten years
pursuant to the terms of a Non-Competition and Consultancy Agreement. On June 1,
1996, pursuant to an agreement of the parties to amend the purchase terms, the
Company and the Seller entered into a Securities Agreement ("Securities
Agreement") pursuant to which the Seller agreed to accept 270,468 shares of the
Company's Common Stock in lieu of $2,500,000 of the cash portion of the purchase
price, and the Company issued such shares in accordance with the Securities
Agreement. In accordance with the Securities Agreement, the Seller or any
subsequent holders were granted certain rights exercisable prior to September 1,
1996 with respect to registration of such shares. To secure the obligation, the
Company escrowed $2,500,000. This amount is in addition to the amount which the
Company has committed to fund planned acquisitions. The Seller has subsequently
requested registration of the shares issued to him, and the Company intends to
proceed to file a Registration Statement under the Act with respect to the
shares. If the Company fails to complete such registration by July 31, 1996, the
Seller will have the right to exchange such shares for the $2,500,000 held in
escrow.
The FCC granted its consent to the transfer of control of REI to the
Company by action taken on April 11, 1996. On May 16, 1996, a "Petition for
Reconsideration or to Set Aside Grant of Application Pending Action on Request
for Declaratory Ruling" was filed by Press Broadcasting Company, Inc. Because of
this filing, the FCC consent to the transfer of control is not a final action,
and is thus subject to possible rescission, review or further appeal. In
recognition of this possibility, the parties entered into an Unwind Agreement at
the closing which provides that in the event of rescission of the FCC grant of
its consent, the parties would "unwind" the transaction which would place the
parties back in their pre-closing positions. The Unwind Agreement does not
require the Seller to escrow funds for, or to collateralize his obligations
under, the Unwind Agreement, and the Company would be at risk in the event the
Seller failed, or was unable, to rescind or unwind the transaction. In addition,
if the transfer of control of the FCC license were rescinded by the FCC, the
Company would lose market coverage in all or portions of the New York City AM
radio market, which is currently the largest in the United States. If the
Company would be unable to make an alternate acquisition in such market, the
revenue generated from its network would be materially and adversely affected.
REI, in addition to its license for operation on 1530 kHz, presently
has issued to it a special temporary authorization ("STA") for operation on 1660
kHz at 10 kw power, which provides coverage of a significant portion of the New
York market. WJDM has been broadcasting the Company's Radio AAHS(R) programming
in the nation's largest radio market since February 1, 1996, over its 1660 kHz
frequency pursuant to a local programming and marketing agreement. The STA
frequency is located in a portion of the spectrum referred to as the expanded
band ("Expanded Band") recently allocated by the FCC and assigned to certain AM
broadcasters in order to implement Congressional policy. REI and other Expanded
Band licensees are expected to be allowed to operate on both their original
frequencies and the Expanded Band frequencies for a period of five years, after
which time the licensee must elect which frequency on which it will continue
broadcasting. There can be no assurance that REI will ever receive a permanent
license to an Expanded Band frequency, and failure to obtain such a license
would leave the Company broadcasting from only the existing licensed frequency,
which at 1 kw power does not cover the New York market, thereby resulting in a
substantial diminution of the value of the Company's investment in REI. Most
radio receivers produced prior to 1990 cannot receive Expanded Band frequencies.
ADDITIONAL FINANCING REQUIREMENTS. Part of the Company's strategy for
development and expansion of its network includes acquiring and/or operating
radio properties in key United States markets. There can be no assurance that
the Company will be able to identify and complete suitable acquisitions on terms
favorable or acceptable to the Company. In the event the Company purchases
additional stations, the Company will require additional financing. There can be
no assurance that such financing will be available on terms acceptable to the
Company.
Assuming the Company is able to retain the $2,500,000 held in escrow in
connection with REI, the Company believes that the proceeds from its February
1996 public offering will be sufficient to meet its anticipated cash
requirements through 1996; however, additional financing will be required to
fund future operations and the expansion of its radio network. Additional
financing may be required before the end of 1996 if the growth of the network
exceeds the Company's current expectations, if revenue goals are not met, or if
the Company is presented with opportunities for acquisitions which exceed the
Company's financial resources. In addition, if the Company is obligated to pay
$2,500,000 to the Seller in lieu of the shares delivered in the REI transaction
as described above, the Company will not have sufficient working capital
anticipated to be needed for 1996 operations and will require financing for
operations as well as to fund acquisitions. There can be no assurance that such
additional financing will be available to the Company when required, or if
available, that it would be on terms acceptable or favorable to the Company.
Additional financing could require the sale of equity securities, which could
result in significant dilution to the Company's shareholders.
ACCEPTANCE OF RADIO FORMAT. The Company produces and distributes a
unique 24-hour children's radio format. There can be no assurance that the
Company's programming will gain acceptance by listeners and advertisers. In
addition, the Company's primary target audience is not rated by a recognized
rating service. Such ratings are generally used by potential advertisers in
making advertising decisions. The Company is working with ratings services to
attempt to develop such ratings for the pre-teen market. However, there can be
no assurance that such ratings can be developed or that the Company will be able
to attract additional national advertisers.
DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL RADIO NETWORK. Since late 1992, the Company has
been developing a network of affiliated and owned or operated radio stations to
carry its satellite-transmitted programming to domestic radio markets. The
Company's affiliation agreements have terms varying from one to three years.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in retaining
existing affiliates or attracting additional affiliates. Since the inception of
the network a total of eight former affiliate stations have discontinued their
affiliation. In cases where the Company deems it appropriate, the Company
intends to seek alternate affiliates by entering into affiliation agreements or
local marketing agreements ("LMAs"), through which third-party owned stations
broker broadcast time to the Company, or by acquiring stations in key markets.
In addition, the Company could encounter substantial delays, expenses or other
unforseen difficulties in establishing its network. The Company also risks the
potential loss of strategic alliances which it has developed in connection with
its strategy to develop the Company's brand, to assist in growth of the
Company's network and to pursue ancillary business opportunities. Furthermore,
the signal of the Company's affiliates and of its owned and operated stations
may not cover households in certain portions of the markets in which such
stations broadcast. In addition, the Company's management has limited experience
in the development or operation of a national radio network.
The success and viability of the Company's network will depend upon its
ability to generate substantial revenue from network advertisers. For the year
ended December 31, 1995, the Company's network, which is in a development phase,
generated $1,059,000 in revenue. For the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and
1995, approximately 45%, 51% and 42%, respectively, of the Company's revenue was
derived from its radio stations which do not carry the Radio AAHS format:
KTEK-AM, Houston, Texas, KCNW-AM, Kansas City, Kansas, WZER-AM, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin and KYCR-AM, Minneapolis, Minnesota. For each of the years in the
three year period ended December 31, 1995, the Company derived approximately
13%, 16% and 13%, respectively, of its revenue from KTEK-AM; approximately 10%,
11% and 9%, respectively, of its revenue from KCNW-AM; approximately 11%, 12%
and 11%, respectively, of its revenue from WZER-AM; and approximately 11%, 12%
and 9%, respectively, of its revenue from KYCR-AM. If the Company converts any
of these stations to the Radio AAHS format, its revenue may be negatively
affected until a new advertising base is developed for the Radio AAHS format in
those markets. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to
acquire additional stations in major markets or to increase the number of
network affiliates to a level which would enable it to increase network
advertising, or that the Company will be able to generate sufficient advertising
revenue to operate profitably in the future.
RELIANCE ON CURRENT MANAGEMENT. The Company is dependent on the
management services of its current management team. If the Company were to lose
the services of these individuals, its business could be adversely affected.
None of the members of the Company's current senior management team is subject
to employment contracts with the Company. The Company does not maintain
insurance on the lives of its key employees.
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. The Company leases broadcast and
office facilities from its President, Christopher T. Dahl, and another director,
Richard W. Perkins, and the WWTC and KYCR radio transmission tower site from Mr.
Dahl. The Company also shares certain management services with Community
Airwaves Corporation ("CAC"), which are provided by another entity, Radio
Management Corporation ("RMC"), owned by Messrs. Dahl, Perkins and Cowles, who
also own CAC. The management services consist of administrative, legal and
accounting services. Such arrangements involve potential conflicts of interest
in connection with the pricing of services provided. In addition, CAC may
acquire interests in additional stations. Such ownership would, under current
FCC regulations, limit the number of additional radio stations which the Company
may acquire. In addition, the Company has entered into an agreement with CAC
whereby the Company is required to obtain the consent of CAC for any acquisition
of an FM station or of an AM station located outside the largest 125 U.S.
markets. Such agreement may result in conflicts of interest with members of the
Company's management and could be detrimental to the Company. The Company has
also entered into an affiliation agreement with a subsidiary of CAC subject to
its acquisition of a radio station in Honolulu, Hawaii.
COMPETITION. The Company currently derives the majority of its revenue
from the sale of local radio advertising time on its owned and operated stations
to advertisers in their respective metropolitan markets and faces substantial
competition from other radio and television stations as well as other media in
those markets. Factors contributing to the Company's ability to attract local
advertisers include the success of a station in attracting listeners and the
perceived quality of the Company's programming. There can be no assurance that
the Company can successfully compete for listeners and advertising revenues with
other radio and television networks and other entertainment organizations. The
Company may also experience competition from developing technologies in the
radio industry.
In addition to the Company's current competition for local advertising,
the Company also competes for network advertising. Other entertainment
organizations, including but not limited to radio syndicators and radio
stations, many of which have greater resources than the Company, could develop a
children's radio format similar to Radio AAHS. Although radio stations must be
licensed by the FCC, there are no significant impediments to the entry of new
competitors into the Company's markets. While the Company continues to seek
protection for its original programming, where appropriate, under applicable
copyright and trademark laws, the Radio AAHS format could be imitated by others
seeking to enter the children's radio field.
FCC REGULATION. Although the radio broadcast licenses of the stations
owned by the Company are already granted, their continuation and the continued
licensing of any radio station acquired by the Company depend upon compliance
with the laws, rules and regulations of the FCC. The FCC can revoke licenses for
serious misconduct, subject to the right to an evidentiary hearing, or it may
fail to renew a license or impose monetary fines for breach of its rules.
Neither the Company nor CAC has ever been denied any FCC license or renewal, or
had a fine imposed by the FCC. In recent years, a number of competing
applications and formal and informal objections have been filed with respect to
broadcast renewal applications. Even though the vast majority of all license
renewal applications are granted, and under the Telecommunication Act of 1996
(the "1996 Act") competing applications in license renewal proceedings are no
longer allowed, there can be no assurance that renewal of the Company's licenses
will be granted. Furthermore, approvals are required for the transfer of
ownership. Three directors and attributable shareholders of the Company have
interests in AM and FM radio stations unrelated to the Company. Under current
FCC regulations, these interests are attributed to the Company and may limit the
markets in which the Company can acquire stations. The 1996 Act eliminated the
limit upon the number of stations that can be under common ownership or control
nationally. Local ownership was substantially relaxed according to market size.
See "Risk Factors - Risks Related to Acquisition of Radio Elizabeth."
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS. The Board of Directors, without any action by
the Company's shareholders, has the authority to issue the remaining
undesignated and unissued authorized shares and to fix the powers, preferences,
rights and limitations of such shares or any class or series thereof, without
shareholder approval. Persons acquiring such shares could have preferential
rights with respect to voting, liquidation, dissolution or dividends over
existing shareholders. The Company is subject to certain provisions of the
Minnesota Business Corporation Act which limit the voting rights of shares
acquired in "control share acquisitions" and restrict certain "business
combinations." Such provisions, as well as the ability to issue undesignated
shares, could have the effect of deterring or delaying a takeover or other
change in control of the Company, deny shareholders the receipt of a premium on
their Common Stock and depress the market price of the Company's Common Stock.
CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS. Approximately 38% of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock is beneficially owned by the Company's current officers
and directors. Accordingly, such persons may be able to significantly influence
the Company's business and affairs. This concentration of ownership may have the
effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company.
See "Principal Shareholders."
NO ASSURANCE AS TO LIQUIDITY ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET. The Common
Stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq National Market System. There can be
no assurance that the Common Stock will be actively traded on such market or
that, if active trading does develop, it will be sustained.
IMPACT OF SALE OF SHARES; SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE. The Company
had approximately 5.6 million shares of Common Stock outstanding as of June 13,
1996 and had warrants and options to purchase additional Common Stock
outstanding totaling approximately 2.6 million common shares exercisable at
prices ranging from $2.20 to $13.80 per share. The sale of the shares offered
hereby (the "Shares"), and the sale of additional Common Stock which may become
eligible for sale in the public market from time to time upon exercise of
warrants and stock options could have the effect of depressing the market prices
for the Company's Common Stock.
ABSENCE OF DIVIDENDS. The Company has not paid any cash dividends since
its inception and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable
future. The Company presently expects to retain its earnings to finance the
development and expansion of its business. The declaration or payment by the
Company of dividends, if any, on its Common Stock in the future is subject to
the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on the Company's
earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other relevant factors.
The Company issued 290,213 shares of convertible preferred stock in connection
with its merger with a California corporation, licensee of radio station
KPLS-AM, Orange County, California. The convertible preferred stock ranks senior
to Common Stock and all other series of preferred stock as to payment of
dividends and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, voluntary or involuntary.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth, as of June 13, 1996, the name of each
Selling Shareholder, certain beneficial ownership information with respect to
the Selling Shareholders, and the number of Shares that may be sold from time to
time by each pursuant to this Prospectus. There can be no assurance that the
shares offered hereby will be sold.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE OF
OUTSTANDING
SHARES SHARES SHARES
BENEFICIALLY BENEFICIALLY BENEFICIALLY
OWNED SHARES OWNED UPON OWNED UPON
PRIOR TO OFFERED COMPLETION OF THE COMPLETION OF THE
SELLING SHAREHOLDER OFFERING HEREBY OFFERING (1) OFFERING
- ------------------------------------------ -------------- ------------- -------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John Quinn................................. 270,468 270,468 0 0
Daniel Villanueva.......................... 141,479 141,479 0 0
James Villanueva........................... 141,479 141,479 0 0
David Gardner.............................. 138,416 83,270 55,146 *
Okabena Partnership K...................... 136,971 136,971 0 0
Special Situations Fund III, L.P........... 105,412 105,412 0 0
William D. Corneliuson..................... 87,500 87,500 0 0
William Toles.............................. 62,500 62,500 0 0
Pyramid Partners, L.P...................... 46,344 46,344 0 0
IndustriCorp & Co., Inc. FBO T.C. Carpenters 40,306 40,306 0 0
Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P........ 35,416 35,416 0 0
Kids Airwaves LLC.......................... 33,136 33,136 0 0
Leslie Bebee............................... 28,750 28,750 0 0
Stephen L. Wallack......................... 27,558 10,808 16,750 *
Donald Brattain............................ 26,250 26,250 0 0
William R. and Marla C. Kennedy Joint Tenants 25,808 18,308 7,500 *
Daniel S. Perkins Trustee UA Dated 5/12/88
FBO Daniel S. Perkins................... 24,000 6,250 17,750 *
Edward E. Strickland....................... 23,000 12,500 10,500 *
Burton Toles............................... 22,500 22,500 0 0
John F. Rooney............................. 22,269 15,519 6,750 *
Larry P. Arnold............................ 21,617 21,617 0 0
Davis & Lehr Properties.................... 20,000 20,000 0 0
J. Bicknell Lockhart, Jr. and Mary Ann Lockhart,
Trustees of the Lockhart Family Trust UA Dated
11/4/85.................................. 19,558 18,308 1,250 *
Daniel S. and Patrice M. Perkins Joint Tenants 18,750 18,750 0 0
David B. and Lise H. Potter Joint Tenants.. 18,750 18,750 0 0
Donald M. and Pauline H. Roux Joint Tenants 17,558 10,808 6,750 *
Founding Partners II, Limited Partners..... 17,500 17,500 0 0
Capital Kids' Radio Company................ 16,667 16,667 0 0
Russ Davis Wholesale, Inc.................. 15,000 15,000 0 0
John T. Golle.............................. 12,500 12,500 0 0
John B. Goodman............................ 12,500 12,500 0 0
James H. Lehr.............................. 12,500 12,500 0 0
Dennis J. Hanish........................... 12,435 7,435 5,000 *
James G. and Joan E. Peters, Joint Tenants. 12,269 8,750 3,519 *
H. James Roitenberg........................ 10,808 10,808 0 0
Robert Allison............................. 8,020 4,635 3,385 *
Dave M. Westrum............................ 7,759 7,759 0 0
Jacqueline Paster.......................... 7,500 7,500 0 0
Patrice M. Perkins, Trustee UA Dated 5/12/88
FBO Patrice M. Perkins................... 6,250 6,250 0 0
Michael R. Wigley.......................... 6,250 6,250 0 0
DoubleSpace................................ 5,000 5,000 0 0
R. Hunt Greene............................. 4,677 4,677 0 0
John E. Feltl.............................. 3,840 3,840 0 0
Richard Heise.............................. 3,840 3,840 0 0
Elizabeth J. Hyduke........................ 3,750 3,750 0 0
Stephen P. Hyduke.......................... 3,750 3,750 0 0
Summit Investment Corporation.............. 3,300 3,300 0 0
Questcom Media Brokerage, Inc.............. 2,437 2,437 0 0
Paul R. Kuehn.............................. 1,870 1,870 0 0
Thomas J. Gagner........................... 1,700 1,700 0 0
John Ryden................................. 1,185 1,185 0 0
</TABLE>
*Less than 1%.
The Company has agreed to bear all expenses (other than selling
commissions and fees) in connection with the registration and sale of the Shares
being offered by the Selling Shareholders in over-the-counter market
transactions or in negotiated transactions. See "Plan of Distribution." The
Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-3 under
the Securities Act with respect to the resale of the Shares from time to time in
over-the-counter market transactions or in negotiated transactions. This
Prospectus forms a part of such Registration Statement.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Shares offered hereby will be sold by the Selling Shareholders. The
Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the Shares by the
Selling Shareholders. See "Selling Shareholders."
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Shares offered hereby may be offered by the Selling Shareholders
from time to time. The Company will receive no proceeds from the sale of the
Shares. Sales may be effected by the Selling Shareholders in transactions on the
Nasdaq Stock Market, in negotiated transactions, or in a combination of such
methods of sale, at prices relating to prevailing market prices or at negotiated
prices. The Selling Shareholders may effect such transactions by selling the
Shares to or through broker-dealers, and such broker-dealers may receive
compensation in the form of discounts or commissions from the Selling
Shareholders and/or the purchasers of the Shares for whom such broker-dealers
may act as agents or to whom they sell as principal, or both (which compensation
as to a particular broker-dealer may be in excess of customary commissions).
The Selling Shareholders and any persons who participate in the sale of
the Shares from time to time, may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the
meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act. Any commissions paid or
discounts or concessions allowed to any such persons and any profits received on
resale of the Shares, may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the
Securities Act.
In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if
applicable, the Shares will be sold in such jurisdictions only through
registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain states the
Shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in
the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification
requirement is available.
In accordance with the terms of Warrants exercisable or exercised to
purchase Common Stock by certain of the Selling Shareholders, the Company has
agreed to indemnify such Selling Shareholders and their control persons with
respect to certain liabilities in connection with the sale of the Shares
pursuant to this Prospectus, including liabilities under the Securities Act and
the Exchange Act. In addition, certain Selling Shareholders have agreed to
indemnify the Company, its directors, officers, agents and control persons
against certain liabilities incurred as a result of information provided by the
Selling Shareholders for use in this Prospectus. Insofar as indemnification for
liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that, in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Shares offered hereby and certain legal matters
pertaining to the Company, including matters incorporated herein by reference
relating to the regulation of the Company by the FCC and related matters, were
passed upon on behalf of the Company by Lance W. Riley, Esq., General Counsel to
the Company.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1994 and 1995
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 of
Children's Broadcasting Corporation, incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set
forth in their reports thereon (which contain an explanatory paragraph with
respect to substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern and management's plans described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial
statements). Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated by
reference herein in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The financial statements of Radio Elizabeth, Inc. as of April 30, 1994
and 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 1995,
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus have been audited by Smolin, Lupin
& Co., P.A., independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon. Such
financial statements are incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon such
report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The financial statements of Wolpin Broadcasting Company as of December
31, 1994 and 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1995, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by
Kleiman, Carney & Greenbaum, independent auditors, as set forth in their report
thereon. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference herein in
reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION AND REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE SELLING SHAREHOLDERS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE UNDER THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR SINCE THE DATE OF ANY DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE
SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES, OR AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN ANY STATE TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH STATE.
---------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
---------------------
Page
Available Information................................. 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents
by Reference........................................ 2
Prospectus Summary.................................... 4
Risk Factors.......................................... 6
Selling Shareholders..................................11
Use of Proceeds.......................................12
Plan of Distribution..................................12
Legal Matters.........................................12
Experts...............................................13
1,614,802 SHARES
CHILDREN'S BROADCASTING
CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
--------------------
PROSPECTUS
--------------------
July 11, 1996
