UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 

x Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the Fiscal Year Ended February 29, 2012

 

¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the Transition Period from                    to                    

 

 

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

INDIANA

(State of incorporation or organization)

0-23264

(Commission file number)

35-1542018

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

ONE EMMIS PLAZA

40 MONUMENT CIRCLE

SUITE 700

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46204

(Address of principal executive offices)

(317) 266-0100

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:

None

 

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: Class A common stock, $.01 par value of Emmis Communications Corporation; 6.25% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value of Emmis Communications Corporation.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes   ¨     No   x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes   ¨     No   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.     ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” and “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨       Smaller reporting company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes   ¨     No   x

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, as of August 31, 2011, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $24,027,000.

The number of shares outstanding of each of Emmis Communications Corporation’s classes of common stock, as of May 1, 2012, was:

 

34,077,279   Class A Common Shares, $.01 par value
4,722,684   Class B Common Shares, $.01 par value

0

  Class C Common Shares, $.01 par value

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Documents

  

Form 10-K Reference

 

Proxy Statement for April 2, 2012 Special Meeting of Shareholders filed on March 21, 2012

     Part III   

Proxy Statement for 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders expected to be filed within 120 days

     Part III   

 

 

 


EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PART I

     4   

Item 1. Business

     4   

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     16   

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

     22   

Item 2. Properties

     23   

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

     23   

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

     25   

PART II

     25   

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     25   

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

     26   

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

     26   

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     48   

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     49   

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     94   

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

     94   

Item 9B. Other Information

     95   

PART III

     95   

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

     95   

Item 11. Executive Compensation

     95   

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, and Management, and Related Stockholder Matters

     95   

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

     95   

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     96   

PART IV

     96   

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

     96   

Signatures

     101   

 

2


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes or incorporates forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can identify these forward-looking statements by our use of words such as “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “potential,” “opportunity” and similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. We cannot guarantee that we will achieve these plans, intentions or expectations. All statements regarding our expected financial position, business and financing plans are forward-looking statements.

Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. We have included important facts in various cautionary statements in this report that we believe could cause our actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements that we make. These include, but are not limited to, the factors described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

The forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers or dispositions. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

3


PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

GENERAL

We are a diversified media company, principally focused on radio broadcasting. We operate the 8 th largest publicly traded radio portfolio in the United States based on total listeners. Emmis owns 18 FM and two AM radio stations in New York, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Austin (Emmis has a 50.1% controlling interest in Emmis’ radio stations located there), Indianapolis and Terre Haute, IN. One of our FM radio stations in Los Angeles and one of our FM radio stations in New York are operated pursuant to Local Marketing Agreements (LMA’s) whereby third parties provide the programming for the stations and sell all advertising within that programming.

In addition to our domestic radio properties, we operate an international radio business and publish several city and regional magazines. Internationally, we own and operate national radio networks in Slovakia and Bulgaria. Our publishing operations consist of Texas Monthly , Los Angeles , Atlanta , Indianapolis Monthly , Cincinnati, Orange Coast, and Country Sampler and related magazines. We also engage in various businesses ancillary to our broadcasting business, such as website design and development, digital sales consulting and operating a news information radio network in Indiana.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

We are committed to improving the operating results of our core assets while simultaneously seeking future growth opportunities in related businesses. Our strategy is focused on the following operating principles:

Develop unique and compelling content and strong local brands

Most of our established local media brands have achieved and sustained a leading position in their respective market segments over many years. Knowledge of local markets and consistently producing unique and compelling content that meets the needs of our target audiences are critical to our success. As such, we make substantial investments in areas such as market research, data analysis and creative talent to ensure that our content remains relevant, has a meaningful impact on the communities we serve and reinforces the core brand image of each respective property.

Extend the reach and relevance of our local brands through digital platforms

In recent years, we have placed substantial emphasis on enhancing the distribution of our content through digital platforms, such as the Internet and mobile phones. We believe these digital platforms offer excellent opportunities to further enhance the relationships we have with our audiences by allowing them to consume and share our content in new ways and providing us with new distribution channels for one-to-one communication with them.

Deliver results to advertisers

Competition for advertising revenue is intense and becoming more so. To remain competitive, we focus on sustaining and growing our audiences, optimizing our pricing strategy and developing innovative marketing programs for our clients that allow them to interact with our audiences in more direct and measurable ways. These programs often include elements such as on-air endorsements, events, contests, special promotions, Internet advertising, email marketing, text messaging and online video. Our ability to deploy multi-touchpoint marketing programs allows us to deliver a stronger return-on-investment for our clients while simultaneously generating ancillary revenue streams for our media properties.

Extend sales efforts into new market segments

Given the competitive pressures in many of our “traditional” advertising categories, we are expanding our network of advertiser relationships into not-for-profits, political advertising, corporate philanthropy, environmental initiatives and government agencies. We believe our capabilities can address these clients’ under-served needs. The early return on these efforts has been encouraging and we plan to shift additional resources toward these efforts over time.

 

4


Enhance the efficiency of our operations

We believe it is essential that we operate our businesses as efficiently as possible. In recent years, we have undertaken a series of aggressive restructurings and cost cuts, and we continue to seek additional opportunities to streamline our operations.

RADIO STATIONS

In the following table, “Market Rank by Revenue” is the ranking of the market revenue size of the principal radio market served by our stations among all radio markets in the United States. Market revenue rankings are from BIA’s Investing in Radio 2011 (4 th Edition). “Ranking in Primary Demographic Target” is the ranking of the station within its designated primary demographic target among all radio stations in its market based on the based on the March 2012 Portable People Meter TM (PPM TM ) results or, in the case of our Terre Haute stations, based on the Fall 2011 Arbitron Survey. A “t” indicates the station tied with another station for the stated ranking. “Station Audience Share” represents a percentage generally computed by dividing the average number of persons in the primary demographic listening to a particular station during specified time periods by the average number of such persons in the primary demographic for all stations in the market area as determined by Arbitron.

 

STATION AND
MARKET

   MARKET
RANK BY
REVENUE
  

FORMAT

   PRIMARY
DEMOGRAPHIC
TARGET AGES
   RANKING IN
PRIMARY
DEMOGRAPHIC
TARGET
   STATION
AUDIENCE
SHARE

Los Angeles, CA 1

   1            

KPWR-FM

      Hip-Hop    18-34    1    7.5

New York, NY 2

   2            

WQHT-FM

      Hip-Hop    18-34    1    8.1

St. Louis, MO

   21            

KPNT-FM

      Alternative Rock    18-34    5    7.8

KSHE-FM

      Album Oriented Rock    25-54    8    5.3

KIHT-FM

      Classic Hits    25-54    9    5.2

KFTK-FM

      Talk    25-54    14    3.9

Austin, TX

   33            

KLBJ-AM

      News/Talk    25-54    5t    5.7

KLZT-FM

      Mexican Regional    18-34    2    8.1

KBPA-FM

      Adult Hits    25-54    2    6.1

KLBJ-FM

      Album Oriented Rock    25-54    5t    5.7

KGSR-FM

      Adult Album Alternative    25-54    12t    4.0

KROX-FM

      Alternative Rock    18-34    9    5.1

Indianapolis, IN

   35            

WFNI-AM

      Sports Talk    25-54    16    3.2

WYXB-FM

      Soft Adult Contemporary    25-54    5    6.2

WLHK-FM

      Country    25-54    8    5.2

WIBC-FM

      News/Talk    35-64    7    5.8

Terre Haute, IN

   226            

WTHI-FM

      Country    25-54    1    21.0

WWVR-FM

      Classic Rock    25-54    3    11.0

 

1  

Our second station in Los Angeles, KXOS-FM, is operating pursuant to a LMA. Under the terms of the LMA, Grupo Radio Centro, S.A.B. de C.V provides the programming for the station and sells all advertising within that programming. Emmis continues to own and operate KXOS-FM.

2  

Our second station in New York, WRKS-FM, is operating pursuant to a LMA. Under the terms of the LMA, New York AM Radio LLC, a subsidiary of Disney Enterprises, Inc., provides the programming for the station and sells all advertising within that programming. Emmis continues to own and operate WRKS-FM.

 

5


In addition to our other domestic radio broadcasting operations, we own and operate Network Indiana, a radio network that provides news and other programming to nearly 85 affiliated radio stations in Indiana. Internationally, we own and operate national radio networks in Slovakia and Bulgaria.

PUBLISHING OPERATIONS

We publish the following magazines:

 

     Monthly
Paid & Verified
Circulation 1
 

Regional Magazines :

  

Texas Monthly

     311,000   

Los Angeles

     142,200   

Atlanta

     67,000   

Orange Coast

     54,100   

Indianapolis Monthly

     42,500   

Cincinnati

     41,300   

Specialty Magazines 2 :

  

Country Sampler

     349,300   

Smart Retailer

     19,700   

INTERNET AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES

We believe that the growth of the Internet and other new technologies present not only a challenge, but an opportunity for broadcasters and publishers. The primary challenge is increased competition for the time and attention of our listeners and readers. The opportunity is to further enhance the relationships we already have with our listeners and readers by expanding products and services offered by our stations and magazines.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

We believe that to be successful, we must be integrally involved in the communities we serve. We see ourselves as community partners. To that end, each of our stations and magazines participates in many community programs, fundraisers and activities that benefit a wide variety of organizations. Charitable organizations that have been the beneficiaries of our contributions, marathons, walkathons, dance-a-thons, concerts, fairs and festivals include, among others, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Coalition for the Homeless, Indiana Black Expo, the Children’s Wish Fund, the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and Special Olympics. Several years ago, the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation honored us with the Hubbard Award, honoring a broadcaster “for extraordinary involvement in serving the community.” Emmis was the second broadcaster to receive this prestigious honor, after the Hubbard family, for which the award is named.

INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT

We have an active leadership role in a wide range of industry organizations. Our senior managers have served in various capacities with industry associations, including as directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Radio Advertising Bureau, the Radio Futures Committee, the Arbitron Advisory Council, and as founding members of the Radio Operators Caucus and Magazine Publishers of America. Our chief executive officer has been honored with the National Association of Broadcasters’ “National Radio Award” and as Radio Ink’s “Radio Executive of the Year.” Our management and on-air personalities have won numerous industry awards.

 

 

1  

Source: Publisher’s Statement subject to audit by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (as of December 31, 2011)

2  

Our specialty magazines are circulated bimonthly

 

6


COMPETITION

Radio broadcasting stations compete with the other broadcasting stations in their respective market areas, as well as with other advertising media such as newspapers, cable, magazines, outdoor advertising, transit advertising, the Internet and direct marketing. Competition within the broadcasting industry occurs primarily in individual market areas, so that a station in one market (e.g., New York) does not generally compete with stations in other markets (e.g., Los Angeles). In each of our markets, our stations face competition from other stations with substantial financial resources, including stations targeting the same demographic groups. In addition to management experience, factors that are material to competitive position include the station’s rank in its market in terms of the number of listeners or viewers, authorized power, assigned frequency, audience characteristics, local program acceptance and the number and characteristics of other stations in the market area. We attempt to improve our competitive position with programming and promotional campaigns aimed at the demographic groups targeted by our stations. We also seek to improve our position through sales efforts designed to attract advertisers that have done little or no radio advertising by emphasizing the effectiveness of radio advertising in increasing the advertisers’ revenues. The policies and rules of the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) permit certain joint ownership and joint operation of local stations. All of our radio stations take advantage of these joint arrangements in an effort to lower operating costs and to offer advertisers more attractive rates and services. Although we believe that each of our stations can compete effectively in its market, there can be no assurance that any of our stations will be able to maintain or increase its current audience ratings or advertising revenue market share.

Although the broadcasting industry is highly competitive, barriers to entry exist. The operation of a broadcasting station in the United States requires a license from the FCC. Also, the number of stations that can operate in a given market is limited by the availability of the frequencies that the FCC will license in that market, as well as by the FCC’s multiple ownership rules regulating the number of stations that may be owned and controlled by a single entity and cross ownership rules which limit the types of media properties in any given market that can be owned by the same person or company.

ADVERTISING SALES

Our stations and magazines derive their advertising revenue from local and regional advertising in the marketplaces in which they operate, as well as from the sale of national advertising. Local and most regional sales are made by a station’s or magazine’s sales staff. National sales are made by firms specializing in such sales, which are compensated on a commission-only basis. We believe that the volume of national advertising revenue tends to adjust to shifts in a station’s audience share position more rapidly than does the volume of local and regional advertising revenue. During the year ended February 29, 2012, approximately 21% of our total advertising revenues were derived from national sales, and 79% were derived from local and regional sales. For the year ended February 29, 2012, our radio stations derived a higher percentage of their advertising revenues from local and regional sales (83%) than our publishing entities (67%).

EMPLOYEES

As of February 29, 2012, Emmis had approximately 810 full-time employees and approximately 330 part-time employees. Approximately 30 employees are represented by unions at our various radio stations. We consider relations with our employees to be good.

INTERNET ADDRESS AND INTERNET ACCESS TO SEC REPORTS

Our Internet address is www.emmis.com . Through our Internet website, free of charge, you may obtain copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. These reports will be available the same day we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the SEC. We have been making such reports available on the same day they are filed during the period covered by this report.

 

7


FEDERAL REGULATION OF BROADCASTING

Radio broadcasting in the United States is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934 (the “Communications Act”), as amended in part by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “1996 Act”). Radio broadcasting is prohibited except in accordance with a license issued by the FCC upon a finding that the public interest, convenience and necessity would be served by the grant of such license. The FCC has the power to revoke licenses for, among other things, false statements made in applications or willful or repeated violations of the Communications Act or of FCC rules. In general, the Communications Act provides that the FCC shall allocate broadcast licenses for radio stations in such a manner as will provide a fair, efficient and equitable distribution of service throughout the United States. The FCC determines the operating frequency, location and power of stations; regulates the equipment used by stations; and regulates numerous other areas of radio broadcasting pursuant to rules, regulations and policies adopted under authority of the Communications Act. The Communications Act, among other things, prohibits the assignment of a broadcast license or the transfer of control of an entity holding such a license without the prior approval of the FCC. Under the Communications Act, the FCC also regulates certain aspects of media that compete with broadcast stations.

The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations and policies. Reference should be made to the Communications Act as well as FCC rules, public notices and rulings for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of radio stations. Other legislation has been introduced from time to time which would amend the Communications Act in various respects, and the FCC from time to time considers new regulations or amendments to its existing regulations. We cannot predict whether any such legislation will be enacted or whether new or amended FCC regulations will be adopted or what their effect would be on Emmis.

 

 

8


LICENSE RENEWAL. Radio stations operate pursuant to broadcast licenses that are ordinarily granted by the FCC for maximum terms of eight years and are subject to renewal upon approval by the FCC. The following table sets forth our FCC license expiration dates in addition to the call letters, license classification, antenna elevation above average terrain (for our FM stations only), power and frequency of all owned stations as of March 31, 2012:

 

Radio Market

  

Stations

  

City of License

   Frequency   

Expiration Date of
License 1

   FCC Class    Height Above
Average
Terrain (in
feet)
  

Power (in
Kilowatts)

Los Angeles, CA

   KPWR-FM    Los Angeles, CA    105.9    December 2013    B    3035    25
   KXOS-FM    Los Angeles, CA    93.9    December 2013    B    3009    18.5

New York, NY

   WQHT-FM    New York, NY    97.1    June 2014    B    1339    6.7
   WRKS-FM    New York, NY    98.7    June 2014    B    1362    6

St. Louis, MO

   KFTK-FM    Florissant, MO    97.1    February 2013    C1    561    100
   KIHT-FM    St. Louis, MO    96.3    February 2013    C1    1027    80
    KPNT-FM   3    Collinsville, IL    105.7    February 2005  2    C    1375    100
   KSHE-FM    Crestwood, MO    94.7    February 2013    C0    1027    100

Austin, TX

   KBPA-FM    San Marcos, TX    103.5    August 2013    C0    1257    100
   KGSR-FM    Cedar Park, TX    93.3    August 2013    C    1926    100
   KLZT-FM    Bastrop, TX    107.1    August 2013    C2    499    49
   KLBJ-AM    Austin, TX    590    August 2013    B    N/A    5 D /1 N
   KLBJ-FM    Austin, TX    93.7    August 2013    C    1050    97
   KROX-FM    Buda, TX    101.5    August 2013    C2    847    12.5

Indianapolis, IN

   WFNI-AM    Indianapolis, IN    1070    August 2012    B    N/A    50 D /10 N
   WLHK-FM    Shelbyville, IN    97.1    August 2012    B    732    23
   WIBC-FM    Indianapolis, IN    93.1    August 2004 2    B    991    13.5
   WYXB-FM    Indianapolis, IN    105.7    August 2012    B    492    50

Terre Haute, IN

   WTHI-FM    Terre Haute, IN    99.9    August 2012    B    489    50
   WWVR-FM    West Terre Haute, IN    105.5    August 2012    A    295    3.3

Under the Communications Act, at the time an application is filed for renewal of a station license, parties in interest, as well as members of the public, may apprise the FCC of the service the station has provided during the preceding license term and urge the denial of the application. If such a petition to deny presents information from which the FCC concludes (or if the FCC concludes on its own motion) that there is a “substantial and material” question as to whether grant of the renewal application would be in the public interest under applicable rules and policy, the FCC may conduct a hearing on specified issues to determine whether the renewal application should be granted. The Communications Act provides for the grant of a renewal application upon a finding by the FCC that the licensee:

 

   

has served the public interest, convenience and necessity;

 

   

has committed no serious violations of the Communications Act or the FCC rules; and

 

   

has committed no other violations of the Communications Act or the FCC rules which would constitute a pattern of abuse.

If the FCC cannot make such a finding, it may deny the renewal application, and only then may the FCC consider competing applications for the same frequency. In a vast majority of cases, the FCC renews a broadcast license even when petitions to deny have been filed against the renewal application.

 

 

1  

Under the Communications Act, a license expiration date is extended automatically pending action on the renewal application.

 

2  

Renewal application is pending.

 

3  

The FCC has authorized changes in technical facilities for KPNT-FM at a new transmitter site as follows: FCC Class, C1; Height Above Average Terrain, 715 ft; and Effective Radiated Power, 64 kW. An application is pending to modify the KPNT authorization by increasing the Height Above Average Terrain to 835 ft. and concomitantly reducing the Effective Radiated Power to 54 kW. The station is authorized to continue operation with its existing facilities until the new facilities are constructed. The KPNT-FM changes require change of the city of license of station KSEF-FM from Farmington to St. Genevieve, MO, which the FCC has approved.

 

9


A petition to deny has been filed against the renewal application for KPNT and remains pending. An informal objection was filed against the renewal applications of the Company’s Indiana radio stations and was rejected by the FCC, and the licenses of all the Indiana radio stations except WIBC were renewed. A petition was filed with the FCC seeking reconsideration of grant of those license renewals, and was rejected. However, an application for review of the decision denying reconsideration was subsequently filed, and remains pending. See “PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION.”

REVIEW OF OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS. The FCC is required by statute to review all of its broadcast ownership rules on a quadrennial basis ( i.e. , every four years) and to repeal or modify any of its rules that are no longer “necessary in the public interest.”

In June of 2003, the FCC modified several of its regulations governing the ownership of radio stations in local markets. In June of 2004, however, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit released a decision which, while affirming the FCC in certain respects, found fault with other aspects of the FCC’s revised rules, remanded them to the agency for further proceedings, and extended a stay on the implementation of certain of the new rules. In December of 2007, the FCC adopted a decision pursuant to the remand ordered by the Court of Appeals. The FCC relaxed its long-standing prohibition on common ownership of a television or radio station and daily newspaper in the same market, presumptively allowing such ownership under limited circumstances. The FCC, however, largely left intact its other pre-2003 ownership rules, including those limiting the number of radio stations that may be commonly owned, or owned in combination with a television station, in a local market. The FCC’s decision was appealed by a number of parties (not including Emmis). The Third Circuit issued a decision in July 2011 which upheld the FCC’s decisions regarding all of its rules except for the revised newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership rule, which the Court vacated and remanded to the Commission based on the Court’s finding that the agency had failed to provide adequate notice and opportunity for comment on the changes to that rule. Several parties (not including Emmis) have petitioned for Supreme Court review of the Third Circuit’s ruling, and those petitions remain pending. Several other parties also jointly filed a petition for reconsideration of the December 2007 decision with the FCC, and that petition similarly remains pending. In 2010, the FCC commenced its most recent statutory quadrennial review of its broadcast ownership rules, and that proceeding is also ongoing. We cannot predict whether such appeals or proceedings will result in modifications of the ownership rules or the impact (if any) that such modifications would have on our business.

The discussion below reviews the pertinent ownership rules currently in effect as well as the changes in the newspaper/broadcast rule adopted in the FCC’s December 2007 decision, which the FCC has largely proposed to reinstate in its most recent quadrennial review.

Local Radio Ownership :

The local radio ownership rule limits the number of commercial radio stations that may be owned by one entity in a given radio market based on the number of radio stations in that market:

 

   

if the market has 45 or more radio stations, one entity may own up to eight stations, not more than five of which may be in the same service (AM or FM);

 

   

if the market has between 30 and 44 radio stations, one entity may own up to seven stations, not more than four of which may be in the same service;

 

   

if the market has between 15 and 29 radio stations, one entity may own up to six stations, not more than four of which may be in the same service; and

 

   

if the market has 14 or fewer radio stations, one entity may own up to five stations, not more than three of which may be in the same service, however one entity may not own more than 50% of the stations in the market.

Each of the markets in which our radio stations are located has at least 15 radio stations.

 

10


For purposes of applying these numerical limits, the FCC has also adopted rules with respect to (i) so-called local marketing agreements, or “LMAs,” by which the licensee of one radio station provides programming for another licensee’s radio station in the same market and sells all of the advertising within that programming and (ii) so-called joint sale agreements, or “JSAs,” by which the licensee of one station sells the advertising time on another station in the market. Under these rules, an entity that owns one or more radio stations in a market and programs more than 15% of the broadcast time, or sells more than 15% of the advertising time, on another radio station in the same market pursuant to an LMA or JSA is generally required to count the station toward its media ownership limits even though it does not own the station. As a result, in a market where we own one or more radio stations, we generally cannot provide programming to another station under an LMA, or sell advertising on another station pursuant to a JSA, if we could not acquire that station under the local radio ownership rule. On April 3, 2009, Emmis entered into an LMA for KXOS-FM in Los Angeles with a subsidiary of Grupo Radio Centro, S.A.B. de C.V (“GRC”), a Mexican broadcasting company. The LMA for KXOS-FM started on April 15, 2009 and will continue for up to 7 years. The LMA fee is $7 million per year. At any time during the LMA, GRC has the right to purchase the station for $110 million. At the end of the term, Emmis has the right to require GRC to purchase the station for the same amount. Under the LMA, Emmis continues to own and operate the station, with GRC providing Emmis with programming for broadcast. Emmis recently amended the purchase right to permit designees of GRC, subject to certain conditions, to purchase the station for $85.5 million if such purchase can be closed by March 27, 2013. Additionally, on April 26, 2012, a subsidiary of Emmis entered into a LMA with New York AM Radio, LLC pursuant to which, commencing April 30, 2012, it began purchasing from Emmis the right to provide programming on radio station WRKS-FM, 98.7FM, New York, NY until August 31, 2024, subject to certain conditions. Disney Enterprises, Inc., the parent company of New York AM Radio, LLC, has guaranteed the obligations under the LMA. Emmis’ subsidiary will retain ownership of the 98.7FM during the term of the LMA and will receive an annual fee of $8.4 million for the first year of the term under the LMA, which fee will increase by 3.5% each year thereafter until the LMA’s termination. In its most recent quadrennial review, the FCC has also sought comment on whether to expand the categories of agreements that are considered for purposes of evaluating compliance with the ownership rules to include agreements such as “shared services agreements” and/or “local news service” agreements.

Although the FCC’s June 2003 decision did not change the numerical caps under the local radio rule, the FCC adjusted the rule by deciding that both commercial and noncommercial stations could be counted in determining the number of stations in a radio market. The decision also altered the definition of the relevant local market for purposes of the rule. The FCC “grandfathered” existing station “clusters” not in compliance with the numerical caps as calculated pursuant to the new market definition, but provided that they could be sold intact only to small businesses meeting certain requirements. In December 2007, the FCC expanded this policy to allow an owner to sell a grandfathered station cluster to any buyer, so long as the buyer commits to file, within 12 months, an application with the FCC to transfer the excess station(s) to an eligible small business or to a trust for ultimate sale to such an entity. Subsequently, however, the Third Circuit vacated the FCC’s selected definition of small businesses eligible to purchase clusters that exceed the numerical limits. The change in market definition appears to impact the Austin, Texas market, such that we exceed the numerical cap for FM stations. If we chose to sell our Austin cluster of stations, we would therefore have to “spin off” one FM station to a separate buyer. The FCC has proposed to retain intact its local radio ownership rule, and has sought comment on alternatives to its previous definition of eligible small businesses, in its most recent quadrennial review.

Cross-Media Ownership :

The FCC’s radio/television cross-ownership rule generally permits the common ownership of the following combinations in the same market, to the extent permitted under the FCC’s television duopoly rule and local radio rules:

 

   

up to two commercial television stations and six commercial radio stations or one commercial television station and seven commercial radio stations in a market where at least 20 independent media voices will remain post-merger;

 

   

up to two commercial television stations and four commercial radio stations in a market where at least 10 independent media voices will remain post-merger; and

 

   

two commercial television stations and one commercial radio station in a market with less than 10 independent media voices that will remain post-merger.

For purposes of this rule, the FCC counts as “voices” commercial and non-commercial broadcast television and radio stations as well as some daily newspapers and no more than one cable operator. The FCC will consider permanent waivers of its revised radio/television cross-ownership rule only if one of the stations is a “failed station.” The FCC has proposed to eliminate this rule in its most recent quadrennial review.

FCC rules also generally prohibit common ownership of a daily newspaper and a radio or television station in the same local market. As noted above, in its December 2007 decision, the FCC adopted rules that contained a presumption in favor of allowing ownership of one television or radio station in combination with one daily newspaper in the 20 largest media markets. In smaller markets, there would have been a presumption against allowing such ownership. In the case of proposed TV/newspaper combinations, the TV station could not be among the top four ranked stations in its market, and at least eight independently owned and operated TV stations would have had to remain in the market post-transaction. As also noted above, the Third Circuit vacated these changes to the newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership ban on procedural grounds, but the FCC has largely proposed to reinstate them in its most recent quadrennial review.

 

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ALIEN OWNERSHIP. Under the Communications Act, no FCC license may be held by a corporation if more than one-fifth of its capital stock is owned or voted by aliens or their representatives, a foreign government or representative thereof, or an entity organized under the laws of a foreign country (collectively, “Non-U.S. Persons”). Furthermore, the Communications Act provides that no FCC license may be granted to an entity directly or indirectly controlled by another entity of which more than one-fourth of its capital stock is owned or voted by Non-U.S. Persons if the FCC finds that the public interest will be served by the denial of such license. The FCC staff has interpreted this provision to require an affirmative public interest finding to permit the grant or holding of a license, and such a finding has been made only in limited circumstances. The foregoing restrictions on alien ownership apply in modified form to other types of business organizations, including partnerships and limited liability companies. An LMA with a foreign owned company is not prohibited as long as the non-foreign holder of the FCC license continues to control and operate the station. Our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Code of By-Laws authorize the Board of Directors to prohibit such restricted alien ownership, voting or transfer of capital stock as would cause Emmis to violate the Communications Act or FCC regulations.

ATTRIBUTION OF OWNERSHIP INTERESTS. In applying its ownership rules, the FCC has developed specific criteria that it uses to determine whether a certain ownership interest or other relationship with an FCC licensee is significant enough to be “attributable” or “cognizable” under its rules. Specifically, among other relationships, certain stockholders, officers and directors of a broadcasting company are deemed to have an attributable interest in the licenses held by that company, such that there would be a violation of the FCC’s rules where the broadcasting company and such a stockholder, officer or director together hold attributable interests in more than the permitted number of stations or a prohibited combination of outlets in the same market. The FCC’s regulations generally deem the following relationships and interests to be attributable for purposes of its ownership restrictions:

 

   

all officer and director positions in a licensee or its direct/indirect parent(s);

 

   

voting stock interests of at least 5% (or 20%, if the holder is a passive institutional investor, i.e. , a mutual fund, insurance company or bank);

 

   

any equity interest in a limited partnership or limited liability company where the limited partner or member is “materially involved” in the media-related activities of the LP or LLC and has not been “insulated” from such activities pursuant to specific FCC criteria;

 

   

equity and/or debt interests which, in the aggregate, exceed 33% of the total asset value of a station or other media entity (the “equity/debt plus policy”), if the interest holder supplies more than 15% of the station’s total weekly programming (usually pursuant to a time brokerage, local marketing or network affiliation agreement) or is a same-market media entity ( i.e. , broadcast company or newspaper). In December of 2007, the FCC increased these limits under certain circumstances where the equity and/or debt interests are in a small business meeting certain requirements.

To assess whether a voting stock interest in a direct or indirect parent corporation of a broadcast licensee is attributable, the FCC uses a “multiplier” analysis in which non-controlling voting stock interests are deemed proportionally reduced at each non-controlling link in a multi-corporation ownership chain.

Under existing FCC policy, in the case of corporations having a “single majority shareholder,” the interests of minority shareholders are generally not deemed attributable. Because Jeffrey H. Smulyan’s voting interest in the Company currently exceeds 50%, this exemption appears to apply to the Company. Elimination of the exemption is, however, under consideration by the FCC. If the exemption is eliminated, or if Mr. Smulyan’s voting interest falls to or below 50%, then the interests of any minority shareholders that meet or exceed the thresholds described above would become attributable and would be combined with the Company’s interests for purposes of determining compliance with FCC ownership rules.

Ownership-rule conflicts arising as a result of aggregating the media interests of the Company and its attributable shareholders could require divestitures by either the Company or the affected shareholders. Any such conflicts could result in Emmis being unable to obtain FCC consents necessary for future acquisitions. Conversely, Emmis’ media interests could operate to restrict other media investments by shareholders having or acquiring an interest in Emmis.

ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS OF CONTROL. The Communications Act prohibits the assignment of a broadcast license or the transfer of control of a broadcast licensee without the prior approval of the FCC. In determining whether to grant such approval, the FCC considers a number of factors, including compliance with the various rules limiting common ownership of media properties, the “character” of the assignee or transferee and those persons holding attributable interests therein and compliance with the Communications Act’s limitations on alien ownership as well as other statutory and regulatory requirements. When evaluating an assignment or transfer of control application, the FCC is prohibited from considering whether the public interest might be served by an assignment of the broadcast license or transfer of control of the licensee to a party other than the assignee or transferee specified in the application.

 

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PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION. The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the “public interest.” Beginning in the late 1970s, the FCC gradually relaxed or eliminated many of the more formalized procedures it had developed to promote the broadcast of certain types of programming responsive to the needs of a station’s community of license. However, licensees continue to be required to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests and to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness.

Federal law prohibits the broadcast of obscene material at any time and the broadcast of indecent material during specified time periods; these prohibitions are subject to enforcement by the FCC and carry fines of up to $325,000 per violation.

In August 2004, Emmis entered into a Consent Decree with the FCC, pursuant to which (i) the company adopted a compliance plan intended to avoid future indecency violations, (ii) the company admitted, solely for purposes of the Decree, that certain prior broadcasts were “indecent,” (iii) the company agreed to make a voluntary payment of $300,000 to the U.S. Treasury, (iv) the FCC rescinded its prior enforcement actions against the company based on allegedly indecent broadcasts, and agreed not to use against the company any indecency violations based on complaints within the FCC’s possession as of the date of the Decree or “similar” complaints based on pre-Decree broadcasts, and (v) the FCC found that neither the alleged indecency violations nor the circumstances surrounding a civil suit filed by an announcer at an Emmis station that has since been sold raised any substantial and material questions concerning the company’s qualifications to hold FCC licenses. The Consent Decree was subsequently upheld by a federal court of appeals. Petitions were filed against the license renewal applications of KPNT and the previously owned station, and an informal objection was filed against the license renewals of the company’s Indiana radio stations, in each case based primarily on the matters covered by the Decree. The petition against KPNT remains pending. The objections against the Indiana license renewals and a petition for reconsideration of the grant of those applications were rejected by the FCC, but applications for review of those FCC actions are pending. Subsequent to the approval of the Consent Decree, the company has received letters of inquiry from the FCC alleging additional violations of the indecency rules. The broadcasts covered by these letters of inquiry are not covered by the Consent Decree and could result in the imposition of liability.

The FCC’s indecency rules are also the subject of ongoing litigation. In July 2010, the Second Circuit held the FCC’s indecency standards to be unconstitutionally vague in violation of the First Amendment. The Second Circuit later vacated the agency decision at issue in another appeal based on its earlier decision. The FCC is challenging these rulings in the Supreme Court in a case which remains pending. The Third Circuit issued a decision vacating another FCC indecency ruling in November 2011, and the FCC has sought Supreme Court review of this decision. Several district court actions regarding the indecency rules also remain pending. The outcome of these judicial proceedings will affect future FCC policies in this area and could impact the FCC’s action on the outstanding complaints involving Emmis stations.

In 2006, the FCC commenced an industry-wide inquiry into possible violations of sponsorship identification requirements and “payola” in the radio industry. Its initial inquiries were directed to four radio groups (Emmis was not one of them), and in April 2007, those groups entered into Consent Decrees with the FCC to resolve outstanding investigations and allegations. Emmis received similar inquiries from the FCC concerning an individual complaint which alleged violations of the sponsorship identification requirements and submitted responses and in April 2011 entered into a Consent Decree with the FCC to resolve these inquiries. Pursuant to the Consent Decree, (i) the company adopted a compliance plan intended to avoid violations of the sponsorship identification requirements, (ii) the company agreed to make a voluntary payment of $12,000 to the U.S. Treasury, and (iii) the FCC terminated its investigation of the matters covered by the complaint and agreed not to use against the company the facts that it had developed in its investigation of the complaint or the existence of the Consent Decree.

Stations also must pay regulatory and application fees and follow various rules promulgated under the Communications Act that regulate, among other things, political advertising, sponsorship identification, equal employment opportunities, contest and lottery advertisements, and technical operations, including limits on radio frequency radiation.

Failure to observe FCC rules and policies can result in the imposition of various sanctions, including monetary fines, the grant of “short-term” (less than the maximum term) license renewals or, for particularly egregious violations, the denial of a license renewal application or the revocation of a license.

 

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ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND PROPOSED CHANGES. The FCC has adopted rules implementing a new low power FM (“LPFM”) service, and approximately 800 such stations are in operation. In November of 2007, the FCC adopted rules that, among other things, enhance LPFM’s interference protection from subsequently-authorized full-service stations. Congress then passed legislation eliminating certain minimum distance separation requirements between full-power and LPFM stations, thereby reducing the interference protection afforded to FM stations. As required by the legislation, the FCC in January 2012 submitted a report to Congress indicating that the results of a statutorily mandated economic study indicated that, on the whole, LPFM stations do not currently have, and in the future are unlikely to have, a demonstrable economic impact on full-service commercial FM radio stations. Nevertheless, we cannot predict whether any LPFM stations will interfere with the coverage of our radio stations.

In June of 2009, the FCC adopted rules that allow an AM radio station to use currently authorized FM translator stations to retransmit the AM station’s programming within the AM station’s authorized service area.

The FCC also previously authorized the launch and operation of a satellite digital audio radio service (“SDARS”) system. In July of 2008, the two original SDARS companies—Sirius Satellite Radio, Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc.—merged into a new company called Sirius XM, which currently provides nationwide programming service. Sirius XM also offers channels that provide local traffic and weather information for major cities.

In October of 2002, the FCC issued an order selecting a technical standard for terrestrial digital audio broadcasting (“DAB,” also known as high definition radio or “HD Radio”). The in-band, on-channel (“IBOC”) technology chosen by the agency allows AM and FM radio broadcasters to introduce digital operations and permits existing stations to operate on their current frequencies in either full analog mode, full digital mode, or a combination of both (at reduced power). In March 2005, the FCC announced that, pending adoption of final rules, it would allow stations on an interim basis to broadcast multiple digital channels. In March 2007, the FCC adopted service rules for HD Radio ® . Significantly, the FCC decided to allow FM stations to broadcast digital multicast streams without seeking prior FCC authority, to provide datacasting services, to lease excess digital capacity to third parties, and to offer subscription services pursuant to requests for experimental authority. Under the new rules, FM stations may operate in the “extended hybrid mode,” which provides more flexibility for multicasting and datacasting services; and may use separate analog and digital antennas without seeking prior FCC authority. FM translators, FM boosters and low power FM stations may also broadcast digitally where feasible, and AM stations may now operate digitally during nighttime hours. The new rules mandate that broadcasters offering digital service provide at least one free over-the-air signal comparable in quality to their analog signal and that they simulcast their analog programming on their main digital stream, and prohibit broadcasters from operating exclusively in digital. The FCC declined either to set any mandatory deadline for broadcasters to convert to digital operations or to impose additional public interest obligations (beyond those that already apply to analog broadcasters) on digital broadcasters. The FCC did, however, adopt a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on (among other things) whether additional public interest obligations are necessary, including consideration of a requirement that radio stations report their public service programming in detail on a standardized form and post that form and all other contents of their public inspection files on the station’s website. (The FCC subsequently imposed such a requirement on television stations in November of 2007; broadcasters challenged the requirement and the FCC later vacated it, but the agency has since sought comment on whether it should reimpose a similar mandate.) In January 2010, the FCC revised its DAB service rules to allow FM DAB stations to increase the permitted power levels of DAB transmissions. In September 2008, shortly after approving the Sirius-XM merger, the FCC sought comment on whether it should mandate the inclusion of HD Radio ® features in satellite radio receivers. That proceeding remains pending, and we cannot predict its outcome or the impact that a decision might have on our business.

For the license period 2006-2015, Emmis has been paying royalty rates for non-interactive Internet streaming of sound recordings in accordance with a settlement agreement reached in February 2009 between the National Association of Broadcasters (“NAB”) and SoundExchange (the entity that represents the recording industry and receives royalty payments from webcasters). On March 9, 2011, the Copyright Royalty Board (“CRB”) published statutory royalty rates and terms for non-interactive Internet streaming of sound recordings for 2011-2015. The rates do not apply to services, like Emmis’ Internet streaming services, that are governed by the NAB-SoundExchange settlement. For radio broadcasters, however, the CRB modeled the statutory rates after the rates agreed to in the settlement; both sets of rates increase from 0.17 cent per listener per song in 2011 to 0.25 cent per listener per song in 2015. A group of noncommercial educational college broadcasters appealed the CRB’s decision, challenging the appointment of the Copyright Royalty Judges as violating the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The appeal was argued on February 7, 2012 and remains pending. The outcome of the appeal, however, will not directly affect groups such as Emmis that pay rates under separately negotiated agreements.

Legislation has also been introduced in past Congresses that would require terrestrial radio broadcasters to pay performance royalties to performers, ending a long-standing copyright law exception, and similar legislation may be introduced in the future. If enacted, such legislation could have an adverse impact on the cost of music programming.

 

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In December of 2007, the FCC initiated a proceeding to consider imposing requirements intended to promote broadcasters’ service to their local communities, including (i) requiring stations to establish a “community advisory board,” (ii) reinstating a requirement that a station’s main studio be in its community of license and (iii) imposing local programming “guidelines” that, if not met, would result in additional scrutiny of a station’s license renewal application. While many broadcasters have opposed these proposals, we cannot predict how the FCC will resolve the issue.

In February of 2012, Congress passed legislation authorizing the FCC to conduct an incentive auction to redistribute spectrum currently used by television broadcasters and to require television broadcasters that do not participate in the auction to make certain modifications to their transmission facilities. The spectrum used by radio broadcasters such as Emmis, however, is not included in this legislation, and the FCC will need to adopt rules to implement it.

Congress and the FCC also have under consideration, and may in the future consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of additional matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect the operation, ownership and profitability of our broadcast stations, result in the loss of audience share and advertising revenues for our broadcast stations and/or affect our ability to acquire additional broadcast stations or finance such acquisitions. Such matters include, but are not limited to:

 

   

proposals to impose spectrum use or other fees on FCC licensees;

 

   

proposals to repeal or modify some or all of the FCC’s multiple ownership rules and/or policies;

 

   

proposals to change rules relating to political broadcasting;

 

   

technical and frequency allocation matters;

 

   

AM stereo broadcasting;

 

   

proposals to modify service and technical rules for digital radio, including possible additional public interest requirements for terrestrial digital audio broadcasters;

 

   

proposals to restrict or prohibit the advertising of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages;

 

   

proposals to tighten safety guidelines relating to radio frequency radiation exposure;

 

   

proposals permitting FM stations to accept formerly impermissible interference;

 

   

proposals to reinstate holding periods for licenses;

 

   

changes to broadcast technical requirements related to the implementation of SDARS;

 

   

proposals to reallocate spectrum associated with TV channels 5 and 6 for FM radio broadcasting;

 

   

proposals to modify broadcasters’ public interest obligations;

 

   

proposals to limit the tax deductibility of advertising expenses by advertisers; and

 

   

proposals to regulate violence and hate speech in broadcasts.

We cannot predict whether any proposed changes will be adopted, what other matters might be considered in the future, or what impact, if any, the implementation of any of these proposals or changes might have on our business.

The foregoing is only a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations. Reference should be made to the Communications Act as well as FCC regulations, public notices and rulings for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of broadcast stations.

REGULATION OF BROADCASTING IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Each of our broadcast properties outside the United States also operates pursuant to licenses granted by a government regulator comparable to the FCC. The following table sets forth the regulator, the city or country of license and the license expiration date for each of our international radio properties:

 

Property

   Country   

Regulator

  

Expiration

Radio Expres

   Slovakia    Council for Broadcasting and Retransmission    February 2021

Radio FM+

   Bulgaria    The Council for Electronic Media    February 2024 to February 2026

Radio Fresh

   Bulgaria    The Council for Electronic Media    February 2025 to February 2026

Star FM

   Bulgaria    The Council for Electronic Media    February 2026

 

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Broadcast licenses in many foreign countries do not necessarily confer the same renewal expectancy as U.S. radio stations broadcast licenses. While we believe that we have reasonable prospects for securing extensions of our remaining international broadcast licenses, we cannot be sure that such extensions will be granted or that the terms and conditions of such extensions will not have a material adverse effect on our international operations. For instance, on October 28, 2009, the Hungarian National Radio and Television Board (ORTT) announced that it was awarding to another bidder the national radio license then held by our majority-owned subsidiary, Slager. Slager ceased broadcasting effective November 19, 2009. We are seeking equitable relief through the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) as we believe the award of the license by the ORTT to the other bidder violated Hungarian law and various bilateral investment treaties.

In addition, the broadcast licenses in these countries require our stations to comply with various other regulatory requirements, including broadcast content requirements (e.g., a certain amount of local news), limits on the amounts and types of advertising, and the like.

GEOGRAPHIC FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company’s segments operate primarily in the United States with national radio networks in Slovakia and Bulgaria. The following tables summarize relevant financial information by geographic area. Net revenues and noncurrent assets related to discontinued operations are excluded for all periods presented.

 

     Year Ended Febraury 28 (29),  
     2010      2011      2012  
     (amounts in thousands)  

Net Revenues:

        

Domestic

   $ 225,909       $ 236,329       $ 222,489   

International

     16,193         14,427         13,518   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 242,102       $ 250,756       $ 236,007   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     As of February 28 (29),  
     2010      2011      2012  
     (amounts in thousands)  

Noncurrent Assets:

        

Domestic

   $ 412,140       $ 400,228       $ 279,188   

International

     10,490         8,299         6,891   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 422,630       $ 408,527       $ 286,079   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

The risk factors listed below, in addition to those set forth elsewhere in this report, could affect the business and future results of the Company. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.

Risks Related to our Indebtedness:

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health.

We have a significant amount of indebtedness. At February 29, 2012, our total indebtedness was $237.7 million, consisting of $203.8 million under our Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated November 2, 2006, as further amended on March 3, 2009, August 19, 2009, March 29, 2011, November 10, 2011, March 20, 2012 and April 26, 2012 (the “Credit Agreement”) and $33.9 million of our senior unsecured notes. Our shareholders’ deficit was $101.2 million. Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to investors. For example, it could:

 

   

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness;

 

   

increase our vulnerability to generally adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;

 

   

result in higher interest expense in the event of increases in interest rates because some of our debt is at variable rates of interest;

 

   

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our businesses and the industries in which we operate;

 

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place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and

 

   

limit, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our Credit Agreement, our ability to borrow additional funds.

Our Credit Agreement begins to mature November 2, 2012 and we may not be able to refinance this indebtedness as it matures.

The revolving credit commitment (“revolver”) under our Credit Agreement matures November 2, 2012. The non-extended term loans mature November 1, 2013 and the extended term loans mature November 1, 2014. We rely on our revolver for liquidity due to the seasonality in our business. While we expect to refinance our Credit Agreement or secure other appropriate amendments prior to the maturity of our revolver, we cannot assure investors that we will be able to refinance our Credit Agreement or secure appropriate amendments on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

If we cannot continue to comply with the financial covenants in our debt instruments, or obtain waivers or other relief from our lenders, we may default, which could result in loss of our sources of liquidity and acceleration of our indebtedness.

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, and the instrument governing such indebtedness contains restrictive financial covenants. Our ability to comply with the covenants in our debt instruments will depend upon our future performance and various other factors, such as business, competitive, technological, legislative and regulatory factors, some of which are beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain compliance with all of these covenants. In that event, we would need to seek an amendment to our debt instruments, or would need to refinance our debt instruments. Under amendments to our debt instruments, certain covenants have been modified or suspended, but more stringent covenant requirements are scheduled to resume in late 2012. There can be no assurance that we can obtain future amendments or waivers of our debt instruments, or refinance our debt instruments and, even if so, it is likely that such relief would only last for a specified period, potentially necessitating additional amendments, waivers or refinancings in the future. In the event that we do not maintain compliance with the covenants under our debt instruments, the lenders could declare an event of default, subject to applicable notice and cure provisions, resulting in a material adverse impact on our financial position. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our debt instruments, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit facility to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. Our lenders under our senior credit facility have taken security interests in substantially all of our consolidated assets. If the lenders accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we may be forced to liquidate certain assets to repay all or part of our debt instruments, and we cannot be assured that sufficient assets will remain for us to continue our business operations after we have paid all of the borrowings under our debt instruments. Our ability to liquidate assets is affected by the regulatory restrictions associated with radio stations, including FCC licensing, which may make the market for these assets less liquid and increase the chances that these assets will be liquidated at a significant loss.

The terms of our indebtedness and the indebtedness of our direct and indirect subsidiaries may restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to respond to changes in market conditions or to take some actions.

Our debt instruments impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions significantly limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, issue preferred stock, incur liens, pay dividends, enter into asset purchase or sale transactions, merge or consolidate with another company, dispose of all or substantially all of our assets or make certain other payments or investments.

These restrictions currently limit our ability to grow our business through acquisitions and could limit our ability to respond to market conditions or meet extraordinary capital needs. They also could restrict our corporate activities in other ways. These restrictions could adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs.

To service our indebtedness and other obligations, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, to pay dividends and to fund capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This ability to generate cash, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Our businesses might not generate sufficient cash flow from operations. We might not be able to complete future offerings, and future borrowings might not be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We cannot assure investors that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

 

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Risks Related to our Business

Our results of operations could be negatively impacted by weak economic conditions and instability in financial markets.

We believe that advertising is a discretionary business expense. Spending on advertising tends to decline disproportionately during an economic recession or downturn as compared to other types of business spending. Consequently, a downturn in the United States economy generally has an adverse effect on our advertising revenue and, therefore, our results of operations. A recession or downturn in the economy of any individual geographic market, particularly a major market such as Los Angeles or New York, also generally has a significant effect on us. The recent recession in the global economy negatively impacted our results of operations. While economic conditions appear to be improving, unemployment remains high and we cannot ensure that our results of operations won’t be negatively impacted by delays or reversals in the economic recovery or by future economic downturns.

Even with a recovery from the recent recession in the economy, an individual business sector (such as the automotive industry) that tends to spend more on advertising than other sectors might be forced to maintain a reduced level of advertising expenditures if that sector experiences a slower recovery than the economy in general, or might reduce its advertising expenditures further if additional downturns occur. If that sector’s spending represents a significant portion of our advertising revenues, any reduction in its advertising expenditures may affect our revenue.

We may lose audience share and advertising revenue to competing radio stations or other types of media.

We operate in highly competitive industries. Our radio stations compete for audiences and advertising revenue with other radio stations and station groups, as well as with other media. Shifts in population, demographics, audience tastes, consumer use of technology and forms of media and other factors beyond our control could cause us to lose market share. Any adverse change in a particular market, or adverse change in the relative market positions of the stations located in a particular market, could have a material adverse effect on our revenue or ratings, could require increased promotion or other expenses in that market, and could adversely affect our revenue in other markets. Other radio broadcasting companies may enter the markets in which we operate or may operate in the future. These companies may be larger and have more financial resources than we have. Our radio stations may not be able to maintain or increase their current audience ratings and advertising revenue in the face of such competition.

We routinely conduct market research to review the competitive position of our stations in their respective markets. If we determine that a station could improve its operating performance by serving a different demographic within its market, we may change the format of that station. Our competitors may respond to our actions by more aggressive promotions of their stations or by replacing the format we vacate, limiting our options if we do not achieve expected results with our new format.

From time to time, other stations may change their format or programming, a new station may adopt a format to compete directly with our stations for audiences and advertisers, or stations might engage in aggressive promotional campaigns. These tactics could result in lower ratings and advertising revenue or increased promotion and other expenses and, consequently, lower earnings and cash flow for us. Any failure by us to respond, or to respond as quickly as our competitors, could also have an adverse effect on our business and financial performance.

Because of the competitive factors we face, we cannot assure investors that we will be able to maintain or increase our current audience ratings and advertising revenue.

Our domestic radio operations are heavily concentrated in the New York and Los Angeles markets.

Our radio operations in New York and Los Angeles, including the LMA fee we receive from GRC, account for nearly 50% of our domestic radio revenues. Our results from operations can be materially affected by decreased ratings or resulting revenues in either one of these markets.

 

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We must respond to the rapid changes in technology, services and standards that characterize our industry in order to remain competitive.

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological changes, evolving industry standards and the emergence of competition from new technologies and services. We cannot assure that we will have the resources to acquire new technologies or to introduce new services that could compete with these new technologies. Various media technologies and services that have been developed or introduced include:

 

  satellite-delivered digital audio radio service, which has resulted in subscriber-based satellite radio services with numerous niche formats;

 

  audio programming by cable systems, direct-broadcast satellite systems, personal communications systems, Internet content providers and other digital audio broadcast formats;

 

 

personal digital audio devices (e.g., audio via Wi-Fi, mobile phones, iPods ® , iPhones ® , WiMAX, the Internet and MP3 players);

 

 

HD Radio ® , which provides multi-channel, multi-format digital radio services in the same bandwidth currently occupied by traditional AM and FM radio services; and

 

  low-power FM radio, which could result in additional FM radio broadcast outlets, including additional low-power FM radio signals authorized in December 2010 under the Local Community Radio Act.

New media has resulted in fragmentation in the advertising market, but we cannot predict the impact that additional competition arising from new technologies may have on the radio broadcasting industry or on our financial condition and results of operations. We also cannot ensure that our investments in HD Radio ® and other technologies will produce the desired returns.

Our business depends on maintaining our licenses with the FCC. We could be prevented from operating a radio station if we fail to maintain its license.

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to extensive and changing regulation. The Communications Act and FCC rules and policies require FCC approval for transfers of control and assignments of FCC licenses. The filing of petitions or complaints against FCC licensees could result in the FCC delaying the grant of, or refusing to grant, its consent to the assignment of licenses to or from an FCC licensee or the transfer of control of an FCC licensee. In certain circumstances, the Communications Act and FCC rules and policies will operate to impose limitations on alien ownership and voting of our common stock. There can be no assurance that there will be no changes in the current regulatory scheme, the imposition of additional regulations or the creation of new regulatory agencies, which changes could restrict or curtail our ability to acquire, operate and dispose of stations or, in general, to compete profitably with other operators of radio and other media properties.

Each of our domestic radio stations operates pursuant to one or more licenses issued by the FCC. Under FCC rules, radio licenses are granted for a term of eight years. Our licenses expire at various times through June 2014. Although we will apply to renew these licenses, third parties may challenge our renewal applications. While we are not aware of facts or circumstances that would prevent us from having our current licenses renewed, there can be no assurance that the licenses will be renewed or that renewals will not include conditions or qualifications that could adversely affect our business and operations. Failure to obtain the renewal of any of our broadcast licenses may have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. In addition, if we or any of our officers, directors or significant stockholders materially violates the FCC’s rules and regulations or the Communications Act, is convicted of a felony or is found to have engaged in unlawful anticompetitive conduct or fraud upon another government agency, the FCC may, in response to a petition from a third party or on its own initiative, in its discretion, commence a proceeding to impose sanctions upon us which could involve the imposition of monetary fines, the revocation of our broadcast licenses or other sanctions. If the FCC were to issue an order denying a license renewal application or revoking a license, we would be required to cease operating the applicable radio station only after we had exhausted all rights to administrative and judicial review without success.

The FCC has engaged in vigorous enforcement of its indecency rules against the broadcast industry, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The FCC’s rules prohibit the broadcast of obscene material at any time and indecent material between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Broadcasters risk violating the prohibition on the broadcast of indecent material because of the FCC’s broad definition of such material, coupled with the spontaneity of live programming.

Congress has dramatically increased the penalties for broadcasting obscene, indecent or profane programming and broadcasters can potentially face license revocation, renewal or qualification proceedings in the event that they broadcast indecent material. In addition, the FCC’s heightened focus on indecency, against the broadcast industry generally, may encourage third parties to oppose our license renewal applications or applications for consent to acquire broadcast stations. As a result of these developments, we have implemented certain measures that are designed to reduce the risk of broadcasting indecent material in violation of the FCC’s rules. These and other future modifications to our programming in an effort to reduce the risk of indecency violations could have an adverse effect on our competitive position.

 

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Any changes in current FCC ownership regulations may negatively impact our ability to compete or otherwise harm our business operations.

The FCC is required to review all of its broadcast ownership rules every four years and to repeal or modify any of its rules that are no longer “necessary in the public interest.” We cannot predict the impact of these reviews on our business or their effect on our ability to acquire broadcast stations in the future or to continue to own and freely transfer stations that we have already acquired.

In 2003, we acquired a controlling interest in five FM stations and one AM station in the Austin, Texas market. Under ownership regulations released after the date of our acquisition, it appears that we would be permitted to own or control only four FM stations in the Austin market (ownership of one AM station would continue to be allowed). The new rules do not require divestiture of existing non-conforming station combinations, but do provide that such clusters may be transferred only to defined small business entities or to buyers that commit to selling any excess stations to such entities within one year. Consequently, if we wish to sell our interest in the Austin stations, we will have to either sell to an entity that meets those FCC requirements or exclude at least one FM station from the transaction.

Changes in current Federal regulations could adversely affect our business operations.

Congress and the FCC have under consideration, and may in the future consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies that could, directly or indirectly, affect the profitability of our broadcast stations. In particular, Congress is considering a revocation of radio’s exemption from paying royalties to performing artists for use of their recordings (radio already pays a royalty to songwriters). A requirement to pay additional royalties could have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial performance.

Our business strategy and our ability to operate profitably depend on the continued services of our key employees, the loss of whom could materially adversely affect our business.

Our ability to maintain our competitive position depends to a significant extent on the efforts and abilities of our senior management team and certain key employees. Although our executive officers are typically under employment agreements, their managerial, technical and other services would be difficult to replace if we lose the services of one or more of them or other key personnel. Our business could be seriously harmed if one of them decides to join a competitor or otherwise competes directly or indirectly against us.

Our radio stations employ or independently contract with several on-air personalities and hosts of syndicated radio programs with significant loyal audiences in their respective broadcast areas. These on-air personalities are sometimes significantly responsible for the ranking of a station and, thus, the ability of the station to sell advertising. These individuals may not remain with our radio stations and may not retain their audiences.

Future operation of our business may require significant additional capital.

The continued development, growth and operation of our businesses may require substantial capital. In particular, additional acquisitions may require large amounts of capital. We intend to fund our growth, including acquisitions, if any, with cash generated from operations, borrowings under our Credit Agreement, and proceeds from future issuances of debt and equity, both public and private. Currently, the Credit Agreement substantially limits our ability to make acquisitions. Our ability to raise additional debt or equity financing is subject to market conditions, our financial condition and other factors. If we cannot obtain financing on acceptable terms when needed, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted.

Our current and future operations are subject to certain risks that are unique to operating in a foreign country.

We currently have international operations in Slovakia and Bulgaria. Therefore, we are exposed to risks inherent in international business operations. The risks of doing business in foreign countries include the following:

 

  changing regulatory or taxation policies, including changes in tax policies that have been proposed by the Obama Administration related to foreign earnings;

 

  currency exchange risks;

 

20


  changes in diplomatic relations or hostility from local populations;

 

  seizure of our property by the government or restrictions on our ability to transfer our property or earnings out of the foreign country;

 

  potential instability of foreign governments, which might result in losses against which we are not insured; and

 

  difficulty of enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through some foreign legal systems.

Broadcast licenses in many foreign countries do not necessarily confer the same renewal expectancy as U.S. radio stations broadcast licenses. While we believe that we have reasonable prospects for securing extensions of our remaining international broadcast licenses, we cannot be sure that such extensions will be granted or that the terms and conditions of such extensions will not have a material adverse effect on our international operations. For instance, on October 28, 2009, the Hungarian National Radio and Television Board (ORTT) announced that it was awarding to another bidder the national radio license then held by our majority-owned subsidiary, Slager. Slager ceased broadcasting effective November 19, 2009. We are seeking equitable relief through the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) as we believe the award of the license by the ORTT to the other bidder violated Hungarian law and various bilateral investment treaties.

Exchange rates may cause future losses in our international operations .

Because we own assets in foreign countries and derive revenue from our international operations, we may incur currency translation losses due to changes in the values of foreign currencies and in the value of the United States dollar. We cannot predict the effect of exchange rate fluctuations upon future operating results.

We have incurred cumulative losses over the past three years and we may incur future losses.

We have reported cumulative net losses in our consolidated statement of operations over the past three years predominately due to the recording of non-cash impairment charges related to FCC licenses and goodwill. As of February 29, 2012, our FCC licenses and goodwill comprise 70% of our total assets. If events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of the FCC licenses and goodwill below the amount reflected on the balance sheet, we may be required to recognize impairment charges, which may be material, in future periods.

Our failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 could cause a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.

In connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the period ended August 31, 2009, the Company discovered a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting. As disclosed in our Form 10-Q Report for the period ended November 30, 2009, we remediated the material weakness. As such, as of November 30, 2009, based upon the controls evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls were once again effective to provide reasonable assurance that information relating to Emmis that is required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In future periods, there are no assurances that we will not have additional material weaknesses that would be required to be reported or that we will be able to comply with the reporting deadline requirements of Section 404. A reported material weakness or the failure to meet the reporting deadline requirements of Section 404 could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. This loss of confidence could cause a decline in the market price of our stock.

Our operating results have been and may again be adversely affected by acts of war, terrorism and natural catastrophes.

Acts of war and terrorism against the United States, and the country’s response to such acts, may negatively affect the U.S. advertising market, which could cause our advertising revenues to decline due to advertising cancellations, delays or defaults in payment for advertising time, and other factors. In addition, these events may have other negative effects on our business, the nature and duration of which we cannot predict.

For example, after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, we decided that the public interest would be best served by the presentation of continuous commercial-free coverage of the unfolding events on our stations. This temporary policy had a material adverse effect on our advertising revenues and operating results for the month of September 2001. Future events like those of September 11, 2001 may cause us to adopt similar policies, which could have a material adverse effect on our advertising revenues and operating results.

 

21


Additionally, the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 resulted in the destruction of the transmitter facilities that were located there. Although we had no transmitter facilities located at the World Trade Center, broadcasters that had facilities located in the destroyed buildings experienced temporary disruptions in their ability to broadcast. Since we tend to locate transmission facilities for stations serving urban areas on tall buildings or other significant structures, such as the Empire State Building in New York, further terrorist attacks or other disasters could cause similar disruptions in our broadcasts in the areas affected. If these disruptions occur, we may not be able to locate adequate replacement facilities in a cost-effective or timely manner or at all. Failure to remedy disruptions caused by terrorist attacks or other disasters and any resulting degradation in signal coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Similarly, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, wild fires and other natural disasters can have a material adverse effect on our operations in any given market. While we generally carry property insurance covering such catastrophes, we cannot be sure that the proceeds from such insurance will be sufficient to offset the costs of rebuilding or repairing our property or the lost income.

Risks Related to our Common Stock:

One shareholder controls a majority of the voting power of our common stock, and his interest may conflict with those of investors.

As of May 1, 2012, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President, Jeffrey H. Smulyan, beneficially owned shares representing approximately 64% of the outstanding combined voting power of all classes of our common stock, as calculated pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act. He therefore is in a position to exercise substantial influence over the outcome of most matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, including the election of directors.

Our common stock may cease to be listed on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (Nasdaq) Global Select Market.

Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “EMMS.” We may not be able to meet the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which require, among other things, a minimum closing price of our common stock and a minimum market capitalization. On August 31, 2011, we received a written deficiency notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) advising us that the closing bid price of our Class A common stock did not meet the continued listing requirements pursuant to NASDAQ Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Since we did not regain compliance by the expiration of the grace period set forth in the deficiency notice on February 27, 2012, we received a staff determination of delisting. We appealed the determination and had a hearing with a NASDAQ hearings panel on April 5, 2012. On April 26, 2012, NASDAQ informed the Company that it had granted the Company’s request to allow for continued listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, subject to the condition that on or before August 27, 2012, the Company must have evidenced a closing bid price of $1.00 or more for a minimum of ten prior consecutive trading days. If we are unable to satisfy the requirements of the Nasdaq Global Select Market for continued listing in the future, our common stock would be subject to delisting from that market. Any such delisting of our common stock would likely also cause our 6.25% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, which is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “EMMSP,” to also be delisted. A delisting of our stock from the Nasdaq Global Select Market could negatively impact us by, among other things, reducing the liquidity and market price of our stock.

The difficulties associated with any attempt to gain control of our company could adversely affect the price of our Class A common stock.

Jeffrey H. Smulyan has substantial influence over the decision as to whether a change in control will occur for our company. There are also provisions contained in our articles of incorporation, by-laws and Indiana law that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of Emmis. In addition, FCC approval for transfers of control of FCC licenses and assignments of FCC licenses are required. These restrictions and limitations could adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide this information.

 

22


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

The types of properties required to support each of our radio stations include offices, studios and transmitter/antenna sites. We typically lease our studio and office space, although we do own some of our facilities, with each of our owned properties subject to a mortgage under our Credit Agreement. Most of our studio and office space leases contain lease terms with expiration dates of five to fifteen years. A station’s studios are generally housed with its offices in downtown or business districts. We generally consider our facilities to be suitable and of adequate size for our current and intended purposes. We own many of our main transmitter/antenna sites and lease the remainder of our transmitter/antenna sites with lease terms that generally range from five to twenty years. The transmitter/antenna site for each station is generally located so as to provide maximum market coverage, consistent with the station’s FCC license. In general, we do not anticipate difficulties in renewing facility or transmitter/antenna site leases or in leasing additional space or sites if required. We have approximately $58.3 million in aggregate annual minimum rental commitments under real estate leases. Many of these leases contain escalation clauses such as defined contractual increases or cost-of-living adjustments.

Our principal executive offices are located at 40 Monument Circle, Suite 700, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, in approximately 91,500 square feet of owned office space which is shared by our Indianapolis radio stations and our Indianapolis Monthly publication.

We own substantially all of our other equipment, consisting principally of transmitting antennae, transmitters, studio equipment and general office equipment. The towers, antennae and other transmission equipment used by our stations are generally in good condition, although opportunities to upgrade facilities are periodically reviewed.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Emmis is a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management of the company, however, there are no legal proceedings pending against the company that we believe are likely to have a material adverse effect on the company.

Emmis and certain of its officers and directors are named as defendants in a lawsuit filed April 16, 2012, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana entitled Corre Opportunities Fund, LP, et al. v. Emmis Communications Corporation, et al . The plaintiffs allege that Emmis and the other defendants violated various provisions of the federal securities laws and breached fiduciary duties in connection with Emmis’ entry into total return swap agreements and voting agreements with certain holders of Emmis Preferred Stock, and in issuing shares of Preferred Stock to Emmis’ 2012 Retention Plan and Trust (the “Trust”) and entering into a voting agreement with the trustee of the Trust. The plaintiffs also allege that Emmis would violate certain provisions of Indiana corporate law by directing the voting of the shares of Preferred Stock subject to the total return swap agreements (the “Swap Shares”) and the shares of Preferred Stock held by the Trust (the “Trust Shares’) in favor of certain proposed amendments to Emmis’ Articles of Incorporation. The plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief.

Emmis has filed an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint, and has filed a counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment that Emmis may legally direct the voting the Swap Shares and the Trust Shares in favor of the proposed amendments. Emmis is defending this lawsuit vigorously.

Effective December 31, 2009, our radio music license agreements with the two largest performance rights organizations, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”), expired. The Radio Music License Committee (“RMLC”), which negotiates music licensing fees for most of the radio industry with ASCAP and BMI and of which we are a participant, filed motions in the U.S. District Court in New York against BMI and ASCAP on behalf of the radio industry, seeking interim fees and a determination of fair and reasonable industry-wide license fees. The U.S. District Court in New York approved reduced interim fees for ASCAP and BMI.

In January 2012, ASCAP and the RMLC entered into a settlement agreement that was approved by the court and covers the period from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2016. This settlement also includes a credit for fees previously paid in 2010 and 2011, with such fees expected to be credited over a five-year period beginning January 1, 2012.

The final fees for BMI, still to be determined by the court, may be retroactive to January 1, 2010 and may be different from the interim fees.

 

23


Certain individuals and groups have challenged applications for renewal of the FCC licenses of certain of the company’s stations. The challenges to the license renewal applications are currently pending before the Commission. Emmis does not expect the challenges to result in the denial of any license renewals.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Listed below is certain information about the executive officers of Emmis or its affiliates who are not directors or nominees to be directors.

 

NAME

  

POSITION

   AGE AT
FEBRUARY
29, 2012
   YEAR
FIRST
ELECTED
OFFICER

Richard F. Cummings

   President - Radio Programming    60    1984

J. Scott Enright

   Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary    49    1998

Gregory T. Loewen

   President - Publishing Division and Chief Strategy Officer    40    2007

Set forth below is the principal occupation for the last five years of each executive officer of the Company or its affiliates who is not also a director.

Mr. Cummings was appointed President – Radio Programming in March 2009. Mr. Cummings served as Radio Division President from December 2001 to February 2009. Prior to becoming Radio Division President, Mr. Cummings was Executive Vice President of Programming. Mr. Cummings joined Emmis in 1981.

Mr. Enright was appointed Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in March 2009. Previously, Mr. Enright served as Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary of Emmis from September 2006 to February 2009 and as Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from the date he joined Emmis in October 1998, adding the office of Secretary in 2002.

Mr. Loewen was appointed President – Publishing Division and Chief Strategy Officer in March 2010. Previously, Mr. Loewen served as Chief Strategy Officer from February 2007 to February 2010. Prior to joining Emmis in February 2007, Mr. Loewen served as Vice President of Digital Media and Strategy for The Toronto Star.

 

24


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

MARKET INFORMATION FOR OUR COMMON STOCK

Emmis’ Class A common stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol EMMS. There is no established public trading market for Emmis’ Class B common stock or Class C common stock.

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of the Class A common stock for the periods indicated.

 

QUARTER ENDED

   HIGH      LOW  

May 2010

     2.45         0.88   

August 2010

     2.30         1.48   

November 2010

     1.76         0.50   

February 2011

     1.40         0.43   

May 2011

     1.21         0.73   

August 2011

     1.25         0.58   

November 2011

     1.01         0.58   

February 2012

     0.87         0.65   

HOLDERS

At May 1, 2012, there were 5,457 record holders of the Class A common stock, and there was one record holder of the Class B common stock.

DIVIDENDS

Emmis currently intends to retain future earnings for use in its business and has no plans to pay any dividends on shares of its common stock in the foreseeable future.

The terms of Emmis’ Preferred Stock provide for a quarterly dividend payment of $.78125 per share, when, as, and if declared by our Board of Directors on each January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. Emmis last paid its quarterly dividend on October 15, 2008. As of February 29, 2012, undeclared dividends in arrears for shares outstanding in which the Company has no economic rights through total return swaps totaled $10.5 million, or $11.17 per share of Preferred Stock. The Third Amendment to our Credit Agreement prohibits the Company from paying dividends on the Preferred Stock during the Suspension Period (as defined in the Credit Agreement) (See “Liquidity and Capital Resources”). Subject to the restrictions of the Credit Agreement, payment of future Preferred Stock dividends is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. Failure to declare and pay the dividend is not a default under the terms of the Preferred Stock. However, since undeclared dividends in arrears exceed six quarters, the holders of the Preferred Stock exercised their right to elect two persons to our board of directors. One of these directors, Joseph R. Siegelbaum, resigned in November 2011. Michelle D. Bergman was elected by the holders of the Preferred Stock to replace Mr. Siegelbaum at a special meeting of shareholders on April 2, 2012.

 

25


SHARE REPURCHASES

During the three-month period ended February 29, 2012, there was withholding of shares of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock to cover withholding tax obligations and purchases of Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock under the terms of our senior unsecured notes. The following table provides information on our repurchases during the three months ended February 29, 2012:

 

                   (c)      (d)  
                   Total Number of      Maximum  
                   Shares      Approximate  
                   Purchased as      Dollar Value of  
     (a)      (b)      Part of Publicly      Shares That May  
     Total Number      Average Price      Announced      Yet Be Purchased  
     of Shares      Paid Per      Plans or      Under the Plans  

Period

   Purchased      Share      Programs      or Programs (in  000’s)  (1)  

Class A Common Stock

           

December 1, 2011—December 31, 2011

     —           N/A         —         $ —     

January 1, 2012—January 31, 2012

     16,556       $ 0.71         —         $ —     

February 1, 2012—February 29, 2012

     —           N/A         —         $ —     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    
     16,556            —        
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock

           

December 1, 2011—December 31, 2011

     —           N/A         —         $ 6,507   

January 1, 2012—January 31, 2012

     190,100       $ 16.36         190,100       $ —     

February 1, 2012—February 29, 2012

     —           N/A         —         $ —     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    
     190,100            190,100      
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide this information.

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION.

GENERAL

The following discussion pertains to Emmis Communications Corporation (“ECC”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Emmis” or the “Company”).

We own and operate radio and publishing properties located primarily in the United States. Our revenues are mostly affected by the advertising rates our entities charge, as advertising sales represent more than 70% of our consolidated revenues. These rates are in large part based on our entities’ ability to attract audiences/subscribers in demographic groups targeted by their advertisers. Arbitron Inc. generally measures radio station ratings weekly for markets measured by the Portable People Meter TM and four times a year for markets measured by diaries. Because audience ratings in a station’s local market are critical to the station’s financial success, our strategy is to use market research, advertising and promotion to attract and retain audiences in each station’s chosen demographic target group.

Our revenues vary throughout the year. As is typical in the broadcasting industry, our revenues and operating income are usually lowest in our fourth fiscal quarter.

 

 

1  

On November 14, 2011, the Company announced that under the terms of its senior unsecured notes, the Company has the ability to either purchase or purchase rights in up to $35.0 million of its outstanding Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock. Emmis, in November 2011 and January 2012, either purchased or purchased rights in 1,871,529 shares of Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock on four separate occasions at an average price of $15.64 per share. No further Series A cumulative convertible preferred share purchases or purchase of rights in the preferred shares are permitted as the availability under the senior unsecured notes has expired. Any prior share repurchase program is no longer operative.

 

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In addition to the sale of advertising time for cash, stations typically exchange advertising time for goods or services, which can be used by the station in its business operations. These barter transactions are recorded at the estimated fair value of the product or service received. We generally confine the use of such trade transactions to promotional items or services for which we would otherwise have paid cash. In addition, it is our general policy not to preempt advertising spots paid for in cash with advertising spots paid for in trade.

The following table summarizes the sources of our revenues for the past three years. All revenues generated by our international radio properties are included in the “Local” category. The category “Non Traditional” principally consists of ticket sales and sponsorships of events our stations and magazines conduct in their local markets. The category “Other” includes, among other items, revenues generated by the websites of our entities, and barter.

 

     Year ended February 28 (29),  
     2010      % of Total     2011      % of Total     2012      % of Total  

Net revenues:

               

Local

   $ 143,924         59.4   $ 140,872         56.2   $ 129,289         54.8

National

     31,572         13.0     36,845         14.7     34,188         14.5

Political

     410         0.2     1,657         0.7     702         0.3

Publication Sales

     12,844         5.3     13,025         5.2     12,759         5.4

Non Traditional

     17,439         7.2     18,464         7.4     19,177         8.1

Other

     35,913         14.9     39,893         15.8     39,892         16.9
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

Total net revenues

   $ 242,102         $ 250,756         $ 236,007      
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

A significant portion of our expenses varies in connection with changes in revenue. These variable expenses primarily relate to costs in our sales department, such as salaries, commissions and bad debt. Our costs that do not vary as much in relation to revenue are mostly in our programming and general and administrative departments, such as talent costs, syndicated programming fees, utilities, office expenses and salaries. Lastly, our costs that are highly discretionary are costs in our marketing and promotions department, which we primarily incur to maintain and/or increase our audience and market share.

KNOWN TRENDS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Although advertising revenues have stabilized following the recent global recession, domestic radio revenue growth has been challenged for several years. Management believes this is principally the result of three factors: (1) the proliferation of advertising inventory caused by the emergence of new media, such as various media distributed via the Internet, telecommunication companies and cable interconnects, as well as social networks and social coupon sites, all of which are gaining advertising share against radio and other traditional media, (2) the perception of investors and advertisers that satellite radio and portable media players diminish the effectiveness of radio advertising, and (3) the adoption of a new method of gathering ratings data, which has shown an increase in cumulative audience size, but a decrease in time spent listening as compared to the previous method of gathering ratings data.

The Company and the radio industry have begun several initiatives to address these issues. The radio industry is working aggressively to increase the number of portable digital media devices that contain an FM tuner, including smartphones and music players. In many countries, FM tuners are common features in portable digital media devices. The radio industry is working with leading United States network providers, device manufacturers, regulators and legislators to ensure that FM tuners are included in future portable digital media devices. Including FM as a feature on these devices has the potential to increase radio listening and improve perception of the radio industry while offering network providers the benefits of a proven emergency notification system, reduced network congestion from audio streaming services, and a host of new revenue generating applications.

The Company has also aggressively worked to harness the power of broadband and mobile media distribution in the development of emerging business opportunities by becoming one of the fifteen largest streaming audio providers in the United States, developing highly interactive websites with content that engages our listeners, using SMS texting and delivering real-time traffic to navigation devices. We have created the Loud Digital Network, which combines our original content with other music and entertainment content to form one of the ten largest music and entertainment networks on the Internet.

 

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Along with the rest of the radio industry, the majority of our stations have deployed HD Radio ® . HD Radio ® offers listeners advantages over standard analog broadcasts, including improved sound quality and additional digital channels. To make the rollout of HD Radio ® more efficient, a consortium of broadcasters representing a majority of the radio stations in nearly all of our markets have agreed to work together in each radio market to ensure the most diverse consumer offering possible and to accelerate the rollout of HD Radio ® receivers, particularly in automobiles. In addition to offering secondary channels, the HD Radio ® spectrum allows broadcasters to transmit other forms of data. We are participating in a joint venture with other broadcasters to provide the bandwidth that a third party will use to transmit location-based data to hand-held and in-car navigation devices. It is unclear what impact HD Radio ® will have on the markets in which we operate.

Arbitron Inc., the supplier of ratings data for United States radio markets, has developed technology to passively collect data for its ratings service. The Portable People Meter TM (PPM TM ) is a small, pager-sized device that does not require any active manipulation by the end user and is capable of automatically measuring radio, television, Internet, satellite radio and satellite television signals that are encoded for the service by the broadcaster. The PPM TM offers a number of advantages over the traditional diary ratings collection system including ease of use, more reliable ratings data and shorter time periods between when advertising runs and when audience listening or viewing habits can be reported. This service began in the New York and Los Angeles markets in October 2008, in the St. Louis market in October 2009, and the Austin and Indianapolis markets in the fall of 2010. In each market in which the service has launched, there has been a compression in the relative ratings of all stations in the market, increasing the competitive pressure within the market for advertising dollars. In addition, ratings for certain stations when measured by the PPM TM as opposed to the traditional diary methodology can be materially different.

The results of our domestic radio operations are heavily dependent on the results of our stations in the New York and Los Angeles markets. These markets account for nearly 50% of our domestic radio net revenues. During fiscal 2012, KPWR-FM in Los Angeles experienced revenue growth that was better than the overall Los Angeles radio market, whereas our New York cluster trailed the revenue performance of the New York market due to weak performance at our adult urban station, WRKS-FM. Subsequent to February 29, 2012, we entered into a LMA for WRKS-FM. See Note 18 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more discussion. Our results in New York and Los Angeles are often more volatile than our larger competitors due to our lack of scale in these markets. We are overly dependent on the performance of one or two stations in these markets, and as the competitive environment shifts, our ability to adapt is limited. Furthermore, some of our competitors that operate larger station clusters in New York and Los Angeles are able to leverage their market share to extract a greater percentage of available advertising revenue through discounting unit rates.

As part of our business strategy, we continually evaluate potential acquisitions of radio stations, publishing properties and other businesses that we believe hold promise for long-term appreciation in value and leverage our strengths. However, Emmis Operating Company’s (the Company’s principal operating subsidiary, hereinafter “EOC”) Credit Agreement substantially limits our ability to make acquisitions. We also regularly review our portfolio of assets and may opportunistically dispose of assets when we believe it is appropriate to do so. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the sale of a controlling interest in one of our radio stations in New York and our two radio stations in Chicago.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that encompass significant judgments and uncertainties, and potentially derive materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We believe that our critical accounting policies are those described below.

Revenue Recognition

Broadcasting revenue is recognized as advertisements are aired. Publication revenue is recognized in the month of delivery of the publication. Both broadcasting revenue and publication revenue recognition is subject to meeting certain conditions such as persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists and collection is reasonably assured. These criteria are generally met at the time the advertisement is aired for broadcasting revenue and upon delivery of the publication for publication revenue. Advertising revenues presented in the financial statements are reflected on a net basis, after the deduction of advertising agency fees, usually at a rate of 15% of gross revenues.

 

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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded based on management’s judgment of the collectability of receivables. When assessing the collectability of receivables, management considers, among other things, historical loss experience and existing economic conditions.

FCC Licenses and Goodwill

We have made acquisitions in the past for which a significant amount of the purchase price was allocated to FCC licenses and goodwill assets. As of February 29, 2012, we have recorded approximately $237.2 million in goodwill and FCC licenses, which represents approximately 70% of our total assets.

In the case of our U.S. radio stations, we would not be able to operate the properties without the related FCC license for each property. FCC licenses are renewed every eight years; consequently, we continually monitor our stations’ compliance with the various regulatory requirements. Historically, all of our FCC licenses have been renewed at the end of their respective periods, and we expect that all FCC licenses will continue to be renewed in the future. We consider our FCC licenses to be indefinite-lived intangibles. Our foreign broadcasting licenses expire during periods ranging from February 2021 to February 2026. We will need to submit applications to extend our foreign licenses upon their expiration to continue our broadcast operations in these countries. While there is a general expectancy of renewal of radio broadcast licenses in most countries and we expect to actively seek renewal of our foreign licenses, most of the countries in which we operate do not have the regulatory framework or history that we have with respect to license renewals in the United States. This makes the risk of non-renewal (or of renewal on less favorable terms) of foreign licenses greater than for United States’ licenses, as was demonstrated in Hungary when our broadcasting license was not renewed in November 2009 under circumstances that even a Hungarian court ruled violated Hungarian law and various bilateral investment treaties. We treat our foreign broadcasting licenses as definite-lived intangibles and amortize them over their respective license periods.

We do not amortize goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets, but rather test for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired. When evaluating our radio broadcasting licenses for impairment, the testing is performed at the unit of accounting level as determined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350-30-35. In our case, radio stations in a geographic market cluster are considered a single unit of accounting, provided that they are not being operated under a Local Marketing Agreement by another broadcaster.

We complete our annual impairment tests on December 1 of each year and perform additional interim impairment testing whenever triggering events suggest such testing is warranted.

Valuation of Indefinite-lived Broadcasting Licenses

Fair value of our FCC Licenses is estimated to be the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To determine the fair value of our FCC Licenses, the Company uses an income valuation method when it performs its impairment tests. Under this method, the Company projects cash flows that would be generated by each of its units of accounting assuming the unit of accounting was commencing operations in its respective market at the beginning of the valuation period. This cash flow stream is discounted to arrive at a value for the FCC license. The Company assumes the competitive situation that exists in each market remains unchanged, with the exception that its unit of accounting commenced operations at the beginning of the valuation period. In doing so, the Company extracts the value of going concern and any other assets acquired, and strictly values the FCC license. Major assumptions involved in this analysis include market revenue, market revenue growth rates, unit of accounting audience share, unit of accounting revenue share and discount rate. Each of these assumptions may change in the future based upon changes in general economic conditions, audience behavior, consummated transactions, and numerous other variables that may be beyond our control.

The projections incorporated into our license valuations take into consideration then current economic conditions. For example, in connection with our interim impairment assessment on August 1, 2009, the economic recession and credit crisis were considered as part of the assessment. Those events led to a further weakened and less profitable radio marketplace with a higher cost of capital, which impacted the interim assessment.

 

29


Assumptions incorporated into the annual impairment testing as of December 1, 2011 were similar to those used in our December 1, 2010 annual impairment testing. We expect the ongoing recovery in radio revenues to continue throughout our fiscal 2013. Below are some of the key assumptions used in our annual and interim impairment assessments. The methodology used to value our FCC licenses has not changed in the three-year period ended February 29, 2012.

 

     August 1, 2009   December 1, 2009   December 1, 2010   December 1, 2011

Discount Rate

   12.6% - 13.0%   12.7% - 13.1%   12.0% - 12.3%   11.9% - 12.2%

Long-term Revenue Growth Rate

   2.0% - 3.3%   2.0% - 3.5%   2.5% - 3.5%   2.5% - 3.3%

Mature Market Share

   6.3% - 30.6%   6.2% - 30.0%   6.1% - 28.2%   6.4% - 29.4%

Operating Profit Margin

   26.5% - 42.7%   26.0% - 40.9%   25.1% - 37.1%   26.0% - 37.2%

Valuation of Goodwill

ASC Topic 350 requires the Company to test goodwill for impairment at least annually using a two-step process. The first step is a screen for potential impairment, while the second step measures the amount of impairment. The Company conducts the two-step impairment test on December 1 of each fiscal year, unless indications of impairment exist during an interim period. When assessing its goodwill for impairment, the Company uses an enterprise valuation approach to determine the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units (radio stations grouped by market and magazines on an individual basis). Management determines enterprise value for each of its reporting units by multiplying the two-year average station operating income generated by each reporting unit (current year based on actual results and the next year based on budgeted results) by an estimated market multiple. The Company uses a blended station operating income trading multiple of publicly traded radio operators as a benchmark for the multiple it applies to its radio reporting units. There are no publicly traded publishing companies that are focused predominantly on city and regional magazines as is our publishing segment. Therefore, the market multiple used as a benchmark for our publishing reporting units is based on recently completed transactions within the city and regional magazine industry or analyst reports that include valuations of magazine divisions within publicly traded media conglomerates. For the annual assessment performed as of December 1, 2011, the Company applied a market multiple of 7.0 times and 6.0 times the reporting unit’s operating performance for our radio and publishing reporting units, respectively. Management believes this methodology for valuing radio and publishing properties is a common approach and believes that the multiples used in the valuation are reasonable given our peer comparisons and market transactions. To corroborate the step-one reporting unit fair values determined using the market approach described above, management also uses an income approach, which is a discounted cash flow method to determine the fair value of the reporting unit.

This enterprise valuation is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit for the first step of the goodwill impairment test. If the reporting unit exhibits impairment, the Company proceeds to the second step of the goodwill impairment test. For its step-two testing, the enterprise value is allocated among the tangible assets, indefinite-lived intangible assets (FCC licenses valued using a direct-method valuation approach) and unrecognized intangible assets, such as customer lists, with the residual amount representing the implied fair value of the goodwill. To the extent the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, the difference is recorded as an impairment charge in the statement of operations. The methodology used to value our goodwill has not changed in the three-year period ended February 29, 2012.

Sensitivity Analysis

Based on the results of our December 1, 2011 annual impairment assessment, the fair value of our broadcasting licenses was approximately $332.3 million which was in excess of the $213.0 million carrying value by $119.3 million, or 56%. The fair values exceeded the carrying values of all of our units of accounting. Should our estimates or assumptions worsen, or should negative events or circumstances occur in the units that have limited fair value cushion, additional license impairments may be needed.

 

30


     Radio Broadcasting Licenses  
     As of         
     February 29, 2012      December 1, 2011      Percentage by which fair  

Unit of Accounting

   Carrying Value      Fair Value      value exceeds carrying value  

New York Cluster

     74,093         118,224         59.6

KXOS-FM (Los Angeles)

     52,333         61,763         18.0

Austin Cluster

     39,025         40,015         2.5

St. Louis Cluster

     27,692         31,170         12.6

Indianapolis Cluster

     17,274         18,728         8.4

KPWR-FM (Los Angeles)

     2,018         61,763         2,960.6

Terre Haute Cluster

     574         625         8.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     213,009         332,288         56.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our annual impairment testing on December 1, 2011 did not result in an impairment charge. If we were to assume a 1% change in any of our three key assumptions (a reduction in the long-term revenue growth rate, a reduction in local commercial share or an increase in the discount rate) used to determine the fair value of our broadcasting licenses on December 1, 2011, the resulting impairment charge would have been $22.7 million, $18.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively. Also, if we were to assume a market multiple decrease of one or a 10% decrease in the two-year average station operating income, two of the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our goodwill on December 1, 2011, the resulting estimates of enterprise valuations would still exceed the carrying values of the enterprises. As such, step two of the goodwill impairment testing would not be required, thus no impairment would be recognized if these two key assumptions were lowered.

The sharp economic downturn in late 2008 and throughout calendar 2009 negatively impacted the radio broadcasting industry as advertising revenues declined and expectations for near-term growth declined throughout most of calendar 2009. The projected revenue growth levels for the industry when we completed our interim impairment testing on August 1, 2009 were lower than we had originally forecasted when we completed our fiscal 2009 annual impairment test on December 1, 2008. This decline caused us to record further impairment to broadcasting licenses and goodwill as part of our August 1, 2009 impairment review. As revenues decline, profitability levels are also negatively impacted as fixed costs represent a significant component of a radio station’s operating expenses. As a result, the fair value of our asset base is particularly sensitive to the impact of declining revenues.

Deferred Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequence of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or income tax returns. Income taxes are recognized during the year in which the underlying transactions are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities as recorded for financial reporting purposes and amounts recorded for income tax purposes. After determining the total amount of deferred tax assets, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If the Company determines that a deferred tax asset is not likely to be realized, a valuation allowance will be established against that asset to record it at its expected realizable value.

Insurance Claims and Loss Reserves

The Company is self-insured for most healthcare claims, subject to stop-loss limits. Claims incurred but not reported are recorded based on historical experience and industry trends, and accruals are adjusted when warranted by changes in facts and circumstances. The Company had $0.7 million and $0.8 million accrued for employee healthcare claims as of February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, respectively. The Company also maintains large deductible programs (ranging from $250 thousand to $500 thousand per occurrence) for workers’ compensation, employment liability, automotive liability and media liability claims.

 

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ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

The transactions described below impact the comparability of operating results for the three years ended February 29, 2012.

Sale of controlling interest in WRXP-FM, WKQX-FM AND WLUP-FM

On September 1, 2011, the Company completed the sale of a controlling interest in Merlin Media, LLC (“Merlin Media”), which owns the following radio stations: (i) WKQX-FM, 101.1 MHz, Channel 266, Chicago, IL (FIN 19525), (ii) WRXP-FM, 101.9 MHz, Channel 270, New York, NY (FIN 67846) and (iii) WLUP-FM, 97.9 MHz, Channel 250, Chicago, IL (FIN 73233) (collectively the “Merlin Stations”). The Company received gross cash sale proceeds of $130 million in the transaction, and incurred approximately $8.6 million of expenses, principally consisting of severance, state and local taxes, and professional and other fees and expenses. The Company used the net cash proceeds to repay approximately 38% of the term loans outstanding under its credit facility. Emmis also paid a $2.0 million exit fee to its largest lender related to the repayment of Extended Term Loans on September 1, 2011.

On September 1, 2011, subsidiaries of Emmis entered into the 2nd Amended & Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) of Merlin Media, together with Merlin Holdings, LLC (“Merlin Holdings”), an affiliate of investment funds managed by GTCR, LLC, and Benjamin L. Homel (aka Randy Michaels) (together with Merlin Holdings, the “Investors”).

In connection with the completion of the disposition of assets to Merlin Media and sale of a controlling interest in Merlin Media pursuant to the Purchase Agreement dated June 20, 2011 among the Company, Merlin Holdings and Mr. Homel (the “Purchase Agreement), the Company retained preferred equity and common equity interests in Merlin Media, the terms of which are governed by the LLC Agreement. The Company’s common equity interests in Merlin Media represented 20.6% of the initial outstanding common equity interests of Merlin Media and are subject to dilution if the Company fails to participate pro rata in future capital calls. The fair value of the Company’s 20.6% common equity ownership of Merlin Media LLC as of September 1, 2011 was approximately $5.6 million, and accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s preferred equity interests in Merlin Media consist of approximately $28.7 million (at par) of non-redeemable perpetual preferred interests, on which a preferred return accretes quarterly at a rate of 8% per annum. The fair value of this preferred equity interest as of September 1, 2011, was approximately $10.8 million and is accounted for under the cost method. The preferred interests held by the Company are junior to non-redeemable perpetual preferred interests held by the Investors of approximately $87 million, on which a preferred return accretes quarterly at a rate of 8% per annum. The preferred interests held by the Company and the Investors are both junior to a $60 million senior secured note issued to an affiliate of Merlin Holdings. The note matures five years from closing, and interest accrues on the note semi-annually at a rate of 15% per annum, payable in cash or in-kind at Merlin Media’s election. Distributions in respect of Merlin Media’s common and preferred interests are made when declared by Merlin Media’s board of managers. Given the Company’s continued equity interests in the stations, it is precluded from reclassifying the operating results of the stations to discontinued operations.

Upon deconsolidation, Emmis recorded the retained common and preferred equity interests at fair value. The fair value of our investments in Merlin Media LLC was calculated using the Black Scholes option-pricing model. The model’s inputs reflect assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument in a current period transaction based upon estimated future cash flows and other estimates at September 1, 2011. Inputs to the model include stock volatility, dividend yields, expected term of the derivatives and risk-free interest rates. Results from the valuation model in one period may not be indicative of future period measurements.

Merlin Media changed the format of WKQX-FM in Chicago and WRXP-FM in New York from a music-intensive format to a news/talk format. Both stations have incurred substantial start-up losses well in excess of the original business model used in the September 1, 2011 valuation. Neither station is now expected to achieve the estimated cash flows used in the September 1, 2011 valuation. Consequently, as of February 29, 2012, it was determined that future cash flows will be substantially lower than the estimated cash flows used in the September 1, 2011 valuation of our retained common and preferred equity interests. As such, Emmis reassessed the fair value of its retained common and preferred equity interests using the same valuation methodology described above with updated assumptions, and determined that the retained common and preferred equity interests were fully impaired. The Company believes that the magnitude of the impairment and the potentially prolonged recovery period indicate that the impairment is other-than-temporary. As such, Emmis wrote-off the remaining carrying value of its investments in Merlin Media LLC. The total equity method loss and other-than-temporary impairment loss recognized related to Merlin Media LLC of $16.4 million is recognized in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Under the LLC Agreement, the Company is entitled initially to appoint one out of five members of Merlin Media’s board of managers and has limited consent rights with respect to specified transactions. The Company has no obligation to make ongoing capital contributions to Merlin Media, but as noted above is subject to dilution if it fails to participate pro rata in future capital calls.

 

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Merlin Media is a private company and the Company will have limited ability to sell its interests in Merlin Media, except pursuant to customary tag-along rights with respect to sales by Merlin Media’s controlling Investor or, after five years, in a private sale to third parties subject to rights of first offer held by the controlling Investor. The Company has customary registration rights and is subject to a “drag-along” right of the controlling Investor.

On September 30, 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved a discretionary bonus of $1.7 million to certain employees that were key participants in the Merlin Media transaction. The discretionary bonus is reflected in corporate expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense during the year ended February 29, 2012.

Sale of Glendale, CA Tower Site

On April 6, 2011, Emmis sold land, towers and other equipment at its Glendale, CA tower site to Richland Towers Management Flint, Inc. for $6.0 million in cash. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $4.9 million. Net proceeds from the sale were used to repay amounts outstanding under the credit facility.

Purchase of 100% of Bulgarian Radio Networks

During the quarter ended May 31, 2009, Emmis completed a series of transactions with its noncontrolling partners of two of our Bulgarian radio networks that gave Emmis 100% ownership in those networks. The purchase price of these transactions totaled $4.9 million in cash, and a substantial portion was allocated to goodwill which was then determined to be substantially impaired. Emmis recorded an impairment loss of $3.7 million related to Bulgarian goodwill during the quarter ended May 31, 2009.

Sale of Belgium Radio Operations

On May 29, 2009, Emmis sold the stock of its Belgium radio operation to Alfacam Group NV, a Belgian corporation, for 100 euros. Emmis recognized a gain on the sale of its Belgium radio operations of $0.4 million, which included a gain of $0.1 million related to the transfer of cumulative translation adjustments. The gain on sale of the Belgium radio operations is included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Emmis desired to exit Belgium as its financial performance in the market failed to meet expectations. The sale allowed Emmis to eliminate further operating losses.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2011 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Net revenues:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),               
     2011      2012      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Net revenues:

          

Radio

   $ 184,648       $ 170,153       $ (14,495     (7.9 )% 

Publishing

     66,108         65,854         (254     (0.4 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total net revenues

   $ 250,756       $ 236,007       $ (14,749     (5.9 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Radio net revenues decreased principally due to the July 15, 2011 commencement of a Local Marketing Agreement (“LMA”) related to the Merlin Stations and the ultimate sale of a controlling interest in these stations on September 1, 2011. During the time these stations were operated pursuant to the LMA, Emmis recorded, as net revenue, a $0.3 million monthly LMA fee, but did not record advertising sales during this period. Given the Company’s continued equity interests in the stations, it is precluded from reclassifying the operating results of the stations to discontinued operations. Excluding the Merlin Stations, radio net revenues would have increased $1.1 million or 0.7%.

 

 

33


We typically monitor the performance of our domestic stations against the aggregate performance of the markets in which we operate based on reports for the periods prepared by Miller Kaplan. Miller Kaplan reports are generally prepared on a gross revenues basis and exclude revenues from barter arrangements. A summary market revenue performance and Emmis’ revenue performance in those markets for the year ended February 29, 2012 is presented below:

 

     For the year ended February 29, 2012  
     Overall Market     Emmis  

Market

   Revenue Performance     Revenue Performance  

New York

     1.1     -6.4

Los Angeles

     -0.6     2.7

St. Louis

     3.3     -3.5

Indianapolis

     5.6     19.5

Austin

     1.8     -1.3

All Markets

     0.8     0.4

As previously discussed, our New York radio cluster significantly trailed market performance, mostly due to direct format competition for WRKS-FM. Excluding WRKS-FM, revenues of our domestic radio stations would have increased 4.1%.

Publishing net revenues were flat for the year ended February 29, 2012 as compared to the year ended February 28, 2011.

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),               
     2011      2012      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

          

Radio

   $ 136,020       $ 130,533       $ (5,487     (4.0 )% 

Publishing

     63,835         63,772         (63     (0.1 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 199,855       $ 194,305       $ (5,550     (2.8 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Radio station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, decreased principally due to the LMA and eventual sale of the Merlin Stations as previously discussed. Excluding the Merlin Stations, radio station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense would have increased $3.1 million or 2.8%. This increase is predominately due to merit wage increases in fiscal 2012 following wage freezes and reductions in recent years, coupled with targeted investments in sales training and enhancements in our digital capabilities.

Publishing operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense were flat due to expense control given the weak local advertising markets

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),                
     2011      2012      $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 15,710       $ 19,096       $ 3,386         21.6

Corporate expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, increased principally due to (i) approximately $0.6 million of indirect costs associated with the preferred stock transactions discussed in Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, (ii) approximately $3.0 million of costs associated with the 3 rd Amendment to the Company’s Credit Agreement discussed in Note 5 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, (iii) a $1.7 million bonus paid to certain employees in connection with the sale of the Merlin Stations and (iv) a $0.7 million discretionary bonus paid to substantially all corporate employees during the quarter ended August 31, 2011. During the year ended February 28, 2011 the Company recorded $3.6 million of costs associated with a potential going private transaction discussed in Note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

34


Impairment loss on intangible assets:

 

     For the year ended February 28 (29),               
     2011      2012      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Impairment loss on intangible assets

   $ 7,005       $ —         $ (7,005     (100.0 )% 

Our annual impairment testing as of December 1, 2010 resulted in an impairment loss of $7.0 million entirely attributable to radio FCC licenses in our Austin, Texas radio cluster. Our annual impairment testing as of December 1, 2011 resulted in no additional impairment losses.

Due to the stabilization in the economy and a recovery in radio revenues, we do not expect to record in the foreseeable future impairment losses similar to the loss recorded for our Austin radio FCC licenses. Accordingly, we do not expect historical operating results to be indicative of future operating results.

Depreciation and amortization:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),               
     2011      2012      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Depreciation and amortization:

          

Radio

   $ 7,524       $ 5,807       $ (1,717     (22.8 )% 

Publishing

     499         451         (48     (9.6 )% 

Corporate

     1,301         1,390         89        6.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total depreciation and amortization

   $ 9,324       $ 7,648       $ (1,676     (18.0 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended February 29, 2012 is mostly attributable to the sale of the Merlin Stations on September 1, 2011. Additionally, our international broadcasting license in Slovakia, a definite lived-intangible asset, was extended from February 2013 to February 2021, which decreased annual amortization expense.

Loss on disposal of fixed assets:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2011      2012      $ Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)  

Loss on disposal of fixed assets:

        

Radio

   $ 3       $ 796       $ 793   

Publishing

     —           24         24   

Corporate

     —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loss on disposal of fixed assets:

   $ 3       $ 820       $ 817   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

In July 2011, Emmis sold its office building in Terre Haute, Indiana for $0.2 million and recorded a loss on sale of assets of $0.8 million.

 

35


Operating income:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),              
     2011     2012     $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Operating income:

        

Radio

   $ 34,096      $ 33,017      $ (1,079     (3.2 )% 

Publishing

     1,774        1,607        (167     (9.4 )% 

Corporate

     (17,011     (20,486     (3,475     (20.4 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating income

   $ 18,859      $ 14,138      $ (4,721     (25.0 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income is significantly impacted by the impairment loss recorded in 2011, as discussed above. Excluding the impairment loss, operating income would have been $25.9 million for the year ended February 28, 2011. The decrease in operating income is mostly due to the sale of the Merlin Stations, which reduced operating income by approximately $6.4 million and the increase in corporate expenses as discussed above.

Interest expense:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),                
     2011      2012      $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Interest expense

   $ 21,099       $ 28,844       $ 7,745         36.7

Although we repaid a significant amount of long-term debt during the year ended February 29, 2012, interest expense increased due to the Third Amendment to our Credit Agreement, which was effective March 29, 2011 and interest expense associated with our senior unsecured notes, issued in November 2011 and January 2012. As a result of the Third Amendment, the interest rate on approximately 55% of our term loans increased from LIBOR + 4% to a minimum fixed rate of 12.25%. We also pay an exit fee upon repayment of this portion of our term loans ranging from 3% to 6% of the balance repaid. We are accruing this exit fee over the term of the amended term loans as a component of interest expense. The senior unsecured notes, issued on various dates in November 2011 and January 2012, total $33.9 million at February 29, 2012 and accrue interest at 22.95%, compounded quarterly.

Loss on debt extinguishment:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2011      2012      $ Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)  

Loss on debt extinguishment

   $ —         $ 2,006       $ 2,006   

During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company recorded a $0.5 million loss related to the write-off of debt fees associated with term loans repaid during the year. Additionally, the Company recorded a $1.5 million loss related to the write-off of debt fees associated with term loans that were deemed to be substantially modified in connection with the Third Amendment.

 

36


Gain on sale of controlling interest Merlin Media LLC:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2011      2012      $ Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)  

Gain on sale of controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC

   $ —         $ 31,865       $ 31,865   

On September 1, 2011, the Company sold a controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC for $130 million in cash proceeds. Additionally, the Company retained a preferred and common equity interest in Merlin Media LLC. The gain on sale of controlling interest was measured as the aggregate of cash received and the fair value of the retained noncontrolling interests in Merlin Media LLC, less the Company’s carrying value of the assets and liabilities sold.

Other expense, net:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2011      2012      $ Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)  

Other expense, net

   $ 469       $ 15,739       $ 15,270   

Other expense, net for the year ended February 29, 2012, principally relates to the Company’s share of Merlin Media LLC’s losses through its investment in Merlin Media LLC’s common stock and an other-than-temporary impairment loss on the Company’s investment in both the common stock and preferred stock of Merlin Media LLC, all of which was $16.4 million. Partially offsetting the losses related to our investments in Merlin Media LLC were income related to our other equity method investments and interest income.

Other expense, net for the year ended February 28, 2011, principally related to a $0.3 million other-than-temporary impairment loss related to our preferred stock investment in a company that specializes in digital radio transmission technology.

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),        
     2011      2012     $ Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   $ 6,304       $ (27,472   $ (33,776

The benefit for income taxes for year ended February 29, 2012, principally relates to the utilization of previously reserved net operating losses and the elimination of the portion of the Company’s deferred tax liability attributable to indefinite-lived intangibles associated with the sale of the Merlin Stations.

We recorded a provision for income taxes in the year ended February 28, 2011 despite our pre-tax loss due to the valuation allowance we record against our deferred tax assets. The Company is recording a valuation allowance for its net deferred tax assets, including its net operating loss carryforwards, but excluding deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite-lived intangibles.

 

37


Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2011     2012      $ Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (2,526   $ 3,842       $ 6,368   

Our Hungarian radio operations and the operations of our Flint Peak Tower Site have been classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements. The increase in income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the year ended February 29, 2012 mostly relates to the gain on sale of the Flint Peak Tower Site. A summary of discontinued operations is presented below:

 

     Year ended February 28 (29),  
     2011     2012  

Income (loss) from operations:

    

Slager Radio (Hungary)

   $ (2,740   $ (312

Flint Peak Tower Site

     362        4,883   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (2,378     4,571   

Provision for income taxes

     148        729   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations, net of tax

     (2,526     3,842   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

For a description of properties sold, see the discussion under Acquisitions, Dispositions and Investments and in Note 1(j) to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. In the case of our radio operations in Hungary, the Hungarian government did not renew our broadcasting license in November 2009 and we were forced to cease operations. Our fiscal 2011 loss in Hungary was largely due to the reclassification of $2.0 million of accumulated foreign currency losses, previously reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), due to the substantial liquidation of that entity during the year ended February 28, 2011.

Consolidated net income (loss):

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),                
     2011     2012      $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Consolidated net income (loss)

   $ (11,539   $ 30,728       $ 42,267         366.3

The increase in consolidated net income is due to (i) the gain on sale of a controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC, (ii) the utilization of previously reserved net operating losses and the elimination of the portion of the Company’s deferred tax liability attributable to indefinite-lived intangibles associated with the sale of the Merlin Stations, (iii) an increase in income from discontinued operations due to the sale of the Flint Peak tower site and (iv) an impairment charge related to our FCC licenses in Austin recorded during the year ended February 28, 2011. These items are partially offset by (i) higher interest expense, (ii) lower operating income (iii) other-than-temporary impairment losses related to our Merlin Media LLC investments and (iii) a loss on debt extinguishment for the year ended February 29, 2012.

Gain on extinguishment of preferred stock:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2011      2012      $ Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Gain on extinguishment of preferred stock

   $ —         $ 61,892       $ 61,892   

 

38


During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company purchased or purchased rights in 1,871,529 shares of its preferred stock for $31.7 million. Preferred stock is carried on the balance sheet at its stated liquidation preference of $50 per share. The shares that Emmis purchased rights in are considered extinguished from an accounting perspective, and thus Emmis recognized a gain on extinguishment of the preferred stock equal to the difference of the acquisition price and the carrying amount of the preferred stock.

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2010 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2011

Net revenues:

 

     For the years ended February 28,                
     2010      2011      $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Net revenues:

           

Radio

   $ 177,102       $ 184,648       $ 7,546         4.3

Publishing

     65,000         66,108         1,108         1.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total net revenues

   $ 242,102       $ 250,756       $ 8,654         3.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Radio net revenues increased principally as a result of general economic growth in our domestic radio markets as the economy recovers from the recent recession. We typically monitor the performance of our domestic radio stations against the aggregate performance of the markets in which we operate based on reports for the periods prepared by the independent accounting firm Miller Kaplan. Miller Kaplan reports are generally prepared on a gross revenue basis and exclude revenues from barter arrangements. For the year ended February 28, 2011, revenues of our domestic radio stations were up 5.2%, whereas Miller Kaplan reported that revenues of our domestic radio markets were up 5.1%. We significantly outperformed in our middle markets (St. Louis, Indianapolis and Austin), which offset weakness at our Los Angeles and Chicago radio stations. The recovery in radio advertising has put greater demand on our advertising inventory. In fiscal 2011, our average minute rate was up 4.5% and our number of minutes sold was up 1.2%. Our international radio properties did not see the same level of recovery as our domestic radio properties and net revenues were down 10.9% for the fiscal year.

Publishing net revenues also increased principally due to the better economic climate, though the recovery in advertising for our publishing division has been slower to develop than what we have seen in our radio division.

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

 

     For the years ended February 28,               
     2010      2011      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

          

Radio

   $ 141,456       $ 136,020       $ (5,436     (3.8 )% 

Publishing

     64,603         63,835         (768     (1.2 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 206,059       $ 199,855       $ (6,204     (3.0 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Radio station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, decreased principally due to division-wide cost reduction efforts consisting, among other things, of headcount and wage reductions implemented during fiscal 2010. While most of the cost reduction efforts were implemented at the beginning of fiscal 2010, some were implemented later in the fiscal year and we experienced some of this benefit in fiscal 2011.

Publishing operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, decreased principally due to division-wide cost reduction efforts in the prior year, similar to our radio division.

 

39


Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

 

     For the years ended February 28,                
     2010      2011      $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 13,634       $ 15,710       $ 2,076         15.2

Corporate expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, increased due to costs incurred by the Company associated with the Going Private Transaction discussed in Note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company recorded $3.6 million of costs associated with the transaction in the year ended February 28, 2011. Excluding these costs, corporate expenses would have decreased due to cost reduction efforts implemented during fiscal 2010, primarily consisting of headcount reductions and wage reductions.

Restructuring charge:

 

     For the year ended February 28,               
     2010      2011      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Restructuring charge

   $ 3,350       $ —         $ (3,350     (100.0 )% 

In response to the deteriorating economic environment and the decline in domestic advertising revenues previously discussed, the Company announced a plan on March 5, 2009 to reduce payroll costs by $10 million annually. In connection with the plan, approximately 100 employees were terminated. The terminated employees received severance of $4.2 million under the Company’s standard severance plan. This amount was recognized in the year ended February 28, 2009, as the terminations were probable and the amount was reasonably estimable prior to the end of the period. Employees terminated also received one-time enhanced severance of $3.4 million that was recognized in the year ended February 28, 2010, as the enhanced plan was not finalized and communicated until March 5, 2009.

Impairment loss on intangible assets:

 

     For the year ended February 28 ,               
     2010      2011      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Impairment loss on intangible assets

   $ 174,642       $ 7,005       $ (167,637     (96.0 )% 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, Emmis purchased the remaining ownership interests of its two majority owned radio networks in Bulgaria. Emmis now owns 100% of all three radio networks in Bulgaria. Approximately $3.7 million of the purchase price related to these acquisitions was allocated to goodwill, which was then determined to be substantially impaired. During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we performed an interim impairment test of our intangible assets as indicators of impairment were present. In connection with the interim review, we recorded an impairment loss of $160.9 million related to our radio FCC licenses, $5.3 million related to goodwill at our Los Angeles Magazine publication, $2.8 million related to definite-lived intangibles at our Orange Coast Magazine publication and $2.0 million related to our Bulgarian foreign broadcast licenses.

We performed our annual impairment testing as of December 1, 2010, which resulted in an impairment loss of $7.0 million entirely attributable to radio FCC licenses in our Austin, Texas radio cluster.

 

40


Depreciation and amortization:

 

     For the years ended February 28,               
     2010      2011      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Depreciation and amortization:

          

Radio

   $ 8,076       $ 7,524       $ (552     (6.8 )% 

Publishing

     772         499         (273     (35.4 )% 

Corporate

     1,493         1,301         (192     (12.9 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total depreciation and amortization

   $ 10,341       $ 9,324       $ (1,017     (9.8 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

The decrease in radio and publishing depreciation and amortization mostly relates to impairment charges related to our definite-lived intangible assets at our Bulgarian radio operation and our Orange Coast publication in connection with our interim impairment testing performed on August 1, 2009.

Operating income (loss):

 

     For the years ended February 28,              
     2010     2011     $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Operating income (loss):

        

Radio

   $ (140,431   $ 34,096      $ 174,527        124.3

Publishing

     (9,200     1,774        10,974        119.3

Corporate

     (16,166     (17,011     (845     (5.2 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating income (loss)

   $ (165,797   $ 18,859      $ 184,656        111.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income (loss) is significantly impacted by impairment losses recorded in fiscal 2010 and 2011, as discussed above. Excluding impairment losses, operating income would have been $9.2 million and $26.2 million for the years ended February 28, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Operating income excluding impairment losses increased due to higher net revenues coupled with lower station operating expenses, both of which are discussed above.

Interest expense:

 

     For the years ended February 28,               
     2010      2011      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Interest expense

   $ 24,820       $ 21,099       $ (3,721     (15.0 )% 

The August 2009 amendment to our Credit Agreement increased the interest rate on amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement by 2%. However, in March 2010, an interest rate swap agreement matured that had fixed LIBOR on $165 million notional principal at 4.8%. Following its maturity, we began paying LIBOR at a floating rate, which lowered our interest on this portion of our debt by approximately 4.5%.

 

41


Gain on debt extinguishment:

 

     For the years ended February 28,               
     2010      2011      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Gain on debt extinguishment

   $ 31,362       $ —         $ (31,362     (100.0 )% 

In April 2009, Emmis commenced a series of Dutch auction tenders to purchase term loans of EOC under the Credit Agreement as amended. The cumulative effect of all of the debt tenders resulted in the purchase of $78.5 million in face amount of EOC’s outstanding term loans for $44.7 million in cash. As a result of these purchases, Emmis recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $31.9 million in the quarter ended May 31, 2009, which is net of transaction costs of $1.0 million. We are not permitted to effect further tenders under the Credit Agreement.

In August 2009, Emmis amended its Credit Agreement. As part of the August 2009 amendment, maximum availability under the revolver was reduced from $75 million to $20 million. The Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment during the year ended February 28, 2010 of $0.5 million related to the write-off of deferred debt costs associated with the revolver reduction.

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes:

 

     For the years ended February 28,                
     2010     2011      $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

   $ (39,952   $ 6,304       $ 46,256         (115.8 )% 

Our effective income tax benefit for the year ended February 28, 2010 was 25%. We recorded a provision for income taxes in the year ended February 28, 2011 despite our pre-tax loss due to the valuation allowance we record against our deferred tax assets. We concluded that we should record valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets in our year ended February 28, 2009 and we continue to record a valuation allowance against newly created deferred tax assets until we can conclude that recovery of the asset is probable.

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

     For the years ended February 28,              
     2010      2011     $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ 641       $ (2,526   $ (3,167     (494.1 )% 

 

 

42


Our international radio operations in Belgium and Hungary and the operations of our Flint Peak Tower Site have been classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The financial results of these operations and related discussions are fully described in Note 1j to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Below is a summary of the components of discontinued operations.

 

     Year ended February 28,  
     2010     2011  

Income (loss) from operations:

    

Slager Radio (Hungary)

   $ 1,404      $ (2,740

Flint Peak Tower Site

     311        362   

Belgium

     (944     —     

Other

     (37     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     734        (2,378

Provision for income taxes

     513        148   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations, net of tax

     221        (2,526

Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations:

    

Belgium

     420        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ 641      $ (2,526
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

For a description of properties sold, see the discussion under Acquisitions, Dispositions and Investments and in Note 1(j) to our Consolidated Financial Statements. In the case of our radio operations in Hungary, the Hungarian government did not renew our broadcasting license in November 2009 and we were forced to cease operations. Our fiscal 2011 loss in Hungary was largely due to the reclassification of $2.0 million of accumulated foreign currency losses, previously reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), due to the substantial liquidation of that entity during the year ended February 28, 2011.

Consolidated net loss:

 

     For the years ended February 28,               
     2010     2011     $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Consolidated net loss

   $ (118,492   $ (11,539   $ 106,953         90.3

The decrease in net loss for the year ended February 28, 2011 is mostly due to the decrease in impairment charges, partially offset by the gain on debt extinguishment and benefit for income taxes recorded in the prior year, as discussed above.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

CREDIT AGREEMENT

On March 29, 2011, Emmis and its principal operating subsidiary, Emmis Operating Company (the “Borrower”), entered into the Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement (the “Third Amendment), by and among the Borrower, Emmis, the lending institutions party to the Credit Agreement referred to below (collectively, the “Lenders”) and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) for itself and the other Lenders party to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated November 2, 2006 (as amended, supplemented, and restated or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among the Borrower, Emmis, the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as syndication agent, General Electric Capital Corporation, Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., “Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch and SunTrust Bank, as co-documentation agents.

 

 

43


Among other things, the Third Amendment provides that (i) the leverage ratio and fixed charge covenants will not apply to any amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement until November 30, 2012, at which time they will be set at 5.0x and 1.15x for the life of the Credit Agreement and from November 30, 2011 through August 31, 2012 there will be a minimum Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) test of $25.0 million per rolling four quarter test period, (ii) the requirement that annual audits be certified without qualification will be waived for the fiscal years ending February 2011 and 2012, (iii) the ability of Emmis to engage in certain activities or transactions, including the payment of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness and the ability to invest certain proceeds including from asset sales will be further restricted or prohibited and (iv) the terms of the existing Tranche B Term Loans held or purchased on or prior to the date of the Third Amendment by funds or accounts managed by Canyon Capital Advisors LLC (“Canyon”), are amended into an amended tranche of term loans with an extended maturity date of November, 2014. The total amount of Tranche B Term Loans outstanding as of March 29, 2011 was $329 million, and the amount of such term loans that Canyon amended into extended term loans was approximately $182.9 million. The pricing on such amended term loans is based on Emmis’ election on the following pricing grid:

 

Cash Portion

   Paid-in-Kind Portion  

7.50%

     7.00

7.75%

     6.50

8.00%

     6.00

8.25%

     5.50

8.50%

     5.00

8.75%

     4.50

9.00%

     4.00

9.25%

     3.50

9.50%

     3.00

9.75% 1

     2.50 % 1  

Prior to the entry into the Third Amendment, Emmis entered into a backstop letter agreement, dated March 27, 2011, with Canyon (the “Backstop Letter Agreement”), pursuant to which Canyon agreed to consent to the Third Amendment and to purchase loans necessary to provide the required Lenders consent to the Third Amendment. In consideration of Canyon’s entering into the Backstop Letter Agreement, Canyon will receive an exit fee of 6% (or 3% during the first six months after the Third Amendment effective date) on the Tranche B Term Loans and revolving credit commitments held or purchased by funds or accounts managed by Canyon as of March 29, 2011.

We entered into the Fourth Amendment to our Credit Agreement in November 2011 to allow the issuance of the senior unsecured notes (discussed below). We entered into the Fifth Amendment to our Credit Agreement in March 2012 to allow us to issue preferred stock into the 2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement. Neither the Fourth Amendment nor the Fifth Amendment changed financial covenants or the interest rate we pay on outstanding borrowings. We entered into the Sixth Amendment to our Credit Agreement in April 2012 to allow for the WRKS-FM LMA and related transactions, as described in Note 18 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In addition, this amendment reduces the amount of required minimum trailing twelve-month Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) from $25.0 million to $24.0 million and allows for $20.0 million of the net proceeds from the monetization of the LMA payments to be used for revolver repayment and general corporate purposes, while simultaneously reducing the revolver commitment by $10.0 million, from $20.0 million to $10.0 million.

Senior Unsecured Notes

On November 10, 2011, Emmis entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement”) with Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. (“Zell”).

Under the Note Purchase Agreement, Zell agreed to purchase from ECC up to $35.0 million of unsecured notes (the “Notes”). The Notes, with respect to distributions upon the liquidation, winding-up and dissolution of the Company, rank senior to the Preferred Stock and common equity of the Company, but junior to our Credit Agreement. Emmis was permitted to sell the Notes to Zell on up to four separate occasions on or before February 2, 2012. The Note Purchase Agreement provided that Emmis may enter into transactions to purchase or purchase rights in its Preferred Stock through privately negotiated transactions with individual preferred shareholders and/or through a tender offer. Emmis issued, on four separate occasions in November 2011 and January 2012, Notes to Zell totaling $31.9 million to either purchase or purchase rights in 1,871,529 shares of Preferred Stock at a weighted average price of $15.64 per share and to pay $2.7 million in fees and expenses. Net deferred debt costs of approximately $0.5 million relating to the Notes are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of February 29, 2012, and are being amortized over the life of the Notes as a component of interest expense.

 

 

1  

If the Company elects 9.75% Cash Portion for any payment, it may also elect to pay some or all of the Paid-in-Kind portion in cash for such period.

 

44


Interest on the Notes is paid in kind and compounds quarterly at a rate of 22.95% per annum, except that during the continuance of any event of default the rate will be 24.95% per annum payable on demand in cash. The Notes mature on February 1, 2015, at which time the principal balance and all accreted interest is due entirely in cash.

At any time after the discharge of certain senior obligations of Emmis and its subsidiaries described in the Note Purchase Agreement, Emmis may, upon prior written notice to Zell, redeem the Notes in whole or in part at a redemption price (including with certain make-whole amounts for redemption occurring prior to May 10, 2013) as described in the Note Purchase Agreement. Any partial redemption of the Notes shall be in denominations of at least $10.0 million and in multiples of $1.0 million in excess of such minimum denomination.

The Note Purchase Agreement contains representations, warranties, indemnities and affirmative and negative covenants that are customary for agreements of its type. The negative covenants include, without limitation, certain limitations on the ability to (1) incur liens and indebtedness, (2) consummate mergers, consolidations or asset sales, (3) make guarantees and investments, and (4) pay dividends or distributions on or make any distributions in respect of Preferred Stock or common equity. The Note Purchase Agreement also includes certain events of default customary for agreements of its type including, among others, the failure to make payments when due, insolvency, certain judgments, breaches of representations and warranties, breaches of covenants, and the occurrence of certain events, including cross acceleration to certain other indebtedness of Emmis, including its senior credit facility. In addition, Emmis is required to deliver compliance certificates demonstrating compliance with the Note Purchase Agreement and Emmis’ senior credit facility.

The Company was in compliance with all financial and non-financial covenants of the Credit Agreement, as amended, as of February 29, 2012. Our Liquidity (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of February 29, 2012 was $14.6 million and our Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) was $26.3 million. The impairment charge recorded by the Company during the year ended February 28, 2011 was noncash and had no impact on our liquidity or debt covenant compliance.

The Company continually projects its anticipated cash needs, which include its operating needs, capital needs, principal and interest payments on its indebtedness and preferred stock dividends. As of the filing of this Form 10-K, management believes the Company can meet its liquidity needs through the end of fiscal year 2013 with cash and cash equivalents on hand, projected cash flows from operations, cash from transactions outlined in Note 18 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, and, to the extent necessary, through its borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement, which was approximately $13.5 million at February 29, 2012. Based on these projections, and the transactions outlined in Note 18 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, management also believes the Company will be in compliance with its debt covenants through the end of fiscal year 2013.

SOURCES OF LIQUIDITY

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash provided by operations and cash available through revolver borrowings under our credit facility. Our primary uses of capital during the past few years have been, and are expected to continue to be, capital expenditures, working capital, debt service requirements and the repayment of debt.

At February 29, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents of $5.6 million and net working capital of $0.8 million. At February 28, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents of $6.1 million and net working capital of $12.1 million. Cash and cash equivalents held at various European banking institutions at February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012 was $5.8 million and $4.3 million (which includes approximately $1.7 million and $0.9 million of cash related to our Slager discontinued operation which is classified as current assets – discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheets), respectively. Our ability to access our share of these international cash balances (net of noncontrolling interests) is limited by country-specific statutory requirements. During the year ended February 29, 2012, working capital decreased $11.3 million. The decrease in net working capital primarily relates to the reclassification of our revolver to current maturities of long-term debt as the revolver matures in November 2012 and lower accounts receivable as of February 29, 2012. Since we manage cash on a consolidated basis, any cash needs of a particular segment or operating entity are met by intercompany transactions. See Investing Activities below for a discussion of specific segment needs.

The Company previously entered into three separate three-year interest rate exchange agreements, whereby the Company paid a fixed rate of notional principal in exchange for a variable rate on the same amount of notional principal based on the three-month LIBOR. The counterparties to these agreements were global financial institutions. One of these interest rate exchange agreements matured in March 2010 and the remaining two matured in March 2011.

 

45


Operating Activities

Cash flows provided by operating activities were $19.6 million and $3.8 million for the years ended February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, respectively. The decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities was mainly attributable to a decrease in operating income coupled with higher interest expense.

Cash flows provided by operating activities were $25.7 million and $19.6 million for the years ended February 28, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities was mainly attributable to changes in working capital. The decrease in cash provided by working capital was largely driven by the receipt of $10.2 million related to our national representation firm’s performance guarantee and the collection of $14.0 million for the first two years of LMA fees for KXOS-FM, both of which occurred in the year ended February 28, 2010. These fiscal 2010 receipts are partially offset by the receipt of $6.8 million related to the previously discussed federal tax refund during the year ended February 28, 2011.

Investing Activities

For the year ended February 29, 2012, cash provided by investing activities was $131.3 million. During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company sold a controlling interest in the Merlin Stations for $130.0 million in cash, sold its Flint Peak Tower Site for $5.8 million of net cash proceeds and sold its 50% share of a partnership in which the sole asset is land in New Jersey on which a transmission tower is located to the other partner for $1.3 million of net cash proceeds. The proceeds related to the Flint Peak Tower sale are classified as cash provided by discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. Partially offsetting the net cash proceeds on the sales described above was approximately $5.7 million of capital expenditures.

For the year ended February 28, 2011, cash used in investing activities was $4.2 million, almost all of which related to capital expenditures.

For the year ended February 28, 2010, cash used in investing activities was $0.6 million. This consisted of $4.6 million of capital expenditures and $4.9 million paid to purchase the noncontrolling interests share of our Bulgarian radio networks, both of which were partially offset by $9.1 million of cash received from the sale of property and equipment ($9.0 million of which related to our airplane purchased in fiscal 2009 and sold in fiscal 2010).

In the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012, our capital expenditures were $4.6 million, $4.1 million and $5.7 million, respectively. Capital expenditures for the year ended February 29, 2012 include approximately $0.8 million related to a customer relationship management system. Recurring capital expenditures primarily relate to leasehold improvements to various office and studio facilities, broadcast equipment purchases, and tower upgrades. We expect that future requirements for capital expenditures will include capital expenditures incurred during the ordinary course of business. We expect to fund such capital expenditures with cash generated from operating activities and borrowings under our Credit Agreement.

Financing Activities

Cash flows used in financing activities were $58.3 million, $15.8 million and $135.3 million for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Cash used in financing activities for the year ended February 29, 2012 primarily relates to net payments related to our senior credit agreement of $127.2 million, payments to either purchase or purchase rights in preferred stock of $31.7 million, payments for other debt-related costs of $4.2 million and distributions to noncontrolling interests of $4.2 million, all of which are partially offset by the issuance of senior unsecured notes of $31.9 million.

Cash flows used in financing activities during the year ended February 28, 2011 primarily relate to the net long-term debt repayments of $10.1 million and $5.6 million used to pay distributions to noncontrolling interests ($1.2 million of which is related to Slager and thus is classified as discontinued operations).

Cash flows used in financing activities during the year ended February 28, 2010 primarily relate to the net long-term debt repayments of $47.5 million, payment of $4.8 million of debt-related fees and $6.0 million used to pay distributions to noncontrolling interests ($2.0 million of which is related to Slager and thus is classified as discontinued operations).

 

46


As of February 29, 2012, Emmis had $203.8 million of borrowings under the Credit Agreement ($8.0 million current and $195.8 million long-term), $33.9 million of senior unsecured notes (entirely long-term) and, excluding shares outstanding subject to total return swaps, $46.9 million of Preferred Stock liquidation preference (excluding undeclared dividends in arrears for shares outstanding in which the Company has no economic rights through total return swaps of $10.5 million). Approximately $110.0 million of borrowings under the Credit Agreement bears interest pursuant to a grid under which 7.5% to 12.25% per annum is to be paid in cash and 7.0% to 0.0% per annum is to be paid in kind, subject to a minimum yield of 12.25% per annum. The remainder of the Credit Agreement debt bears interest, at our option, at a rate equal to the Eurodollar rate or an alternative Base Rate plus a margin. The senior unsecured notes compound quarterly at a rate of 22.95% per annum and is paid in kind, except that during the continuance of any event of default the rate will be 24.95% per annum payable on demand in cash. As of February 29, 2012, our weighted average borrowing rate under our Credit Agreement was approximately 8.8%. Including the senior unsecured notes, our weighted average borrowing rate at February 29, 2012 was 10.8%.

Subsequent to the execution of the Third Amendment, approximately $182.9 million of borrowings under the Credit Agreement bears interest pursuant to a grid under which 7.5% to 12.25% per annum is to be paid in cash and 7.0% to 0.0% per annum is to be paid in kind, subject to a minimum yield of 12.25% per annum (see previous discussion under “Credit Agreement”). The remainder of the debt bears interest, at our option, at a rate equal to the Eurodollar rate or an alternative Base Rate plus a margin.

The debt service requirements of Emmis over the next twelve-month period are expected to be $2.0 million for mandatory repayment of term notes under our Credit Agreement, $6.0 million for revolver borrowings under our Credit Agreement as the revolver is set to mature on November 2, 2012, and a minimum of $8.2 million related to interest on the Extended Term Loans. The Company may, at its election, choose to pay a portion of the interest due on the Extended Term Loans in-kind. The remainder of the Credit Agreement debt bears interest at variable rates and is not included in the debt service requirements previously discussed.

The terms of Emmis’ Preferred Stock provide for a quarterly dividend payment of $.78125 per share, when, as, and if declared by our Board of Directors on each January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. Emmis last paid its quarterly dividend on October 15, 2008. As of February 29, 2012, undeclared dividends in arrears for shares outstanding in which the Company has no economic rights through total return swaps totaled $10.5 million, or $11.17 per share of preferred stock. The Third Amendment to our Credit Agreement prohibits the Company from paying dividends on the Preferred Stock during the Suspension Period (as defined in the Credit Agreement) (See “Liquidity and Capital Resources”). Subject to the restrictions of the Credit Agreement, payment of future preferred stock dividends is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. Failure to declare and pay the dividend is not a default under the terms of the Preferred Stock. However, since undeclared dividends in arrears exceed six quarters, the holders of the Preferred Stock exercised their right to elect two persons to our board of directors. One of these directors, Joseph R. Siegelbaum, resigned in November 2011. Michelle D. Bergman was elected by the holders of the Preferred Stock to replace Mr. Siegelbaum at a special meeting of shareholders on April 2, 2012.

As of May 1, 2012, we had $5.5 million available for additional borrowing under our credit facility, which is net of $0.5 million in outstanding letters of credit. Availability under the credit facility depends upon our continued compliance with certain operating covenants and financial ratios. Emmis was in compliance with these covenants as of February 29, 2012. As part of our business strategy, we continually evaluate potential acquisitions of radio stations, publishing properties and other businesses that we believe hold promise for long-term appreciation in value and leverage our strengths. However, Emmis Operating Company’s Credit Agreement, as amended, substantially limits our ability to make acquisitions. We also regularly review our portfolio of assets and may opportunistically dispose of assets when we believe it is appropriate to do so. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the sale of a controlling interest in one of our radio stations in New York and our two radio stations in Chicago.

INTANGIBLES

As of February 29, 2012, approximately 70% of our total assets consisted of intangible assets, such as FCC broadcast licenses, goodwill, subscription lists and similar assets, the value of which depends significantly upon the operational results of our businesses. In the case of our domestic radio stations, we would not be able to operate the properties without the related FCC license for each property. FCC licenses are renewed every eight years; consequently, we continually monitor the activities of our stations for compliance with regulatory requirements. Historically, all of our FCC licenses have been renewed at the end of their respective eight-year periods, and we expect that all of our FCC licenses will continue to be renewed in the future. Our various foreign broadcasting licenses in Slovakia and Bulgaria expire during periods ranging from February 2021 to February 2026. We will need to submit applications to seek to extend our foreign licenses upon their expiration to continue our broadcast operations in these countries.

 

47


NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance for comprehensive income which requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. Also, the entity is required to present reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements. The new guidance should be applied retrospectively and is effective for the Company on March 1, 2012. As this guidance only changes the format of the financial statements, the Company does not expect this to have an impact on results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. The guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. An entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying value. The Company does not expect that this guidance, which will be effective for the Company as of March 1, 2012, will have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

SEASONALITY

Our results of operations are usually subject to seasonal fluctuations, which result in higher second and third quarter revenues and operating income. For our radio operations, this seasonality is due to the younger demographic composition of many of our stations. Advertisers increase spending during the summer months to target these listeners. In addition, advertisers generally increase spending across all segments during the months of October and November, which are part of our third quarter, in anticipation of the holiday season.

INFLATION

The impact of inflation on operations has not been significant to date. However, there can be no assurance that a high rate of inflation in the future would not have an adverse effect on operating results, particularly since a significant portion of our senior bank debt is comprised of variable-rate debt.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET FINANCINGS AND LIABILITIES

Other than interest rate swap agreements, which are discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, and lease commitments, legal contingencies incurred in the normal course of business, contractual commitments to purchase goods and services and employment contracts for key employees, all of which are discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company does not have any material off-balance sheet financings or liabilities. The Company does not have any majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries that are not included in the consolidated financial statements, nor does the Company have any interests in or relationships with any “special-purpose entities” that are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements or disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide this information.

 

48


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Emmis Communications Corporation’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, Emmis Communications Corporation’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by Emmis Communications Corporation’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

  (1) Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Emmis Communications Corporation;

 

  (2) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of Emmis Communications Corporation are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Emmis Communications Corporation; and

 

  (3) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Emmis Communications Corporation’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Management has evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of February 29, 2012, based on the control criteria established in a report entitled Internal Control—Integrated Framework , issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on such evaluation, we have concluded that Emmis Communications Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of February 29, 2012.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the company, as a smaller reporting company, to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

/s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan

 

/s/ Patrick M. Walsh

Jeffrey H. Smulyan

  Patrick M. Walsh

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and

Chief Financial Officer

 

49


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Emmis Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Emmis Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries as of February 28, 2011 and February 29, 2012 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 29, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Emmis Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries at February 28, 2011 and February 29, 2012, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 29, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana

May 10, 2012

 

50


EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),  
     2010     2011     2012  

NET REVENUES

   $ 242,102      $ 250,756      $ 236,007   

OPERATING EXPENSES:

      

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense of $8,848, $8,023 and $6,258 respectively

     206,059        199,855        194,305   

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense of $1,493, $1,301 and $1,390 respectively

     13,634        15,710        19,096   

Restructuring charge

     3,350        —          —     

Impairment loss on intangible assets

     174,642        7,005        —     

Depreciation and amortization

     10,341        9,324        7,648   

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

     (127     3        820   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     407,899        231,897        221,869   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

     (165,797     18,859        14,138   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

      

Interest expense

     (24,820     (21,099     (28,844

Gain (loss) on debt extinguishment

     31,362        —          (2,006

Gain on sale of controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC

     —          —          31,865   

Other income (expense), net

     170        (469     (15,739
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expense)

     6,712        (21,568     (14,724
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     (159,085     (2,709     (586

(BENEFIT) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     (39,952     6,304        (27,472
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

GAIN (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     (119,133     (9,013     26,886   

GAIN (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX

     641        (2,526     3,842   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME (LOSS)

     (118,492     (11,539     30,728   

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

     4,162        4,019        4,535   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY

     (122,654     (15,558     26,193   

GAIN ON EXTINGUISHMENT OF PREFERRED STOCK

     —          —          61,892   

PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

     (9,123     (9,711     (8,591
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

   $ (131,777   $ (25,269   $ 79,494   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

51


EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS – (CONTINUED)

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
     For the years ended February 28 (29),  
     2010     2011     2012  

Amounts attributable to common shareholders for basic earnings per share:

      

Continuing operations

     (132,020     (23,212     75,604   

Discontinued operations

     243        (2,057     3,890   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

     (131,777     (25,269     79,494   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts attributable to common shareholders for diluted earnings per share:

      

Continuing operations

     (132,020     (23,212     22,303   

Discontinued operations

     243        (2,057     3,890   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

     (131,777     (25,269     26,193   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:

      

Continuing operations

   $ (3.56   $ (0.61   $ 1.97   

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          (0.06     0.11   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

   $ (3.56   $ (0.67   $ 2.08   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     37,041        37,863        38,293   

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders:

      

Continuing operations

   $ (3.56   $ (0.61   $ 0.50   

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          (0.06     0.08   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

   $ (3.56   $ (0.67   $ 0.58   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     37,041        37,863        44,953   

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

52


EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

     FEBRUARY 28 (29),  
     2011      2012  

ASSETS

     

CURRENT ASSETS:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 6,068       $ 5,619   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,568 and $1,249, respectively

     38,930         32,880   

Prepaid expenses

     13,615         12,940   

Other

     2,329         2,252   

Current assets - discontinued operations

     2,063         991   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     63,005         54,682   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

     

Land and buildings

     28,841         27,573   

Leasehold improvements

     18,826         13,788   

Broadcasting equipment

     55,992         48,716   

Office equipment and automobiles

     43,130         36,743   

Construction in progress

     1,926         1,335   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     148,715         128,155   

Less-accumulated depreciation and amortization

     103,899         87,653   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total property and equipment, net

     44,816         40,502   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

     

Indefinite lived intangibles

     328,796         213,009   

Goodwill

     24,175         24,175   

Other intangibles

     10,153         10,153   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     363,124         247,337   

Less-accumulated amortization

     7,464         8,155   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total intangible assets, net

     355,660         239,182   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS:

     

Deferred debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $2,502 and $1,610, respectively

     2,938         2,100   

Investments

     2,814         1,691   

Deposits and other

     2,299         2,604   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other assets, net

     8,051         6,395   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets - discontinued operations

     945         8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 472,477       $ 340,769   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

53


EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—(CONTINUED)

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
     FEBRUARY 28 (29),  
     2011     2012  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 9,818      $ 11,344   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     3,290        7,978   

Accrued salaries and commissions

     9,757        8,136   

Accrued interest

     3,147        3,038   

Deferred revenue

     18,595        16,669   

Other

     5,409        6,206   

Current liabilities - discontinued operations

     854        551   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     50,870        53,922   

LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT PORTION

     327,704        229,725   

OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES

     14,018        10,988   

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     81,411        52,648   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     474,003        347,283   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 12)

    

SERIES A CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, $0.01 PAR VALUE; $50.00 LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE; AUTHORIZED 2,875,000 SHARES; ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING 2,809,170 SHARES AT FEBRUARY 28, 2011 AND 2,422,320 SHARES AT FEBRUARY 29, 2012. EMMIS HAS OBTAINED RIGHTS IN 1,484,679 OF THE SHARES OUTSTANDING AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 2012 (REDEMPTION AMOUNT, INCLUDING UNDECLARED DIVIDENDS IN ARREARS, OF $161,491 AND $57,351, RESPECTIVELY).

     140,459        46,882   

SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT:

    

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 170,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 33,499,770 shares and 34,007,279 shares in 2011 and 2012, respectively

     335        340   

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,722,684 shares in 2011 and 2012.

     47        47   

Class C common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; none issued

     —          —     

Additional paid-in capital

     528,786        529,793   

Accumulated deficit

     (720,693     (632,608

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,776        1,190   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ deficit

     (189,749     (101,238
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

     47,764        47,842   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deficit

     (141,985     (53,396
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and deficit

   $ 472,477      $ 340,769   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

54


EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2012

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

     Class A      Class B  
     Common Stock      Common Stock  
     Shares      Amount      Shares     Amount  

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2009

     31,912,656         319         4,956,305        50   

Exercise of stock options and related income tax benefits

     5,000         —           —          —     

Issuance of Common Stock to employees and officers and related income tax benefits

     718,269         7         —          —     

Conversion of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock

     25,625         1         (25,625     (1

Payments of dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests

     —           —           —          —     

Comprehensive Loss:

          

Net loss

     —           —           —          —     

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —           —           —          —     

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —           —           —          —     

Total comprehensive loss

     —           —           —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

     32,661,550       $ 327         4,930,680      $ 49   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Issuance of Common Stock to employees and officers and related income tax benefits

     630,224         6         —          —     

Conversion of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock

     207,996         2         (207,996     (2

Payments of dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests

     —           —           —          —     

Comprehensive Loss:

          

Net loss

     —           —           —          —     

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —           —           —          —     

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —           —           —          —     

Total comprehensive loss

     —           —           —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2011

     33,499,770       $ 335         4,722,684      $ 47   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options and related income tax benefits

     10,000         —           —          —     

Issuance of Common Stock to employees and officers and related income tax benefits

     497,509         5         —          —     

Acquisition of additional controlling interests

     —           —           —          —     

Payments of dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests

     —           —           —          —     

Preferred stock transactions

     —           —           —          —     

Comprehensive Income:

          

Net income

     —           —           —          —     

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —           —           —          —     

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —           —           —          —     

Total comprehensive income

     —           —           —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

     34,007,279       $ 340         4,722,684      $ 47   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

55


EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT – (CONTINUED)

FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2012

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
                  Accumulated              
     Additional            Other              
     Paid-in      Accumulated     Comprehensive     Noncontrolling     Total  
     Capital      Deficit     Income (Loss)     Interests     Deficit  

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2009

   $ 524,776       $ (582,481   $ (2,664   $ 53,001      $ (6,999

Exercise of stock options and related income tax benefits

     1         —          —          —          1   

Issuance of Common Stock to employees and officers and related income tax benefits

     2,343         —          —          —          2,350   

Conversion of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock

     —           —          —          —          —     

Payments of dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —          (7,211     (7,211

Comprehensive Loss:

           

Net loss

     —           (122,654     —          4,162     

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —           —          (1,365     (530  

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —           —          2,709        —       

Total comprehensive loss

     —           —          —          —          (117,678
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

   $ 527,120       $ (705,135   $ (1,320   $ 49,422      $ (129,537
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Issuance of Common Stock to employees and officers and related income tax benefits

     1,666         —          —          —          1,672   

Conversion of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock

     —           —          —          —          —     

Payments of dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —          (5,589     (5,589

Comprehensive Loss:

           

Net loss

     —           (15,558     —          4,019     

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —           —          1,318        (88  

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —           —          1,778        —       

Total comprehensive loss

     —           —          —          —          (8,531
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2011

   $ 528,786       $ (720,693   $ 1,776      $ 47,764      $ (141,985
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options and related income tax benefits

     3         —          —          —          3   

Issuance of Common Stock to employees and officers and related income tax benefits

     1,004         —          —          —          1,009   

Acquisition of additional controlling interests

     —           —          —          (246     (246

Payments of dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests

     —           —          —          (4,152     (4,152

Preferred stock transactions

     —           61,892        —          —          61,892   

Comprehensive Income:

           

Net income

     —           26,193        —          4,535     

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —           —          (97     (59  

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —           —          (489     —       

Total comprehensive income

     —           —          —          —          30,083   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

   $ 529,793       $ (632,608   $ 1,190      $ 47,842      $ (53,396
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

56


EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

 

     FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28 (29),  
     2010     2011     2012  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Consolidated net income (loss)

   $ (118,492   $ (11,539   $ 30,728   

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)to net cash provided by operating activities -

      

Discontinued operations

     (641     2,526        (3,842

Gain on sale of controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC

     —          —          (31,865

Impairment losses on intangible assets

     174,642        7,005        —     

(Gain) loss on debt extinguishment

     (31,362     —          2,006   

Accretion of debt instruments to interest expense

     —          —          4,968   

Depreciation and amortization

     11,203        10,614        8,467   

Provision for bad debts

     1,899        817        348   

(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes

     (34,675     5,963        (30,277

Noncash compensation

     2,441        1,794        1,153   

Loss on equity method investments including other-than-temporary impairment

     (47     265        16,068   

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets

     (127     3        820   

Changes in assets and liabilities -

      

Accounts receivable

     4,124        (3,333     5,665   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     14,610        1,149        311   

Other assets

     (676     (216     (306

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (2,511     1,628        (256

Deferred revenue

     6,785        (5,667     (1,703

Income taxes

     (10,017     7,494        1,867   

Other liabilities

     2,943        (1,392     (873

Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations

     5,563        2,448        479   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     25,662        19,559        3,758   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Purchases of property and equipment

     (4,645     (4,082     (5,728

Proceeds from the sale of assets

     9,109        —          160   

Sale of controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC

     —          —          130,000   

Distributions from equity method investments

     102        43        1,308   

Cash paid for acquisitions

     (4,882     —          —     

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - discontinued operations

     (287     (165     5,551   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (603     (4,204     131,291   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

57


EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(CONTINUED)

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
     FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28 (29),  
     2010     2011     2012  

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Payments on long-term debt

     (130,660     (29,156     (146,151

Proceeds from long-term debt

     83,235        19,000        50,941   

Settlement of tax withholding obligations

     (69     (90     (86

Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests

     (3,947     (4,413     (4,152

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchases

     1        —          3   

Payments for debt related costs

     (4,846     —          (4,191

Acquisition of rights in and purchase of preferred stock

     —          —          (31,685

Net cash used in financing activities - discontinued operations

     (2,042     (1,176     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (58,328     (15,835     (135,321
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

     (663     (266     (177

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (33,932     (746     (449

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

      

Beginning of period

     40,746        6,814        6,068   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 6,814      $ 6,068      $ 5,619   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:

      

Cash paid for (refund from)-

      

Interest

   $ 22,396      $ 21,176      $ 25,368   

Income taxes

     5,110        (7,026     1,007   

Non-cash financing transactions-

      

Value of stock issued to employees under stock compensation program and to satisfy accrued incentives

     2,412        1,756        1,090   

ACQUISITION OF NONCONTROLLING BULGARIAN RADIO INTERESTS

      

Fair value of assets acquired

   $ 4,882       

Cash paid

     (4,882    
  

 

 

     

Liabilities recorded

   $ —         
  

 

 

     

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

58


EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

  a. Principles of Consolidation

The following discussion pertains to Emmis Communications Corporation (“ECC”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Emmis,” the “Company,” or “we”). Emmis’ foreign subsidiaries report on a fiscal year ending December 31, which Emmis consolidates into its fiscal year ending February 28 (29). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

  b. Organization

Emmis is a diversified media company with radio broadcasting and magazine publishing operations. We own and operate four FM radio stations serving the nation’s top two markets – New York and Los Angeles, although one station in each market is operated pursuant to a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) whereby a third party provides the programming for the station and sells all advertising within that programming. Additionally, we own and operate fourteen FM and two AM radio stations with strong positions in St. Louis, Austin (we have a 50.1% controlling interest in our radio stations located there), Indianapolis and Terre Haute. In addition to our domestic radio businesses, we operate a radio news network in Indiana, and publish Texas Monthly , Los Angeles , Atlanta , Indianapolis Monthly , Cincinnati, Orange Coast, and Country Sampler and related magazines. Internationally, we own and operate national radio networks in Slovakia and Bulgaria. We also engage in various businesses ancillary to our business, such as website design and development, and digital sales consulting.

Substantially all of ECC’s business is conducted through its subsidiaries. Our Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated November 2, 2006, as further amended on various dates (the “Credit Agreement”), contains certain provisions that may restrict the ability of ECC’s subsidiaries to transfer funds to ECC in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.

 

  c. Revenue Recognition

Broadcasting revenue is recognized as advertisements are aired. Publication revenue is recognized in the month of delivery of the publication. Both broadcasting revenue and publication revenue recognition is subject to meeting certain conditions such as persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists and collection is reasonably assured. These criteria are generally met at the time the advertisement is aired for broadcasting revenue and upon delivery of the publication for publication revenue. Advertising revenues presented in the financial statements are reflected on a net basis, after the deduction of advertising agency fees, usually at a rate of 15% of gross revenues. Revenue associated with guaranteed minimum national sales is recognized when shortfalls in national sales become probable as further discussed in Note 1s.

 

  d. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded based on management’s judgment of the collectability of receivables. When assessing the collectability of receivables, management considers, among other things, historical loss experience and existing economic conditions. The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three years ended February 29, 2012 was as follows:

 

     Balance At                   Balance  
     Beginning                   At End  
     Of Year      Provision      Write-Offs     Of Year  

Year ended February 28, 2010

     2,062         1,899         (1,994     1,967   

Year ended February 28, 2011

     1,967         817         (1,216     1,568   

Year ended February 29, 2012

     1,568         348         (667     1,249   

 

59


  e. Local Programming and Marketing Agreement Fees

The Company from time to time enters into local programming and marketing agreements (LMAs) in connection with acquisitions of radio stations, pending regulatory approval of transfer of the FCC licenses. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company makes specified periodic payments to the owner-operator in exchange for the right to program and sell advertising for a specified portion of the station’s inventory of broadcast time. The Company records revenues and expenses associated with the portion of the station’s inventory of broadcast time it manages. Nevertheless, as the holder of the FCC license, the owner-operator retains control and responsibility for the operation of the station, including responsibility over all programming broadcast on the station. The Company also enters into LMAs in connection with dispositions of radio stations. In such cases the Company may receive periodic payments in exchange for allowing the buyer to program and sell advertising for a portion of the station’s inventory of broadcast time.

On April 3, 2009, Emmis entered into an LMA and a Put and Call Agreement for KXOS-FM in Los Angeles with a subsidiary of Grupo Radio Centro, S.A.B. de C.V (“GRC”), a Mexican broadcasting company. The LMA for KXOS-FM started on April 15, 2009 and will continue for up to 7 years, for $7 million a year plus reimbursement of certain expenses. At any time during the LMA, GRC has the right to purchase the station for $110 million. At the end of the term, Emmis has the right to require GRC to purchase the station for the same amount. Under the LMA, Emmis continues to own and operate the station, with GRC providing Emmis with programming to be broadcast. On April 13, 2012, Emmis and GRC amended the terms of the Put and Call Agreement. See Note 18 for discussion of the amendment.

The consummation of the LMA and Put and Call Agreement for KXOS-FM resulted in the creation of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) pursuant to ASC 810-10. This VIE holds the FCC license for KXOS-FM and the VIE has no material liabilities. As noted earlier, Emmis receives an LMA fee from GRC related to GRC’s use of the FCC License held by the VIE. Emmis’ carrying value in the KXOS-FM FCC license is disclosed in Note 10. As is the case with all of Emmis’ FCC licenses and as discussed further in Note 10, the fair value of an FCC license is primarily driven by market revenues, market revenue growth rates, discount rates and other factors generally beyond our control. Emmis has reported impairment losses related to KXOS-FM in prior years and may incur impairment losses in the future. Any such impairment losses are noncash in nature and have no impact on our cash flows or compliance with covenants contained in our senior credit facility. Pursuant to a review of the variable interest guidance included within ASC 810-10, the Company concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and thus should consolidate the VIE. In its assessment, Emmis considered, among other factors, its role in the design and creation of the VIE and power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE.

On June 20, 2011, Emmis entered into an LMA for WRXP-FM in New York, WKQX-FM in Chicago and WLUP-FM in Chicago with LMA Merlin Media LLC. The LMA for these stations started on July 15, 2011 and terminated upon the sale of a controlling interest in these stations on September 1, 2011 (see Note 8 for more discussion of the sale transaction).

On April 26, 2012, Emmis entered into an LMA for WRKS-FM in New York. See Note 18 for discussion of the WRKS-FM LMA.

LMA fees, recorded as net revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 were as follows:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29)  
     2010      2011      2012  

Grupo Radio Centro LMA

   $ 6,125       $ 7,000       $ 7,000   

Merlin Media LMA

     —           —           310   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,125       $ 7,000       $ 7,310   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  f. Share-based Compensation

The Company determines the fair value of its employee stock options at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the value of exchange-traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. The Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different than these traded options. In addition, option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility and expected term of the options granted. The Company relies heavily upon historical data of its stock price when determining expected volatility, but each year the Company reassesses whether or not historical data is representative of expected results. See Note 4 for more discussion of share-based compensation.

 

60


  g. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Emmis considers time deposits, money market fund shares and all highly liquid debt investment instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At times, such deposits may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits.

 

  h. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is generally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which are 39 years for buildings, the shorter of economic life or expected lease term for leasehold improvements, five to seven years for broadcasting equipment, five years for automobiles, and three to five years for office equipment. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred; improvements are capitalized. On a continuing basis, the Company reviews the carrying value of property and equipment for impairment. If events or changes in circumstances were to indicate that an asset carrying value may not be recoverable, a write-down of the asset would be recorded through a charge to operations. See Note 1q for more discussion of impairment losses related to our property and equipment. Depreciation expense for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 was $8.7 million, $8.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively.

 

  i. Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Indefinite-lived Intangibles and Goodwill

In connection with past acquisitions, a significant amount of the purchase price was allocated to radio broadcasting licenses, goodwill and other intangible assets. Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired. In accordance with ASC Topic 350, “ Intangibles—Goodwill and Other,” goodwill and radio broadcasting licenses are not amortized, but are tested at least annually for impairment at the reporting unit level and unit of accounting level, respectively. We test for impairment annually, on December 1 of each year, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances or other conditions suggest impairment may have occurred. Impairment exists when the asset carrying values exceed their respective fair values, and the excess is then recorded to operations as an impairment charge. See Note 10, Intangible Assets and Goodwill, for more discussion of our interim and annual impairment tests performed during the three years ended February 29, 2012.

Definite-lived Intangibles

The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of our foreign broadcasting license in Slovakia and trademarks which are amortized over the period of time the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the Company’s future cash flows. The cost of the broadcast license in Slovakia is being amortized over the term of the license, which expires in February 2021.

 

  j. Discontinued operations and assets held for sale

The results of operations and related disposal costs, gains and losses for business units that the Company has sold, expects to sell, or has ceased operations are classified in discontinued operations for all periods presented.

 

 

61


A summary of the income from discontinued operations is presented below:

 

     Year ended February 28 (29),  
     2010     2011     2012  

Income (loss) from operations:

      

Slager Radio (Hungary)

   $ 1,404      $ (2,740   $ (312

Flint Peak Tower Site

     311        362        1   

Belgium

     (944     —          —     

Other

     (37     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     734        (2,378     (311

Provision for income taxes

     513        148        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations, net of tax

     221        (2,526     (311

Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations:

      

Belgium

     420        —          —     

Flint Peak Tower Site

     —          —          4,882   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     420        —          4,882   

Provision for income taxes

     —          —          729   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

     420        —          4,153   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ 641      $ (2,526   $ 3,842   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued Operation – Slager

On October 28, 2009, the Hungarian National Radio and Television Board (ORTT) announced that it awarded to another bidder the national radio license then held by our majority-owned subsidiary, Slager. Slager ceased broadcasting effective November 19, 2009. We are seeking equitable relief through the International Centre for Settlement of Investments Disputes (“ICSID”) as we believe the award of the license by the ORTT to another bidder violated law and various bilateral agreements.

Slager had historically been included in the radio segment. The following table summarizes certain operating results for Slager for all periods presented:

 

     Year ended February 28 (29),  
     2010      2011     2012  

Net revenues

   $ 12,914       $ 41      $ 30   

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     10,534         940        344   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,837         —          —     

Interest expense

     58         —          —     

Other income (expense)

     919         (1,841     2   

Income (loss) before taxes

     1,404         (2,740     (312

Provision for income taxes

     401         —          —     

Net income (loss) attributable to minority interests

     398         (469     (48

Discontinued Operation – Flint Peak Tower Site

On April 6, 2011, Emmis sold land, towers and other equipment at its Glendale, CA tower site (the “Flint Peak Tower Site”) to Richland Towers Management Flint, Inc. for $6.0 million in cash. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $4.9 million. Net proceeds from the sale were used to repay amounts outstanding under the credit facility.

 

 

62


The operations of the Flint Peak Tower Site had historically been included in the radio segment. The following table summarizes certain operating results for the Flint Peak Tower Site for all periods presented:

 

     Year ended February 28
(29),
 
     2010      2011      2012  

Net revenues

   $ 464       $ 558       $ 59   

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     101         128         51   

Depreciation and amortization

     52         68         7   

Gain on sale of assets

     —           —           4,882   

Income before taxes

     311         362         4,883   

Provision for income taxes

     112         148         729   

Net income

     199         214         4,154   

Discontinued Operation – Belgium

On May 29, 2009, Emmis sold the stock of its Belgium radio operation to Alfacam Group NV, a Belgian corporation, for 100 euros. Emmis desired to exit Belgium as its financial performance in the market failed to meet expectations. The sale allowed Emmis to eliminate further operating losses. Emmis recorded a full valuation allowance against the net operating losses generated by the Belgium radio operation for all periods presented. Belgium had historically been included in the radio segment. The following table summarizes certain operating results for Belgium for all periods presented:

 

     For the year ended February 28 (29),  
     2010      2011      2012  

Net revenues

   $ 703       $ —         $ —     

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     1,647         —           —     

Loss before income taxes

     944         —           —     

Summary of Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations:

 

     As of February 28, 2011      As of February 29, 2012  
            Flint Peak Tower             Flint Peak Tower  
     Slager      Site & Other      Slager      Site & Other  

Current assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,658       $ —         $ 914       $ —     

Accounts receivable, net

     63         —           —           —     

Prepaid expenses

     —           —           77         —     

Income tax receivable

     308         —           —           —     

Other

     34         —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     2,063         —           991         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets:

           

Property and equipment, net

     —           925         —           —     

Other noncurrent assets

     20         —           8         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noncurrent assets

     20         925         8         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,083       $ 925       $ 999       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

           

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 723       $ 131       $ 457       $ 94   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   $ 723       $ 131       $ 457       $ 94   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

63


Airplane

On December 1, 2008, Emmis exercised its early purchase option on its leased Gulfstream airplane. Emmis paid $10.2 million in cash, net of a refundable deposit of $4.2 million, to AVN Air, LLC, the lessor of the aircraft. Emmis immediately began marketing the airplane for sale, and in February 2009, entered into an agreement to sell the aircraft for $9.1 million in cash. We closed on the sale of the airplane on April 14, 2009.

 

  k. Advertising and Subscription Acquisition Costs

Advertising and subscription acquisition costs are expensed the first time the advertising takes place, except for certain direct-response advertising related to the identification of new magazine subscribers, the primary purpose of which is to elicit sales from customers who can be shown to have responded specifically to the advertising and that results in probable future economic benefits. When determining probable future economic benefits, the Company includes in its analysis future revenues from renewals if sufficient operating history exists. These direct-response advertising costs are capitalized as assets and amortized over the estimated period of future benefit, ranging from six months to two years subsequent to the promotional event. As of each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates the realizability of capitalized direct-response advertising by comparing the carrying value of such assets on a campaign-by-campaign basis to the probable remaining future primary net revenues expected to result directly from such advertising. If the carrying amounts of such advertising exceed the remaining future primary net revenues that are likely to be realized from such advertising, the excess is recorded as advertising expense immediately. As of February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, direct-response advertising costs capitalized as assets were approximately $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively. On an interim basis, the Company defers non direct-response advertising costs for major advertising campaigns for which future benefits can be demonstrated. These costs are amortized over the shorter of the period benefited or the remainder of the fiscal year. Advertising expense for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 was $5.2 million, $5.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

 

  l. Investments

For those investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee, the investment is accounted for under the equity method. For those investments in which the Company does not have such significant influence, the Company applies the accounting guidance for certain investments in debt and equity securities. Emmis’ equity method investments report on a fiscal year ending December 31, which Emmis incorporates into its fiscal year ended February 28 (29).

Emmis has various investments, the carrying values of which are summarized in the following table:

 

     For the years ending February 28 (29),  
     2011      2012  

Broadcast tower site investment—Texas

   $ 1,351       $ 1,531   

Broadcast tower site investment—New Jersey

     1,150         —     

Other equity method investments

     124         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity method investments

     2,625         1,531   

Available-for-sale investment

     189         160   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 2,814       $ 1,691   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity method investments

Emmis, through its partnership in the Austin market, has a 25% ownership interest in a company that operates a tower site in Austin, Texas. During the year ended February 29, 2012, the Company sold its 50% share of a partnership in which the sole asset is land in New Jersey on which a transmission tower is located to the other partner for $1.3 million in cash. Proceeds from the sale were used to repay amounts outstanding under our senior credit facility. No material gain or loss was recorded on the sale.

 

64


In connection with the sale of its controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC on September 1, 2011, the Company retained a 20.6% common equity interest in Merlin Media LLC. The fair value of this common equity interest as of September 1, 2011, was approximately $5.6 million. Emmis determined that the investment in the common equity of Merlin Media LLC was impaired at February 29, 2012 and the impairment was other-than-temporary. As such, Emmis recognized an impairment loss recorded in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations related to its common equity investment. See Note 8 for more discussion of the sale of a controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC and Note 16 for discussion of other income (expense), net.

Available for sale investments

During the year ended February 28, 2009, Emmis made an investment of $0.3 million in a company that specialized in the development and distribution of mobile and on-line games. The cumulative investment in this company was $1.3 million as of February 28, 2009. During the year ended February 28, 2009, Emmis recorded a noncash impairment charge of $1.3 million, recorded in other expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, as it deemed the investment was fully impaired and the impairment was other-than-temporary.

Emmis has made investments totaling $0.5 million in a company that specializes in digital radio transmission technology. During the years ended February 28, 2011 and February 29, 2012, Emmis recorded noncash impairment charges of $0.3 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, as it deemed the investment was impaired and the impairment was other-than-temporary. This investment is carried at fair value, which totaled $0.2 million as of February 29, 2012. Although no unrealized or realized gains or losses have been recognized on this investment, unrealized gains and losses would be reported in other comprehensive income until realized, at which point they would be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. If the Company determines that the value of the investment is other than temporarily impaired, the Company will recognize, through the statements of operations, a loss on the investment.

Cost method investment

In connection with the sale of its controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC on September 1, 2011, the Company retained a preferred equity interest in Merlin Media LLC with a par value of $28.7 million. The fair value of this preferred equity interest as of September 1, 2011, was approximately $10.8 million. As the preferred equity interest in Merlin Media LLC is non-redeemable and does not have a readily determinable fair value, as defined by accounting standards, this investment is accounted for under the cost method. Emmis determined that the investment in the preferred equity of Merlin Media LLC was impaired at February 29, 2012 and the impairment was other-than-temporary. As such, Emmis recognized an impairment loss recorded in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations related to its preferred equity investment. See Note 8 for more discussion of the sale of a controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC and Note 16 for discussion of other income (expense), net.

 

  m. Deferred Revenue and Barter Transactions

Deferred revenue includes deferred magazine subscription revenue and deferred barter. Magazine subscription revenue is recognized when the publication is shipped. Barter transactions are recorded at the estimated fair value of the product or service received. Broadcast revenue from barter transactions is recognized when commercials are broadcast or a publication is delivered. The appropriate expense or asset is recognized when merchandise or services are used or received. Barter revenues for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 were $13.5 million, $12.8 million and $12.5 million, respectively, and barter expenses were $13.8 million, $13.5 million, and $12.4 million, respectively.

 

65


  n. Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currencies of our international radio entities are shown in the following table. The balance sheets of these entities have been translated from their functional currencies to the U.S. dollar using the current exchange rate in effect at the subsidiaries’ balance sheet date (December 31 for our international radio entities). The results of operations for our international radio entities have been translated using an average exchange rate for the period. During fiscal 2011 we reclassified $2.0 million of accumulated foreign currency losses related to our investment in Slager due to the substantial liquidation of that entity during the period. Subsequent to the reclassification, no translation adjustments are recorded for Slager in accumulated other comprehensive income. The net translation adjustments reflected in shareholders’ deficit during the respective periods were as follows:

 

          For the Years Ended
February 28,
 
     Functional   
     Currency    2010     2011     2012  

Foreign currency transalation adjustments

         

Slovakia

   Euro    $ (99   $ (773   $ (353

Bulgaria

   Leva      290        (81     256   

Hungary

   Forint      (1,018     170        —     

Belgium

   Euro      (538     —          —     

Reclassification due to substantial liquidation

         

Hungary

   Forint      —          2,002        —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ (1,365   $ 1,318      $ (97
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  o. Earnings Per Share

ASC Topic 260 requires dual presentation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share (“EPS”) on the face of the income statement for all entities with complex capital structures. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted. Potentially dilutive securities for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 consisted of stock options, restricted stock awards and the 6.25% Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock. Each share of our outstanding preferred stock in which the Company has not obtained rights may, at the election of the preferred holder, convert into 2.44 shares of common stock. Conversion of these shares of preferred stock into common stock would be dilutive for the year ended February 29, 2012. As such, the preferred dividends of $8.6 million and the extinguishment gain of $61.9 million have been added to net income attributable to common shareholders for purposes of calculating diluted net income per common share for the year then ended.

Included below is a summary of the shares added to basic weighted-average shares outstanding for purposes of calculating diluted EPS:

 

     For the year ended February 28 (29),  
     2010      2011      2012  
     (shares in 000’s)  

6.25% Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock

     —           —           5,693   

Stock options and restricted stock awards

     —           —           967   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common share equivalents

     —           —           6,660   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares excluded from the calculation as the effect of their conversion into shares of our common stock would be antidilutive were as follows:

 

     For the year ended February 28 (29),  
     2010      2011      2012  
     (shares in 000’s)  

6.25% Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock

     6,854         6,854         —     

Stock options and restricted stock awards

     8,650         8,266         6,651   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Antidilutive common share equivalents

     15,504         15,120         6,651   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  p. Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequence of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or income tax returns. Income taxes are recognized during the year in which the underlying transactions are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities as recorded for financial reporting purposes and amounts recorded for income tax purposes. After determining the total amount of deferred tax assets, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If the Company determines that a deferred tax asset is not likely to be realized, a valuation allowance will be established against that asset to record it at its expected realizable value.

 

66


  q. Long-Lived Tangible Assets

The Company periodically considers whether indicators of impairment of long-lived tangible assets are present. If such indicators are present, the Company determines whether the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets in question are less than their carrying value. If less, the Company recognizes an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over their respective fair values. Fair value is determined by discounted future cash flows, appraisals and other methods. If the assets determined to be impaired are to be held and used, the Company recognizes an impairment charge to the extent the asset’s carrying value is greater than the fair value. The fair value of the asset then becomes the asset’s new carrying value, which, if applicable, the Company depreciates or amortizes over the remaining estimated useful life of the asset.

The Company recorded impairment charges for various definite-lived intangible assets during the year ended February 28, 2010. See Note 10 for more discussion.

 

  r. Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the financial statements and in disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

  s. National Representation Agreement

On October 1, 2007, Emmis terminated its existing national sales representation agreement with Interep National Radio Sales, Inc. (“Interep”) and entered into a new agreement with Katz Communications, Inc. (“Katz”) extending through March 2018. Emmis’ existing contract with Interep extended through September 2011. Emmis, Interep and Katz entered into a tri-party termination and mutual release agreement under which Interep agreed to release Emmis from its future contractual obligations in exchange for a one-time payment of $15.3 million, which was paid by Katz on behalf of Emmis as an inducement for Emmis to enter into the new long-term contract with Katz. Emmis measured and recognized the charge associated with terminating the Interep contract as of the effective termination date, which was recorded as a noncash contract termination fee in the year ended February 2008. The liability established as a result of the termination represents an incentive received from Katz that is being recognized as a reduction of our national agency commission expense over the term of the agreement with Katz. The current portion of this liability is included in other current liabilities and the long-term portion of this liability is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012.

 

  t. Liquidity

The Company continually projects its anticipated cash needs, which include its operating needs, capital needs, principal and interest payments on its indebtedness and preferred stock dividends. As of the filing of this Form 10-K, management believes the Company can meet its liquidity needs through the end of fiscal year 2013 with cash and cash equivalents on hand, projected cash flows from operations, cash from transactions outlined in Note 18, and, to the extent necessary, through its borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement, which was approximately $13.5 million at February 29, 2012. Based on these projections, and the transactions outlined in Note 18, management also believes the Company will be in compliance with its debt covenants through the end of fiscal year 2013.

 

  u. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance for comprehensive income which requires that all components of other comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. Also, the entity is required to present reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements. The new guidance should be applied retrospectively and is effective for the Company on March 1, 2012. As this guidance only changes the format of the financial statements, the Company does not expect this to have an impact on results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

67


In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. The guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. An entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying value. The Company does not expect that this guidance, which will be effective for the Company as of March 1, 2012, will have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

2. COMMON STOCK

Emmis has authorized Class A common stock, Class B common stock, and Class C common stock. The rights of these three classes are essentially identical except that each share of Class A common stock has one vote with respect to substantially all matters, each share of Class B common stock has 10 votes with respect to substantially all matters, and each share of Class C common stock has no voting rights with respect to substantially all matters. Class B common stock is owned by our Chairman, CEO and President, Jeffrey H. Smulyan. All shares of Class B common stock convert to Class A common stock upon sale or other transfer to a party unaffiliated with Mr. Smulyan. At February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, no shares of Class C common stock were issued or outstanding.

3. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

Each share of redeemable preferred stock is convertible into a number of shares of common stock, which is determined by dividing the liquidation preference of the share of preferred stock ($50.00 per share) by the conversion price. The conversion price is $20.495, which results in a conversion ratio of 2.44 shares of common stock per share of preferred stock. Dividends are cumulative and payable quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 of each year at an annual rate of $3.125 per preferred share when, as, and if declared. Emmis may redeem the preferred stock for cash at 100% of the liquidation preference per share, plus in each case accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, whether or not declared to the redemption date.

Emmis last paid its quarterly dividend on October 15, 2008. As of February 29, 2012, undeclared dividends in arrears for shares outstanding in which the Company has no economic rights through total return swaps totaled $10.5 million, or $11.17 per share of preferred stock. The Third Amendment to our Credit Agreement prohibits the Company from paying dividends on the Preferred Stock during the Suspension Period (as defined in the Credit Agreement) (See “Liquidity and Capital Resources”). Subject to the restrictions of the Credit Agreement, declaration and payment of future preferred stock dividends is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. Failure to declare and pay the dividend is not a default under the terms of the Preferred Stock. However, since undeclared dividends in arrears exceed six quarters, the holders of the Preferred Stock exercised their right to elect two persons to our board of directors. One of these directors, Joseph R. Siegelbaum, resigned in November 2011. Michelle D. Bergman was elected by the holders of the Preferred Stock to replace Mr. Siegelbaum at a special meeting of shareholders on April 2, 2012.

On various dates in November 2011 and January 2012, Emmis either purchased or purchased rights in 1,871,529 shares of Preferred Stock at a weighted average price of $15.64 per share. We purchased 386,850 shares for cash and these shares have been retired. The purchase price for the rights in the remaining shares was also paid in cash, but these shares are subject to total return swap arrangements. We have entered into confirmations for total return swaps and voting agreements with several preferred holders. Pursuant to these agreements and arrangements, we have the ability to direct the vote of 1,484,679 shares of Preferred Stock, or approximately 61% of the Preferred Stock outstanding as of February 29, 2012. While the shares of Preferred Stock subject to total return swap and voting agreements are not retired for record purposes, they are considered extinguished for accounting purposes. Accordingly, during the year ended February 29, 2012, we recorded a gain on extinguishment of preferred stock of $61.9 million, net of transaction fees and expenses, which is recorded as a decrease to accumulated deficit and included in the computation of net income available to common shareholders in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The confirmations for the total return swaps are longform confirmations governed by a form of ISDA 2002 Master Agreement. The swaps, which have a five year term, provide that in return for payment of the Preferred Stock purchase price described above, we are entitled to receive all payments and other consideration received by the counterparties from us in respect of the counterparties’ Preferred Stock. Therefore, the counterparties will receive no economic benefit by virtue of their continued record ownership of these shares beyond the purchase price we already paid. Until settlement of the swaps, the counterparties will continue to hold legal title and have record ownership of the Preferred Stock, but will be required to vote the Preferred Stock as directed by the Company pursuant to their respective voting agreements. The swaps will settle by delivery of each counterparty’s Preferred Stock to the Company upon the sooner of written notice of termination by the Company (or on any other applicable disruption or termination event) or the expiration of the five year term.

 

68


On April 2, 2012, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement (the “2012 Retention Plan”) at a special meeting of shareholders. The Company contributed 400,000 shares of Preferred Stock to the Trust in connection with the approval of the 2012 Retention Plan. See Note 18 for more discussion of the 2012 Retention Plan.

4. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

The amounts recorded as share-based compensation expense primarily relate to restricted common stock issued under employment agreements, common stock issued to employees in lieu of cash bonuses, Company matches of common stock in our 401(k) plans, and annual stock option and restricted stock grants. Nonvested options do not share in dividends.

Stock Option Awards

The Company has granted options to purchase its common stock to employees and directors of the Company under various stock option plans at no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. These options are granted for a term not exceeding 10 years and are forfeited, except in certain circumstances, in the event the employee or director terminates his or her employment or relationship with the Company. Generally, these options either vest annually over three years (one-third each year for three years), or cliff vest at the end of three years. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of stock options.

The amounts recorded as share based compensation expense primarily relate to stock option and restricted stock grants, but may also include restricted common stock issued under employment agreements, common stock issued to employees and directors in lieu of cash payments, and Company matches of common stock in our 401(k) plan.

The fair value of each option awarded is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model. The Company includes estimated forfeitures in its compensation cost and updates the estimated forfeiture rate through the final vesting date of awards. The Company uses the simplified method to estimate the expected term for all options granted. Although the Company has granted options for many years, the historical exercise activity of our options was impacted by the way the Company processed the equitable adjustment of our November 2006 special dividend. Consequently, the Company believes that reliable data regarding exercise behavior only exists for the period subsequent to November 2006, which is insufficient experience upon which to estimate the expected term. However, beginning in fiscal 2013, the Company anticipates having sufficient reliable data regarding its employees’ exercise behavior to cease using the simplified method. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of the Company’s options on the date of grant during the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012:

 

     Year Ended February 28 (29),
     2010    2011    2012

Risk-Free Interest Rate:

   2.3% - 2.8%    1.9% - 2.9%    1.2% - 2.5%

Expected Dividend Yield:

   0%    0%    0%

Expected Life (Years):

   6.0 - 6.5    6.0 - 6.5    6.0

Expected Volatility:

   72.3% - 100.4%    98.9% - 107.6%    110.2% - 111.3%

 

69


The following table presents a summary of the Company’s stock options outstanding at February 29, 2012, and stock option activity during the year ended February 29, 2012 (“Price” reflects the weighted average exercise price per share):

 

                   Weighted Average      Aggregate  
                   Remaining      Intrinsic  
     Options      Price      Contractual Term      Value  

Outstanding, beginning of year

     8,515,491       $ 9.26         

Granted

     1,058,536         1.02         

Exercised (1)

     10,000         0.30         

Forfeited

     78,817         0.50         

Expired

     1,058,646         17.65         
  

 

 

          

Outstanding, end of year

     8,426,564         7.26         5.1       $ 688,677   

Exercisable, end of year

     5,233,393         11.22         3.4       $ 136,413 1  

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 was $0.44, $0.59 and $0.85, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended February 2010 and 2012 was less than $0.1 million. No options were exercised during the year ended February 2011.

A summary of the Company’s nonvested options at February 29, 2012, and changes during the year ended February 29, 2012, is presented below:

 

            Weighted Average  
            Grant Date  
     Options      Fair Value  

Nonvested, beginning of year

     2,946,661       $ 0.50   

Granted

     1,058,536         0.85   

Vested

     733,209         0.64   

Forfeited

     78,817         0.35   
  

 

 

    

Nonvested, end of year

     3,193,171         0.58   
  

 

 

    

There were 3.2 million shares available for future grants under the Company’s various equity plans at February 29, 2012. The vesting dates of outstanding options at February 29, 2012 range from March 2012 to July 2014, and expiration dates range from March 2012 to September 2021.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company grants restricted stock awards to employees and directors. These awards generally vest at the end of the second or third year after grant and are forfeited, except in certain circumstances, in the event the employee terminates his or her employment or relationship with the Company prior to vesting. Restricted stock award grants prior to fiscal 2011 were granted out of the Company’s 2004 Equity Compensation Plan and restricted stock award grants since March 1, 2010 have been granted out of the Company’s 2010 Equity Compensation Plan. The Company may also award, out of the Company’s 2010 Equity Compensation Plan, stock to settle certain bonuses and other compensation that otherwise would be paid in cash. Any restrictions on these shares are immediately lapsed on the grant date.

 

1  

The Company did not record an income tax benefit related to option exercises in the years ended February 2009, 2010 and 2011. Cash received from option exercises during the years ended February 2010 and 2012 was less than $0.1 million in both periods. No options were exercised during the year ended February 2011.

 

70


The following table presents a summary of the Company’s restricted stock grants outstanding at February 29, 2012, and restricted stock activity during the year ended February 29, 2012 (“Price” reflects the weighted average share price at the date of grant):

 

     Awards      Price  

Grants outstanding, beginning of year

     174,956       $ 3.37   

Granted

     537,729         0.72   

Vested (restriction lapsed)

     686,345         1.39   

Forfeited

     2,195         1.03   
  

 

 

    

Grants outstanding, end of year

     24,145         0.90   
  

 

 

    

The total grant date fair value of shares vested during the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 was $3.3 million, $2.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

Recognized Non-Cash Compensation Expense

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense and related tax benefits recognized by the Company in the three years ended February 2012:

 

     Year Ended February 28 (29),  
     2010      2011      2012  

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 701       $ 694       $ 207   

Corporate expenses

     1,740         1,100         946   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses

     2,441         1,794         1,153   

Tax benefit

     —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Recognized stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

   $ 2,441       $ 1,794       $ 1,153   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of February 29, 2012, there was $0.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.5 years.

5. LONG-TERM DEBT AND RELATED DEFERRED DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS

Long-term debt was comprised of the following at February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012:

 

     As of February 28 (29),  
     2011     2012  

Credit Agreement debt

    

Revolver

   $ 2,000      $ 6,000   

Term Loan B

     328,994        87,877   

Extended Term Loan B

     —          109,966   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Credit Agreement debt

     330,994        203,843   

Senior unsecured notes

     —          33,860   

Less: current maturities

     (3,290     (7,978
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

   $ 327,704      $ 229,725   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

71


Credit Agreement Debt

On November 2, 2006, Emmis Operating Company (“EOC” or the “Borrower”), the principal operating subsidiary of the Company, amended and restated its Credit Agreement to provide for total borrowings of up to $600 million, including (i) a $455 million term loan and (ii) a $145 million revolver, of which $50 million may be used for letters of credit. The margin over the Eurodollar Rate or the alternative base rate varied under the revolver (ranging from 0% to 2.25%), depending on Emmis’ ratio of debt to consolidated operating cash flow, as defined in the agreement. The margins over the Eurodollar Rate and the alternative base rate were 2.00% and 1.00%, respectively, for the term loan facility. At February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, $0.6 million and $0.5 million, in letters of credit were outstanding, respectively. Net deferred debt costs of approximately $2.9 million and $1.6 million relating to the Credit Agreement are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, respectively, and are being amortized over the life of the Credit Agreement as a component of interest expense. Substantially all of Emmis’ assets, including the stock of most of Emmis’ wholly-owned, domestic subsidiaries are pledged to secure the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement has been amended on various dates subsequent to November 2, 2006. The significant terms of the amendments are discussed below.

March 3, 2009 Credit Agreement Amendment

On March 3, 2009, ECC and EOC, entered into the First Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement (the “First Amendment”) by and among Emmis, EOC and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for itself and other lenders, to the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated November 2, 2006 (as amended, supplemented, and restated or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”). Among other things, the First Amendment (i) permitted Emmis to purchase a portion of the Tranche B Term Loan (as defined in the Credit Agreement) at an amount less than par for an aggregate purchase price not to exceed $50 million, (ii) reduced the Total Revolving Credit Commitment (as defined in the Credit Agreement) from $145 million to $75 million, (iii) excluded from Consolidated Operating Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) up to $10 million in cash severance and contract termination expenses incurred for the period commencing March 1, 2008 and ending February 28, 2010, (iv) made Revolving Credit Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement) subject to a pro forma incurrence test and (v) tightened the restrictions on the ability of Emmis to perform certain activities, including restricting the amount that can be used to fund our TV Proceeds Quarterly Bonus Program, and of Emmis Operating Company to conduct transactions with affiliates.

Subsequent to the execution of the First Amendment, in April and May 2009, Emmis completed a series of Dutch auction tenders that purchased term loans of EOC under the Credit Agreement as amended. The cumulative effect of all of the debt tenders resulted in the purchase of $78.5 million in face amount of EOC’s outstanding term loans for $44.7 million in cash. As a result of these purchases, Emmis recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $31.9 million in the quarter ended May 31, 2009, which was net of transaction costs of $1.0 million. The Credit Agreement, as amended, permitted the Company to pay up to $50 million (less amounts paid after February 1, 2009 under our TV Proceeds Quarterly Bonus Program) to purchase EOC’s outstanding term loans through tender offers and required a minimum offer of $5 million per tender. Since the Company paid $44.7 million in debt tenders and paid $4.1 million under the TV Bonus Program in March 2009, we are not permitted to effect further tenders under the Credit Agreement.

August 19, 2009 Credit Agreement Amendment

On August 19, 2009, ECC and EOC entered into the Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement (the “Second Amendment), by and among the Borrower, ECC, the lending institutions party to the Credit Agreement and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for itself and the other lenders party to the Credit Agreement.

Among other things, the Second Amendment:

 

   

suspended the applicability of the Total Leverage Ratio and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio financial covenants (each as defined in the Credit Agreement) for a period that will end no later than September 1, 2011 (the “Suspension Period”),

 

   

provided that during the Suspension Period, the Borrower must maintain Minimum Consolidated EBITDA (as defined by the Credit Agreement) for the trailing twelve month periods as follows:

 

Period Ended

   Amount (in 000’s)  

August 31, 2009

   $ 22,800   

November 30, 2009

   $ 21,600   

February 28, 2010

   $ 23,400   

May 31, 2010

   $ 23,200   

August 31, 2010

   $ 22,400   

November 30, 2010

   $ 22,700   

February 28, 2011

   $ 22,900   

May 31, 2011

   $ 23,600   

August 31, 2011

   $ 25,000   

 

72


   

provided that during the Suspension Period, the Borrower will not permit Liquidity (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower ending during the Suspension Period to be less than $5 million,

 

   

reduced the Total Revolving Credit Commitment (as defined in the Credit Agreement) from $75 million to $20 million,

 

   

set the applicable margin at 3% per annum for base rate loans and at 4% per annum for Eurodollar rate loans,

 

   

provided that during the Suspension Period, the Borrower: (1) must make certain prepayments from funds attributable to debt or equity issuances, asset sales and extraordinary receipts, and (2) must make quarterly payments of Suspension Period Excess Cash (as defined in the Credit Agreement),

 

   

provided that during the Suspension Period, the Borrower may not : (1) make certain investments or effect material acquisitions, (2) make certain restricted payments (including but not limited to restricted payments to fund equity repurchases or dividends on Emmis’ 6.25% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock), or (3) access the additional financing provisions of the Credit Agreement (though Borrower has access to the Total Revolving Credit Commitment of $20 million),

 

   

excluded from the definition of Consolidated EBITDA up to an additional $5 million in severance and contract termination expenses incurred after the effective date of the Second Amendment,

 

   

granted the lenders a security interest in certain previously excluded real estate and other assets,

 

   

permitted the repurchase of debt under the Credit Agreement at a discount using proceeds of certain equity issuances, and

 

   

modified certain financial definitions and other restrictions on ECC and the Borrower.

The Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment during the year ended February 28, 2010 of $0.5 million related to the write-off of deferred debt costs associated with the revolver reduction.

March 29, 2011 Credit Agreement Amendment

On March 29, 2011, ECC and EOC entered into the Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement (the “Third Amendment), by and among the Borrower, ECC, the lending institutions party to the Credit Agreement and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for itself and the other lenders party to the Credit Agreement.

 

 

73


Among other things, the Third Amendment provides that (i) the leverage ratio and fixed charge covenants will not apply to any amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement until November 30, 2012, at which time they will be set at 5.0x and 1.15x for the life of the Credit Agreement and from November 30, 2011 through August 31, 2012 there will be a minimum Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) test of $25.0 million per rolling four quarter test period, (ii) the requirement that annual audits be certified without qualification will be waived for the fiscal years ending February 2011 and 2012, (iii) the ability of Emmis to engage in certain activities or transactions, including the payment of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness and the ability to invest certain proceeds including from asset sales will be further restricted or prohibited and (iv) the terms of the existing Tranche B Term Loans held or purchased on or prior to the date of the Third Amendment by funds or accounts managed by Canyon Capital Advisors LLC (“Canyon”), are amended into an amended tranche of term loans with an extended maturity date of November, 2014. The total amount of Tranche B Term Loans outstanding as of March 29, 2011 was $329 million, and the amount of such term loans that Canyon amended into extended term loans was approximately $182.9 million. The pricing on such amended term loans is based on Emmis’ election on the following pricing grid:

 

Cash Portion

   Paid-in-Kind Portion  

7.50%

     7.00

7.75%

     6.50

8.00%

     6.00

8.25%

     5.50

8.50%

     5.00

8.75%

     4.50

9.00%

     4.00

9.25%

     3.50

9.50%

     3.00

9.75% 1

     2.50 % 1  

Prior to the entry into the Third Amendment, Emmis entered into a backstop letter agreement, dated March 27, 2011, with Canyon (the “Backstop Letter Agreement”), pursuant to which Canyon agreed to consent to the Third Amendment and to purchase loans necessary to provide the required Lenders consent to the Third Amendment. In consideration of Canyon’s entering into the Backstop Letter Agreement, Canyon will receive an exit fee of 6% (or 3% during the first six months after the Third Amendment effective date) on the Tranche B Term Loans and revolving credit commitments held or purchased by funds or accounts managed by Canyon as of March 29, 2011. The exit fee is being recognized over the term of the extended term loans as interest expense.

The Third Amendment contains other terms and conditions customary for financing arrangements of this nature.

November 10, 2011 Credit Agreement Amendment

On November 10, 2011, ECC and EOC entered into the Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement (the “Fourth Amendment”), by and among the Borrower, ECC, the lending institutions party to the Credit Agreement and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for itself and the other lenders party to the Credit Agreement. The Fourth Amendment did not change any financial covenants, but amended certain provisions of the Credit Agreement to allow Emmis to purchase (either for cash or pursuant to total return swaps) its outstanding Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock with the proceeds of newly issued senior unsecured notes issued by ECC. See Note 3 for discussion of our preferred stock and below for discussion of the senior unsecured notes. In connection with the Fourth Amendment, the Company paid $1.1 million of fees to its Credit Agreement lenders. These costs were capitalized and are included in other assets, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are being amortized over the remaining life of the Credit Agreement. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $0.3 million of legal fees that were expensed as a component of corporate expenses during the year ended February 29, 2012.

See Note 18 for a discussion of the Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment”) and the Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement (the “Sixth Amendment”).

 

1  

If the Company elects 9.75% Cash Portion for any payment, it may also elect to pay some or all of the Paid-in-Kind portion in cash for such period.

 

74


Expected annual amortization for the Credit Agreement based on amounts outstanding as of February 29, 2012 is as follows:

 

            Amortization of      Amortization of         
Year Ended    Revolver      Term Loans      Term Loans      Total  

February 28,

   Amortization      Held by Canyon      Held by Others      Amortization  

2013

     6,000         1,099         879         7,978   

2014

     —           1,089         86,998         88,087   

2015

     —           107,778         —           107,778   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,000       $ 109,966       $ 87,877       $ 203,843   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Senior Unsecured Notes

Issuance of ECC Senior Unsecured Notes

On November 10, 2011, Emmis entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement”) with Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. (“Zell”).

Under the Note Purchase Agreement, Zell agreed to purchase from ECC up to $35.0 million of unsecured notes (the “Notes”). The Notes, with respect to distributions upon the liquidation, winding-up and dissolution of the Company, rank senior to the Preferred Stock and common equity of the Company, but junior to our Credit Agreement. Emmis was permitted to sell the Notes to Zell on up to four separate occasions on or before February 2, 2012. The Note Purchase Agreement provided that Emmis may enter into transactions to purchase or purchase rights in its Preferred Stock through privately negotiated transactions with individual preferred shareholders and/or through a tender offer. Emmis issued, on four separate occasions in November 2011 and January 2012, Notes to Zell totaling $31.9 million to either purchase or purchase rights in 1,871,529 shares of Preferred Stock at a weighted average price of $15.64 per share and to pay $2.7 million in fees and expenses. Net deferred debt costs of approximately $0.5 million relating to the Notes are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of February 29, 2012, and are being amortized over the life of the Notes as a component of interest expense.

Interest on the Notes is paid in kind and compounds quarterly at a rate of 22.95% per annum, except that during the continuance of any event of default the rate will be 24.95% per annum payable on demand in cash. The Notes mature on February 1, 2015, at which time the principal balance and all accreted interest is due entirely in cash.

At any time after the discharge of certain senior obligations of Emmis and its subsidiaries described in the Note Purchase Agreement, Emmis may, upon prior written notice to Zell, redeem the Notes in whole or in part at a redemption price (including with certain make-whole amounts for redemption occurring prior to May 10, 2013) as described in the Note Purchase Agreement. Any partial redemption of the Notes shall be in denominations of at least $10.0 million and in multiples of $1.0 million in excess of such minimum denomination.

The Note Purchase Agreement contains representations, warranties, indemnities and affirmative and negative covenants that are customary for agreements of its type. The negative covenants include, without limitation, certain limitations on the ability to (1) incur liens and indebtedness, (2) consummate mergers, consolidations or asset sales, (3) make guarantees and investments, and (4) pay dividends or distributions on or make any distributions in respect of Preferred Stock or common equity. The Note Purchase Agreement also includes certain events of default customary for agreements of its type including, among others, the failure to make payments when due, insolvency, certain judgments, breaches of representations and warranties, breaches of covenants, and the occurrence of certain events, including cross acceleration to certain other indebtedness of Emmis, including its senior credit facility. In addition, Emmis is required to deliver compliance certificates demonstrating compliance with the Note Purchase Agreement and Emmis’ senior credit facility.

 

 

75


Borrowings under the Credit Agreement depend upon our continued compliance with certain operating covenants and financial ratios. At February 29, 2012, we had $13.5 million available for additional borrowing under our credit facility, which is net of $0.5 million in outstanding letters of credit. As discussed above, during the Suspension Period the Company must maintain a minimum amount of trailing twelve-month Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and at least $5 million in Liquidity (as defined in the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement also contains certain other non-financial covenants. We were in compliance with all financial and non-financial covenants as of February 29, 2012. Our Liquidity (as defined in the Credit Agreement) as of February 29, 2012 was $14.6 million. Our minimum Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) requirement and actual amount as of February 29, 2012 was as follows:

 

     As of February 29, 2012  
            Actual Trailing  
     Covenant      Twelve-Month  
     Requirement      Consolidated  EBITDA 1  

Trailing Twelve-month Consolidated EBITDA 1

   $ 24,000       $ 26,305   

Proceeds from raising additional equity, issuing additional subordinated debt or from asset sales, as well as excess cash flow, are required to be used to repay amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement and Notes.

6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

As of February 29, 2012, the Company has no outstanding interest rate derivatives. The discussion below describes the Company’s interest rate derivatives that matured during the periods presented.

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risk arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate exposure with the following objectives:

 

   

manage current and forecasted interest rate risk while maintaining optimal financial flexibility and solvency

 

   

proactively manage the Company’s cost of capital to ensure the Company can effectively manage operations and execute its business strategy, thereby maintaining a competitive advantage and enhancing shareholder value

 

   

comply with covenant requirements in the Company’s Credit Agreement

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives were to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily used interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Under the terms of its Credit Agreement, the Company was required to fix or cap the interest rate on at least 30% of its debt outstanding (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for the three-year period ending November 2, 2009.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The Company’s interest rate derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives was recognized directly in earnings. The Company did not record any hedge ineffectiveness in earnings during the years ended February 2010, 2011 or 2012. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives were reclassified to interest expense as interest payments were made on the Company’s variable-rate debt.

In March 2007, the Company entered into a three-year interest rate exchange agreement (a “Swap”), whereby the Company paid a fixed rate of 4.795% on $165 million of notional principal to Bank of America, and Bank of America paid to the Company a variable rate on the same amount of notional principal based on the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). This swap matured in March 2010, at which time the Company recognized a $2.0 million tax benefit that had previously been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. In March 2008, the Company entered into an additional three-year Swap, whereby the Company paid a fixed rate of 2.964% on $100 million of notional principal to Deutsche Bank, and Deutsche Bank paid to the Company a variable rate on the same amount of notional principal based on the three-month LIBOR. In January 2009, the Company entered into an additional two-year Swap effective as of March 28, 2009, whereby the Company paid a fixed rate of 1.771% on $75 million of notional principal to Deutsche Bank, and Deutsche Bank paid to the Company a variable rate on the same amount of notional principal based on the three-month LIBOR. The two swaps with Deutsche Bank matured in March 2011, at which time the Company recognized a $0.8 million tax benefit that had previously been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

1  

(as defined in the Credit Agreement)

 

76


The Company does not generally use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes, although it has used derivative instruments in the form of total return swaps in connection with the rights it has acquired in its Preferred Stock.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the balance sheet as of February 28, 2011. The accumulated other comprehensive income balance related to our derivative instruments at February 28, 2011 was $489. The fair value of the derivative instruments was estimated by obtaining quotations from the financial institution that were the counterparty to the instruments. The fair value was an estimate of the net amount that the Company would have been required to pay on February 28, 2011, if the agreements were transferred to other parties or cancelled by the Company, as further adjusted by a credit adjustment required by ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, discussed below. As discussed above, the derivative instruments matured in March 2011, thus no amounts related to derivative instruments remain on the consolidated balance sheets as of February 29, 2012.

 

     Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments  
     Asset Derivatives      Liability Derivatives  
     As of February 28, 2011      As of February 29, 2012      As of February 28, 2011      As of February 29, 2012  
     Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
     Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
     Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
     Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair
Value
 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

                       

Interest Rate Swap Agreements (Current Portion)

   N/A      —         N/A      —         Other Current Liabilities      297       N/A      —     
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

      $ —            $ —            $ 297          $ —     
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

 

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012.

 

     For the Yeard Ended February 28 (29),  

Derivatives in Cash Flow

Hedging Relationships

   Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI
on Derivative (Effective Portion)
     Location of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
   Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective  Portion)
    Location of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivative (Ineffective
Portion and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
   Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on
Derivative (Ineffective Portion and  Amount Excluded
from Effectiveness Testing)
 
   2010     2011     2012         2010     2011     2012        2010      2011      2012  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

   $ (7,271   $ (562   $ —         Interest expense    $ (9,980   $ (4,333   $ (297   N/A    $ —         $ —         $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ (7,271   $ (562   $ —            $ (9,980   $ (4,333   $ (297      $ —         $ —         $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

The Company managed its counterparty risk by entering into derivative instruments with global financial institutions where it believed the risk of credit loss resulting from nonperformance by the counterparty was low. The Company’s counterparties on its interest rate swaps were Deutsche Bank and Bank of America.

In accordance with ASC Topic 820, the Company made Credit Value Adjustments (CVAs) to adjust the valuation of derivatives to account for our own credit risk with respect to all derivative liability positions. The CVA was accounted for as a decrease to the derivative position with the corresponding increase or decrease reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. The CVA also accounted for nonperformance risk of our counterparty in the fair value measurement of all derivative asset positions, when appropriate. As of February 28, 2011 , the fair value of our derivative instruments was net of less than $0.1 million in CVAs.

 

77


The Company did not post any collateral related to the interest rate swap agreements.

7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

As defined in ASC Topic 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012. The financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

 

     As of February 29, 2012  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3         
     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
or Liabilities
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
     Total  

Available for sale securities

   $ —         $ —         $ 160       $ 160   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

   $ —         $ —         $ 160       $ 160   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As of February 28, 2011  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3         
     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
or Liabilities
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
     Total  

Available for sale securities

   $ —         $ —         $ 189       $ 189   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

   $ —         $ —         $ 189       $ 189   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest rate swap agreements

     —           —           297         297   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

   $ —         $ —         $ 297       $ 297   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Available for sale securities  — Emmis’ available for sale security is an investment in preferred stock of a company that is not traded in active markets. The investment is recorded at fair value, which is generally estimated using significant unobservable market parameters, resulting in Level 3 categorization.

 

78


Swap agreements  — Emmis’ derivative financial instruments consisted solely of interest rate cash flow hedges in which the Company paid a fixed rate and receives a variable interest rate that was observable based upon a forward interest rate curve, as adjusted for the CVA discussed in Note 6. Because a more than insignificant portion of the valuation was based upon unobservable inputs, these interest rate swaps were considered a Level 3 input.

The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs:

 

     For the Year Ended
February 28, 2011
    For the Year Ended
February 29, 2012
 
     Available
For Sale
Securities
    Derivative
Instruments
    Available
For Sale
Securities
    Derivative
Instruments
 

Beginning Balance

   $ 452      $ 4,068      $ 189      $ 297   

Other than temporary impairment loss

     (263     —          (29     —     

Realized losses included in earnings

     —          (4,333     —          (297

Changes in other comprehensive income

     —          562        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance

   $ 189      $ 297      $ 160      $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The Company has certain assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis under circumstances and events that include those described in Note 10, Intangible Assets and Goodwill, and are adjusted to fair value only when the carrying values are more than the fair values. The categorization of the framework used to price the assets is considered a Level 3, due to the subjective nature of the unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value (see Note 10 for more discussion).

Fair Value Of Other Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value of financial instruments is determined using the best available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessary, however, in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange, or the value that ultimately will be realized upon maturity or disposition. The use of different market assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments:

Ÿ Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, including accrued liabilities : The carrying amount of these assets and liabilities approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Ÿ Credit Agreement debt : As of February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, the fair value of the Company’s Credit Agreement debt as of those dates was $311.1 million and $198.0 million, respectively, while the carrying value was $331.0 million and $203.8 million, respectively. The Company’s assessment of the fair value of the Credit Agreement debt is based on bid prices for the portion of debt that is actively traded and is considered a level 1 measurement. The Extended Term Loans are not actively traded and is considered a level 3 measurement (see Note 5 for more discussion of the Extended Term Loans). The Company believes that the current carrying value of the Extended Term Loans approximates its fair value.

Ÿ 6.25% Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock : As of February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, the fair value of the Company’s 6.25% Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock based on quoted market prices was $49.2 million and $20.2 million, respectively, while the carrying value was $140.5 million and $46.9 million, respectively. The carrying value of preferred stock excludes undeclared dividends in arrears for shares outstanding in which the Company has no economic rights through total return swaps of $21.0 million and $10.5 million as of February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, respectively. All amounts exclude shares outstanding in which Emmis has acquired economic rights through total return swaps. As quoted market prices are available, this is considered a level 1 measurement.

 

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Ÿ Senior unsecured notes : The senior unsecured notes are not actively traded and are considered a level 3 measurement (see Note 5 for more discussion of the senior unsecured notes). The Company believes that the current carrying value of the senior unsecured notes approximates its fair value.

8. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

Sale of controlling interest in WRXP-FM, WKQX-FM AND WLUP-FM

On September 1, 2011, the Company completed the sale of a controlling interest in Merlin Media, LLC (“Merlin Media”), which owns the following radio stations: (i) WKQX-FM, 101.1 MHz, Channel 266, Chicago, IL (FIN 19525), (ii) WRXP-FM, 101.9 MHz, Channel 270, New York, NY (FIN 67846) and (iii) WLUP-FM, 97.9 MHz, Channel 250, Chicago, IL (FIN 73233) (collectively the “Merlin Stations”). The Company received gross cash sale proceeds of $130 million in the transaction, and incurred approximately $8.6 million of expenses, principally consisting of severance, state and local taxes, and professional and other fees and expenses. The Company used the net cash proceeds to repay approximately 38% of the term loans outstanding under its credit facility. Emmis also paid a $2.0 million exit fee to Canyon related to the repayment of Extended Term Loans on September 1, 2011.

On September 1, 2011, subsidiaries of Emmis entered into the 2nd Amended & Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) of Merlin Media, together with Merlin Holdings, LLC (“Merlin Holdings”), an affiliate of investment funds managed by GTCR, LLC, and Benjamin L. Homel (aka Randy Michaels) (together with Merlin Holdings, the “Investors”).

In connection with the completion of the disposition of assets to Merlin Media and sale of a controlling interest in Merlin Media pursuant to the Purchase Agreement dated June 20, 2011 among the Company, Merlin Holdings and Mr. Homel (the “Purchase Agreement), the Company retained preferred equity and common equity interests in Merlin Media, the terms of which are governed by the LLC Agreement. The Company’s common equity interests in Merlin Media represented 20.6% of the initial outstanding common equity interests of Merlin Media and are subject to dilution if the Company fails to participate pro rata in future capital calls. The fair value of the Company’s 20.6% common equity ownership of Merlin Media LLC as of September 1, 2011 was approximately $5.6 million, and accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s preferred equity interests in Merlin Media consist of approximately $28.7 million (at par) of non-redeemable perpetual preferred interests, on which a preferred return accretes quarterly at a rate of 8% per annum. The fair value of this preferred equity interest as of September 1, 2011, was approximately $10.8 million and is accounted for under the cost method. See Note 1 for more discussion of our investments in Merlin Media. The preferred interests held by the Company are junior to non-redeemable perpetual preferred interests held by the Investors of approximately $87 million, on which a preferred return accretes quarterly at a rate of 8% per annum. The preferred interests held by the Company and the Investors are both junior to a $60 million senior secured note issued to an affiliate of Merlin Holdings. The note matures five years from closing, and interest accrues on the note semi-annually at a rate of 15% per annum, payable in cash or in-kind at Merlin Media’s election. Distributions in respect of Merlin Media’s common and preferred interests are made when declared by Merlin Media’s board of managers. Given the Company’s continued equity interests in the stations, it is precluded from reclassifying the operating results of the stations to discontinued operations.

Upon deconsolidation, Emmis recorded the retained common and preferred equity interests at fair value. The fair value of our investments in Merlin Media LLC was calculated using the Black Scholes option-pricing model. The model’s inputs reflect assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument in a current period transaction based upon estimated future cash flows and other estimates at September 1, 2011. Inputs to the model include stock volatility, dividend yields, expected term of the derivatives and risk-free interest rates. Results from the valuation model in one period may not be indicative of future period measurements.

Merlin Media changed the format of WKQX-FM in Chicago and WRXP-FM in New York from a music-intensive format to a news/talk format. Both stations have incurred substantial start-up losses well in excess of the original business model used in the September 1, 2011 valuation. Neither station is now expected to achieve the estimated cash flows used in the September 1, 2011 valuation. Consequently, as of February 29, 2012, it was determined that future cash flows will be substantially lower than the estimated cash flows used in the September 1, 2011 valuation of our retained common and preferred equity interests. As such, Emmis reassessed the fair value of its retained common and preferred equity interests using the same valuation methodology described above with updated assumptions, and determined that the retained common and preferred equity interests were fully impaired. The Company believes that the magnitude of the impairment and the potentially prolonged recovery period indicate that the impairment is other-than-temporary. As such, Emmis wrote-off the remaining carrying value of its investments in Merlin Media LLC. The total equity method loss and other-than-temporary impairment loss recognized related to Merlin Media LLC of $16.4 million is recognized in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

80


Under the LLC Agreement, the Company is entitled initially to appoint one out of five members of Merlin Media’s board of managers and has limited consent rights with respect to specified transactions. The Company has no obligation to make ongoing capital contributions to Merlin Media, but as noted above is subject to dilution if it fails to participate pro rata in future capital calls.

Merlin Media is a private company and the Company will have limited ability to sell its interests in Merlin Media, except pursuant to customary tag-along rights with respect to sales by Merlin Media’s controlling Investor or, after five years, in a private sale to third parties subject to rights of first offer held by the controlling Investor. The Company has customary registration rights and is subject to a “drag-along” right of the controlling Investor.

On September 30, 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved a discretionary bonus of $1.7 million to certain employees that were key participants in the Merlin Media transaction. The discretionary bonus is reflected in corporate expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense during the year ended February 29, 2012.

Sale of Glendale, CA Tower Site

On April 6, 2011, Emmis sold land, towers and other equipment at its Glendale, CA tower site to Richland Towers Management Flint, Inc. for $6.0 million in cash. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $4.9 million. Net proceeds from the sale were used to repay amounts outstanding under the credit facility.

Purchase of 100% of Bulgarian Radio Networks

During the quarter ended May 31, 2009, Emmis completed a series of transactions with its noncontrolling partners of two of our Bulgarian radio networks that gave Emmis 100% ownership in those networks. The purchase price of these transactions totaled $4.9 million in cash, and a substantial portion was allocated to goodwill which was then determined to be substantially impaired. Emmis recorded an impairment loss of $3.7 million related to Bulgarian goodwill during the quarter ended May 31, 2009.

Sale of Belgium Radio Operations

On May 29, 2009, Emmis sold the stock of its Belgium radio operation to Alfacam Group NV, a Belgian corporation, for 100 euros. Emmis recognized a gain on the sale of its Belgium radio operations of $0.4 million, which included a gain of $0.1 million related to the transfer of cumulative translation adjustments. The gain on sale of the Belgium radio operations is included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Emmis desired to exit Belgium as its financial performance in the market failed to meet expectations. The sale allowed Emmis to eliminate further operating losses.

9. GOING PRIVATE TRANSACTION

On April 26, 2010, JS Acquisition, Inc., a corporation owned entirely by our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Mr. Jeffrey H. Smulyan, and Alden Global Capital (together with its affiliates and related parties, “Alden”) entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (the “Letter of Intent”) with respect to a series of transactions relating to the equity securities of Emmis. Subsequently, JS Acquisition, LLC (together with its wholly owned subsidiary, JS Acquisition, Inc., “JS Acquisition”) and Alden entered into a formal Securities Purchase Agreement, and Emmis and JS Acquisition entered into a Merger Agreement, all of which were designed to take Emmis private in a series of transactions that involved (i) JS Acquisition offering to purchase all of the Class A Common Stock at a price of $2.40 per share (the “Tender Offer”), (ii) Emmis offering to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) all of its 6.25% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Existing Preferred Stock”) for 12% PIK Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (the “New Notes”), (iii) the adoption of certain amendments to the terms of the Existing Preferred Stock (the “Proposed Amendments”) and (iv) a subsequent merger of JS Acquisition into Emmis (the “Merger” and together with the Tender Offer, the Exchange Offer and the Proposed Amendments, the “Going Private Transaction”).

On September 9, 2010, Emmis announced that the Proposed Amendments had not received the requisite shareholder votes to pass and that the Exchange Offer had terminated. The Exchange Offer was conditioned upon, among other things, the adoption of the Proposed Amendments. The same day, Emmis was informed that the Tender Offer, which was also conditioned upon adoption of the Proposed Amendments, had also terminated. The Company recorded $3.6 million of costs associated with the transaction in the year ended February 28, 2011, which is included in corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

81


10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, the Company reviews goodwill and other intangibles at least annually for impairment. In connection with any such review, if the recorded value of goodwill and other intangibles is greater than its fair value, the intangibles are written down and charged to results of operations. FCC licenses are renewed every eight years at a nominal cost, and historically all of our FCC licenses have been renewed at the end of their respective eight-year periods. Since we expect that all of our FCC licenses will continue to be renewed in the future, we believe they have indefinite lives. Radio stations in a geographic market cluster are considered a single unit of accounting, provided that they are not being operated under a Local Marketing Agreement by another broadcaster.

Impairment testing

The Company generally performs its annual impairment review of indefinite-lived intangibles as of December 1 each year, but given economic conditions and revenue declines in the domestic radio broadcasting industry and publishing industry, the Company performed an interim impairment review as of August 1, 2009. Impairment recorded as a result of our interim and annual impairment testing is summarized in the table below. We will perform additional interim impairment assessments whenever triggering events suggest such testing for the recoverability of these assets is warranted.

 

     Interim Assessment      Annual Assessment         
     FCC Licenses      Goodwill      Definite-lived      FCC Licenses      Goodwill      Definite-lived      Total  

Year Ended February 28, 2010

     160,910         8,928         4,804         —           —           —           174,642   

Year Ended February 28, 2011

     N/A         N/A         N/A         7,005         —           —           7,005   

Year Ended February 29, 2012

     N/A         N/A         N/A         —           —           —           —     

Valuation of Indefinite-lived Broadcasting Licenses

Fair value of our FCC Licenses is estimated to be the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To determine the fair value of our FCC Licenses, the Company uses an income valuation method when it performs its impairment tests. Under this method, the Company projects cash flows that would be generated by each of its units of accounting assuming the unit of accounting was commencing operations in its respective market at the beginning of the valuation period. This cash flow stream is discounted to arrive at a value for the FCC license. The Company assumes the competitive situation that exists in each market remains unchanged, with the exception that its unit of accounting commenced operations at the beginning of the valuation period. In doing so, the Company extracts the value of going concern and any other assets acquired, and strictly values the FCC license. Major assumptions involved in this analysis include market revenue, market revenue growth rates, unit of accounting audience share, unit of accounting revenue share and discount rate. Each of these assumptions may change in the future based upon changes in general economic conditions, audience behavior, consummated transactions, and numerous other variables that may be beyond our control.

The projections incorporated into our license valuations take into consideration then current economic conditions. For example, in connection with our interim impairment assessment on August 1, 2009, the economic recession and credit crisis were considered as part of the assessment. Those events led to a further weakened and less profitable radio marketplace with a higher cost of capital, which impacted the interim assessment.

Assumptions incorporated into the annual impairment testing as of December 1, 2011 were similar to those used in our December 1, 2010 annual impairment testing. We expect the ongoing recovery in radio revenues to continue throughout our fiscal 2013. Below are some of the key assumptions used in our annual and interim impairment assessments. The methodology used to value our FCC licenses has not changed in the three-year period ended February 29, 2012.

 

     August 1, 2009    December 1,
2009
   December 1,
2010
   December 1,
2011

Discount Rate

   12.6% - 13.0%    12.7% - 13.1%    12.0% - 12.3%    11.9% - 12.2%

Long-term Revenue Growth Rate

   2.0% - 3.3%    2.0% - 3.5%    2.5% - 3.5%    2.5% - 3.3%

Mature Market Share

   6.3% - 30.6%    6.2% - 30.0%    6.1% - 28.2%    6.4% - 29.4%

Operating Profit Margin

   26.5% - 42.7%    26.0% - 40.9%    25.1% - 37.1%    26.0% - 37.2%

 

82


As of February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, the carrying amounts of the Company’s FCC licenses were $328.8 million and $213.0 million, respectively. These amounts are entirely attributable to our radio division. The changes in FCC license carrying amounts during the years ended February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012 were attributable to an impairment charge related to our Austin radio cluster and the sale of a controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC, respectively. The table below presents the changes to the carrying values of the Company’s FCC licenses for the years ended February 2011 and 2012 for each unit of accounting. As noted above, each unit of accounting is a cluster of radio stations in one geographical market, except for our Los Angeles cluster in which KXOS-FM is being operated under a Local Marketing Agreement by another broadcaster.

 

     Change in FCC License Carrying Values  

Unit of Accounting

   As of
February 28, 2010
     Impairment     As of
February 28, 2011
     Sale of controlling interest
in Merlin Media LLC
    As of
February 29, 2012
 

New York Cluster

   $ 145,588       $ —        $ 145,588       $ (71,495   $ 74,093   

KXOS-FM (Los Angeles)

     52,333         —          52,333         —          52,333   

Austin Cluster

     46,030         (7,005     39,025         —          39,025   

Chicago Cluster

     44,292         —          44,292         (44,292     —     

St. Louis Cluster

     27,692         —          27,692         —          27,692   

Indianapolis Cluster

     17,274         —          17,274         —          17,274   

KPWR-FM (Los Angeles)

     2,018         —          2,018         —          2,018   

Terre Haute Cluster

     574         —          574         —          574   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 335,801       $ (7,005   $ 328,796       $ (115,787   $ 213,009   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Valuation of Goodwill

ASC Topic 350 requires the Company to test goodwill for impairment at least annually using a two-step process. The first step is a screen for potential impairment, while the second step measures the amount of impairment. The Company conducts the two-step impairment test on December 1 of each fiscal year, unless indications of impairment exist during an interim period. When assessing its goodwill for impairment, the Company uses an enterprise valuation approach to determine the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units (radio stations grouped by market and magazines on an individual basis). Management determines enterprise value for each of its reporting units by multiplying the two-year average station operating income generated by each reporting unit (current year based on actual results and the next year based on budgeted results) by an estimated market multiple. The Company uses a blended station operating income trading multiple of publicly traded radio operators as a benchmark for the multiple it applies to its radio reporting units. There are no publicly traded publishing companies that are focused predominantly on city and regional magazines as is our publishing segment. Therefore, the market multiple used as a benchmark for our publishing reporting units is based on recently completed transactions within the city and regional magazine industry or analyst reports that include valuations of magazine divisions within publicly traded media conglomerates. For the annual assessment performed as of December 1, 2011, the Company applied a market multiple of 7.0 times and 6.0 times the reporting unit’s operating performance for our radio and publishing reporting units, respectively. Management believes this methodology for valuing radio and publishing properties is a common approach and believes that the multiples used in the valuation are reasonable given our peer comparisons and market transactions. To corroborate the step-one reporting unit fair values determined using the market approach described above, management also uses an income approach, which is a discounted cash flow method to determine the fair value of the reporting unit.

This enterprise valuation is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit for the first step of the goodwill impairment test. If the reporting unit exhibits impairment, the Company proceeds to the second step of the goodwill impairment test. For its step-two testing, the enterprise value is allocated among the tangible assets, indefinite-lived intangible assets (FCC licenses valued using a direct-method valuation approach) and unrecognized intangible assets, such as customer lists, with the residual amount representing the implied fair value of the goodwill. To the extent the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, the difference is recorded as an impairment charge in the statement of operations. The methodology used to value our goodwill has not changed in the three-year period ended February 29, 2012.

 

 

83


As of February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill was $24.2 million. The table below presents the various reporting units’ goodwill carrying values as of February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012. As noted above, each reporting unit is a cluster of radio stations in one geographical market and magazines on an individual basis. We have previously written off all goodwill associated with our Austin cluster except for the portion of goodwill that exists at the Austin partnership level attributable to noncontrolling interests.

 

     Goodwill Carrying Values  

Unit of Accounting

   As of Febraury 28 (29),
2011 and 2012
 

Indianapolis Cluster

   $ 265   

Austin Cluster

     4,338   

Slovakia

     1,703   
  

 

 

 

Total Radio Segment

     6,306   

Country Sampler

     9,385   

Indianapolis Monthly

     448   

Texas Monthly

     8,036   
  

 

 

 

Total Publishing Segment

     17,869   

Grand Total

   $ 24,175   
  

 

 

 

Definite-lived intangibles

The following table presents the weighted-average remaining useful life at February 29, 2012 and gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each major class of definite-lived intangible assets at February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012:

 

            February 28, 2011      February 29, 2012  
     Weighted Average
Remaining Useful Life
(in years)
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net
Carrying
Amount
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net
Carrying
Amount
 

Foreign broadcasting licenses

     9.1       $ 8,716       $ 6,331       $ 2,385       $ 8,716       $ 6,976       $ 1,740   

Favorable office leases

     0.5         688         655         33         688         677         11   

Trademarks

     13.1         749         478         271         749         502         247   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

      $ 10,153       $ 7,464       $ 2,689       $ 10,153       $ 8,155       $ 1,998   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the year ended February 28, 2010, Emmis determined the carrying value of our Bulgarian foreign broadcast licenses, Orange Coast trademarks, Orange Coast noncompete and other Orange Coast definite-lived intangible assets exceeded their fair value. As such, we recognized a noncash impairment loss of $2.0 million and $2.8 million related to the Bulgarian and Orange Coast definite-lived intangibles, respectively. Total amortization expense from definite-lived intangibles for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012, was $1.6 million, $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for definite-lived intangibles:

 

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28 (29),       

2013

   $ 230   

2014

     216   

2015

     214   

2016

     214   

2017

     214   

 

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11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

  a. Equity Incentive Plans

The Company has stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants outstanding that were issued to employees or non-employee directors under one or more of the following plans: 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, 2002 Equity Incentive Plan, the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan and the 2010 Equity Compensation Plan. These outstanding grants continue to be governed by the terms of the applicable plan.

2010 Equity Compensation Plan

At the 2010 annual meeting, the shareholders of Emmis approved the 2010 Equity Compensation Plan (“the Plan”). Under the Plan, awards equivalent to 2.0 million shares of common stock may be granted. Furthermore, any unissued awards from the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (or shares subject to outstanding awards that would again become available for awards under this plan) increases the number of shares of common stock available for grant under the Plan. The awards, which have certain restrictions, may be for incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights or performance units. Under this Plan, all awards are granted with a purchase price equal to at least the fair market value of the stock except for shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units, which may be granted with any purchase price (including zero). The stock options under this Plan generally expire not more than 10 years from the date of grant. Under this Plan, awards equivalent to approximately 2.2 million shares of common stock were available for grant at February 29, 2012.

 

  b. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Emmis sponsors a Section 401(k) retirement savings plans that is available to substantially all employees age 18 years and older who have at least 30 days of service. Employees may make pretax contributions to the plans up to 50% of their compensation, not to exceed the annual limit prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Emmis may make discretionary matching contributions to the plans in the form of cash or shares of the Company’s Class A common stock.

No discretionary 401(k) matching contributions were made during the year ended February 28, 2010. In April 2010, the Board of Directors of the Company voted to reinstate the discretionary 401(k) match. Since April 2010, employee contributions have been matched at 33% up to a maximum of 6% of eligible compensation. Emmis’ discretionary contributions to the plan totaled $1.1 million and $0.9 million for the years ended February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012, respectively. Approximately $0.4 million of the contribution for the year ended February 28, 2011 was made in the form of Class A common stock. All other discretionary contributions were made in cash.

 

  c. Defined Contribution Health and Retirement Plan

Emmis contributes to a multi-employer defined contribution health and retirement plan for employees who are members of a certain labor union. Amounts charged to expense for continuing operations related to the multi-employer plan were approximately $0.5 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

 

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12. OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

  a. Commitments of our continuing operations

The Company has various commitments under the following types of material contracts for its continuing operations: (i) operating leases; (ii) radio syndicated programming; (iii) employment agreements and (iv) other contracts with annual commitments (mostly contractual services for audience measurement information) at February 29, 2012 as follows:

 

Year ending

February 28 (29),

   Operating
Leases
     Syndicated
Programming
     Employment
Agreements
     Other
Contracts
     Total  

2013

   $ 6,487       $ 368       $ 13,012       $ 8,194       $ 28,061   

2014

     6,243         348         5,458         7,918         19,967   

2015

     6,488         148         1,333         2,811         10,780   

2016

     6,255         —           426         254         6,935   

2017

     6,062         —           439         196         6,697   

Thereafter

     26,766         —           —           —           26,766   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 58,301       $ 864       $ 20,668       $ 19,373       $ 99,206   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Emmis leases certain office space, tower space, equipment and automobiles under operating leases expiring at various dates through June 2027. Some of the lease agreements contain renewal options and annual rental escalation clauses (generally tied to the Consumer Price Index or increases in the lessor’s operating costs), as well as provisions for payment of utilities and maintenance costs. The Company recognizes escalated rents on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement. Rental expense for continuing operations during the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 was approximately $8.2 million, $8.6 million and $7.3 million, respectively. The Company recognized approximately $0.3 million of sublease income as a reduction of rent expense for the year ended February 29, 2012. No sublease income was recognized during the years ended February 28, 2010 or 2011.

There are no material commitments related to our discontinued operations.

 

  b. Litigation

The Company is a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management of the Company, there are no legal proceedings pending against the Company likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Certain individuals and groups have challenged applications for renewal of the FCC licenses of certain of the Company’s stations. The challenges to the license renewal applications are currently pending before the FCC. Emmis does not expect the challenges to result in the denial of any license renewals.

See Note 18 for a discussion of the litigation related to our preferred stock.

 

  c. Other contingencies

Effective December 31, 2009, our radio music license agreements with the two largest performance rights organizations, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (“BMI”), expired. The Radio Music License Committee (“RMLC”), which negotiates music licensing fees for most of the radio industry with ASCAP and BMI and of which we are a participant, filed motions in the U.S. District Court in New York against BMI and ASCAP on behalf of the radio industry, seeking interim fees and a determination of fair and reasonable industry-wide license fees. The U.S. District Court in New York approved reduced interim fees for ASCAP and BMI.

In January 2012, ASCAP and the RMLC entered into a settlement agreement that was approved by the court and covers the period from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2016. This settlement also includes a credit for fees previously paid in 2010 and 2011, with such fees expected to be credited over a five-year period beginning January 1, 2012.

The final fees for BMI, still to be determined by the court, may be retroactive to January 1, 2010 and may be different from the interim fees.

 

86


13. INCOME TAXES

United States and foreign income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 was as follows:

 

     2010     2011     2012  

United States

   $ (156,096   $ (3,801   $ (1,777

Foreign

     (2,989     1,092        1,191   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

   $ (159,085   $ (2,709   $ (586
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The benefit for income taxes for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 consisted of the following:

 

     2010     2011     2012  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ (6,794   $ (123   $ 529   

State

     527        (464     1,509   

Foreign

     990        928        767   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (5,277     341        2,805   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (28,855     2,292        (25,742

State

     (5,454     3,906        (4,413

Foreign

     (366     (235     (122
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (34,675     5,963        (30,277
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   $ (39,952   $ 6,304      $ (27,472
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Tax Related Information:

      

Taxes associated with noncontrolling interest earnings

     —          —          —     

Tax provision of discontinued operations

     514        148        729   

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 differs from that computed at the Federal statutory corporate tax rate as follows:

 

     2010     2011     2012  

Computed income tax benefit at 35%

   $ (55,680   $ (949   $ (205

State income tax

     (4,927     3,442        (2,904

Foreign taxes

     (533     255        145   

Federal net operating loss carryback

     (6,793     —          —     

Tax benefit resulting from swap expiration and related OCI reversal

     —          (1,993     (786

Allocation of tax benefit from discontinued operations

     (112     (148     (729

Nondeductible stock compensation and Section 162 disallowance

     1,154        1,065        270   

Entertainment disallowance

     546        529        504   

Change in valuation allowance

     21,113        5,111        (23,672

Tax attributed to noncontrolling interest

     (1,318     (1,572     (1,496

Impairment charges on goodwill with no tax basis

     3,825        —          —     

Alternative minimum tax

     —          —          529   

Forgiveness of intercompany foreign loans

     2,548        525        752   

Other

     225        39        120   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   $ (39,952   $ 6,304      $ (27,472
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

87


The components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at February 28, 2011 and February 29, 2012 are as follows:

 

     2011     2012  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Net operating loss carryforwards

   $ 50,795      $ 40,984   

Intangible assets

     41,562        20,157   

Compensation relating to stock options

     2,180        2,136   

Interest rate exchange agreement

     122        —     

Deferred revenue

     4,629        2,959   

Capital loss carryforwards

     —          1,790   

Tax credits

     1,405        1,405   

Investments in subsidiairies

     1,853        4,199   

Other

     4,113        3,689   

Valuation allowance

     (87,814     (58,801
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

     18,845        18,518   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

    

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

     (81,411     (52,558

Fixed assets

     (2,110     (1,544

Foreign unremitted earnings

     (3,167     (3,148

Cancellation of debt income

     (13,465     (13,465

Other

     (103     (451
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (100,256     (71,166
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (81,411   $ (52,648
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company decreased its valuation allowance by a net $29.0 million to $58.8 million as of February 29, 2012 from $87.8 million as of February 28, 2011 to reflect a valuation allowance for the majority of its total domestic net deferred tax assets. The decrease in the valuation allowance was primarily the result of the sale of a controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC which reduced net operating losses and intangible assets in fiscal 2012. The Company does not benefit its deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) based on the deferred tax liabilities (“DTLs”) related to indefinite-lived intangibles and investments in subsidiaries that are not expected to reverse during the carry-forward period. Because these DTLs would not reverse until some future indefinite period when the intangibles are either sold or impaired, any resulting temporary differences cannot be considered a source of future taxable income to support realization of the DTAs.

The Company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax-planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. The Company will assess quarterly whether it remains more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In the event the Company determines at a future time that it could realize its deferred tax assets in excess of the net amount recorded, the Company will reduce its deferred tax asset valuation allowance and decrease income tax expense in the period when the Company makes such determination.

The Company has federal NOLs of $96 million and state NOLs of $165 million available to offset future taxable income. These net operating losses include an unrealized benefit of approximately $0.8 million related to share-based compensation that will be recorded in equity when realized. The federal net operating loss carryforwards begin expiring in 2028, and the state net operating loss carryforwards expire between the years ending February 2013 and February 2033. A valuation allowance has been provided for the net operating loss carryforwards related to Federal and state net operating losses as it is more likely than not that substantially all of these net operating losses will expire unutilized.

The $1.4 million of tax credits at February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012 relate primarily to alternative minimum tax carryforwards that can be carried forward indefinitely. A valuation allowance has been placed against this deferred tax asset. A valuation allowance has also been placed against the deferred tax asset for capital loss carry forwards in the amount of $1.8 million.

United States Federal and state deferred income taxes have been recorded on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because such earnings are not intended to be indefinitely reinvested in these foreign operations. At February 29, 2012, we had an aggregate of $7.7 million of unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that, when distributed, would result in additional U.S. income taxes of $3.2 million.

 

88


During the year ended February 28, 2010 the Company recorded a $6.8 million benefit related to previous tax paid by Emmis, which was recouped during the year ended February 28, 2011 due to the signing of the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009. This act allowed Emmis to extend the previously allowed two-year carryback period on NOLs to five years and permitted the full offset of alternative minimum tax during such extended carryback period.

The Company has adopted FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740-10, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“ASC 740-10”). ASC 740-10 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken within a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. As of February 29, 2012, the estimated value of the Company’s net uncertain tax positions is approximately $0.5 million, which is included in other current liabilities, as the Company expects to settle the item within the next 12 months.

The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits for the years ending February 28, 2011 and February 29, 2012:

 

     For the year ending February 28 (29),  
     2011     2012  

Gross unrecognized tax benefit – opening balance

   $ 657      $ 525   

Gross increases – tax positions in prior periods

     —          —     

Gross decreases – settlements with taxing authorities

     —          —     

Gross decreases – lapse of applicable statute of limitations

     (132     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross unrecognized tax benefit – ending balance

   $ 525      $ 525   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at February 29, 2012 are $0.5 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s provision for income taxes. Of the total unrecognized tax benefits as of February 29, 2012, it is reasonably possible that $0.5 million could change in the next twelve months due to audit settlements, expiration of statute of limitations or other resolution of uncertainties. The amount relates primarily to the allocation of income among multiple jurisdictions. Due to the uncertain and complex application of tax regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of audits may result in liabilities that could be different from this estimate. In such case, the Company will record additional tax expense or tax benefit in the tax provision, or reclassify amounts on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in the period in which such matter is effectively settled with the taxing authority.

The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. Related to the uncertain tax benefits noted above, the Company accrued an immaterial amount of interest during the year ending February 29, 2012 and in total, as of February 29, 2012, has recognized a liability for interest of $0.2 million.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various state jurisdictions and various international jurisdictions. The Company has a number of federal, state and foreign income tax years still open for examination as a result of the net operating loss carryforwards. Accordingly the Company is subject to examination for both U.S. federal and certain state tax return purposes for the years ending February 28, 2003 to present.

 

 

89


14. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s operations are aligned into two business segments: Radio and Publishing. These business segments are consistent with the Company’s management of these businesses and its financial reporting structure. Corporate represents expenses not allocated to reportable segments.

The Company’s segments operate primarily in the United States, with national radio networks in Slovakia and Bulgaria. See Note 1 for a discussion of our discontinued operations in Hungary and Belgium. The following table summarizes the net revenues and long lived assets of our international properties included in our consolidated financial statements.

 

     Net Revenues for the Year Ended February 28 (29),      Long-lived Assets as of February 28 (29),  
     2010      2011      2012      2010      2011      2012  

Continuing Operations:

                 

Slovakia

     14,090         13,006         12,111         9,371         7,521         6,313   

Bulgaria

     2,103         1,421         1,407         1,119         778         578   

Discontinued Operations:

                 

Hungary

     12,914         41         30         138         20         8   

Belgium

     703         —           —           —           —           —     

The following tables summarize the results of operations of our business segments for the years ended February 2010, 2011, and 2012 and the total assets of our business segments as of February 2011 and 2012.

 

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2012    Radio      Publishing      Corporate     Consolidated  

Net revenues

   $ 170,153       $ 65,854       $ —        $ 236,007   

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     130,533         63,772         —          194,305   

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     —           —           19,096        19,096   

Depreciation and amortization

     5,807         451         1,390        7,648   

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     796         24         —          820   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   $ 33,017       $ 1,607       $ (20,486   $ 14,138   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets—continuing operations

   $ 277,676       $ 37,332       $ 24,762      $ 339,770   

Assets—discontinued operations

     999         —           —          999   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 278,675       $ 37,332       $ 24,762      $ 340,769   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2011    Radio      Publishing      Corporate     Consolidated  

Net revenues

   $ 184,648       $ 66,108       $ —        $ 250,756   

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     136,020         63,835         —          199,855   

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     —           —           15,710        15,710   

Depreciation and amortization

     7,524         499         1,301        9,324   

Impairment loss

     7,005         —           —          7,005   

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     3         —           —          3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   $ 34,096       $ 1,774       $ (17,011   $ 18,859   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets—continuing operations

   $ 404,302       $ 38,299       $ 26,868      $ 469,469   

Assets—discontinued operations

     3,008         —           —          3,008   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 407,310       $ 38,299       $ 26,868      $ 472,477   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

90


YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2010    Radio     Publishing     Corporate     Consolidated  

Net revenues

   $ 177,102      $ 65,000      $ —        $ 242,102   

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     141,456        64,603        —          206,059   

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     —          —          13,634        13,634   

Depreciation and amortization

     8,076        772        1,493        10,341   

Impairment loss

     166,571        8,071        —          174,642   

Restructuring charge

     1,412        741        1,197        3,350   

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets

     18        13        (158     (127
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

   $ (140,431   $ (9,200   $ (16,166   $ (165,797
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

15. RESTRUCTURING CHARGE

In response to the deteriorating economic environment and the decline in domestic advertising revenues, the Company announced a plan on March 5, 2009 to reduce payroll costs by $10 million annually. In connection with the plan, approximately 100 employees were terminated. The terminated employees received one-time enhanced severance of $3.4 million that was recognized during the year ended February 28, 2010, as the enhanced plan was not finalized and communicated until March 5, 2009. Severances related to the plan announced on March 5, 2009 were paid during the year ended February 28, 2010.

16. OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET

Components of other expense, net for the three years ended February 2010, 2011 and 2012 were as follows:

 

     For the year ended February 28 (29),  
     2010      2011     2012  

Income (loss) on unconsolidated affiliate, including other-than-temporary impairment losses:

       

Merlin Media LLC

   $ —         $ —        $ (16,377

Other investments

     47         (266     345   

Interest income

     92         73        163   

Other

     31         (276     130   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

   $ 170       $ (469   $ (15,739
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Although Emmis no longer makes loans to executive officers and directors, we currently have a loan outstanding to Jeffrey H. Smulyan, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, that is grandfathered under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The largest aggregate amount outstanding on this loan at any month-end during fiscal 2012 was $1.1 million and the balance at February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012 was $1.1 million. This loan bears interest at our cost of debt under our Credit Agreement, which at February 28 (29), 2011 and 2012 was approximately 5.5% and 8.8% per annum, respectively.

Prior to 2002, the Company had made certain life insurance premium payments for the benefit of Mr. Smulyan. The Company discontinued making such payments in 2001; however, pursuant to a Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement and Limited Collateral Assignment dated November 2, 1997, the Company retains the right, upon Mr. Smulyan’s death, resignation or termination of employment, to recover all of the premium payments it has made, which total $1.1 million.

Emmis and certain companies controlled by Mr. Smulyan, incurred various expenses in connection with the proposed going private transaction in 2010. Those expenses included approximately $1.6 million of expenses attributable to the preparation of a Proxy Statement/Offer to Exchange and related documents for the special meeting of shareholders to approve certain amendments to the Company’s articles of incorporation and for the exchange offer relating to our preferred stock, both of which were conditions to the going private transaction. Emmis incurred approximately $0.9 million of such expenses, which related to the special meeting and associated matters, and Mr. Smulyan’s companies incurred approximately $0.7 million of such expenses, which related to the exchange offer and associated matters. See Note 9 for more discussion of the going private transaction.

 

91


18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement

On March 20, 2012, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment to our Credit Agreement to allow us to issue preferred stock into the 2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement (the “2012 Retention Plan”). The Fifth Amendment did not change any financial covenants, but amended certain provisions of the Credit Agreement to allow Emmis to contribute shares to the 2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement (the “2012 Retention Plan”) as discussed below.

2012 Retention Plan

On April 2, 2012, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2012 Retention Plan at a special meeting of shareholders. The Company contributed 400,000 shares of our Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock to the Trust in connection with the approval of the 2012 Retention Plan. Awards granted under the 2012 Retention Plan entitle the participants to receive distribution two years from the date of shareholder approval of the plan, provided the participant is still an employee. Distributions may be in the form of Class A common stock if the Company elects to convert the preferred stock to common stock at the then-current conversion ratio prior to distribution. The initial Trustee of the plan is Jeffrey H. Smulyan.

In connection with the approval of the 2012 Retention Plan, the Trustee and the Trust entered into a Voting and Transfer Restriction Agreement with Emmis, pursuant to which Emmis has the right to direct the vote of the 400,000 shares of Preferred Stock contributed to the Trust under the 2012 Retention Plan. As such, the Company effectively controls approximately 66.8% of the outstanding Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock.

Litigation related to our Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock

Emmis and certain of its officers and directors are named as defendants in a lawsuit filed April 16, 2012, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana entitled Corre Opportunities Fund, LP, et al. v. Emmis Communications Corporation, et al . The plaintiffs allege that Emmis and the other defendants violated various provisions of the federal securities laws and breached fiduciary duties in connection with Emmis’ entry into total return swap agreements and voting agreements with certain holders of Emmis Preferred Stock, and in issuing shares of Preferred Stock to Emmis’ 2012 Retention Plan and Trust (the “Trust”) and entering into a voting agreement with the trustee of the Trust. The plaintiffs also allege that Emmis would violate certain provisions of Indiana corporate law by directing the voting of the shares of Preferred Stock subject to the total return swap agreements (the “Swap Shares”) and the shares of Preferred Stock held by the Trust (the “Trust Shares’) in favor of certain proposed amendments to Emmis’ Articles of Incorporation. The plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief.

Emmis has filed an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint, and has filed a counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment that Emmis may legally direct the voting the Swap Shares and the Trust Shares in favor of the proposed amendments. Emmis is defending this lawsuit vigorously.

Amendment to KXOS-FM LMA

On April 13, 2012, the Company entered into a First Amendment to Put and Call Agreement (the “Amendment”) with a subsidiary of GRC and certain of its “Qualified Designees” (as defined in the Put and Call Agreement dated April 3, 2009 (the “Put and Call Agreement”)). On April 3, 2009, Emmis and GRC had entered into a seven year Local Programming and Marketing Agreement (“LMA”) under which GRC has provided programming for radio station KXOS-FM (f/k/a KMVN-FM), Los Angeles, CA (the “Station”). At the same time, Emmis and GRC entered into the Put and Call Agreement under which GRC has the right to purchase the Station for $110 million at any time during the term of the LMA and Emmis has the right to require GRC to purchase the Station for the same amount at the end of the term of the LMA. The First Amendment effectively gives the Qualified Designees the right to purchase the Station for $85.5 million dollars provided that the purchase closes on or before March 27, 2013. The LMA will remain in effect until the closing of the purchase. If the closing does not occur on or before March 27, 2013, the LMA will continue to remain in effect, the call option exercised by the Qualified Designees will terminate and the amendments to the Put and Call set forth in the Amendment will be null and void (i.e., the purchase price for the Station will revert to $110 million). Any closing under the Amendment is subject to customary representations, warranties, covenants and conditions, including FCC approval for which transfer applications have been filed.

 

92


WRKS-FM LMA and related transactions

On April 26, 2012, a subsidiary of Emmis entered into a LMA with New York AM Radio, LLC (“Programmer”) pursuant to which, commencing April 30, 2012, Programmer purchased from Emmis the right to provide programming on radio station WRKS-FM, 98.7FM, New York, NY (the “Station”) until August 31, 2024, subject to certain conditions. Disney Enterprises, Inc., the parent company of Programmer, has guaranteed the obligations of Programmer under the LMA. Emmis’ subsidiary retains ownership and control of the Station during the term of the LMA and will receive an annual fee from Programmer of $8.4 million for the first year of the term under the LMA, which fee will increase by 3.5% each year thereafter until the LMA’s termination. Emmis’ subsidiary plans to assign the LMA to a special-purpose subsidiary (the “Financing Subsidiary”) in connection with the funding of the Note under the Participation Agreement, each as described below.

On April 26, 2012, the Financing Subsidiary and a subsidiary of the Financing Subsidiary which was formed to hold the FCC License for the Station (the “License Subsidiary”) entered into a Participation Agreement (the “Participation Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, National Association (the “Holder”) and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (“TIAA”). Pursuant to the Participation Agreement, the Holder will sell to TIAA a 100% participation interest in a 4.10% promissory note to be issued, jointly and severally, by the Financing Subsidiary and the License Subsidiary in the principal amount of $82.5 million (the “Note”). The Note will mature on August 1, 2024 and will bear interest at a rate equal to 4.10% per annum. The Note will be secured by, among other things, an equity pledge agreement, a security agreement and assignment of certain agreements to the Holder. As evidence of TIAA’s purchase of the participation interest in the Note, TIAA will receive a Pass-Through Certificate which entitles TIAA to receive payments made under the Note, which will be funded by the Programmer’s payments pursuant to the LMA. In its capacity as the trustee, the Holder will receive fees and expenses for undertaking certain obligations related to the Note. The net proceeds from the Note will be used by the Financing Subsidiary to pay transaction expenses and to pay a dividend to certain Emmis entities for purposes of debt reduction and general corporate purposes. Emmis anticipates that approximately $75 million of such net proceeds will be used to repay indebtedness under the senior credit agreement of Emmis Operating Company, including all amounts then outstanding under its revolver.

In connection with entry into the Participation Agreement, certain subsidiaries of Emmis (the “Contributors”) plan to contribute the assets (including the FCC License) to the Financing Subsidiary and the License Subsidiary. Upon receipt of a final order from the Federal Communications Commission relating to the transfer of the FCC License, the Contributors will contribute the relevant assets of the Station (the “Station Assets”) and the FCC License pursuant to certain contribution agreements entered into in connection with the Participation Agreement. Upon the contribution of the Station Assets, the Financing Subsidiary and the License Subsidiary will issue the Note. In connection with the financing of the Station Assets by the Financing Subsidiary, Emmis will agree to act as manager of the Station Assets and provide certain indemnities pursuant to a management agreement entered into in connection with the Participation Agreement. The funding of the Note is subject to certain conditions and is expected to occur on or about May 31, 2012.

On April 5, 2012, certain of the Contributors entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with YMF Media LLC (the “Purchaser”). Yucaipa Corporate Initiatives Fund II, L.P., Yucaipa Corporate Initiatives (Parallel) Fund II, L.P., Fortress Credit Funding I, LP., Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund Ltd. and CF ICBC LLC agreed to guarantee certain obligations of the Purchaser under the Asset Purchase Agreement.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Contributors agreed to sell certain intellectual property rights to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser agreed to also assume certain liabilities of the Contributors, in the event the Contributors commence broadcasting ESPN programming on the Station under a LMA (as described above). The purchase price is $10.0 million (payable on the earlier of the consummation of the disposition of KBLX-FM, 102.9FM, Berkeley, CA, or December 31, 2012), plus quarterly earn-out payments, if any, equal to 15% of the incremental gross revenue over a three-year period in excess of calendar 2011 gross revenues attributable to radio station WBLS-FM, 107.5FM, New York, NY. The assets that will be sold to the Purchaser include intellectual property rights used or held for use by the Contributors exclusively in the business or operation of the Station, and all assignable registrations, applications, renewals, issuances, extensions, restorations and reversions for, in respect of or relating to the intellectual property. The Asset Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities.

 

93


The transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement became effective on May 7, 2012, which was the fifth business day following the date on which the Contributors commenced broadcasting on the Station under a Local Programming and Marketing Agreement (as described above).

On April 26, 2012, Emmis entered into amendments of its senior secured credit facility and senior unsecured notes with Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. to allow for the entry into the agreements and consummation of the transactions described above. In addition, these amendments reduce the amount of required minimum trailing twelve-month Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) from $25 million to $24 million and allow for $20 million of the net proceeds to be used for revolver repayment and general corporate purposes, while simultaneously reducing the revolver commitment by $10 million, from $20 million to $10 million.

Pursuant to Emmis’ accounting policy, stations in a geographic market cluster are considered a single unit of accounting, provided that they are not being operated under a LMA by another broadcaster. As of February 29, 2012, our two stations in New York were considered a single unit of accounting. In connection with the execution of the LMA discussed above, the Company will separate the two New York stations into separate units of accounting. Based on the valuation of FCC licenses performed on December 1, 2011, the impairment related to the WRKS-FM FCC license would be approximately $12.4 million upon separation of the stations into separate units of accounting. However, the Company plans to reassess the FCC license valuation as of May 1, 2012 given the transactions as described above and the actual amount of impairment , if any, to be recorded during Emmis’ quarter ended May 31, 2012, will be determined based upon this reassessed valuation.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this annual report, the Company evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its “disclosure controls and procedures” (“Disclosure Controls”). This evaluation (the “Controls Evaluation”) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”).

Based upon the Controls Evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that as of February 29, 2012, our Disclosure Controls are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information relating to Emmis Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries that is required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting is included in Emmis Communications Corporation’s financial statements under the caption entitled “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

94


ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

The information required by this item with respect to directors or nominees to be directors of Emmis is incorporated by reference from the sections entitled “Proposal 2: Election of Preferred Replacement Director,” “Corporate Governance – Certain Committees of the Board of Directors,” “Corporate Governance – Code of Ethics” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the proxy statement filed on March 21, 2012 for the April 2, 2012 Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “March 21, 2012 Proxy Statement”). Information about executive officers of Emmis or its affiliates who are not directors or nominees to be directors is presented in Part I under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the sections entitled “Corporate Governance – Compensation of Directors” and “Executive Compensation” in the March 21, 2012 Proxy Statement.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

Information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the section entitled “Security Ownership of Beneficial Owners and Management” in the proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders expected to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this report applies

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table gives information about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under our 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, 2002 Equity Incentive Plan, 2004 Equity Compensation Plan and 2010 Equity Compensation Plan as of February 29, 2012. Our shareholders have approved these plans.

 

Plan Category    Number of Securities to be Issued
Upon Exercise of Outstanding
Options, Warrants and Rights
(A)
     Weighted-Average Exercise
Price of Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights

(B)
     Number of Securities Remaining
Available for Future Issuance  under
Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in Column (A))
(C)
 

Equity Compensation Plans

        

Approved by Security Holders

     8,426,564       $  7.26         3,210,264   

Equity Compensation Plans

        

Not Approved by Security Holders

     —           —           —     

Total

     8,426,564       $ 7.26         3,210,264   

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the sections entitled “Corporate Governance – Independent Directors” and “Corporate Governance – Transactions with Related Persons” in the March 21, 2012 Proxy Statement.

 

95


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the section entitled “Matters Relating to Independent Registered Public Accountants” in the proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders expected to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this report applies.

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

Financial Statements

The financial statements filed as a part of this report are set forth under Item 8.

Financial Statement Schedules

No financial statement schedules are required to be filed with this report.

Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as a part of this report:

 

3.1    Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Emmis Communications Corporation, as amended effective June 13, 2005 incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006.
3.2    Second Amended and Restated Code of By-Laws of Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2012.
4.1    Form of stock certificate for Class A common stock, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.5 to the 1994 Emmis Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-73218 (the “1994 Registration Statement”).
10.1    Amended and Restated Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated November 2, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006.
10.2    First Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2009.
10.3    Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on August 19, 2009.
10.4    Third Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2011.
10.5    Fourth Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on January 12, 2012.
10.6    Fifth Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement.*
10.7    Sixth Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement.*
10.8    Note Purchase Agreement, dated November 10, 2011, by and between Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (b) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I filed December 1, 2011.

 

96


10.9    First Amendment and Consent to Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 20, 2012, by and between Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation.*
10.10    Second Amendment and Consent to Note Purchase Agreement, dated April 26, 2012, by and between Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation.*
10.11    Emmis Communications Corporation 2004 Equity Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated in 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed January 7, 2009.++
10.12    Emmis Communications Corporation 2010 Equity Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company’s proxy statement filed on Form DEF 14A on November 10, 2010.++
10.13    Tax Sharing Agreement dated May 10, 2004, by and between Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended February 29, 2004.
10.14    Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed March 7, 2005.++
10.15    Form of Restricted Stock Option Grant Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed March 7, 2005.++
10.16    Bonus Plan for Fiscal Year Ending 2012, incorporated by reference to Item 1.01 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 21, 2011.++
10.17    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008, by and between Emmis Communications Corporation and Jeffrey H. Smulyan, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2009.++
10.18    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2012, by and between Emmis Communications Corporation and Jeffrey H. Smulyan.*++
10.19    Employment Agreement, dated as of December 15, 2009, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Jeffrey H. Smulyan incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on May 7, 2010. ++
10.20    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2011, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Patrick M. Walsh, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on January 12, 2012.++
10.21    Employment Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2011, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Patrick M. Walsh incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed January 12, 2012.++
10.22    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2009, by and between Emmis Operating Company and J. Scott Enright.*++
10.23    Employment Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2009, by and between Emmis Communications Corporation and J. Scott Enright.*++
10.24    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2012, by and between Emmis Operating Company and J. Scott Enright.*++
10.25    Employment Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2012, by and between Emmis Operating Company and J. Scott Enright.*++
10.26    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008, by and between Emmis Communications Corporation and Gregory T. Loewen.*++
10.27    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2012, by and between Emmis Communications Corporation and Gregory T. Loewen.*++

 

97


10.28    Employment Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2010, by and between Emmis Operating Company Gregory T. Loewen.*++
10.29    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2008, by and between Emmis Communications Corporation and Richard F. Cummings, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2009.++
10.30    Employment Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2011, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Richard F. Cummings incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed March 11, 2011.++
10.31    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2012, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Richard F. Cummings, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 12, 2012.++
10.32    Employment Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2012, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Richard F. Cummings incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed March 12, 2012.++
10.33    Employment Agreement, effective as of March 3, 2009, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Gary L. Kaseff incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Form 10-K/A filed October 9, 2009.++
10.34    Local Programming and Marketing Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2009, among KMVN, LLC, KMVN License, LLC, Grupo Radio Centro LA, LLC and Grupo Radio Centro S.A.B. de C.V., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 8, 2009.
10.35    Put and Call Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2009, among KMVN, LLC, KMVN License, LLC, Grupo Radio Centro LA, LLC and Grupo Radio Centro S.A.B. de C.V., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 8, 2009.
10.36    Total Return Swap Confirmation, dated November 28, 2011, by and between Alden Global Distressed Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(1) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.37    Voting Agreement, dated November 28, 2011, by and among Alden Global Distressed Opportunities Master Fund, L.P., J. Scott Enright, and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(2) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.38    Total Return Swap Confirmation, dated November 14, 2011, by and between Valinor Credit Partners Master Fund, L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(3) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.39    Voting Agreement, dated November 14, 2011, by and among Valinor Credit Partners Master Fund, L.P., J. Scott Enright, and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(4) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.40    Total Return Swap Confirmation, dated November 14, 2011, by and between Sugarloaf Rock Capital, LLC and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(5) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.41    Voting Agreement, dated November 14, 2011, by and among Sugarloaf Rock Capital, LLC, J. Scott Enright, and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(6) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.42    Total Return Swap Confirmation, dated November 14, 2011, by and between Third Point Partners Qualified L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(7) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.

 

98


10.43    Voting Agreement, dated November 14, 2011, by and among Third Point Partners Qualified L.P., J. Scott Enright, and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(8) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.44    Total Return Swap Confirmation, dated November 14, 2011, by and between Third Point Partners L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(9) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.45    Voting Agreement, dated November 14, 2011, by and among Third Point Partners L.P., J. Scott Enright, and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(10) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.46    Total Return Swap Confirmation, dated November 14, 2011, by and between Third Point Offshore Master Fund L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(11) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.47    Voting Agreement, dated November 14, 2011, by and among Third Point Offshore Master Fund L.P., J. Scott Enright, and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(12) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.48    Total Return Swap Confirmation, dated November 14, 2011, by and between Third Point Ultra Master Fund L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(13) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.49    Voting Agreement, dated November 14, 2011, by and among Third Point Ultra Master Fund L.P., J. Scott Enright, and Emmis Communications Corporation incorporated by reference from Exhibit (d)(14) to the Company’s Schedule TO-I/A filed December 2, 2011.
10.50    Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Merlin Media, dated September 1, 2011, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 1, 2011.
10.51    Contribution Agreement, dated as of June 20, 2011, by and among Emmis Operating Company, Emmis Radio, LLC, Emmis Radio License, LLC, Emmis Radio Holding Corporation, Emmis Radio Holding II Corporation and Merlin Media, LLC, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed June 24, 2011.
10.52    Local Programming and Marketing Agreement, dated as of June 20, 2011, by and among Emmis Radio, LLC, Emmis Radio License, LLC, Merlin Media, LLC and LMA Merlin Media, LLC, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed June 24, 2011.
10.53    Guarantee of Emmis Communications Corporation, dated June 20, 2011, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K/A filed June 24, 2011.
10.54    Backstop Letter Agreement dated as of March 27, 2011 among Emmis Operating Company, Emmis Communications Corporation and Canyon Capital Advisors, LLC incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed March 30, 2011.
10.55    Form of Directors and Officer Indemnification Agreement.*
10.56    Local Programming and Marketing Agreement, dated as of April 26, 2012, between Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York and New York AM Radio, LLC incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 26, 2012.
10.57    Participation Agreement dated as of April 26, 2012, among Emmis New York Radio LLC, Emmis New York Radio License LLC, Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, National Association and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 26, 2012.

 

99


10.58    Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2012, among Emmis Radio, LLC, Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York, YMF Media LLC and certain other parties thereto incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 26, 2012.
21    Subsidiaries of Emmis.*
23    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.*
24    Powers of Attorney.*
31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Emmis Communications Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.*
31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Emmis Communications Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.*
32.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Emmis Communications Corporation pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Emmis Communications Corporation pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document**
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document**
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document**
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document**
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document**
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document**

 

* Filed with this report.
** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability.
++ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

100


Signatures.

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
Date: May 10, 2012   By:   /s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan
    Jeffrey H. Smulyan
    Chairman of the Board,
    President and Chief Executive Officer

 

101


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

          SIGNATURE    TITLE

Date: May 10, 2012

  

/s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan

Jeffrey H. Smulyan

   President, Chairman of the Board and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: May 10, 2012

  

/s/ Patrick M. Walsh

Patrick M. Walsh

   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Director (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: May 10, 2012

  

Susan B. Bayh*

Susan B. Bayh

   Director

Date: May 10, 2012

  

Michelle D. Bergman*

Michelle D. Bergman

   Director

Date: May 10, 2012

  

David Gale*

David Gale

   Director

Date: May 10, 2012

  

Gary L. Kaseff*

Gary L. Kaseff

   Director

Date: May 10, 2012

  

Richard A. Leventhal*

Richard A. Leventhal

   Director

Date: May 10, 2012

  

Peter A. Lund*

Peter A. Lund

   Director

Date: May 10, 2012

  

Greg A. Nathanson*

Greg A. Nathanson

   Director

Date: May 10, 2012

  

Lawrence B. Sorrel*

Lawrence B. Sorrel

   Director

 

*By:  

/s/ J. Scott Enright

  J. Scott Enright
  Attorney-in-Fact

 

102

Exhibit 10.6

Execution Copy

FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND

RESTATED REVOLVING CREDIT AND TERM LOAN AGREEMENT

This FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED REVOLVING CREDIT AND TERM LOAN AGREEMENT , dated as of March 20, 2012 (this “ Amendment ”), is by and among (a)  EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION (the “ Parent ”), an Indiana corporation, (b)  EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY (the “ Borrower ”), an Indiana corporation and (c) certain Lenders and is acknowledged by BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , as administrative agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”) for itself and the other Lenders party to that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated November 2, 2006, as amended by (i) that certain First Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2009, by and among the Borrower, the Parent, the lending institutions party thereto (the “ Lenders ”), the Administrative Agent, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as syndication agent, General Electric Capital Corporation, Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., “Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch and SunTrust Bank, as co-documentation agents; (ii) that certain Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of August 19, 2009, among the Borrower, the Parent, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent; (iii) that certain Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2011, among the Borrower, the Parent and the Required Lenders and, subject to the qualifications set forth therein, acknowledged by the Administrative Agent; and (iv) that certain Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2011, among the Borrower, the Parent and the Required Lenders and, subject to the qualifications set forth therein, acknowledged by the Administrative Agent (as so amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

WHEREAS , the Borrower and the Parent desire to modify certain terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement as specifically set forth in this Amendment; and

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Borrower, the Parent and the Lenders hereby agree as follows:

§1. Amendments to Credit Agreement . The Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

(a) The following new definitions are hereby added to §1.1 of the Credit Agreement in appropriate alphabetical order:

2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement ” shall mean the Emmis Communications Corporation 2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement between the Parent and the trustee party thereto, in the form of Exhibit A to the Fifth Amendment or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders.


Canyon ” shall mean, collectively, Canyon Special Opportunities Master Fund (Cayman), Ltd., CanPartners Investments IV, LLC, and Canyon Distressed Opportunity Master Fund, L.P.

Fifth Amendment ” shall mean the Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2012, by and among the Parent, the Borrower, certain Lenders and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent.

(b) The definition of “HoldCo Corporate Overhead Expenses” contained in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by replacing clause (x) thereof in its entirety as follows:

“(x) out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred to unrelated third parties (a) in connection with the Note Purchase Agreement in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250,000 in connection with the execution of the Note Purchase Agreement, (b) on or before the date of the Fifth Amendment, in connection with the Fifth Amendment and certain proposed amendments in connection with certain proposed transactions and the continuing administration and compliance with the Note Purchase Agreement in connection therewith, not to exceed $55,000 and (c) an aggregate amount not to exceed $75,000 thereafter for any other such costs and expenses incurred after execution of the Note Purchase Agreement.”

(c) Clause (i) of §10.14(b) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“(i) issue Common Stock or Parent Preferred Stock to employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with any bona fide employee stock option, stock purchase, bonus or similar plan of the Parent; provided that Parent Preferred Stock may only be issued pursuant to the 2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement; provided, further, that any Parent Preferred Stock issued pursuant to the 2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement may only be transferred, sold or otherwise disposed of to the Borrower, the Parent or employees pursuant to the terms of the Plan, and”

§2. Conditions to Effectiveness & Conditions Subsequent.

(a) This Amendment shall become effective as of the date set forth above upon the receipt by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Required Lenders of the following conditions precedent (the “ Fifth Amendment Effective Date ”):

(1) there shall exist no Default or Event of Default immediately prior to and immediately after giving effect to this Amendment;

(2) the Administrative Agent shall have received a counterpart signature page to this Amendment, duly executed and delivered by the Borrower, the Parent, each Guarantor and the Required Lenders;

 

-2-


(3) the Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of the duly executed 2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement;

(4) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4 of this Amendment shall be true and correct as of the date of this Amendment; and

(5) the Borrower shall have paid to Canyon Capital Advisors LLC all fees and expenses of Canyon and the Administrative Agent arising in connection with this Amendment (including any fees and disbursements of legal counsel); provided that no fee shall be payable to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in consideration for the execution of this Amendment.

§3. Affirmation of Borrower and Parent . The Borrower and the Parent each hereby affirms its Obligations under the Credit Agreement (as amended hereby) and under each of the other Loan Documents to which each is a party and each hereby affirms its absolute and unconditional promise to pay to the Lenders the Loans and all other amounts due under the Credit Agreement (as amended hereby) and the other Loan Documents.

§4. Representations and Warranties . The Parent and the Borrower each hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as follows:

(a) Representations and Warranties . Each of the representations and warranties contained in §8 of the Credit Agreement were true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent such representations and warranties are already qualified by materiality, in which case, such representations and warranties were true and correct in all respects) when made, and, after giving effect to this Amendment, are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof (except to the extent such representations and warranties are already qualified by materiality, in which case, such representations and warranties are true and correct in all respects), except to the extent of changes resulting from transactions contemplated or permitted by the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to the extent that such representations and warranties relate specifically to a prior date. To the extent not otherwise applicable to the Parent, each of the representations and warranties contained in §8 of the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be equally applicable to the Parent for all purposes hereunder, and shall be deemed to be made by the Parent with respect to itself in connection with this Section 4.

(b) Enforceability . The execution and delivery by the Borrower and the Parent of this Amendment, and the performance by the Borrower and the Parent of this Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, are within the corporate authority of each of the Borrower and the Parent and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate proceedings. This Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, constitute valid and legally binding obligations of each of the Borrower and the Parent, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights in general.

(c) No Default or Event of Default . No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default will result from the execution, delivery and performance by the Parent and the Borrower of this Amendment or from the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein.

 

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(d) Disclosure . None of the information provided to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on or prior to the date of this Amendment relating to this Amendment contained any untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state any material fact (known to the Parent, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the case of any document or information not furnished by it or any of its Subsidiaries) necessary in order to make the statements herein or therein not misleading. On the date hereof, neither the Borrower nor the Parent possess any material information with respect to the operations, business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of the Parent, the Borrower and their respective Subsidiaries taken as a whole as to which the Lenders do not have access.

§5. No Other Amendments, etc. Except as expressly provided in this Amendment, (a) all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents remain unchanged, and (b) all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, and of the other Loan Documents are hereby ratified and confirmed and remain in full force and effect. Nothing herein shall be construed to be an amendment, consent or a waiver of any requirements of the Parent, the Borrower or of any other Person under the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents except as expressly set forth herein. Nothing in this Amendment shall be construed to imply any willingness on the part of any Lender to grant any similar or future amendment, consent or waiver of any of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents. For the avoidance of doubt, this Amendment shall constitute a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement and each other Loan Document.

§6. Release . In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Amendment, the Borrower and the Parent each acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the Borrower and the Parent do not have any claim or cause of action against the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents); (ii) the Borrower and the Parent do not have any offset right, counterclaim, right of recoupment or any defense of any kind against the Borrower’s or the Parent’s obligations, indebtedness or liabilities to the Administrative Agent or any Lender; and (iii) each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders has heretofore properly performed and satisfied in a timely manner all of its obligations to the Borrower and the Parent. The Borrower and the Parent each wishes to eliminate any possibility that any past conditions, acts, omissions, events, circumstances or matters would impair or otherwise adversely affect any of the Administrative Agent’s and the Lenders’ rights, interests, contracts, collateral security or remedies. Therefore, the Borrower and the Parent each unconditionally releases, waives and forever discharges (A) any and all liabilities, obligations, duties, promises or indebtedness of any kind of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to the Borrower, except the obligations to be performed by the Administrative Agent or any Lender on or after the date hereof as expressly stated in this Amendment, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and (B) all claims, offsets, causes of action, right of recoupment, suits or defenses of any kind whatsoever (if any), whether arising at law or in equity, whether known or unknown, which the Borrower or the Parent might otherwise have against the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents, in either case (A) or (B), on account of any past or presently existing condition, act, omission, event, contract, liability, obligation, indebtedness, claim, cause of action, defense, circumstance or matter of any kind.

 

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§7. Execution in Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by each party on a separate counterpart, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. In proving this Amendment, it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

§8. Interpretation . This Amendment has been the result of limited negotiation involving the Administrative Agent and its counsel. This Amendment, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are not intended to be construed against the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders whether or to the extent of the Administrative Agent’s or any Lender’s involvement in the preparation of such documents.

§9. Loan Document . This Amendment is a Loan Document under the terms of the Credit Agreement, and any breach of any provision of this Amendment shall be a Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement (as applicable).

§10. Miscellaneous . This Amendment shall for all purposes be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law) (other than Section 5-1401 and Section 5-1402 of the General Obligations Laws of the State of New York). The captions in this Amendment are for convenience of reference only and shall not define or limit the provisions hereof. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, on demand by the Administrative Agent, all reasonable costs and expenses incurred or sustained by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation of this Amendment, including reasonable legal fees in accordance with Section 18.2 of the Credit Agreement.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have duly executed this Amendment as a sealed instrument as of the date first set forth above.

 

The Borrower:
EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY
By:   /s/ J. Scott Enright
  Name:   J. Scott Enright
  Title:   Executive Vice President,
    General Counsel and Secretary
The Parent:
EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
By:   /s/ J. Scott Enright
  Name:   J. Scott Enright
  Title:   Executive Vice President,
    General Counsel and Secretary

[Signature Page to Fifth Amendment]


Lenders:
CANYON SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES MASTER FUND (CAYMAN), LTD.
By:   Canyon Capital Advisors LLC, its Investment Advisor
By:   /s/ Jonathan M. Kaplan
  Name: Jonathan M. Kaplan
  Title: Authorized Signatory
CANPARTNERS INVESTMENTS IV, LLC
By:   Canyon Capital Advisors LLC, its Manager
By:   /s/ Jonathan M. Kaplan
  Name: Jonathan M. Kaplan
  Title: Authorized Signatory

[Signature Page to Fifth Amendment]


CANYON DISTRESSED OPPORTUNITY MASTER FUND, L.P.
By:   Canyon Capital Advisors LLC, its Investment Advisor
By:   /s/ Jonathan M. Kaplan
  Name: Jonathan M. Kaplan
  Title: Authorized Signatory

[Signature Page to Fifth Amendment]


Receipt of the preceding Amendment is hereby acknowledged by the Administrative Agent in its role as administrative agent but the provisions of this Amendment are not consented to by the Administrative Agent, or by Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as a Lender.

The Administrative Agent’s acknowledgement of receipt of this Amendment should not be construed as an agreement by the Administrative Agent or Bank of America, N.A., or confirmation by the Administrative Agent or Bank of America, N.A., that such Amendment was completed in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

The Administrative Agent and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Lender, respectively, each reserves all of its rights in connection with the Amendment.

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
By:   /s/ Edna Aguilar Mitchell
Name:   Edna Aguilar Mitchell
Title:   Director

[Signature Page to Fifth Amendment]


RATIFICATION OF GUARANTORS

Each of the undersigned Guarantors hereby (a) acknowledges and consents to the foregoing Amendment and the Borrower’s and the Parent’s execution thereof; (b) joins the foregoing Amendment for the sole purpose of consenting to and being bound by the provisions of Sections 3, 5 and 6 thereof; (c) ratifies and confirms all of their respective obligations and liabilities under the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party and ratifies and confirms that such obligations and liabilities extend to and continue in effect with respect to, and continue to guarantee and secure, as applicable, the Obligations of the Borrower under the Credit Agreement; (d) acknowledges and confirms that the liens and security interests granted by such Guarantor pursuant to the Loan Documents are and continue to be valid and perfected first priority liens and security interests (subject only to Permitted Liens) that secure all of the Obligations on and after the date hereof; (e) acknowledges and agrees that such Guarantor does not have any claim or cause of action against the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of its respective directors, officers, employees or agents); and (f) acknowledges, affirms and agrees that such Guarantor does not have any defense, claim, cause of action, counterclaim, offset or right of recoupment of any kind or nature against any of their respective obligations, indebtedness or liabilities to the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

[Signature Page to Ratification of Guarantors]


The Guarantors:
EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
EMMIS INDIANA BROADCASTING, L.P., by Emmis Operating Company, its General Partner
EMMIS INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION
EMMIS LICENSE CORPORATION OF NEW YORK
EMMIS MEADOWLANDS CORPORATION
EMMIS PUBLISHING CORPORATION
EMMIS PUBLISHING, L.P., by Emmis Operating Company, its General Partner
EMMIS RADIO, LLC, by Emmis Operating Company, its Manager
EMMIS RADIO LICENSE CORPORATION OF NEW YORK
EMMIS RADIO LICENSE, LLC, by Emmis Operating Company, its Manager
EMMIS TELEVISION LICENSE, LLC, by Emmis Operating Company, its Manager
EMMIS TELEVISION BROADCASTING, L.P., by Emmis Operating Company, its General Partner
LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
MEDIATEX COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
ORANGE COAST KOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By:   /s/ J. Scott Enright
  Name:   J. Scott Enright
  Title:   Executive Vice President,
    General Counsel and Secretary

[Signature Page to Fifth Amendment]


Exhibit A

2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement

Exhibit 10.7

Execution Copy

SIXTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND

RESTATED REVOLVING CREDIT AND TERM LOAN AGREEMENT

This SIXTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED REVOLVING CREDIT AND TERM LOAN AGREEMENT , dated as of April 26, 2012 (this “ Amendment ”), is by and among (a)  EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION (the “ Parent ”), an Indiana corporation, (b)  EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY (the “ Borrower ”), an Indiana corporation and (c) certain Lenders and is acknowledged by BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , as administrative agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”) for itself and the other Lenders party to that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated November 2, 2006, as amended by (i) that certain First Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2009, by and among the Borrower, the Parent, the lending institutions party thereto (the “ Lenders ”), the Administrative Agent, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as syndication agent, General Electric Capital Corporation, Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., “Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch and SunTrust Bank, as co-documentation agents; (ii) that certain Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of August 19, 2009, among the Borrower, the Parent, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent; (iii) that certain Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2011, among the Borrower, the Parent and the Required Lenders and, subject to the qualifications set forth therein, acknowledged by the Administrative Agent; (iv) that certain Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2011, among the Borrower, the Parent and the Required Lenders and, subject to the qualifications set forth therein, acknowledged by the Administrative Agent; and (v) that certain Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2012, among the Borrower, the Parent, the Required Lenders and, subject to the qualifications set forth therein, acknowledged by the Administrative Agent (as so amended, the “ Credit Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

WHEREAS , the Borrower and the Parent desire to modify certain terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement as specifically set forth in this Amendment; and

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Borrower, the Parent and the Lenders hereby agree as follows:

§1. Amendments to Credit Agreement . The Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

A. The following new definitions are hereby added to §1.1 of the Credit Agreement in appropriate alphabetical order:

Sixth Amendment Effective Date . The date on which the Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement becomes effective in accordance with its terms.


WRKS Asset Sale . The sale of the Purchased Assets (as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement) pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2012 by and among Emmis Radio, LLC, Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York and YMF Media LLC, as in effect on the Sixth Amendment Effective Date or as may be amended, waived, modified or supplemented, in each case in a form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders.

WRKS Contribution . The contribution of the Contributed Property (as defined in the WRKS Contribution Agreement) related to WRKS-FM, a New York radio station owned by Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York, to WRKS Financing Subsidiary on the WRKS Funding Date pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the WRKS Contribution Agreement.

WRKS Contribution Agreement . The Contribution Agreement, between the WRKS Financing Subsidiary and Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York, to be dated on or before the WRKS Funding Date, providing for a contribution of the Contributed Property (as defined therein) on the WRKS Funding Date and substantially in the form of Exhibit A or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders as of the date on which such Required Lenders provide written confirmation thereof.

WRKS Documents . See §10.23.

WRKS Entities . Collectively, WRKS Financing Subsidiary and WRKS License Subsidiary.

WRKS Financing . The financing by the WRKS Entities (i) in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the WRKS Financing Documents and (ii) resulting in Net Cash Debt Issuance Proceeds distributed to the Borrower of at least $78,000,000.

WRKS Financing Documents . Collectively, the definitive financing documentation executed by the WRKS Entities with the provider(s) of the WRKS Financing, including without limitation the WRKS Note and the WRKS Participation Agreement, and in the case of any WRKS Financing Document, other than the WRKS Note, the WRKS Participation Agreement, the WRKS Contribution Agreement, the WRKS License Contribution Agreement, the WRKS LMA Agreement and the WRKS Management Agreement, in such form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders as of the date on which such Required Lenders provided written confirmation thereof.

WRKS Financing Subsidiary . Emmis New York Radio LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

WRKS Funding Date . The date of the disbursement of funds under the WRKS Financing in accordance with the terms of the WRKS Financing Documents.

 

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WRKS License Contribution . The contribution by WRKS Financing Subsidiary of the license issued by the Federal Communications Commission for authority to own and operate WRKS-FM on the WRKS Funding Date pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the WRKS License Contribution Agreement.

WRKS License Contribution Agreement. The Contribution Agreement, between WRKS License Subsidiary and WRKS Financing Subsidiary, to be dated on or before the WRKS Funding Date, providing for a contribution of Contributed Property (as defined therein) on the WRKS Funding Date and substantially in the form of Exhibit B or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders as of the date on which such Required Lenders provide written confirmation thereof.

WRKS License Subsidiary . Emmis New York Radio License LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

WRKS LMA Agreement . The LMA Agreement between Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York and New York AM Radio, LLC, dated as of April 26, 2012 to be assigned to the WRKS License Subsidiary on the WRKS Funding Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit C or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders as of the date on which such Required Lenders provide written confirmation thereof.

WRKS Management Agreement. The Management Agreement to be executed by and among the Borrower, Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York, the WRKS License Subsidiary and the WRKS Financing Subsidiary, substantially in the form of Exhibit D or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders as of the date on which such Required Lenders provide written confirmation thereof.

WRKS Note . The Note to be executed by the WRKS Entities in connection with the WRKS Financing, dated as of the WRKS Funding Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit E or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders as of the date on which such Required Lenders provide written confirmation thereof.

WRKS Participation Agreement . The Participation Agreement to be executed by the WRKS Entities in connection with the WRKS Financing, substantially in the form of Exhibit F or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders as of the date on which such Required Lenders provide written confirmation thereof.”

 

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B. The definition of “Excluded Subsidiaries” contained in §1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

Excluded Subsidiaries . Collectively, (a) each subsidiary of Emmis International Broadcasting Corporation which is not organized under the laws of the United States or any state or political subdivision of the United States unless included at the election of the Borrower upon prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, (b) Ciudad, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company, (c) the Austin Partnership and RAM, in each case, until such subsidiary becomes wholly-owned by the Borrower and upon prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and (d) solely for the purposes of §§ 7.2, 9.13, 9.15, 10.1, 10.2.1, 10.11 and 10.17, Article 11 and the definition “Suspension Period Excess Cash” (in each case from the WRKS Funding Date (or, in the case of Section 7.2, with respect to the Capital Stock of the WRKS License Subsidiary only, the Sixth Amendment Effective Date) until the date the WRKS Financing has been paid in full), the WRKS Entities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Person may be an Excluded Subsidiary hereunder if (i) it is a “guarantor” under any indenture or other document or instrument governing Subordinated Debt or has otherwise guaranteed or given assurances of payment or performance under or in respect of any Indebtedness (including Subordinated Debt) of the Parent, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries or (ii) it is a License Subsidiary formed or organized, as applicable, under the laws of the United States, other than the WRKS License Subsidiary.”

C. Clause (a) of the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA” contained in §1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the “$5,000,000” at the end of clause (vi) thereof with “$8,000,000”.

D. Clause (x) of the definition of “HoldCo Corporate Overhead Expenses” (which for avoidance of doubt does not include the proviso appearing immediately following clause (x)) contained in §1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows:

“(x) out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred to unrelated third parties (a) in connection with the Note Purchase Agreement in an aggregate amount not to exceed $250,000 in connection with the execution of the Note Purchase Agreement, (b) on or before the Fifth Amendment Effective Date, in connection with the Fifth Amendment and certain proposed amendments in connection with certain proposed transactions and the continuing administration and compliance with the Note Purchase Agreement in connection therewith, not to exceed $55,000, (c) on or before the Sixth Amendment Effective Date, $20,000 in connection with the execution of an amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement to facilitate the WRKS Contribution, the WRKS License Contribution and the WRKS Financing and (d) an aggregate amount not to exceed $75,000 thereafter for any other such costs and expenses incurred after execution of the Note Purchase Agreement.”

E. Clause (a) of §4.4 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i) removing the “, and” at the end of sub-clause (i) and replacing it with “,”, (ii) replacing the period at the end of sub-clause (ii) with “, and” and (iii) adding a new sub-clause (iii) to read as follows:

“(iii) the Net Cash Debt Issuance Proceeds from the WRKS Financing, net of, to the extent not deducted in determining the Net Cash Debt Issuance Proceeds, any reserves established pursuant to the WRKS Financing Documents in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,500,000.”

 

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F. The first sentence of §4.6 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

“All payments made pursuant to §§4.1 through 4.5 shall be accompanied by the payment of accrued interest on the principal repaid and, as applicable, any breakage costs incurred by the Lenders in connection therewith in accordance with §6.10 and shall be applied: first , (a) solely with respect to payments made in accordance with §4.4(a)(iii), toward repayment of the then outstanding Revolving Credit Loans in an amount equal to the lesser of (x) $20,000,000 and (y) the then outstanding amount of Revolving Credit, provided that (i) the Borrower shall permanently reduce the Total Revolving Credit Commitment in an aggregate amount of at least $10,000,000 substantially contemporaneously with the prepayment of Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to this clause (a) and (ii) if the amount of outstanding Revolving Credit Loans on the date of prepayment is less than $20,000,000, the Borrower shall retain such difference and it shall not be applied to the repayment of the Tranche B Term Loans as described in clause (b) and (b) then to repay the Tranche B Term Loan with payments applied ratably against the remaining scheduled installments thereon and with respect to payments made and otherwise, to repay the Tranche B Term Loan with payments applied ratably against the remaining scheduled installments thereon; and second , if there are no outstanding amounts owing in respect of the Tranche B Term Loan, then to reduce the outstanding amount of the Revolving Credit Loans and to permanently reduce the Total Revolving Credit Commitment by a like amount.”

G. §10.2.2 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new sentence at the end of the paragraph which shall read as follows:

“With respect to the WRKS Entities only, the terms of this §10.2.2 shall not apply to the WRKS Financing Documents.”

H. §10.3 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i) removing the “; and” at the end of clause (i) thereof and replacing it with a “;”, (ii) replacing the period at the end of clause (j)(v) thereof with “; and” and (iii) adding a new clause (k) thereof which shall read as follows:

“(k) Investments (i) in the Capital Stock of the WRKS Entities that are received as consideration for the WRKS Contribution and the WRKS License Contribution and (ii) in the WRKS Entities in an amount not to exceed $500,000 per calendar year thereafter.”

 

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I. §10.5.2 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i) removing the “, and” at the end of clause (e) thereof, (ii) replacing the period at the end of clause (g) thereof with “,” and (iii) adding new clauses (h) and (i) thereof to read as follows:

“(h) provided that no assets are contributed to the WRKS Entities prior to the WRKS Funding Date, the WRKS Contribution and the WRKS License Contribution, and

(i) the WRKS Asset Sale.”

J. §10.5.2 of the Credit Agreement is further amended by adding a new sentence at the end of the final paragraph thereof which shall read as follows:

“The Required Lenders hereby acknowledge that the Borrower will instruct the Administrative Agent to release its Lien on the assets sold pursuant to the WRKS Asset Sale and those contributed pursuant to the WRKS Contribution on the WRKS Funding Date in accordance with the provisions of §7.3 and §18.13 hereof and §24 of the Security Agreement.”

K. §10.6 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new clause (c) which shall read as follows:

“(c) With respect to the WRKS Entities only, the terms of this §10.6 shall not apply to the WRKS LMA Agreement.”

L. §10.11 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i) removing the “, and” at the end of clause (iii) of the first proviso thereof and replacing it with “,”, (ii) replacing the period at the end of clause (iv) thereof with “, and” and (iii) adding a new clause (v) to the end of the first proviso to read as follows:

“(v) services being provided to the WRKS Entities by Borrower pursuant to the terms of the WRKS Management Agreement.”

M. §10.12 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new sentence to the end thereof which shall read as follows:

“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, nothing in this §10.12 shall be construed to prohibit any actions of the Borrower or the WRKS Entities pursuant to the terms of the WRKS Management Agreement.”

N. §10.17 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new sentence at the end of the paragraph which shall read as follows:

“With respect to the WRKS Entities only, the terms of this §10.17 shall not apply to the WRKS Financing Documents.”

 

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O. A new §10.22 of the Credit Agreement is hereby added as follows:

10.22 Conduct of Business of WRKS Entities . (a) The Parent and the Borrower shall maintain WRKS Financing Subsidiary at all times as a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Borrower. Except as approved by the Required Lenders in writing, the Parent and the Borrower shall cause WRKS Financing Subsidiary not to engage in any services, activities, trade or business other than to conduct the business of owning WRKS-FM and activities reasonably related thereto, performing its obligations and enforcing its rights under each of the WRKS Documents and holding Capital Stock of WRKS License Subsidiary. The Parent and the Borrower shall cause WRKS Financing Subsidiary (i) to maintain WRKS License Subsidiary at all times as a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of WRKS Financing Subsidiary and (ii) to have no subsidiary other than WRKS License Subsidiary.

(b) Other than as specifically set forth herein or as provided in the WRKS Documents or as approved by the Required Lenders in writing, the Borrower will not permit the WRKS Entities to:

(i) create, incur, assume, guarantee or be or remain liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to any Indebtedness, other than (A) Indebtedness incurred to the Borrower under the WRKS Management Agreement; (B) the WRKS Financing; and (C)  de minimis unsecured Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business;

(ii) (A) create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred or to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets of any character whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or upon the income or profits therefrom; (B) transfer any of such property or assets or the income or profits therefrom outside the ordinary course of business for the purpose of subjecting the same to the payment of Indebtedness or performance of any other obligation in priority to payment of its general creditors; (C) acquire, or agree to have an option to acquire, any property or assets upon conditional sale or other title retention or purchase money security agreement, devise or arrangement; (D) suffer to exist any Indebtedness or claim against it that if unpaid might by law or upon bankruptcy or insolvency, or otherwise, be given any priority whatsoever over its general creditors (other than in respect of de minimis amounts); or (E) sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer any “receivables” as defined in clause (g) of the definition of the term “Indebtedness”, with or without recourse, other than (x) Liens required by the WRKS Financing Documents and (y) Liens in de minimis amounts in the ordinary course of business;

(iii) make or permit to exist or to remain outstanding any Investment other than in the WRKS License Subsidiary; and

(iv) make any Restricted Payments to any Person other than the Borrower or a wholly-owned Subsidiary.”

 

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P. A new §10.23 of the Credit Agreement is hereby added as follows:

10.23. Modifications to the WRKS Documents . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the WRKS Financing Documents, the WRKS Contribution Agreement, the WRKS License Contribution Agreement, the WRKS Management Agreement, the WRKS LMA Agreement, and/or any other document entered into in connection therewith (collectively, the “ WRKS Documents ”), the Parent and the Borrower will not, and will not permit any of their respective Subsidiaries, without the prior written approval of the Required Lenders, to (a) change, waive, extend or amend any term of the WRKS Documents if such change or amendment would result in a default under this Agreement, increase the obligations of the Parent, the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries (including the WRKS Entities) in any material respect or confer additional material rights on any other party thereto or beneficiary thereof, in each case in a manner adverse to the Parent, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries or to the Lenders in any material respect; or (b) make the terms of any WRKS Document more restrictive in any respect for the Parent or the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries (including the WRKS Entities), other than pursuant to such terms as may be approved by the Required Lenders in writing.”

Q. A new §10.24 of the Credit Agreement is hereby added as follows:

10.24. Security over WRKS Entities and Assets . At all times following the date the WRKS Financing has been paid in full, the Capital Stock and assets of the WRKS Entities shall be subject to the terms of Article 7 without exception. From the Sixth Amendment Effective Date until the date the WRKS Financing has been paid in full, the Obligations shall be secured by a perfected first-priority security interest (subject only to Permitted Liens entitled to priority under applicable law) in all of the issued and outstanding Capital Stock of the WRKS Financing Subsidiary, but shall not be required to be secured by a perfected first priority security interest in any of the assets of each WRKS Entity (including the Capital Stock of the WRKS License Subsidiary) to the extent such assets are secured pursuant to the terms of the WRKS Financing Documents.”

R. A new §10.25 of the Credit Agreement is hereby added as follows:

10.25. No WRKS Financing Recourse to Parent . No document entered into in connection with the WRKS Asset Sale, WRKS Contribution or WRKS Financing shall require the Parent or any Subsidiary to provide, and neither the Parent nor any Subsidiary shall provide, any guarantee, credit support, indemnity or other direct or indirect support in respect of the obligations of the WRKS entities thereunder; provided that any obligations under the WRKS Financing Documents may be supported by a perfected first-priority security interest in the assets of the WRKS Entities, the Capital Stock of the WRKS License Subsidiary and, for the avoidance of doubt, the rights of the WRKS Entities under the WRKS Management Agreement.”

S. §11.4 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by removing the number “$25,000,000” in the last row of the column titled “Amount” set forth opposite “August 31, 2011 through August 31, 2012” in the last row of the column titled “Period” in the table set forth therein and replacing it with the number “$24,000,000”.

 

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T. §14.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by removing the “or” at the end of clause (bb) thereof, replacing the period at the end of clause (cc) thereof with “;” and adding new clauses (dd) and (ee) thereof which shall read as follows:

“(dd) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, shall fail to perform any term, covenant or agreement contained in the WRKS Financing Documents giving rise to a right of termination or an event of default thereunder and such non-performance shall not have been cured or waived as permitted thereunder within any applicable cure or waiver period as specified thereunder; or

(ee) the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall breach its obligations under the WRKS Management Agreement or any claim is made against the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary under the WRKS Management Agreement.”

§2. Conditions to Effectiveness & Conditions Subsequent . This Amendment shall become effective as of the date set forth above upon the receipt subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Required Lenders of the following conditions precedent (the “ Sixth Amendment Effective Date ”):

A. each of the representations and warranties of the Parent, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries contained in this Amendment shall be true in all material respects as of the date as of which they were made and shall also be true in all material respects at and as of the Sixth Amendment Effective Date, with the same effect as if made at and as of that time;

B. no Default or Event of Default immediately prior to and immediately after giving effect to has occurred and is continuing; and no “Default” or “Event of Default” has occurred and is continuing under the Notes Purchase Agreement;

C. the Administrative Agent shall have received an officer’s certificate duly executed by a duly authorized officer of the Borrower certifying that the Borrower would have been in compliance with clauses (A) and (B) above;

D. the Borrower shall afford the Lenders a reasonable opportunity to review any provisions of any disclosure in connection with the Amendment that describe the existence or the terms of this Amendment, the Credit Agreement and the Lenders before any such disclosure is disseminated and the Lenders shall not have notified the Borrower within two (2) Business Days of being provided the disclosure that such disclosure is unacceptable to the Lenders in the reasonable exercise of its discretion;

E. the Second Amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement shall (i) be in form and substance satisfactory to the Required Lenders, (ii) have been executed and delivered by the Notes Purchaser and (iii) become effective in accordance with the terms thereof;

F. the Administrative Agent shall have received a counterpart signature page to this Amendment, duly executed and delivered by the Borrower, the Parent, each Guarantor and the Required Lenders;

 

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G. the Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of the Governing Documents for the WRKS Entities in a form reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders, including an express election that the limited liability company interests of any WRKS Entity shall be securities governed by article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code;

H. the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) a favorable legal opinion addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, dated as of the Sixth Amendment Effective Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, special New York counsel to the Borrower; with respect to the perfection of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Capital Stock of the WRKS Financing Subsidiary and (ii) an agreement to receive copies of corporate opinion letters and reliance on FCC opinion letters to be delivered pursuant to the WRKS Financing Documents on the WRKS Funding Date; and

I. the Borrower shall have paid to Canyon Capital Advisors LLC and the Administrative Agent, respectively, all fees and expenses of Canyon and the Administrative Agent arising in connection with this Amendment (including any fees and disbursements of legal counsel).

§3. Affirmation of Borrower and Parent . The Borrower and the Parent each hereby affirms its Obligations under the Credit Agreement (as amended hereby) and under each of the other Loan Documents to which each is a party and each hereby affirms its absolute and unconditional promise to pay to the Lenders the Loans and all other amounts due under the Credit Agreement (as amended hereby) and the other Loan Documents.

§4. Representations and Warranties . The Parent and the Borrower each hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as follows:

(a) Representations and Warranties . Each of the representations and warranties contained in §8 of the Credit Agreement were true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent such representations and warranties are already qualified by materiality, in which case, such representations and warranties were true and correct in all respects) when made, and, after giving effect to this Amendment, are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof (except to the extent such representations and warranties are already qualified by materiality, in which case, such representations and warranties are true and correct in all respects), except to the extent of changes resulting from transactions contemplated or permitted by the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to the extent that such representations and warranties relate specifically to a prior date. To the extent not otherwise applicable to the Parent, each of the representations and warranties contained in §8 of the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be equally applicable to the Parent for all purposes hereunder, and shall be deemed to be made by the Parent with respect to itself in connection with this Section 4.

A. Enforceability . The execution and delivery by the Borrower and the Parent of this Amendment, and the performance by the Borrower and the Parent of this Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, are within the corporate authority of each of the Borrower and the Parent and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate proceedings. This Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, constitute valid and legally binding obligations of each of the Borrower and the Parent, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights in general.

 

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B. No Default or Event of Default . No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default will result from the execution, delivery and performance by the Parent and the Borrower of this Amendment or from the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein.

C. Disclosure . None of the information provided to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on or prior to the date of this Amendment relating to this Amendment contained any untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state any material fact (known to the Parent, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the case of any document or information not furnished by it or any of its Subsidiaries) necessary in order to make the statements herein or therein not misleading. On the date hereof, neither the Borrower nor the Parent possess any material information with respect to the operations, business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of the Parent, the Borrower and their respective Subsidiaries taken as a whole as to which the Lenders do not have access.

D. Solvency . As of the date on which this representation and warranty is made, each of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries is Solvent, both before and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby consummated on such date and to the incurrence of all Indebtedness and other obligations incurred on such date in connection herewith and therewith.

§5. No Other Amendments, etc. Except as expressly provided in this Amendment, (a) all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents remain unchanged, and (b) all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, and of the other Loan Documents are hereby ratified and confirmed and remain in full force and effect. Nothing herein shall be construed to be an amendment, consent or a waiver of any requirements of the Parent, the Borrower or of any other Person under the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents except as expressly set forth herein. Nothing in this Amendment shall be construed to imply any willingness on the part of any Lender to grant any similar or future amendment, consent or waiver of any of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents. For the avoidance of doubt, this Amendment shall constitute a “Loan Document” under the Credit Agreement and each other Loan Document.

 

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§6. Release . In order to induce the Lenders to enter into this Amendment, the Borrower and the Parent each acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the Borrower and the Parent do not have any claim or cause of action against the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents); (ii) the Borrower and the Parent do not have any offset right, counterclaim, right of recoupment or any defense of any kind against the Borrower’s or the Parent’s obligations, indebtedness or liabilities to the Administrative Agent or any Lender; and (iii) each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders has heretofore properly performed and satisfied in a timely manner all of its obligations to the Borrower and the Parent. The Borrower and the Parent each wishes to eliminate any possibility that any past conditions, acts, omissions, events, circumstances or matters would impair or otherwise adversely affect any of the Administrative Agent’s and the Lenders’ rights, interests, contracts, collateral security or remedies. Therefore, the Borrower and the Parent each unconditionally releases, waives and forever discharges (A) any and all liabilities, obligations, duties, promises or indebtedness of any kind of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to the Borrower, except the obligations to be performed by the Administrative Agent or any Lender on or after the date hereof as expressly stated in this Amendment, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and (B) all claims, offsets, causes of action, right of recoupment, suits or defenses of any kind whatsoever (if any), whether arising at law or in equity, whether known or unknown, which the Borrower or the Parent might otherwise have against the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents, in either case (A) or (B), on account of any past or presently existing condition, act, omission, event, contract, liability, obligation, indebtedness, claim, cause of action, defense, circumstance or matter of any kind.

§7. Execution in Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by each party on a separate counterpart, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. In proving this Amendment, it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

§8. Interpretation . This Amendment has been the result of limited negotiation involving the Administrative Agent and its counsel. This Amendment, the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are not intended to be construed against the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders whether or to the extent of the Administrative Agent’s or any Lender’s involvement in the preparation of such documents.

§9. Loan Document . This Amendment is a Loan Document under the terms of the Credit Agreement, and any breach of any provision of this Amendment shall be a Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement (as applicable).

§10. Miscellaneous . This Amendment shall for all purposes be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law) (other than Section 5-1401 and Section 5-1402 of the General Obligations Laws of the State of New York). The captions in this Amendment are for convenience of reference only and shall not define or limit the provisions hereof. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, on demand by the Administrative Agent, all reasonable costs and expenses incurred or sustained by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation of this Amendment, including reasonable legal fees in accordance with Section 18.2 of the Credit Agreement.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have duly executed this Amendment as a sealed instrument as of the date first set forth above.

 

The Borrower:
EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY
By:   /s/ J. Scott Enright
  Name:   J. Scott Enright
  Title:   Executive Vice President,
    General Counsel and Secretary
The Parent:
EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
By:   /s/ J. Scott Enright
  Name:   J. Scott Enright
  Title:   Executive Vice President,
    General Counsel and Secretary

[Signature Page to Sixth Amendment]


Lenders:
CANYON SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES MASTER FUND (CAYMAN), LTD.
By: Canyon Capital Advisors LLC, its Investment Advisor
By:   /s/ Jonathan M. Kaplan
  Name: Jonathan M. Kaplan
  Title: Authorized Signatory
CANPARTNERS INVESTMENTS IV, LLC
By: Canyon Capital Advisors LLC, its Manager
By:   /s/ Jonathan M. Kaplan
  Name: Jonathan M. Kaplan
  Title: Authorized Signatory

[Signature Page to Sixth Amendment]


CANYON DISTRESSED OPPORTUNITY MASTER FUND, L.P.
By: Canyon Capital Advisors LLC, its Investment Advisor
By:   /s/ Jonathan M. Kaplan
  Name: Jonathan M. Kaplan

Title: Authorized Signatory

[Signature Page to Sixth Amendment]


Receipt of the preceding Amendment is hereby acknowledged by the Administrative Agent in its role as administrative agent but the provisions of this Amendment are not consented to by the Administrative Agent, or by Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as a Lender.

The Administrative Agent’s acknowledgement of receipt of this Amendment should not be construed as an agreement by the Administrative Agent or Bank of America, N.A., or confirmation by the Administrative Agent or Bank of America, N.A., that such Amendment was completed in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

The Administrative Agent and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Lender, respectively, each reserves all of its rights in connection with the Amendment.

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
By:   /s/ Edna Aguilar Mitchell
Name:   Edna Aguilar Mitchell
Title:   Director

[Signature Page to Sixth Amendment]


RATIFICATION OF GUARANTORS

Each of the undersigned Guarantors hereby (a) acknowledges and consents to the foregoing Amendment and the Borrower’s and the Parent’s execution thereof; (b) joins the foregoing Amendment for the sole purpose of consenting to and being bound by the provisions of Sections 3, 5 and 6 thereof; (c) ratifies and confirms all of their respective obligations and liabilities under the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party and ratifies and confirms that such obligations and liabilities extend to and continue in effect with respect to, and continue to guarantee and secure, as applicable, the Obligations of the Borrower under the Credit Agreement; (d) acknowledges and confirms that the liens and security interests granted by such Guarantor pursuant to the Loan Documents are and continue to be valid and perfected first priority liens and security interests (subject only to Permitted Liens) that secure all of the Obligations on and after the date hereof; (e) acknowledges and agrees that such Guarantor does not have any claim or cause of action against the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of its respective directors, officers, employees or agents); and (f) acknowledges, affirms and agrees that such Guarantor does not have any defense, claim, cause of action, counterclaim, offset or right of recoupment of any kind or nature against any of their respective obligations, indebtedness or liabilities to the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]


The Guarantors:
EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
EMMIS INDIANA BROADCASTING, L.P., by Emmis Operating Company, its General Partner
EMMIS INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION
EMMIS LICENSE CORPORATION OF NEW YORK
EMMIS MEADOWLANDS CORPORATION
EMMIS PUBLISHING CORPORATION
EMMIS PUBLISHING, L.P., by Emmis Operating Company, its General Partner
EMMIS RADIO, LLC, by Emmis Operating Company, its Manager
EMMIS RADIO LICENSE CORPORATION OF NEW YORK
EMMIS RADIO LICENSE, LLC, by Emmis Operating Company, its Manager
EMMIS TELEVISION LICENSE, LLC, by Emmis Operating Company, its Manager
EMMIS TELEVISION BROADCASTING, L.P., by Emmis Operating Company, its General Partner
LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
MEDIATEX COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
ORANGE COAST KOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By:   /s/ J. Scott Enright
  Name:   J. Scott Enright
  Title:   Executive Vice President,
    General Counsel and Secretary

[Signature Page to Ratification of Guarantors]


EXHIBIT A


EXHIBIT B


EXHIBIT C


EXHIBIT D


EXHIBIT E


EXHIBIT F

Exhibit 10.9

EXECUTION COPY

FIRST AMENDMENT NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This FIRST AMENDMENT TO NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT , dated as of March 20, 2012 (this “ Amendment ”), is between EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION (the “ Issuer ”), an Indiana corporation, and ZELL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES MASTER FUND, L.P. (the “ Purchaser ”), a Delaware limited partnership. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Purchase Agreement (as defined below).

WHEREAS , the Issuer and the Purchaser have entered into Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2011 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”);

WHEREAS , the Issuer desires to modify certain terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as specifically set forth in this Amendment; and

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Issuer and the Purchaser hereby agree as follows:

§1. Amendments to Purchase Agreement . The Purchase Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

(a) The following new definition is hereby added to §1.1 of the Purchase Agreement in appropriate alphabetical order:

Fifth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement . That certain Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2012, by and among the Issuer, Emmis OpCo, certain Opco Lenders and acknowledged by the OpCo Administrative Agent.”

(b) The first sentence of clause (m) of §1.2 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby amended by inserting immediately after the words “ Exhibit B ” the words “and as amended by the Fifth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement”.

§2. Conditions to Effectiveness & Conditions Subsequent.

(a) This Amendment shall become effective as of the date set forth above upon the receipt (and subject to satisfaction or waiver) by the Purchaser of the following conditions precedent (the “ First Amendment Effective Date ”):

(1) there shall exist no Default or Event of Default immediately prior to and immediately after giving effect to this Amendment;

(2) the Purchaser shall have received a counterpart signature page to this Amendment, duly executed and delivered by the Issuer;

(3) the Purchaser shall have received a copy of the duly executed 2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement;


(4)(a) the Fifth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement shall (i) be in form and substance satisfactory to the Purchaser, (ii) have been executed and delivered by the OpCo Required Lenders, (iii) have been acknowledged by the OpCo Administrative Agent and (iv) have become effective in accordance with the terms thereof and (b) the Issuer shall have delivered a certified copy of the Fifth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement to the Purchaser;

(5) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4 of this Amendment shall be true and correct as of the date of this Amendment; and

(6) the Issuer shall have paid to the Purchaser all fees and expenses of the Purchaser arising in connection with this Amendment (including any fees and disbursements of legal counsel); provided that no fee shall be payable to the Purchaser in consideration for the execution of this Amendment.

§3. Affirmation of Issuer . The Issuer hereby affirms its Obligations under the Purchase Agreement (as amended hereby) and under each of the other Purchase Documents to which it is a party and each hereby affirms its absolute and unconditional promise to pay to the Purchaser all amounts due under the Purchase Agreement (as amended hereby) and the other Purchase Documents.

§4. Representations and Warranties . The Issuer hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser as follows:

(a) Representations and Warranties . Each of the representations and warranties contained in §8 of the Purchase Agreement were true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent such representations and warranties are already qualified by materiality, in which case, such representations and warranties were true and correct in all respects) when made, and, after giving effect to this Amendment, are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof (except to the extent such representations and warranties are already qualified by materiality, in which case, such representations and warranties are true and correct in all respects), except to the extent of changes resulting from transactions contemplated or permitted by the Purchase Agreement and the other Purchase Documents and to the extent that such representations and warranties relate specifically to a prior date. To the extent not otherwise applicable to the Issuer, each of the representations and warranties contained in §8 of the Purchase Agreement shall be deemed to be equally applicable to the Issuer for all purposes hereunder, and shall be deemed to be made by the Issuer with respect to itself in connection with this Section 4.

(b) Enforceability . The execution and delivery by the Issuer of this Amendment, and the performance by the Issuer of this Amendment and the Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby, are within the corporate authority of the Issuer and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate proceedings. This Amendment and the Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby, constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Issuer, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights in general.

 

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(c) No Default or Event of Default . No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default will result from the execution, delivery and performance by the Issuer of this Amendment or from the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein.

(d) Disclosure . None of the information provided to the Purchaser on or prior to the date of this Amendment relating to this Amendment contained any untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state any material fact (known to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in the case of any document or information not furnished by it or any of its Subsidiaries) necessary in order to make the statements herein or therein not misleading. On the date hereof, the Issuer does not possess any material information with respect to the operations, business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole as to which the Purchaser does not have access.

§5. No Other Amendments, etc. Except as expressly provided in this Amendment, (a) all of the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement and the other Purchase Documents remain unchanged, and (b) all of the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby, and of the other Purchase Documents are hereby ratified and confirmed and remain in full force and effect. Nothing herein shall be construed to be an amendment, consent or a waiver of any requirements of the Issuer or of any other Person under the Purchase Agreement or any of the other Purchase Documents except as expressly set forth herein. Nothing in this Amendment shall be construed to imply any willingness on the part of the Purchaser to grant any similar or future amendment, consent or waiver of any of the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement or the other Purchase Documents. For the avoidance of doubt, this Amendment shall constitute a “Purchase Document” under the Purchase Agreement and each other Purchase Document.

§6. Release . In order to induce the Purchaser to enter into this Amendment, the Issuer acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the Issuer does not have any claim or cause of action against the Purchaser (or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents); (ii) the Issuer does not have any offset right, counterclaim, right of recoupment or any defense of any kind against the Issuer’s obligations, indebtedness or liabilities to the Purchaser; and (iii) the Purchaser has heretofore properly performed and satisfied in a timely manner all of its obligations to the Issuer. The Issuer wishes to eliminate any possibility that any past conditions, acts, omissions, events, circumstances or matters would impair or otherwise adversely affect any of the Purchaser’ rights, interests, contracts, collateral security or remedies. Therefore, the Issuer unconditionally releases, waives and forever discharges (A) any and all liabilities, obligations, duties, promises or indebtedness of any kind of the Purchaser to the Issuer, except the obligations to be performed by the Purchaser on or after the date hereof as expressly stated in this Amendment, the Purchase Agreement and the other Purchase Documents, and (B) all claims, offsets, causes of action, right of recoupment, suits or defenses of any kind whatsoever (if any), whether arising at law or in equity, whether known or unknown, which the Issuer might otherwise have against the Purchaser or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents, in either case (A) or (B), on account of any past or presently existing condition, act, omission, event, contract, liability, obligation, indebtedness, claim, cause of action, defense, circumstance or matter of any kind.

 

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§7. Execution in Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by each party on a separate counterpart, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. In proving this Amendment, it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

§8. Interpretation . This Amendment has been the result of limited negotiation involving the Purchaser and its counsel. This Amendment, the Purchase Agreement and the other Purchase Documents are not intended to be construed against the Purchaser whether or to the extent of the Purchaser’s involvement in the preparation of such documents.

§9. Purchase Document . This Amendment is a Purchase Document under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, and any breach of any provision of this Amendment shall be a Default or Event of Default under the Purchase Agreement (as applicable).

§10. Miscellaneous . This Amendment shall for all purposes be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law) (other than Section 5-1401 and Section 5-1402 of the General Obligations Laws of the State of New York). The captions in this Amendment are for convenience of reference only and shall not define or limit the provisions hereof. The Issuer agrees to pay to the Purchaser, on demand by the Purchaser, all reasonable costs and expenses incurred or sustained by the Purchaser in connection with the preparation of this Amendment, including reasonable legal fees in accordance with Section 18.2 of the Purchase Agreement.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have duly executed this Amendment as a sealed instrument as of the date first set forth above.

 

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ J. Scott Enright

  Name:   J. Scott Enright
  Title:   Executive Vice President,
    General Counsel and Secretary

[Signature Page to Ratification of Guarantors]


ZELL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES MASTER FUND, L.P.
By:   ZELL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES (GenPar),L.L.C.
Its:   General Partner
By:  

/s/ Bill Pate

 

Name:

  Bill Pate
 

Title:

  Vice President

 

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Exhibit 10.10

EXECUTION COPY

SECOND AMENDMENT TO NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This SECOND AMENDMENT TO NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT , dated as of April 26, 2012 (this “ Amendment ”), is between EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION (the “ Issuer ”), an Indiana corporation, and ZELL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES MASTER FUND, L.P. (the “ Purchaser ”), a Delaware limited partnership. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Purchase Agreement (as defined below).

WHEREAS , the Issuer and the Purchaser have entered into Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2011, amended by that certain First Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 20, 2012 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”);

WHEREAS , the Issuer desires to modify certain terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement as specifically set forth in this Amendment; and

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Issuer and the Purchaser hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Amendments to Purchase Agreement . The Purchase Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

(a) The following new definitions are hereby added to §1.1 of the Purchase Agreement in appropriate alphabetical order:

Second Amendment Effective Date . The date on which the Second Amendment to the Purchase Agreement becomes effective in accordance with its terms.

Sixth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement . That certain Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated as of April 26, 2012, by and among the Issuer, Emmis OpCo, certain OpCo Lenders and acknowledged by the OpCo Administrative Agent.

WRKS Asset Sale . The sale of the Purchased Assets (as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement) pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2012 by and among Emmis Radio, LLC, Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York and YMF Media LLC, as in effect on the Second Amendment Effective Date or as may be amended, waived, modified or supplemented, in each case in a form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser.

WRKS Contribution . The contribution of the Contributed Property (as defined in the WRKS Contribution Agreement) related to WRKS-FM, a New York radio station owned by Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York, to WRKS Financing Subsidiary on the WRKS Funding Date pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the WRKS Contribution Agreement.


WRKS Contribution Agreement . The Contribution Agreement, between the WRKS Financing Subsidiary and Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York, to be dated on or before the WRKS Funding Date, providing for a contribution of the Contributed Property (as defined therein) on the WRKS Funding Date and substantially in the form of Exhibit A or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser as of the date on which the Purchaser provides written confirmation thereof.

WRKS Documents . See §10.23.

WRKS Entities . Collectively, WRKS Financing Subsidiary and WRKS License Subsidiary.

WRKS Financing . The financing by the WRKS Entities (i) in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the WRKS Financing Documents and (ii) resulting in Net Cash Debt Issuance Proceeds distributed to Emmis OpCo of at least $78,000,000.

WRKS Financing Documents . Collectively, the definitive financing documentation executed by the WRKS Entities with the provider(s) of the WRKS Financing, including without limitation the WRKS Note and the WRKS Participation Agreement, the WRKS Contribution Agreement, the WRKS License Contribution Agreement, the WRKS LMA Agreement and the WRKS Management Agreement, in such form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser as of the date on which the Purchaser provided written confirmation thereof.

WRKS Financing Subsidiary . Emmis New York Radio LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

WRKS Funding Date . The date of the disbursement of funds under the WRKS Financing in accordance with the terms of the WRKS Financing Documents.

WRKS License Contribution . The contribution by WRKS Financing Subsidiary of the license issued by the Federal Communications Commission for authority to own and operate WRKS-FM on the WRKS Funding Date pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the WRKS License Contribution Agreement.

WRKS License Contribution Agreement . The Contribution Agreement, between WRKS License Subsidiary and WRKS Financing Subsidiary, to be dated on or before the WRKS Funding Date, providing for a contribution of Contributed Property (as defined therein) on the WRKS Funding Date and substantially in the form of Exhibit B or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser as of the date on which the Purchaser provides written confirmation thereof.

WRKS License Subsidiary . Emmis New York Radio License LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.


WRKS LMA Agreement . The LMA Agreement between Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York and New York AM Radio, LLC, dated as of April 26, 2012 to be assigned to the WRKS License Subsidiary on the WRKS Funding Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit C or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser as of the date on which the Purchaser provides written confirmation thereof.

WRKS Management Agreement . The Management Agreement to be executed by and among Emmis OpCo, Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York, the WRKS License Subsidiary and the WRKS Financing Subsidiary, substantially in the form of Exhibit D or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser as of the date on which the Purchaser provides written confirmation thereof.

WRKS Note . The Note to be executed by the WRKS Entities in connection with the WRKS Financing, dated as of the WRKS Funding Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit E or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser as of the date on which the Purchaser provides written confirmation thereof.

WRKS Participation Agreement . The Participation Agreement to be executed by the WRKS Entities in connection with the WRKS Financing, substantially in the form of Exhibit F or in such other form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser as of the date on which the Purchaser provides written confirmation thereof.”

(b) The definition of “Excluded Subsidiary” is hereby amended by the following:

 

  (i) in the first sentence, removing the “ and” at the end of clause (c) and replacing it with “,”;

 

  (ii) in the first sentence, inserting immediately after the words “the Purchaser” the words “and (d) solely for the purposes of §§10.1, 10.2.1, 10.11 and 10.17 (in each case from the WRKS Funding Date until the date the WRKS Financing has been paid in full), the WRKS Entities.”; and

 

  (iii) in the second sentence, inserting immediately after the words “United States” the words “, other than the WRKS License Subsidiary”.

(c) The proviso in the definition of “Purchase Date” is hereby amended by deleting the words “three (3)” and substituting in lieu thereof the words “four (4)”.

(d) The definition of “Permitted §11 Amendment” is hereby amended by the following:

 

  (i) in clause (a)(i), inserting immediately after the words “shall not have changed” the words “other than in connection with the Sixth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement”;

 

  (ii) in clause (a)(iii), inserting immediately after the words “Total Leverage Ratio” the words “as calculated giving effect to the Sixth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement”; and

 

  (iii) in clause (b), inserting immediately after the words “Total Leverage Ratio” the words “and as calculated giving effect to the Sixth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement”.


(e) The first sentence of clause (m) of §1.2 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby amended by inserting immediately after the words “Fifth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement” the words “and the Sixth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement”.

(f) §2.1 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the words “four (4)” and substituting in lieu thereof the words “three (3)”.

(g) §10.2.2 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new sentence at the end of the paragraph which shall read as follows:

“With respect to the WRKS Entities only, the terms of this §10.2.2 shall not apply to the WRKS Financing Documents.”

(h) §10.12 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new sentence to the end thereof which shall read as follows:

“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, nothing in this §10.12 shall be construed to prohibit any actions of Emmis OpCo or the WRKS Entities pursuant to the terms of the WRKS Management Agreement.”

(i) §10.17 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new sentence at the end of the paragraph which shall read as follows:

“With respect to the WRKS Entities only, the terms of this §10.17 shall not apply to the WRKS Financing Documents.”

(j) New §§10.19, 10.20 and 10.21 of the Purchase Agreement are hereby added as follows:

10.19 [Reserved.]

10.20 [Reserved.]

10.21 [Reserved.]

(k) A new §10.22 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby added as follows:

10.22 Conduct of Business of WRKS Entities . (a) The Issuer and Emmis OpCo shall maintain WRKS Financing Subsidiary at all times as a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Emmis OpCo. Except as approved by the Purchaser in writing, the Issuer and Emmis OpCo shall cause WRKS Financing Subsidiary not to engage in any services, activities, trade or business other than to conduct the business of owning WRKS-FM and activities reasonably related thereto, performing its obligations and enforcing its rights under each of the WRKS Documents and holding Capital Stock of WRKS License Subsidiary. The Issuer and Emmis OpCo shall cause WRKS Financing Subsidiary (i) to maintain WRKS License Subsidiary at all times as a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of WRKS Financing Subsidiary and (ii) to have no subsidiary other than WRKS License Subsidiary.


(b) Other than as specifically set forth herein or as provided in the WRKS Documents or as approved by the Purchaser in writing, the Issuer shall not, and shall not permit Emmis OpCo to:

(i) create, incur, assume, guarantee or be or remain liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to any Indebtedness, other than (A) Indebtedness incurred to Emmis OpCo under the WRKS Management Agreement; (B) the WRKS Financing; and (C)  de minimis unsecured Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business;

(ii)(A) create or incur or suffer to be created or incurred or to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets of any character whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or upon the income or profits therefrom; (B) transfer any of such property or assets or the income or profits therefrom outside the ordinary course of business for the purpose of subjecting the same to the payment of Indebtedness or performance of any other obligation in priority to payment of its general creditors; (C) acquire, or agree to have an option to acquire, any property or assets upon conditional sale or other title retention or purchase money security agreement, devise or arrangement; (D) suffer to exist any Indebtedness or claim against it that if unpaid might by law or upon bankruptcy or insolvency, or otherwise, be given any priority whatsoever over its general creditors (other than in respect of de minimis amounts); or (E) sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer any “receivables” as defined in clause (g) of the definition of the term “Indebtedness”, with or without recourse, other than (x) Liens required by the WRKS Financing Documents and (y) Liens in de minimis amounts in the ordinary course of business;

(iii) make or permit to exist or to remain outstanding any Investment other than in the WRKS License Subsidiary; and

(iv) make any Restricted Payments to any Person other than Emmis OpCo or a wholly-owned Subsidiary.”

(l) A new §10.23 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby added as follows:

10.23 Modifications to the WRKS Documents . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the WRKS Financing Documents, the WRKS Contribution Agreement, the WRKS License Contribution Agreement, the WRKS Management Agreement, the WRKS LMA Agreement, and/or any other document entered into in connection therewith (collectively, the “ WRKS Documents ”), the Issuer and Emmis OpCo will not, and will not permit any of their respective Subsidiaries, without the prior written approval of the Purchaser, to (a) change, waive, extend or amend any term of the WRKS Documents if such change or amendment would result in a default under this Agreement, increase the obligations of the Issuer, Emmis OpCo or any of their Subsidiaries (including the WRKS Entities) in any material respect or confer additional material rights on any other party thereto or beneficiary thereof, in each case in a manner adverse to the Issuer, Emmis OpCo or any of their respective Subsidiaries or to the Purchaser in any material respect; or (b) make the terms of any WRKS Document more restrictive in any respect for the Issuer, Emmis OpCo or any of their Subsidiaries (including the WRKS Entities), other than pursuant to such terms as may be approved by the Purchaser in writing.”


(m) A new §10.24 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby added as follows:

10.24 [Reserved.]

(n) A new §10.25 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby added as follows:

10.25 No WRKS Financing Recourse to the Issuer . No document entered into in connection with the WRKS Asset Sale, WRKS Contribution or WRKS Financing shall require the Issuer or any Subsidiary to provide, and neither the Issuer nor any Subsidiary shall provide, any guarantee, credit support, indemnity or other direct or indirect support in respect of the obligations of the WRKS entities thereunder; provided that any obligations under the WRKS Financing Documents may be supported by a perfected first-priority security interest in the assets of the WRKS Entities, the Capital Stock of the WRKS License Subsidiary and, for the avoidance of doubt, the rights of the WRKS Entities under the WRKS Management Agreement.”

(o) §14.1 of the Purchase Agreement is hereby amended by removing the “or” at the end of clause (aa) thereof, replacing the period at the end of clause (bb) thereof with “;” and adding new clauses (cc) and (dd) thereof which shall read as follows:

“(cc) Emmis OpCo, and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, shall fail to perform any term, covenant or agreement contained in the WRKS Financing Documents giving rise to a right of termination or an event of default thereunder and such non-performance shall not have been cured or waived as permitted thereunder within any applicable cure or waiver period as specified thereunder; or

(dd) the Issuer, Emmis OpCo or any Subsidiary shall breach its obligations under the WRKS Management Agreement or any claim is made against the Issuer, Emmis OpCo or any Subsidiary under the WRKS Management Agreement.”

 

2. Conditions to Effectiveness & Conditions Subsequent . This Amendment shall become effective as of the date set forth above upon the receipt subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Purchaser of the following conditions precedent (the “ Second Amendment Effective Date ”):

(a) each of the representations and warranties of the Issuer, Emmis OpCo and the Subsidiaries contained in this Amendment shall be true in all material respects as of the date as of which they were made and shall also be true in all material respects at and as of the Second Amendment Effective Date, with the same effect as if made at and as of that time;

(b) no Default or Event of Default immediately prior to and immediately after giving effect to has occurred and is continuing; and no “Default” or “Event of Default” has occurred and is continuing under the OpCo Credit Agreement;


(c) the Purchaser shall have received an officer’s certificate duly executed by a duly authorized officer of the Issuer certifying that the Issuer would have been in compliance with clauses (a) and (b) above;

(d) the Issuer shall afford the Purchaser a reasonable opportunity to review any provisions of any disclosure in connection with the Amendment that describe the existence or the terms of this Amendment, the Purchase Agreement and the Purchaser before any such disclosure is disseminated and the Purchaser shall not have notified the Issuer within two (2) Business Days of being provided the disclosure that such disclosure is unacceptable to the Purchaser in the reasonable exercise of its discretion;

(e)(i) the Sixth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement shall (w) be in form and substance satisfactory to the Purchaser, (x) have been executed and delivered by the OpCo Required Lenders, (y) have been acknowledged by the OpCo Administrative Agent and (z) have become effective in accordance with the terms thereof and (ii) the Issuer shall have delivered a certified copy of the Sixth Amendment to the OpCo Credit Agreement to the Purchaser;

(f) the Purchaser shall have received a counterpart signature page to this Amendment, duly executed and delivered by the Issuer;

(g) the Purchaser shall have received a copy of the Governing Documents for the WRKS Entities in a form reasonably acceptable to the Purchaser, including an express election that the limited liability company interests of any WRKS Entity shall be securities governed by article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code;

(h) the Purchaser shall have received an agreement to receive copies of corporate opinion letters and reliance on FCC opinion letters to be delivered pursuant to the WRKS Financing Documents on the WRKS Funding Date; and

(i) the Issuer shall have paid to the Purchaser all fees and expenses of the Purchaser arising in connection with this Amendment (including any fees and disbursements of legal counsel).

 

3. Affirmation of Issuer . The Issuer hereby affirms its Obligations under the Purchase Agreement (as amended hereby) and under each of the other Purchase Documents to which it is a party and each hereby affirms its absolute and unconditional promise to pay to the Purchaser all other amounts due under the Purchase Agreement (as amended hereby) and the other Purchase Documents.

 


4. Representations and Warranties . The Issuer hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser as follows:

(a) Representations and Warranties . Each of the representations and warranties contained in §8 of the Purchase Agreement were true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent such representations and warranties are already qualified by materiality, in which case, such representations and warranties were true and correct in all respects) when made, and, after giving effect to this Amendment, are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof (except to the extent such representations and warranties are already qualified by materiality, in which case, such representations and warranties are true and correct in all respects), except to the extent of changes resulting from transactions contemplated or permitted by the Purchase Agreement and the other Purchase Documents and to the extent that such representations and warranties relate specifically to a prior date. To the extent not otherwise applicable to the Issuer, each of the representations and warranties contained in §8 of the Purchase Agreement shall be deemed to be equally applicable to the Issuer for all purposes hereunder, and shall be deemed to be made by the Issuer with respect to itself in connection with this Section 4.

(b) Enforceability . The execution and delivery by the Issuer of this Amendment, and the performance by the Issuer of this Amendment and the Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby, are within the corporate authority of the Issuer and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate proceedings. This Amendment and the Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby, constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Issuer, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms, except as limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights in general.

(c) No Default or Event of Default . No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default or Event of Default will result from the execution, delivery and performance by the Issuer of this Amendment or from the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein.

(d) Disclosure . None of the information provided to the Purchaser on or prior to the date of this Amendment relating to this Amendment contained any untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state any material fact (known to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in the case of any document or information not furnished by it or any of its Subsidiaries) necessary in order to make the statements herein or therein not misleading. On the date hereof, the Issuer does not possess any material information with respect to the operations, business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole as to which the Purchaser does not have access.

(e) Solvency . As of the date on which this representation and warranty is made, each of the Issuer and the Subsidiaries is Solvent, both before and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby consummated on such date and to the incurrence of all Indebtedness and other obligations incurred on such date in connection herewith and therewith.

 

5. No Other Amendments, etc. Except as expressly provided in this Amendment, (a) all of the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement and the other Purchase Documents remain unchanged, and (b) all of the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, as amended hereby, and of the other Purchase Documents are hereby ratified and confirmed and remain in full force and effect. Nothing herein shall be construed to be an amendment, consent or a waiver of any requirements of the Issuer or of any other Person under the Purchase Agreement or any of the other Purchase Documents except as expressly set forth herein. Nothing in this Amendment shall be construed to imply any willingness on the part of the Purchaser to grant any similar or future amendment, consent or waiver of any of the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement or the other Purchase Documents. For the avoidance of doubt, this Amendment shall constitute a “Purchase Document” under the Purchase Agreement and each other Purchase Document.


6. Release . In order to induce the Purchaser to enter into this Amendment, the Issuer acknowledges and agrees that: (i) the Issuer does not have any claim or cause of action against the Purchaser (or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents); (ii) the Issuer does not have any offset right, counterclaim, right of recoupment or any defense of any kind against the Issuer’s obligations, indebtedness or liabilities to the Purchaser; and (iii) the Purchaser has heretofore properly performed and satisfied in a timely manner all of its obligations to the Issuer. The Issuer wishes to eliminate any possibility that any past conditions, acts, omissions, events, circumstances or matters would impair or otherwise adversely affect any of the Purchaser’ rights, interests, contracts, collateral security or remedies. Therefore, the Issuer unconditionally releases, waives and forever discharges (A) any and all liabilities, obligations, duties, promises or indebtedness of any kind of the Purchaser to the Issuer, except the obligations to be performed by the Purchaser on or after the date hereof as expressly stated in this Amendment, the Purchase Agreement and the other Purchase Documents, and (B) all claims, offsets, causes of action, right of recoupment, suits or defenses of any kind whatsoever (if any), whether arising at law or in equity, whether known or unknown, which the Issuer might otherwise have against the Purchaser or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents, in either case (A) or (B), on account of any past or presently existing condition, act, omission, event, contract, liability, obligation, indebtedness, claim, cause of action, defense, circumstance or matter of any kind.

 

7. Execution in Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by each party on a separate counterpart, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. In proving this Amendment, it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought.

 

8. Interpretation . This Amendment has been the result of limited negotiation involving the Purchaser and its counsel. This Amendment, the Purchase Agreement and the other Purchase Documents are not intended to be construed against the Purchaser whether or to the extent of the Purchaser’s involvement in the preparation of such documents.

 

9. Purchase Document . This Amendment is a Purchase Document under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, and any breach of any provision of this Amendment shall be a Default or Event of Default under the Purchase Agreement (as applicable).

 

10. Miscellaneous . This Amendment shall for all purposes be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law) (other than Section 5-1401 and Section 5-1402 of the General Obligations Laws of the State of New York). The captions in this Amendment are for convenience of reference only and shall not define or limit the provisions hereof. The Issuer agrees to pay to the Purchaser, on demand by the Purchaser, all reasonable costs and expenses incurred or sustained by the Purchaser in connection with the preparation of this Amendment, including reasonable legal fees in accordance with Section 18.2 of the Purchase Agreement.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned have duly executed this Amendment as a sealed instrument as of the date first set forth above.

 

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ J. Scott Enright

  Name:   J. Scott Enright
  Title:   Executive Vice President,
    General Counsel and Secretary

[Signature Page to Second Amendment]


 

ZELL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES MASTER FUND, L.P.
By:   Chai Trust Company, LLC, its General Partner
By:  

/s/ Philip G. Tinkler

 

Name:

  Philip G. Tinkler
 

Title:

  Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to Second Amendment]


EXHIBIT A


EXHIBIT B


EXHIBIT C


EXHIBIT D


EXHIBIT E


EXHIBIT F

 

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Exhibit 10.18

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into, effective May 7, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), by and between EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, an Indiana corporation (the “Company”), and Jeffrey H. Smulyan (“Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Company considers the establishment and maintenance of a sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its stockholders; and

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, the possibility of a change in control may arise and that such possibility may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the “Board” (as defined in Section 1) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to secure Executive’s continued services and to ensure Executive’s continued and undivided dedication to his duties in the event of any threat or occurrence of a “Change in Control” (as defined in Section 1) of the Company; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee, at a meeting held on December 19, 2008, has authorized the Company to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified person, a person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.

(b) “Base Salary” means Executive’s gross base salary, regardless of whether payable directly by the Company in cash or through the television quarterly bonus plan, the stock compensation program, or a similar program.

(c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(d) “Bonus Amount” means the greater of (i) the highest annual incentive bonus earned by Executive from the Company (and/or its Affiliates) during the last three (3) completed fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding Executive’s Date of Termination (annualized in the event Executive was not employed by the Company (or its Affiliates) for the whole of any such fiscal year), or (ii) if the Date of Termination occurs before Executive has been employed for a full fiscal year and before the date on which the Company generally pays bonuses to its executives for the fiscal year in which Executive’s employment commenced, 25% of Executive’s Base Salary for the fiscal year of the Company which includes the Executive’s Date of Termination.


(e) “Cause” means (i) the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform substantially his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to Executive being delivered a notice of Termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of Termination for Good Reason to the Company) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Board which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that Executive has not substantially performed Executive’s duties; provided that Executive has not cured such failure or commenced such performance within 30 days after such demand is given to Executive, or (ii) the willful engaging by Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its Affiliates. For purpose of the preceding sentence, no act or failure to act by Executive shall be considered “willful” unless done or omitted to be done by Executive in bad faith and without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, based upon the advice of counsel for the Company (or upon the instructions of the Company’s chief executive officer or another senior officer of the Company) shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. Cause shall not exist unless and until the Company has delivered to Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by three-quarters (3/4) of the entire Board (excluding Executive if Executive is a Board member) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Executive and an opportunity for Executive, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board an event set forth in clause (i) or (ii) has occurred and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. The Company must notify Executive of any event constituting Cause within ninety (90) days following the Company’s knowledge of its existence or such event shall not constitute Cause under this Agreement.

(f) “Change in Control” means any of the following: (i) any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (other than an Affiliate or any employee benefit plan (or any related trust) of the Company or an Affiliate, and other than Jeffrey H. Smulyan or an Affiliate of Mr. Smulyan) (a “Person”) becomes after the date hereof the beneficial owner of 35% or more of either the then outstanding Stock or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors, except that no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred solely by reason of any such acquisition by a corporation with respect to which, after such acquisition, more than 60% of both the then outstanding common shares of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors are then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the persons who were the beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of the

 

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Company immediately before such acquisition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately before such acquisition, of the outstanding Stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors; (ii) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director after the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote or written consent of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Directors shall be considered as though such individual were an Incumbent Director, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the directors of the Company (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 under the Exchange Act); (iii) the consummation of (A) a merger, reorganization or consolidation with respect to which the individuals and entities who were the respective beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of the Company immediately before such merger, reorganization or consolidation do not, after such merger, reorganization or consolidation, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of, respectively, the then outstanding common shares and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote in the election of directors of the corporation resulting from such merger, reorganization or consolidation, or (B) the sale or other disposition (or series of sales and/or other dispositions over time resulting in a sale and/or other disposition) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person or Persons as part of the Company’s plan to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of such assets ; (iv) the approval by the shareholders of the Company of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or (v) such other event(s) or circumstance(s) as are determined by the Board to constitute a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, a Change in Control shall be deemed not to have occurred with respect to Executive, if he is, by written agreement executed prior to such Change in Control, a participant on his own behalf in a transaction in which the persons with whom he has the written agreement (and/or their Affiliates) Acquire the Company (as defined below) and, pursuant to the written agreement, Executive has (or has the right to acquire) an equity interest in the resulting entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any Person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 35% of the then outstanding Stock as a result of the acquisition of the Stock by the Company which reduces the number of shares of Stock outstanding; provided , that if after such acquisition by the Company such person becomes the beneficial owner of additional Stock that increases the percentage of outstanding Stock beneficially owned by such person, a Change in Control shall then occur.

For the purposes of this definition, “Acquire the Company” means the acquisition of beneficial ownership by purchase, merger, or otherwise, of either more than 50% of the Stock (such percentage to be computed in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) of the SEC under the Exchange Act) or substantially all of the assets of the Company or its successors; “person” means such term as used in Rule 13d-5 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; “beneficial owner” means such term as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; and “group” means such term as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

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(g) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations and rulings thereunder. References to a particular section of the Code shall include references to successor provisions.

(h) “Date of Termination” means the effective date of the Termination of Executive’s Employment.

(i) “Disability” means Termination of Executive’s Employment by the Company (A) on account of Executive’s disability or incapacity in accordance with Executive’s written employment agreement with the Company, if such agreement contains provisions relating to Termination of Employment for disability or incapacity, or (B) except as provided in clause (A), on account of Executive’s disability or incapacity in accordance with the Company’s policies applicable to salaried employees without a written employment agreement, as in effect immediately before the Change in Control.

(j) “Effective Date” means May 7, 2012.

(k) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. References to a particular section of, or rule under, the Exchange Act shall include references to successor provisions.

(l) “Good Reason” means, without Executive’s express written consent, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities; provided, however, Good Reason shall not be deemed to occur upon a change in duties or responsibilities (other than reporting responsibilities) that is solely and directly a result of the Company no longer being a publicly traded entity that does not involve another event described in this Subsection (l);

(ii) a material breach by the Company or an Affiliate of the Company of this Agreement or an employment agreement to which the Executive and the Company or an Affiliate of the Company are parties;

(iii) a material reduction by the Company in Executive’s rate of annual Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to such Change in Control or as the same may be increased from time to time thereafter (with a reduction or series of reductions exceeding 5% of Base Salary being deemed material);

(iv) any requirement of the Company that Executive (A) be based anywhere more than thirty-five (35) miles from the office where Executive is based at the time of the Change in Control, if such relocation increases Executive’s commute by more than twenty (20) miles, or (B) travel on Company business to an extent materially greater than the travel obligations of Executive immediately prior to such Change in Control;

(v) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption and, if applicable, guarantee, agreement from any successor (and parent corporation) as contemplated in Section 9(b).

 

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Notwithstanding the preceding, an event described above shall not be considered an event of Good Reason, unless the Executive provides notice to the Company of the existence of such event of Good Reason within ninety (90) days after its first occurrence and the Company fails to cure such event within thirty (30) days after receiving Executive’s notice. Executive’s right to Terminate Employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by Executive’s incapacity due to mental or physical illness, and Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any event or condition constituting Good Reason; provided , however , that Executive must Terminate Employment within ninety (90) days following the end of the thirty (30) day cure period specified above, or such event shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason under this Agreement.

(m) “Qualifying Termination” means a Termination of Executive’s Employment (i) by the Company other than for Cause or (ii) by Executive for Good Reason. Termination of Executive’s employment on account of death, Disability, or Retirement shall not be treated as a Qualifying Termination.

(n) “Retirement” means Executive’s Termination of Employment by reason of retirement (not including any mandatory early retirement) in accordance with the Company’s retirement policy generally applicable to its salaried employees, as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established with respect to Executive with Executive’s written consent; provided , however , that under no circumstances shall a resignation with Good Reason be deemed a Retirement.

(o) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(p) “Stock” means the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share.

(q) “Termination of Employment”, “Terminates Employment,”, or any variation thereof means Executive’s separation from service within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i).

(r) “Termination Period” means the period of time beginning with a Change in Control and ending two (2) years following such Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (i) Executive’s Employment is Terminated prior to a Change in Control for reasons that would have constituted a Qualifying Termination if they had occurred following a Change in Control; (ii) Executive reasonably demonstrates that such termination (or Good Reason event) was at the request of a Person who had indicated an intention or taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, or was otherwise made in connection with a Change in Control; and (iii) a Change in Control involving such third party or an Affiliate of such third party (or a party competing with such third party to effectuate a Change in Control) does occur, then for purposes of this Agreement, the date immediately prior to the date of such Termination of Employment or event constituting Good Reason shall be treated as a Change in Control. For purposes of determining the timing of payments and benefits to Executive under Section 4, the date of the actual Change in Control shall be treated as Executive’s Date of Termination under Section l(h).

 

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2. Obligation of Executive . In the event of a tender or exchange offer, proxy contest, or the execution of any agreement which, if consummated, would constitute a Change in Control, Executive agrees not to voluntarily leave the employ of the Company, other than as a result of Disability, Retirement or an event which would constitute Good Reason if a Change in Control had occurred, until the Change in Control occurs or, if earlier, such tender or exchange offer, proxy contest, or agreement is terminated or abandoned.

3. Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall be effective on the date hereof and shall continue in effect until the Company shall have given three (3) years’ written notice of cancellation; provided , that , notwithstanding the delivery of any such notice, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of two (2) years after a Change in Control, if such Change in Control shall have occurred during the term of this Agreement. Moreover, if Executive is party to a written employment agreement with the Company at the time of a Change in Control, and such agreement would otherwise expire during the Termination Period, the term of such agreement shall automatically be extended to the end of the Termination Period or, if earlier, Executive’s Retirement. Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, except as provided in the second sentence of Section 1(r), this Agreement shall terminate if Executive or the Company Terminates Executive’s Employment prior to a Change in Control.

4. Payments Upon Termination of Employment .

(a) Qualifying Termination—Severance . If during the Termination Period, the Employment of Executive shall Terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall provide to Executive:

(i) within ten (10) days following the Date of Termination a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any bonus amounts which have become payable, to the extent not theretofore paid or deferred, (B) an amount equal to (I) one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s Base Salary at the rate in effect on the Change in Control (or, if higher, the rate in effect on Termination of Employment), multiplied by (II) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs through the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365), and (C) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid; plus

 

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(ii) within ten (10) days following the Date of Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to (i) three (3) times Executive’s highest annual rate of Base Salary during the 36-month period immediately prior to Executive’s Date of Termination plus (ii) three (3) times Executive’s Bonus Amount.

(b) Qualifying Termination—Benefits . If during the Termination Period, the Employment of Executive shall Terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall:

(i) for a period of three (3) years following Executive’s Date of Termination, continue to provide Executive (and Executive’s dependents, if applicable) with the same level of accident and life insurance benefits upon substantially the same terms and conditions (including contributions required by Executive for such benefits) as existed immediately prior to Executive’s Date of Termination (or, if more favorable to Executive, as such benefits and terms and conditions existed immediately prior to the Change in Control); provided , that , if Executive cannot continue to participate in the Company plans providing such benefits, the Company shall otherwise provide such benefits on the same after-tax basis as if continued participation had been permitted;

(ii) for the period beginning on Executive’s Date of Termination and continuing for up to 18 months thereafter, reimburse Executive for COBRA premiums paid by Executive for continuation coverage for Executive (and Executive’s dependents, if applicable) under the Company’s medical and dental benefits plan, with such reimbursement being taxable to Executive (any reimbursement required by this paragraph (ii) may be accomplished by the Company’s direct payment of such premium, with such payment taxable to Executive, or by Company reimbursing Executive for such premium within thirty (30) days after Executive’ s payment thereof);

(iii) for the period beginning 19 months after Executive’s Date of Termination and ending 36 months after Executive’s Date of Termination, reimburse Executive for the cost of purchasing coverage substantially similar to that that purchased under the Company’s medical and dental benefits plan pursuant to paragraph (ii) above (with no additional pre-existing condition exclusion), with such reimbursement being taxable to Executive (any reimbursement required by this paragraph (iii) may be accomplished by the Company’s direct payment of such premium, with such payment taxable to Executive, or by Company reimbursing Executive for such premium within thirty (30) days after Executive’ s payment thereof);

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) in the event Executive (or, if applicable, Executive’s dependent) becomes ineligible for COBRA continuation coverage during the first 18 months following Executive’s Date of Termination, such person shall not be eligible for further coverage under paragraph (ii) or (iii), and (B) subject to the limitations in clause (A), in the event Executive becomes employed by another employer and becomes eligible to receive welfare benefits from such employer, the welfare benefits described in paragraphs (i) through (iii) shall be secondary to such benefits during the period of Executive’s eligibility, but only to the extent that the Company reimburses Executive for any increased cost and provides any additional benefits necessary to give Executive the benefits provided hereunder;

(iv) for two years following the Executive’s Date of Termination (or such shorter period ending upon the subsequent employment of Executive at a level of service commensurate with Executive’s positions with the Company on the Date of Termination), provide outplacement services for Executive from a provider selected by the Company and at the Company’s expense;

(v) make such additional payments and provide such additional benefits to Executive as the Company and Executive may agree in writing, or to which Executive may be entitled under the compensation and benefit plans, policies, and arrangements of the Company.

(c) Nonqualifying Termination . If during the Termination Period the Employment of Executive shall Terminate other than by reason of a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall pay to Executive within thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any bonus amounts which have become payable, to the extent not theretofore paid or deferred, and any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid. The Company may make such additional payments and provide such additional benefits to Executive as the Company and Executive may agree in writing, and the Company shall provide Executive with those payments and benefits to which Executive may be entitled under the compensation and benefit plans, policies, and arrangements of the Company or any employment agreement with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company.

(d) Stock Rights . In the event of a Change in Control, all restricted Company stock and all options, stock appreciation rights, and/or other stock rights held by Executive with respect to Company stock that are exempt from Section 409A (“Stock Rights”) which are not fully vested (and exercisable, if applicable) shall become fully vested and exercisable as of a time established by the Board, which shall be no later than a time preceding the Change in Control which allows Executive to exercise the Stock Rights and cause the stock acquired thereby to participate in the Change in Control transaction. If the Change in Control transaction is structured so that stock participating therein at one time is or may be treated differently from stock participating therein at a different time ( e.g. , a tender offer followed by a squeeze-out merger), the Board shall interpret this Subsection (d) to provide for the required vesting acceleration in a manner designed to allow Executive to exercise the Stock Rights and cause the stock acquired thereby to participate in the earliest portion of the Change in Control transaction. If the consummation of a Change in Control transaction is uncertain ( e.g. , a tender offer in which the tender of a minimum number of shares is a condition to closing, or a voted merger or proxy contest in which a minimum number of votes is a condition to closing), the Board shall apply this Subsection (d) by using its best efforts to determine if and when the Change in Control transaction is likely to close, and proceeding accordingly. To the extent necessary to implement this Subsection d), each agreement reflecting a Stock Right, and each plan, if any, pursuant to which a Stock Right is issued, if any, shall be deemed amended.

 

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(e) Delay in Payments to Specified Employees . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), distributions pursuant to this Section shall be delayed to the earliest day on which such payments are permitted by Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the regulations thereunder.

5. Certain Additional Payments by the Company .

(a) If it is determined (as hereafter provided) that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise pursuant to or by reason of any other agreement, policy, plan, program or arrangement, including without limitation any stock option, stock appreciation right or similar right, or the lapse or termination of any restriction on or the vesting or exercisability of any of the foregoing (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or to any similar tax imposed by state or local law, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such tax or taxes, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then (i) if reduction of the amount payable pursuant to paragraph 4(a)(ii) by no more than ten percent (10%) would result in no Excise Tax being imposed, the amount in paragraph 4(a)(ii) shall be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to result in no Excise Tax being imposed, and (ii) if clause (i) does not apply, Executive will be entitled to receive an additional payment or payments (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that, after payment by Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 5(f) hereof, all determinations required to be made under this Section 5, including whether an Excise Tax is payable by Executive and the amount of such Excise Tax and whether a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, will be made by a nationally recognized firm of certified public accountants (the “Accounting Firm”) selected by Executive in his sole discretion. Executive will direct the Accounting Firm to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and Executive within 15 calendar days after the date of Executive’s termination of employment, if applicable, and any other such time or times as may be requested by the Company or Executive. If the Accounting Firm determines that any Excise Tax is payable by Executive, the Company will pay the required Gross-Up Payment to Executive within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Executive, it will, at the same time as it makes such determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that he has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on his federal, state, local income or other tax return. Subject to the provisions of this Section 5, any determination by the Accounting Firm as to the amount of the Gross-Up Payment will be binding upon the Company and Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) and the possibility of similar uncertainty regarding applicable state or local tax law at the time of any determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (an “Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that an Underpayment is made and the Company exhausts or fails to pursue its remedies pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof and Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, Executive will direct the Accounting Firm to determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and Executive as promptly as possible. Any such Underpayment will be promptly paid by the Company to, or for the benefit of, Executive within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations.

 

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(c) The Company and Executive will each provide the Accounting Firm access to and copies of any books, records and documents in the possession of the Company or Executive, as the case may be, reasonably requested by the Accounting Firm, and otherwise cooperate with the Accounting Firm in connection with the preparation and issuance of the determination contemplated by Section 5(b) hereof.

(d) The federal, state and local income or other tax returns filed by Executive will be prepared and filed on a consistent basis with the determination of the Accounting Firm with respect to the Excise Tax payable by Executive. Executive will make proper payment of the amount of any Excise Tax, and at the request of the Company, provide to the Company true and correct copies (with any amendments) of his federal income tax return as filed with the Internal Revenue Service and corresponding state and local tax returns, if relevant, as filed with the applicable taxing authority, and such other documents reasonably requested by the Company, evidencing such payment. If prior to the filing of Executive’s federal income tax return, or corresponding state or local tax return, if relevant, the Accounting Firm determines that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment should be reduced, Executive will within five business days pay to the Company the amount of such reduction.

(e) The fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm for its services in connection with the determinations and calculations contemplated by Sections 5(b) and (d) hereof will be borne by the Company. If such fees and expenses are initially advanced by Executive, the Company will reimburse Executive the full amount of such fees and expenses within five business days after receipt from Executive of a statement therefor and reasonable evidence of his payment thereof.

 

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(f) Executive will notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of a Gross-Up Payment. Such notification will be given as promptly as practicable but no later than 10 business days after Executive actually receives notice of such claim and Executive will further apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid (in each case, to the extent known by Executive). Executive will not pay such claim prior to the earlier of (i) the expiration of the 30-calendar-day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company and (ii) the date that any payment of amount with respect to such claim is due. If the Company notifies Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, Executive will:

(i) provide the Company with any written records or documents in his possession relating to such claim reasonably requested by the Company;

(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company will reasonably request in writing from time to time, including without limitation accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney competent in respect of the subject matter and reasonably selected by the Company;

(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim; and

(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;

provided, however, that the Company will bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and will indemnify and hold harmless Executive, on an after-tax basis, for and against any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(f), the Company will control all proceedings taken in connection with the contest of any claim contemplated by this Section 5(f) and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim (provided that Executive may participate therein at his own cost and expense) and may, at its option, either direct Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company will determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund, the Company will advance the amount of such payment to Executive on an interest-free basis and will indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest or penalties with respect thereto, imposed with respect to such advance; and provided further, however, that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of Executive with respect to which the contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company’s control of any such contested claim will be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and Executive will be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

 

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(g) If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof, Executive receives any refund with respect to such claim, Executive will (subject to the Company’s complying with the requirements of Section 5(f) hereof) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after any taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof, a determination is made that Executive will not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial or refund prior to the expiration of 30 calendar days after such determination, then such advance will be forgiven and will not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance will offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid pursuant to this Section 5.

(h) To the extent that earlier payment is not required by the preceding provisions of this Section, the Company shall pay amounts required to be paid pursuant to this Section not later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which Executive remits the related taxes.

6. Withholding Taxes . The Company may withhold from all payments due to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate) hereunder all taxes which, by applicable federal, state, local or other law, the Company is required to withhold therefrom. In the case of the withholding of an Excise Tax, such withholding shall be consistent with any determination made under Section 5.

7. Reimbursement of Expenses . If any contest or dispute shall arise under this Agreement involving termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or involving the failure or refusal of the Company to perform fully in accordance with the terms hereof, the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a current basis, for all reasonable legal fees and expenses, if any, incurred by Executive in connection with such contest or dispute (regardless of the result thereof); provided , however , Executive shall be required to repay any such amounts to the Company to the extent that a court or an arbitration panel issues a final order from which no appeal can be taken, or with respect to which the time period to appeal has expired, setting forth that Executive has not wholly or partially prevailed on at least one material issue in dispute. The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in one year pursuant to this Section shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any following year. Under no circumstances shall the Company’s reimbursement for expenses incurred in a calendar year be made later than the end of the next following calendar year; provided, however, this requirement shall not alter the Company’s obligation to reimburse Executive for eligible expenses on a current basis.

 

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8. Scope of Agreement . Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to entitle Executive to continued employment with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, and if Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate prior to a Change in Control, Executive shall have no further rights under this Agreement (except as otherwise provided hereunder); provided , however , that any Termination of Executive’s Employment during the Termination Period shall be subject to all of the provisions of this Agreement.

9. Successors; Binding Agreement .

(a) This Agreement shall not be terminated by any Change in Control or other merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, sale of substantially all the assets or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company (a “Business Combination”). In the event of any Business Combination, the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the surviving corporation, and such surviving corporation shall be treated as the Company hereunder.

(b) The Company agrees that in connection with any Business Combination, it will cause any successor entity to the Company unconditionally to assume (and for any parent corporation in such Business Combination to guarantee), by written instrument delivered to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate), all of the obligations of the Company hereunder. Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption and guarantee prior to the effectiveness of any such Business Combination that constitutes a Change in Control, shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall constitute Good Reason hereunder, with the event of Good Reason occurring on the date on which such Business Combination becomes effective.

(c) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If Executive shall die while any amounts would be payable to Executive hereunder had Executive continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to such person or persons appointed in writing by Executive to receive such amounts or, if no person is so appointed, to Executive’s estate.

10. Notice . (a) For purposes of this Agreement, all notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when actually received or, if mailed, three days after mailing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or one business day after mailing by a nationally recognized express mail delivery service with instructions for next-day delivery, addressed as follows:

 

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If to the Executive, to the Executive’s principal residence as reflected in the records of the Company.

If to the Company:

Emmis Communications Corporation

40 Monument Circle

Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Attn.: General Counsel

or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

(b) A written notice of Executive’s Date of Termination by the Company or Executive, as the case may be, to the other, shall (i) indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Termination of Executive’s Employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) specify the termination date (which date shall be not less than fifteen (15) (thirty (30), if termination is by the Company for Disability) nor more than sixty (60) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by Executive or the Company to set forth in such notice any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of Executive or the Company hereunder or preclude Executive or the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.

11. Full Settlement; Resolution of Disputes . The Company’s obligation to make any payments and provide any benefits pursuant to this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall be in lieu and in full settlement of all other severance payments to Executive under any other severance or employment agreement between Executive and the Company, and any severance plan of the Company; provided , however , that if any such other agreement or plan would provide Executive with a greater payment or more or longer benefits in respect of any particular item described hereunder (e.g., severance, welfare benefits), then Executive shall receive such particular item of payment and/or benefit pursuant to such other agreement or plan, in lieu of receiving that particular item pursuant to this Agreement; and provided further , retention bonuses and/or completion bonuses shall not be considered severance pay for purposes of this Section. The Company’s obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Executive or others. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable and benefits provided to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as provided in Section 4(b), such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment. The parties agree that any controversy or claim of either party hereto arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement, or breach thereof, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in Indianapolis, Indiana by three arbitrators in accordance with the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association, and that judgment upon any award rendered may be entered by the prevailing party in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Company shall bear all costs and expenses arising in connection with any arbitration proceeding pursuant to this Section.

 

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12. Employment by Affiliates of the Company . Employment by the Company for purposes of this Agreement shall include employment by any Affiliate.

13. Survival . The respective obligations and benefits afforded to the Company and Executive as provided in Sections 4 (to the extent that payments or benefits are owed as a result of a Termination of Employment that occurs during the term of this Agreement), 5 (to the extent that Payments are made to Executive as a result of a Change in Control that occurs during the term of this Agreement), 6, 7, 9(c) and 11 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

14. GOVERNING LAW; VALIDITY . THE INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF INDIANA WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF, OF SUCH PRINCIPLES OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHICH COULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF INDIANA. THE INVALIDITY OR UNENFORCEABILITY OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHICH OTHER PROVISIONS SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

15. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

16. Miscellaneous . No provision of this Agreement may be modified or waived unless such modification or waiver is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by a duly authorized officer of the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. Failure by Executive or the Company to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or to assert any right Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the rights of, and benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his beneficiaries pursuant to this Agreement are in addition to any rights of, or benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his beneficiaries under any other employee benefit plan or compensation program of the Company.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company and Executive has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS

CORPORATION

By:   /s/ J. Scott Enright
Title:   Executive Vice President
Date:   May 7, 2012                      

 

EXECUTIVE
/s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan
Date:   May 7, 2012                             

 

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Exhibit 10.22

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into, effective March 1, 2009 (the “Effective Date”), by and between EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, an Indiana corporation (the “Company”), and J. Scott Enright (“Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Company considers the establishment and maintenance of a sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its stockholders; and

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, the possibility of a change in control may arise and that such possibility may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the “Board” (as defined in Section 1) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to secure Executive’s continued services and to ensure Executive’s continued and undivided dedication to his duties in the event of any threat or occurrence of a “Change in Control” (as defined in Section 1) of the Company; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee, at a meeting held on March 24, 2009, has authorized the Company to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified person, a person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.

(b) “Base Salary” means Executive’s gross base salary, regardless of whether payable directly by the Company in cash or through the television quarterly bonus plan, the stock compensation program, or a similar program.

(c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(d) “Bonus Amount” means the greater of (i) the highest annual incentive bonus earned by Executive from the Company (and/or its Affiliates) during the last three (3) completed fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding Executive’s Date of Termination (annualized in the event Executive was not employed by the Company (or its Affiliates) for the whole of any such fiscal year), or (ii) if the Date of Termination occurs before Executive has been employed for a full fiscal year and before the date on which the Company generally pays bonuses to its executives for the fiscal year in which Executive’s employment commenced, 25% of Executive’s Base Salary for the fiscal year of the Company which includes the Executive’s Date of Termination.


(e) “Cause” means (i) the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform substantially his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to Executive being delivered a notice of Termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of Termination for Good Reason to the Company) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Board which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that Executive has not substantially performed Executive’s duties; provided that Executive has not cured such failure or commenced such performance within 30 days after such demand is given to Executive, or (ii) the willful engaging by Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its Affiliates. For purpose of the preceding sentence, no act or failure to act by Executive shall be considered “willful” unless done or omitted to be done by Executive in bad faith and without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, based upon the advice of counsel for the Company (or upon the instructions of the Company’s chief executive officer or another senior officer of the Company) shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. Cause shall not exist unless and until the Company has delivered to Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by three-quarters (3/4) of the entire Board (excluding Executive if Executive is a Board member) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Executive and an opportunity for Executive, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board an event set forth in clause (i) or (ii) has occurred and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. The Company must notify Executive of any event constituting Cause within ninety (90) days following the Company’s knowledge of its existence or such event shall not constitute Cause under this Agreement.

 

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(f) “Change in Control” means any of the following: (i) any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (other than an Affiliate or any employee benefit plan (or any related trust) of the Company or an Affiliate, and other than Jeffrey H. Smulyan or an Affiliate of Mr. Smulyan) (a “Person”) becomes after the date hereof the beneficial owner of 35% or more of either the then outstanding Stock or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors, except that no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred solely by reason of any such acquisition by a corporation with respect to which, after such acquisition, more than 60% of both the then outstanding common shares of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors are then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the persons who were the beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of the Company immediately before such acquisition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately before such acquisition, of the outstanding Stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors; (ii) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director after the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote or written consent of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Directors shall be considered as though such individual were an Incumbent Director, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the directors of the Company (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 under the Exchange Act); (iii) the consummation of (A) a merger, reorganization or consolidation with respect to which the individuals and entities who were the respective beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of the Company immediately before such merger, reorganization or consolidation do not, after such merger, reorganization or consolidation, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of, respectively, the then outstanding common shares and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote in the election of directors of the corporation resulting from such merger, reorganization or consolidation, or (B) the sale or other disposition (or series of sales and/or other dispositions over time resulting in a sale and/or other disposition) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person or Persons as part of the Company’s plan to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of such assets ; (iv) the approval by the shareholders of the Company of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or (v) such other event(s) or circumstance(s) as are determined by the Board to constitute a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, a Change in Control shall be deemed not to have occurred with respect to Executive, if he is, by written agreement executed prior to such Change in Control, a participant on his own behalf in a transaction in which the persons with whom he has the written agreement (and/or their Affiliates) Acquire the Company (as defined below) and, pursuant to the written agreement, Executive has (or has the right to acquire) an equity interest in the resulting entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any Person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 35% of the then outstanding Stock as a result of the acquisition of the Stock by the Company which reduces the number of shares of Stock outstanding; provided , that if after such acquisition by the Company such person becomes the beneficial owner of additional Stock that increases the percentage of outstanding Stock beneficially owned by such person, a Change in Control shall then occur.

 

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For the purposes of this definition, “Acquire the Company” means the acquisition of beneficial ownership by purchase, merger, or otherwise, of either more than 50% of the Stock (such percentage to be computed in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) of the SEC under the Exchange Act) or substantially all of the assets of the Company or its successors; “person” means such term as used in Rule 13d-5 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; “beneficial owner” means such term as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; and “group” means such term as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.

(g) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations and rulings thereunder. References to a particular section of the Code shall include references to successor provisions.

(h) “Date of Termination” means the effective date of the Termination of Executive’s Employment.

(i) “Disability” means Termination of Executive’s Employment by the Company (A) on account of Executive’s disability or incapacity in accordance with Executive’s written employment agreement with the Company, if such agreement contains provisions relating to Termination of Employment for disability or incapacity, or (B) except as provided in clause (A), on account of Executive’s disability or incapacity in accordance with the Company’s policies applicable to salaried employees without a written employment agreement, as in effect immediately before the Change in Control.

(j) “Effective Date” means January 1, 2008.

(k) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. References to a particular section of, or rule under, the Exchange Act shall include references to successor provisions.

(l) “Good Reason” means, without Executive’s express written consent, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities; provided, however, Good Reason shall not be deemed to occur upon a change in duties or responsibilities (other than reporting responsibilities) that is solely and directly a result of the Company no longer being a publicly traded entity that does not involve another event described in this Subsection (l);

(ii) a material breach by the Company or an Affiliate of the Company of this Agreement or an employment agreement to which the Executive and the Company or an Affiliate of the Company are parties;

(iii) a material reduction by the Company in Executive’s rate of annual Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to such Change in Control or as the same may be increased from time to time thereafter (with a reduction or series of reductions exceeding 5% of Base Salary being deemed material);

 

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(iv) any requirement of the Company that Executive (A) be based anywhere more than thirty-five (35) miles from the office where Executive is based at the time of the Change in Control, if such relocation increases Executive’s commute by more than twenty (20) miles, or (B) travel on Company business to an extent materially greater than the travel obligations of Executive immediately prior to such Change in Control;

(v) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption and, if applicable, guarantee, agreement from any successor (and parent corporation) as contemplated in Section 9(b).

Notwithstanding the preceding, an event described above shall not be considered an event of Good Reason, unless the Executive provides notice to the Company of the existence of such event of Good Reason within ninety (90) days after its first occurrence and the Company fails to cure such event within thirty (30) days after receiving Executive’s notice. Executive’s right to Terminate Employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by Executive’s incapacity due to mental or physical illness, and Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any event or condition constituting Good Reason; provided , however , that Executive must Terminate Employment within ninety (90) days following the end of the thirty (30) day cure period specified above, or such event shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason under this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Termination of Employment by Executive for any reason during the thirty (30)-day period beginning one (1) year after the date of a Change in Control shall constitute a Termination of Employment for Good Reason.

(m) “Qualifying Termination” means a Termination of Executive’s Employment (i) by the Company other than for Cause or (ii) by Executive for Good Reason. Termination of Executive’s employment on account of death, Disability, or Retirement shall not be treated as a Qualifying Termination.

(n) “Retirement” means Executive’s Termination of Employment by reason of retirement (not including any mandatory early retirement) in accordance with the Company’s retirement policy generally applicable to its salaried employees, as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established with respect to Executive with Executive’s written consent; provided , however , that under no circumstances shall a resignation with Good Reason be deemed a Retirement.

(o) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(p) “Stock” means the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share.

(q) “Termination of Employment”, “Terminates Employment,”, or any variation thereof means Executive’s separation from service within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i).

 

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(r) “Termination Period” means the period of time beginning with a Change in Control and ending two (2) years following such Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (i) Executive’s Employment is Terminated prior to a Change in Control for reasons that would have constituted a Qualifying Termination if they had occurred following a Change in Control; (ii) Executive reasonably demonstrates that such termination (or Good Reason event) was at the request of a Person who had indicated an intention or taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, or was otherwise made in connection with a Change in Control; and (iii) a Change in Control involving such third party or an Affiliate of such third party (or a party competing with such third party to effectuate a Change in Control) does occur, then for purposes of this Agreement, the date immediately prior to the date of such Termination of Employment or event constituting Good Reason shall be treated as a Change in Control. For purposes of determining the timing of payments and benefits to Executive under Section 4, the date of the actual Change in Control shall be treated as Executive’s Date of Termination under Section l(h).

2. Obligation of Executive . In the event of a tender or exchange offer, proxy contest, or the execution of any agreement which, if consummated, would constitute a Change in Control, Executive agrees not to voluntarily leave the employ of the Company, other than as a result of Disability, Retirement or an event which would constitute Good Reason if a Change in Control had occurred, until the Change in Control occurs or, if earlier, such tender or exchange offer, proxy contest, or agreement is terminated or abandoned.

3. Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall be effective on the date hereof and shall continue in effect until the Company shall have given three (3) years’ written notice of cancellation; provided , that , notwithstanding the delivery of any such notice, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of two (2) years after a Change in Control, if such Change in Control shall have occurred during the term of this Agreement. Moreover, if Executive is party to a written employment agreement with the Company at the time of a Change in Control, and such agreement would otherwise expire during the Termination Period, the term of such agreement shall automatically be extended to the end of the Termination Period or, if earlier, Executive’s Retirement. Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, except as provided in the second sentence of Section 1(r), this Agreement shall terminate if Executive or the Company Terminates Executive’s Employment prior to a Change in Control.

 

 

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4. Payments Upon Termination of Employment .

(a) Qualifying Termination—Severance . If during the Termination Period, the Employment of Executive shall Terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall provide to Executive:

(i) within ten (10) days following the Date of Termination a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any bonus amounts which have become payable, to the extent not theretofore paid or deferred, (B) an amount equal to (I) fifty percent (50%) of Executive’s Base Salary at the rate in effect on the Change in Control (or, if higher, the rate in effect on Termination of Employment), multiplied by (II) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs through the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365), and (C) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid; plus

(ii) within ten (10) days following the Date of Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to (i) three (3) times Executive’s highest annual rate of Base Salary during the 36-month period immediately prior to Executive’s Date of Termination plus (ii) three (3) times Executive’s Bonus Amount.

(b) Qualifying Termination—Benefits . If during the Termination Period, the Employment of Executive shall Terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall:

(i) for a period of three (3) years following Executive’s Date of Termination, continue to provide Executive (and Executive’s dependents, if applicable) with the same level of accident and life insurance benefits upon substantially the same terms and conditions (including contributions required by Executive for such benefits) as existed immediately prior to Executive’s Date of Termination (or, if more favorable to Executive, as such benefits and terms and conditions existed immediately prior to the Change in Control); provided , that , if Executive cannot continue to participate in the Company plans providing such benefits, the Company shall otherwise provide such benefits on the same after-tax basis as if continued participation had been permitted;

(ii) for the period beginning on Executive’s Date of Termination and continuing for up to 18 months thereafter, reimburse Executive for COBRA premiums paid by Executive for continuation coverage for Executive (and Executive’s dependents, if applicable) under the Company’s medical and dental benefits plan, with such reimbursement being taxable to Executive (any reimbursement required by this paragraph (ii) may be accomplished by the Company’s direct payment of such premium, with such payment taxable to Executive, or by Company reimbursing Executive for such premium within thirty (30) days after Executive’ s payment thereof);

(iii) for the period beginning 19 months after Executive’s Date of Termination and ending 36 months after Executive’s Date of Termination, reimburse Executive for the cost of purchasing coverage substantially similar to that that purchased under the Company’s medical and dental benefits plan pursuant to paragraph (ii) above (with no additional pre-existing condition exclusion), with such reimbursement being taxable to Executive (any reimbursement required by this paragraph (iii) may be accomplished by the Company’s direct payment of such premium, with such payment taxable to Executive, or by Company reimbursing Executive for such premium within thirty (30) days after Executive’ s payment thereof);

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) in the event Executive (or, if applicable, Executive’s dependent) becomes ineligible for COBRA continuation coverage during the first 18 months following Executive’s Date of Termination, such person shall not be eligible for further coverage under paragraph (ii) or (iii), and (B) subject to the limitations in clause (A), in the event Executive becomes employed by another employer and becomes eligible to receive welfare benefits from such employer, the welfare benefits described in paragraphs (i) through (iii) shall be secondary to such benefits during the period of Executive’s eligibility, but only to the extent that the Company reimburses Executive for any increased cost and provides any additional benefits necessary to give Executive the benefits provided hereunder;

(iv) for two years following the Executive’s Date of Termination (or such shorter period ending upon the subsequent employment of Executive at a level of service commensurate with Executive’s positions with the Company on the Date of Termination), provide outplacement services for Executive from a provider selected by the Company and at the Company’s expense;

(v) make such additional payments and provide such additional benefits to Executive as the Company and Executive may agree in writing, or to which Executive may be entitled under the compensation and benefit plans, policies, and arrangements of the Company.

(c) Nonqualifying Termination . If during the Termination Period the Employment of Executive shall Terminate other than by reason of a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall pay to Executive within thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any bonus amounts which have become payable, to the extent not theretofore paid or deferred, and any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid. The Company may make such additional payments and provide such additional benefits to Executive as the Company and Executive may agree in writing, and the Company shall provide Executive with those payments and benefits to which Executive may be entitled under the compensation and benefit plans, policies, and arrangements of the Company or any employment agreement with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company.

 

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(d) Stock Rights . In the event of a Change in Control, all restricted Company stock and all options, stock appreciation rights, and/or other stock rights held by Executive with respect to Company stock that are exempt from Section 409A (“Stock Rights”) which are not fully vested (and exercisable, if applicable) shall become fully vested and exercisable as of a time established by the Board, which shall be no later than a time preceding the Change in Control which allows Executive to exercise the Stock Rights and cause the stock acquired thereby to participate in the Change in Control transaction. If the Change in Control transaction is structured so that stock participating therein at one time is or may be treated differently from stock participating therein at a different time ( e.g. , a tender offer followed by a squeeze-out merger), the Board shall interpret this Subsection (d) to provide for the required vesting acceleration in a manner designed to allow Executive to exercise the Stock Rights and cause the stock acquired thereby to participate in the earliest portion of the Change in Control transaction. If the consummation of a Change in Control transaction is uncertain ( e.g. , a tender offer in which the tender of a minimum number of shares is a condition to closing, or a voted merger or proxy contest in which a minimum number of votes is a condition to closing), the Board shall apply this Subsection (d) by using its best efforts to determine if and when the Change in Control transaction is likely to close, and proceeding accordingly. To the extent necessary to implement this Subsection d), each agreement reflecting a Stock Right, and each plan, if any, pursuant to which a Stock Right is issued, if any, shall be deemed amended.

(e) Delay in Payments to Specified Employees . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), distributions pursuant to this Section shall be delayed to the earliest day on which such payments are permitted by Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the regulations thereunder.

5. Certain Additional Payments by the Company .

(a) If it is determined (as hereafter provided) that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise pursuant to or by reason of any other agreement, policy, plan, program or arrangement, including without limitation any stock option, stock appreciation right or similar right, or the lapse or termination of any restriction on or the vesting or exercisability of any of the foregoing (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or to any similar tax imposed by state or local law, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such tax or taxes, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then (i) if reduction of the amount payable pursuant to paragraph 4(a)(ii) by no more than ten percent (10%) would result in no Excise Tax being imposed, the amount in paragraph 4(a)(ii) shall be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to result in no Excise Tax being imposed, and (ii) if clause (i) does not apply, Executive will be entitled to receive an additional payment or payments (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that, after payment by Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

 

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(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 5(f) hereof, all determinations required to be made under this Section 5, including whether an Excise Tax is payable by Executive and the amount of such Excise Tax and whether a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, will be made by a nationally recognized firm of certified public accountants (the “Accounting Firm”) selected by Executive in his sole discretion. Executive will direct the Accounting Firm to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and Executive within 15 calendar days after the date of Executive’s termination of employment, if applicable, and any other such time or times as may be requested by the Company or Executive. If the Accounting Firm determines that any Excise Tax is payable by Executive, the Company will pay the required Gross-Up Payment to Executive within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Executive, it will, at the same time as it makes such determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that he has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on his federal, state, local income or other tax return. Subject to the provisions of this Section 5, any determination by the Accounting Firm as to the amount of the Gross-Up Payment will be binding upon the Company and Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) and the possibility of similar uncertainty regarding applicable state or local tax law at the time of any determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (an “Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that an Underpayment is made and the Company exhausts or fails to pursue its remedies pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof and Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, Executive will direct the Accounting Firm to determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and Executive as promptly as possible. Any such Underpayment will be promptly paid by the Company to, or for the benefit of, Executive within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations.

(c) The Company and Executive will each provide the Accounting Firm access to and copies of any books, records and documents in the possession of the Company or Executive, as the case may be, reasonably requested by the Accounting Firm, and otherwise cooperate with the Accounting Firm in connection with the preparation and issuance of the determination contemplated by Section 5(b) hereof.

(d) The federal, state and local income or other tax returns filed by Executive will be prepared and filed on a consistent basis with the determination of the Accounting Firm with respect to the Excise Tax payable by Executive. Executive will make proper payment of the amount of any Excise Tax, and at the request of the Company, provide to the Company true and correct copies (with any amendments) of his federal income tax return as filed with the Internal Revenue Service and corresponding state and local tax returns, if relevant, as filed with the applicable taxing authority, and such other documents reasonably requested by the Company, evidencing such payment. If prior to the filing of Executive’s federal income tax return, or corresponding state or local tax return, if relevant, the Accounting Firm determines that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment should be reduced, Executive will within five business days pay to the Company the amount of such reduction.

 

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(e) The fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm for its services in connection with the determinations and calculations contemplated by Sections 5(b) and (d) hereof will be borne by the Company. If such fees and expenses are initially advanced by Executive, the Company will reimburse Executive the full amount of such fees and expenses within five business days after receipt from Executive of a statement therefor and reasonable evidence of his payment thereof.

(f) Executive will notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of a Gross-Up Payment. Such notification will be given as promptly as practicable but no later than 10 business days after Executive actually receives notice of such claim and Executive will further apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid (in each case, to the extent known by Executive). Executive will not pay such claim prior to the earlier of (i) the expiration of the 30-calendar-day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company and (ii) the date that any payment of amount with respect to such claim is due. If the Company notifies Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, Executive will:

(i) provide the Company with any written records or documents in his possession relating to such claim reasonably requested by the Company;

(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company will reasonably request in writing from time to time, including without limitation accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney competent in respect of the subject matter and reasonably selected by the Company;

(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim; and

(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;

provided, however, that the Company will bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and will indemnify and hold harmless Executive, on an after-tax basis, for and against any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(f), the Company will control all proceedings taken in connection with the contest of any claim contemplated by this Section 5(f) and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim (provided that Executive may participate therein at his own cost and expense) and may, at its option, either direct Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company will determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund, the Company will advance the amount of such payment to Executive on an interest-free basis and will indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest or penalties with respect thereto, imposed with respect to such advance; and provided further, however, that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of Executive with respect to which the contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company’s control of any such contested claim will be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and Executive will be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

 

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(g) If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof, Executive receives any refund with respect to such claim, Executive will (subject to the Company’s complying with the requirements of Section 5(f) hereof) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after any taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof, a determination is made that Executive will not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial or refund prior to the expiration of 30 calendar days after such determination, then such advance will be forgiven and will not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance will offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid pursuant to this Section 5.

(h) To the extent that earlier payment is not required by the preceding provisions of this Section, the Company shall pay amounts required to be paid pursuant to this Section not later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which Executive remits the related taxes.

6. Withholding Taxes . The Company may withhold from all payments due to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate) hereunder all taxes which, by applicable federal, state, local or other law, the Company is required to withhold therefrom. In the case of the withholding of an Excise Tax, such withholding shall be consistent with any determination made under Section 5.

 

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7. Reimbursement of Expenses . If any contest or dispute shall arise under this Agreement involving termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or involving the failure or refusal of the Company to perform fully in accordance with the terms hereof, the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a current basis, for all reasonable legal fees and expenses, if any, incurred by Executive in connection with such contest or dispute (regardless of the result thereof); provided , however , Executive shall be required to repay any such amounts to the Company to the extent that a court or an arbitration panel issues a final order from which no appeal can be taken, or with respect to which the time period to appeal has expired, setting forth that Executive has not wholly or partially prevailed on at least one material issue in dispute. The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in one year pursuant to this Section shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any following year. Under no circumstances shall the Company’s reimbursement for expenses incurred in a calendar year be made later than the end of the next following calendar year; provided, however, this requirement shall not alter the Company’s obligation to reimburse Executive for eligible expenses on a current basis.

8. Scope of Agreement . Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to entitle Executive to continued employment with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, and if Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate prior to a Change in Control, Executive shall have no further rights under this Agreement (except as otherwise provided hereunder); provided , however , that any Termination of Executive’s Employment during the Termination Period shall be subject to all of the provisions of this Agreement.

9. Successors; Binding Agreement .

(a) This Agreement shall not be terminated by any Change in Control or other merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, sale of substantially all the assets or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company (a “Business Combination”). In the event of any Business Combination, the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the surviving corporation, and such surviving corporation shall be treated as the Company hereunder.

(b) The Company agrees that in connection with any Business Combination, it will cause any successor entity to the Company unconditionally to assume (and for any parent corporation in such Business Combination to guarantee), by written instrument delivered to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate), all of the obligations of the Company hereunder. Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption and guarantee prior to the effectiveness of any such Business Combination that constitutes a Change in Control, shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall constitute Good Reason hereunder, with the event of Good Reason occurring on the date on which such Business Combination becomes effective.

(c) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If Executive shall die while any amounts would be payable to Executive hereunder had Executive continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to such person or persons appointed in writing by Executive to receive such amounts or, if no person is so appointed, to Executive’s estate.

 

 

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10. Notice . (a) For purposes of this Agreement, all notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when actually received or, if mailed, three days after mailing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or one business day after mailing by a nationally recognized express mail delivery service with instructions for next-day delivery, addressed as follows:

If to the Executive, to the Executive’s principal residence as reflected in the records of the Company.

If to the Company:

Emmis Communications Corporation

40 Monument Circle

Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Attn.: Legal Department

or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

(b) A written notice of Executive’s Date of Termination by the Company or Executive, as the case may be, to the other, shall (i) indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Termination of Executive’s Employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) specify the termination date (which date shall be not less than fifteen (15) (thirty (30), if termination is by the Company for Disability) nor more than sixty (60) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by Executive or the Company to set forth in such notice any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of Executive or the Company hereunder or preclude Executive or the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.

11. Full Settlement; Resolution of Disputes . The Company’s obligation to make any payments and provide any benefits pursuant to this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall be in lieu and in full settlement of all other severance payments to Executive under any other severance or employment agreement between Executive and the Company, and any severance plan of the Company; provided , however , that if any such other agreement or plan would provide Executive with a greater payment or more or longer benefits in respect of any particular item described hereunder (e.g., severance, welfare benefits), then Executive shall receive such particular item of payment and/or benefit pursuant to such other agreement or plan, in lieu of receiving that particular item pursuant to this Agreement; and provided further , retention bonuses and/or completion bonuses shall not be considered severance pay for purposes of this Section. The Company’s obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Executive or others. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable and benefits provided to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as provided in Section 4(b), such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment. The parties agree that any controversy or claim of either party hereto arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement, or breach thereof, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in Indianapolis, Indiana by three arbitrators in accordance with the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association, and that judgment upon any award rendered may be entered by the prevailing party in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Company shall bear all costs and expenses arising in connection with any arbitration proceeding pursuant to this Section.

 

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12. Employment by Affiliates of the Company . Employment by the Company for purposes of this Agreement shall include employment by any Affiliate.

13. Survival . The respective obligations and benefits afforded to the Company and Executive as provided in Sections 4 (to the extent that payments or benefits are owed as a result of a Termination of Employment that occurs during the term of this Agreement), 5 (to the extent that Payments are made to Executive as a result of a Change in Control that occurs during the term of this Agreement), 6, 7, 9(c) and 11 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

14. GOVERNING LAW; VALIDITY . THE INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF INDIANA WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF, OF SUCH PRINCIPLES OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHICH COULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF INDIANA. THE INVALIDITY OR UNENFORCEABILITY OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHICH OTHER PROVISIONS SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

15. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

16. Miscellaneous . No provision of this Agreement may be modified or waived unless such modification or waiver is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by a duly authorized officer of the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. Failure by Executive or the Company to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or to assert any right Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the rights of, and benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his beneficiaries pursuant to this Agreement are in addition to any rights of, or benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his beneficiaries under any other employee benefit plan or compensation program of the Company.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company and Executive has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
By:   /s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan
Title:   Chairman of the Board and CEO
Date:   April 27, 2009
EXECUTIVE
/s/ J. Scott Enright
Date:   April 27, 2009

 

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Exhibit 10.23

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is effective as of March 1, 2009 (the “Effective Date”), by and between EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY , an Indiana company (“Employer”), and J. SCOTT ENRIGHT , an Indiana resident (“Executive”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Employer and its affiliates are engaged in the ownership and operation of certain radio, magazine and related operations (together, the “Emmis Group”); and

WHEREAS, Employer desires to employ Executive and Executive desires to be so employed.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual promises and covenants set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

1. Employment Status and Duties . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Employer hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts exclusive employment with Employer. During the Term (as defined below), Executive shall serve as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Executive shall have such duties, functions, authority and responsibilities as are commensurate with the position. Executive’s services hereunder shall be performed on an exclusive, full-time basis in a professional, diligent and competent manner to the best of Executive’s abilities. Executive shall not undertake any outside employment or business activities without the prior written consent of Employer. Employer consents to Executive’s continued involvement with the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation, Inc., so long as such involvement does not interfere with Executive’s duties and obligations under this Agreement. Executive shall be permitted to serve on the board of other charitable or civic organizations so long as such services: (i) are approved in writing in advance by Employer; and (ii) do not interfere with Executive’s duties and obligations under this Agreement. It is understood and agreed that the location for the performance of Executive’s duties and services pursuant to this Agreement shall be the offices designated by Employer in Indianapolis, Indiana. If Executive is elected as a member of the Board of Directors of Emmis Communications Corporation (“ECC”), he shall serve in such position without additional remuneration (unless Employer elects to remunerate “inside directors”) but shall be entitled to the benefit of indemnification pursuant to the terms of Section 17.10 . Executive shall also serve without additional remuneration as a director and/or officer of one (1) or more of Employer’s subsidiaries or affiliates if appointed to such position(s) by Employer and shall also be entitled to the benefit of indemnification pursuant to the terms of Section 17.10 .


2. Term . The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue through and including February 29, 2012, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Agreement (the “Term”). For purposes of this Agreement, the term “First Contract Year” shall be defined to mean the twelve (12) month period commencing on the Effective Date; the term “Second Contract Year” shall be defined to mean the twelve (12) month period commencing on the first anniversary of the Effective Date; the term “Third Contract Year” shall be defined to mean the twelve (12) month period commencing on the second anniversary of the Effective Date (each, a “Contract Year”).

3. Base Salary; Auto Allowance . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to Executive an annualized base salary (the “Base Salary”), payable pursuant to Employer’s customary payroll practices and subject to applicable taxes and withholdings as required by law, for each Contract Year, as set forth below:

 

First Contract Year:

   $ 325,000

Second Contract Year:

   $ 350,000   

Third Contract Year:

   $ 375,000   

 

* Executive agrees to accept a 5% reduction to the Base Salary for the First Contract Year; provided any other payments to be made to Executive that are calculated using Base Salary (e.g., bonus calculations, termination of employment payments, CIC Agreement (as defined below) payments) shall be calculated without regard to such 5% reduction. For purposes of clarity only, after applying the 5% reduction, Executive shall be paid a Base Salary of $308,750 for the First Contract Year.

Except as otherwise set forth herein, Employer shall have no obligation to pay Executive the Base Salary for any periods during which Executive fails or refuses to render services pursuant to this Agreement (except that Executive shall not be considered to have failed or refused to render services during any periods of Executive’s incapacity or absence from work due to sickness or other approved leave of absence in accordance with the Company’s policies, subject to Employer’s right to terminate Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 11 ) or for any period following the expiration or termination of this Agreement. In addition, it is understood and agreed that Employer may, at its sole election, pay up to ten percent (10%) of Executive’s Base Salary in Shares (as defined below); provided that: (i) the Shares are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on a then-effective Form S-8 or other applicable registration statement and are issued without restriction on resale (and further provided that the Shares are listed on a securities exchange or over-the-counter market, which does not include listing on the “pink sheets,” at the time of issuance), subject to any restrictions on resale under Employer’s insider trading policy or applicable federal and state law; and (ii) the percentage of Executive’s Base Salary payable in Shares shall be consistent with, and the exact number of Shares to be awarded to Executive shall be determined in the same manner as, that utilized for the Key Executive Group. The term “Key Executive Group” refers to the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, President – Publishing Division, and President – International (or, if any of those positions are no longer comparable to Executive’s position, any other positions mutually agreed upon by the parties).

 

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During the Term, Executive shall receive a monthly auto allowance in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) (subject to withholding and applicable taxes as required by law) consistent with Employer’s policy or practices regarding such allowances, as such policy or practices may be amended from time to time during the Term in Employer’s sole and absolute discretion; provided , however , that in no event shall the auto allowance amount paid to Executive pursuant to this provision be reduced.

4. Incentive Compensation .

4.1 Option Grant . Immediately upon approval of this Agreement by the Compensation Committee, Executive shall be granted an option (the “Option”) to acquire One Hundred Fifty Thousand (150,000) shares of Class A Common Stock of ECC (“Shares”), which shall vest on February 29, 2012, subject to the terms of this Section 4.1 . Executive acknowledges and agrees that an option to acquire Thirty Thousand (30,000) Shares was awarded on March 2, 2009 and such Shares shall be credited against the Option to acquire One Hundred Fifty Thousand (150,000) Shares set forth in the preceding sentence. The Option granted pursuant to this Section 4.1 shall: (i) have an exercise price per share equal to the Fair Market Value (“FMV”) of the stock on the date of grant (as FMV is defined in the applicable Equity Compensation Plan, or any subsequent equity compensation or similar plan adopted by ECC and generally used to make equity-based awards to management-level employees of the Emmis Group (the “Plan”)); (ii) notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement, be granted according to the terms and subject to the conditions of the Plan; (iii) be evidenced by a written grant agreement containing such terms and conditions as are generally provided for other management-level employees of the Emmis Group; and (iv) be exercisable for Shares with such restrictive legends on the certificates in accordance with the Plan and applicable securities laws. Employer shall use reasonable efforts to register the Shares subject to the award on a Form S-8 or other applicable registration statement at such time as the Shares are issued to Executive. The Option granted pursuant to this Section 4.1 is intended to satisfy the regulatory exemption from the application of Code Section 409A for certain options for service recipient shares, and it shall be administered accordingly.

4.2 Fiscal Year Bonus Amounts . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 4 , following the conclusion of each of Employer’s fiscal years ending February 28, 2010, February 28, 2011 and February 29, 2012 (each, a “Fiscal Year”), Executive shall be eligible to receive one (1) performance bonus in an annualized target amount equivalent to Fifty percent (50%) of Executive’s total Base Salary earned during the subject Fiscal Year (each, a “Fiscal Year Bonus”), the exact amount of which, if any, shall be determined based upon Executive’s attainment of certain performance and financial goals as determined each Fiscal Year by the Compensation Committee of ECC’s Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”), in its sole and absolute discretion, and communicated to Executive within ten (10) days after a final determination by the Compensation Committee.

 

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4.3 Prior Contract Completion Bonus . In full satisfaction of amounts due to Executive under Executive’s prior employment agreement, (i) Executive shall receive a payment of One Hundred Thirty Two Thousand Dollars ($132,000) upon execution of this Agreement and (ii) shall receive payments of Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) on each of May 31, 2009, August 31, 2009, November 30, 2009, and February 28, 2010 (collectively, the “Prior Contract Completion Bonus”). The Prior Contract Completion Bonus shall be paid to Executive as set forth above provided that for any particular payment: (i) this Agreement is in effect on the applicable payment date, or prior to such date Executive’s employment has been terminated without Cause or for Good Reason (pursuant to Section 10 ), incapacity (pursuant to Section 11 ) or death (pursuant to Section 12 ), and (ii) Executive has fully performed all of Executive’s material duties and obligations under this Agreement throughout the Term or until his date of termination and was not in breach of any of the material terms and conditions of this Agreement (provided that Executive’s failure or inability to perform his duties and obligations because of his death or incapacity (pursuant to Section 11 ), including during leaves of absence, shall not be considered a breach of this Agreement or non-performance under this provision). Employer will have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to pay all or a portion of the Prior Contract Completion Bonus in Shares, but only if such Shares satisfy the resale and listing requirements noted above.

4.4 Completion Bonus . Except as provided below, on the condition that Executive remains employed by Employer, on a full-time, continuous basis, through February 29, 2012, Employer shall make a cash payment to Executive in the amount of $375,000 (the “Completion Bonus”). The Completion Bonus shall be paid to Executive within two (2) weeks after February 29, 2012.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive’s employment is terminated prior to February 29, 2012 and such termination is: (a) due to Executive’s death, (b) on account of Executive’s incapacity pursuant to Section 11 , (c) by Employer other than for Cause pursuant to Section 10 , (d) by Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 10 , or (e) due to a “Qualifying Termination” (as defined in the CIC Agreement) following a Change in Control, then Employer shall pay to Executive, within two (2) weeks after termination of his employment, a pro-rata portion of the Completion Bonus. Any pro-rated portion of the Completion Bonus shall be based upon the number of calendar days elapsed between the Effective Date and the date of termination divided by the total number of calendar days between the Effective Date and February 29, 2012.

 

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4.5 Payment of Bonus Amounts . Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to Executive the bonus amounts, if earned according to the terms and conditions set forth in Sections 4.2 through 4.4 ; provided that, unless provided otherwise in Sections 4.2 through 4.4 or Sections 9 , 10 , 11 or 12 of this Agreement, on the final day of the applicable measuring period for such bonus: (i) this Agreement is in full force and effect and has not been terminated for any reason (other than due to a material breach of this Agreement by Employer); and (ii) Executive is fully performing all of Executive’s material duties and obligations pursuant to this Agreement and is not in breach of any of the material terms and conditions of this Agreement (provided that Executive’s failure or inability to perform his duties and obligations because of his death or incapacity (pursuant to Section 11 ), including during leaves of absence, shall not be considered a breach of this Agreement or non-performance under this provision). In addition, it is understood and agreed that Employer may, at its sole election, pay any bonus amounts earned by Executive pursuant to this Section 4 in cash or Shares; provided that the Shares evidencing any portion thereof are registered with the SEC on a then-effective Form S-8 or other applicable registration statement and are issued without restriction on resale (and further provided that the Shares are listed on a securities exchange or over-the-counter market, which does not include listing on the “pink sheets,” at the time of issuance), subject to any restrictions on resale under Employer’s insider trading policy and applicable federal and state law. In the event that Employer elects pursuant to this Section 4.5 to pay any Fiscal Year Bonus amounts in Shares, the percentage of such bonus amounts payable in Shares shall be consistent with, and the exact number of Shares to be awarded to Executive shall be determined in the same manner as, that utilized for the Key Executive Group. Any Fiscal Year Bonus amounts earned by Executive pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 4.2 shall be paid after the end of the Fiscal Year for which the bonus is earned (but in no event later than ninety (90) days after the end of such Fiscal Year). Any and all bonus amounts payable by Employer to Executive pursuant to this Section 4 shall be subject to applicable taxes and withholdings as required by law. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, any bonus pursuant to Sections 4.2 through 4.4 shall be paid to Executive by the earlier of the date specified herein or the date that is no later than two-and-a-half months after the end of either Employer’s or Executive’s first taxable year (whichever period is longer) in which any such bonus is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

5. Expenses; Travel . Employer shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses actually incurred or paid by Executive during the Term in connection with the performance of Executive’s services hereunder upon presentation of expense statements, vouchers or other supporting documentation as Employer may require of Executive; provided that, such expenses are otherwise in accordance with Employer’s policies. Executive shall undertake such travel as may be required in the performance of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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6. Fringe Benefits .

6.1 Vacation and Other Benefits . Each Contract Year, Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation in accordance with Employer’s applicable policies and procedures for executive-level employees. Executive shall also be eligible to participate in and receive the fringe benefits generally made available to other executive-level employees of Employer in accordance with and to the extent that Executive is eligible under the general provisions of Employer’s fringe benefit plans or programs; provided , however , that Executive understands that these benefits may be increased, changed, eliminated or added from time to time during the Term as determined in Employer’s sole and absolute discretion.

6.2 Insurance and Estate Planning . Each Contract Year, Employer agrees to reimburse Executive in an amount not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) for the annual premium and other fees and expenses associated with estate planning services for Executive, including legal and tax services, and Executive’s purchase or maintenance of a life or disability insurance policy or other insurance policies on the life, or related to the care, of Executive. Executive shall be entitled to freely select and change the beneficiary or beneficiaries under such policy or policies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Employer’s obligations under this Section 6.2 are expressly contingent upon Executive providing required information and taking all necessary actions required of Executive in order to obtain and maintain the subject services, policy or policies, including without limitation passing any required physical examinations. Reimbursements pursuant to this Section 6.2 with respect to a Contract Year shall be made as soon as administratively feasible after Executive submits the information and documentation required for reimbursement; provided, however, under no circumstances shall such reimbursement be paid later than two-and-a-half months after the end of the calendar year or Employer’s taxable year in which such Contract Year commenced.

7. Confidential Information .

7.1 Non-Disclosure . Executive acknowledges that certain information concerning the business of the Emmis Group and its members (including but not limited to trade secrets and other proprietary information) is of a highly confidential nature, and that, as a result of Executive’s employment with Employer prior to and during the Term, Executive shall receive and develop proprietary and confidential information concerning the business of Employer and/or other members of the Emmis Group which, if known to Employer’s competitors, would damage Employer, other members of the Emmis Group and their respective businesses. Accordingly, Executive hereby agrees that during the Term and thereafter, Executive shall not divulge or appropriate for Executive’s own use, or for the use or benefit of any third party (other than Employer and its representatives, or as directed in writing by Employer), any information or knowledge concerning the business of Employer, or any other member of the Emmis Group, which is not generally available to the public other than through the activities of Executive. Executive further agrees that, immediately upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall promptly surrender to Employer all documents, brochures, plans, strategies, writings, illustrations, client lists, price lists, sales, financial or marketing plans, budgets and any and all other materials (regardless of form or character) which Executive received from or developed on behalf of Employer or any member of the Emmis Group in connection with Executive’s employment prior to or during the Term. Executive acknowledges that all such materials shall remain at all times during the Term and thereafter the sole and exclusive property of Employer and that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to grant Executive any right, title or interest in such material.

 

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7.2 Ownership of Materials . Employer shall solely and exclusively own all rights of every kind and nature in perpetuity and throughout the universe in: (i) the results and proceeds of Executive’s services pursuant to this Agreement; and (ii) any business, financial, sales or marketing plans and strategies, documents, presentations or other similar materials, regardless of kind or character, each of which Executive acknowledges is a work specially ordered by Employer which shall be considered to be a “work made for hire” for Employer. The exclusive legal title to all of the aforesaid works, matters, and materials and all secondary and derivative rights therein, shall belong, at all times, to Employer.

7.3 Injunctive Relief . Executive acknowledges that Executive’s breach of this Section 7 will cause irreparable harm and damage to Employer, the exact amount of which will be difficult to ascertain; that the remedies at law for any such breach would be inadequate; and that the provisions of this Section 7 have been specifically negotiated and carefully written to prevent such irreparable harm and damage. Accordingly, if Executive breaches this Section 7 , Employer shall be entitled to injunctive relief (including attorneys’ fees and costs) enforcing this Section 7 to the extent reasonably necessary to protect Employer’s legitimate interests, without posting bond or other security.

8. Non-Interference; Non-Competition; Injunctive Relief .

8.1 Non-Interference . During the Term, and for a period of two (2) years immediately following the expiration or early termination of the Term for any reason, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, take any action (or permit any action to be taken by an entity with which Executive is associated) which has the effect of interfering with Employer’s relationship (contractual or otherwise) with: (i) on-air talent of any member of the Emmis Group; or (ii) any other employee of any member of the Emmis Group. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive specifically agrees that during such time period, neither Executive nor any entity with which Executive is associated shall solicit, hire or engage any on-air talent or other employee of any member of the Emmis Group or any other employee of any member of the Emmis Group to provide services for Executive’s benefit or for the benefit of any other business or entity, or solicit or encourage them to cease their employment with any member of the Emmis Group for any reason.

 

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8.2 Non-Competition . Executive acknowledges the special and unique nature of Executive’s employment with Employer as a senior-management-level employee, and understands that, as a result of Executive’s employment with Employer prior to and during the Term, Executive has gained and will continue to gain knowledge of and have access to highly sensitive and valuable information regarding the operations of Employer and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities, including but not limited to the confidential information described more fully in Section 7.1 . Accordingly, Executive acknowledges Employer’s interest in preventing the disclosure of such information through the engagement of Executive’s services by any of Employer’s competitors following the expiration or termination of the Term for any reason. Consequently, during the Term and for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the expiration or termination of the Term for any reason, Executive shall not engage directly or indirectly in, or become employed by, serve as an agent or consultant to, or become an officer, director, partner, principal or shareholder of, any corporation, partnership or other entity which is engaged in the terrestrial radio broadcasting business, or the city and regional magazine publishing business, in any market in which Employer owns or operates a radio station or magazine as of the termination date of Executive’s employment with Employer. As long as Executive does not engage in any other activity prohibited by the immediately preceding sentence, Executive’s ownership of less than five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding stock of any corporation whose stock is traded on an established securities market shall not constitute competition with Employer for the purpose of this Section 8.2 .

8.3 Injunctive Relief . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this Section 8 have been specifically negotiated and carefully worded in recognition of the opportunities which will be afforded to Executive by Employer by virtue of Executive’s continued association with Employer during the Term, and the influence that Executive has and will continue to have over Employer’s employees, customers and suppliers. Executive further acknowledges that Executive’s breach of Section 8.1 or 8.2 herein will cause irreparable harm and damage to Employer, the exact amount of which will be difficult to ascertain; that the remedies at law for any such breach would be inadequate; and that the provisions of this Section 8 have been specifically negotiated and carefully written to prevent such irreparable harm and damage. Accordingly, if Executive breaches Section 8.1 or 8.2 , Employer shall be entitled to injunctive relief (including attorneys’ fees and costs) enforcing Section 8.1 or 8.2 , to the extent reasonably necessary to protect Employer’s legitimate interests, without posting bond or other security. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if Executive violates Section 8.1 or 8.2 , and Employer brings legal action for injunctive or other relief, Employer shall not, as a result of the time involved in obtaining such relief, be deprived of the benefit of the full period of noninterference set forth therein. Accordingly, the obligations set forth in Section 8.1 or 8.2 shall have the duration set forth therein, computed from the date such relief is granted but reduced by the time expired between the date the restrictive period began to run and the date of the first violation of the obligation(s) by Executive.

 

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8.4 Construction . Despite the express agreement herein between the parties, in the event that any provisions set forth in this Section 8 shall be determined by any court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, the parties agree that this Section 8 shall be interpreted to extend only to the maximum extent as to which it may be enforceable, and that this Section 8 shall be severable into its component parts, all as determined by such court or tribunal.

9. Termination of Agreement by Employer for Cause .

9.1 Termination . Employer may terminate this Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause (as defined in Section 9.3 below) in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Section 9 . Following a determination by Employer that Executive should be terminated for Cause, Employer shall give written notice (the “Preliminary Notice”) to Executive specifying the grounds for such termination, and Executive shall have ten (10) days after receipt of the Preliminary Notice to attempt to cure any acts or omissions giving rise to Cause, if applicable, and/or to respond to Employer in writing. If following the expiration of such ten (10) day period Employer reaffirms its determination that Executive should be terminated for Cause, such termination shall be effective upon delivery by Employer to Executive of a final notice of termination.

9.2 Effect of Termination . In the event of termination for Cause as provided in Section 9.1 above:

(i) Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder except Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 and 8 , which shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and except for any obligations arising in connection with any conduct of Executive described in Section 9.3 ;

(ii) Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder, except that Employer shall, not later than two (2) weeks after the termination date:

(a) Pay to Executive any Base Salary which has been earned on or prior to the termination date, but which remains unpaid as of the termination date; and

(b) Pay to Executive any bonus amounts which have been earned on or prior to the termination date pursuant to Section 4 , if any, but which remain unpaid as of the termination date.

 

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Additionally, Employer shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) and the provisions of any Employer benefit plans in which Executive or Executive’s eligible dependents or beneficiaries are participating at the time of termination.

9.3 Definition of Cause . For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall be defined to mean any of the following: (i) Executive’s failure, refusal or neglect to perform any of Executive’s material duties or obligations under this Agreement, or any material duties assigned to Executive consistent with the terms of this Agreement (Executive’s inability or failure to perform his obligations hereunder because of his death or incapacity, subject to Employer’s right to terminate Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 11 , including during approved periods of absence, shall not be considered Cause for termination under this provision), or abide by any applicable policy of Employer, or Executive’s breach of any material term or condition of this Agreement, and continuation of such failure, refusal, neglect, or breach after written notice and the expiration of a ten (10) day cure period; provided , however , that it is not the parties’ intention that the Employer shall be required to provide successive such notices, and in the event Employer has provided Executive with a notice and opportunity to cure pursuant to this Section 9.3 , Employer may terminate this Agreement for a subsequent breach similar or related to the breach for which notice was previously given or for a continuing series or pattern of breaches (whether or not similar or related) without providing notice and an opportunity to cure; (ii) commission of any felony or any other crime involving an act of moral turpitude which is harmful to Employer’s business or reputation; (iii) Executive’s action or omission, or knowing allowance of actions or omissions, which are in violation of any law or any of the rules or regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, or which otherwise jeopardize any of the licenses granted to Employer or any member of the Emmis Group in connection with the ownership or operation of any radio station; (iv) theft in any amount; (v) actual or threatened violence against any individual (in connection with his employment hereunder) or another employee; (vi) sexual or other prohibited harassment of others that is actionable under applicable laws; (vii) unauthorized disclosure or use of trade secrets or proprietary or confidential information, as described more fully in Section 7.1 ; (viii) any action which brings Employer or any member of the Emmis Group into public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule, and which is harmful to Employer’s business or reputation; and (ix) any matter constituting cause or gross misconduct under applicable laws.

 

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10. Termination by Employer Without Cause or Voluntary Resignation by Executive for Good Reason .

10.1 Effect of the Termination . If Employer Terminates Executive’s Employment (as defined below) without Cause, or Executive Terminates his Employment for Good Reason (as defined below), then:

(i) Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder, except Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 and 8 , which shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

(ii) Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder, except that Employer shall:

(a) Pay to Executive any Base Salary which has been earned on or prior to the termination date, but which remains unpaid as of the termination date, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks of the termination date;

(b) Pay to Executive any bonus amounts, if any, which Executive earned prior to the termination date pursuant to Section 4 but which are unpaid as of the termination date, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks of the termination date;

(c) Pay to Executive a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks of the termination date equal to the total amount of Base Salary that would have been payable to Executive hereunder had the termination not occurred for a period that is the lesser of one (1) year from the termination date or the period between the termination date and February 29, 2012, subject to any applicable tax withholding and deductions as required by law;

(d) Pay or reimburse, for the period applicable under Section 10.1(ii)(c) above, any medical, dental or vision insurance premiums (up to the amount that Employer is paying on behalf of Executive and his eligible dependents immediately prior to the date of termination, e.g., the employer-paid premium) for the continuation of such health coverage for Executive and Executive’s dependents pursuant to the provisions of COBRA or applicable state law. If Executive becomes eligible to participate in any other group insurance program of another employer and elects coverage thereunder, these payments shall cease at that time;

(e) Pay the full amount of Executive’s bonus opportunity pursuant to Section 4.2 , as applicable, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks after the termination date, for the Fiscal Year in which the termination occurs, subject to applicable tax withholding;

 

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(f) Pay the Prior Contract Completion Bonus described in Section 4.3 in the amounts set forth therein, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks after the termination date, subject to applicable taxes and withholding;

(g) Pay the Completion Bonus described in Section 4.4 in the amounts set forth therein, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks after the termination date, subject to applicable taxes and withholding; and

(h) Accelerate in full the vesting of any equity granted to Executive prior to the termination date within two (2) weeks after the termination date (subject to applicable tax withholding and deductions as required by law).

10.2 Definition of Termination of Employment . For purposes of this Agreement, when capitalized, “Terminates Employment,” “Termination of Employment,” or any variation of that term means a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A (defined below).

10.3 Definition of Good Reason . For purposes of this Section 10 , the term “Good Reason” shall be defined to mean, without Executive’s written consent: (i) a reduction by Employer in Executive’s Base Salary or target Fiscal Year Bonus opportunity from the amounts set forth in this Agreement; (ii) failure of Employer to provide an office to Executive, or Employer requiring Executive to work in an office that is more than thirty-five (35) miles from the location of the Company’s principal executive offices at the time of this Agreement, except for required travel on business of the Company to the extent substantially consistent with Executive’s business travel obligations, or (iii) a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by Employer; provided that Executive has given Employer notice of such breach within thirty (30) days of the initial occurrence of the event that is alleged to constitute Good Reason, such breach remains uncured in the thirty (30) day period after such notice, and Executive terminates his employment no later than ten (10) days after the cure period has expired. Employer shall not take any position that a resignation by Executive for Good Reason fails to constitute on involuntary separation from service for purposes of Section 409A.

11. Termination of Agreement by Employer for Incapacity .

11.1 Termination . If Executive shall become incapacitated (as defined in the Employer’s employee handbook or, if that is not applicable, as reasonably determined by Employer), Employer shall continue to compensate Executive under the terms of this Agreement without diminution and otherwise without regard to such incapacity or nonperformance of duties until Executive has been incapacitated for a cumulative period of ninety (90) days in any one hundred eighty (180) consecutive day period, at which time Employer may, in its sole discretion, elect to terminate Executive’s employment. The date that Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to this Section 11 is referred to herein as the “Incapacity Termination Date.”

 

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11.2 Obligations after Termination . Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder after an Incapacity Termination Date except Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 and 8 , which shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. After an Incapacity Termination Date, Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder except that Employer shall, not later than two (2) weeks after an Incapacity Termination Date, pay to Executive those amounts described in Sections 4.3 , 4.4 and 9.2(ii) ; provided , however , that in the event an Incapacity Termination Date occurs at least six (6) months after the commencement of a Fiscal Year during the Term, Employer shall pay to Executive a pro-rated portion of the Fiscal Year Bonus for the Fiscal Year during which the Incapacity Termination Date occurs, such amount to be determined in the sole discretion of Employer. Additionally, Employer shall comply with the provisions of COBRA and the provisions of any Employer benefit plans in which Executive or Executive’s eligible dependents or beneficiaries are participating at the time of termination. Nothing in this Section 11 shall affect the amount of any benefits which may be payable to Executive under any insurance plan or policy maintained by Employer or Executive or pursuant to any Employer company practice, plan or program applicable to other senior-management-level employees of the Emmis Group.

12. Death of Executive . This Agreement shall terminate immediately upon Executive’s death. In the event of such termination, Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder except that Employer shall, not later than two (2) weeks after Executive’s date of death, pay or grant to Executive’s estate or designated beneficiary those amounts described in Sections 4.3 , 4.4 and 9.2(ii) . Additionally, Employer shall comply with the provisions of COBRA and the provisions of any Employer benefit plans in which Executive or Executive’s eligible dependents or beneficiaries are participating at the time of termination. In the event that Executive dies after termination of this Agreement pursuant to Sections 9, 10 or 11 , all amounts required to be paid by Employer prior to Executive’s death in connection with such termination that remain unpaid as of Executive’s date of death shall be paid to Executive’s estate or designated beneficiary.

13. Termination of the Agreement because of Non-renewal . If this Agreement expires on February 29, 2012 and is not renewed or extended by the parties, Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder, except Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 and 8 , which shall survive the expiration of this Agreement. Employer shall have the liabilities and obligations set forth in Section 9.2(ii) above, and shall pay the Fiscal Year Bonus, if any, in accordance with Section 4.2 , and the Completion Bonus in accordance with Section 4.4 within two (2) weeks after the expiration of the Agreement.

 

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14. Application of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any payments and benefits provided under this Agreement (the “Severance Benefits”) that constitute “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder and any state law of similar effect (collectively “Section 409A”) shall not commence in connection with Executive’s termination of employment unless and until Executive has also incurred a “separation from service” (as such term is defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) (“Separation From Service”), unless Employer reasonably determines that such amounts may be provided to Executive without causing Executive to incur the additional 20% tax under Section 409A.

It is intended that each installment of the Severance Benefits payments provided for in this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(i). For the avoidance of doubt, it is intended that payments of the Severance Benefits set forth in this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A provided under Treasury Regulation Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(5) and 1.409A-1(b)(9). However, if Employer (or, if applicable, the successor entity thereto) determines that the Severance Benefits constitute “deferred compensation” under Section 409A and Executive is, on the termination of service, a “specified employee” of Employer or any successor entity thereto, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance Benefit payments shall be delayed until the earlier to occur of: (i) the date that is six months and one day after Executive’s Separation From Service, or (ii) the date of Executive’s death (such applicable date, the “Specified Employee Initial Payment Date”), the Employer (or the successor entity thereto, as applicable) shall (A) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the Severance Benefit payments that Executive would otherwise have received through the Specified Employee Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the Severance Benefits had not been so delayed pursuant to this Section and (B) commence paying the balance of the Severance Benefits in accordance with the applicable payment schedules set forth in this Agreement.

This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A, and it is intended that no amounts payable hereunder shall be subject to tax under Section 409A. Employer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with Section 409A with respect to payments of benefits hereunder.

15. Adjustments for Changes in Capitalization of Employer . In the event of any change in Employer’s outstanding Shares during the Term by reason of any reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, asset spin-off, share combination, consolidation or other event, the number and class of Shares and/or Options awarded pursuant to Section 4 (and any applicable Option exercise price) shall be adjusted by the Compensation Committee in its sole and absolute discretion and, if applicable, in accordance with the terms of the Plan, and the option agreement evidencing the grant of the Option. The determination of the Compensation Committee shall be conclusive and binding. All adjustments pursuant to this Section shall be made in a manner that does not result in taxation to the Executive under Code Section 409A.

 

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16. Notices . All notices, requests, consents and other communications, required or permitted to be given hereunder, shall be made in writing and shall be deemed to have been made as of: (a) the date that is three (3) days after the date of mailing, if sent via the U.S. postal service, postage-prepaid, (b) the date that is the next date upon which an overnight delivery service (Federal Express, UPS or DHL only) will make such delivery, if sent via such overnight delivery service, first-class, postage prepaid, (c) the date such delivery is made, if delivered in person to the notice party specified below, or (d) the date such delivery is made, if delivered via email. Such notice shall be delivered as follows (or to such other or additional address as either party shall designate by notice in writing to the other in accordance herewith):

(i) If to Employer :

Ian D. Arnold, Esq.

Vice President and Associate General Counsel

Emmis Communications Corporation

40 Monument Circle, Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

With a copy to :

Emmis Communications Corporation

40 Monument Circle, Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Attn: Legal Department

(ii) If to Executive, to Executive at Executive’s address in the personnel records of Employer.

17. Miscellaneous .

17.1 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana without regard to its conflict of law principles.

17.2 Captions . The section headings contained herein are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

17.3 Entire Agreement . This Agreement shall supersede and replace, in all respects, any prior employment agreement entered into between the parties and any such agreement shall immediately terminate and be of no further force or effect. For purposes of the preceding sentence, any change in control, restricted stock, option and other benefits-related agreement shall not constitute a “prior employment agreement.”

 

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17.4 Assignment . This Agreement, and Executive’s rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by Executive to any third party; provided , however , that Executive may designate pursuant to Section 17.6 one (1) or more beneficiaries to receive any amounts that would otherwise be payable hereunder to Executive’s estate. Employer may assign all or any portion of its rights and obligations hereunder to any other member of the Emmis Group or to any successor or assignee of Employer pursuant to a reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, sale of substantially all of the assets or stock of Employer, or otherwise.

17.5 Amendments; Waivers . Except as expressly provided in the following sentence, this Agreement cannot be changed, modified or amended, and no provision or requirement hereof may be waived, without the written consent of Executive and Employer. Employer may amend this Agreement to the extent that Employer reasonably determines that such change is necessary to comply with Code Section 409A and further guidance thereunder, provided that such change does not reduce the amounts payable to Executive hereunder. The failure of a party at any time to require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right of such party at a later time to enforce such provision. No waiver by a party of the breach of any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be, or construed as, a further or continuing waiver of any such breach or a waiver of the breach of any other term or covenant contained in this Agreement.

17.6 Beneficiaries . Whenever this Agreement provides for any payment to Executive’s estate, such payment may be made instead to such beneficiary as Executive may have designated in a writing filed with Employer. Executive shall have the right to revoke any such designation and to re-designate a beneficiary by written notice to Employer (or to any applicable insurance company).

17.7 Change in Fiscal Year . If, at any time during the Term, Employer changes its fiscal year, Employer shall make such adjustments to the various dates and target amounts included herein as are necessary or appropriate, provided that no such change shall affect the date on which any amount is payable hereunder.

 

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17.8 Executive’s Warranty and Indemnity . Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive: (i) has the full and unqualified right to enter into and fully perform this Agreement according to each and every term and condition contained herein; (ii) has not made any agreement, contractual obligation or commitment in contravention of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or which would prevent Executive from performing according to any of the terms and conditions contained herein; and (iii) has not entered into any agreement with any prior employer or other person, corporation or entity which would in any way adversely affect Executive’s or Employer’s right to enter into this Agreement. Furthermore, Executive hereby agrees to fully indemnify and hold harmless Employer and each of its subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, shareholders, insurers and representatives from and against any and all losses, costs, damages, expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses), liabilities and claims, arising from, in connection with, or in any way related to, Executive’s breach of any of the representations or warranties contained in this Section 17.8 .

17.9 Venue . Any action to enforce, challenge or construe the terms or making of this Agreement or to recover for its breach shall be litigated exclusively in a state court located in Marion County, Indiana, except that the Employer may elect, at its sole and absolute discretion, to litigate the action in the county or state where any breach by Executive occurred or where Executive can be found. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this venue provision is an essential provision of this Agreement and Executive hereby waives any defense of lack of personal jurisdiction or improper venue.

17.10 Indemnification . Executive shall be entitled to the benefit of the indemnification provisions set forth in Employer’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and/or By-Laws, or any applicable corporate resolution, as the same may be amended from time to time during the Term (not including any limiting amendments or additions, but including any amendments or additions that add to or broaden the protection afforded to Executive at the time of execution of this Agreement) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Additionally, Employer shall cause Executive to be indemnified in accordance with Chapter 37 of the Indiana Business Corporation Law (the “IBCL”), as the same may be amended from time to time during the Term, to the fullest extent permitted by the IBCL as required to make Executive whole in connection with any indemnifiable loss, cost or expense incurred in Executive’s performance of Executive’s duties and obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Employer shall also maintain during the Term, and for a commercially reasonable period after the Term, an insurance policy providing directors’ and officers’ liability coverage in a commercially reasonable amount. It is understood that the foregoing indemnification obligations shall survive the expiration or termination of the Term.

17.11 Change in Control . In the event of a “Change in Control,” the rights and obligations of Executive and Employer shall be set forth in the separate Change in Control Agreement executed by the parties and attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A (the “CIC Agreement”). “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the CIC Agreement.

17.12 Survival . Provision of this Agreement shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement to the extent necessary in order to effectuate the intent of the parties hereunder, including without limitation Sections 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 .

[Signatures on Following Page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY

(“Employer”)

By:   /s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan
  Jeffrey H. Smulyan
  Chief Executive Officer
J. SCOTT ENRIGHT
(“Executive”)
/s/ J. Scott Enright
J. Scott Enright

Exhibit 10.24

EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

THIS EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into, effective March 8, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), by and between EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY, an Indiana corporation (the “Company”), and J. Scott Enright (“Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, Executive is an officer and employee of the Company and also an officer of the Company’s sole shareholder, Emmis Communications Corporation (“Parent”) and that the Company derives a material benefit from compensation to executives that is provided by Parent; and

WHEREAS, as a material inducement to Executive’s continued employment with the Company, Parent and Executive entered into a certain Emmis Communications Corporation Change in Control Severance Agreement effective January 1, 2008 (the “Parent CIC Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, on August 19, 2009, the Company’s Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, to which both the Company and Parent are parties (the “Credit Agreement”), was amended to prohibit Parent from paying compensation to officers or employees of Parent or the Company, and such amendment may have prohibited Parent from performing certain of its obligations under the Parent CIC Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Company considers the establishment and maintenance of sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company; and

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that, as is the case with many operating subsidiaries of publicly held corporations, the possibility of a change in control may arise and that such possibility may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company; and

WHEREAS, the Company has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company to secure Executive’s continued services and to ensure Executive’s continued and undivided dedication to his duties in the event of any threat or occurrence of a “Change in Control” (as defined in Section 1) and that it is in the best interests of the Company to eliminate the unnecessary level of uncertainty due to the potential inability of Parent to perform its obligations under Parent CIC Agreement; and

WHEREAS, Executive and Parent have informed the Company that the Parent CIC Agreement will be terminated upon execution of this Agreement in order to ensure Executive does not receive unintended, duplicative benefits in connection with the occurrence of a Change in Control.


NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified person, a person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.

(b) “Base Salary” means Executive’s gross base salary, regardless of whether payable directly by the Company in cash or the stock compensation program or a similar program.

(c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of Parent. The board of directors of the Company agree to cause the Company to implement any and all directions of the Board hereunder.

(d) “Bonus Amount” means the greater of (i) the highest annual incentive bonus earned by Executive from the Company (and/or its Affiliates) during the last three (3) completed fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding Executive’s Date of Termination (annualized in the event Executive was not employed by the Company (or its Affiliates) for the whole of any such fiscal year), or (ii) if the Date of Termination occurs before Executive has been employed for a full fiscal year and before the date on which the Company generally pays bonuses to its executives for the fiscal year in which Executive’s employment commenced, 25% of Executive’s Base Salary for the fiscal year of the Company which includes the Executive’s Date of Termination.

(e) “Cause” means (i) the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform substantially his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to Executive being delivered a notice of Termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of Termination for Good Reason to the Company) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Board which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that Executive has not substantially performed Executive’s duties; provided that Executive has not cured such failure or commenced such performance within 30 days after such demand is given to Executive, or (ii) the willful engaging by Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its Affiliates. For purpose of the preceding sentence, no act or failure to act by Executive shall be considered “willful” unless done or omitted to be done by Executive in bad faith and without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, based upon the advice of counsel for the Company (or upon the instructions of the Company’s chief executive officer or another senior officer of the Company) shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. Cause shall not exist unless and until the Company has delivered to Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by three-quarters (3/4) of the entire Board (excluding Executive if Executive is a Board member) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Executive and an opportunity for Executive, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board an event set forth in clause (i) or (ii) has occurred and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. The Company must notify Executive of any event constituting Cause within ninety (90) days following the Company’s knowledge of its existence or such event shall not constitute Cause under this Agreement.


(f) “Change in Control” means any of the following: (i) any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (other than an Affiliate or any employee benefit plan (or any related trust) of Parent or an Affiliate, and other than Jeffrey H. Smulyan or an Affiliate of Mr. Smulyan) (a “Person”) becomes after the date hereof the beneficial owner of 35% or more of either the then outstanding Stock or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of Parent entitled to vote in the election of directors, except that no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred solely by reason of any such acquisition by a corporation with respect to which, after such acquisition, more than 60% of both the then outstanding common shares of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors are then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the persons who were the beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of Parent immediately before such acquisition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately before such acquisition, of the outstanding Stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of Parent entitled to vote in the election of directors; (ii) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director after the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by Parent’s shareholders, was approved by a vote or written consent of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Directors shall be considered as though such individual were an Incumbent Director, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the directors of Parent (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 under the Exchange Act); (iii) the consummation of (A) a merger, reorganization or consolidation with respect to which the individuals and entities who were the respective beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of Parent immediately before such merger, reorganization or consolidation do not, after such merger, reorganization or consolidation, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of, respectively, the then outstanding common shares and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote in the election of directors of the corporation resulting from such merger, reorganization or consolidation, or (B) the sale or other disposition (or series of sales and/or other dispositions over time resulting in a sale and/or other disposition) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or Parent to any Person or Persons as part of the Company’s or Parent’s plan to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of such assets; (iv) the approval by the shareholders of the Company or Parent of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or Parent; (v) Parent ceasing to own at least a majority of the common stock of the Company; or (vi) such other event(s) or circumstance(s) as are determined by the Board to constitute a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, a Change in Control shall be deemed not to have occurred with respect to Executive, if he is, by written agreement executed prior to such Change in Control, a participant on his own behalf in a transaction in which the persons with whom he has the written agreement (and/or their Affiliates) Acquire Parent (as defined below) and, pursuant to the written agreement, Executive has (or has the right to acquire) an equity interest in the resulting entity.


Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any Person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 35% of the then outstanding Stock as a result of the acquisition of the Stock by Parent which reduces the number of shares of Stock outstanding; provided , that if after such acquisition by Parent such person becomes the beneficial owner of additional Stock that increases the percentage of outstanding Stock beneficially owned by such person, a Change in Control shall then occur.

For the purposes of this definition, “Acquire Parent” means the acquisition of beneficial ownership by purchase, merger, or otherwise, of either more than 50% of the Stock (such percentage to be computed in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) of the SEC under the Exchange Act) or substantially all of the assets of Parent or its successors; “person” means such term as used in Rule 13d-5 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; “beneficial owner” means such term as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; and “group” means such term as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.

(g) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations and rulings thereunder. References to a particular section of the Code shall include references to successor provisions.

(h) “Date of Termination” means the effective date of the Termination of Executive’s Employment.

(i) “Disability” means Termination of Executive’s Employment by the Company (A) on account of Executive’s disability or incapacity in accordance with Executive’s written employment agreement with the Company, if such agreement contains provisions relating to Termination of Employment for disability or incapacity, or (B) except as provided in clause (A), on account of Executive’s disability or incapacity in accordance with the Company’s policies applicable to salaried employees without a written employment agreement, as in effect immediately before the Change in Control.

(j) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. References to a particular section of, or rule under, the Exchange Act shall include references to successor provisions.


(k) “Good Reason” means, without Executive’s express written consent, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities; provided, however, Good Reason shall not be deemed to occur upon a change in duties or responsibilities (other than reporting responsibilities) that is solely and directly a result of Parent no longer being a publicly traded entity that does not involve another event described in this Subsection (l);

(ii) a material breach by the Company or an Affiliate of the Company of this Agreement or an employment agreement to which the Executive and the Company or an Affiliate of the Company are parties;

(iii) a material reduction by the Company in Executive’s rate of annual Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to such Change in Control or as the same may be increased from time to time thereafter (with a reduction or series of reductions exceeding 5% of Base Salary being deemed material);

(iv) any requirement of the Company that Executive (A) be based anywhere more than thirty-five (35) miles from the office where Executive is based at the time of the Change in Control, if such relocation increases Executive’s commute by more than twenty (20) miles, or (B) travel on Company business to an extent materially greater than the travel obligations of Executive immediately prior to such Change in Control;

(v) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption and, if applicable, guarantee, agreement from any successor (and parent corporation) as contemplated in Section 9(b).

Notwithstanding the preceding, an event described above shall not be considered an event of Good Reason, unless the Executive provides notice to the Company of the existence of such event of Good Reason within ninety (90) days after its first occurrence and the Company fails to cure such event within thirty (30) days after receiving Executive’s notice. Executive’s right to Terminate Employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by Executive’s incapacity due to mental or physical illness, and Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any event or condition constituting Good Reason; provided , however , that Executive must Terminate Employment within ninety (90) days following the end of the thirty (30) day cure period specified above, or such event shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason under this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Termination of Employment by Executive for any reason during the thirty (30)-day period beginning one (1) year after the date of a Change in Control shall constitute a Termination of Employment for Good Reason.


(l) “Qualifying Termination” means a Termination of Executive’s Employment (i) by the Company other than for Cause or (ii) by Executive for Good Reason. Termination of Executive’s employment on account of death, Disability, or Retirement shall not be treated as a Qualifying Termination.

(m) “Retirement” means Executive’s Termination of Employment by reason of retirement (not including any mandatory early retirement) in accordance with the Company’s retirement policy generally applicable to its salaried employees, as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established with respect to Executive with Executive’s written consent; provided , however , that under no circumstances shall a resignation with Good Reason be deemed a Retirement.

(n) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(o) “Stock” means the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock of Parent, par value $.01 per share.

(p) “Termination of Employment”, “Terminates Employment”, or any variation thereof means Executive’s separation from service within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i).

(q) “Termination Period” means the period of time beginning with a Change in Control and ending two (2) years following such Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (i) Executive’s Employment is Terminated prior to a Change in Control for reasons that would have constituted a Qualifying Termination if they had occurred following a Change in Control; (ii) Executive reasonably demonstrates that such termination (or Good Reason event) was at the request of a Person who had indicated an intention or taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, or was otherwise made in connection with a Change in Control; and (iii) a Change in Control involving such third party or an Affiliate of such third party (or a party competing with such third party to effectuate a Change in Control) does occur, then for purposes of this Agreement, the date immediately prior to the date of such Termination of Employment or event constituting Good Reason shall be treated as a Change in Control. For purposes of determining the timing of payments and benefits to Executive under Section 4, the date of the actual Change in Control shall be treated as Executive’s Date of Termination under Section l(h).

2. Obligation of Executive . In the event of a tender or exchange offer, proxy contest, or the execution of any agreement which, if consummated, would constitute a Change in Control, Executive agrees not to voluntarily leave the employ of the Company, other than as a result of Disability, Retirement or an event which would constitute Good Reason if a Change in Control had occurred, until the Change in Control occurs or, if earlier, such tender or exchange offer, proxy contest, or agreement is terminated or abandoned.


3. Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall be effective on the date hereof and shall continue in effect until the Company shall have given three (3) years’ written notice of cancellation; provided , that , notwithstanding the delivery of any such notice, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of two (2) years after a Change in Control, if such Change in Control shall have occurred during the term of this Agreement. Moreover, if Executive is party to a written employment agreement with the Company at the time of a Change in Control, and such agreement would otherwise expire during the Termination Period, the term of such agreement shall automatically be extended to the end of the Termination Period or, if earlier, Executive’s Retirement. Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, except as provided in the second sentence of Section 1(r), this Agreement shall terminate if Executive or the Company Terminates Executive’s Employment prior to a Change in Control.

4. Payments Upon Termination of Employment .

(a) Qualifying Termination—Severance . If during the Termination Period, the Employment of Executive shall Terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall provide to Executive:

(i) within ten (10) days following the Date of Termination a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any bonus amounts which have become payable, to the extent not theretofore paid or deferred, (B) an amount equal to (I) fifty percent (50%) of Executive’s Base Salary at the rate in effect on the Change in Control (or, if higher, the rate in effect on Termination of Employment), multiplied by (II) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs through the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365), and (C) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid; plus

(ii) within ten (10) days following the Date of Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to (i) three (3) times Executive’s highest annual rate of Base Salary during the 36-month period immediately prior to Executive’s Date of Termination plus (ii) three (3) times Executive’s Bonus Amount.

(b) Qualifying Termination—Benefits . If during the Termination Period, the Employment of Executive shall Terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall:

(i) for a period of three (3) years following Executive’s Date of Termination, continue to provide Executive (and Executive’s dependents, if applicable) with the same level of accident and life insurance benefits upon substantially the same terms and conditions (including contributions required by Executive for such benefits) as existed immediately prior to Executive’s Date of Termination (or, if more favorable to Executive, as such benefits and terms and conditions existed immediately prior to the Change in Control); provided , that , if Executive cannot continue to participate in the Company plans providing such benefits, the Company shall otherwise provide such benefits on the same after-tax basis as if continued participation had been permitted;


(ii) for the period beginning on Executive’s Date of Termination and continuing for up to 18 months thereafter, reimburse Executive for COBRA premiums paid by Executive for continuation coverage for Executive (and Executive’s dependents, if applicable) under the Company’s medical and dental benefits plan, with such reimbursement being taxable to Executive (any reimbursement required by this paragraph (ii) may be accomplished by the Company’s direct payment of such premium, with such payment taxable to Executive, or by Company reimbursing Executive for such premium within thirty (30) days after Executive’ s payment thereof);

(iii) for the period beginning 19 months after Executive’s Date of Termination and ending 36 months after Executive’s Date of Termination, reimburse Executive for the cost of purchasing coverage substantially similar to that purchased under the Company’s medical and dental benefits plan pursuant to paragraph (ii) above (with no additional pre-existing condition exclusion), with such reimbursement being taxable to Executive (any reimbursement required by this paragraph (iii) may be accomplished by the Company’s direct payment of such premium, with such payment taxable to Executive, or by Company reimbursing Executive for such premium within thirty (30) days after Executive’ s payment thereof);

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) in the event Executive (or, if applicable, Executive’s dependent) becomes ineligible for COBRA continuation coverage during the first 18 months following Executive’s Date of Termination, such person shall not be eligible for further coverage under paragraph (ii) or (iii), and (B) subject to the limitations in clause (A), in the event Executive becomes employed by another employer and becomes eligible to receive welfare benefits from such employer, the welfare benefits described in paragraphs (i) through (iii) shall be secondary to such benefits during the period of Executive’s eligibility, but only to the extent that the Company reimburses Executive for any increased cost and provides any additional benefits necessary to give Executive the benefits provided hereunder;

(iv) for two years following the Executive’s Date of Termination (or such shorter period ending upon the subsequent employment of Executive at a level of service commensurate with Executive’s positions with the Company on the Date of Termination), provide outplacement services for Executive from a provider selected by the Company and at the Company’s expense;

(v) make such additional payments and provide such additional benefits to Executive as the Company and Executive may agree in writing, or to which Executive may be entitled under the compensation and benefit plans, policies, and arrangements of the Company.


(c) Nonqualifying Termination . If during the Termination Period the Employment of Executive shall Terminate other than by reason of a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall pay to Executive within thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any bonus amounts which have become payable, to the extent not theretofore paid or deferred, and any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid. The Company may make such additional payments and provide such additional benefits to Executive as the Company and Executive may agree in writing, and the Company shall provide Executive with those payments and benefits to which Executive may be entitled under the compensation and benefit plans, policies, and arrangements of the Company or any employment agreement with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company.

(d) Stock Rights . In the event of a Change in Control, all restricted Stock and all options, stock appreciation rights, and/or other stock rights held by Executive with respect to Stock that are exempt from Section 409A (“Stock Rights”) which are not fully vested (and exercisable, if applicable) shall become fully vested and exercisable as of a time established by the Board, which shall be no later than a time preceding the Change in Control which allows Executive to exercise the Stock Rights and cause the stock acquired thereby to participate in the Change in Control transaction. If the Change in Control transaction is structured so that stock participating therein at one time is or may be treated differently from stock participating therein at a different time ( e.g. , a tender offer followed by a squeeze-out merger), the Board shall interpret this Subsection (d) to provide for the required vesting acceleration in a manner designed to allow Executive to exercise the Stock Rights and cause the stock acquired thereby to participate in the earliest portion of the Change in Control transaction. If the consummation of a Change in Control transaction is uncertain ( e.g. , a tender offer in which the tender of a minimum number of shares is a condition to closing, or a voted merger or proxy contest in which a minimum number of votes is a condition to closing), the Board shall apply this Subsection (d) by using its best efforts to determine if and when the Change in Control transaction is likely to close, and proceeding accordingly. To the extent necessary to implement this Subsection d), each agreement reflecting a Stock Right, and each plan, if any, pursuant to which a Stock Right is issued, if any, shall be deemed amended.

(e) Delay in Payments to Specified Employees . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), distributions pursuant to this Section shall be delayed to the earliest day on which such payments are permitted by Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the regulations thereunder.


5. Certain Additional Payments by the Company .

(a) If it is determined (as hereafter provided) that any payment or distribution by the Company or any Affiliate to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise pursuant to or by reason of any other agreement, policy, plan, program or arrangement, including without limitation any stock option, stock appreciation right or similar right, or the lapse or termination of any restriction on or the vesting or exercisability of any of the foregoing (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or to any similar tax imposed by state or local law, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such tax or taxes, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then (i) if reduction of the amount payable pursuant to paragraph 4(a)(ii) by no more than ten percent (10%) would result in no Excise Tax being imposed, the amount in paragraph 4(a)(ii) shall be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to result in no Excise Tax being imposed, and (ii) if clause (i) does not apply, Executive will be entitled to receive an additional payment or payments (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that, after payment by Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 5(f) hereof, all determinations required to be made under this Section 5, including whether an Excise Tax is payable by Executive and the amount of such Excise Tax and whether a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, will be made by a nationally recognized firm of certified public accountants (the “Accounting Firm”) selected by Executive in his sole discretion. Executive will direct the Accounting Firm to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and Executive within 15 calendar days after the date of Executive’s termination of employment, if applicable, and any other such time or times as may be requested by the Company or Executive. If the Accounting Firm determines that any Excise Tax is payable by Executive, the Company will pay the required Gross-Up Payment to Executive within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Executive, it will, at the same time as it makes such determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that he has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on his federal, state, local income or other tax return. Subject to the provisions of this Section 5, any determination by the Accounting Firm as to the amount of the Gross-Up Payment will be binding upon the Company and Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) and the possibility of similar uncertainty regarding applicable state or local tax law at the time of any determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (an “Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that an Underpayment is made and the Company exhausts or fails to pursue its remedies pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof and Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, Executive will direct the Accounting Firm to determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and Executive as promptly as possible. Any such Underpayment will be promptly paid by the Company to, or for the benefit of, Executive within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations.


(c) The Company and Executive will each provide the Accounting Firm access to and copies of any books, records and documents in the possession of the Company, Parent or Executive, as the case may be, reasonably requested by the Accounting Firm, and otherwise cooperate with the Accounting Firm in connection with the preparation and issuance of the determination contemplated by Section 5(b) hereof.

(d) The federal, state and local income or other tax returns filed by Executive will be prepared and filed on a consistent basis with the determination of the Accounting Firm with respect to the Excise Tax payable by Executive. Executive will make proper payment of the amount of any Excise Tax, and at the request of the Company, provide to the Company true and correct copies (with any amendments) of his federal income tax return as filed with the Internal Revenue Service and corresponding state and local tax returns, if relevant, as filed with the applicable taxing authority, and such other documents reasonably requested by the Company, evidencing such payment. If prior to the filing of Executive’s federal income tax return, or corresponding state or local tax return, if relevant, the Accounting Firm determines that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment should be reduced, Executive will within five business days pay to the Company the amount of such reduction.

(e) The fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm for its services in connection with the determinations and calculations contemplated by Sections 5(b) and (d) hereof will be borne by the Company. If such fees and expenses are initially advanced by Executive, the Company will reimburse Executive the full amount of such fees and expenses within five business days after receipt from Executive of a statement therefor and reasonable evidence of his payment thereof.

(f) Executive will notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of a Gross-Up Payment. Such notification will be given as promptly as practicable but no later than 10 business days after Executive actually receives notice of such claim and Executive will further apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid (in each case, to the extent known by Executive). Executive will not pay such claim prior to the earlier of (i) the expiration of the 30-calendar-day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company and (ii) the date that any payment of amount with respect to such claim is due. If the Company notifies Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, Executive will:

(i) provide the Company with any written records or documents in his possession relating to such claim reasonably requested by the Company;


(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company will reasonably request in writing from time to time, including without limitation accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney competent in respect of the subject matter and reasonably selected by the Company;

(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim; and

(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;

provided, however, that the Company will bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and will indemnify and hold harmless Executive, on an after-tax basis, for and against any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(f), the Company will control all proceedings taken in connection with the contest of any claim contemplated by this Section 5(f) and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim (provided that Executive may participate therein at his own cost and expense) and may, at its option, either direct Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company will determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund, the Company will advance the amount of such payment to Executive on an interest-free basis and will indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest or penalties with respect thereto, imposed with respect to such advance; and provided further, however, that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of Executive with respect to which the contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company’s control of any such contested claim will be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and Executive will be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

(g) If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof, Executive receives any refund with respect to such claim, Executive will (subject to the Company’s complying with the requirements of Section 5(f) hereof) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after any taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof, a determination is made that Executive will not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial or refund prior to the expiration of 30 calendar days after such determination, then such advance will be forgiven and will not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance will offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid pursuant to this Section 5.


(h) To the extent that earlier payment is not required by the preceding provisions of this Section, the Company shall pay amounts required to be paid pursuant to this Section not later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which Executive remits the related taxes.

6. Withholding Taxes . The Company may withhold from all payments due to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate) hereunder all taxes which, by applicable federal, state, local or other law, the Company is required to withhold therefrom. In the case of the withholding of an Excise Tax, such withholding shall be consistent with any determination made under Section 5.

7. Reimbursement of Expenses . If any contest or dispute shall arise under this Agreement involving termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or involving the failure or refusal of the Company and/or Parent to perform fully in accordance with the terms hereof, the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a current basis, for all reasonable legal fees and expenses, if any, incurred by Executive in connection with such contest or dispute (regardless of the result thereof); provided , however , Executive shall be required to repay any such amounts to the Company to the extent that a court or an arbitration panel issues a final order from which no appeal can be taken, or with respect to which the time period to appeal has expired, setting forth that Executive has not wholly or partially prevailed on at least one material issue in dispute. The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in one year pursuant to this Section shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any following year. Under no circumstances shall the Company’s reimbursement for expenses incurred in a calendar year be made later than the end of the next following calendar year; provided, however, this requirement shall not alter the Company’s obligation to reimburse Executive for eligible expenses on a current basis.

8. Scope of Agreement . Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to entitle Executive to continued employment with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, and if Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate prior to a Change in Control, Executive shall have no further rights under this Agreement (except as otherwise provided hereunder); provided , however , that any Termination of Executive’s Employment during the Termination Period shall be subject to all of the provisions of this Agreement.

9. Successors; Binding Agreement .

(a) This Agreement shall not be terminated by any Change in Control or other merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, sale of substantially all the assets or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company (a “Business Combination”). In the event of any Business Combination, the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the surviving corporation, and such surviving corporation shall be treated as the Company hereunder. For purposes of clarity only, a corporation acquiring substantially all of the assets of the Company shall be a “surviving corporation” for purposes of the preceding sentence.


(b) The Company agrees that in connection with any Business Combination, it will cause any successor entity to the Company unconditionally to assume (and for any parent corporation in such Business Combination to guarantee), by written instrument delivered to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate), all of the obligations of the Company and Parent hereunder. Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption and guarantee prior to the effectiveness of any such Business Combination that constitutes a Change in Control, shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall constitute Good Reason hereunder, with the event of Good Reason occurring on the date on which such Business Combination becomes effective.

(c) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If Executive shall die while any amounts would be payable to Executive hereunder had Executive continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to such person or persons appointed in writing by Executive to receive such amounts or, if no person is so appointed, to Executive’s estate.

10. Notice . (a) For purposes of this Agreement, all notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when actually received or, if mailed, three days after mailing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or one business day after mailing by a nationally recognized express mail delivery service with instructions for next-day delivery, addressed as follows:

If to the Executive, to the Executive’s principal residence as reflected in the records of the Company.

If to the Company or Parent:

Emmis Operating Company

40 Monument Circle

Suite 700 Indianapolis,

Indiana 46204

Attn.: Legal Department

or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.


(b) A written notice of Executive’s Date of Termination by the Company or Executive, as the case may be, to the other, shall (i) indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Termination of Executive’s Employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) specify the termination date (which date shall be not less than fifteen (15) (thirty (30), if termination is by the Company for Disability) nor more than sixty (60) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by Executive or the Company to set forth in such notice any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of Executive or the Company hereunder or preclude Executive or the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.

11. Full Settlement; Resolution of Disputes . The Company’s obligation to make any payments and provide any benefits pursuant to this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall be in lieu and in full settlement of all other severance payments to Executive under any other severance or employment agreement between Executive and the Company, and any severance plan of the Company; provided , however , that if any such other agreement or plan would provide Executive with a greater payment or more or longer benefits in respect of any particular item described hereunder (e.g., severance, welfare benefits), then Executive shall receive such particular item of payment and/or benefit pursuant to such other agreement or plan, in lieu of receiving that particular item pursuant to this Agreement; and provided further , retention bonuses and/or completion bonuses shall not be considered severance pay for purposes of this Section. The Company’s obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Executive or others. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable and benefits provided to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as provided in Section 4(b), such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment. The parties agree that any controversy or claim of either party hereto arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement, or breach thereof, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in Indianapolis, Indiana by three arbitrators in accordance with the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association, and that judgment upon any award rendered may be entered by the prevailing party in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Company shall bear all costs and expenses arising in connection with any arbitration proceeding pursuant to this Section.

12. Employment by Affiliates of the Company . Employment by the Company for purposes of this Agreement shall include employment by any Affiliate.

13. Survival . The respective obligations and benefits afforded to the Company and Executive as provided in Sections 4 (to the extent that payments or benefits are owed as a result of a Termination of Employment that occurs during the term of this Agreement), 5 (to the extent that Payments are made to Executive as a result of a Change in Control that occurs during the term of this Agreement), 6, 7, 9(c) and 11 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.


14. GOVERNING LAW; VALIDITY . THE INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF INDIANA WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF, OF SUCH PRINCIPLES OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHICH COULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF INDIANA. THE INVALIDITY OR UNENFORCEABILITY OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHICH OTHER PROVISIONS SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

15. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

16. Miscellaneous . No provision of this Agreement may be modified or waived unless such modification or waiver is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by a duly authorized officer of the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. Failure by Executive or the Company to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or to assert any right Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the rights of, and benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his beneficiaries pursuant to this Agreement are in addition to any rights of, or benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his beneficiaries under any other employee benefit plan or compensation program of the Company.

17. Termination of Parent CIC Agreement; Replacement . The Parent CIC Agreement is hereby terminated and replaced in its entirely by this Agreement; and the Parent CIC Agreement shall be of no further force and effect.

[signatures appear on the following page(s)]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company and Executive has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY
By:   /s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan
  Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 8, 2012
EXECUTIVE
/s/ J. Scott Enright
Date: March 8, 2012

Parent hereby acknowledges and agrees to (i) perform all of its obligations hereunder, including without limitation obligations with respect to the Board hereunder and with respect to Stock and all options, stock appreciation rights, and/or other stock rights held by Executive; and (ii) termination of the Parent CIC Agreement.

 

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

/s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan

Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 8, 2012

Exhibit 10.25

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is effective as of March 1, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), by and between EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY , an Indiana company (“Employer”), and J. SCOTT ENRIGHT , an Indiana resident (“Executive”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Employer and its affiliates are engaged in the ownership and operation of certain radio, magazine and related operations (together, the “Emmis Group”); and

WHEREAS, Employer desires to employ Executive and Executive desires to be so employed.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual promises and covenants set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

1. Employment Status and Duties . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Employer hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts exclusive employment with Employer. During the Term (as defined below), Executive shall serve as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Executive shall have such duties, functions, authority and responsibilities as are commensurate with the position. Executive’s services hereunder shall be performed on an exclusive, full-time basis in a professional, diligent and competent manner to the best of Executive’s abilities. Executive shall not undertake any outside employment or business activities without the prior written consent of Employer. Executive shall be permitted to serve on the board of other charitable or civic organizations so long as such services: (i) are approved in writing in advance by Employer; and (ii) do not interfere with Executive’s duties and obligations under this Agreement. It is understood and agreed that the location for the performance of Executive’s duties and services pursuant to this Agreement shall be the offices designated by Employer in Indianapolis, Indiana. If Executive is elected as a member of the Board of Directors of Emmis Communications Corporation (“ECC”), he shall serve in such position without additional remuneration (unless Employer elects to remunerate “inside directors”) but shall be entitled to the benefit of indemnification pursuant to the terms of Section 16.10 . Executive shall also serve without additional remuneration as a director and/or officer of one (1) or more of Employer’s subsidiaries or affiliates if appointed to such position(s) by Employer and shall also be entitled to the benefit of indemnification pursuant to the terms of Section 16.10 .


2. Term . The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue through and including February 28, 2017, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Agreement (the “Term”). For purposes of this Agreement, the term “First Contract Year” shall be defined to mean the twelve (12) month period commencing on the Effective Date; the term “Second Contract Year” shall be defined to mean the twelve (12) month period commencing on the first anniversary of the Effective Date; the term “Third Contract Year” shall be defined to mean the twelve (12) month period commencing on the second anniversary of the Effective Date; the term “Fourth Contract Year” shall be defined to mean the twelve (12) month period commencing on the third anniversary of the Effective Date; and the term “Fifth Contract Year” shall be defined to mean the twelve (12) month period commencing on the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date (each, a “Contract Year”).

3. Base Salary; Auto Allowance . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to Executive an annualized base salary (the “Base Salary”), payable pursuant to Employer’s customary payroll practices and subject to applicable taxes and withholdings as required by law, for each Contract Year, as set forth below:

 

First Contract Year:

   $ 390,000   

Second Contract Year:

   $ 401,700   

Third Contract Year:

   $ 413,751   

Fourth Contract Year:

   $ 426,164   

Fifth Contract Year:

   $ 438,948   

Except as otherwise set forth herein, Employer shall have no obligation to pay Executive the Base Salary for any periods during which Executive fails or refuses to render services pursuant to this Agreement (except that Executive shall not be considered to have failed or refused to render services during any periods of Executive’s incapacity or absence from work due to sickness or other approved leave of absence in accordance with the Company’s policies, subject to Employer’s right to terminate Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 11 ) or for any period following the expiration or termination of this Agreement. In addition, it is understood and agreed that Employer may, at its sole election, pay up to ten percent (10%) of Executive’s Base Salary in Shares (as defined below); provided that: (i) the Shares are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on a then-effective Form S-8 or other applicable registration statement and are issued without restriction on resale (and further provided that the Shares are listed on a securities exchange or over-the-counter market, which does not include listing on the “pink sheets,” at the time of issuance), subject to any restrictions on resale under Employer’s insider trading policy or applicable federal and state law; and (ii) the percentage of Executive’s Base Salary payable in Shares shall be consistent with, and the exact number of Shares to be awarded to Executive shall be determined in the same manner as, that utilized for the Key Executive Group. The term “Key Executive Group” refers to the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer and President – Publishing Division (or, if any of those positions are no longer comparable to Executive’s position, any other positions mutually agreed upon by the parties).

 

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During the Term, Executive shall receive a monthly auto allowance in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) (subject to withholding and applicable taxes as required by law) consistent with Employer’s policy or practices regarding such allowances, as such policy or practices may be amended from time to time during the Term in Employer’s sole and absolute discretion; provided , however , that in no event shall the auto allowance amount paid to Executive pursuant to this provision be reduced.

4. Incentive Compensation .

4.1 Option Grant . On or about the Effective Date, Executive shall be granted an option (the “Option”) to acquire Two Hundred Fifty Thousand (250,000) shares of Class A Common Stock of ECC (“Shares”), which shall vest in four (4) equal installments of Sixty-Two Thousand Five Hundred (62,500) Shares on the final calendar day of February in each of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, subject to the terms of this Section 4.1 . The Option granted pursuant to this Section 4.1 shall: (i) have an exercise price per share equal to the Fair Market Value (“FMV”) of the stock on the date of grant (as FMV is defined in the applicable Equity Compensation Plan, or any subsequent equity compensation or similar plan adopted by ECC and generally used to make equity-based awards to management-level employees of the Emmis Group (the “Plan”)); (ii) notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement, be granted according to the terms and subject to the conditions of the Plan; (iii) be evidenced by a written grant agreement containing such terms and conditions as are generally provided for other management-level employees of the Emmis Group; and (iv) be exercisable for Shares with such restrictive legends on the certificates in accordance with the Plan and applicable securities laws. Employer shall use reasonable efforts to register the Shares subject to the award on a Form S-8 or other applicable registration statement at such time as the Shares are issued to Executive. The Option granted pursuant to this Section 4.1 is intended to satisfy the regulatory exemption from the application of Section 409A (as defined below) for certain options for service recipient shares, and it shall be administered accordingly.

4.2 Fiscal Year Bonus Amounts . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 4 , following the conclusion of each of Employer’s fiscal years ending on the final day of February in each of 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 (each, a “Fiscal Year”), Executive shall be eligible to receive one (1) performance bonus in an annualized target amount equivalent to Fifty percent (50%) of Executive’s total Base Salary earned during the subject Fiscal Year (each, a “Fiscal Year Bonus”), the exact amount of which, if any, shall be determined based upon Executive’s attainment of certain performance and financial goals as determined each Fiscal Year by the Compensation Committee of ECC’s Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”), in its sole and absolute discretion, and communicated to Executive within ten (10) days after a final determination by the Compensation Committee.

 

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4.3 Completion Bonus . Except as provided below, on the condition that Executive remains employed by Employer, on a full-time, continuous basis, through February 28, 2017, Employer shall make a cash payment to Executive in the amount of $500,000 (the “Completion Bonus”). The Completion Bonus shall be paid to Executive within two (2) weeks after February 28, 2017.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive’s employment is terminated prior to February 28, 2017 and such termination is: (a) due to Executive’s death, (b) on account of Executive’s incapacity pursuant to Section 11 , or (c) due to a “Qualifying Termination” (as defined in the CIC Agreement) following a Change in Control, then Employer shall pay to Executive, within two (2) weeks after termination of his employment, a pro-rata portion of the Completion Bonus. Any pro-rated portion of the Completion Bonus shall be based upon the number of calendar days elapsed between the Effective Date and the date of termination divided by the total number of calendar days between the Effective Date and February 28, 2017.

4.4 Payment of Bonus Amounts . Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to Executive the bonus amounts, if earned according to the terms and conditions set forth in Sections 4.2 and 4.3 ; provided that, unless provided otherwise in Sections 4.2 , 4.3 , 9 , 10 , 11 or 12 of this Agreement, on the final day of the applicable measuring period for such bonus: (i) this Agreement is in full force and effect and has not been terminated for any reason (other than due to a material breach of this Agreement by Employer); and (ii) Executive is fully performing all of Executive’s material duties and obligations pursuant to this Agreement and is not in breach of any of the material terms and conditions of this Agreement (provided that Executive’s failure or inability to perform his duties and obligations because of his death or incapacity (pursuant to Section 11 ), including during leaves of absence, shall not be considered a breach of this Agreement or non-performance under this provision). In addition, it is understood and agreed that Employer may, at its sole election, pay any bonus amounts earned by Executive pursuant to this Section 4 in cash or Shares; provided that the Shares evidencing any portion thereof are registered with the SEC on a then-effective Form S-8 or other applicable registration statement and are issued without restriction on resale (and further provided that the Shares are listed on a securities exchange or over-the-counter market, which does not include listing on the “pink sheets,” at the time of issuance), subject to any restrictions on resale under Employer’s insider trading policy and applicable federal and state law. In the event that Employer elects pursuant to this Section 4.4 to pay any Fiscal Year Bonus amounts in Shares, the percentage of such bonus amounts payable in Shares shall be consistent with, and the exact number of Shares to be awarded to Executive shall be determined in the same manner as, that utilized for the Key Executive Group. Any Fiscal Year Bonus amounts earned by Executive pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 4.2 shall be paid after the end of the Fiscal Year for which the bonus is earned (but in no event later than ninety (90) days after the end of such Fiscal Year). Any and all bonus amounts payable by Employer to Executive pursuant to this Section 4 shall be subject to applicable taxes and withholdings as required by law. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, any bonus pursuant to Sections 4.2 or 4.3 shall be paid to Executive by the earlier of the date specified herein or the date that is no later than two-and-a-half months after the end of either Employer’s or Executive’s first taxable year (whichever period is longer) in which any such bonus is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

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5. Expenses; Travel . Employer shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses actually incurred or paid by Executive during the Term in connection with the performance of Executive’s services hereunder upon presentation of expense statements, vouchers or other supporting documentation as Employer may require of Executive; provided that, such expenses are otherwise in accordance with Employer’s policies applicable to executive-level employees. Executive shall undertake such travel as may be required in the performance of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement.

6. Fringe Benefits .

6.1 Vacation and Other Benefits . Each Contract Year, Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation in accordance with Employer’s applicable policies and procedures for executive-level employees. Executive shall also be eligible to participate in and receive the fringe benefits generally made available to other executive-level employees of Employer in accordance with and to the extent that Executive is eligible under the general provisions of Employer’s fringe benefit plans or programs; provided , however , that Executive understands that these benefits may be increased, changed, eliminated or added from time to time during the Term as determined in Employer’s sole and absolute discretion.

6.2 Insurance and Estate Planning . Each Contract Year, Employer agrees to reimburse Executive in an amount not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) for the annual premium and other fees and expenses associated with estate planning services for Executive, including legal and tax services, and Executive’s purchase or maintenance of a life or disability insurance policy or other insurance policies on the life, or related to the care, of Executive. Executive shall be entitled to freely select and change the beneficiary or beneficiaries under such policy or policies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Employer’s obligations under this Section 6.2 are expressly contingent upon Executive providing required information and taking all necessary actions required of Executive in order to obtain and maintain the subject services, policy or policies, including without limitation passing any required physical examinations. Reimbursements pursuant to this Section 6.2 with respect to a Contract Year shall be made as soon as administratively feasible after Executive submits the information and documentation required for reimbursement; provided, however, under no circumstances shall such reimbursement be paid later than two-and-a-half months after the end of the calendar year or Employer’s taxable year in which such Contract Year commenced.

 

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7. Confidential Information .

7.1 Non-Disclosure . Executive acknowledges that certain information concerning the business of the Emmis Group and its members (including but not limited to trade secrets and other proprietary information) is of a highly confidential nature, and that, as a result of Executive’s employment with Employer prior to and during the Term, Executive shall receive and develop proprietary and confidential information concerning the business of Employer and/or other members of the Emmis Group which, if known to Employer’s competitors, would damage Employer, other members of the Emmis Group and their respective businesses. Accordingly, Executive hereby agrees that during the Term and thereafter, Executive shall not divulge or appropriate for Executive’s own use, or for the use or benefit of any third party (other than Employer and its representatives, or as directed in writing by Employer), any information or knowledge concerning the business of Employer, or any other member of the Emmis Group, which is not generally available to the public other than through the activities of Executive. Executive further agrees that, immediately upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall promptly surrender to Employer all documents, brochures, plans, strategies, writings, illustrations, client lists, price lists, sales, financial or marketing plans, budgets and any and all other materials (regardless of form or character) which Executive received from or developed on behalf of Employer or any member of the Emmis Group in connection with Executive’s employment prior to or during the Term. Executive acknowledges that all such materials shall remain at all times during the Term and thereafter the sole and exclusive property of Employer and that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to grant Executive any right, title or interest in such material.

7.2 Ownership of Materials . Employer shall solely and exclusively own all rights of every kind and nature in perpetuity and throughout the universe in: (i) the results and proceeds of Executive’s services pursuant to this Agreement; and (ii) any business, financial, sales or marketing plans and strategies, documents, presentations or other similar materials, regardless of kind or character, each of which Executive acknowledges is a work specially ordered by Employer which shall be considered to be a “work made for hire” for Employer. The exclusive legal title to all of the aforesaid works, matters, and materials and all secondary and derivative rights therein, shall belong, at all times, to Employer.

7.3 Injunctive Relief . Executive acknowledges that Executive’s breach of this Section 7 will cause irreparable harm and damage to Employer, the exact amount of which will be difficult to ascertain; that the remedies at law for any such breach would be inadequate; and that the provisions of this Section 7 have been specifically negotiated and carefully written to prevent such irreparable harm and damage. Accordingly, if Executive breaches this Section 7 , Employer shall be entitled to injunctive relief (including attorneys’ fees and costs) enforcing this Section 7 to the extent reasonably necessary to protect Employer’s legitimate interests, without posting bond or other security.

 

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8. Non-Interference; Non-Competition; Injunctive Relief .

8.1 Non-Interference . During the Term, and for a period of two (2) years immediately following the expiration or early termination of the Term for any reason, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, take any action (or permit any action to be taken by an entity with which Executive is associated) which has the effect of interfering with Employer’s relationship (contractual or otherwise) with: (i) on-air talent of any member of the Emmis Group; or (ii) any other employee of any member of the Emmis Group. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive specifically agrees that during such time period, neither Executive nor any entity with which Executive is associated shall solicit, hire or engage any on-air talent or other employee of any member of the Emmis Group or any other employee of any member of the Emmis Group to provide services for Executive’s benefit or for the benefit of any other business or entity, or solicit or encourage them to cease their employment with any member of the Emmis Group for any reason.

8.2 Non-Competition . Executive acknowledges the special and unique nature of Executive’s employment with Employer as a senior-management-level employee, and understands that, as a result of Executive’s employment with Employer prior to and during the Term, Executive has gained and will continue to gain knowledge of and have access to highly sensitive and valuable information regarding the operations of Employer and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities, including but not limited to the confidential information described more fully in Section 7.1 . Accordingly, Executive acknowledges Employer’s interest in preventing the disclosure of such information through the engagement of Executive’s services by any of Employer’s competitors following the expiration or termination of the Term for any reason. Consequently, during the Term and for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the expiration or termination of the Term for any reason, Executive shall not engage directly or indirectly in, or become employed by, serve as an agent or consultant to, or become an officer, director, partner, principal or shareholder of, any corporation, partnership or other entity which is engaged in the terrestrial radio broadcasting business, or the city and regional magazine publishing business, in any market in which Employer owns or operates a radio station or magazine as of the termination date of Executive’s employment with Employer. As long as Executive does not engage in any other activity prohibited by the immediately preceding sentence, Executive’s ownership of less than five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding stock of any corporation whose stock is traded on an established securities market shall not constitute competition with Employer for the purpose of this Section 8.2 .

 

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8.3 Injunctive Relief . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this Section 8 have been specifically negotiated and carefully worded in recognition of the opportunities which will be afforded to Executive by Employer by virtue of Executive’s continued association with Employer during the Term, and the influence that Executive has and will continue to have over Employer’s employees, customers and suppliers. Executive further acknowledges that Executive’s breach of Section 8.1 or 8.2 herein will cause irreparable harm and damage to Employer, the exact amount of which will be difficult to ascertain; that the remedies at law for any such breach would be inadequate; and that the provisions of this Section 8 have been specifically negotiated and carefully written to prevent such irreparable harm and damage. Accordingly, if Executive breaches Section 8.1 or 8.2 , Employer shall be entitled to injunctive relief (including attorneys’ fees and costs) enforcing Section 8.1 or 8.2 , to the extent reasonably necessary to protect Employer’s legitimate interests, without posting bond or other security. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if Executive violates Section 8.1 or 8.2 , and Employer brings legal action for injunctive or other relief, Employer shall not, as a result of the time involved in obtaining such relief, be deprived of the benefit of the full period of noninterference set forth therein. Accordingly, the obligations set forth in Section 8.1 or 8.2 shall have the duration set forth therein, computed from the date such relief is granted but reduced by the time expired between the date the restrictive period began to run and the date of the first violation of the obligation(s) by Executive.

8.4 Construction . Despite the express agreement herein between the parties, in the event that any provisions set forth in this Section 8 shall be determined by any court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, the parties agree that this Section 8 shall be interpreted to extend only to the maximum extent as to which it may be enforceable, and that this Section 8 shall be severable into its component parts, all as determined by such court or tribunal.

9. Termination of Agreement by Employer for Cause .

9.1 Termination . Employer may terminate this Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause (as defined in Section 9.3 below) in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Section 9 . Following a determination by Employer that Executive should be terminated for Cause, Employer shall give written notice (the “Preliminary Notice”) to Executive specifying the grounds for such termination, and Executive shall have ten (10) days after receipt of the Preliminary Notice to attempt to cure any acts or omissions giving rise to Cause, if applicable, and/or to respond to Employer in writing. If following the expiration of such ten (10) day period Employer reaffirms its determination that Executive should be terminated for Cause, such termination shall be effective upon delivery by Employer to Executive of a final notice of termination.

 

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9.2 Effect of Termination . In the event of termination for Cause as provided in Section 9.1 above:

(i) Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder except Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 and 8 , which shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and except for any obligations arising in connection with any conduct of Executive described in Section 9.3 ;

(ii) Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder, except that Employer shall, not later than two (2) weeks after the termination date:

(a) Pay to Executive any Base Salary which has been earned on or prior to the termination date, but which remains unpaid as of the termination date; and

(b) Pay to Executive any bonus amounts which have been earned on or prior to the termination date pursuant to Section 4 , if any, but which remain unpaid as of the termination date.

Additionally, Employer shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) and the provisions of any Employer benefit plans in which Executive or Executive’s eligible dependents or beneficiaries are participating at the time of termination.

9.3 Definition of Cause . For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall be defined to mean any of the following: (i) Executive’s failure, refusal or neglect to perform any of Executive’s material duties or obligations under this Agreement, or any material duties assigned to Executive consistent with the terms of this Agreement (Executive’s inability or failure to perform his obligations hereunder because of his death or incapacity, subject to Employer’s right to terminate Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 11 , including during approved periods of absence, shall not be considered Cause for termination under this provision), or abide by any applicable policy of Employer, or Executive’s breach of any material term or condition of this Agreement, and continuation of such failure, refusal, neglect, or breach after written notice and the expiration of a ten (10) day cure period; provided , however , that it is not the parties’ intention that the Employer shall be required to provide successive such notices, and in the event Employer has provided Executive with a notice and opportunity to cure pursuant to this Section 9.3 , Employer may terminate this Agreement for a subsequent breach similar or related to the breach for which notice was previously given or for a continuing series or pattern of breaches (whether or not similar or related) without providing notice and an opportunity to cure; (ii) commission of any felony or any other crime involving an act of moral turpitude which is harmful to Employer’s business or reputation; (iii) Executive’s action or omission, or knowing allowance of actions or omissions, which are in violation of any law or any of the rules or regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, or which otherwise jeopardize any of the licenses granted to Employer or any member of the Emmis Group in connection with the ownership or operation of any radio station; (iv) theft in any amount; (v) actual or threatened violence against any individual (in connection with his employment hereunder) or another employee; (vi) sexual or other prohibited harassment of others that is actionable under applicable laws; (vii) unauthorized disclosure or use of trade secrets or proprietary or confidential information, as described more fully in Section 7.1 ; (viii) any action which brings Employer or any member of the Emmis Group into public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule, and which is harmful to Employer’s business or reputation; and (ix) any matter constituting cause or gross misconduct under applicable laws.

 

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10. Termination by Employer Without Cause or Voluntary Resignation by Executive for Good Reason .

10.1 Effect of the Termination . If Employer Terminates Executive’s Employment (as defined below) without Cause or Executive Terminates his Employment for Good Reason (as defined below), then:

(i) Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder, except Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 and 8 , which shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

(ii) Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities to Executive, except that Employer shall:

(a) Pay to Executive any Base Salary which has been earned on or prior to the termination date, but which remains unpaid as of the termination date, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks of the termination date;

(b) Pay to Executive any bonus amounts, if any, which Executive earned prior to the termination date pursuant to Section 4 but which are unpaid as of the termination date, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks of the termination date;

(c) If the Termination of Employment occurs on or before August 31, 2014, pay to Executive a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks of the termination date equal to the annual Base Salary then in effect multiplied by two (2);

(d) If the Termination of Employment occurs on or after September 1, 2014 but prior to March 1, 2016, pay to Executive a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks of the termination date equal to the annual Base Salary then in effect multiplied by one and one-half (1.5);

 

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(e) If the Termination of Employment occurs on or after March 1, 2016, pay to Executive a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks of the termination date equal to the annual Base Salary then in effect;

(f) If the Termination of Employment occurs on or before August 31, 2014, pay an amount equal to Executive’s annual bonus opportunity pursuant to Section 4.2 , for the Fiscal Year in which the termination occurs, multiplied by two (2), in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks after the termination date;

(g) If the Termination of Employment occurs on or after September 1, 2014, pay an amount equal to Executive’s annual bonus opportunity pursuant to Section 4.2 , for the Fiscal Year in which the termination occurs, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks after the termination date;

(h) If the Termination of Employment occurs on or before August 31, 2014, pay or reimburse, for a period of two (2) years, any medical, dental or vision insurance premiums (up to the amount that Employer is paying on behalf of Executive and his eligible dependents immediately prior to the date of termination, e.g., the employer-paid premium) for the continuation of such health coverage for Executive and Executive’s dependents pursuant to the provisions of COBRA or applicable state law. If Executive becomes eligible to participate in any other group insurance program of another employer and elects coverage thereunder, these payments shall cease at that time;

(i) If the Termination of Employment occurs on or after September 1, 2014, pay or reimburse, for a period of one (1) year, any medical, dental or vision insurance premiums (up to the amount that Employer is paying on behalf of Executive and his eligible dependents immediately prior to the date of termination, e.g., the employer-paid premium) for the continuation of such health coverage for Executive and Executive’s dependents pursuant to the provisions of COBRA or applicable state law. If Executive becomes eligible to participate in any other group insurance program of another employer and elects coverage thereunder, these payments shall cease at that time;

 

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(j) Pay the full amount of the Completion Bonus described in Section 4.3 in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks after the termination date; and

(k) Accelerate in full the vesting of any equity granted to Executive prior to the termination date within two (2) weeks after the termination date.

Each of the payments set forth in this Section 10.1(ii) shall be subject to any applicable tax withholding and deductions as required by law.

10.2 Definition of Termination of Employment . For purposes of this Agreement, when capitalized, “Terminates Employment,” “Termination of Employment,” or any variation of that term means a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A (defined below). If Executive’s employment terminates but does not qualify as a separation from service under Section 409A, then Executive shall become entitled to receive the severance pay and benefits set forth in this Agreement at such time as he incurs a separation from service.

10.3 Definition of Good Reason . For purposes of this Section 10 , the term “Good Reason” shall be defined to mean, without Executive’s written consent: (i) a reduction by Employer in Executive’s Base Salary or target Fiscal Year Bonus opportunity from the amounts set forth in this Agreement; (ii) failure of Employer to provide an office to Executive, or Employer requiring Executive to work in an office that is more than thirty-five (35) miles from the location of the Company’s principal executive offices at the time of this Agreement, except for required travel on business of the Company to the extent substantially consistent with Executive’s business travel obligations, or (iii) a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by Employer; provided that Executive has given Employer notice of such breach within thirty (30) days of the initial occurrence of the event that is alleged to constitute Good Reason, such breach remains uncured in the thirty (30) day period after such notice, and Executive terminates his employment no later than ten (10) days after the cure period has expired. Employer shall not take any position that a resignation by Executive for Good Reason fails to constitute on involuntary separation from service for purposes of Section 409A.

11. Termination of Agreement by Employer for Incapacity .

11.1 Termination . If Executive shall become incapacitated (as defined in the Employer’s employee handbook or, if that is not applicable, as reasonably determined by Employer), Employer shall continue to compensate Executive under the terms of this Agreement without diminution and otherwise without regard to such incapacity or nonperformance of duties until Executive has been incapacitated for a cumulative period of ninety (90) days in any one hundred eighty (180) consecutive day period, at which time Employer may, in its sole discretion, elect to terminate Executive’s employment. The date that Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to this Section 11 is referred to herein as the “Incapacity Termination Date.”

 

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11.2 Obligations after Termination . Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder after an Incapacity Termination Date except Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 and 8 , which shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. After an Incapacity Termination Date, Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder except that Employer shall, not later than two (2) weeks after an Incapacity Termination Date, pay to Executive those amounts described in Sections 4.3 and 9.2(ii) ; provided , however , that in the event an Incapacity Termination Date occurs at least six (6) months after the commencement of a Fiscal Year during the Term, Employer shall pay to Executive a pro-rated portion of the Fiscal Year Bonus for the Fiscal Year during which the Incapacity Termination Date occurs, such amount to be determined in the sole discretion of Employer. Additionally, Employer shall comply with the provisions of COBRA and the provisions of any Employer benefit plans in which Executive or Executive’s eligible dependents or beneficiaries are participating at the time of termination. Nothing in this Section 11 shall affect the amount of any benefits which may be payable to Executive under any insurance plan or policy maintained by Employer or Executive or pursuant to any Employer company practice, plan or program applicable to other senior-management-level employees of the Emmis Group.

12. Death of Executive . This Agreement shall terminate immediately upon Executive’s death. In the event of such termination, Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder except that Employer shall, not later than two (2) weeks after Executive’s date of death, pay or grant to Executive’s estate or designated beneficiary those amounts described in Sections 4.3 and 9.2(ii) . Additionally, Employer shall comply with the provisions of COBRA and the provisions of any Employer benefit plans in which Executive or Executive’s eligible dependents or beneficiaries are participating at the time of termination. In the event that Executive dies after termination of this Agreement pursuant to Sections 9 , 10 or 11 , all amounts required to be paid by Employer prior to Executive’s death in connection with such termination that remain unpaid as of Executive’s date of death shall be paid to Executive’s estate or designated beneficiary.

13. Application of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any payments and benefits provided under this Agreement (the “Severance Benefits”) that constitute “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder and any state law of similar effect (collectively “Section 409A”) shall not commence in connection with Executive’s termination of employment unless and until Executive has also incurred a “separation from service” (as such term is defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) (“Separation From Service”), unless Employer reasonably determines that such amounts may be provided to Executive without causing Executive to incur the additional 20% tax under Section 409A.

 

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It is intended that each installment of the Severance Benefits payments provided for in this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(i). For the avoidance of doubt, it is intended that payments of the Severance Benefits set forth in this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A provided under Treasury Regulation Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(5) and 1.409A-1(b)(9). However, if Employer (or, if applicable, the successor entity thereto) determines that the Severance Benefits constitute “deferred compensation” under Section 409A and Executive is, on the termination of service, a “specified employee” of Employer or any successor entity thereto, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance Benefit payments shall be delayed until the earlier to occur of: (i) the date that is six months and one day after Executive’s Separation From Service, or (ii) the date of Executive’s death (such applicable date, the “Specified Employee Initial Payment Date”), the Employer (or the successor entity thereto, as applicable) shall (A) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the Severance Benefit payments that Executive would otherwise have received through the Specified Employee Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the Severance Benefits had not been so delayed pursuant to this Section and (B) commence paying the balance of the Severance Benefits in accordance with the applicable payment schedules set forth in this Agreement.

This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A, and it is intended that no amounts payable hereunder shall be subject to tax under Section 409A. Employer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with Section 409A with respect to payments of benefits hereunder.

14. Adjustments for Changes in Capitalization of Employer . In the event of any change in Employer’s outstanding Shares during the Term by reason of any reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, asset spin-off, share combination, consolidation or other event, the number and class of Shares and/or Options awarded pursuant to Section 4 (and any applicable Option exercise price) shall be adjusted by the Compensation Committee in its sole and absolute discretion and, if applicable, in accordance with the terms of the Plan, and the option agreement evidencing the grant of the Option. The determination of the Compensation Committee shall be conclusive and binding. All adjustments pursuant to this Section 14 shall be made in a manner that does not result in taxation to the Executive under Section 409A.

 

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15. Notices . All notices, requests, consents and other communications, required or permitted to be given hereunder, shall be made in writing and shall be deemed to have been made as of: (a) the date that is the next date upon which an overnight delivery service (Federal Express, UPS or equivalent only) will make such delivery, if sent via such overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, (b) the date such delivery is made, if delivered in person to the notice party specified below, or (c) the date such delivery is made, if delivered via email. Such notice shall be delivered as follows (or to such other or additional address as either party shall designate by notice in writing to the other in accordance herewith):

(i) If to Employer :

Emmis Communications Corporation

40 Monument Circle, Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Attn: Jeffrey H. Smulyan

Email: Jeff@emmis.com

With a copy to :

Emmis Communications Corporation

40 Monument Circle, Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Attn: Legal Department

Email: legal@emmis.com

(ii) If to Executive, to Executive at Executive’s address in the personnel records of Employer.

16. Miscellaneous .

16.1 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana without regard to its conflict of law principles.

16.2 Captions . The section headings contained herein are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

16.3 Entire Agreement . This Agreement shall supersede and replace, in all respects, any prior employment agreement entered into between the parties and any such agreement shall immediately terminate and be of no further force or effect. For purposes of the preceding sentence, any change in control, restricted stock, option and other benefits-related agreement shall not constitute a “prior employment agreement.”

16.4 Assignment . This Agreement, and Executive’s rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by Executive to any third party; provided , however , that Executive may designate pursuant to Section 16.6 one (1) or more beneficiaries to receive any amounts that would otherwise be payable hereunder to Executive’s estate. Employer may assign all or any portion of its rights and obligations hereunder to any other member of the Emmis Group or to any successor or assignee of Employer pursuant to a reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, sale of substantially all of the assets or stock of Employer, or otherwise.

 

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16.5 Amendments; Waivers . Except as expressly provided in the following sentence, this Agreement cannot be changed, modified or amended, and no provision or requirement hereof may be waived, without the written consent of Executive and Employer. Employer may amend this Agreement to the extent that Employer reasonably determines that such change is necessary to comply with Section 409A and further guidance thereunder, provided that such change does not reduce the amounts payable to Executive hereunder. The failure of a party at any time to require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right of such party at a later time to enforce such provision. No waiver by a party of the breach of any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be, or construed as, a further or continuing waiver of any such breach or a waiver of the breach of any other term or covenant contained in this Agreement.

16.6 Beneficiaries . Whenever this Agreement provides for any payment to Executive’s estate, such payment may be made instead to such beneficiary as Executive may have designated in a writing filed with Employer. Executive shall have the right to revoke any such designation and to re-designate a beneficiary by written notice to Employer (or to any applicable insurance company).

16.7 Change in Fiscal Year . If, at any time during the Term, Employer changes its fiscal year, Employer shall make such adjustments to the various dates and target amounts included herein as are necessary or appropriate, provided that no such change shall affect the date on which any amount is payable hereunder.

16.8 Executive’s Warranty and Indemnity . Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive: (i) has the full and unqualified right to enter into and fully perform this Agreement according to each and every term and condition contained herein; (ii) has not made any agreement, contractual obligation or commitment in contravention of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or which would prevent Executive from performing according to any of the terms and conditions contained herein; and (iii) has not entered into any agreement with any prior employer or other person, corporation or entity which would in any way adversely affect Executive’s or Employer’s right to enter into this Agreement. Furthermore, Executive hereby agrees to fully indemnify and hold harmless Employer and each of its subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, shareholders, insurers and representatives from and against any and all losses, costs, damages, expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses), liabilities and claims, arising from, in connection with, or in any way related to, Executive’s breach of any of the representations or warranties contained in this Section 16.8 .

 

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16.9 Venue . Any action to enforce, challenge or construe the terms or making of this Agreement or to recover for its breach shall be litigated exclusively in a state court located in Marion County, Indiana, except that the Employer may elect, at its sole and absolute discretion, to litigate the action in the county or state where any breach by Executive occurred or where Executive can be found. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this venue provision is an essential provision of this Agreement and Executive hereby waives any defense of lack of personal jurisdiction or improper venue.

16.10 Indemnification . Executive shall be entitled to the benefit of the indemnification provisions set forth in Employer’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and/or By-Laws, or any applicable corporate resolution, as the same may be amended from time to time during the Term (not including any limiting amendments or additions, but including any amendments or additions that add to or broaden the protection afforded to Executive at the time of execution of this Agreement) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement executed by Executive and ECC dated December 15, 2011. Additionally, Employer shall cause Executive to be indemnified in accordance with Chapter 37 of the Indiana Business Corporation Law (the “IBCL”), as the same may be amended from time to time during the Term, to the fullest extent permitted by the IBCL as required to make Executive whole in connection with any indemnifiable loss, cost or expense incurred in Executive’s performance of Executive’s duties and obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Employer shall also maintain during the Term, and for a commercially reasonable period after the Term, an insurance policy providing directors’ and officers’ liability coverage in a commercially reasonable amount. It is understood that the foregoing indemnification obligations shall survive the expiration or termination of the Term.

16.11 Change in Control . In the event of a “Change in Control,” the rights and obligations of Executive and Employer shall be set forth in the separate Change in Control Agreement executed by the parties, effective as of the Effective Date (the “CIC Agreement”). “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the CIC Agreement.

16.12 Survival . Provision of this Agreement shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement to the extent necessary in order to effectuate the intent of the parties hereunder, including without limitation Sections 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 .

[Signatures on Following Page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY

(“Employer”)

By:

 

/s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan

 

Jeffrey H. Smulyan

 

Chief Executive Officer

J. SCOTT ENRIGHT

(“Executive”)

/s/ J. Scott Enright

J. Scott Enright

Exhibit 10.26

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into, effective January 1, 2008 (the “Effective Date”), by and between EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, an Indiana corporation (the “Company”), and Gregory T. Loewen (“Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Company considers the establishment and maintenance of a sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its stockholders; and

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, the possibility of a change in control may arise and that such possibility may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the “Board” (as defined in Section 1) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to secure Executive’s continued services and to ensure Executive’s continued and undivided dedication to his duties in the event of any threat or occurrence of a “Change in Control” (as defined in Section 1) of the Company; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee, at a meeting held on December 19, 2008, has authorized the Company to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified person, a person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.

(b) “Base Salary” means Executive’s gross base salary, regardless of whether payable directly by the Company in cash or through the television quarterly bonus plan, the stock compensation program, or a similar program.

(c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(d) “Bonus Amount” means the greater of (i) the highest annual incentive bonus earned by Executive from the Company (and/or its Affiliates) during the last three (3) completed fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding Executive’s Date of Termination (annualized in the event Executive was not employed by the Company (or its Affiliates) for the whole of any such fiscal year), or (ii) if the Date of Termination occurs before Executive has been employed for a full fiscal year and before the date on which the Company generally pays bonuses to its executives for the fiscal year in which Executive’s employment commenced, 25% of Executive’s Base Salary for the fiscal year of the Company which includes the Executive’s Date of Termination.


(e) “Cause” means (i) the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform substantially his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to Executive being delivered a notice of Termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of Termination for Good Reason to the Company) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Board which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that Executive has not substantially performed Executive’s duties; provided that Executive has not cured such failure or commenced such performance within 30 days after such demand is given to Executive, or (ii) the willful engaging by Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its Affiliates. For purpose of the preceding sentence, no act or failure to act by Executive shall be considered “willful” unless done or omitted to be done by Executive in bad faith and without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, based upon the advice of counsel for the Company (or upon the instructions of the Company’s chief executive officer or another senior officer of the Company) shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. Cause shall not exist unless and until the Company has delivered to Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by three-quarters (3/4) of the entire Board (excluding Executive if Executive is a Board member) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Executive and an opportunity for Executive, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board an event set forth in clause (i) or (ii) has occurred and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. The Company must notify Executive of any event constituting Cause within ninety (90) days following the Company’s knowledge of its existence or such event shall not constitute Cause under this Agreement.

 

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(f) “Change in Control” means any of the following: (i) any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (other than an Affiliate or any employee benefit plan (or any related trust) of the Company or an Affiliate, and other than Jeffrey H. Smulyan or an Affiliate of Mr. Smulyan) (a “Person”) becomes after the date hereof the beneficial owner of 35% or more of either the then outstanding Stock or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors, except that no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred solely by reason of any such acquisition by a corporation with respect to which, after such acquisition, more than 60% of both the then outstanding common shares of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors are then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the persons who were the beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of the Company immediately before such acquisition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately before such acquisition, of the outstanding Stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors; (ii) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director after the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote or written consent of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Directors shall be considered as though such individual were an Incumbent Director, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the directors of the Company (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 under the Exchange Act); (iii) the consummation of (A) a merger, reorganization or consolidation with respect to which the individuals and entities who were the respective beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of the Company immediately before such merger, reorganization or consolidation do not, after such merger, reorganization or consolidation, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of, respectively, the then outstanding common shares and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote in the election of directors of the corporation resulting from such merger, reorganization or consolidation, or (B) the sale or other disposition (or series of sales and/or other dispositions over time resulting in a sale and/or other disposition) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person or Persons as part of the Company’s plan to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of such assets ; (iv) the approval by the shareholders of the Company of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or (v) such other event(s) or circumstance(s) as are determined by the Board to constitute a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, a Change in Control shall be deemed not to have occurred with respect to Executive, if he is, by written agreement executed prior to such Change in Control, a participant on his own behalf in a transaction in which the persons with whom he has the written agreement (and/or their Affiliates) Acquire the Company (as defined below) and, pursuant to the written agreement, Executive has (or has the right to acquire) an equity interest in the resulting entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any Person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 35% of the then outstanding Stock as a result of the acquisition of the Stock by the Company which reduces the number of shares of Stock outstanding; provided , that if after such acquisition by the Company such person becomes the beneficial owner of additional Stock that increases the percentage of outstanding Stock beneficially owned by such person, a Change in Control shall then occur.

For the purposes of this definition, “Acquire the Company” means the acquisition of beneficial ownership by purchase, merger, or otherwise, of either more than 50% of the Stock (such percentage to be computed in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) of the SEC under the Exchange Act) or substantially all of the assets of the Company or its successors; “person” means such term as used in Rule 13d-5 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; “beneficial owner” means such term as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; and “group” means such term as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

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(g) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations and rulings thereunder. References to a particular section of the Code shall include references to successor provisions.

(h) “Date of Termination” means the effective date of the Termination of Executive’s Employment.

(i) “Disability” means Termination of Executive’s Employment by the Company (A) on account of Executive’s disability or incapacity in accordance with Executive’s written employment agreement with the Company, if such agreement contains provisions relating to Termination of Employment for disability or incapacity, or (B) except as provided in clause (A), on account of Executive’s disability or incapacity in accordance with the Company’s policies applicable to salaried employees without a written employment agreement, as in effect immediately before the Change in Control.

(j) “Effective Date” means January 1, 2008.

(k) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. References to a particular section of, or rule under, the Exchange Act shall include references to successor provisions.

(l) “Good Reason” means, without Executive’s express written consent, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities; provided, however, Good Reason shall not be deemed to occur upon a change in duties or responsibilities (other than reporting responsibilities) that is solely and directly a result of the Company no longer being a publicly traded entity that does not involve another event described in this Subsection (l);

(ii) a material breach by the Company or an Affiliate of the Company of this Agreement or an employment agreement to which the Executive and the Company or an Affiliate of the Company are parties;

(iii) a material reduction by the Company in Executive’s rate of annual Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to such Change in Control or as the same may be increased from time to time thereafter (with a reduction or series of reductions exceeding 5% of Base Salary being deemed material);

 

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(iv) any requirement of the Company that Executive (A) be based anywhere more than thirty-five (35) miles from the office where Executive is based at the time of the Change in Control, if such relocation increases Executive’s commute by more than twenty (20) miles, or (B) travel on Company business to an extent materially greater than the travel obligations of Executive immediately prior to such Change in Control;

(v) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption and, if applicable, guarantee, agreement from any successor (and parent corporation) as contemplated in Section 9(b).

Notwithstanding the preceding, an event described above shall not be considered an event of Good Reason, unless the Executive provides notice to the Company of the existence of such event of Good Reason within ninety (90) days after its first occurrence and the Company fails to cure such event within thirty (30) days after receiving Executive’s notice. Executive’s right to Terminate Employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by Executive’s incapacity due to mental or physical illness, and Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any event or condition constituting Good Reason; provided , however , that Executive must Terminate Employment within ninety (90) days following the end of the thirty (30) day cure period specified above, or such event shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason under this Agreement.

(m) “Qualifying Termination” means a Termination of Executive’s Employment (i) by the Company other than for Cause or (ii) by Executive for Good Reason. Termination of Executive’s employment on account of death, Disability, or Retirement shall not be treated as a Qualifying Termination.

(n) “Retirement” means Executive’s Termination of Employment by reason of retirement (not including any mandatory early retirement) in accordance with the Company’s retirement policy generally applicable to its salaried employees, as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established with respect to Executive with Executive’s written consent; provided , however , that under no circumstances shall a resignation with Good Reason be deemed a Retirement.

(o) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(p) “Stock” means the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share.

(q) “Termination of Employment”, “Terminates Employment,”, or any variation thereof means Executive’s separation from service within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i).

 

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(r) “Termination Period” means the period of time beginning with a Change in Control and ending two (2) years following such Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (i) Executive’s Employment is Terminated prior to a Change in Control for reasons that would have constituted a Qualifying Termination if they had occurred following a Change in Control; (ii) Executive reasonably demonstrates that such termination (or Good Reason event) was at the request of a Person who had indicated an intention or taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, or was otherwise made in connection with a Change in Control; and (iii) a Change in Control involving such third party or an Affiliate of such third party (or a party competing with such third party to effectuate a Change in Control) does occur, then for purposes of this Agreement, the date immediately prior to the date of such Termination of Employment or event constituting Good Reason shall be treated as a Change in Control. For purposes of determining the timing of payments and benefits to Executive under Section 4, the date of the actual Change in Control shall be treated as Executive’s Date of Termination under Section l(h).

2. Obligation of Executive . In the event of a tender or exchange offer, proxy contest, or the execution of any agreement which, if consummated, would constitute a Change in Control, Executive agrees not to voluntarily leave the employ of the Company, other than as a result of Disability, Retirement or an event which would constitute Good Reason if a Change in Control had occurred, until the Change in Control occurs or, if earlier, such tender or exchange offer, proxy contest, or agreement is terminated or abandoned.

3. Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall be effective on the date hereof and shall continue in effect until the Company shall have given three (3) years’ written notice of cancellation; provided , that , notwithstanding the delivery of any such notice, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of two (2) years after a Change in Control, if such Change in Control shall have occurred during the term of this Agreement. Moreover, if Executive is party to a written employment agreement with the Company at the time of a Change in Control, and such agreement would otherwise expire during the Termination Period, the term of such agreement shall automatically be extended to the end of the Termination Period or, if earlier, Executive’s Retirement. Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, except as provided in the second sentence of Section 1(r), this Agreement shall terminate if Executive or the Company Terminates Executive’s Employment prior to a Change in Control.

4. Payments Upon Termination of Employment .

(a) Qualifying Termination—Severance . If during the Termination Period, the Employment of Executive shall Terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall provide to Executive:

(i) within ten (10) days following the Date of Termination a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any bonus amounts which have become payable, to the extent not theretofore paid or deferred, (B) an amount equal to (I) Thirty-Six percent (36%) of Executive’s Base Salary at the rate in effect on the Change in Control (or, if higher, the rate in effect on Termination of Employment), multiplied by (II) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs through the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365), and (C) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid; plus

 

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(ii) within ten (10) days following the Date of Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to (i) one and one-half (1  1 / 2 ) times Executive’s highest annual rate of Base Salary during the 36-month period immediately prior to Executive’s Date of Termination plus (ii) one and one-half (1  1 / 2 ) times Executive’s Bonus Amount.

(b) Qualifying Termination—Benefits . If during the Termination Period, the Employment of Executive shall Terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall:

(i) for a period of three (3) years following Executive’s Date of Termination, continue to provide Executive (and Executive’s dependents, if applicable) with the same level of accident and life insurance benefits upon substantially the same terms and conditions (including contributions required by Executive for such benefits) as existed immediately prior to Executive’s Date of Termination (or, if more favorable to Executive, as such benefits and terms and conditions existed immediately prior to the Change in Control); provided , that , if Executive cannot continue to participate in the Company plans providing such benefits, the Company shall otherwise provide such benefits on the same after-tax basis as if continued participation had been permitted;

(ii) for the period beginning on Executive’s Date of Termination and continuing for up to 18 months thereafter, reimburse Executive for COBRA premiums paid by Executive for continuation coverage for Executive (and Executive’s dependents, if applicable) under the Company’s medical and dental benefits plan, with such reimbursement being taxable to Executive (any reimbursement required by this paragraph (ii) may be accomplished by the Company’s direct payment of such premium, with such payment taxable to Executive, or by Company reimbursing Executive for such premium within thirty (30) days after Executive’ s payment thereof);

(iii) for the period beginning 19 months after Executive’s Date of Termination and ending 36 months after Executive’s Date of Termination, reimburse Executive for the cost of purchasing coverage substantially similar to that that purchased under the Company’s medical and dental benefits plan pursuant to paragraph (ii) above (with no additional pre-existing condition exclusion), with such reimbursement being taxable to Executive (any reimbursement required by this paragraph (iii) may be accomplished by the Company’s direct payment of such premium, with such payment taxable to Executive, or by Company reimbursing Executive for such premium within thirty (30) days after Executive’ s payment thereof);

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) in the event Executive (or, if applicable, Executive’s dependent) becomes ineligible for COBRA continuation coverage during the first 18 months following Executive’s Date of Termination, such person shall not be eligible for further coverage under paragraph (ii) or (iii), and (B) subject to the limitations in clause (A), in the event Executive becomes employed by another employer and becomes eligible to receive welfare benefits from such employer, the welfare benefits described in paragraphs (i) through (iii) shall be secondary to such benefits during the period of Executive’s eligibility, but only to the extent that the Company reimburses Executive for any increased cost and provides any additional benefits necessary to give Executive the benefits provided hereunder;

(iv) for two years following the Executive’s Date of Termination (or such shorter period ending upon the subsequent employment of Executive at a level of service commensurate with Executive’s positions with the Company on the Date of Termination), provide outplacement services for Executive from a provider selected by the Company and at the Company’s expense;

(v) make such additional payments and provide such additional benefits to Executive as the Company and Executive may agree in writing, or to which Executive may be entitled under the compensation and benefit plans, policies, and arrangements of the Company.

(c) Nonqualifying Termination . If during the Termination Period the Employment of Executive shall Terminate other than by reason of a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall pay to Executive within thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any bonus amounts which have become payable, to the extent not theretofore paid or deferred, and any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid. The Company may make such additional payments and provide such additional benefits to Executive as the Company and Executive may agree in writing, and the Company shall provide Executive with those payments and benefits to which Executive may be entitled under the compensation and benefit plans, policies, and arrangements of the Company or any employment agreement with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company.

 

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(d) Stock Rights . In the event of a Change in Control, all restricted Company stock and all options, stock appreciation rights, and/or other stock rights held by Executive with respect to Company stock that are exempt from Section 409A (“Stock Rights”) which are not fully vested (and exercisable, if applicable) shall become fully vested and exercisable as of a time established by the Board, which shall be no later than a time preceding the Change in Control which allows Executive to exercise the Stock Rights and cause the stock acquired thereby to participate in the Change in Control transaction. If the Change in Control transaction is structured so that stock participating therein at one time is or may be treated differently from stock participating therein at a different time ( e.g. , a tender offer followed by a squeeze-out merger), the Board shall interpret this Subsection (d) to provide for the required vesting acceleration in a manner designed to allow Executive to exercise the Stock Rights and cause the stock acquired thereby to participate in the earliest portion of the Change in Control transaction. If the consummation of a Change in Control transaction is uncertain ( e.g. , a tender offer in which the tender of a minimum number of shares is a condition to closing, or a voted merger or proxy contest in which a minimum number of votes is a condition to closing), the Board shall apply this Subsection (d) by using its best efforts to determine if and when the Change in Control transaction is likely to close, and proceeding accordingly. To the extent necessary to implement this Subsection d), each agreement reflecting a Stock Right, and each plan, if any, pursuant to which a Stock Right is issued, if any, shall be deemed amended.

(e) Delay in Payments to Specified Employees . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), distributions pursuant to this Section shall be delayed to the earliest day on which such payments are permitted by Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the regulations thereunder.

5. Certain Additional Payments by the Company .

(a) If it is determined (as hereafter provided) that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise pursuant to or by reason of any other agreement, policy, plan, program or arrangement, including without limitation any stock option, stock appreciation right or similar right, or the lapse or termination of any restriction on or the vesting or exercisability of any of the foregoing (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or to any similar tax imposed by state or local law, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such tax or taxes, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then (i) if reduction of the amount payable pursuant to paragraph 4(a)(ii) by no more than ten percent (10%) would result in no Excise Tax being imposed, the amount in paragraph 4(a)(ii) shall be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to result in no Excise Tax being imposed, and (ii) if clause (i) does not apply, Executive will be entitled to receive an additional payment or payments (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that, after payment by Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

 

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(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 5(f) hereof, all determinations required to be made under this Section 5, including whether an Excise Tax is payable by Executive and the amount of such Excise Tax and whether a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, will be made by a nationally recognized firm of certified public accountants (the “Accounting Firm”) selected by Executive in his sole discretion. Executive will direct the Accounting Firm to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and Executive within 15 calendar days after the date of Executive’s termination of employment, if applicable, and any other such time or times as may be requested by the Company or Executive. If the Accounting Firm determines that any Excise Tax is payable by Executive, the Company will pay the required Gross-Up Payment to Executive within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Executive, it will, at the same time as it makes such determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that he has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on his federal, state, local income or other tax return. Subject to the provisions of this Section 5, any determination by the Accounting Firm as to the amount of the Gross-Up Payment will be binding upon the Company and Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) and the possibility of similar uncertainty regarding applicable state or local tax law at the time of any determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (an “Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that an Underpayment is made and the Company exhausts or fails to pursue its remedies pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof and Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, Executive will direct the Accounting Firm to determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and Executive as promptly as possible. Any such Underpayment will be promptly paid by the Company to, or for the benefit of, Executive within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations.

(c) The Company and Executive will each provide the Accounting Firm access to and copies of any books, records and documents in the possession of the Company or Executive, as the case may be, reasonably requested by the Accounting Firm, and otherwise cooperate with the Accounting Firm in connection with the preparation and issuance of the determination contemplated by Section 5(b) hereof.

(d) The federal, state and local income or other tax returns filed by Executive will be prepared and filed on a consistent basis with the determination of the Accounting Firm with respect to the Excise Tax payable by Executive. Executive will make proper payment of the amount of any Excise Tax, and at the request of the Company, provide to the Company true and correct copies (with any amendments) of his federal income tax return as filed with the Internal Revenue Service and corresponding state and local tax returns, if relevant, as filed with the applicable taxing authority, and such other documents reasonably requested by the Company, evidencing such payment. If prior to the filing of Executive’s federal income tax return, or corresponding state or local tax return, if relevant, the Accounting Firm determines that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment should be reduced, Executive will within five business days pay to the Company the amount of such reduction.

(e) The fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm for its services in connection with the determinations and calculations contemplated by Sections 5(b) and (d) hereof will be borne by the Company. If such fees and expenses are initially advanced by Executive, the Company will reimburse Executive the full amount of such fees and expenses within five business days after receipt from Executive of a statement therefor and reasonable evidence of his payment thereof.

 

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(f) Executive will notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of a Gross-Up Payment. Such notification will be given as promptly as practicable but no later than 10 business days after Executive actually receives notice of such claim and Executive will further apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid (in each case, to the extent known by Executive). Executive will not pay such claim prior to the earlier of (i) the expiration of the 30-calendar-day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company and (ii) the date that any payment of amount with respect to such claim is due. If the Company notifies Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, Executive will:

(i) provide the Company with any written records or documents in his possession relating to such claim reasonably requested by the Company;

(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company will reasonably request in writing from time to time, including without limitation accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney competent in respect of the subject matter and reasonably selected by the Company;

(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim; and

(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;

provided, however, that the Company will bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and will indemnify and hold harmless Executive, on an after-tax basis, for and against any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(f), the Company will control all proceedings taken in connection with the contest of any claim contemplated by this Section 5(f) and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim (provided that Executive may participate therein at his own cost and expense) and may, at its option, either direct Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company will determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund, the Company will advance the amount of such payment to Executive on an interest-free basis and will indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest or penalties with respect thereto, imposed with respect to such advance; and provided further, however, that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of Executive with respect to which the contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company’s control of any such contested claim will be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and Executive will be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

 

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(g) If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof, Executive receives any refund with respect to such claim, Executive will (subject to the Company’s complying with the requirements of Section 5(f) hereof) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after any taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof, a determination is made that Executive will not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial or refund prior to the expiration of 30 calendar days after such determination, then such advance will be forgiven and will not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance will offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid pursuant to this Section 5.

(h) To the extent that earlier payment is not required by the preceding provisions of this Section, the Company shall pay amounts required to be paid pursuant to this Section not later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which Executive remits the related taxes.

6. Withholding Taxes . The Company may withhold from all payments due to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate) hereunder all taxes which, by applicable federal, state, local or other law, the Company is required to withhold therefrom. In the case of the withholding of an Excise Tax, such withholding shall be consistent with any determination made under Section 5.

7. Reimbursement of Expenses . If any contest or dispute shall arise under this Agreement involving termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or involving the failure or refusal of the Company to perform fully in accordance with the terms hereof, the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a current basis, for all reasonable legal fees and expenses, if any, incurred by Executive in connection with such contest or dispute (regardless of the result thereof); provided , however , Executive shall be required to repay any such amounts to the Company to the extent that a court or an arbitration panel issues a final order from which no appeal can be taken, or with respect to which the time period to appeal has expired, setting forth that Executive has not wholly or partially prevailed on at least one material issue in dispute. The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in one year pursuant to this Section shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any following year. Under no circumstances shall the Company’s reimbursement for expenses incurred in a calendar year be made later than the end of the next following calendar year; provided, however, this requirement shall not alter the Company’s obligation to reimburse Executive for eligible expenses on a current basis.

 

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8. Scope of Agreement . Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to entitle Executive to continued employment with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, and if Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate prior to a Change in Control, Executive shall have no further rights under this Agreement (except as otherwise provided hereunder); provided , however , that any Termination of Executive’s Employment during the Termination Period shall be subject to all of the provisions of this Agreement.

9. Successors; Binding Agreement .

(a) This Agreement shall not be terminated by any Change in Control or other merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, sale of substantially all the assets or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company (a “Business Combination”). In the event of any Business Combination, the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the surviving corporation, and such surviving corporation shall be treated as the Company hereunder.

(b) The Company agrees that in connection with any Business Combination, it will cause any successor entity to the Company unconditionally to assume (and for any parent corporation in such Business Combination to guarantee), by written instrument delivered to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate), all of the obligations of the Company hereunder. Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption and guarantee prior to the effectiveness of any such Business Combination that constitutes a Change in Control, shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall constitute Good Reason hereunder, with the event of Good Reason occurring on the date on which such Business Combination becomes effective.

(c) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If Executive shall die while any amounts would be payable to Executive hereunder had Executive continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to such person or persons appointed in writing by Executive to receive such amounts or, if no person is so appointed, to Executive’s estate.

10. Notice . (a) For purposes of this Agreement, all notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when actually received or, if mailed, three days after mailing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or one business day after mailing by a nationally recognized express mail delivery service with instructions for next-day delivery, addressed as follows:

 

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If to the Executive, to the Executive’s principal residence as reflected in the records of the Company.

If to the Company:

Emmis Communications Corporation

40 Monument Circle

Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Attn.: General Counsel

or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

(b) A written notice of Executive’s Date of Termination by the Company or Executive, as the case may be, to the other, shall (i) indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Termination of Executive’s Employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) specify the termination date (which date shall be not less than fifteen (15) (thirty (30), if termination is by the Company for Disability) nor more than sixty (60) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by Executive or the Company to set forth in such notice any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of Executive or the Company hereunder or preclude Executive or the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.

11. Full Settlement; Resolution of Disputes . The Company’s obligation to make any payments and provide any benefits pursuant to this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall be in lieu and in full settlement of all other severance payments to Executive under any other severance or employment agreement between Executive and the Company, and any severance plan of the Company; provided , however , that if any such other agreement or plan would provide Executive with a greater payment or more or longer benefits in respect of any particular item described hereunder (e.g., severance, welfare benefits), then Executive shall receive such particular item of payment and/or benefit pursuant to such other agreement or plan, in lieu of receiving that particular item pursuant to this Agreement; and provided further , retention bonuses and/or completion bonuses shall not be considered severance pay for purposes of this Section. The Company’s obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Executive or others. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable and benefits provided to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as provided in Section 4(b), such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment. The parties agree that any controversy or claim of either party hereto arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement, or breach thereof, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in Indianapolis, Indiana by three arbitrators in accordance with the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association, and that judgment upon any award rendered may be entered by the prevailing party in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Company shall bear all costs and expenses arising in connection with any arbitration proceeding pursuant to this Section.

 

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12. Employment by Affiliates of the Company . Employment by the Company for purposes of this Agreement shall include employment by any Affiliate.

13. Survival . The respective obligations and benefits afforded to the Company and Executive as provided in Sections 4 (to the extent that payments or benefits are owed as a result of a Termination of Employment that occurs during the term of this Agreement), 5 (to the extent that Payments are made to Executive as a result of a Change in Control that occurs during the term of this Agreement), 6, 7, 9(c) and 11 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

14. GOVERNING LAW; VALIDITY . THE INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF INDIANA WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF, OF SUCH PRINCIPLES OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHICH COULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF INDIANA. THE INVALIDITY OR UNENFORCEABILITY OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHICH OTHER PROVISIONS SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

15. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

16. Miscellaneous . No provision of this Agreement may be modified or waived unless such modification or waiver is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by a duly authorized officer of the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. Failure by Executive or the Company to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or to assert any right Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the rights of, and benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his beneficiaries pursuant to this Agreement are in addition to any rights of, or benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his beneficiaries under any other employee benefit plan or compensation program of the Company.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company and Executive has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
By:   /s/ J. Scott Enright
Title:   Senior Vice President
Date:   December 31, 2008
EXECUTIVE
/s/ Gregory T. Loewen
Date:   December 27, 2008

 

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Exhibit 10.27

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into, effective May 7, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), by and between EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, an Indiana corporation (the “Company”), and Gregory T. Loewen (“Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Company considers the establishment and maintenance of a sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its stockholders; and

WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, the possibility of a change in control may arise and that such possibility may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the “Board” (as defined in Section 1) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to secure Executive’s continued services and to ensure Executive’s continued and undivided dedication to his duties in the event of any threat or occurrence of a “Change in Control” (as defined in Section 1) of the Company; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee, at a meeting held on December 19, 2008, has authorized the Company to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified person, a person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.

(b) “Base Salary” means Executive’s gross base salary, regardless of whether payable directly by the Company in cash or through the television quarterly bonus plan, the stock compensation program, or a similar program.

(c) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(d) “Bonus Amount” means the greater of (i) the highest annual incentive bonus earned by Executive from the Company (and/or its Affiliates) during the last three (3) completed fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding Executive’s Date of Termination (annualized in the event Executive was not employed by the Company (or its Affiliates) for the whole of any such fiscal year), or (ii) if the Date of Termination occurs before Executive has been employed for a full fiscal year and before the date on which the Company generally pays bonuses to its executives for the fiscal year in which Executive’s employment commenced, 25% of Executive’s Base Salary for the fiscal year of the Company which includes the Executive’s Date of Termination.


(e) “Cause” means (i) the willful and continued failure of Executive to perform substantially his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to Executive being delivered a notice of Termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of Termination for Good Reason to the Company) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Board which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that Executive has not substantially performed Executive’s duties; provided that Executive has not cured such failure or commenced such performance within 30 days after such demand is given to Executive, or (ii) the willful engaging by Executive in illegal conduct or gross misconduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its Affiliates. For purpose of the preceding sentence, no act or failure to act by Executive shall be considered “willful” unless done or omitted to be done by Executive in bad faith and without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, based upon the advice of counsel for the Company (or upon the instructions of the Company’s chief executive officer or another senior officer of the Company) shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. Cause shall not exist unless and until the Company has delivered to Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by three-quarters (3/4) of the entire Board (excluding Executive if Executive is a Board member) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice to Executive and an opportunity for Executive, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board an event set forth in clause (i) or (ii) has occurred and specifying the particulars thereof in detail. The Company must notify Executive of any event constituting Cause within ninety (90) days following the Company’s knowledge of its existence or such event shall not constitute Cause under this Agreement.

(f) “Change in Control” means any of the following: (i) any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) (other than an Affiliate or any employee benefit plan (or any related trust) of the Company or an Affiliate, and other than Jeffrey H. Smulyan or an Affiliate of Mr. Smulyan) (a “Person”) becomes after the date hereof the beneficial owner of 35% or more of either the then outstanding Stock or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors, except that no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred solely by reason of any such acquisition by a corporation with respect to which, after such acquisition, more than 60% of both the then outstanding common shares of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors are then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the persons who were the beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of the

 

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Company immediately before such acquisition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately before such acquisition, of the outstanding Stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors; (ii) individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided that any individual who becomes a director after the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote or written consent of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Directors shall be considered as though such individual were an Incumbent Director, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the directors of the Company (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 under the Exchange Act); (iii) the consummation of (A) a merger, reorganization or consolidation with respect to which the individuals and entities who were the respective beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of the Company immediately before such merger, reorganization or consolidation do not, after such merger, reorganization or consolidation, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of, respectively, the then outstanding common shares and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote in the election of directors of the corporation resulting from such merger, reorganization or consolidation, or (B) the sale or other disposition (or series of sales and/or other dispositions over time resulting in a sale and/or other disposition) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person or Persons as part of the Company’s plan to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of such assets ; (iv) the approval by the shareholders of the Company of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or (v) such other event(s) or circumstance(s) as are determined by the Board to constitute a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, a Change in Control shall be deemed not to have occurred with respect to Executive, if he is, by written agreement executed prior to such Change in Control, a participant on his own behalf in a transaction in which the persons with whom he has the written agreement (and/or their Affiliates) Acquire the Company (as defined below) and, pursuant to the written agreement, Executive has (or has the right to acquire) an equity interest in the resulting entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any Person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 35% of the then outstanding Stock as a result of the acquisition of the Stock by the Company which reduces the number of shares of Stock outstanding; provided , that if after such acquisition by the Company such person becomes the beneficial owner of additional Stock that increases the percentage of outstanding Stock beneficially owned by such person, a Change in Control shall then occur.

For the purposes of this definition, “Acquire the Company” means the acquisition of beneficial ownership by purchase, merger, or otherwise, of either more than 50% of the Stock (such percentage to be computed in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) of the SEC under the Exchange Act) or substantially all of the assets of the Company or its successors; “person” means such term as used in Rule 13d-5 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; “beneficial owner” means such term as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; and “group” means such term as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

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(g) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations and rulings thereunder. References to a particular section of the Code shall include references to successor provisions.

(h) “Date of Termination” means the effective date of the Termination of Executive’s Employment.

(i) “Disability” means Termination of Executive’s Employment by the Company (A) on account of Executive’s disability or incapacity in accordance with Executive’s written employment agreement with the Company, if such agreement contains provisions relating to Termination of Employment for disability or incapacity, or (B) except as provided in clause (A), on account of Executive’s disability or incapacity in accordance with the Company’s policies applicable to salaried employees without a written employment agreement, as in effect immediately before the Change in Control.

(j) “Effective Date” means May 7, 2012.

(k) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. References to a particular section of, or rule under, the Exchange Act shall include references to successor provisions.

(l) “Good Reason” means, without Executive’s express written consent, the occurrence of any of the following events after a Change in Control:

(i) a material diminution in Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities; provided, however, Good Reason shall not be deemed to occur upon a change in duties or responsibilities (other than reporting responsibilities) that is solely and directly a result of the Company no longer being a publicly traded entity that does not involve another event described in this Subsection (l);

(ii) a material breach by the Company or an Affiliate of the Company of this Agreement or an employment agreement to which the Executive and the Company or an Affiliate of the Company are parties;

(iii) a material reduction by the Company in Executive’s rate of annual Base Salary, as in effect immediately prior to such Change in Control or as the same may be increased from time to time thereafter (with a reduction or series of reductions exceeding 5% of Base Salary being deemed material);

(iv) any requirement of the Company that Executive (A) be based anywhere more than thirty-five (35) miles from the office where Executive is based at the time of the Change in Control, if such relocation increases Executive’s commute by more than twenty (20) miles, or (B) travel on Company business to an extent materially greater than the travel obligations of Executive immediately prior to such Change in Control;

(v) the failure of the Company to obtain the assumption and, if applicable, guarantee, agreement from any successor (and parent corporation) as contemplated in Section 9(b).

 

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Notwithstanding the preceding, an event described above shall not be considered an event of Good Reason, unless the Executive provides notice to the Company of the existence of such event of Good Reason within ninety (90) days after its first occurrence and the Company fails to cure such event within thirty (30) days after receiving Executive’s notice. Executive’s right to Terminate Employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by Executive’s incapacity due to mental or physical illness, and Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any event or condition constituting Good Reason; provided , however , that Executive must Terminate Employment within ninety (90) days following the end of the thirty (30) day cure period specified above, or such event shall not constitute a termination for Good Reason under this Agreement.

(m) “Qualifying Termination” means a Termination of Executive’s Employment (i) by the Company other than for Cause or (ii) by Executive for Good Reason. Termination of Executive’s employment on account of death, Disability, or Retirement shall not be treated as a Qualifying Termination.

(n) “Retirement” means Executive’s Termination of Employment by reason of retirement (not including any mandatory early retirement) in accordance with the Company’s retirement policy generally applicable to its salaried employees, as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, or in accordance with any retirement arrangement established with respect to Executive with Executive’s written consent; provided , however , that under no circumstances shall a resignation with Good Reason be deemed a Retirement.

(o) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(p) “Stock” means the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share.

(q) “Termination of Employment”, “Terminates Employment,”, or any variation thereof means Executive’s separation from service within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i).

(r) “Termination Period” means the period of time beginning with a Change in Control and ending two (2) years following such Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if (i) Executive’s Employment is Terminated prior to a Change in Control for reasons that would have constituted a Qualifying Termination if they had occurred following a Change in Control; (ii) Executive reasonably demonstrates that such termination (or Good Reason event) was at the request of a Person who had indicated an intention or taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control, or was otherwise made in connection with a Change in Control; and (iii) a Change in Control involving such third party or an Affiliate of such third party (or a party competing with such third party to effectuate a Change in Control) does occur, then for purposes of this Agreement, the date immediately prior to the date of such Termination of Employment or event constituting Good Reason shall be treated as a Change in Control. For purposes of determining the timing of payments and benefits to Executive under Section 4, the date of the actual Change in Control shall be treated as Executive’s Date of Termination under Section l(h).

 

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2. Obligation of Executive . In the event of a tender or exchange offer, proxy contest, or the execution of any agreement which, if consummated, would constitute a Change in Control, Executive agrees not to voluntarily leave the employ of the Company, other than as a result of Disability, Retirement or an event which would constitute Good Reason if a Change in Control had occurred, until the Change in Control occurs or, if earlier, such tender or exchange offer, proxy contest, or agreement is terminated or abandoned.

3. Term of Agreement . This Agreement shall be effective on the date hereof and shall continue in effect until the Company shall have given three (3) years’ written notice of cancellation; provided , that , notwithstanding the delivery of any such notice, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of two (2) years after a Change in Control, if such Change in Control shall have occurred during the term of this Agreement. Moreover, if Executive is party to a written employment agreement with the Company at the time of a Change in Control, and such agreement would otherwise expire during the Termination Period, the term of such agreement shall automatically be extended to the end of the Termination Period or, if earlier, Executive’s Retirement. Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, except as provided in the second sentence of Section 1(r), this Agreement shall terminate if Executive or the Company Terminates Executive’s Employment prior to a Change in Control.

4. Payments Upon Termination of Employment .

(a) Qualifying Termination—Severance . If during the Termination Period, the Employment of Executive shall Terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall provide to Executive:

(i) within ten (10) days following the Date of Termination a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of (A) Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any bonus amounts which have become payable, to the extent not theretofore paid or deferred, (B) an amount equal to (I) sixty percent (60%) of Executive’s Base Salary at the rate in effect on the Change in Control (or, if higher, the rate in effect on Termination of Employment), multiplied by (II) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs through the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365), and (C) any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid; plus

 

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(ii) within ten (10) days following the Date of Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to (i) three (3) times Executive’s highest annual rate of Base Salary during the 36-month period immediately prior to Executive’s Date of Termination plus (ii) three (3) times Executive’s Bonus Amount.

(b) Qualifying Termination—Benefits . If during the Termination Period, the Employment of Executive shall Terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall:

(i) for a period of three (3) years following Executive’s Date of Termination, continue to provide Executive (and Executive’s dependents, if applicable) with the same level of accident and life insurance benefits upon substantially the same terms and conditions (including contributions required by Executive for such benefits) as existed immediately prior to Executive’s Date of Termination (or, if more favorable to Executive, as such benefits and terms and conditions existed immediately prior to the Change in Control); provided , that , if Executive cannot continue to participate in the Company plans providing such benefits, the Company shall otherwise provide such benefits on the same after-tax basis as if continued participation had been permitted;

(ii) for the period beginning on Executive’s Date of Termination and continuing for up to 18 months thereafter, reimburse Executive for COBRA premiums paid by Executive for continuation coverage for Executive (and Executive’s dependents, if applicable) under the Company’s medical and dental benefits plan, with such reimbursement being taxable to Executive (any reimbursement required by this paragraph (ii) may be accomplished by the Company’s direct payment of such premium, with such payment taxable to Executive, or by Company reimbursing Executive for such premium within thirty (30) days after Executive’ s payment thereof);

(iii) for the period beginning 19 months after Executive’s Date of Termination and ending 36 months after Executive’s Date of Termination, reimburse Executive for the cost of purchasing coverage substantially similar to that that purchased under the Company’s medical and dental benefits plan pursuant to paragraph (ii) above (with no additional pre-existing condition exclusion), with such reimbursement being taxable to Executive (any reimbursement required by this paragraph (iii) may be accomplished by the Company’s direct payment of such premium, with such payment taxable to Executive, or by Company reimbursing Executive for such premium within thirty (30) days after Executive’ s payment thereof);

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) in the event Executive (or, if applicable, Executive’s dependent) becomes ineligible for COBRA continuation coverage during the first 18 months following Executive’s Date of Termination, such person shall not be eligible for further coverage under paragraph (ii) or (iii), and (B) subject to the limitations in clause (A), in the event Executive becomes employed by another employer and becomes eligible to receive welfare benefits from such employer, the welfare benefits described in paragraphs (i) through (iii) shall be secondary to such benefits during the period of Executive’s eligibility, but only to the extent that the Company reimburses Executive for any increased cost and provides any additional benefits necessary to give Executive the benefits provided hereunder;

(iv) for two years following the Executive’s Date of Termination (or such shorter period ending upon the subsequent employment of Executive at a level of service commensurate with Executive’s positions with the Company on the Date of Termination), provide outplacement services for Executive from a provider selected by the Company and at the Company’s expense;

(v) make such additional payments and provide such additional benefits to Executive as the Company and Executive may agree in writing, or to which Executive may be entitled under the compensation and benefit plans, policies, and arrangements of the Company.

(c) Nonqualifying Termination . If during the Termination Period the Employment of Executive shall Terminate other than by reason of a Qualifying Termination, the Company shall pay to Executive within thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination and any bonus amounts which have become payable, to the extent not theretofore paid or deferred, and any accrued vacation pay, to the extent not theretofore paid. The Company may make such additional payments and provide such additional benefits to Executive as the Company and Executive may agree in writing, and the Company shall provide Executive with those payments and benefits to which Executive may be entitled under the compensation and benefit plans, policies, and arrangements of the Company or any employment agreement with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company.

(d) Stock Rights . In the event of a Change in Control, all restricted Company stock and all options, stock appreciation rights, and/or other stock rights held by Executive with respect to Company stock that are exempt from Section 409A (“Stock Rights”) which are not fully vested (and exercisable, if applicable) shall become fully vested and exercisable as of a time established by the Board, which shall be no later than a time preceding the Change in Control which allows Executive to exercise the Stock Rights and cause the stock acquired thereby to participate in the Change in Control transaction. If the Change in Control transaction is structured so that stock participating therein at one time is or may be treated differently from stock participating therein at a different time ( e.g. , a tender offer followed by a squeeze-out merger), the Board shall interpret this Subsection (d) to provide for the required vesting acceleration in a manner designed to allow Executive to exercise the Stock Rights and cause the stock acquired thereby to participate in the earliest portion of the Change in Control transaction. If the consummation of a Change in Control transaction is uncertain ( e.g. , a tender offer in which the tender of a minimum number of shares is a condition to closing, or a voted merger or proxy contest in which a minimum number of votes is a condition to closing), the Board shall apply this Subsection (d) by using its best efforts to determine if and when the Change in Control transaction is likely to close, and proceeding accordingly. To the extent necessary to implement this Subsection d), each agreement reflecting a Stock Right, and each plan, if any, pursuant to which a Stock Right is issued, if any, shall be deemed amended.

 

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(e) Delay in Payments to Specified Employees . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if Executive is a specified employee within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), distributions pursuant to this Section shall be delayed to the earliest day on which such payments are permitted by Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the regulations thereunder.

5. Certain Additional Payments by the Company .

(a) If it is determined (as hereafter provided) that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise pursuant to or by reason of any other agreement, policy, plan, program or arrangement, including without limitation any stock option, stock appreciation right or similar right, or the lapse or termination of any restriction on or the vesting or exercisability of any of the foregoing (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) or to any similar tax imposed by state or local law, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such tax or taxes, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then (i) if reduction of the amount payable pursuant to paragraph 4(a)(ii) by no more than ten percent (10%) would result in no Excise Tax being imposed, the amount in paragraph 4(a)(ii) shall be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to result in no Excise Tax being imposed, and (ii) if clause (i) does not apply, Executive will be entitled to receive an additional payment or payments (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that, after payment by Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 5(f) hereof, all determinations required to be made under this Section 5, including whether an Excise Tax is payable by Executive and the amount of such Excise Tax and whether a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, will be made by a nationally recognized firm of certified public accountants (the “Accounting Firm”) selected by Executive in his sole discretion. Executive will direct the Accounting Firm to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and Executive within 15 calendar days after the date of Executive’s termination of employment, if applicable, and any other such time or times as may be requested by the Company or Executive. If the Accounting Firm determines that any Excise Tax is payable by Executive, the Company will pay the required Gross-Up Payment to Executive within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations. If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Executive, it will, at the same time as it makes such determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that he has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on his federal, state, local income or other tax return. Subject to the provisions of this Section 5, any determination by the Accounting Firm as to the amount of the Gross-Up Payment will be binding upon the Company and Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision thereto) and the possibility of similar uncertainty regarding applicable state or local tax law at the time of any determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (an “Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that an Underpayment is made and the Company exhausts or fails to pursue its remedies pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof and Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, Executive will direct the Accounting Firm to determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and Executive as promptly as possible. Any such Underpayment will be promptly paid by the Company to, or for the benefit of, Executive within five business days after receipt of such determination and calculations.

 

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(c) The Company and Executive will each provide the Accounting Firm access to and copies of any books, records and documents in the possession of the Company or Executive, as the case may be, reasonably requested by the Accounting Firm, and otherwise cooperate with the Accounting Firm in connection with the preparation and issuance of the determination contemplated by Section 5(b) hereof.

(d) The federal, state and local income or other tax returns filed by Executive will be prepared and filed on a consistent basis with the determination of the Accounting Firm with respect to the Excise Tax payable by Executive. Executive will make proper payment of the amount of any Excise Tax, and at the request of the Company, provide to the Company true and correct copies (with any amendments) of his federal income tax return as filed with the Internal Revenue Service and corresponding state and local tax returns, if relevant, as filed with the applicable taxing authority, and such other documents reasonably requested by the Company, evidencing such payment. If prior to the filing of Executive’s federal income tax return, or corresponding state or local tax return, if relevant, the Accounting Firm determines that the amount of the Gross-Up Payment should be reduced, Executive will within five business days pay to the Company the amount of such reduction.

(e) The fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm for its services in connection with the determinations and calculations contemplated by Sections 5(b) and (d) hereof will be borne by the Company. If such fees and expenses are initially advanced by Executive, the Company will reimburse Executive the full amount of such fees and expenses within five business days after receipt from Executive of a statement therefor and reasonable evidence of his payment thereof.

 

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(f) Executive will notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the Company of a Gross-Up Payment. Such notification will be given as promptly as practicable but no later than 10 business days after Executive actually receives notice of such claim and Executive will further apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid (in each case, to the extent known by Executive). Executive will not pay such claim prior to the earlier of (i) the expiration of the 30-calendar-day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company and (ii) the date that any payment of amount with respect to such claim is due. If the Company notifies Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, Executive will:

(i) provide the Company with any written records or documents in his possession relating to such claim reasonably requested by the Company;

(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company will reasonably request in writing from time to time, including without limitation accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney competent in respect of the subject matter and reasonably selected by the Company;

(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim; and

(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim;

provided, however, that the Company will bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and will indemnify and hold harmless Executive, on an after-tax basis, for and against any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 5(f), the Company will control all proceedings taken in connection with the contest of any claim contemplated by this Section 5(f) and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim (provided that Executive may participate therein at his own cost and expense) and may, at its option, either direct Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company will determine; provided, however, that if the Company directs Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund, the Company will advance the amount of such payment to Executive on an interest-free basis and will indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest or penalties with respect thereto, imposed with respect to such advance; and provided further, however, that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of Executive with respect to which the contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company’s control of any such contested claim will be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and Executive will be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.

 

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(g) If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof, Executive receives any refund with respect to such claim, Executive will (subject to the Company’s complying with the requirements of Section 5(f) hereof) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after any taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof, a determination is made that Executive will not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial or refund prior to the expiration of 30 calendar days after such determination, then such advance will be forgiven and will not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance will offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid pursuant to this Section 5.

(h) To the extent that earlier payment is not required by the preceding provisions of this Section, the Company shall pay amounts required to be paid pursuant to this Section not later than the end of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which Executive remits the related taxes.

6. Withholding Taxes . The Company may withhold from all payments due to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate) hereunder all taxes which, by applicable federal, state, local or other law, the Company is required to withhold therefrom. In the case of the withholding of an Excise Tax, such withholding shall be consistent with any determination made under Section 5.

7. Reimbursement of Expenses . If any contest or dispute shall arise under this Agreement involving termination of Executive’s employment with the Company or involving the failure or refusal of the Company to perform fully in accordance with the terms hereof, the Company shall reimburse Executive, on a current basis, for all reasonable legal fees and expenses, if any, incurred by Executive in connection with such contest or dispute (regardless of the result thereof); provided , however , Executive shall be required to repay any such amounts to the Company to the extent that a court or an arbitration panel issues a final order from which no appeal can be taken, or with respect to which the time period to appeal has expired, setting forth that Executive has not wholly or partially prevailed on at least one material issue in dispute. The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in one year pursuant to this Section shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement in any following year. Under no circumstances shall the Company’s reimbursement for expenses incurred in a calendar year be made later than the end of the next following calendar year; provided, however, this requirement shall not alter the Company’s obligation to reimburse Executive for eligible expenses on a current basis.

 

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8. Scope of Agreement . Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to entitle Executive to continued employment with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, and if Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate prior to a Change in Control, Executive shall have no further rights under this Agreement (except as otherwise provided hereunder); provided , however , that any Termination of Executive’s Employment during the Termination Period shall be subject to all of the provisions of this Agreement.

9. Successors; Binding Agreement .

(a) This Agreement shall not be terminated by any Change in Control or other merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, sale of substantially all the assets or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company (a “Business Combination”). In the event of any Business Combination, the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the surviving corporation, and such surviving corporation shall be treated as the Company hereunder.

(b) The Company agrees that in connection with any Business Combination, it will cause any successor entity to the Company unconditionally to assume (and for any parent corporation in such Business Combination to guarantee), by written instrument delivered to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate), all of the obligations of the Company hereunder. Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption and guarantee prior to the effectiveness of any such Business Combination that constitutes a Change in Control, shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall constitute Good Reason hereunder, with the event of Good Reason occurring on the date on which such Business Combination becomes effective.

(c) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If Executive shall die while any amounts would be payable to Executive hereunder had Executive continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to such person or persons appointed in writing by Executive to receive such amounts or, if no person is so appointed, to Executive’s estate.

10. Notice . (a) For purposes of this Agreement, all notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when actually received or, if mailed, three days after mailing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or one business day after mailing by a nationally recognized express mail delivery service with instructions for next-day delivery, addressed as follows:

 

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If to the Executive, to the Executive’s principal residence as reflected in the records of the Company.

If to the Company:

Emmis Communications Corporation

40 Monument Circle

Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Attn.: General Counsel

or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

(b) A written notice of Executive’s Date of Termination by the Company or Executive, as the case may be, to the other, shall (i) indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Termination of Executive’s Employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) specify the termination date (which date shall be not less than fifteen (15) (thirty (30), if termination is by the Company for Disability) nor more than sixty (60) days after the giving of such notice). The failure by Executive or the Company to set forth in such notice any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of Executive or the Company hereunder or preclude Executive or the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.

11. Full Settlement; Resolution of Disputes . The Company’s obligation to make any payments and provide any benefits pursuant to this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall be in lieu and in full settlement of all other severance payments to Executive under any other severance or employment agreement between Executive and the Company, and any severance plan of the Company; provided , however , that if any such other agreement or plan would provide Executive with a greater payment or more or longer benefits in respect of any particular item described hereunder (e.g., severance, welfare benefits), then Executive shall receive such particular item of payment and/or benefit pursuant to such other agreement or plan, in lieu of receiving that particular item pursuant to this Agreement; and provided further , retention bonuses and/or completion bonuses shall not be considered severance pay for purposes of this Section. The Company’s obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against Executive or others. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable and benefits provided to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as provided in Section 4(b), such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive obtains other employment. The parties agree that any controversy or claim of either party hereto arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement, or breach thereof, shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in Indianapolis, Indiana by three arbitrators in accordance with the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association, and that judgment upon any award rendered may be entered by the prevailing party in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Company shall bear all costs and expenses arising in connection with any arbitration proceeding pursuant to this Section.

 

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12. Employment by Affiliates of the Company . Employment by the Company for purposes of this Agreement shall include employment by any Affiliate.

13. Survival . The respective obligations and benefits afforded to the Company and Executive as provided in Sections 4 (to the extent that payments or benefits are owed as a result of a Termination of Employment that occurs during the term of this Agreement), 5 (to the extent that Payments are made to Executive as a result of a Change in Control that occurs during the term of this Agreement), 6, 7, 9(c) and 11 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

14. GOVERNING LAW; VALIDITY . THE INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF INDIANA WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS THEREOF, OF SUCH PRINCIPLES OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHICH COULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF INDIANA. THE INVALIDITY OR UNENFORCEABILITY OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHICH OTHER PROVISIONS SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

15. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

16. Miscellaneous . No provision of this Agreement may be modified or waived unless such modification or waiver is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by a duly authorized officer of the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. Failure by Executive or the Company to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or to assert any right Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the rights of, and benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his beneficiaries pursuant to this Agreement are in addition to any rights of, or benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his beneficiaries under any other employee benefit plan or compensation program of the Company.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company and Executive has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS

CORPORATION

By:   /s/ J. Scott Enright
Title:   Executive Vice President
Date:   May 7, 2012                                

 

EXECUTIVE
  /s/ Gregory T. Loewen
  Date: May 7, 2012                                 

 

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Exhibit 10.28

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is effective as of March 1, 2010, by and between EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY , an Indiana corporation (“Employer”), and GREGORY T. LOEWEN , an Indiana resident (“Executive”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Employer and its affiliates are engaged in the ownership and operation of certain radio stations, magazines, and related operations (together, the “Emmis Group”); and

WHEREAS, Employer desires to employ Executive and Executive desires to be so employed.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual promises and covenants set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

1. Employment Status and Duties . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Employer hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts exclusive employment with Employer. During the Term (as defined below), Executive shall serve as President—Publishing Division and Chief Strategy Officer. Executive shall have such duties, functions, authority and responsibilities as are commensurate with such positions. Executive’s services hereunder shall be performed on an exclusive, full-time basis in a professional, diligent and competent manner to the best of Executive’s abilities. Executive shall not undertake any outside employment or business activities without the prior written consent of Employer. Executive shall be permitted to serve on the board of charitable or civic organizations so long as such services: (i) are approved in writing in advance by Employer; and (ii) do not interfere with Executive’s duties and obligations under this Agreement. It is understood and agreed that the location for the performance of Executive’s duties and services pursuant to this Agreement shall be the offices designated by Employer in Indianapolis, Indiana. If Executive is elected as a Director of Emmis Communications Corporation (“ECC”), he shall serve in such position without additional remuneration (unless Employer elects to remunerate “inside directors”) but shall be entitled to the benefit of indemnification pursuant to the terms of Section 17.10 . Executive shall also serve without additional remuneration as a director and/or officer of one (1) or more of Employer’s subsidiaries or affiliates if appointed to such position(s) by Employer and shall also be entitled to the benefit of indemnification pursuant to the terms of Section 17.10 .

2. Term . The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of three (3) years commencing on March 1, 2010, and continuing until February 28, 2013, unless earlier terminated or extended in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Agreement (the “Term”). Each year commencing on March 1 and ending on the last day of February during the Term shall be a “Contract Year.”


3. Base Salary; Auto Allowance . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to Executive an annualized base salary (the “Base Salary”), payable pursuant to Employer’s customary payroll practices and subject to applicable taxes and withholdings as required by law, for each Contract Year, as set forth below:

 

First Contract Year:

   $ 315,000   

Second Contract Year:

   $ 325,000   

Third Contract Year:

   $ 350,000   

Except as otherwise set forth herein, Employer shall have no obligation to pay Executive the Base Salary for any periods during which Executive fails or refuses to render services pursuant to this Agreement (except that Executive shall not be considered to have failed or refused to render services during any periods of Executive’s incapacity or absence from work due to sickness or other approved leave of absence in accordance with the Company’s policies, subject to Employer’s right to terminate Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 11 ) or for any period following the expiration or termination of this Agreement. In addition, it is understood and agreed that Employer may, at its sole election, pay up to ten percent (10%) of Executive’s Base Salary in shares of Class A Common Stock of ECC (the “Shares”); provided that: (i) the Shares are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on a then-effective Form S-8 or other applicable registration statement and are issued without restriction on resale (and further provided that the Shares are listed on a securities exchange or over-the-counter market, which does not include listing on the “pink sheets,” at the time of issuance), subject to any restrictions on resale under Employer’s insider trading policy or applicable federal and state law; and (ii) the percentage of Executive’s Base Salary payable in Shares shall be consistent with, and the exact number of Shares to be awarded to Executive shall be determined in the same manner as, that utilized for the Key Executive Group. The term “Key Executive Group” refers to Employer’s Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel (or, if either of those positions is no longer comparable to Executive’s position, any other positions mutually agreed upon by the parties).

During the Term, Executive shall receive a monthly auto allowance in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) (subject to withholding and applicable taxes as required by law) consistent with Employer’s policy or practices regarding such allowances, as such policy or practices may be amended from time to time during the Term in Employer’s sole and absolute discretion; provided , however , that in no event shall the auto allowance amount paid to Executive pursuant to this provision be reduced.

 

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4. Incentive Compensation .

4.1 Option Grant . Subject to the terms of this Section 4.1 , on March 1, 2010, Executive shall be granted (i) an option (the “Option”) to acquire Seventy Thousand (70,000) shares of Class A Common Stock of ECC (“Shares”), which shall vest on February 28, 2013; and (ii) Ten Thousand (10,000) Shares (which are in final and full satisfaction of any and all grants to be made under Executive’s prior employment agreement). The Option granted pursuant to this Section 4.1 shall: (i) have an exercise price per share equal to the Fair Market Value (“FMV”) of the stock on the date of grant (as FMV is defined in the applicable Equity Compensation Plan, or any subsequent equity compensation or similar plan adopted by ECC and generally used to make equity-based awards to management-level employees of the Emmis Group (the “Plan”)); (ii) notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement, be granted according to the terms and subject to the conditions of the Plan; (iii) be evidenced by a written grant agreement containing such terms and conditions as are generally provided for other management-level employees of the Emmis Group; and (iv) be exercisable for Shares with such restrictive legends on the certificates in accordance with the Plan and applicable securities laws. Employer shall use reasonable efforts to register the Shares subject to the award on a Form S-8 or other applicable registration statement at such time as the Shares are issued to Executive. The Option granted pursuant to this Section 4.1 is intended to satisfy the regulatory exemption from the application of Code Section 409A for certain options for service recipient shares, and it shall be administered accordingly.

4.2 Fiscal Year Bonus Amounts . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 4 , following the conclusion of each of Employer’s fiscal years ending February 28, 2011, February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2013 (each, a “Fiscal Year”), Executive shall be eligible to receive one (1) performance bonus in an annualized target amount equivalent to Sixty percent (60%) of Executive’s total Base Salary earned during the subject Fiscal Year (each, a “Fiscal Year Bonus”), the exact amount of which, if any, shall be determined based upon Executive’s attainment of certain performance and financial goals as determined each Fiscal Year by the Compensation Committee of ECC’s Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”), in its sole and absolute discretion, and communicated to Executive within ten (10) days after a final determination by the Compensation Committee.

4.3 Completion Bonus . Except as provided below, on the condition that Executive remains employed by Employer, on a full-time, continuous basis, through February 28, 2013, Employer shall make a cash payment to Executive in the amount of $350,000 (the “Completion Bonus”). The Completion Bonus shall be paid to Executive within two (2) weeks after February 28, 2013.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive’s employment is terminated prior to February 28, 2013 and such termination is: (a) due to Executive’s death, (b) on account of Executive’s incapacity pursuant to Section 11 , (c) by Employer other than for Cause pursuant to Section 10 , (d) by Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 10 , or (e) due to a “Qualifying Termination” (as defined in the CIC Agreement) following a Change in Control, then Employer shall pay to Executive, within two (2) weeks after termination of his employment, a pro-rata portion of the Completion Bonus. Any pro-rated portion of the Completion Bonus shall be based upon the number of calendar days elapsed between the Effective Date and the date of termination divided by the total number of calendar days between the Effective Date and February 28, 2013.

 

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4.4 Payment of Bonus Amounts . Employer shall pay or cause to be paid to Executive the bonus amounts, if earned according to the terms and conditions set forth in Sections 4.2 or 4.3; provided that, unless provided otherwise in Sections 4.2 , 4.3 , 9 , 10 , 11 or 12 of this Agreement, on the final day of the applicable measuring period for such bonus: (i) this Agreement is in full force and effect and has not been terminated for any reason (other than due to a material breach of this Agreement by Employer); and (ii) Executive is fully performing all of Executive’s material duties and obligations pursuant to this Agreement and is not in breach of any of the material terms and conditions of this Agreement (provided that Executive’s failure or inability to perform his duties and obligations because of his death or incapacity (pursuant to Section 11 ), including during leaves of absence, shall not be considered a breach of this Agreement or non-performance under this provision). In addition, it is understood and agreed that Employer may, at its sole election, pay any bonus amounts earned by Executive pursuant to this Section 4 in cash or Shares; provided that the Shares are registered with the SEC on a then-effective Form S-8 or other applicable registration statement and are issued without restriction on resale (and further provided that the Shares are listed on a securities exchange or over-the-counter market, which does not include listing on the “pink sheets,” at the time of issuance), subject to any restrictions on resale under Employer’s insider trading policy or applicable federal and state law. In the event that Employer elects pursuant to this Section 4.2 to pay any bonus amounts in Shares, the percentage of bonus amounts payable in Shares shall be consistent with, and the exact number of Shares to be awarded to Executive shall be determined in the same manner as that utilized for the Key Executive Group. Any bonus amounts earned by Executive pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Section 4 shall be paid after the end of measuring period for which the bonus is earned (but in no event later than ninety (90) days after the end of such measuring period). Any and all bonus amounts payable by Employer to Executive pursuant to this Section 4 shall be subject to applicable taxes and withholdings as required by law. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, any bonus pursuant to Sections 4.2 or 4.3 shall be paid to Executive by the earlier of the date specified herein or the date that is no later than two-and-a-half months after the end of either Employer’s or Executive’s first taxable year (whichever period is longer) in which any such bonus is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for purposes of Section 409A (defined below).

 

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5. Expenses; Travel . Employer shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses actually incurred or paid by Executive during the Term in connection with the performance of Executive’s services hereunder upon presentation of expense statements, vouchers or other supporting documentation as Employer may require of Executive; provided such expenses are otherwise in accordance with Employer’s policies. Executive shall undertake such travel as may be required in the performance of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement. Under no circumstances shall the Employer’s reimbursement for expenses incurred in a calendar year be made later than the end of the next following calendar year; provided, however, this requirement shall not alter the Employer’s obligation to reimburse Executive for eligible expenses on a current basis.

6. Fringe Benefits .

6.1 Vacation and Other Benefits . Each Contract Year, Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks of paid vacation in accordance with Employer’s applicable policies and procedures for executive-level employees. Executive shall also be eligible to participate in and receive the fringe benefits generally made available to other executive-level employees of Employer in accordance with and to the extent that Executive is eligible under the general provisions of Employer’s fringe benefit plans or programs; provided , however , that Executive understands that these benefits may be increased, changed, eliminated or added from time to time during the Term as determined in Employer’s sole and absolute discretion. In addition, Employer shall sponsor, and pay any and all reasonable expenses associated with, Executive’s authorization to live and work in the United States (i.e. Green Card) during the Term; provided , however , such sponsorship and payment shall not include Executive’s family members.

6.2 Insurance and Estate Planning . Each Contract Year, Employer agrees to reimburse Executive in an amount not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) for the annual premium and other fees and expenses associated with estate planning services for Executive, including legal and tax services, and Executive’s purchase or maintenance of a life or disability insurance policy or other insurance policies on the life, or related to the care, of Executive. Executive shall be entitled to freely select and change the beneficiary or beneficiaries under such policy or policies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Employer’s obligations under this Section 6.2 are expressly contingent upon Executive providing required information and taking all necessary actions required of Executive in order to obtain and maintain the subject services, policy or policies, including without limitation passing any required physical examinations. Reimbursements pursuant to this Section 6.2 with respect to a Contract Year shall be made as soon as administratively feasible after Executive submits the information and documentation required for reimbursement; provided, however, under no circumstances shall such reimbursement be paid later than two-and-a-half months after the end of the calendar year or Employer’s taxable year in which such Contract Year commenced.

 

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7. Confidential Information .

7.1 Non-Disclosure . Executive acknowledges that certain information concerning the business of the Emmis Group and its members (including but not limited to trade secrets and other proprietary information) is of a highly confidential nature, and that, as a result of Executive’s employment with Employer prior to and during the Term, Executive shall receive and develop, proprietary and confidential information concerning the business of Employer and/or other members of the Emmis Group which, if known to Employer’s competitors, would damage Employer, other members of the Emmis Group and their respective businesses. Accordingly, Executive hereby agrees that during the Term and thereafter, Executive shall not divulge or appropriate for Executive’s own use, or for the use or benefit of any third party (other than Employer and its representatives, or as directed in writing by Employer), any information or knowledge concerning the business of Employer or any other member of the Emmis Group which is not generally available to the public other than through the activities of Executive. Executive further agrees that, immediately upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall promptly surrender to Employer all documents, brochures, plans, strategies, writings, illustrations, client lists, price lists, sales, financial or marketing plans, budgets and any and all other materials (regardless of form or character) which Executive received from or developed on behalf of Employer or any member of the Emmis Group in connection with Executive’s employment prior to or during the Term. Executive acknowledges that all such materials shall remain at all times during the Term and thereafter the sole and exclusive property of Employer and that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to grant Executive any right, title or interest in such material.

7.2 Ownership of Materials . Employer shall solely and exclusively own all rights of every kind and nature in perpetuity and throughout the universe in: (i) the results and proceeds of Executive’s services pursuant to this Agreement; and (ii) any business, financial, sales or marketing plans and strategies, documents, presentations or other similar materials, regardless of kind or character, each of which Executive acknowledges is a work specially ordered by Employer which shall be considered to be a “work made for hire” for Employer. The exclusive legal title to all of the aforesaid works, matters, and materials and all secondary and derivative rights therein, shall belong, at all times, to Employer.

7.3 Injunctive Relief . Executive acknowledges that Executive’s breach of this Section 7 will cause irreparable harm and damage to Employer, the exact amount of which will be difficult to ascertain; that the remedies at law for any such breach would be inadequate; and that the provisions of this Section 7 have been specifically negotiated and carefully written to prevent such irreparable harm and damage. Accordingly, if Executive breaches this Section 7 , Employer shall be entitled to injunctive relief (including attorneys’ fees and costs) enforcing this Section 7 to the extent reasonably necessary to protect Employer’s legitimate interests, without posting bond or other security.

 

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8. Non-Interference; Non-Competition; Injunctive Relief .

8.1 Non-Interference . During the Term, and for a period of two (2) years immediately following the expiration or early termination of the Term for any reason, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, take any action (or permit any action to be taken by an entity with which Executive is associated) which has the effect of interfering with Employer’s relationship (contractual or otherwise) with any employee of any member of the Emmis Group. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive specifically agrees that during such time period, neither Executive nor any entity with which Executive is associated shall solicit, hire or engage any on-air talent or other employee of any member of the Emmis Group or any other employee of any member of the Emmis Group to provide services for Executive’s benefit or for the benefit of any other business or entity, or solicit or encourage them to cease their employment with any member of the Emmis Group for any reason.

8.2 Non-Competition . Executive acknowledges the special and unique nature of Executive’s employment with Employer as a senior-management-level employee, and understands that, as a result of Executive’s employment with Employer prior to and during the Term, Executive has gained and will continue to gain knowledge of and have access to highly sensitive and valuable information regarding the operations of Employer and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities, including but not limited to the confidential information described more fully in Section 7.1 . Accordingly, Executive acknowledges Employer’s interest in preventing the disclosure of such information through the engagement of Executive’s services by any of Employer’s competitors following the expiration or termination of the Term for any reason. Consequently, during the Term and for a period of twelve (12) months immediately following the expiration or termination of the Term for any reason, Executive shall not engage directly or indirectly in, or become employed by, serve as an agent or consultant to, or become an officer, director, partner, principal or shareholder of, any corporation, partnership or other entity which is engaged in the terrestrial radio broadcasting business, or the city and regional magazine publishing business, in any market in which Employer owns or operates a radio station or magazine as of the termination date of Executive’s employment with Employer. As long as Executive does not engage in any other activity prohibited by the immediately preceding sentence, Executive’s ownership of less than five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding stock of any corporation whose stock is traded on an established securities market shall not constitute competition with Employer for the purpose of this Section 8.2 .

 

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8.3 Injunctive Relief . Executive acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this Section 8 have been specifically negotiated and carefully worded in recognition of the opportunities which will be afforded to Executive by Employer by virtue of Executive’s continued association with Employer during the Term, and the influence that Executive has and will continue to have over Employer’s employees, customers and suppliers. Executive further acknowledges that Executive’s breach of Sections 8.1 or 8.2 herein will cause irreparable harm and damage to Employer, the exact amount of which will be difficult to ascertain; that the remedies at law for any such breach would be inadequate; and that the provisions of this Section 8 have been specifically negotiated and carefully written to prevent such irreparable harm and damage. Accordingly, if Executive breaches Sections 8.1 or 8.2 , Employer shall be entitled to injunctive relief (including attorneys’ fees and costs) enforcing Sections 8.1 or 8.2 , to the extent reasonably necessary to protect Employer’s legitimate interests, without posting bond or other security. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if Executive violates Sections 8.1 or 8.2 , and Employer brings legal action for injunctive or other relief, Employer shall not, as a result of the time involved in obtaining such relief, be deprived of the benefit of the full period of noninterference or non-competition set forth therein. Accordingly, the obligations set forth in Sections 8.1 or 8.2 shall have the duration set forth therein, computed from the date such relief is granted but reduced by the time expired between the date the restrictive period began to run and the date of the first violation of the obligation(s) by Executive.

8.4 Construction . Despite the express agreement herein between the parties, in the event that any provisions set forth in this Section 8 shall be determined by any court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, the parties agree that this Section 8 shall be interpreted to extend only to the maximum extent as to which it may be enforceable, and that this Section 8 shall be severable into its component parts, all as determined by such court or tribunal.

9. Termination of Agreement by Employer for Cause .

9.1 Termination . Employer may terminate this Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause (as defined in Section 9.3 below) in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Section 9 . Following a determination by Employer that Executive should be terminated for Cause, Employer shall give written notice (the “Preliminary Notice”) to Executive specifying the grounds for such termination, and Executive shall have ten (10) days after receipt of the Preliminary Notice to attempt to cure any acts or omissions giving rise to Cause, if applicable, and/or to respond to Employer in writing. If following the expiration of such ten (10) day period Employer reaffirms its determination that Executive should be terminated for Cause, such termination shall be effective upon delivery by Employer to Executive of a final notice of termination.

9.2 Effect of Termination . In the event of termination for Cause as provided in Section 9.1 above:

(i) Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder except Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 and 8 , which shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and except for any obligations arising in connection with any conduct of Executive described in Section 9.3 ; and

 

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(ii) Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder, except that Employer shall, not later than two (2) weeks after the termination date:

(a) pay to Executive any Base Salary which has been earned on or prior to the termination date, but which remains unpaid as of the termination date; and

(b) pay to Executive any bonus amounts which have been earned on or prior to the termination date pursuant to Section 4 , if any, but which remain unpaid as of the termination date.

Additionally, Employer shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) and the provisions of any Employer benefit plans in which Executive or Executive’s eligible dependents or beneficiaries are participating at the time of termination.

9.3 Definition of Cause . For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall be defined to mean any of the following: (i) Executive’s failure, refusal or neglect to perform any of Executive’s material duties or obligations under this Agreement, or any material duties assigned to Executive consistent with the terms of this Agreement (Executive’s inability or failure to perform his obligations hereunder because of his death or incapacity, subject to Employer’s right to terminate Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 11 , including during approved periods of absence, shall not be considered Cause for termination under this provision), or abide by any applicable policy of Employer, or Executive’s breach of any material term or condition of this Agreement, and continuation of such failure, refusal, neglect, or breach after written notice and the expiration of a ten (10) day cure period; provided , however , that it is not the parties’ intention that the Employer shall be required to provide successive such notices, and in the event Employer has provided Executive with a notice and opportunity to cure pursuant to this Section 9.3 , Employer may terminate this Agreement for a subsequent breach similar or related to the breach for which notice was previously given or for a continuing series or pattern of breaches (whether or not similar or related) without providing notice and an opportunity to cure; (ii) commission of any felony or any other crime involving an act of moral turpitude which is harmful to Employer’s business or reputation; (iii) Executive’s action or omission, or knowing allowance of actions or omissions, which are in violation of any law or any of the rules or regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, or which otherwise jeopardize any of the licenses granted to Employer or any member of the Emmis Group in connection with the ownership or operation of any radio station; (iv) theft in any amount; (v) actual or threatened violence against any individual (in connection with his employment hereunder) or another employee; (vi) sexual or other prohibited harassment of others that is actionable under applicable laws; (vii) unauthorized disclosure or use of trade secrets or proprietary or confidential information, as described more fully in Section 7.1 ; (viii) any action which brings Employer or any member of the Emmis Group into public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule, and which is harmful to Employer’s business or reputation; (ix) any matter constituting cause or gross misconduct under applicable laws; and (x) failure to take any and all reasonable steps to maintain Executive’s authorization to live and work in the United States during the Term of this Agreement.

 

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10. Termination by Employer Without Cause or Voluntary Resignation by Executive for Good Reason .

10.1 Effect of the Termination . If Employer Terminates Executive’s Employment (as defined below) without Cause, or Executive Terminates his Employment for Good Reason (as defined below), then:

(i) Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder, except Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 and 8 , which shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

(ii) Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder, except that Employer shall:

(a) pay to Executive any Base Salary which has been earned on or prior to the termination date, but which remains unpaid as of the termination date, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks of the termination date;

(b) pay to Executive any bonus amounts, if any, which Executive earned prior to the termination date pursuant to Section 4 but which are unpaid as of the termination date, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks of the termination date;

(c) pay to Executive a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks of the termination date equal to the total amount of Base Salary that would have been payable to Executive hereunder had the termination not occurred for a period that is the lesser of one (1) year from the termination date or the period between the termination date and February 28, 2013, subject to any applicable tax withholding and deductions as required by law;

(d) pay or reimburse, for the period applicable under Section 10.1(ii)(c) above, any medical, dental or vision insurance premiums (up to the amount that Employer is paying on behalf of Executive and his eligible dependents immediately prior to the date of termination, e.g., the employer-paid premium) for the continuation of such health coverage for Executive and Executive’s dependents pursuant to the provisions of COBRA or applicable state law. If Executive becomes eligible to participate in any other group insurance program of another employer and elects coverage thereunder, these payments shall cease at that time;

 

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(e) pay the full amount of Executive’s bonus opportunity pursuant to Section 4.2 , as applicable, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks after the termination date, for the Fiscal Year in which the termination occurs, subject to applicable tax withholding;

(f) pay the Completion Bonus described in Section 4.3 in the amounts set forth therein, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks after the termination date, subject to applicable taxes and withholding; and

(g) accelerate in full the vesting of any equity granted to Executive prior to the termination date within two (2) weeks after the termination date (subject to applicable tax withholding and deductions as required by law).

10.2 Definition of Termination of Employment . For purposes of this Agreement, when capitalized, “Terminates Employment,” “Termination of Employment,” or any variation of that term means a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A.

10.3 Definition of Good Reason . For purposes of this Section 10 , the term “Good Reason” shall be defined to mean, without Executive’s written consent: (i) a reduction by Employer in Executive’s Base Salary or target Fiscal Year Bonus opportunity from the amounts set forth in this Agreement; (ii) failure of Employer to provide an office to Executive, or Employer requiring Executive to work in an office that is more than thirty-five (35) miles from the location of the Company’s principal executive offices at the time of this Agreement, except for required travel on business of the Company to the extent substantially consistent with Executive’s business travel obligations, (iii) Employer’s ownership of less than two (2) magazines; or (iv) a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by Employer; provided that Executive has given Employer notice of such breach within thirty (30) days of the initial occurrence of the event that is alleged to constitute Good Reason, such breach remains uncured in the thirty (30) day period after such notice, and Executive terminates his employment no later than ten (10) days after the cure period has expired. Employer shall not take any position that a resignation by Executive for Good Reason fails to constitute on involuntary separation from service for purposes of Section 409A.

 

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11. Termination of Agreement by Employer for Incapacity .

11.1 Termination . If Executive shall become incapacitated (as defined in the Employer’s employee handbook or, if that is not applicable, as reasonably determined by Employer), Employer shall continue to compensate Executive under the terms of this Agreement without diminution and otherwise without regard to such incapacity or nonperformance of duties until Executive has been incapacitated for a cumulative period of ninety (90) days in any one hundred eighty (180) consecutive day period, at which time Employer may, in its sole discretion, elect to terminate Executive’s employment. The date that Executive’s employment terminates pursuant to this Section 11 is referred to herein as the “Incapacity Termination Date.”

11.2 Obligations after Termination . Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder after an Incapacity Termination Date except Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 and 8 , which shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. After an Incapacity Termination Date, Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder except that Employer shall, not later than two (2) weeks after an Incapacity Termination Date, pay to Executive those amounts described in Sections 4.3 and 9.2(ii) ; provided , however , that in the event an Incapacity Termination Date occurs at least six (6) months after the commencement of a Fiscal Year during the Term, Employer shall pay to Executive a pro-rated portion of the Fiscal Year Bonus for the Fiscal Year during which the Incapacity Termination Date occurs, such amount to be determined in the sole discretion of Employer. Additionally, Employer shall comply with the provisions of COBRA and the provisions of any Employer benefit plans in which Executive or Executive’s eligible dependents or beneficiaries are participating at the time of termination. Nothing in this Section 11 shall affect the amount of any benefits which may be payable to Executive under any insurance plan or policy maintained by Employer or Executive or pursuant to any Employer company practice, plan or program applicable to other senior-management-level employees of the Emmis Group.

12. Death of Executive . This Agreement shall terminate immediately upon Executive’s death. In the event of such termination, Employer shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder except that Employer shall, not later than two (2) weeks after Executive’s date of death, pay or grant to Executive’s estate or designated beneficiary those amounts described in Sections 4.3 and 9.2(ii) . Additionally, Employer shall comply with the provisions of COBRA and the provisions of any Employer benefit plans in which Executive or Executive’s eligible dependents or beneficiaries are participating at the time of termination. In the event that Executive dies after termination of this Agreement pursuant to Sections 9 , 10 or 11 , all amounts required to be paid by Employer prior to Executive’s death in connection with such termination that remain unpaid as of Executive’s date of death shall be paid to Executive’s estate or designated beneficiary.

13. Termination of the Agreement because of Non-renewal . If this Agreement expires on February 28, 2013 and is not renewed or extended by the parties, Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder, except Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 and 8 , which shall survive the expiration of this Agreement. Employer shall have the liabilities and obligations set forth in Section 9.2(ii) above, and shall pay the Fiscal Year Bonus, if any, in accordance with Section 4.2 , and the Completion Bonus in accordance with Section 4.4 within two (2) weeks after the expiration of the Agreement.

 

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14. Application of Internal Revenue Code Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any payments and benefits provided under this Agreement (the “Severance Benefits”) that constitute “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder and any state law of similar effect (collectively “Section 409A”) shall not commence in connection with Executive’s termination of employment unless and until Executive has also incurred a “separation from service” (as such term is defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h) (“Separation From Service”), unless Employer reasonably determines that such amounts may be provided to Executive without causing Executive to incur the additional 20% tax under Section 409A.

It is intended that each installment of the Severance Benefits payments provided for in this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(i). For the avoidance of doubt, it is intended that payments of the Severance Benefits set forth in this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A provided under Treasury Regulation Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(5) and 1.409A-1(b)(9). However, if Employer (or, if applicable, the successor entity thereto) determines that the Severance Benefits constitute “deferred compensation” under Section 409A and Executive is, on the termination of service, a “specified employee” of Employer or any successor entity thereto, as such term is defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then, solely to the extent necessary to avoid the incurrence of the adverse personal tax consequences under Section 409A, the timing of the Severance Benefit payments shall be delayed until the earlier to occur of: (i) the date that is six months and one day after Executive’s Separation From Service, or (ii) the date of Executive’s death (such applicable date, the “Specified Employee Initial Payment Date”), the Employer (or the successor entity thereto, as applicable) shall (A) pay to Executive a lump sum amount equal to the sum of the Severance Benefit payments that Executive would otherwise have received through the Specified Employee Initial Payment Date if the commencement of the payment of the Severance Benefits had not been so delayed pursuant to this Section and (B) commence paying the balance of the Severance Benefits in accordance with the applicable payment schedules set forth in this Agreement.

This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A, and it is intended that no amounts payable hereunder shall be subject to tax under Section 409A. Employer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with Section 409A with respect to payments of benefits hereunder.

15. Adjustments for Changes in Capitalization of Employer . In the event of any change in Employer’s outstanding Shares during the Term by reason of any reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, asset spin-off, share combination, consolidation or other event, the number and class of Shares and/or Options awarded pursuant to Section 4 (and any applicable Option exercise price) shall be adjusted by the Compensation Committee in its sole and absolute discretion and, if applicable, in accordance with the terms of the Plan, and the option agreement evidencing the grant of the Option. The determination of the Compensation Committee shall be conclusive and binding. All adjustments pursuant to this Section 15 shall be made in a manner that does not result in taxation to the Executive under Section 409A.

 

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16. Notices . All notices, requests, consents and other communications, required or permitted to be given hereunder, shall be made in writing and shall be deemed to have been made as of: (a) the date that is the next date upon which an overnight delivery service (Federal Express, UPS or DHL only) will make such delivery, if sent via such overnight delivery service, first-class, postage prepaid, (b) the date such delivery is made, if delivered in person to the notice party specified below, or (c) the date such delivery is made, if delivered via email. Such notice shall be delivered as follows (or to such other or additional address as either party shall designate by notice in writing to the other in accordance herewith):

(i) If to Employer :

Emmis Communications Corporation

40 Monument Circle, Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Attn: COO/CFO

With a copy to :

Emmis Communications Corporation

40 Monument Circle, Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Attn: Legal Department

(ii) If to Executive, to Executive at Executive’s address in the personnel records of Employer.

17. Miscellaneous .

17.1 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana without regard to its conflict of law principles.

17.2 Captions . The section headings contained herein are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

17.3 Entire Agreement . This Agreement shall supersede and replace, in all respects, any prior employment agreement entered into between the parties and any such agreement shall immediately terminate and be of no further force or effect. For purposes of the preceding sentence, any change in control, restricted stock, option, and other benefits-related agreement shall not constitute a “prior employment agreement.”

 

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17.4 Assignment . This Agreement, and Executive’s rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by Executive to any third party; provided , however , that Executive may designate pursuant to Section 17.6 one (1) or more beneficiaries to receive any amounts that would otherwise be payable hereunder to Executive’s estate. Employer may assign all or any portion of its rights and obligations hereunder to any other member of the Emmis Group or to any successor or assignee of Employer pursuant to a reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, sale of substantially all of the assets or stock of Employer, or otherwise.

17.5 Amendments; Waivers . Except as expressly provided in the following sentence, this Agreement cannot be changed, modified or amended, and no provision or requirement hereof may be waived, without the written consent of Executive and Employer. Employer may amend this Agreement to the extent that Employer reasonably determines that such change is necessary to comply with Section 409A and further guidance thereunder, provided that such change does not reduce the amounts payable to Executive hereunder. The failure of a party at any time to require performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect the right of such party at a later time to enforce such provision. No waiver by a party of the breach of any term or covenant contained in this Agreement, whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be, or construed as, a further or continuing waiver of any such breach or a waiver of the breach of any other term or covenant contained in this Agreement.

17.6 Beneficiaries . Whenever this Agreement provides for any payment to Executive’s estate, such payment may be made instead to such beneficiary as Executive may have designated in a writing filed with Employer. Executive shall have the right to revoke any such designation and to re-designate a beneficiary by written notice to Employer (or to any applicable insurance company).

17.7 Change in Fiscal Year . If, at any time during the Term, Employer changes its fiscal year, Employer shall make such adjustments to the various dates and target amounts included herein as are necessary or appropriate, provided that no such change shall affect the date on which any amount is payable hereunder.

 

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17.8 Executive’s Warranty and Indemnity . Executive hereby represents and warrants that Executive: (i) has the full and unqualified right to enter into and fully perform this Agreement according to each and every term and condition contained herein; (ii) has not made any agreement, contractual obligation, or commitment in contravention of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement or which would prevent Executive from performing according to any of the terms and conditions contained herein; and (iii) has not entered into any agreement with any prior employer or other person, corporation or entity which would in any way adversely affect Executive’s or Employer’s right to enter into this Agreement. Furthermore, Executive hereby agrees to fully indemnify and hold harmless Employer and each of its subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, shareholders, insurers and representatives from and against any and all losses, costs, damages, expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses), liabilities and claims, arising from, in connection with, or in any way related to Executive’s breach of any of the representations or warranties contained in this Section 14.9 .

17.9 Venue . Any action to enforce, challenge or construe the terms or making of this Agreement or to recover for its breach shall be litigated exclusively in a state court located in Marion County, Indiana, except that the Employer may elect, at its sole and absolute discretion, to litigate the action in the county or state where any breach by Executive occurred or where Executive can be found. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this venue provision is an essential provision of this Agreement and Executive hereby waives any defense of lack of personal jurisdiction or improper venue.

17.10 Indemnification . Executive shall be entitled to the benefit of the indemnification provisions set forth in Employer’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and/or By-Laws, or any applicable corporate resolution, as the same may be amended from time to time during the Term (not including any limiting amendments or additions, but including any amendments or additions that add to or broaden the protection afforded to Executive at the time of execution of this Agreement) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Additionally, Employer shall cause Executive to be indemnified in accordance with Chapter 37 of the Indiana Business Corporation Law (the “IBCL”), as the same may be amended from time to time during the Term, to the fullest extent permitted by the IBCL as required to make Executive whole in connection with any indemnifiable loss, cost or expense incurred in Executive’s performance of Executive’s duties and obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Employer shall also maintain during the Term, and for a commercially reasonable period after the Term, an insurance policy providing directors’ and officers’ liability coverage in a commercially reasonable amount. It is understood that the foregoing indemnification obligations shall survive the expiration or termination of the Term.

17.11 Change in Control . Effective as of January 1, 2008, Executive and ECC have entered into that certain Emmis Communications Corporation Change in Control Severance Agreement (the “CIC Agreement”). In the event of a “Change in Control” (as defined in the CIC Agreement), the rights and obligations of Executive and Employer shall be set forth in the CIC Agreement.

17.12 Survival . To the extent necessary in order to effectuate the intent of the parties hereunder, the provisions of this Agreement shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement, including without limitation Sections 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 .

[signatures appear on following page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY

(“Employer”)

By:

  /s/ J. Scott Enright
  J. Scott Enright
  Executive Vice President
GREGORY T. LOEWEN
(“Executive”)

/s/ Gregory T. Loewen

Gregory T. Loewen

Exhibit 10.55

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

This Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of December 15, 2011 (the “ Effective Date ”), is made by and between Emmis Communications Corporation, an Indiana corporation (the “ Company ”), and             (“ Indemnitee ”).

RECITALS:

A. Ind. Code Section 23-1-33-1 of the Indiana Business Corporation Law provides that the business and affairs of a corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of its board of directors.

B. Pursuant to Ind. Code Sections 23-1-36-1, et seq., of the Indiana Business Corporation Law, significant authority with respect to the management of the Company may be delegated to the officers of the Company.

C. By virtue of the managerial prerogatives vested in the directors and officers of an Indiana corporation, directors and officers act as fiduciaries of the corporation, its shareholders and other constituents.

D. Thus, it is critically important to the Company that the Company be able to attract and retain the most capable persons reasonably available to serve as directors and officers of the Company.

E. In recognition of the need for corporations to be able to induce capable and responsible persons to accept positions in corporate management, Ind. Code Section 23-1-37-8 of the Indiana Business Corporation Law authorizes (and Ind. Code Sections 23-1-37-9 and 13 of the Indiana Business Corporation Law in most instances mandate) corporations to indemnify their directors and officers, and Ind. Code Section 23-1-37-14 authorizes corporations to purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of their directors and officers.

F. The courts have generally recognized that indemnification by a corporation serves the dual policies of (1) allowing corporate officials to resist unjustified lawsuits, secure in the knowledge that, if vindicated, the corporation will bear the expense of litigation and (2) encouraging capable women and men to serve as corporate directors and officers, secure in the knowledge that the corporation will absorb the costs of defending their honesty and integrity.

G. The number of lawsuits challenging the judgment and actions of directors and officers of corporations, the costs of defending those lawsuits, and the threat to directors’ and officers’ personal assets have all materially increased over the past several years, chilling the willingness of capable women and men to undertake the responsibilities imposed on corporate directors and officers.

H. Recent federal legislation, including the Dodd-Frank Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and other federal statutes and rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the national securities exchanges have imposed additional disclosure and corporate governance obligations on directors and officers of public companies and have exposed such directors and officers to new and substantially broadened civil liabilities.


I. These legislative and regulatory initiatives have also exposed directors and officers of public companies to a significantly greater risk of criminal proceedings, with attendant defense costs and potential criminal fines and penalties.

J. Under Indiana law, a director’s or officer’s right to be reimbursed for the costs of defense of criminal actions, whether such claims are asserted under state or federal law, does not depend upon the merits of the claims asserted against the director or officer and is separate and distinct from any right to indemnification the director or officer may be able to establish, and indemnification of the director or officer against criminal fines and penalties is permitted if the director or officer satisfies the applicable standard of conduct.

K. Indemnitee is a director or officer of the Company and his or her willingness to serve in such capacity is predicated, in substantial part, upon the Company’s willingness to indemnify him or her in accordance with the principles reflected above, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the state of Indiana, and upon the other undertakings set forth in this Agreement.

L. Therefore, in recognition of the need to provide Indemnitee with substantial protection against personal liability, to procure Indemnitee’s continued service as a director or officer of the Company, to enhance Indemnitee’s ability to serve the Company in an effective manner, to be consistent with obligations under the Company’s director and officer insurance policies, and to provide such protection pursuant to express contract rights (intended to be enforceable irrespective of, among other things, any amendment to the Company’s articles of incorporation or bylaws (collectively, the “ Constituent Documents ”), any change in the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “ Board of Directors ”) or any change-in-control or business combination transaction relating to the Company), the Company wishes to provide in this Agreement for the indemnification of and the advancement of Expenses (as defined in Section 1(e)) to Indemnitee as set forth in this Agreement and for the continued coverage of Indemnitee under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies.

M. In light of the considerations referred to in the preceding recitals, it is the Company’s intention and desire that the provisions of this Agreement be construed liberally, subject to their express terms, to maximize the protections to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder.

AGREEMENT:

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Certain Definitions. In addition to terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms have the following meanings when used in this Agreement with initial capital letters:

(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person specified.

 

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(b) “Change in Control” means any of the following:

(i) Any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) (other than an employee benefit plan (or any related trust) of the Company or an Affiliate, and other than Jeffrey H. Smulyan or an Affiliate of Mr. Smulyan) (a “ Person ”) becomes after the date hereof the beneficial owner of 35% or more of either the then outstanding Stock or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors, except that no Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred solely by reason of any such acquisition by a corporation with respect to which, after such acquisition, more than 60% of both the then outstanding common shares of such corporation and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors are then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the persons who were the beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of the Company immediately before such acquisition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership, immediately before such acquisition, of the outstanding Stock and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors;

(ii) Individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board of Directors (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors; provided that any individual who becomes a director after the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote or written consent of at least two-thirds of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Directors shall be considered as though such individual were an Incumbent Director, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the directors of the Company (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 under the Exchange Act);

(iii) The consummation of:

(A) A merger, reorganization or consolidation with respect to which the individuals and entities who were the respective beneficial owners of the Stock and voting securities of the Company immediately before such merger, reorganization or consolidation do not, after such merger, reorganization or consolidation, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of, respectively, the then outstanding common shares and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote in the election of directors of the corporation resulting from such merger, reorganization or consolidation; or

(B) The sale or other disposition (or series of sales and/or other dispositions over time resulting in a sale and/or other disposition) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person or Persons as part of the Company’s plan to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of such assets;

(iv) The approval by the shareholders of the Company of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or

(v) Such other event(s) or circumstance(s) as are determined by the Board of Directors to constitute a Change in Control.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, a Change in Control shall be deemed not to have occurred with respect to Indemnitee, if he is, by written agreement executed prior to such Change in Control, a participant on his own behalf in a transaction in which the persons with whom he has the written agreement (and/or their Affiliates) Acquire the Company (as defined below) and, pursuant to the written agreement, Indemnitee has (or has the right to acquire) an equity interest in the resulting entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any Person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 35% of the then outstanding Stock as a result of the acquisition of the Stock by the Company which reduces the number of shares of Stock outstanding; provided , that if after such acquisition by the Company such person becomes the beneficial owner of additional Stock that increases the percentage of outstanding Stock beneficially owned by such person, a Change in Control shall then occur.

For the purposes of this definition, “Acquire the Company” means the acquisition of beneficial ownership by purchase, merger, or otherwise, of either more than 50% of the Stock (such percentage to be computed in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) of the SEC under the Exchange Act) or substantially all of the assets of the Company or its successors; “person” means such term as used in Rule 13d-5 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; “beneficial owner” means such term as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the SEC under the Exchange Act; and “group” means such term as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act.

(c) Claim means (i) any threatened, asserted, pending or completed claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, investigative or other, and whether made pursuant to federal, state or other law; and (ii) any threatened, pending or completed inquiry or investigation, whether made, instituted or conducted by the Company or any other person, including without limitation any federal, state or other governmental entity, that Indemnitee determines might lead to the institution of any such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding.

(d) “Controlled Affiliate” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, whether or not for profit, that is directly or indirectly controlled by the Company. For purposes of this definition, “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of an entity or enterprise, whether through the ownership of voting securities, through other voting rights, by contract or otherwise; provided that direct or indirect beneficial ownership of capital stock or other interests in an entity or enterprise entitling the holder to cast 10% or more of the total number of votes generally entitled to be cast in the election of directors (or persons performing comparable functions) of such entity or enterprise shall be deemed to constitute control for purposes of this definition.

(e) “ Disinterested Director ” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Claim in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

(f) “ Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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(g) Expenses means attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses and all other costs and expenses paid or payable in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to investigate, defend, be a witness in or participate in (including on appeal), any Claim.

(h) Indemnifiable Claim means any Claim based upon, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from (i) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, whether or not for profit, as to which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent, including without limitation, any Claim alleging breaches of duty arising out of, pursuant to or as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or any other federal statute (so long as the director or officer meets the standard of conduct described in Ind. Code Section 23-137-8 or any successor statute), (ii) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in respect of any business, transaction, communication, filing, disclosure or other activity of the Company or any other entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of this sentence, or (iii) Indemnitee’s status as a current or former director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or as a current or former director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of the Company or any other entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of this sentence or any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in connection with any obligation or restriction imposed upon Indemnitee by reason of such status. In addition to any service at the actual request of the Company, for purposes of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be deemed to be serving or to have served at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of another entity or enterprise if Indemnitee is or was serving as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of such entity or enterprise and (i) such entity or enterprise is or at the time of such service was a Controlled Affiliate, (ii) such entity or enterprise is or at the time of such service was an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or a Controlled Affiliate, or (iii) the Company or a Controlled Affiliate directly or indirectly caused or authorized Indemnitee to be nominated, elected, appointed, designated, employed, engaged or selected to serve in such capacity.

(i) Indemnifiable Losses” means any and all Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indemnifiable Claim.

(j) “ Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company (or any Subsidiary) or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning the Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other named (or, as to a threatened matter, reasonably likely to be named) party to the Indemnifiable Claim giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include: (1) any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement; (2) any person selected by the Board of Directors that Indemnitee has reasonable cause to believe may be biased against Indemnitee; or (3) any person selected by the Indemnitee that the Board of Directors has reasonable cause to believe may be biased against the Company.

 

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(k) “ Losses means any and all Expenses, damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties (whether civil, criminal or other) and amounts paid in settlement, including without limitation all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any of the foregoing.

(l) “ Standard of Conduct ” means that, to the full extent permitted by Indiana public policy, so long as the Indemnitee was acting in good faith in a manner he or she reasonably believed was not opposed to the best interests of the Company, he or she has met the applicable Standard of Conduct for purposes of this Agreement.

(m) “ Stock ” means the Class A common stock and Class B common stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share.

(l) “Subsidiary” means an entity in which the Company directly or indirectly beneficially owns 50% or more of total number of votes generally entitled to be cast in the election of directors (or persons performing comparable functions), or otherwise has the ability to appoint a majority of the board of directors (or persons performing comparable functions).

2. Indemnification Obligation. Subject to Section 7, the Company shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted or required by the laws of the State of Indiana in effect on the date hereof or as such laws may from time to time hereafter be amended to increase the scope of such permitted indemnification, against any and all Indemnifiable Claims and Indemnifiable Losses; provided , however , that, except as provided in Sections 4 and 20, Indemnitee shall not be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement in connection with any Claim initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or any director or officer of the Company unless the Company has joined in or consented to the initiation of such Claim.

3. Advancement of Expenses. Indemnitee shall have the right to advancement by the Company prior to the final disposition of any Indemnifiable Claim of any and all Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indemnifiable Claim paid or incurred by Indemnitee or which Indemnitee determines are reasonably likely to be paid or incurred by Indemnitee. Indemnitee’s right to such advancement is not subject to the satisfaction of any standard of conduct. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, within five business days after any request by Indemnitee, the Company shall, in accordance with such request (but without duplication), (a) pay such Expenses on behalf of Indemnitee, (b) advance to Indemnitee funds in an amount sufficient to pay such Expenses, or (c) reimburse Indemnitee for such Expenses; provided that Indemnitee shall repay, without interest, any amounts actually advanced to Indemnitee that, at the final disposition of the Indemnifiable Claim to which the advance related, were in excess of amounts paid or payable by Indemnitee in respect of Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim. In connection with any such payment, advancement or reimbursement, Indemnitee shall execute and deliver to the Company (i) a written affirmation of his/her good faith belief that he/she meets the standard of conduct described in Ind. Code Section 23-1-37-8, and (ii) an undertaking, which need not be secured and shall be accepted without reference to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses, by or on behalf of the Indemnitee, to repay any amounts paid, advanced or reimbursed by the Company in respect of Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indemnifiable Claim in respect of which it shall have been determined, following the final disposition of such Indemnifiable Claim and in accordance with Section 7, that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification hereunder.

 

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4. Indemnification for Additional Expenses. Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall reimburse Indemnitee for, or advance to Indemnitee, within five business days of such request, any and all Expenses paid or incurred by Indemnitee or which Indemnitee determines are reasonably likely to be paid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Claim made, instituted or conducted by Indemnitee for (a) indemnification or reimbursement or advance payment of Expenses by the Company under any provision of this Agreement, or under any other agreement or provision of the Constituent Documents now or hereafter in effect relating to Indemnifiable Claims, and/or (b) recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless in each case of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, reimbursement, advance or insurance recovery, as the case may be; provided , however , that Indemnitee shall return, without interest, any such advance of Expenses (or portion thereof) which remains unspent at the final disposition of the Claim to which the advance related.

5. Partial Indemnity. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of any Indemnifiable Loss, but not for all of the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

6. Procedure for Notification . To obtain indemnification under this Agreement in respect of an Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request therefor, including a brief description (based upon information then available to Indemnitee) of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss. If, at the time of the receipt of such request, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect under which coverage for such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss is potentially available, the Company shall give prompt written notice of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss to the applicable insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable policies. The Company shall provide to Indemnitee a copy of such notice delivered to the applicable insurers, and copies of all subsequent correspondence between the Company and such insurers regarding the Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, in each case substantially concurrently with the delivery or receipt thereof by the Company. The failure by Indemnitee to timely notify the Company of any Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss shall not relieve the Company from any liability hereunder unless, and only to the extent that, the Company did not otherwise learn of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss and such failure results in forfeiture by the Company of substantial defenses, rights or insurance coverage.

7. Determination of Right to Indemnification .

(a) To the extent that Indemnitee shall have been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Indemnifiable Claim or any portion thereof or in defense of any issue or matter therein, including without limitation dismissal without prejudice, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim in accordance with Section 2 and no Standard of Conduct Determination (as defined in Section 7(b)) shall be required.

 

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(b) To the extent that the provisions of Section 7(a) are inapplicable to an Indemnifiable Claim that shall have been finally disposed of, any determination of whether Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Indiana law that is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim (a “ Standard of Conduct Determination ”) shall be made as follows: (i) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred, or if a Change in Control shall have occurred but Indemnitee shall have requested that the Standard of Conduct Determination be made pursuant to this clause (i), (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even if less than a quorum of the Board, (B) if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by a majority vote of a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of all Disinterested Directors, or (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; and (ii) if a Change in Control shall have occurred and Indemnitee shall not have requested that the Standard of Conduct Determination be made pursuant to clause (i), by Independent Counsel in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee. Indemnitee will cooperate with the person or persons making such Standard of Conduct Determination, including providing to such person or persons, upon reasonable advance request, any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure, which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination, and which may, at Indemnitee’s election, include documentation or information from the Company or its agents that is privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall reimburse Indemnitee for, or advance to Indemnitee, within five business days of such request, any and all costs and Expenses (including attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person or persons making such Standard of Conduct Determination.

(c) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause any Standard of Conduct Determination required under Section 7(b) to be made as promptly as practicable. If (i) the person or persons empowered or selected under Section 7 to make the Standard of Conduct Determination shall not have made a determination within 30 days after the later of (A) receipt by the Company of written notice from Indemnitee advising the Company of the final disposition of the applicable Indemnifiable Claim (the date of such receipt being the “ Notification Date ”) and (B) the selection of an Independent Counsel, if such determination is to be made by Independent Counsel, that is permitted under the provisions of Section 7(e) to make such determination and (ii) Indemnitee shall have fulfilled his or her obligations set forth in the second sentence of Section 7(b), then Indemnitee shall be deemed to have satisfied the applicable standard of conduct; provided that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional 30 days, if the person or persons making such determination in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluation or documentation and/or information relating thereto.

 

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(d) If (i) Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses pursuant to Section 7(a), (ii) no determination of whether Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Indiana law is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses, or (iii) Indemnitee has been determined or deemed pursuant to Section 7(b) or (c) to have satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Indiana law which is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses, then the Company shall pay to Indemnitee, within five business days after the later of (x) the Notification Date in respect of the Indemnifiable Claim or portion thereof to which such Indemnifiable Losses are related, out of which such Indemnifiable Losses arose or from which such Indemnifiable Losses resulted and (y) the earliest date on which the applicable criterion specified in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above shall have been satisfied, an amount equal to the amount of such Indemnifiable Losses.

(e) If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 7(b)(i), the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him or her of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 7(b)(ii), the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee, and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either case, Indemnitee or the Company, as applicable, may, within five business days after receiving written notice of selection from the other, deliver to the other a written objection to such selection; provided , however , that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not satisfy the criteria set forth in the definition of “Independent Counsel” in Section 1(h), and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person or firm so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is properly and timely made and substantiated, (i) the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit and (ii) the non-objecting party may, at its option, select an alternative Independent Counsel and give written notice to the other party advising such other party of the identity of the alternative Independent Counsel so selected, in which case the provisions of the two immediately preceding sentences and clause (i) of this sentence shall apply to such subsequent selection and notice. If applicable, the provisions of clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall apply to successive alternative selections. If no Independent Counsel that is permitted under the foregoing provisions of this Section 7(e) to make the Standard of Conduct Determination shall have been selected within 30 days after the Company gives its initial notice pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 7(e) or Indemnitee gives its initial notice pursuant to the second sentence of this Section 7(e), as the case may be, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Circuit or Superior Court of Marion County in the State of Indiana for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person or firm selected by the Court or by such other person as the Court shall designate, and the person or firm with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person or firm so appointed will act as Independent Counsel. In all events, the Company shall pay all of the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel incurred in connection with the Independent Counsel’s determination pursuant to Section 7(b).

 

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8. Presumption of Entitlement. In making any Standard of Conduct Determination, the person or persons making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee has satisfied the applicable standard of conduct, and the Company may overcome such presumption only by its adducing clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. Any Standard of Conduct Determination that is adverse to Indemnitee may be challenged by the Indemnitee in the Circuit or Superior Court of Marion County in the State of Indiana. No determination by the Company (including by its directors or any Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not satisfied any applicable standard of conduct shall be a defense to any Claim by Indemnitee for indemnification or reimbursement or advance payment of Expenses by the Company hereunder or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard of conduct.

9. No Other Presumption. For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Claim by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, will not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any applicable standard of conduct or that indemnification hereunder is otherwise not permitted.

10. Non-Exclusivity. The rights of Indemnitee hereunder will be in addition to any other rights Indemnitee may have under the Constituent Documents, or the substantive laws of Indiana, any other contract or otherwise (collectively, “ Other Indemnity Provisions ”); provided , however , that (a) to the extent that Indemnitee otherwise would have any greater right to indemnification under any Other Indemnity Provision, Indemnitee will be deemed to have such greater right hereunder and (b) to the extent that any change is made to any Other Indemnity Provision which permits any greater right to indemnification than that provided under this Agreement as of the date hereof, Indemnitee will be deemed to have such greater right hereunder. The Company will not adopt any amendment to any of the Constituent Documents the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber Indemnitee’s right to indemnification under this Agreement or any Other Indemnity Provision.

11. Liability Insurance and Funding. For the duration of Indemnitee’s service as a director and/or officer of the Company, and thereafter for so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any pending or possible Indemnifiable Claim, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account the scope and amount of coverage available relative to the cost thereof) to cause to be maintained in effect policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance providing coverage for directors and/or officers of the Company that is at least substantially comparable in scope and amount to that provided by the Company’s current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. Upon request of the Indemnitee, the Company shall provide Indemnitee with a copy of all directors’ and officers’ liability insurance applications, binders, policies, declarations, endorsements and other related materials, and shall provide Indemnitee with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the same. Without limiting the generality or effect of the two immediately preceding sentences, the Company shall not discontinue or significantly reduce the scope or amount of coverage from one policy period to the next (i) without the prior approval thereof by a majority vote of the Incumbent Directors, even if less than a quorum, or (ii) if at the time that any such discontinuation or significant reduction in the scope or amount of coverage is proposed there are no Incumbent Directors, without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). In all policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance obtained by the Company, Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits, subject to the same limitations, as are accorded to the Company’s directors and officers most favorably insured by such policy. The Company may, but shall not be required to, create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means, including without limitation a letter of credit, to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to satisfy its obligations to indemnify and advance expenses pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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12. Subrogation. In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the related rights of recovery of Indemnitee against other persons or entities (other than Indemnitee’s successors), including any entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of the definition of “Indemnifiable Claim” in Section 1(f). Indemnitee shall execute all papers reasonably required to evidence such rights (all of Indemnitee’s reasonable Expenses, including attorneys’ fees and charges, related thereto to be reimbursed by or, at the option of Indemnitee, advanced by the Company).

13. No Duplication of Payments. The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment to Indemnitee in respect of any Indemnifiable Losses to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment (net of Expenses incurred in connection therewith) under any insurance policy, the Constituent Documents and Other Indemnity Provisions or otherwise (including from any entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of the definition of “Indemnifiable Claim” in Section 1(f)) in respect of such Indemnifiable Losses otherwise indemnifiable hereunder.

14. Defense of Claims. The Company shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any Indemnifiable Claim or to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee; provided that if Indemnitee believes, after consultation with counsel selected by Indemnitee, that (a) the use of counsel chosen by the Company to represent Indemnitee would present such counsel with an actual or potential conflict, (b) the named parties in any such Indemnifiable Claim (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company and Indemnitee and Indemnitee shall conclude that there may be one or more legal defenses available to him or her that are different from or in addition to those available to the Company, or (c) any such representation by such counsel would be precluded under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, then Indemnitee shall be entitled to retain separate counsel (but not more than one law firm plus, if applicable, local counsel in respect of any particular Indemnifiable Claim) at the Company’s expense. The Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any threatened or pending Indemnifiable Claim effected without the Company’s prior written consent. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee, effect any settlement of any threatened or pending Indemnifiable Claim to which the Indemnitee is, or could have been, a party unless such settlement solely involves the payment of money and includes a complete and unconditional release of the Indemnitee from all liability on any claims that are the subject matter of such Indemnifiable Claim. Neither the Company nor Indemnitee shall unreasonably withhold its consent to any proposed settlement; provided that Indemnitee may withhold consent to any settlement that does not provide a complete and unconditional release of Indemnitee.

15. Successors and Binding Agreement. (a) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee and his or her counsel, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor to the Company, including without limitation any person acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise (and such successor will thereafter be deemed the “ Company ” for purposes of this Agreement), but shall not otherwise be assignable or delegatable by the Company.

 

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(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Indemnitee’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, legatees and other successors.

(c) This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder except as expressly provided in Sections 15(a) and 15(b). Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, Indemnitee’s right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest or otherwise, other than by a transfer by the Indemnitee’s will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and, in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this Section 15(c), the Company shall have no liability to pay any amount so attempted to be assigned or transferred.

16. Notices. For all purposes of this Agreement, all communications, including without limitation notices, consents, requests or approvals, required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when hand delivered or dispatched by electronic facsimile transmission (with receipt thereof orally confirmed), or five business days after having been mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or one business day after having been sent for next-day delivery by a nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed to the Company (to the attention of the Secretary of the Company) and to Indemnitee at the applicable address shown on the signature page hereto, or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing and in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address will be effective only upon receipt.

17. Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Indiana, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws of such State. The Company and Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the Circuit or Superior Court of Marion County in the State of Indiana for all purposes in connection with any action or proceeding which arises out of or relates to this Agreement and agree that any action instituted under this Agreement shall be brought only in the Circuit or Superior Court of Marion County in the State of Indiana.

18. Validity. If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any provision hereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to any other person or circumstance shall not be affected, and the provision so held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal shall be reformed to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to make it enforceable, valid or legal. In the event that any court or other adjudicative body shall decline to reform any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal as contemplated by the immediately preceding sentence, the parties thereto shall take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate to replace the provision so held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal with one or more alternative provisions that effectuate the purpose and intent of the original provisions of this Agreement as fully as possible without being invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal.

 

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19. Miscellaneous. No provision of this Agreement may be waived, modified or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by Indemnitee and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto or compliance with any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, expressed or implied with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party that are not set forth expressly in this Agreement. References to Sections are to references to Sections of this Agreement.

20. Legal Fees and Expenses. It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees and or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder. Accordingly, without limiting the generality or effect of any other provision hereof, if it should appear to Indemnitee that the Company has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement or in the event that the Company or any other person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, the Company irrevocably authorizes the Indemnitee from time to time to retain counsel of Indemnitee’s choice, at the expense of the Company as hereafter provided, to advise and represent Indemnitee in connection with any such interpretation, enforcement or defense, including without limitation the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Company or any director, officer, shareholder or other person affiliated with the Company, in any jurisdiction. Notwithstanding any existing or prior attorney-client relationship between the Company and such counsel, the Company irrevocably consents to Indemnitee’s entering into an attorney-client relationship with such counsel, and in that connection the Company and Indemnitee agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between Indemnitee and such counsel. Without respect to whether Indemnitee prevails, in whole or in part, in connection with any of the foregoing, the Company will pay and be solely financially responsible for any and all attorneys’ and related fees and expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any of the foregoing.

 

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21. Certain Interpretive Matters. Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (a) “it” or “its” or words of any gender include each other gender, (b) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively, (c) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby” and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement, (d) the terms “Article,” “Section,” “Annex” or “Exhibit” refer to the specified Article, Section, Annex or Exhibit of or to this Agreement, (e) the terms “include,” “includes” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation” (whether or not so expressed), and (f) the word “or” is disjunctive but not exclusive. Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number will refer to calendar days unless business days are specified and whenever action must be taken (including the giving of notice or the delivery of documents) under this Agreement during a certain period of time or by a particular date that ends or occurs on a non-business day, then such period or date will be extended until the immediately following business day. As used herein, “business day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a United States federal holiday.

22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

[Signatures Appear On Following Page]

 

14


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Indemnitee has executed and the Company has caused its duly authorized representative to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
[INDEMNITEE]
 
  [Indemnitee]

 

15

Exhibit 21

Emmis Communications Corporation

Listing of Subsidiaries

 

Incorporation
Date

  

Legal Name

   FEIN    Organization    Qualified   

Principal Place of Business

7/17/1986

   Emmis Communications Corporation    35-1542018    IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

5/30/2001

   Emmis Operating Company    35-2141064    IN    CA, IL, IN,
OH, NC,
NY,TX
   40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

7/3/1986

   Emmis Radio, LLC 1    35-1705332    IN    CA, IL, IN,
MO, NJ,
NY
   40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

7/17/1998

   Emmis Television Broadcasting, L.P. 2    35-2051031    IN    LA    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

3/23/1998

   Emmis Publishing, L.P. 3    35-2039702    IN    CA, IL, IN,
OH, GA,
NY, TX
   40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

2/20/1998

   Emmis Indiana Broadcasting, L.P. 4    35-2039701    IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

6/7/2011

   Emmis Radio Holding Corporation    45-2585130    IN       40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

6/7/2011

   Emmis Radio Holding II Corporation    45-2585190    IN       40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

5/1/1997

   Emmis International Broadcasting Corporation    35-2014974    CA    CA    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

12/15/2006

   Emmis International Holding B.V.       Netherlands    Netherlands    Strawinskylaan 3105 Atrium, 1077 ZX Amsterdam

7/9/1997

   Slager Radio Co. PLtd. (59.5%)       Hungary    Hungary    1139 Budapest, Váci út 99

7/9/1997

   Slager Radio Sales Ltd.       Hungary    Hungary    1139 Budapest, Váci út 99

7/21/2011

   Emmis Radio Operating B.V.       Netherlands    Netherlands    Strawinskylaan 3105 Atrium, 1077 ZX Amsterdam

7/21/2011

   Emmis Radio (Hungary) Investments Kft.       Hungary    Hungary    1139 Budapest, Váci út 99

2/18/1997

   D’Expres, a.s       Slovakia    Slovakia    Lamackska cesta 3, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovak Republic, BIN 35 709 651

7/17/2000

   Expres Media s.r.o.       Slovakia    Slovakia    Lamackska cesta 3, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovak Republic, BIN 35 709 651

4/27/2001

   Expres Net a.s.       Slovakia    Slovakia    Lamackska cesta 3, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovak Republic, BIN 35 709 651

10/12/2007

   Balkan Broadcasting EAD       Bulgaria    Bulgaria    82, Patriarch Evtimii Blvd., Sofia

10/12/2007

   Infopress & Co. EOOD       Bulgaria    Bulgaria    51, Jerusalem Blvd., Office 5—8,Mladost—1, Sofia, Bulgaria

2/22/1991

   Radio FM & JSC       Bulgaria    Bulgaria    51, Jerusalem Blvd., Office 5—8,Mladost—1, Sofia, Bulgaria

3/26/1991

   Pleven Plus AD       Bulgaria    Bulgaria    51, Jerusalem Blvd., Office 5—8,Mladost—1, Sofia, Bulgaria

8/15/1998

   Emmis Meadowlands Corporation    35-1756647    IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

8/13/1988

   Emmis Publishing Corporation    35-1748335    IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

7/22/2004

   Emmis Television License, LLC 5    20-1402053    IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

7/22/2004

   Emmis Radio License, LLC 6    20-1402022    IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

9/23/1997

   Emmis License Corporation of New York 6    95-4662857    CA    CA    3500 W. Olive Ave., #1450, Burbank, CA 91505-4604

9/23/1997

   Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York 6    95-4662859    CA    CA    3500 W. Olive Ave., #1450, Burbank, CA 91505-4604

2/28/2002

   Mediatex Communications Corporation    33-0995649    IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

2/28/2002

   Los Angeles Magazine Holding Company, Inc.    33-0995648    IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

7/29/1997

   Radio Austin Management, L.L.C.    74-2845559    TX    TX    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

7/29/1997

   Emmis Austin Radio Broadcasting Company, L.P.    74-2845562    TX    TX    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

5/7/1992

   Orange Coast Kommunications, Inc.    33-0514054    DE    DE, CA    Three Christina Centre, 201 N. Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE

11/13/2007

   Emmis Interactive, Inc.    74-3247501    IN    CA, IL, IN,
NY, SC
   40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

1/23/2008

   KMVN, LLC    80-0142356    IN    IN, CA    40 Monument Circle, Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204

2/2/2009

   KMVN License, LLC    26-4168165    IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204

Footnotes

 

* Emmis Communications Corporation directly or indirectly owns 100% of all entities except as otherwise noted.
1  

Emmis Radio, LLC operates all our radio stations except for the stations held by Emmis Indiana Broadcasting, L.P., Emmis Austin Radio Broadcasting Company, L.P. and KMVN, LLC

2  

Emmis Television Broadcasting, L.P. used to operate all our television stations

3  

Emmis Publishing, L.P. publishes Indianapolis Monthly, Atlanta Magazine, Cincinnati Magazine, Country Sampler, Texas Monthly and Los Angeles Magazine.

4  

Emmis Indiana Broadcasting, L.P. operates all our Indiana radio stations (WFNI-AM, WLHK-FM, WIBC-FM, WYXB-FM, WTHI-FM and WWVR-FM), and Network Indiana.

5

Emmis Television License, LLC used to hold all our television FCC licenses

6

Emmis Radio License, LLC holds all our radio FCC licenses except for the WRKS-FM licenses which are held by Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York and the WQHT-FM licenses which are held by Emmis License Corporation of New York, the Austin licenses which are held by Emmis Austin Broadcasting, L.P. and the KXOS license which is held by KMVN License, LLC.

Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-42878), pertaining to the Emmis Communications Corporation 1997 Equity Incentive Plan, the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Agreement,

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-71904), pertaining to the Emmis Communications Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan,

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-92318), pertaining to the Emmis Communications Corporation 2002 Equity Compensation Plan,

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-117033), pertaining to the Emmis Communications Corporation 2004 Equity Compensation Plan of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company, and

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-171463), pertaining to the Emmis Communications Corporation 2010 Equity Compensation Plan of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company;

of our report dated May 10, 2012, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Emmis Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended February 29, 2012.

/s/Ernst & Young LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana

May 10, 2012

Exhibit 24

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below, hereby constitutes and appoints Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Patrick M. Walsh and J. Scott Enright, or any of them, his attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign the annual report of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereto.

 

Dated: May 2, 2012    

/s/ Susan B. Bayh

    Susan B. Bayh


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below, hereby constitutes and appoints Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Patrick M. Walsh and J. Scott Enright, or any of them, his attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign the annual report of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereto.

 

Dated: May 2, 2012    

/s/ Lawrence B. Sorrel

    Lawrence B. Sorrel


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below, hereby constitutes and appoints Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Patrick M. Walsh and J. Scott Enright, or any of them, his attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign the annual report of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereto.

 

Dated: May 2, 2012    

/s/ Richard A. Leventhal

    Richard A. Leventhal


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below, hereby constitutes and appoints Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Patrick M. Walsh and J. Scott Enright, or any of them, his attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign the annual report of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereto.

 

Dated: April 24, 2012    

/s/ Peter A. Lund

    Peter A. Lund


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below, hereby constitutes and appoints Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Patrick M. Walsh and J. Scott Enright, or any of them, his attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign the annual report of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereto.

 

Dated: May 1, 2012     

/s/ Greg A. Nathanson

     Greg A. Nathanson


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below, hereby constitutes and appoints Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Patrick M. Walsh and J. Scott Enright, or any of them, his attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign the annual report of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereto.

 

Dated: April 30, 2012    

/s/ Gary L. Kaseff

    Gary L. Kaseff


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below, hereby constitutes and appoints Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Patrick M. Walsh and J. Scott Enright, or any of them, his attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign the annual report of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereto.

 

Dated: May 2, 2012    

/s/ Michelle D. Bergman

    Michelle D. Bergman


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature appears below, hereby constitutes and appoints Jeffrey H. Smulyan, Patrick M. Walsh and J. Scott Enright, or any of them, his attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign the annual report of Emmis Communications Corporation and Emmis Operating Company on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2012, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents or his substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereto.

 

Dated: April 30, 2012      

/s/ David Gale

      David Gale

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Jeffrey H. Smulyan, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Emmis Communications Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2012

 

/s/ JEFFREY H. SMULYAN

Jeffrey H. Smulyan

Chairman of the Board, President and

Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Patrick M. Walsh, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Emmis Communications Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 10, 2012

 

/s/ PATRICK M. WALSH
Patrick M. Walsh

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1

SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION

The undersigned hereby certifies, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in his capacity as an officer of Emmis Communications Corporation (the “Company”), that, to his knowledge:

 

(1) the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the period ended February 29, 2012, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: May 10, 2012

 

/s/ JEFFREY H. SMULYAN
Jeffrey H. Smulyan
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 32.2

SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION

The undersigned hereby certifies, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in his capacity as an officer of Emmis Communications Corporation (the “Company”), that, to his knowledge:

 

(1) the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the period ended February 29, 2012, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: May 10, 2012

 

/s/ PATRICK M. WALSH
Patrick M. Walsh
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer