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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 28, 2013

 

¨ 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 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   ¨


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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, 2012, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $76,000,000.

The number of shares outstanding of each of Emmis Communications Corporation’s classes of common stock, as of May 2, 2013, was:

36,432,925         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 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

expected to be filed within 120 days

  Part III

 

 

 

 

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EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PART I

     5   

Item 1. Business

     5   

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     16   

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

     21   

Item 2. Properties

     22   

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

     22   

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

     23   

PART II

     23   

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

     23   

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

     24   

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

     25   

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     46   

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     47   

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

     94   

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

     94   

Item 9B. Other Information

     94   

PART III

     94   

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

     94   

Item 11. Executive Compensation

     94   

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

     94   

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

     95   

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     95   

PART IV

     95   

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

     95   

Signatures

     99   

 

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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.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

GENERAL

We are a diversified media company, principally focused on radio broadcasting. We operate the 10 th largest publicly traded radio portfolio in the United States based on total listeners. Emmis owns 18 FM and 3 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 New York 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.

In addition to our radio properties, we publish several city and regional magazines. Our publishing operations consist of Texas Monthly , Los Angeles , Atlanta , Indianapolis Monthly , Cincinnati, and Orange Coast .

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.

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.

 

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Effectively deploy technology to enhance the value of our media assets

We continue to seek innovative ways to combine or enhance our scalable, low cost FM radio distribution system with digital systems like HD Radio ® and wireless broadband to enhance radio’s future through advances like TagStation ® , a cloud-based software platform that allows a broadcaster to manage album art, meta data and enhanced advertising on its various broadcasts, and NextRadio ® , a hybrid radio smartphone application, as an industry solution to make the user experience of listening to free over-the-air radio broadcasts on their enabled smartphones a rich experience.

 

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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 Media Access Pro database as of March 20, 2013. “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 March 2013 Portable People Meter TM (PPM TM ) results or, in the case of our Terre Haute stations, based on the Fall 2012 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           

KPWR-FM

      Hip-Hop    18-34    2   7.4

New York, NY 1

   2           

WQHT-FM

      Hip-Hop    18-34    4   7.4

St. Louis, MO

   20           

KPNT-FM

      Alternative Rock    18-34    3   8.8

KSHE-FM

      Album Oriented Rock    25-54    5   6.3

KIHT-FM

      Classic Hits    25-54    8   5.2

KFTK-FM

      Talk    25-54    11   4.6

Austin, TX

   33           

KLBJ-AM

      News/Talk    25-54    11t   3.8

KLZT-FM

      Mexican Regional    18-34    3t   6.6

KBPA-FM

      Adult Hits    25-54    2   8.7

KLBJ-FM

      Album Oriented Rock    25-54    5   5.9

KGSR-FM

      Adult Album Alternative    25-54    9t   3.9

KROX-FM

      Alternative Rock    18-34    5   5.7

Indianapolis, IN

   37           

WFNI-AM

      Sports Talk    25-54    17   2.4

WYXB-FM

      Soft Adult Contemporary    25-54    1t   7.3

WLHK-FM

      Country    25-54    5   6.2

WIBC-FM

      News/Talk    35-64    4   6.3

Terre Haute, IN

   232           

WTHI-FM

      Country    25-54    1   22.8

WFNF-AM

      Sports Talk    25-54    * 2   * 2

WFNB-FM

      Adult Hits    25-54    8t   2.0

WWVR-FM

      Classic Rock    25-54    4   7.9

In addition to our other radio broadcasting operations, we own and operate Network Indiana, a radio network that provides news and other programming to 91 affiliated radio stations in Indiana.

 

1  

Our second station in New York, WEPN-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 WEPN-FM.

2  

WFNF-AM in Terre Haute did not meet minimum listening requirements for the Fall 2012 Arbitron Survey, thus no ratings were reported.

 

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PUBLISHING OPERATIONS

We publish the following magazines:

 

     Monthly  
     Paid & Verified
Circulation 1
 

Texas Monthly

     304,800   

Los Angeles

     141,800   

Atlanta

     66,500   

Orange Coast

     51,100   

Indianapolis Monthly

     40,500   

Cincinnati

     37,400   

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. The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (“NABEF”) has 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. The NABEF also recently recognized Emmis’ WQHT-FM in New York for its outreach after Hurricane Sandy, both for the news coverage it provided and the relief efforts it organized in the weeks after the storm.

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, the Media Financial Management Association 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.

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

 

1   Source: Publisher’s Statement subject to audit by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (as of December 31, 2012)

 

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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 28, 2013, approximately 23% of our total advertising revenues were derived from national sales, and 77% were derived from local and regional sales. For the year ended February 28, 2013, our radio stations derived a higher percentage of their advertising revenues from local and regional sales (81%) than our publishing entities (64%).

EMPLOYEES

As of February 28, 2013, Emmis had approximately 730 full-time employees and approximately 290 part-time employees. Approximately 20 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.

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

 

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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.

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 April 30, 2013:

 

                                 Height Above       
                                 Average       
                      Expiration Date          Terrain (in      Power (in

Radio Market

   Stations    City of License    Frequency      of License 1     FCC Class    feet)      Kilowatts)

Los Angeles, CA

   KPWR-FM    Los Angeles, CA      105.9         December 2013      B      3035       25

New York, NY

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

St. Louis, MO

   KFTK-FM    Florissant, MO      97.1         February 2021      C1      561       100
   KIHT-FM    St. Louis, MO      96.3         February 2021      C1      1027       80
   KPNT-FM    Collinsville, IL      105.7         December  2004 2,  3     C1      715       64
   KSHE-FM    Crestwood, MO      94.7         February 2021      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 2020      B      N/A       50 D / 10 N
   WLHK-FM    Shelbyville, IN      97.1         August 2020      B      732       23
   WIBC-FM    Indianapolis, IN      93.1         August 2004 2     B      991       13.5
   WYXB-FM    Indianapolis, IN      105.7         August 2020      B      492       50

Terre Haute, IN

   WTHI-FM    Terre Haute, IN      99.9         August 2020      B      489       50
   WWVR-FM    West Terre Haute, IN      105.5         August 2020      A      295       3.3
   WFNB-FM    Brazil, IN      92.7         August 2020      A      299       6
   WFNF-AM    Brazil, IN      1130         August 2020      D      N/A       0.5 D / 0.02 N

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.

Petitions to deny were filed against the renewal applications for KPNT submitted in 2004 and 2012, and remain 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

 

1  

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

2  

Renewal application is pending.

3  

KPNT-FM is operating with the facilities shown, as permitted by FCC rules, pending action on an application for a license for those facilities.

 

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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.”

Despite several such reviews and appellate remands, the FCC’s rules limiting the number of radio stations that may be commonly owned, or owned in combination with a television station, in a local market have remained largely intact. The most recent FCC quadrennial review 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 a 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. The Supreme Court denied petitions for certiorari of the Third Circuit’s decision in June 2012. Several parties jointly filed a petition for reconsideration of the December 2007 decision with the FCC, and that petition 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.

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. 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.

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 (now WEPN-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 FCC license 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. 

 

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Although the FCC’s quadrennial review decisions have not changed the numerical caps under the local radio rule, the FCC adjusted the rule in June 2003 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 committed 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. In its December 2007 quadrennial review 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 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.

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. In February 2013 the FCC sought comment on a proposal to clarify that foreign investment above 25% in broadcast stations can be in the public interest in particular cases, and that proceeding remains pending. 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

 

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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 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.

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

 

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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. Petitions against KPNT remain 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 have also been the subject of 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 challenged these rulings in the Supreme Court. In June 2012 the Supreme Court vacated the Second Circuit’s decision, finding that the FCC had failed to provide adequate notice regarding the contours of its indecency policy with respect to the broadcasts at issue in the underlying proceedings, but leaving open the possibility that the agency might be able to enforce the prohibition on broadcast indecency in the future. The Third Circuit issued a decision vacating another FCC indecency ruling in November 2011, and the Supreme Court denied the FCC’s request for review of this decision. It is not clear how the FCC will apply these judicial decisions to outstanding complaints, including those involving Emmis stations, or how they will impact future FCC policies in this area.

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.

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 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. In March 2012, the FCC modified its rules to permit the processing of additional LPFM applications and to implement the legislative requirements regarding interference protection. Despite the findings of the FCC study, we cannot predict whether any LPFM stations will interfere with the coverage of our radio stations.

In June 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 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.

 

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In October 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. Broadcasters challenged the portions of the requirement related to the political file, and their appeal remains pending.) 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. In July 2012 the D.C. Circuit held that the structure of the CRB violated the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The appeals court effectively re-wrote the language in the law to make CRB judges “inferior officers” whose appointment does not require presidential appointment, thus making their appointment by the Librarian of Congress constitutional. Intercollegiate Broadcasting System, Inc. has filed a petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court seeking review of the D.C. Circuit’s decision, which remains pending. The D.C. Circuit’s decision and any subsequent Supreme Court review, 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.

In December 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 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 FCC has commenced proceedings to adopt rules implementing this legislation, which remain pending. The spectrum used by radio broadcasters such as Emmis, however, is not included in this legislation.

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

 

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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.

GEOGRAPHIC FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company’s segments operate exclusively in the United States. We formerly operated radio networks in eastern Europe, all of which had been sold or ceased broadcasting as of February 28, 2013. All financial information related to our international radio operations has been reclassified to discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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 28, 2013, our total indebtedness was $146.1 million, consisting of $67.0 million under our Credit Agreement, dated December 28, 2012 (the “2012 Credit Agreement”) and $79.1 million of 98.7FM nonrecourse debt. The Company expects that proceeds from the LMA in New York with a subsidiary of Disney will be sufficient to pay all debt service related to the 98.7FM nonrecourse debt. Our shareholders’ deficit was $10.0 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 some of our competitors that have less debt; and

 

   

limit, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our 2012 Credit Agreement, our ability to borrow additional funds.

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 instruments 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. 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 2012 Credit Agreement 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 2012 Credit Agreement 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.

Our 98.7FM nonrecourse debt is not subject to these risks as certain rights and payments under the 98.7FM LMA have been assigned to the holder of the 98.7FM debt and the LMA payments have been guaranteed by Disney Enterprises, Inc.

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 2012 Credit Agreement requires us to repay $8.0 million of our term notes annually in addition to periodic interest payments. Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness 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 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 a subsidiary of Disney, account for nearly 50% of our radio revenues. Our results from operations can be materially affected by decreased ratings or resulting revenues in either one of these markets.

Our radio operations lack the scale of some of our competitors, especially in the New York and Los Angeles markets.

We own one station in Los Angeles and two stations in New York, one of which is being programmed by another broadcaster under the terms of an LMA. Some of our competitors in these markets have larger clusters of radio stations. Our competitors may be able to leverage their market share to extract a greater percentage of available advertising revenues in these markets and may be able to realize operating efficiencies by programming multiple stations in a market. Also, given the reliance on single formats in each of these markets, our results from operations can be materially affected by additional format competition by our competitors.

 

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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 ® , TagStation ® , NextRadio ® and other technologies will produce the desired returns.

Our business depends heavily 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 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 February 2021. 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,

 

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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.

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 have a material adverse effect on 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 2012 Credit Agreement, and proceeds from future issuances of debt and equity, both public and private. Currently, the 2012 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 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.

 

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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.

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 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 other shareholders.

As of May 2, 2013, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President, Jeffrey H. Smulyan, beneficially owned shares representing approximately 61% 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 stock may cease to be listed on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (Nasdaq) Global Select Market.

Our Class A common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “EMMS.” We have received deficiency notices in the past, but have been able to satisfy the requirements of the Nasdaq Global Select Market for continued listing. 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. Any such delisting of our common stock would likely cause our 6.25% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, which is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “EMMSP,” to be delisted also. The 6.25% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is also subject to Nasdaq listing standards that are independent of the listing standards of our Class A common stock and could fail to comply with such standards even if the Class A common stock continues to be listed on Nasdaq. 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.

 

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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. 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 $56.3 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. This property is subject to a mortgage under our 2012 Credit Agreement.

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 were named as defendants in a lawsuit filed April 16, 2012 by certain holders of Preferred Stock (the “Lock-Up Group”) 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 alleged, among other things, 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, as well as by 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 alleged that Emmis violated 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 amendments to Emmis’ Articles of Incorporation.

Emmis filed an answer denying the material allegations of the complaint, and filed a counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment that Emmis could legally direct the voting of the Swap Shares and the Trust Shares in favor of the proposed amendments.

On August 31, 2012, the U.S. District Court denied plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction. Plaintiffs subsequently filed an amended complaint seeking monetary damages and dismissing all claims against the individual officer and director defendants. The matter is currently set for trial in January 2014. Emmis is defending this lawsuit vigorously.

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.

 

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NAME

  

POSITION

   AGE AT
FEBRUARY 28,
2013
   YEAR
FIRST
ELECTED
OFFICER

Richard F. Cummings

   President—Radio Programming    61    1984

J. Scott Enright

   Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary    50    1998

Gregory T. Loewen

   President—Publishing Division and Chief Strategy Officer    41    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.

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 2011

     1.21         0.73   

August 2011

     1.25         0.58   

November 2011

     1.01         0.58   

February 2012

     0.87         0.65   

May 2012

     1.79         0.68   

August 2012

     2.57         1.36   

November 2012

     2.50         1.61   

February 2013

     2.01         1.57   

 

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HOLDERS

At May 2, 2013, there were 5,278 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. Emmis’ 2012 Credit Agreement sets forth certain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. See Note 5 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more discussion of the 2012 Credit Agreement.

In connection with the September 4, 2012 amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, all accumulated but undeclared dividends on our Preferred Stock were cancelled and the Preferred Stock was changed from cumulative to noncumulative. This amendment is the subject of litigation discussed under Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings.”

SHARE REPURCHASES

During the three-month period ended February 28, 2013, there was withholding of shares of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock to cover withholding tax obligations. The following table provides information on our repurchases during the three months ended February 28, 2013:

 

                   (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)  

Class A Common Stock

           

December 1, 2012—December 31, 2012

     —         $ —           —         $ —     

January 1, 2013—January 31, 2013

     105,647       $ 1.97         —         $ —     

February 1, 2013—February 28, 2013

     —         $ —           —         $ —     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    
     105,647            —        
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

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

 

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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 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.

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. 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),  
     2011      % of Total     2012      % of Total     2013      % of Total  

Net revenues:

               

Local

   $ 124,681         57.6   $ 114,006         56.4   $ 103,089         52.6

National

     36,763         17.0     34,122         16.9     31,253         15.9

Political

     1,657         0.8     702         0.3     2,242         1.1

Publication Sales

     5,936         2.7     6,128         3.0     6,141         3.1

Non Traditional

     14,556         6.7     14,368         7.1     16,910         8.6

LMA Fees

     —            0.0     310         0.2     8,609         4.4

Other

     32,893         15.2     32,582         16.1     27,840         14.3
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

Total net revenues

   $ 216,486         $ 202,218         $ 196,084      
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

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, radio revenue growth remains challenged. Management believes this is principally the result of two 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 and (2) the perception of investors and advertisers that satellite radio and portable media players diminish the effectiveness of radio advertising.

 

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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. Emmis is at the leading edge of this initiative and has developed TagStation ® , a cloud-based software platform that allows a broadcaster to manage album art, meta data and enhanced advertising on its various broadcasts, and NextRadio ® , a hybrid radio smartphone application, as an industry solution to make the user experience of listening to free over-the-air radio broadcasts on their enabled smartphones a rich experience.

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.

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 uses 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.

The results of our 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 radio net revenues. During fiscal 2013, both KPWR-FM in Los Angeles and WQHT-FM in New York experienced revenue growth that was better than their overall markets. 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. Relative to our competitors, we are overly dependent on the performance of one station in each of 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 and may be able to realize operating efficiencies by programming multiple stations in these markets.

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”) 2012 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 various dispositions that occurred during the three years ended February 2013.

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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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 28, 2013, we have recorded approximately $163.2 million in goodwill and FCC licenses, which represents approximately 62% of our total assets.

In the case of our 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.

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 current economic conditions into consideration.

Assumptions incorporated into the annual impairment testing as of December 1, 2012 were similar to those used in our December 1, 2011 annual impairment testing. 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 28, 2013.

 

     December 1, 2010   December 1, 2011    December 1, 2012

Discount Rate

   12.0% - 12.3%   11.9% - 12.2%   11.9% - 12.3%

Long-term Revenue Growth Rate

   2.5% - 3.5%   2.5% - 3.3%   2.3% - 3.3%

Mature Market Share

   3.1% - 28.2%   3.2% - 29.4%   3.2% - 29.4%

Operating Profit Margin

   25.1% - 37.1%   26.0% - 37.2%   25.1% - 38.3%

In connection with the LMA of 98.7FM in New York previously discussed, the Company separated its two New York stations into separate units of accounting. The Company performed an interim impairment test of those licenses during the quarter ended May 31, 2012, and recorded an interim impairment charge of $11.0 million. No further impairment of our FCC licenses was recorded as a result of our December 1, 2012 annual test.

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

 

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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, 2012, the Company applied a market multiple of 7.0 times and 5.0 to 7.0 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 28, 2013.

During our December 1, 2012 annual goodwill impairment test, the Company wrote off $0.4 million of goodwill associated with our Indianapolis Monthly publication. Declining operating performance of Indianapolis Monthly resulted in a step-one indication of impairment for Indianapolis Monthly on both the market and income approaches. Upon completing the step-two analysis, the Company determined that the full carrying amount of Indianapolis Monthly goodwill of $0.4 million was impaired.

Sensitivity Analysis

Based on the results of our December 1, 2012 annual impairment assessment, the fair value of our broadcasting licenses was approximately $282.3 million which was in excess of the $149.7 million carrying value by $132.6 million, or 89%. 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.

 

     Radio Broadcasting Licenses  
     As of         

Unit of Accounting

   December 1, 2012
Carrying Value
     December 1, 2012
Fair Value
     Percentage by which fair
value exceeds carrying value
 

WQHT-FM (New York)

     2,596         61,465         2,267.7

98.7FM (New York)

     60,525         61,465         1.6

Austin Cluster

     39,025         40,416         3.6

St. Louis Cluster

     27,692         32,137         16.1

Indianapolis Cluster

     17,274         21,388         23.8

KPWR-FM (Los Angeles)

     2,018         64,600         3,101.2

Terre Haute Cluster

     575         812         41.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     149,705         282,283         88.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our annual impairment testing on December 1, 2012 resulted in a $0.4 million impairment charge related to goodwill of our Indianapolis Monthly publication. If we were to assume a 100 basis points 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, 2012, the resulting impairment charge would have been $28.3 million, $19.7 million and $12.2 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, 2012, the resulting

 

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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 goodwill impairment would be recognized if these two key assumptions were lowered.

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 $0.8 million and $0.5 million accrued for employee healthcare claims as of February 28 (29), 2012 and 2013, respectively. The Company also maintains large deductible programs (ranging from $100 thousand to $250 thousand per occurrence) for workers’ compensation, employment liability, automotive liability and media liability claims.

ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

The transactions described below impact the comparability of operating results for the three years ended February 28, 2013.

Sale of Slovakia radio operations

On February 25, 2013, Emmis completed the sale of its Slovakian radio network to Bauer Ausland 1 GMBH for $21.2 million in cash. Emmis believed the sale of its international radio properties would better enable the Company to focus its efforts on its domestic radio stations. The sale of our Bulgarian radio network on January 3, 2013 created a one-time tax benefit that we could use if we sold the Slovakian network on or before February 28, 2013. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $14.8 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Finalization of the transaction is subject to further working capital adjustments.

Sale of Bulgarian radio operations

On January 3, 2013, Emmis completed the sale of its Bulgarian radio network to Reflex Media EEOD for $1.7 million in cash. Emmis believed the sale of its international radio properties would better enable the Company to focus its efforts on its domestic radio stations. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a loss on sale of assets of approximately $1.3 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The loss on disposal primarily resulted from the reclassification of accumulated currency translation adjustments.

Sale of Emmis Interactive Inc.

On October 31, 2012, Emmis completed the sale of Emmis Interactive Inc., a subsidiary of Emmis that provided a content management system, data analytic tools and related services, to Marketron Broadcast Solutions, LLC (“Marketron”) for no net proceeds. The sale of Emmis Interactive Inc. allowed Emmis to mitigate expected future operating losses and focus its efforts on its domestic radio operations and other promising technology initiatives. Marketron had assumed operating control of Emmis Interactive, Inc., on October 4, 2012. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a loss on sale of assets of approximately $0.7 million, which is primarily related to severance for former employees and is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

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Sale of Sampler Publications

On October 1, 2012, Emmis completed the sale of Country Sampler magazine, Smart Retailer magazine, and related publications (altogether the “Sampler Publications”) and certain real estate used in their operations to subsidiaries of DRG Holdings, LLC. Emmis believed the sale of the Sampler Publications, which were niche crafting publications, would enable it to more clearly focus on its core city and regional publications. Emmis received gross proceeds from the sale of $8.7 million, incurred approximately $0.2 million in transaction expenses and tax obligations, and used the remaining $8.5 million to repay term loans under the Company’s 2006 Credit Agreement. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $0.7 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations

Sale of KXOS-FM

On August 23, 2012, Emmis completed the sale of KXOS-FM in Los Angeles for $85.5 million in cash. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $32.8 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. KXOS-FM had previously been operating pursuant to a local programming and marketing agreement, which is discussed in more detail in Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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 owned 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 then 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 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more discussion of our investments in Merlin Media. The preferred interests held by the Company are junior to initial 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 an initial $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 incurred substantial start-up losses well in excess of the original business model used in the September 1,

 

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2011 valuation. Both stations underperformed through February 29, 2012, so much so that station cash flows were expected to 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 the retained common and preferred equity interests using the same valuation methodology described above with updated assumptions, and determined that our 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. During the year ended February 28, 2013, Merlin Media sold WRXP-FM in New York to a third party and changed the format of WKQX-FM in Chicago to a music-intensive format.

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. As of February 28, 2013, due to our nonparticipation in capital contributions to Merlin Media, our common equity ownership interest is approximately 17.5%.

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.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2012 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Net revenues:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),               
     2012      2013      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Net revenues:

          

Radio

   $ 144,826       $ 138,630       $ (6,196     (4.3 )% 

Publishing

     57,392         57,454         62        0.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total net revenues

   $ 202,218       $ 196,084       $ (6,134     (3.0 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Radio net revenues decreased principally due to the July 15, 2011 commencement of an 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. Also, the operating results for 98.7FM (formerly known as WRKS-FM in New York) as an adult urban station through April 30, 2012 and the LMA fee revenue recognized since April 30, 2012 have not been classified as discontinued operations. Excluding the Merlin Stations and 98.7FM for both periods presented, radio net revenues would have increased $4.1 million or 3.3%.

We typically monitor the performance of our 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

 

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exclude revenues from barter arrangements. A summary of market revenue performance and Emmis’ revenue performance in those markets for the year ended February 28, 2013 is presented below:

 

     For the year ended February 28, 2013  
     Overall Market     Emmis  

Market

   Revenue Performance     Revenue Performance  1  

New York

     -0.6     9.8

Los Angeles

     1.5     4.7

St. Louis

     3.0     -2.6

Indianapolis

     0.0     0.8

Austin

     0.7     3.0

All Markets

     0.7     3.4

Publishing net revenues were flat for the year ended February 28, 2013 as compared to the year ended February 29, 2012. During the year ended February 28, 2013, the publishing division made an effort to increase the percentage of its advertising sales settled in cash and reduce the amount settled in barter. In prior periods, the level of barter activity was significantly higher than the level of barter activity during fiscal 2013. Excluding barter revenue, publishing net revenues for the year ended February 28, 2013 would have increased approximately $2.3 million or 4.6%.

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),               
     2012      2013      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

          

Radio

   $ 110,772       $ 95,830       $ (14,942     (13.5 )% 

Publishing

     56,522         58,241         1,719        3.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 167,294       $ 154,071       $ (13,223     (7.9 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

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 as well as our LMA of 98.7FM in New York. In connection with the LMA of 98.7FM in April 2012, Emmis’ operating expenses related to that station were reduced dramatically. Excluding the Merlin Stations and 98.7FM, radio station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense would have increased $5.0 million or 5.7%. This increase is due to continued targeted investments in sales training and enhancements in our digital capabilities, coupled with higher operating expenses associated with WQHT-FM in New York as shared costs that had previously been spread across three stations in New York are now borne by WQHT-FM.

Publishing operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, increased predominately due to increases in advertising expenses.

 

1  

Emmis revenue performance in New York reflects only WQHT-FM and Los Angeles reflects only KPWR-FM

 

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Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),               
     2012      2013      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 19,096       $ 17,819       $ (1,277     (6.7 )% 

During the year ended February 29, 2012, corporate expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, included the following non-recurring items (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 2006 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, 2013, corporate expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, included $2.5 million of costs incurred related to preferred stock litigation, a $1.4 million discretionary bonus paid to substantially all corporate employees and $1.2 million related to the forgiveness of a loan to our CEO in connection with his December 2012 employment agreement. These increases were partially offset by a favorable resolution of an accrued expense, resulting in a $1.4 million reduction to corporate expenses.

Hungary license litigation expense:

 

     For the year ended February 28 (29),                
     2012      2013      $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Hungary license litigation expense

   $ 871       $ 1,381       $ 510         58.6

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. The Company believes that the awarding of the license to the other bidder was unlawful. In October 2011, Emmis filed for arbitration with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) seeking resolution of its claim. The increase in Slager litigation expense and related costs during the year ended February 28, 2013 is due to additional 3 rd party legal costs incurred by Emmis in the prosecution of its claim.

Impairment loss on intangible assets:

 

     For the year ended February 28 (29),                
     2012      2013      $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Impairment loss on intangible assets

   $ —         $ 11,419       $ 11,419         N/A   

In connection with our April 2012 LMA of 98.7FM in New York and in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, the Company decoupled its two New York FCC Licenses into separate units of accounting. The Company performed an interim impairment test of the 98.7FM in New York given its carrying value exceeded the fair value of a single New York FCC License as of our December 2011 impairment test. The Company recorded an $11.0 million impairment loss in connection with the interim review.

In connection with our annual impairment review conducted on December 1, 2012, the Company determined that the goodwill of its Indianapolis Monthly publication was fully impaired and recorded a $0.4 million loss.

Absent further changes in the Company’s determination of units of accounting due to the execution of an LMA or a significant change in the Company’s assumptions used in determining the fair value of its FCC Licenses, the Company believes that continued

 

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growth of radio revenues makes it unlikely that further impairment losses will be recorded related to its FCC Licenses. Furthermore, barring a significant change in the Company’s assumptions used in determining the fair value of its goodwill, the operating performance of our entities with recorded goodwill makes it unlikely that material amounts of goodwill will be written off in future periods. 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),        
     2012      2013      $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Depreciation and amortization:

          

Radio

   $ 2,970       $ 2,451       $ (519     (17.5 )% 

Publishing

     365         318         (47     (12.9 )% 

Corporate

     1,390         1,953         563        40.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total depreciation and amortization

   $ 4,725       $ 4,722       $ (3     (0.1 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense for our radio segment is mostly attributable to the sale of a controlling interest in the Merlin Stations on September 1, 2011. The increase in corporate depreciation and amortization is mostly due to the implementation of a new customer management system that was internally developed.

Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),        
     2012      2013     $ Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)  

Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets:

       

Radio

   $ 797       $ (9,897   $ (10,694

Publishing

     1         20        19   

Corporate

     —            —           —      
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets:

   $ 798       $ (9,877   $ (10,675
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

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. In April 2012, Emmis sold the intellectual property of WRKS-FM in New York for $10.0 million. WRKS-FM’s intellectual property had no carrying value at the time of sale.

Operating income:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),        
     2012     2013     $ Change     % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)        

Operating income:

        

Radio

   $ 29,416      $ 37,894      $ 8,478        28.8

Publishing

     504        (1,573     (2,077     (412.1 )% 

Corporate

     (20,486     (19,772     714        3.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating income

   $ 9,434      $ 16,549      $ 7,115        75.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Most of the change in operating income is related to the effect of the sale of a controlling interest in the Merlin Media Stations and the LMA of 98.7FM. As previously discussed, the operations of the Merlin Media stations remain in continuing operations given the Company’s retained investment in the stations. The operating loss for these stations during fiscal 2012 was approximately $4.9 million. Also contributing to the increase in operating income was the 98.7FM LMA in New York. In connection with the LMA, the Company’s

 

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operating expenses of that station were significantly reduced, but the Company continues to receive an LMA payment. The impairment losses recorded during the year ended February 28, 2013 are mostly negated by the gain on sale of WRKS-FM’s intellectual property.

Interest expense:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2012      2013      $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Interest expense

   $ 19,904       $ 20,899       $ 995         5.0

Although we repaid a significant amount of long-term debt during the year ended February 28, 2013, interest expense increased due to interest incurred on the senior unsecured notes which were issued late in fiscal 2012 and exit fees paid on our extended term loans during fiscal 2013. The company refinanced its debt on December 28, 2012 and expects that interest expense for fiscal 2014 will be materially lower than prior periods.

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20-45, the Company allocated interest expense to discontinued operations associated with the portion of term loans required to be repaid as a result of dispositions.

Loss on debt extinguishment:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2012      2013      $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Loss on debt extinguishment

   $ 2,006       $ 4,508       $ 2,502         124.7

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 to the 2006 Credit Agreement.

During the year ended February 28, 2013, the Company recorded a $3.1 million loss related to the write-off of debt fees and the redemption premium related to the full repayment of its senior unsecured notes. Also, the Company recorded a $1.4 million loss related to the write-off of debt fees associated with the 2006 Credit Agreement that was repaid on various dates throughout fiscal 2013.

Gain on sale of controlling interest Merlin Media LLC:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2012      2013      $ 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.

 

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Other expense, net:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2012      2013      $ Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)  

Other expense, net

   $ 15,951       $ 10       $ (15,941

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 equity interests and an other-than-temporary impairment loss on the Company’s investment in both the common equity interests and preferred equity interests of Merlin Media LLC, all of which was $16.4 million. Partially offsetting the losses related to our investments in Merlin Media LLC was income related to our other equity method investments as well as interest income.

Benefit from income taxes:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),               
     2012     2013     $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Benefit from income taxes

   $ (32,287   $ (7,039   $ 25,248         (78.2 )% 

The benefit for income taxes for the 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.

The benefit for income taxes for the year ended February 28, 2013 principally relates to the utilization of previously reserved net operating losses and the elimination of the Company’s deferred tax liability attributable to indefinite-lived intangibles associated with transactions during fiscal 2013.

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

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2012     2013      $ Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (4,997   $ 50,080       $ 55,077   

Discontinued operations consist of our international radio operations (Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria), KXOS-FM in Los Angeles, the operations of our Flint Peak Tower Site, Emmis Interactive, and Country Sampler and related publications. The increase in income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the year ended February 28, 2013 mostly relates to the $32.8 million gain on sale of KXOS-FM and the $14.8 million gain on sale of our Slovakian radio operations.

For a description of properties sold, see the discussion in Note 1(j) and Note 8 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

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Consolidated net income:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),                
     2012      2013      $ Change      % Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)         

Consolidated net income

   $ 30,728       $ 48,251       $ 17,523         57.0

The increase in consolidated net income is mostly due to the gain on sale of our discontinued operations during fiscal 2013 as noted above, which is partially offset by the prior year gain on sale of a controlling interest in the Merlin Media Stations and the related impairment of our investment in Merlin Media, all net of tax.

Gain on extinguishment of preferred stock:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),         
     2012      2013      $ Change  
     (As reported, amounts in thousands)  

Gain on extinguishment of preferred stock

   $ 61,892       $  —         $ (61,892

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. Prior to the September 4, 2012 amendments to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, preferred stock was 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, 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

   $ 159,313       $ 144,826       $ (14,487     (9.1 )% 

Publishing

     57,173         57,392         219        0.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total net revenues

   $ 216,486       $ 202,218       $ (14,268     (6.6 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

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 0.8%.

We typically monitor the performance of our 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 of market revenue performance and Emmis’ revenue performance in those markets for the year ended February 29, 2012 is presented below:

 

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     For the year ended February 29, 2012  
     Overall Market     Emmis  

Market

   Revenue Performance     Revenue Performance  1  

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 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

   $ 116,713       $ 110,772       $ (5,941     (5.1 )% 

Publishing

     56,841         56,522         (319     (0.6 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 173,554       $ 167,294       $ (6,260     (3.6 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

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 $2.5 million or 2.6%. 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 slightly down 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 Third Amendment to the Company’s 2006 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.

 

1  

Emmis revenue performance in Los Angeles reflects only KPWR-FM

 

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Hungary license litigation expense:

 

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

Hungary license litigation expense

   $ 293       $ 871       $ 578         197.3

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. The Company believes that the awarding of the license to the other bidder was unlawful. In October 2011, Emmis filed for arbitration with the ICSID seeking resolution of its claim. The increase in Slager litigation expense and related costs during the year ended February 29, 2012 is due to additional third party legal costs incurred by Emmis in connection with the filing for arbitration with the ICSID.

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.

Depreciation and amortization:

 

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

Depreciation and amortization:

          

Radio

   $ 3,918       $ 2,970       $ (948     (24.2 )% 

Publishing

     423         365         (58     (13.7 )% 

Corporate

     1,301         1,390         89        6.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total depreciation and amortization

   $ 5,642       $ 4,725       $ (917     (16.3 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

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.

 

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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       $ 797       $ 794   

Publishing

     —            1         1   

Corporate

     —            —            —      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loss on disposal of fixed assets:

   $ 3       $ 798       $ 795   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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.

Operating income:

Operating income is significantly impacted by the impairment loss recorded in 2011, as discussed above. Excluding the impairment loss, operating income would have been $21.2 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

   $ 16,483       $ 19,904       $ 3,421         20.8

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 2006 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 agreed to 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.

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20-45, the Company allocated interest expense to discontinued operations associated with the portion of term loans required to be repaid as a result of dispositions.

 

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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.

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

   $ 256       $ 15,951       $ 15,695   

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 equity interests and an other-than-temporary impairment loss on the Company’s investment in both the common equity interests and preferred equity interests 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

   $ 859       $ (32,287   $ (33,146

 

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The benefit for income taxes for the 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.

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

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

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (8,220   $ (4,997   $ 3,223         (39.2 )% 

Discontinued operations consist of our international radio operations (Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria), KXOS-FM in Los Angeles, the operations of our Flint Peak Tower Site, Emmis Interactive, and Country Sampler and related publications.

For a description of properties sold, see the discussion in Note 1(j) and Note 8 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 (a) higher interest expense, (b) lower operating income, (c) other-than-temporary impairment losses related to our Merlin Media LLC investments and (d) 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   

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.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

CREDIT AGREEMENT

On December 28, 2012, Emmis Operating Company (“EOC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Emmis, entered into a credit facility (the “2012 Credit Agreement”) to provide for total borrowings of up to $100 million, including (i) an $80 million term loan and (ii) a $20 million revolver, of which $5 million may be used for letters of credit.

A portion of the proceeds under the 2012 Credit Agreement were used to repay (i) EOC’s indebtedness under and terminate the 2006 Credit Agreement, for which Bank of America, N.A. acted as administrative agent and (ii) the Note Purchase Agreement dated as of November 11, 2011 between Emmis Communications Corporation, as Issuer, and Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P., as Purchaser, as amended, (“Senior Unsecured Notes”).

In addition to repaying in full the 2006 Credit Agreement and the Senior Unsecured Notes, the proceeds of the borrowings under the 2012 Credit Agreement will be used for working capital needs and other general corporate purposes of Emmis, and certain other transactions permitted under the 2012 Credit Agreement.

All outstanding amounts under the 2012 Credit Agreement bear interest, at the option of EOC, at a rate equal to the Eurodollar Rate or an alternative base rate (as defined in the 2012 Credit Agreement) plus a margin. The margin over the Eurodollar Rate or the alternative base rate varies (ranging from 2.50% to 5.00%), depending on Emmis’ ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the agreement. Interest is due on a calendar month basis under the alternative base rate and at least every three months under the Eurodollar Rate. Beginning 60 days after closing, the 2012 Credit Agreement required Emmis to maintain fixed interest rates, for at least one year, on a minimum of 50% of its total outstanding debt, as defined.

The term loan and revolver both mature on December 28, 2017. Beginning on April 1, 2013, the borrowings under the term loan are payable in quarterly installments equal to 2.50% of the term loan, with the remaining balance payable December 28, 2017. Proceeds from raising additional equity, issuing additional subordinated debt or from asset sales, as well as excess cash flow, subject to certain exceptions, are required to be used to repay amounts outstanding under the 2012 Credit Agreement.

In February 2013, the Company entered into a two-year interest rate exchange agreement (a “Swap”), whereby the Company pays a fixed rate of 0.42% on $40 million of notional principal to Fifth Third Bank, and Fifth Third Bank pays to the Company a variable rate on the same amount of notional principal based on the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). This agreement was the Company’s only interest rate derivative designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk outstanding as of February 28, 2013.

Borrowing under the 2012 Credit Agreement depends upon our continued compliance with certain operating covenants and financial ratios, including leverage and fixed charge coverage as specifically defined. The operating covenants and other restrictions with which we must comply include, among others, restrictions on additional indebtedness, incurrence of liens, engaging in businesses other than our primary business, paying certain dividends, redeeming or repurchasing capital stock of Emmis, acquisitions and asset sales. No default or event of default has occurred or is continuing. The 2012 Credit Agreement provides that an event of default will occur if there is a “change in control” of Emmis, as defined. The payment of principal, premium and interest under the 2012 Credit Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by ECC and most of its existing wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. Substantially all of Emmis’ assets, including the stock of Emmis’ wholly-owned, domestic subsidiaries are pledged to secure the 2012 Credit Agreement.

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 28, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of $8.7 million and net working capital of $5.8 million. At February 29, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents of $5.6 million and net working capital of $0.8 million. Cash and cash equivalents held at various European banking institutions at February 28 (29), 2012 and 2013 was $4.3 million and $6.3 million (which includes approximately $0.9 million and $0.6 million of cash related to our Slager discontinued operation which is classified as current assets – discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheets), respectively. We intend to use the cash held internationally to fund costs of our ongoing litigation related to our former broadcasting license in Hungary. During the year ended February 28, 2013, working capital

 

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increased $5.0 million. The increase in net working capital primarily relates to cash we retained as part of our international radio dispositions. 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.

Operating Activities

Cash flows provided by operating activities were $3.8 million and $1.8 million for the years ended February 28 (29), 2012 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities was mainly attributable to higher interest expense, partially offset by an increase in radio operating income.

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.

Investing Activities

For the years ended February 28 (29), 2012 and 2013, cash flows provided by investing activities were $131.3 million and $114.0 million, respectively. These amounts mostly relate to cash received from the sale of our controlling interest in the Merlin Media Stations during fiscal 2012 of $130.0 million and the cash generated by our discontinued operations of $113.8 million in fiscal 2013, most of which related to the sale of Country Sampler and related publications, KXOS-FM and our Bulgarian and Slovakian radio operations.

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

In the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013, our capital expenditures relating to continued operations were $3.4 million, $5.1 million and $3.4 million, respectively. We expect capital expenditures for fiscal 2014 to be approximately $3.0 million. We expect to fund such capital expenditures with cash generated from operating activities and borrowings under our 2012 Credit Agreement.

Financing Activities

Cash flows used in financing activities were $15.8 million, $135.3 million and $112.9 million for the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

Cash used in financing activities for the year ended February 28, 2013 primarily relates to net payments related to our senior credit agreement and senior unsecured notes of $98.5 million, payments for other debt-related costs of $9.3 million and distributions to noncontrolling interests of $5.1 million.

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).

As of February 28, 2013, Emmis had $67.0 million of borrowings under the 2012 Credit Agreement ($8.0 million current and $59 million long-term), $79.1 million of non-recourse debt ($4.1 million current and $75.0 million long-term) and $46.9 million of Preferred Stock liquidation preference. Borrowings under the 2012 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 non-recourse debt bears interest at 4.1% per annum. As of February 28, 2013, our weighted average borrowing rate under our 2012 Credit Agreement was approximately 5.0%.

The debt service requirements of Emmis over the next twelve-month period are expected to be $8.0 million for mandatory repayment of term notes under our 2012 Credit Agreement and $7.3 million related to our 98.7FM non-recourse debt ($4.1 million of principal repayments and $3.2 million of interest payments). The Company expects that proceeds from the 98.7FM LMA will be

 

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sufficient to pay all debt service related to the 98.7FM non-recourse debt. The 2012 Credit Agreement debt bears interest at variable rates and is not included in the debt service requirements previously discussed.

On September 4, 2012, following approval by the Company’s shareholders, the Company filed amendments to its Articles of Incorporation that modify the rights of holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock. The amendments:

 

   

canceled the amount of undeclared dividends in respect of the Preferred Stock that were accumulated but undeclared on or prior to the effectiveness of the Proposed Amendments;

 

   

changed the designation of the Preferred Stock from “Cumulative” to “Non-Cumulative” and changed the rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock such that dividends or distributions on the Preferred Stock will not accumulate unless declared by the board of directors and subsequently not paid (and thereby effectively canceled associated rights to elect directors in the event of dividend arrearages);

 

   

canceled the restrictions on Emmis’ ability to pay dividends or make distributions on, or repurchase, its Common Stock or other junior stock prior to paying accumulated but undeclared dividends or distributions on the Preferred Stock;

 

   

changed the ability of the holders of the Preferred Stock to require Emmis to repurchase all of such holders’ Preferred Stock upon certain going-private transactions in which an affiliate of Mr. Smulyan participates that do not constitute a change of control transaction, to cause the holders of the Preferred Stock to no longer have such ability;

 

   

changed the ability of the holders of the Preferred Stock to convert all of such Preferred Stock to Class A Common Stock upon a change of control at specified conversion prices to cause the holders of the Preferred Stock to no longer have such ability;

 

   

changed the ability of holders of the Preferred Stock to vote as a separate class on a plan of merger, share exchange, sale of assets or similar transaction to the ability to vote with the Common Stock on an as-converted basis (except as may otherwise be required by law); and

 

   

changed the conversion price adjustment applicable to certain merger, reclassification and other transactions to provide that the Preferred Stock converts into the right to receive property that would have been receivable had such Preferred Stock been converted into Class A Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction.

As a result of the elimination of the rights of holders of Preferred Stock to require Emmis to repurchase all of such holders’ Preferred Stock in certain going-private transactions, the Preferred Stock was reclassified from temporary equity to permanent equity. Additionally, the cancellation of the cumulative feature of the Preferred Stock and the cancellation of accumulated but undeclared preferred dividends modified earnings per share calculations as the numerator in the calculation no longer includes undeclared preferred dividends.

As of May 2, 2013, we had $14.0 million available for additional borrowing under our credit facility. 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 28, 2013. 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 facility 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 various dispositions that occurred during the three years ended February 2013.

INTANGIBLES

As of February 28, 2013, approximately 62% of our total assets consisted of intangible assets, such as FCC broadcast licenses, goodwill, and trademarks, the value of which depends significantly upon the operational results of our businesses. In the case of our 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.

 

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NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2013-02, “ Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ” which adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements, other than presentation and disclosure.

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.

 

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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 28, 2013, 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 28, 2013.

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

 

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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 29, 2012 and February 28, 2013 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 28, 2013. 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 29, 2012 and February 28, 2013, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 28, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana

May 8, 2013

 

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EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),  
     2011     2012     2013  

NET REVENUES

   $ 216,486      $ 202,218      $ 196,084   

OPERATING EXPENSES:

      

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense of $4,341, $3,335 and $2,769 respectively

     173,554        167,294        154,071   

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense of $1,301, $1,390 and $1,953 respectively

     15,710        19,096        17,819   

Hungary license litigation expense

     293        871        1,381   

Impairment loss on intangible assets

     7,005        —          11,419   

Depreciation and amortization

     5,642        4,725        4,722   

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets

     3        798        (9,877
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     202,207        192,784        179,535   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

     14,279        9,434        16,549   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTHER EXPENSE:

      

Interest expense

     (16,483     (19,904     (20,899

Loss on debt extinguishment

     —          (2,006     (4,508

Gain on sale of controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC

     —          31,865        —     

Other expense, net

     (256     (15,951     (10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expense

     (16,739     (5,996     (25,417
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     (2,460     3,438        (8,868

PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

     859        (32,287     (7,039
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     (3,319     35,725        (1,829

INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAX

     (8,220     (4,997     50,080   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME (LOSS)

     (11,539     30,728        48,251   

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

     4,019        4,535        4,479   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY

     (15,558     26,193        43,772   

GAIN ON EXTINGUISHMENT OF PREFERRED STOCK

     —          61,892        —     

PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

     (9,711     (8,591     (1,806
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

   $ (25,269   $ 79,494      $ 41,966   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS – (CONTINUED)

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29),  
     2011     2012     2013  

Amounts attributable to common shareholders for basic earnings per share:

      

Continuing operations

     (17,518     84,443        (8,114

Discontinued operations

     (7,751     (4,949     50,080   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

     (25,269     79,494        41,966   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts attributable to common shareholders for diluted earnings per share:

      

Continuing operations

     (17,518     31,142        (8,114

Discontinued operations

     (7,751     (4,949     50,080   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

     (25,269     26,193        41,966   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

      

Continuing operations

   $ (0.46   $ 2.21      $ (0.21

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     (0.21     (0.13     1.29   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

   $ (0.67   $ 2.08      $ 1.08   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     37,863        38,293        39,034   

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

      

Continuing operations

   $ (0.46   $ 0.69      $ (0.21

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     (0.21     (0.11     1.29   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

   $ (0.67   $ 0.58      $ 1.08   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     37,863        44,953        39,034   

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

 

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EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

 

     For the year ended February 28 (29),  
     2011     2012     2013  

CONSOLIDATED NET (LOSS) INCOME

   $ (11,539   $ 30,728      $ 48,251   

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME:

      

Change in value of derivative instrument

     1,778        (489     (107

Cumulative translation adjustment

     1,230        (156     (1,249
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

     (8,531     30,083        46,895   

LESS: COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

     3,931        4,476        4,431   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

   $ (12,462   $ 25,607      $ 42,464   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

     FEBRUARY 28 (29),  
     2012      2013  

ASSETS

     

CURRENT ASSETS:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,619       $ 8,735   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,015 and $523, respectively

     28,844         28,126   

Prepaid expenses

     11,220         7,674   

Other

     1,567         5,411   

Current assets—discontinued operations

     7,432         762   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     54,682         50,708   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

     

Land and buildings

     27,186         25,544   

Leasehold improvements

     13,027         12,814   

Broadcasting equipment

     35,560         37,987   

Office equipment and automobiles

     31,714         30,072   

Construction in progress

     1,335         496   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     108,822         106,913   

Less-accumulated depreciation and amortization

     74,814         74,360   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total property and equipment, net

     34,008         32,553   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

     

Indefinite lived intangibles

     160,676         150,522   

Goodwill

     13,087         12,639   

Other intangibles

     1,437         749   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     175,200         163,910   

Less-accumulated amortization

     1,179         524   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total intangible assets, net

     174,021         163,386   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS:

     

Deferred debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $1,610 and $217, respectively

     2,100         3,533   

Investments

     1,691         7,889   

Deposits and other

     2,582         3,555   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other assets, net

     6,373         14,977   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets—discontinued operations

     71,685         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 340,769       $ 261,624   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

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EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – (CONTINUED)

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

     FEBRUARY 28 (29),  
     2012     2013  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 9,946      $ 8,301   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     7,978        12,126   

Accrued salaries and commissions

     7,204        7,535   

Accrued interest

     3,038        396   

Deferred revenue

     12,471        10,862   

Other

     6,072        3,518   

Current liabilities—discontinued operations

     7,213        2,169   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     53,922        44,907   

LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT PORTION

     229,725        131,494   

OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES

     10,609        10,052   

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     52,257        38,072   

NONCURRENT LIABILITIES—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     770        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     347,283        224,525   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

    2,422,320 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 $57,351).

     46,882        —      

SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT:

    

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 170,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 34,007,279 shares and 35,907,925 shares in 2012 and 2013, respectively

     340        359   

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,722,684 shares in 2012 and 2013.

     47        47   

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

     —          —     

Series A convertible preferred stock. $.01 par value; $50.00 liquidation preference per share, $46,882 aggregate liquidation preference and redemption amount; authorized 2,875,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,337,641 shares, which includes 400,000 shares in trust, at February 28, 2013 (Note 3)

     —          9   

Additional paid-in capital

     529,793        578,555   

Accumulated deficit

     (632,608     (588,836

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     1,190        (118
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ deficit

     (101,238     (9,984
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

     47,842        47,083   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (deficit) equity

     (53,396     37,099   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and (deficit) equity

   $ 340,769      $ 261,624   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (DEFICIT)

FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2013

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

     Class A
Common Stock
     Class B
Common Stock
    Series A
Preferred Stock
 
     Shares      Amount      Shares     Amount     Shares      Amount  

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loss

     —           —           —          —          —           —     

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

     —            —            —           —          —           —     

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —           —           —          —          —           —     

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —           —           —          —          —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2011

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     —           —           —          —          —           —     

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

     —           —           —          —          —           —     

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —           —           —          —          —           —     

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —           —           —          —          —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     —           —           —          —          —           —     

Exercise of stock options and related income tax benefits

     784,376         8         —          —          —           —     

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

     605,205         6         —          —          —           —     

Issuance of Common Stock in exchange for cancellation of stock options

     511,065         5         —          —          —           —     

Payments of dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests

     —           —           —          —          —           —     

Disposition of noncontrolling interests

               

Reclassify preferred stock from mezzanine

     —           —           —          —          937,641         9   

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —           —           —          —          —           —     

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —           —           —          —          —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

     35,907,925       $ 359         4,722,684      $ 47        937,641       $ 9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

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EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (DEFICIT) – (CONTINUED)

FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2013

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
     Accumulated
Deficit
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Equity (Deficit)
 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2010

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

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     —            (15,558     —           4,019        (11,539

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

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —            —           1,318        (88     1,230   

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —            —           1,778        —           1,778   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2011

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

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     —            26,193        —           4,535        30,728   

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   

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —            —           (97     (59     (156

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —            —           (489     —           (489
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     —            43,772        —           4,479        48,251   

Exercise of stock options and related income tax benefits

     294         —           —           —           302   

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

     1,595         —           —           —           1,601   

Issuance of Common Stock in exchange for cancellation of stock options

     —            —           —           —           5   

Payments of dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests

     —            —           —           (5,103     (5,103

Disposition of noncontrolling interests

     —            —           —           (87     (87

Reclassify preferred stock from mezzanine

     46,873         —           —           —           46,882   

Cumulative translation adjustment

     —            —           (1,201     (48     (1,249

Change in value of derivative instrument

     —            —           (107     —           (107
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

   $ 578,555       $ (588,836   $ (118   $ 47,083      $ 37,099   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

 

     FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28 (29),  
     2011     2012     2013  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Consolidated net income (loss)

   $ (11,539   $ 30,728      $ 48,251   

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

      

Discontinued operations

     8,220        4,997        (50,080

Gain on sale of controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC

     —           (31,865     —      

Impairment losses on intangible assets

     7,005        —           11,419   

Loss on debt extinguishment

     —           2,006        4,508   

Accretion of debt instruments to interest expense

     —           4,968        13,240   

Depreciation and amortization

     6,932        5,544        5,675   

Provision for bad debts

     669        232        86   

Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes

     1,446        (34,326     (6,519

Noncash compensation

     1,748        1,092        2,942   

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

     265        16,068        302   

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets

     3        797        (9,877

Changes in assets and liabilities—

      

Accounts receivable

     (2,052     4,915        632   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     83        1,290        480   

Other assets

     (202     (310     (1,864

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     1,425        981        (4,501

Deferred revenue

     82        (791     (1,608

Income taxes

     7,431        1,865        (1,852

Other liabilities

     (1,148     (1,110     (9,294

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities—discontinued operations

     (809     (3,323     (95
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     19,559        3,758        1,845   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Purchases of property and equipment

     (3,405     (5,122     (3,364

Proceeds from the sale of assets

     —           160        10,006   

Cash paid for investments in preferred stock

     —           —           (6,489

Sale of controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC

     —           130,000        —      

Distributions from equity method investments

     43        1,308        73   

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

     (842     4,945        113,760   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (4,204     131,291        113,986   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – (CONTINUED)

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

 

     FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28 (29),  
     2011     2012     2013  

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Payments on long-term debt

     (29,156     (146,151     (279,716

Proceeds from long-term debt

     19,000        50,941        181,198   

Settlement of tax withholding obligations

     (90     (86     (220

Dividends and distributions paid to noncontrolling interests

     (4,413     (4,152     (5,103

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchases

     —           —           302   

Payments for debt related costs

     —           (4,191     (9,343

Acquisition of rights in and purchase of preferred stock

     —           (31,685     —      

Net cash used in financing activities—discontinued operations

     (1,176     —           —      

Other

     —           3        —      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (15,835     (135,321     (112,882
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents

     (266     (177     167   

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (746     (449     3,116   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

      

Beginning of period

     6,814        6,068        5,619   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 6,068      $ 5,619      $ 8,735   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:

      

Cash paid for (refund from)—

      

Interest

   $ 21,176      $ 25,368      $ 21,811   

Income taxes

     (7,026     1,007        2,175   

Non-cash financing transactions—

      

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

     1,756        1,090        1,798   

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

 

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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, which are now classified as discontinued operations, reported on a fiscal year ending December 31, which Emmis consolidated 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 three FM radio stations serving the nation’s top two markets – New York and Los Angeles, although one station in New York 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 fifteen FM and three 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 radio businesses, we operate a radio news network in Indiana, and publish Texas Monthly , Los Angeles , Atlanta , Indianapolis Monthly , Cincinnati and Orange Coast .

Substantially all of ECC’s business is conducted through its subsidiaries. Our credit agreement, dated December 28, 2012 (the “2012 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.

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 28, 2013 was as follows:

 

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

Year ended February 28, 2011

     1,734         669         (1,044     1,359   

Year ended February 29, 2012

     1,359         232         (576     1,015   

Year ended February 28, 2013

     1,015         86         (578     523   

 

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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 and dispositions of radio stations, pending regulatory approval of transfer of the FCC licenses. Under the terms of these agreements, the acquiring company makes specified periodic payments to the holder of the FCC license in exchange for the right to program and sell advertising for a specified portion of the station’s inventory of broadcast time. The acquiring 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 has also entered into a strategic, long-term LMA in New York City which is not associated with the sale of the underlying FCC License. See below for more discussion of the New York LMA.

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 terminated upon the sale of the station on August 23, 2012 (see Note 8 for more discussion of the sale transaction).

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, the Company entered into an LMA with New York AM Radio, LLC (“98.7FM Programmer”) pursuant to which, commencing April 30, 2012, 98.7FM Programmer purchased from Emmis the right to provide programming on 98.7FM until August 31, 2024. Disney Enterprises, Inc., the parent company of 98.7FM Programmer, has guaranteed the obligations of 98.7FM Programmer under the LMA. The Company retains ownership and control of the Station, including the related FCC license during the term of the LMA and will receive an annual fee from 98.7FM 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. LMA fee revenue is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the LMA. Emmis retains the FCC License of 98.7FM after the term of the LMA expires.

LMA fees, recorded as net revenues (except for discontinued operations) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, for the three years ended February 28, 2013 were as follows:

 

     For the years ended February 28 (29)  
     2011      2012      2013  

Continuing Operations:

        

98.7FM, New York

   $ —          $ —          $ 8,609   

Merlin Media

     —            310         —      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ —          $ 310       $ 8,609   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations:

        

KXOS-FM, Los Angeles

   $  7,000       $ 7,000       $ 3,331   

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.

 

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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 2011, 2012 and 2013 was $5.6 million, $4.7 million and $4.7 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 28, 2013.

Definite-lived Intangibles

The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets are trademarks which are amortized over the period of time the trademarks are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the Company’s future cash flows.

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.

 

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

 

     Year ended February 28 (29),  
     2011     2012     2013  

Income (loss) from operations:

      

Slager (Radio)

   $ (2,740   $ (312   $ —      

Flint Peak Tower Site (Radio)

     362        1        —      

KXOS-FM (Radio)

     2,570        (261     (223

Emmis Interactive Inc. (Radio)

     (4,906     (4,692     (2,815

Slovakia Radio Network (Radio)

     1,720        1,160        782   

Bulgaria Radio Network (Radio)

     (1,128     (618     (810

Sampler Publications (Publishing)

     1,495        387        (171
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (2,627     (4,335     (3,237

Provision for income taxes

     5,593        5,544        532   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations, net of tax

     (8,220     (9,879     (3,769

Gain on sale of discontinued operations:

      

Flint Peak Tower Site (Radio)

     —           4,882        —      

KXOS-FM (Radio)

     —           —           32,757   

Emmis Interactive Inc. (Radio)

     —           —           (654

Slovakia Radio Network (Radio)

     —           —           14,798   

Bulgaria Radio Network (Radio)

     —           —           (1,254

Sampler Publications (Publishing)

     —           —           695   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     —           4,882        46,342   

Benefit for income taxes

     —           —           (7,507
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

     —           4,882        53,849   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

   $ (8,220   $ (4,997   $ 50,080   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20-45, the Company allocated interest expense to discontinued operations associated with the portion of term loans required to be repaid as a result of dispositions.

Discontinued Operation – Slovakia Radio

On February 25, 2013, Emmis completed the sale of its Slovakian radio network to Bauer Ausland 1 GMBH for $21.2 million in cash. Emmis believed the sale of its international radio properties would better enable the Company to focus its efforts on its domestic radio stations. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $14.8 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Emmis included the results of operations of its Slovakian radio network for the period January 1, 2012 through the sale of the network on February 25, 2013 in discontinued operations in its year ended February 28, 2013. Net income of the Slovakia radio network for the period beginning January 1, 2013 through the sale of the network on February 25, 2013 was not material.

The operations of our Slovakian radio network had historically been included in the radio segment. The following table summarizes certain operating results of our Slovakian radio network for all periods presented:

 

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     For the year ended February 28 (29),  
     2011      2012     2013  

Net revenues

   $ 13,006       $ 12,111      $ 11,375   

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     8,498         8,151        8,663   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,800         1,291        781   

Gain on sale of assets

     —           —          244   

Interest expense

     783         1,517        1,461   

Other expense (income), net

     205         (8     (68

Gain on sale of business

     —           —          14,798   

Provision for income taxes

     693         644        532   

Discontinued Operation – Bulgaria Radio

On January 3, 2013, Emmis completed the sale of its Bulgarian radio network to Reflex Media EEOD for $1.7 million in cash. Emmis believed the sale of its international radio properties would better enable the Company to focus its efforts on its domestic radio stations. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a loss on sale of assets of approximately $1.3 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The loss on disposal primarily resulted from the reclassification of accumulated currency translation adjustments.

The operations of our Bulgarian radio network had historically been included in the radio segment. The following table summarizes certain operating results of our Bulgarian radio network for all periods presented:

 

     For the year ended February 28 (29),  
     2011      2012     2013  

Net revenues

   $ 1,421       $ 1,407      $ 1,152   

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     2,223         1,990        1,769   

Depreciation and amortization

     318         239        174   

Other expense (income), net

     8         (204     19   

Loss on sale of business

     —           —          (1,254

Discontinued Operation — Emmis Interactive

On October 31, 2012, Emmis completed the sale of Emmis Interactive Inc., a subsidiary of Emmis that provided a content management system, data analytic tools and related services, to Marketron Broadcast Solutions, LLC (“Marketron”) for no net proceeds. The sale of Emmis Interactive Inc. allowed Emmis to mitigate expected future operating losses and focus its efforts on its domestic radio operations and other promising technology initiatives. Marketron assumed operating control of Emmis Interactive, Inc., on October 4, 2012. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a loss on sale of assets of approximately $0.7 million, which is primarily related to severance for former employees and is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The operations of Emmis Interactive Inc. had historically been included in the radio segment. The following table summarizes certain operating results of Emmis Interactive Inc. for all periods presented:

 

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     For the year ended February 28 (29),  
     2011      2012      2013  

Net revenues

   $  3,908       $  4,809       $ 2,743   

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     7,847         8,656         4,698   

Depreciation and amortization

     967         845         257   

Other income, net

     —           —           (134

Impairment loss

     —           —           737   

Loss on sale of business

     —           —           (654

Discontinued Operation – Country Sampler, Smart Retailer and related publications

On October 1, 2012, Emmis completed the sale of Country Sampler magazine, Smart Retailer magazine, and related publications (altogether the “Sampler Publications”) and certain real estate used in their operations to subsidiaries of DRG Holdings, LLC. Emmis believed the sale of the Sampler Publications, which were niche crafting publications, would enable it to more clearly focus on its core city and regional publications. Emmis received gross proceeds from the sale of $8.7 million, incurred approximately $0.2 million in transaction expenses and tax obligations, and used the remaining $8.5 million to repay term loans under the Company’s 2006 Credit Agreement (as defined in Note 5). In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $0.7 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20-45, the Company allocated interest expense associated with the estimate of term loans required to be repaid as a result of the sale of the Sampler Publications to its operations for all periods presented.

The operations of the Sampler Publications had historically been included in the publishing segment. The following table summarizes certain operating results of the Sampler Publications for all periods presented:

 

     For the year ended February 28 (29),  
     2011      2012      2013  

Net revenues

   $ 8,935       $ 8,462       $ 5,298   

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     6,994         7,250         4,985   

Depreciation and amortization

     76         86         44   

Loss on disposal of assets

     —           23         —     

Interest expense

     370         716         440   

Gain on sale of business

     —           —           695   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     516         516         (2,764

Discontinued Operation – KXOS-FM

On August 23, 2012, Emmis completed the sale of KXOS-FM in Los Angeles for $85.5 million in cash. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $32.8 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. KXOS-FM had previously been operating pursuant to a local programming and marketing agreement, which is discussed in more detail above.

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20-45, the Company allocated interest expense associated with the portion of term loans required to be repaid as a result of the sale of KXOS-FM to its operations for all periods presented.

The operations of KXOS-FM had historically been included in the radio segment. The following table summarizes certain operating results of KXOS-FM for all periods presented:

 

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     For the years ended February 28 (29),  
     2011      2012      2013  

Net revenues

   $ 7,000       $ 7,000       $ 3,331   

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     446         93         27   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     521         462         169   

Gain on sale of assets

     —           1         —     

Interest expense

     3,463         6,707         3,358   

Gain on sale of station, net of taxes

     —           —           32,757   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     4,384         4,384         (4,743

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.

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),  
     2011      2012      2013  

Net revenues

   $ 558       $ 59       $  —     

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     128         51         —     

Depreciation and amortization

     68         7         —     

Gain on sale of assets

     —           4,882         —     

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),  
     2011     2012     2012  

Net revenues

   $ 41      $ 30      $ —     

Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     940        344        —     

Other income (expense), net

     (1,841     2        —     

Net loss attributable to minority interests

     (469     (48     —     

 

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Summary of Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations:

 

     As of February 28 (29),  
     2012      2013  

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 914       $ 579   

Accounts receivable, net

     4,036         128   

Prepaid expenses

     1,797         17   

Income tax receivable

     508         34   

Other

     177         4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     7,432         762   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncurrent assets:

     

Property and equipment, net

     6,494         —     

Intangible assets, net

     65,161         —     

Other noncurrent assets

     30         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noncurrent assets

     71,685         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 79,117       $ 762   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 1,949       $ 2,169   

Accrued salaries and commissions

     932         —     

Deferred revenue

     4,198         —     

Other current liabilities

     134         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     7,213         2,169   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncurrent liabilities:

     

Other noncurrent liabilities

   $ 379       $ —     

Deferred income taxes

     391         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noncurrent liabilities

     770         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 7,983       $ 2,169   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 29, 2012 direct-response advertising costs capitalized as assets were approximately $1.4 million. No direct-response advertising costs were capitalized as of February 28, 2013. Approximately $0.2 million of capitalized direct-response advertising costs as of February 29, 2012 related to Country Sampler and are classified as a component of current assets – discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Advertising expense for the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013 was $4.8 million, $4.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively.

 

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l. Investments

For those investments in common stock or in-substance common stock 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 other investments held at February 28, 2013, 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),  
     2012      2013  

Equity method investment—Texas tower partnership

     1,531         1,400   

Available-for-sale investments

     160         6,489   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 1,691       $ 7,889   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity method investments

Emmis, through its partnership in the Austin market, has a 25% ownership interest in a company that operated a tower site in Austin, Texas.

In connection with the sale of its controlling interest in Merlin Media LLC on September 1, 2011, the Company retained an initial 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 of $13.9 million 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 15 for discussion of other income (expense), net.

Available for sale investments

Emmis’ available for sale investments are investments in the preferred shares of non-public companies. These investments are accounted for under the provisions of ASC 320.

Emmis has made investments totaling $0.5 million in iBiquity, Inc, a company that specializes in digital radio transmission technology. During the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013, Emmis recorded noncash impairment charges of $0.3 million, less than $0.1 million and $0.2 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. The impairment charge recorded during the year ended Febraury 28, 2013 reduced the carrying value of this investment to zero as of February 28, 2013.

During the year ended February 28, 2013, Emmis made investments totaling $6.0 million in Courseload, Inc, a provider of online textbooks and other course material. This investment is carried at fair value, which the Company believes approximates the original acquisition cost of $6.0 million.

During the year ended February 28, 2013, Emmis made investments totaling $0.5 million in TuneIn, Inc., an on-line access point for over-the-air radio streams and other on-demand audio programming such as podcasts, interviews and concerts. This investment is carried at fair value, which the Company believes approximates the original acquisition cost of $0.5 million.

Although no unrealized or realized gains or losses have been recognized on these investments, 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 an investment is other than temporarily impaired, the Company will recognize, through the statements of operations, a loss on the investment.

 

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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 detail 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 2011, 2012 and 2013 were $12.8 million, $12.5 million and $9.2 million, respectively, and barter expenses were $13.4 million, $12.4 million, and $9.2 million, respectively.

n. Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currencies of our international radio entities, all of which have now been sold or have ceased operations, are shown in the following table. The balance sheets of these entities were 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 were 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 were recorded for Slager in accumulated other comprehensive income. The net translation adjustments reflected in shareholders’ deficit during the respective periods were as follows:

 

     Functional    For the Years Ended February 28 (29),  
     Currency    2011     2012     2013  

Foreign currency transalation adjustments

         

Slovakia

   Euro    $ (773   $ (353   $ 23   

Bulgaria

   Leva      (81     256        (175

Hungary

   Forint      170        —          —     

Reclassification due to substantial liquidation

         

Slovakia

   Euro    $ —        $ —        $ 3,324   

Bulgaria

   Leva      —          —          (1,971

Hungary

   Forint      2,002        —          —     
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 1,318      $ (97   $ 1,201   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 at February 2011, 2012 and 2013 consisted of stock options, restricted stock awards and preferred stock.

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share from continuing operations:

 

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    For the year ended  
    February 28, 2011     February 29, 2012     February 28, 2013  
                Net Loss                 Net Income                 Net Income  
    Net Income     Shares     Per Share     Net Income     Shares     Per Share     Net Income     Shares     Per Share  
    (amounts in 000’s, except per share data)  

Basic net income (loss) per common share:

                 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations

  $ (17,518     37,863      $ (0.46   $ 84,443        38,293      $ 2.21      $  (8,114     39,034      $ (0.21

Impact of equity awards

           —            —          967          —          —       

Impact of conversion of preferred stock into common stock

           —            (53,301     5,693          —          —       
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted net income (loss) per common share:

                 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations

  $ (17,518     37,863      $ (0.46   $ 31,142        44,953      $ 0.69      $ (8,114     39,034      $ (0.21
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

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),  
     2011      2012      2013  
     (shares in 000’s )  

Preferred stock

     6,854         —           2,288   

Stock options and restricted stock awards

     8,266         6,651         6,953   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Antidilutive common share equivalents

     15,120         6,651         9,241   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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.

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.

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

 

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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), 2012 and 2013.

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 2014 with cash and cash equivalents on hand, projected cash flows from operations, and, to the extent necessary, through its borrowing capacity under the 2012 Credit Agreement, which was approximately $15.0 million at February 28, 2013. Based on these projections, management also believes the Company will be in compliance with its debt covenants through the end of fiscal year 2014.

u. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2013-02, “ Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ” which adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements, other than presentation and disclosure.

v. Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to be consistent with the February 28, 2013 presentation. The reclassifications have no impact on net income (loss) previously reported.

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), 2012 and 2013, 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. Emmis may redeem the preferred stock for cash at 100% of the liquidation preference per share, which totaled $46.9 million as of February 28, 2013.

September 4, 2012 Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation

On September 4, 2012, following approval by the Company’s shareholders, the Company filed amendments to its Articles of Incorporation that modify the rights of holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock. The amendments:

 

   

cancelled the amount of undeclared dividends in respect of the Preferred Stock that were accumulated but undeclared on or prior to the effectiveness of the Proposed Amendments;

 

   

changed the designation of the Preferred Stock from “Cumulative” to “Non-Cumulative” and changed the rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock such that dividends or distributions on the Preferred Stock will not accumulate unless declared by the

 

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board of directors and subsequently not paid (and thereby effectively canceled associated rights to elect directors in the event of dividend arrearages);

 

   

cancelled the restrictions on Emmis’ ability to pay dividends or make distributions on, or repurchase, its Common Stock or other junior stock prior to paying accumulated but undeclared dividends or distributions on the Preferred Stock;

 

   

changed the ability of the holders of the Preferred Stock to require Emmis to repurchase all of such holders’ Preferred Stock upon certain going-private transactions in which an affiliate of Mr. Smulyan participates that do not constitute a change of control transaction, to cause the holders of the Preferred Stock to no longer have such ability;

 

   

changed the ability of the holders of the Preferred Stock to convert all of such Preferred Stock to Class A Common Stock upon a change of control at specified conversion prices to cause the holders of the Preferred Stock to no longer have such ability;

 

   

changed the ability of holders of the Preferred Stock to vote as a separate class on a plan of merger, share exchange, sale of assets or similar transaction to the ability to vote with the Common Stock on an as-converted basis (except as may otherwise be required by law); and

 

   

changed the conversion price adjustment applicable to certain merger, reclassification and other transactions to provide that the Preferred Stock converts into the right to receive property that would have been receivable had such Preferred Stock been converted into Class A Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction.

As a result of the elimination of the rights of holders of Preferred Stock to require Emmis to repurchase all of such holders’ Preferred Stock in certain going-private transactions, the Preferred Stock was reclassified from temporary equity to permanent equity. Additionally, the cancellation of the cumulative feature of the Preferred Stock and the cancellation of accumulated but undeclared preferred dividends modified earnings per share calculations as the numerator in the calculation no longer includes undeclared preferred dividends.

2012 Retention Plan & Trust

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 its 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 a distribution two years from the date of shareholder approval of the plan, provided the participant is still an employee and was an employee upon inception of the plan. 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, our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer.

As of the Trust’s inception and February 28, 2013, no preferred shares have been allocated to individual employees, nor is any individual entitled to any minimum number of shares. As a result, the service inception date for these awards precedes the grant date, and the Company is accounting for the 2012 Retention Plan as a liability plan, using variable accounting. Prior to establishment of a grant date, the Company will estimate the fair value of the shares at each reporting period, and will recognize the compensation expense over a two-year period that began on April 2, 2012. Upon the second anniversary of the Trust’s inception, the Trust’s governance will allocate the shares to individual employees, at which point fully vested shares will be distributed to employees. The Trust is consolidated by the Company and both the assets and deferred compensation obligation of the Trust are accounted for within the applicable preferred stock classification in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized approximately $0.7 million of compensation expense related to the 2012 Retention Plan during the year ended February 28, 2013.

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. The Company also has the right to exchange the 400,000 shares of Preferred Stock into shares of Class A common stock at the same ratio as the conversion formula in the Preferred Stock (currently 2.44 shares of Class A common stock for each share of Preferred Stock). Subsequent to the execution of the Voting and Transfer Restriction Agreement and prior to the September 19, 2012 termination of the total return swap transactions, Emmis had the ability to direct the vote of 1,884,679 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding, or approximately 66.8% of the Preferred Stock then outstanding.

 

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Total Return Swaps and Voting Agreements

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 were retired. The purchase price for the rights in the remaining shares was also paid in cash, but these shares were subject to total return swap arrangements. Pursuant to those agreements and arrangements, we had 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 were not retired for record purposes, they were 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 was 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.

In order to comply with the terms of its 2006 Credit Agreement, Emmis exercised its early termination option under the total return swap transactions that it had entered into with certain holders of 1,484,679 shares of its Preferred Stock. The termination was effective on September 19, 2012. As a result, these 1,484,679 shares of Preferred Stock have returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares, leaving 1,337,641 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding, which includes 400,000 shares held pursuant to the 2012 Retention Plan and Trust discussed above.

4. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

The amounts recorded as share based compensation expense consist of stock option and restricted stock grants, common stock issued to employees and directors in lieu of cash payments, and Preferred Stock contributed to the 2012 Retention Plan.

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 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. Prior to March 1, 2012, the Company used the simplified method to estimate the expected term for all options granted. Although the Company had 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 it determined was insufficient experience upon which to estimate the expected term through fiscal 2012. However, beginning in fiscal 2013, the Company determined that sufficient reliable data regarding its employees’ exercise behavior was available and it ceased using the simplified method. This change did not materially impact our results of operations. 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 2011, 2012 and 2013:

 

     Year Ended February 28 (29),
     2011    2012    2013

Risk-Free Interest Rate:

   1.9% - 2.9%    1.2% - 2.5%    0.5% - 0.7%

Expected Dividend Yield:

   0%    0%    0%

Expected Life (Years):

   6.0 - 6.5    6.0    4.2

Expected Volatility:

   98.9% - 107.6%    110.2% - 111.3%    128.9% - 131.4%

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s stock options outstanding at February 28, 2013, and stock option activity during the year ended February 28, 2013 (“Price” reflects the weighted average exercise price per share):

 

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                   Weighted Average      Aggregate  
                   Remaining      Intrinsic  
     Options      Price      Contractual Term      Value  

Outstanding, beginning of year

     8,426,564       $ 7.26         

Granted

     2,481,719         0.93         

Exercised (1)

     830,245         0.46         

Forfeited

     122,377         1.47         

Expired or exchanged

     2,823,202         11.41         
  

 

 

          

Outstanding, end of year

     7,132,459         4.31         6.2       $ 4,085   

Exercisable, end of year

     3,944,355         7.05         4.1       $ 1,795   

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013 was $0.59, $0.85 and $0.77, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended February 2012 and 2013 was less than $0.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively. No options were exercised during the year ended February 2011.

A summary of the Company’s nonvested options at February 28, 2013 and changes during the year ended February 28, 2013 are presented below:

 

            Weighted Average  
            Grant Date  
     Options      Fair Value  

Nonvested, beginning of year

     3,193,171       $ 0.58   

Granted

     2,481,719         0.77   

Vested

     2,364,409         0.52   

Forfeited

     122,377         1.22   
  

 

 

    

Nonvested, end of year

     3,188,104         0.76   
  

 

 

    

There were 4.4 million shares available for future grants under the Company’s various equity plans at February 28, 2013. The vesting dates of outstanding options at February 28, 2013 range from March 2013 to March 2017, and expiration dates range from March 2013 to November 2022.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company grants restricted stock awards to directors annually, and periodically grants restricted stock to employees. These awards to directors are granted on the date of our annual meeting of shareholders and vest on the earlier of (i) the completion of the director’s three-year term or (ii) the third anniversary of the date of grant. Restricted stock award grants prior to fiscal 2011 were granted out of the Company’s 2004 Equity Compensation Plan. Restricted stock award grants from March 1, 2010 to November 4, 2012 were granted out of the Company’s 2010 Equity Compensation Plan and restricted stock award grants since November 5, 2012 have been granted out of the Company’s 2012 Equity Compensation Plan. The Company may also award, out of the Company’s 2012 Equity Compensation Plan, stock to settle certain bonuses and other compensation that otherwise would be paid in cash. Any restrictions on these shares may be immediately lapsed on the grant date.

On January 16, 2013, the Company commenced an option exchange program whereby optionees holding certain fully-vested underwater stock options were given the opportunity to exchange those stock options into restricted stock with a one-year vesting term. The exchange ratios were intended to result in little to no incremental accounting cost to the Company because the fair value of the options was measured immediately prior to the exchange and compared to the fair value of the restricted stock exchanged. The exchange offer closed February 15, 2013. Pursuant to the exchange offer and based on participant elections, approximately 2.2 million stock options were cancelled and approximately 0.5 million shares of restricted stock were issued. The exchange resulted in less than $0.1 million of incremental accounting cost.

 

 

1   The Company did not record an income tax benefit related to option exercises in the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013. Cash received from option exercises during the years ended February 2012 and 2013 was less than $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. No options were exercised during the year ended February 2011.

 

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The following table presents a summary of the Company’s restricted stock grants outstanding at February 28, 2013, and restricted stock activity during the year ended February 28, 2013 (“Price” reflects the weighted average share price at the date of grant):

 

     Awards      Price  

Grants outstanding, beginning of year

     24,145       $ 0.90   

Granted

     1,227,866         1.87   

Vested (restriction lapsed)

     714,606         1.95   

Forfeited

     —           —     
  

 

 

    

Grants outstanding, end of year

     537,405         1.72   
  

 

 

    

The total grant date fair value of shares vested during the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013 was $2.3 million, $1.0 million and $1.4 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 2013:

 

     Year Ended February 28 (29),  
     2011      2012      2013  

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 648       $ 146       $ 852   

Corporate expenses

     1,100         946         2,090   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses

     1,748         1,092         2,942   

Tax benefit

     —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Recognized stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

   $ 1,748       $ 1,092       $ 2,942   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of February 28, 2013, there was $2.4 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), 2012 and 2013:

 

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     As of February 28 (29),  
     2012     2013  

2012 Credit Agreement debt (A)

    

Revolver

   $ —        $ 5,000   

Term Loan

     —          62,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total 2012 Credit Agreement debt

     —          67,000   

98.7FM nonrecourse debt (B)

     —          79,068   

2006 Credit Agreement debt ( C)

    

Revolver

     6,000        —     

Term Loan

     87,877        —     

Extended Term Loan

     109,966        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total 2006 Credit Agreement debt

     203,843        —     

Senior unsecured notes (D)

     33,860        —     

Current maturities

     (7,978     (12,126

Unamortized original issue discount

     —          (2,448
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

   $ 229,725      $ 131,494   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(A) 2012 Credit Agreement

On December 28, 2012, Emmis Operating Company (“EOC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Emmis, entered into a credit facility (the “2012 Credit Agreement”) to provide for total borrowings of up to $100 million, including (i) an $80 million term loan and (ii) a $20 million revolver, of which $5 million may be used for letters of credit.

A portion of the proceeds under the 2012 Credit Agreement were used to repay (i) EOC’s indebtedness under and terminate the 2006 Credit Agreement, for which Bank of America, N.A. acted as administrative agent and (ii) the Note Purchase Agreement dated as of November 11, 2011 between Emmis Communications Corporation, as Issuer, and Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P., as Purchaser, as amended, (“Senior Unsecured Notes”).

In addition to repaying in full the 2006 Credit Agreement and the Senior Unsecured Notes, the proceeds of the borrowings under the 2012 Credit Agreement were used for working capital needs and other general corporate purposes of Emmis, and certain other transactions permitted under the 2012 Credit Agreement.

All outstanding amounts under the 2012 Credit Agreement bear interest, at the option of EOC, at a rate equal to the Eurodollar Rate or an alternative base rate (as defined in the 2012 Credit Agreement) plus a margin. The margin over the Eurodollar Rate or the alternative base rate varies (ranging from 2.50% to 5.00%), depending on Emmis’ ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the agreement. Interest is due on a calendar month basis under the alternative base rate and at least every three months under the Eurodollar Rate. Beginning 60 days after closing, the 2012 Credit Agreement required Emmis to maintain fixed interest rates, for at least one year, on a minimum of 50% of its total outstanding debt, as defined. See Note 6 for more discussion of our interest rate swap agreement.

The term loan and revolver both mature on December 28, 2017. Beginning on April 1, 2013, the borrowings under the term loan are payable in quarterly installments equal to 2.50% of the original balance of the term loan, with the remaining balance payable December 28, 2017. Proceeds from raising additional equity, issuing additional subordinated debt or from asset sales, as well as excess cash flow, subject to certain exceptions, are required to be used to repay amounts outstanding under the 2012 Credit Agreement.

Approximately $0.5 million of transaction fees related to the 2012 Credit Agreement were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the 2012 Credit Agreement. These deferred debt costs are included in other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets. The 2012 Credit Agreement is carried on our consolidated balance sheets net of an original issue discount. The original issue discount, which

 

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was $2.5 million as of the issuance of the debt on December 28, 2012 and $2.4 million as of February 28, 2013, is being amortized as additional interest expense over the life of the 2012 Credit Agreement.

Borrowing under the 2012 Credit Agreement depends upon our continued compliance with certain operating covenants and financial ratios, including leverage and fixed charge coverage as specifically defined. The operating covenants and other restrictions with which we must comply include, among others, restrictions on additional indebtedness, incurrence of liens, engaging in businesses other than our primary business, paying certain dividends, redeeming or repurchasing capital stock of Emmis, acquisitions and asset sales. No default or event of default has occurred or is continuing. The 2012 Credit Agreement provides that an event of default will occur if there is a “change in control” of Emmis, as defined. The payment of principal, premium and interest under the 2012 Credit Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by ECC and most of its existing wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. Substantially all of Emmis’ assets, including the stock of Emmis’ wholly-owned, domestic subsidiaries are pledged to secure the 2012 Credit Agreement.

We were in compliance with all financial and non-financial covenants as of February 28, 2013. Our Senior Leverage Ratio, Total Leverage Ratio and Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (each as defined in the 2012 Credit Agreement) requirements and actual amounts as of February 28, 2013 were as follows:

 

     As of February 28, 2013  
     Covenant         
     Requirement      Actual Results  

Maximum Senior Leverage Ratio (1)

     4:00 : 1:00         3:38 : 1:00   

Maximum Total Leverage Ratio (1)

     4:75 : 1:00         3:38 : 1:00   

Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (1)

     1:25 : 1:00         1:55 : 1:00   

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 2012 Credit Agreement.

Expected annual principal payments of long-term debt based on amounts outstanding as of February 28, 2013 are as follows:

 

     Principal Debt Maturities  

Year Ended

February 28 (29),

   Credit
Agreement
     98.7FM Nonrecourse
Debt
     Total  

2014

   $ 8,000       $ 4,126       $ 12,126   

2015

     8,000         4,541         12,541   

2016

     8,000         4,990         12,990   

2017

     8,000         5,453         13,453   

2018

     35,000         6,039         41,039   

Thereafter

     —           53,919         53,919   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 67,000       $ 79,068       $ 146,068   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(B) 98.7FM Nonrecourse Debt

On April 26, 2012, the Company entered into an 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 98.7FM (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. The Company retains ownership and control of the Station, including the related FCC license, 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. LMA fee revenue is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the LMA. The Company assigned the LMA to a wholly-owned, newly-formed subsidiary (the “Financing Subsidiary”) in connection with the funding of the 98.7FM nonrecourse debt under the Participation Agreement, each as described below.

 

1   (as defined in the Credit Agreement)

 

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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 and TIAA. On May 30, 2012, subsequent to the contribution of certain assets including the FCC License of 98.7FM to the License Subsidiary, the Company closed on the financing under the Participation Agreement with Wells Fargo and TIAA. Pursuant to the Participation Agreement, Wells Fargo sold to TIAA a 100% participation interest in a 4.1% promissory note issued, jointly and severally, by the Financing Subsidiary and the License Subsidiary in the principal amount of approximately $82.2 million (the “98.7FM Note”). The 98.7FM Note will mature on August 1, 2024 and bears interest at a rate equal to 4.1% per annum. Principal payments to be made under the note are reflected in the principal debt maturities table above. The 98.7FM Note is principally secured by, among other things, an assignment of the proceeds of the 98.7FM LMA and a guarantee by Disney Enterprises, Inc. As evidence of TIAA’s purchase of the participation interest in the 98.7FM Note, TIAA received a Pass-Through Certificate which entitles TIAA to receive payments made under the 98.7FM Note. In its capacity as the trustee, Wells Fargo receives fees and expenses for undertaking certain obligations related to the 98.7FM Note.

Approximately $74.7 million of the net proceeds from the 98.7FM Note were used to repay indebtedness under the 2006 Credit Agreement, including all amounts then outstanding under its revolver, $4.3 million was retained by Emmis Operating Company for general corporate purposes, including the settlement of contract termination and severance obligations related to 98.7FM as well as Extended Term Loan B exit fee obligations, and the remainder was used to pay transaction costs. Approximately $3.2 million of transaction fees related to the issuance of the 98.7FM Note were capitalized and are being amortized over the life of the 98.7FM Note, which fully matures in August 2024, which coincides with the expiration of the 98.7FM LMA. These deferred debt costs are included in other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company expects that proceeds from the 98.7FM LMA will be sufficient to pay all debt service related to the 98.7FM Note, as well as all operating costs of the Station. As of February 28, 2013, the Financing Subsidiary held $1.4 million of cash. Since this cash is not available for Emmis’ general corporate purposes, it is considered restricted cash and classified as other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(C) 2006 Credit Agreement

The Company’s 2006 Credit Agreement consisted of (i) a $455 million term loan and (ii) a $145 million revolver. 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. Various amendments to the Company to the 2006 Credit Amendment were made from time to time. Key amendments included the following:

 

   

The March 3, 2009 amendment that permitted Emmis to purchase a portion of its Term B notes at an amount less than par for an aggregate purchase price of not more than $50 million and reduced the revolver from $145 million to $75 million

 

   

The August 19, 2009 amendment that suspended certain financial covenents of the 2006 Credit Agreement and reduced the revolver from $75 million to $20 million

 

   

The March 29, 2011 amendment (“Third Amendment”) that changed certain financial covenants, extended the maturity date for a portion of the term loans and amended the interest rate paid on the extended term loans to a grid whereby Emmis could pay a portion of interest in-kind. Interest rates ranged from 12.25% (all cash) to 7.5% (cash) plus 7.0% (in-kind).

In connection with the March 29, 2011 amendment, Emmis and the funds and accounts managed by Canyon Capital Advisors LLC (“Canyon”), who were the holders of the extended term loans, entered into a backstop letter agreement pursuant to which Canyon agreed to consent to the March 29, 2011 amendment and to purchase loans necessary to provide the required Lenders consent to the amendment. In consideration of Canyon’s entering into the Backstop Letter Agreement, Canyon received 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 was recognized over the term of the extended term loans as interest expense. On August 3, 2012, in connection with an amendment to the 2006 Credit Agreement, the exit fee was increased to 7% on the $27.4 million remaining balance of the extended term loans.

 

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(D) 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. Interest on the senior unsecured notes was paid in kind and compounded quarterly at a rate of 22.95% per annum. The senior unsecured notes were repaid in full on December 28, 2012 in connection with the Company’s refinancing of its senior credit facility. All amounts paid on December 28, 2012 to retire the senior unsecured notes are classified as a financing activity in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

Loss on debt extinguishment

During the year ended February 28, 2013, the Company recorded a $0.4 million loss related to the write-off of debt fees and a $2.7 million loss related to the redemption premium it paid in connection with the full repayment of its senior unsecured notes. Also, the Company recorded a $1.4 million loss related to the write-off of debt fees associated with the 2006 Credit Agreement that was repaid on various dates throughout fiscal 2013.

6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risks 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 facility

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company utilizes interest rate derivatives to add stability to cash payments for interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses 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 2012 Credit Agreement, the Company is required to fix or cap the interest rate on at least 50% of its Term Loan exposure for a two-year period ending December 28, 2014. The requirement to fix or cap interest rates can be reduced to a one-year period provided the Company’s Senior Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2012 Credit Agreement) is at or under 2.50:1:00 as of May 31, 2014. The terms of the Company’s 2006 Credit Agreement required the Company to fix or cap interest rates on at least 30% of its debt outstanding. All derivative instruments related to the 2006 Credit Agreement matured by March 2011.

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 are used to hedge the interest payment cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. The Company did not record any hedge ineffectiveness in earnings during the years ended February 2011, 2012 or 2013. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. During fiscal 2014, the Company estimates that less than $0.1 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

In February 2013, the Company entered into a two-year interest rate exchange agreement (a “Swap”), whereby the Company pays a fixed rate of 0.42% on $40 million of notional principal to Fifth Third Bank, and Fifth Third Bank pays to the Company a variable rate on the same amount of notional principal based on the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). This agreement was the Company’s only interest rate derivative designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk outstanding as of February 28, 2013.

 

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The Company does not generally use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

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, 2013. The accumulated other comprehensive loss balance related to our derivative instruments at February 28, 2013 was $0.1 million. The fair value of the derivative instruments was estimated by obtaining quotations from the financial institution that was the counterparty to the instrument. The fair value was an estimate of the net amount that the Company would have been required to pay on February 28, 2013, if the agreement was transferred to another party or cancelled by the Company, as further adjusted by a credit adjustment required by ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, as discussed below. For the year ended February 28, 2013, this credit adjustment was immaterial.

 

     Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
Liability Derivatives
 
     As of February 29, 2012      As of February 28, 2013  
     Balance Sheet
Location
     Fair Value      Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair Value  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

           

Interest Rate Swap Agreements (Long-Term Portion)

     N/A         —         Other
Noncurrent
Liabilities
     107   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

      $  —            $ 107   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013.

 

    For the Year Ended February 28 (29),  
Derivatives in Cash Flow   Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in
OCI on Derivative (Effective  Portion)
    Location of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
    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
    Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivative
(Ineffective Portion and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 

Hedging Relationships

  2011     2012     2013     (Effective Portion)     2011     2012     2013     Effectiveness Testing)     2011     2012     2013  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

  $ (562   $  —        $ (107     Interest expense      $ (4,333   $ (297   $  —          N/A      $  —        $ —        $  —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ (562   $ —        $ (107     $ (4,333   $ (297   $ —          $  —        $  —        $ —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

The Company manages its counterparty risk by entering into derivative instruments with financial institutions where it believes the risk of credit loss resulting from nonperformance by the counterparty is low. As discussed above, the Company’s counterparty to its interest rate swap is Fifth Third Bank.

In accordance with ASC Topic 820, the Company makes a Credit Value Adjustment (CVA) to adjust the valuation of a derivative to account for our own credit risk with respect to all derivative liability positions. The CVA is accounted for as a decrease to the derivative position with the corresponding increase or decrease reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) for derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. The CVA also accounts for nonperformance risk of our counterparties in the fair value measurement of all derivative asset positions, when appropriate. As of February 28, 2013, this CVA was immaterial to the fair value of our derivative instrument.

The Company’s interest rate swap agreement with Fifth Third Bank incorporates the loan covenant provisions of the Company’s 2012 Credit Agreement. Fifth Third Bank is a lender under the Company’s 2012 Credit Agreement. Failure to comply with the loan covenant provisions of the 2012 Credit Agreement could result in the Company being in default of its obligations under the interest rate swap agreement.

As of February 28, 2013, the Company has not posted any collateral related to the interest rate swap agreement.

 

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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), 2012 and 2013. 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 assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

 

     As of February 28, 2013  
     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

   $ —         $ —         $ 6,489       $ 6,489   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

   $  —         $ —         $  6,489       $ 6,489   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest rate swap agreement

   $ —         $ 107       $ —         $ 107   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

   $ —         $  107       $ —         $ 107   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     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   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Available for sale securities  — Emmis’ available for sale securities are investments in preferred stock of companies that are not traded in active markets. The investments are recorded at fair value, which is generally estimated using significant unobservable market parameters, resulting in level 3 categorization. At February 28, 2013, the investments are primarily carried at their cost basis, which management believes approximates fair value, due to the recent purchase of these investments.

Interest rate swap agreement  — Emmis’ derivative financial instruments consisted solely of an interest rate cash flow hedge in which the Company pays a fixed rate and receives a variable interest rate that was observable based upon a forward interest rate curve and is therefore considered a level 2 measurement.

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

 

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     For the Year Ended
February 29, 2012
    For the Year Ended
February 28, 2013
 
     Available
For Sale
Securities
    Derivative
Instruments
    Available
For Sale
Securities
 

Beginning Balance

   $ 189      $ 297      $ 160   

Purchases

     —          —          6,489   

Other than temporary impairment loss

     (29     —          (160

Realized losses included in earnings

     —          (297     —     

Changes in other comprehensive income

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending Balance

   $ 160      $ —        $ 6,489   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 measurement, 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:

• 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.

Credit Agreement debt : As of February 29, 2012, the fair value of the Company’s 2006 Credit Agreement debt was $198.0 million, while the carrying value was $203.8 million. 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 2 measurement. The Extended Term Loans were not actively traded and were considered a level 3 measurement (see Note 5 for more discussion of the Extended Term Loans). As of February 28, 2013, the fair value of the Company’s 2012 Credit Agreement debt approximates its carrying value of $64.6 million, primarily due to the execution of the debt agreements during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. However, the Company’s 2012 Credit Agreement debt is not actively traded and is considered a level 3 measurement.

98.7FM nonrecourse debt : The Company believes that the carrying value of the 98.7FM nonrecourse debt approximates its fair value as of February 28, 2013. The 98.7FM nonrecourse debt is not actively traded and is considered a level 3 measurement (see Note 5 for more discussion of the 98.7FM nonrecourse debt).

 

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8. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

Sale of Slovakia radio operations

On February 25, 2013, Emmis completed the sale of its Slovakian radio network to Bauer Ausland 1 GMBH for $21.2 million in cash. Emmis believed the sale of its international radio properties would better enable the Company to focus its efforts on its domestic radio stations. The sale of our Bulgarian radio network on January 3, 2013 created a one-time tax benefit that we could use if we sold the Slovakian network on or before February 28, 2013. The sale In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $14.8 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Finalization of the transaction is subject to further working capital adjustments.

Sale of Bulgarian radio operations

On January 3, 2013, Emmis completed the sale of its Bulgarian radio network to Reflex Media EEOD for $1.7 million in cash. Emmis believed the sale of its international radio properties would better enable the Company to focus its efforts on its domestic radio stations. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a loss on sale of assets of approximately $1.3 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The loss on disposal primarily resulted from the reclassification of accumulated currency translation adjustments.

Sale of Emmis Interactive Inc.

On October 31, 2012, Emmis completed the sale of Emmis Interactive Inc., a subsidiary of Emmis that provided a content management system, data analytic tools and related services, to Marketron Broadcast Solutions, LLC (“Marketron”) for no net proceeds. The sale of Emmis Interactive Inc. allowed Emmis to mitigate expected future operating losses. Marketron had assumed operating control of Emmis Interactive, Inc., on October 4, 2012. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a loss on sale of assets of approximately $0.7 million, which is primarily related to severance for former employees and is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Sale of Sampler Publications

On October 1, 2012, Emmis completed the sale of Country Sampler magazine, Smart Retailer magazine, and related publications (altogether the “Sampler Publications”) and certain real estate used in their operations to subsidiaries of DRG Holdings, LLC. Emmis believed the sale of the Sampler Publications, which were niche crafting publications, would enable it to more clearly focus on its core city and regional publications. Emmis received gross proceeds from the sale of $8.7 million, incurred approximately $0.2 million in transaction expenses and tax obligations, and used the remaining $8.5 million to repay term loans under the Company’s 2006 Credit Agreement. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $0.7 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations

Sale of KXOS-FM

On August 23, 2012, Emmis completed the sale of KXOS-FM in Los Angeles for $85.5 million in cash. In connection with the sale, Emmis recorded a gain on sale of assets of approximately $32.8 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. KXOS-FM had previously been operating pursuant to a local programming and marketing agreement, which is discussed in more detail in Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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 owned 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 then 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.

 

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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 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more discussion of our investments in Merlin Media. The preferred interests held by the Company are junior to initial 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 an initial $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 incurred substantial start-up losses well in excess of the original business model used in the September 1, 2011 valuation. Both stations underperformed through February 29, 2012, so much so that station cash flows were expected to 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 the retained common and preferred equity interests using the same valuation methodology described above with updated assumptions, and determined that our 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. During the year ended February 28, 2013, Merlin Media sold WRXP-FM in New York to a third party and changed the format of WKQX-FM in Chicago to a music-intensive format.

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. As of February 28, 2013, due to our nonparticipation in capital contributions to Merlin Media, our common equity ownership interest is approximately 17.5%.

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.

 

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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.

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.

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

In accordance with 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. At the time of each impairment review, if the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible is less than its carrying value a charge is recorded to results of operations. When indicators of impairment are present, the Company will perform an interim impairment test. In connection with the LMA discussed in Note 1, the Company separated the two New York stations into separate units of accounting. In connection with the separation of the stations into separate units of accounting, the Company performed an interim impairment test of those licenses. 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, 2011

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

Year Ended February 29, 2012

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

Year Ended February 28, 2013

     10,971         —           —           —           448         —           11,419   

 

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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.

Assumptions incorporated into the annual impairment testing as of December 1, 2012 were similar to those used in our December 1, 2011 annual impairment testing. The methodology used to value our FCC licenses has not changed in the three-year period ended February 28, 2013.

 

     December 1,
2010
   December 1,
2011
   December 1,
2012

Discount Rate

   12.0% - 12.3%    11.9% - 12.2%    11.9% - 12.3%

Long-term Revenue Growth Rate

   2.5% - 3.5%    2.5% - 3.3%    2.3% - 3.3%

Mature Market Share

   3.1% - 28.2%    3.2% - 29.4%    3.2% - 29.4%

Operating Profit Margin

   25.1% - 37.1%    26.0% - 37.2%    25.1% - 38.3%

As of February 28 (29), 2012 and 2013, the carrying amounts of the Company’s FCC licenses were $213.0 million ($52.3 million of which related to KXOS-FM and has been reclassified to noncurrent assets – discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets) and $150.5 million, respectively. These amounts are entirely attributable to our radio division. The change in FCC license carrying amounts during the year ended February 28, 2013 was attributable to an impairment charge related to one of our New York FCC Licenses and the sale of one of our stations in Los Angeles. The table below presents the changes to the carrying values of the Company’s FCC licenses for the years ended February 2012 and 2013 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 New York cluster in which 98.7FM is being operated under a Local Marketing Agreement by another broadcaster.

 

    Change in FCC License Carrying Values  
    As of     Sale of controlling interest     As of     Change in Unit                 Sale of     As of  

Unit of Accounting

  February 28, 2011     in Merlin Media LLC     February 29, 2012     of Accounting     Purchases     Impairment     KXOS-FM     February 28, 2013  

Continuing Operations

               

New York Cluster

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

WQHT-FM (New York)

    —          —          —          2,597        —          —          —          2,597   

98.7FM (New York)

    —          —          —          71,496        —          (10,971     —          60,525   

Austin Cluster

    39,025        —          39,025        —          230        —          —          39,255   

Chicago Cluster

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

St. Louis Cluster

    27,692        —          27,692        —          —          —          —          27,692   

Indianapolis Cluster

    17,274        —          17,274        —          380        —          —          17,654   

KPWR-FM (Los Angeles)

    2,018        —          2,018        —          —          —          —          2,018   

Terre Haute Cluster

    574        —          574        —          207        —          —          781   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Continuing Operations

    276,463        (115,787     160,676        —          817        (10,971     —          150,522   

Discontinued Operations

               

KXOS-FM (Los Angeles)

    52,333        —          52,333        —          —          —          (52,333     —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Grand Total

  $ 328,796      $ (115,787   $ 213,009      $ —        $  817      $ (10,971   $ (52,333   $ 150,522   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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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, 2012, the Company applied a market multiple of 7.0 times and 5.0 to 7.0 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 28, 2013.

During our December 1, 2012 annual goodwill impairment test, the Company wrote off $0.4 million of goodwill associated with our Indianapolis Monthly publication. Declining operating performance of Indianapolis Monthly resulted in a step-one indication of impairment for Indianapolis Monthly on both the market and income approaches. Upon completing the step-two analysis, the Company determined that the full carrying amount of Indianapolis Monthly goodwill of $0.4 million was impaired.

As of February 28 (29), 2012 and 2013, the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill was $24.2 million ($11.1 million of which related to Country Sampler and our Slovakian radio operations and has been reclassified to noncurrent assets – discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets) and $12.6 million. The table below presents the changes to the carrying values of the Company’s goodwill for the year ended February 2013 for each unit of accounting. Goodwill carrying values did not change during the year ended February 29, 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 historical goodwill that exists at the Austin partnership level attributable to noncontrolling interests.

 

     Change in Goodwill Carrying Values  
     As of Febraury 29,                  As of Febraury 28,  

Unit of Accounting

   2012      Impairment     Sale of Entity     2013  

Continuing Operations

         

Indianapolis Cluster

   $ 265       $ —        $ —        $ 265   

Austin Cluster

     4,338         —          —          4,338   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Radio Segment

     4,603           —          4,603   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Indianapolis Monthly

     448         (448     —          —     

Texas Monthly

     8,036         —          —          8,036   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Publishing Segment

     8,484         (448     —          8,036   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total continuing operations

     13,087         (448     —          12,639   

Discontinued Operations

         

Slovakia

     1,703         —          (1,703     —     

Country Sampler

     9,385         —          (9,385     —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total discontinued operations

     11,088         —          (11,088     —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Grand total

   $ 24,175       $  (448)      $  (11,088)      $ 12,639   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Definite-lived intangibles

The following table presents the weighted-average remaining useful life at February 28, 2013 and gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization for each major class of definite-lived intangible assets at February 28 (29), 2012 and 2013:

 

    

 

   February 29, 2012      February 28, 2013  
     Weighted Average    Gross             Net      Gross             Net  
     Remaining Useful Life    Carrying      Accumulated      Carrying      Carrying      Accumulated      Carrying  
     (in years)    Amount      Amortization      Amount      Amount      Amortization      Amount  

Continuing operations

                    

Trademarks

   12.3    $ 749       $ 502       $ 247       $ 749       $ 524       $ 225   

Favorable office leases

   0.0      688         677         11         —           —           —     
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total continuing operations

        1,437         1,179         258         749         524         225   

Discontinued operations

                    

Foreign broadcasting licenses

   0.0      8,716         6,976         1,740         —           —           —     
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Grand total

      $ 10,153       $ 8,155       $ 1,998       $ 749       $ 524       $ 225   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total amortization expense from definite-lived intangibles related to continuing operations was less than $0.1 million for each of the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013. 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),

  

2014

   $ 19   

2015

     18   

2016

     18   

2017

     18   

2018

     18   

11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

a. Equity Incentive Plans

The Company has stock options and restricted stock 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, the 2010 Equity Compensation Plan and the 2012 Equity Compensation Plan. These outstanding grants continue to be governed by the terms of the applicable plan.

2012 Equity Compensation Plan

At the 2012 annual meeting, the shareholders of Emmis approved the 2012 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 2010 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 3.4 million shares of common stock were available for grant at February 28, 2013.

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.

 

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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, $0.9 million and $0.9 million for the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013, 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 $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.1 million for the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

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 28, 2013 as follows:

 

Year ending    Operating      Syndicated      Employment      Other         

February 28 (29),

   Leases      Programming      Agreements      Contracts      Total  

2014

   $ 5,708       $ 903       $ 11,683       $ 5,853       $ 24,147   

2015

     6,507         405         5,631         2,080         14,623   

2016

     6,177         195         2,614         146         9,132   

2017

     6,067         —           446         150         6,663   

2018

     5,432         —           —           155         5,587   

Thereafter

     26,454         —           —           52         26,506   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 56,345       $ 1,503       $ 20,374       $ 8,436       $ 86,658   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 2011, 2012 and 2013 was approximately $7.8 million, $6.8 million and $7.5 million, respectively. The Company recognized approximately $0.3 million and $0.9 million of sublease income as a reduction of rent expense for the years ended February 2012 and 2013, respectively. No sublease income was recognized during the year ended February 2011. Total minimum sublease rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases as of February 28, 2013 were as follows:

 

Year ending    Noncancelable  

February 28 (29),

   Sublease rentals  

2014

   $ 422   

2015

     773   

2016

     773   

2017

     773   

2018

     193   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,934   
  

 

 

 

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.

 

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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. The Company believes that the awarding of the license to the other bidder was unlawful. In October 2011, Emmis filed for arbitration with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) seeking resolution of its claim. During the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013, the Company incurred Hungary license litigation expenses of approximately $0.3 million, $0.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Emmis and certain of its officers and directors were named as defendants in a lawsuit filed April 16, 2012 by certain holders of Preferred Stock (the “Lock-Up Group”) 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 alleged, among other things, 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, as well as by 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 alleged that Emmis violated 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 amendments to Emmis’ Articles of Incorporation.

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

On August 31, 2012, the U.S. District Court denied plaintiffs request for a preliminary injunction. Plaintiffs subsequently filed an amended complaint seeking monetary damages and dismissing all claims against the individual officer and director defendants. The matter is currently set for trial in January 2014. Emmis is defending this lawsuit vigorously.

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.

13. INCOME TAXES

United States and foreign income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013 was as follows:

 

     2011     2012     2013  

United States

   $ (2,177   $ 4,305      $ (7,518

Foreign

     (283     (867     (1,350
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ (2,460   $ 3,438      $ (8,868
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The benefit for income taxes for the years ended February 2011, 2012, and 2013 consisted of the following:

 

 

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     2011     2012     2013  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ (123   $ 529      $ (529

State

     (464     1,510        (152

Foreign

     —          —          161   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (587     2,039        (520
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (1,765     (29,303     (4,589

State

     3,211        (5,023     (1,930

Foreign

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,446        (34,326     (6,519
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   $ 859      $ (32,287   $ (7,039
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Tax Related Information:

      

Tax provision of discontinued operations

     5,593        5,544        (6,975

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013 differs from that computed at the Federal statutory corporate tax rate as follows:

 

     2011     2012     2013  

Computed income tax (benefit) provision at 35%

   $ (861   $ 1,203      $ (3,109

State income tax provision (benefit)

     2,747        (3,513     (2,082

Foreign taxes

     99        303        639   

Tax benefit resulting from swap expiration and related OCI reversal

     (1,993     (786     —     

Allocation of tax (benefit) provision from discontinued operations

     —          —          (3,007

Nondeductible stock compensation and Section 162 disallowance

     1,066        271        127   

Entertainment disallowance

     529        504        430   

Change in valuation allowance

     338        (30,092     6,966   

Tax attributed to noncontrolling interest

     (1,572     (1,496     (1,561

Section 165(g) worthless stock deduction

     —          —          (5,746

Alternative minimum tax

     —          529        (529

Taxable dividend from foreign subsidiary

     525        752        —     

Other

     (19     38        833   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   $ 859      $ (32,287   $ (7,039
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at February 29, 2012 and February 28, 2013 are as follows:

 

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     2012     2013  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Net operating loss carryforwards

   $ 40,984      $ 28,760   

Intangible assets

     20,157        17,051   

Compensation relating to stock options

     2,136        2,884   

Interest rate exchange agreement

     —          43   

Deferred revenue

     2,959        2,049   

Capital loss carryforwards

     1,790        —     

Tax credits

     1,405        1,405   

Investments in subsidiairies

     4,199        320   

Other

     3,689        2,682   

Valuation allowance

     (58,801     (40,552
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

     18,518        14,642   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

    

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

     (52,167     (37,952

Property and equipment

     (1,544     (1,507

Foreign unremitted earnings

     (3,148     —     

Cancellation of debt income

     (13,465     (13,136

Other

     (451     (119
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (70,775     (52,714
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (52,257   $ (38,072
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 for all jurisdictions by a net $17.9 million to $40.9 million as of February 28, 2013 from $58.8 million as of February 29, 2012 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 KXOS and Country Sampler, which reduced net operating losses and intangible assets in fiscal 2013, and the impairment of the WRKS FCC license. The Company does not benefit its deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) based on the deferred tax liabilities (“DTLs”) related to indefinite-lived intangibles 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 $66 million and state NOLs of $153 million available to offset future taxable income. These net operating losses include an unrealized benefit of approximately $0.9 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 2014 and February 2034. 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, 2013 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 was placed against the deferred tax asset for capital loss carry forwards in the amount of $1.8 million at February 29, 2012.

United States Federal and state deferred income taxes had been recorded on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because such earnings were 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 have resulted in additional U.S. income taxes of $3.1 million. At February 28, 2013 we have no unremitted foreign earnings.

 

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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 28, 2013, the estimated value of the Company’s net uncertain tax positions is approximately $0.7 million, most of which is included in other noncurrent liabilities, as the Company does not expect to settle the items 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 29, 2012 and February 28, 2013:

 

     For the year ending February 28 (29),  
     2011     2012     2013  

Gross unrecognized tax benefit – opening balance

   $ (657   $ (525   $ (525

Gross increases – tax positions in prior periods

     —          —          (158

Gross decreases—settlements with taxing authorities

     —          —          —     

Gross decreases – lapse of applicable statute of limitations

     132        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross unrecognized tax benefit – ending balance

   $ (525   $ (525   $ (683 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at February 28, 2013 and February 29, 2012 are $0.7 million and $0.5 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s provision for income taxes. 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 28, 2013 and in total, as of February 28, 2013, 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 29, 2004 to present.

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. See Note 1 for a discussion of our discontinued international radio operations. The following tables summarize the results of operations of our business segments for the years ended February 2011, 2012, and 2013 and the total assets of our business segments as of February 2012 and 2013.

 

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YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2013    Radio     Publishing     Corporate      Consolidated  

Net revenues

   $ 138,630      $ 57,454      $ —          $ 196,084   

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     95,830        58,241        —            154,071   

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     —           —           17,819         17,819   

Hungary license litigation expense

     1,381        —           —            1,381   

Impairment loss

     10,971        448        —            11,419   

Depreciation and amortization

     2,451        318        1,953         4,722   

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets

     (9,897     20        —            (9,877
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   $ 37,894      $ (1,573   $  (19,772)       $ 16,549   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets—continuing operations

   $ 209,721      $ 21,005      $ 30,136       $ 260,862   

Assets—discontinued operations

     630        132        —            762   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 210,351      $ 21,137      $ 30,136       $ 261,624   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2012    Radio     Publishing     Corporate      Consolidated  

Net revenues

   $ 144,826      $ 57,392      $ —          $ 202,218   

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     110,772        56,522        —            167,294   

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     —           —           19,096         19,096   

Hungary license litigation expense

     871        —           —            871   

Depreciation and amortization

     2,970        365        1,390         4,725   

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     797        1        —            798   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   $ 29,416      $ 504      $ (20,486)       $ 9,434   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets—continuing operations

   $ 212,604      $ 24,286      $ 24,762       $ 261,652   

Assets—discontinued operations

     66,072        13,045        —            79,117   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 278,676      $ 37,331      $ 24,762       $ 340,769   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2011    Radio     Publishing     Corporate      Consolidated  

Net revenues

   $ 159,313      $  57,173      $ —          $ 216,486   

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     116,713        56,841        —            173,554   

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense

     —           —           15,710         15,710   

Hungary license litigation expense

     293        —           —            293   

Impairment loss

     7,005        —           —            7,005   

Depreciation and amortization

     3,918        423        1,301         5,642   

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     3        —           —            3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   $ 31,381      $ (91)      $ (17,011)       $ 14,279   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

15. OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET

Components of other expense, net for the three years ended February 2011, 2012 and 2013 were as follows:

 

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     For the year ended February 28 (29),  
     2011     2012     2013  

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

      

Merlin Media LLC

   $ —        $ (16,377   $ —     

Other investments

     (266     345        (211

Interest income

     69        122        87   

Other

     (59     (41     114   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

   $ (256   $ (15,951   $ (10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year ended February 28, 2013, Emmis forgave a $1.2 million loan payable from Mr. Jeffrey H. Smulyan, our Chariman, Chief Executive Officer and President in connection with the execution of a new three-year employment agreement. This non-cash charge is included in corporate expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ending February 28, 2013. The forgiven loan was grandfathered under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Emmis no longer makes loans to executive officers and directors.

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.

 

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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 28, 2013, 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.

 

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 Directors,” “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 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. 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 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.

 

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 and preferred 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, 2010 Equity

 

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Compensation Plan, 2012 Equity Compensation Plan and 2012 Retention Plan as of February 28, 2013. Our shareholders have approved these plans.

 

               

Number of Securities

Remaining

 
   

Number of Securities

to be Issued

   

Weighted-Average

Exercise

   

Available for Future

Issuance under

 
    Upon Exercise of
Outstanding
   

Price of Outstanding

Options,

   

Equity Compensation

Plans (Excluding

 
    Options, Warrants
and Rights
    Warrants and
Rights
    Securities Reflected
in Column (A))
 
Plan Category   (A)     (B)     (C)  

Class A common stock

     

Equity Compensation Plans

     

Approved by Security Holders

    7,132,459      $ 4.31        4,442,350   

Equity Compensation Plans

     

Not Approved by Security Holders

    —          —          —     

Total

    7,132,459      $ 4.31        4,442,350   

6.25% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

     

Equity Compensation Plans

     

Approved by Security Holders

    —          —          400,000   

Equity Compensation Plans

     

Not Approved by Security Holders

    —          —          —     

Total

    —          —          400,000   

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 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.

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:

 

               Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

   Filed
Herewith
   Form    Period
Ending
   Exhibit    Filing
Date
3.1    Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Emmis Communications Corporation, as amended effective September 4, 2012       10-Q    8/31/12    3.1    10/11/12
3.2    Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Emmis Communications Corporation    X            
4.1    Form of stock certificate for Class A common stock       S-1       3.5    12/22/93

 

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               Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

   Filed
Herewith
   Form    Period
Ending
   Exhibit    Filing
Date
10.1    Amended and Restated Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated November 2, 2006       8-K       10.1    11/7/06
10.2    First Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement       8-K       10.1    3/6/09
10.3    Second Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement       8-K       10.1    8/19/09
10.4    Third Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement       8-K       10.2    3/30/11
10.5    Fourth Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement       10-Q    11/30/11    10.18    1/12/12
10.6    Fifth Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement       10-K    2/29/12    10.6    5/10/12
10.7    Sixth Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement       10-K    2/29/12    10.7    5/10/12
10.8    Seventh Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement       8-K       10.1    8/30/12
10.9    Eighth Amendment and Consent to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement       10-Q    11/30/12    10.3    1/10/13
10.10    Waiver and Amendment in connection with the Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement       10-Q    8/31/12    10.3    10/11/12
10.11    Note Purchase Agreement, dated November 10, 2011, by and between Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation       TO-I       B    12/1/11
10.12    First Amendment and Consent to Note Purchase Agreement by and between Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation       10-K    2/29/12    10.9    5/10/12
10.13    Second Amendment and Consent to Note Purchase Agreement by and between Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation       10-K    2/29/12    10.10    5/10/12
10.13    Third Amendment and Consent to Note Purchase Agreement by and between Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation       10-Q    8/31/12    10.2    10/11/12
10.14    Fourth Amendment and Consent to Note Purchase Agreement by and between Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, L.P. and Emmis Communications Corporation       10-Q    11/30/12    10.2    1/10/13
10.15    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2012, by and between Emmis Communications Corporation and Jeffrey H. Smulyan ++       10-K    2/29/12    10.18    5/10/12
10.16    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of July 10, 2012, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Jeffrey H. Smulyan ++       10-Q    5/31/12    10.18    7/12/12
10.17    Employment Agreement, dated as of December 26, 2012, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Jeffrey H. Smulyan ++       8-K       10.1    12/28/12

 

96


Table of Contents
               Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

   Filed
Herewith
   Form    Period
Ending
   Exhibit    Filing
Date
10.18    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2011, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Patrick M. Walsh ++       10-Q    11/30/11    10.2    1/12/12
10.19    Employment Agreement, dated as of September 4, 2011, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Patrick M. Walsh ++       10-Q    11/30/11    10.1    1/12/12
10.20    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2012, by and between Emmis Operating Company and J. Scott Enright ++       10-K    2/29/12    10.24    5/10/12
10.21    Employment Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2012, by and between Emmis Operating Company and J. Scott Enright ++       10-K    2/29/12    10.25    5/10/12
10.22    Employment Agreement, effective as of March 3, 2009, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Gary L. Kaseff ++       10-K/A    2/28/09    10.31    10/9/09
10.23    Amendment to Employment Agreement, effective as of March 1, 2013, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Gary L. Kaseff ++    X            
10.24    Employment Agreement, effective as of March 1, 2013, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Gregory T. Loewen ++    X            
10.25    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2012, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Gregory T. Loewen ++    X            
10.26    First Amendment to the Put and Call Agreement between KMVN, LLC, KMVN License, LLC , Grupo Radio Centro LA, LLC., 93.9 Holdings, Inc. and 93.9 License, LLC       10-Q    5/31/12    10.14    7/12/12
10.27    Second Amendment to the Put and Call Agreement between KMVN, LLC, KMVN License, LLC , Grupo Radio Centro LA, LLC., 93.9 Holdings, Inc. and 93.9 License, LLC       8-K       10.1    7/20/12
10.28    Third Amendment to the Put and Call Agreement between KMVN, LLC, KMVN License, LLC , Grupo Radio Centro LA, LLC., 93.9 Holdings, Inc. and 93.9 License, LLC       10-Q    8/31/12    10.4    10/11/12
10.29    Emmis Communications Corporation 2012 Retention Plan and Trust Agreement ++/       10-Q    5/31/12    10.15    7/12/12
10.30    Voting and Transfer Restriction Agreement between Emmis Communications Corporation and Jeffrey H. Smulyan as Trustee for the 2012 Retention Plan and Trust ++       10-Q    5/31/12    10.16    7/12/12
10.31    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       8-K       10.1    4/26/12
10.32    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       8-K       10.2    4/26/12
10.33    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       8-K       10.3    4/26/12
10.34    Form of Asset Purchase Agreement, dated October 1, 2012, among Emmis Publishing, L.P., Country Sampler, LLC and Big Sandy Realty, LLC       8-K       10.1    10/2/12

 

97


Table of Contents
               Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

   Filed
Herewith
   Form    Period
Ending
   Exhibit    Filing
Date
10.35    Credit Agreement, dated as of December 28, 2012, among Emmis Operating Company, as the Borrower, Emmis Communications Corporation., as the Parent, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent and the lenders party thereto       8-K       10.2    12/28/12
10.36    Bonus Plan for Fiscal Year Ending 2013 ++       8-K       Item
1.01
   5/4/12
10.37    Employment Agreement, effective as of March 1, 2013, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Richard F. Cummings ++    X            
10.38    Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2012, by and between Emmis Operating Company and Richard F. Cummings ++       8-K       10.1    3/12/12
10.39    Form of Stock Option Grant Agreement ++    X            
10.40    Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement ++    X            
21    Subsidiaries of Emmis    X            
23    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    X            
24    Powers of Attorney    X            
31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Emmis Communications Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act    X            
31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Emmis Communications Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act    X            
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    X            
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    X            
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document *    X            
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document *    X            
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document *    X            
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document *    X            
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document *    X            
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document *    X            

 

* 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.

 

98


Table of Contents

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 8, 2013   By:   /s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan
    Jeffrey H. Smulyan
    Chairman of the Board,
    President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

99


Table of Contents

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 8, 2013

   /s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan      President, Chairman of the Board and
   Jeffrey H. Smulyan      Director (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: May 8, 2013

   /s/ Patrick M. Walsh      Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
   Patrick M. Walsh     

Chief Operating Officer and Director (Principal Financial

Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: May 8, 2013        

   Susan B. Bayh*      Director
  

Susan B. Bayh

    

Date: May 8, 2013

   James M. Dubin*      Director
  

James M. Dubin

    

Date: May 8, 2013

   Gary L. Kaseff*      Director
  

Gary L. Kaseff

    

Date: May 8, 2013

   Richard A. Leventhal*      Director
  

Richard A. Leventhal

    

Date: May 8, 2013

   Peter A. Lund*      Director
  

Peter A. Lund

    

Date: May 8, 2013

   Greg A. Nathanson*      Director
  

Greg A. Nathanson

    

Date: May 8, 2013

   Lawrence B. Sorrel*      Director
   Lawrence B. Sorrel     

 

*By:  

/s/ J. Scott Enright

 

J. Scott Enright

Attorney-in-Fact

 

100

Exhibit 3.2

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

CODE OF BY-LAWS

OF

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

(As Amended Through May 2, 2013)

ARTICLE I

Identification and Offices

Section 1.1 . Name . The name of the Corporation is Emmis Communications Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “Corporation”).

Section 1.2 . Registered Office . The registered office and registered agent of the Corporation is as provided and designated in the Corporation’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Articles”). The Board of Directors may, from time to time, change its registered office or registered agent . On or before the day that any such change is to become effective, a certificate of such change shall be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Indiana.

Section 1.3 . Other Offices . The Corporation may establish and maintain such other offices, within or without the State of Indiana, as are from time to time authorized by the Board of Directors. The principal office of the Corporation is One Emmis Plaza, Suite 700, 40 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

ARTICLE II

Meetings of Shareholders

Section 2.1 . Place of Meeting . All meetings of the shareholders of the Corporation (the “Shareholders”) shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Indiana or at such other place within or without the State of Indiana as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President.

Section 2.2 . Annual Meeting . The annual meeting of the Shareholders shall be held each year within six (6) months after the end of the previous fiscal year for the purpose of electing Directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting. If for any reason an annual meeting is not held during the time period herein provided, such annual meeting maybe held at any time thereafter, or the business to be transacted at such annual meeting may be transacted at any special meeting of the Shareholders called for that purpose.


Section 2.3 . Special Meetings . Special meetings of all Shareholders or a class of Shareholders for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by law or the Articles, may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Board of Directors.

Section 2.4 . Notice of Meetings . Written notice of the place, date and hour of each meeting of the Shareholders and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which such meeting is called, shall be mailed or delivered, not less than ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the meeting, to each Shareholder of record entitled to notice of such meeting. If such notice is mailed, it shall be deemed to have been given to a Shareholder when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the Shareholder at his address as it appears on the records of Shareholders of the Corporation. No notice shall be required to be given by mail or otherwise where the meeting is an adjourned meeting and the date, time and place of the meeting were announced at the time of adjournment.

Section 2.5 . Waiver of Notice . Notice of any meeting may be waived in writing by a Shareholder before or after the date and time stated in the notice. Attendance by a Shareholder at a meeting in person or by proxy waives (i) objection to lack of notice or defective notice of the meeting unless the Shareholder at the beginning of the meeting objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting, and (ii) objection to consideration of a particular matter at the meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless the Shareholder objects to considering the matter when it is presented.

Section 2.6 . Quorum; Adjourned Meetings . Except as otherwise required by law, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of record of a majority of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at a meeting of the Shareholders shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting. In case a quorum shall not be present at a meeting, those present may adjourn to such day as they shall, by majority vote, agree upon, without notice other than announcement at the meeting of the date, time and place of the adjourned meeting, unless the date of the adjourned meeting requires that the Board of Directors fix a new record date therefor, in which case notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given. At adjourned meetings at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed. Once a quorum is present during the meeting, the Shareholders may continue to transact business until adjournment notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough Shareholders to leave less than a quorum.

Section 2.7 . Voting . At each meeting of the Shareholders, every Shareholder entitled to vote shall have the right to vote either in person or by proxy, but no proxy shall be valid after eleven (11) months unless a longer period is expressly provided in the appointment. Upon the demand of any Shareholder, the vote upon any question before the meeting shall be by ballot. A plurality vote of the voting power of the outstanding shares that are entitled to vote for the election of a Director and that are represented in person or by proxy at any meeting at which a quorum for such election is present, shall be sufficient to elect the Director. On all other matters, the action or question shall be decided by the vote of a majority of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares represented in person or by proxy at the meeting at the time of the vote, except as otherwise required by law, the Articles or these By-Laws.

 

2


Section 2.8 . Closing of Books . The Board of Directors may fix a time, not exceeding seventy (70) days preceding the date of any meeting of Shareholders, as a record date for the determination of the Shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, such meeting, notwithstanding any transfer of shares on the books of the Corporation after any record date so fixed. The Board of Directors may close the books of the Corporation against the transfer of shares during the whole or any part of such period. If the Board of Directors fails to fix a record date for determination of the Shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, any meeting of Shareholders, the record date shall be the date specified by the Chairman of the Board or the President in his call of the meeting or, if no such date is so specified, the record date shall be the twentieth (20 th ) day preceding the date of such meeting.

Section 2.9 . Organization of Meetings . The Chairman of the Board, or in his absence any person appointed by the Chairman of the Board, or if no such person is appointed, any person chosen by the Board of Directors shall preside at and act as chairman of all meetings of the Shareholders; and the Secretary, or in his absence any person appointed by the Chairman of the Board, shall act as secretary of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of the Shareholders shall be determined by the presiding officer.

Section 2.10 . Shareholder List . The Secretary shall prepare before each meeting a complete list of the Shareholders entitled to notice of such meeting, arranged in alphabetical order by class of shares (and each series within a class), and showing the address of, and the number of shares entitled to vote held by, each Shareholder (the “Shareholder List”). Beginning five business days before the meeting and continuing throughout the meeting, the Shareholder List shall be on file at the Corporation’s principal office or at a place identified in the meeting notice in the city where the meeting will be held, and shall be available for inspection by any Shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting. On written demand, made in good faith and for a proper purpose and describing with reasonable particularity the Shareholder’s purpose, and if the Shareholder List is directly connected with the Shareholder’s purpose, a Shareholder (or such Shareholder’s agent or attorney authorized in writing) shall be entitled to inspect and to copy the Shareholder List, during regular business hours and at the Shareholder’s expense, during the period the Shareholder List is available for inspection. The original stock register or transfer book, or a duplicate thereof kept in the State of Indiana, shall be the only evidence as to who are the Shareholders entitled to examine the Shareholder List, or to notice of or to vote at any meeting.

Section 2.11. Shareholder Proposals .

(a) Nominations for the election of Directors and proposals for any new business to be taken up at any annual meeting of Shareholders may be made by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or by any Shareholder of the Corporation entitled to vote on the matter proposed or the Director to be elected. In order for a Shareholder of the Corporation to make any such nomination or proposal, the Shareholder shall give notice thereof in writing to the Corporation, delivered or mailed by first class United States mail, postage prepaid. If the notice relates to an annual meeting, it must be received by the Secretary of the Corporation not less than one hundred and twenty (120) days before the one-year anniversary of the date the Corporation first mailed its proxy materials for the prior year’s annual meeting of shareholders; provided, however , that:

 

3


  (1) if the month and day of an annual meeting of Shareholders is more than thirty (30) days earlier than the month and day of the annual meeting of shareholders for the prior year, the Secretary of the Corporation shall have received such written notice from the Shareholder on or before the close of business on the tenth day following the date of first public announcement of the date of the annual meeting; and

 

  (2) if the month and day of an annual meeting of Shareholders is more than thirty (30) days later than the month and day of the annual meeting of shareholders for the prior year, the Secretary of the Corporation shall have received such written notice from the Shareholder on or before the close of business on a date one hundred and twenty (120) days before the actual first date of mailing of the Corporation’s proxy materials for the annual meeting of shareholders for the current year.

Nominations for the election of Directors may also be made for any special meeting of shareholders at which Directors are to be elected and may be made by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or by any Shareholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for the Director to be elected. In order for a Shareholder of the Corporation to make any such nomination, the Shareholder shall give notice thereof in writing to the Corporation, delivered or mailed by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, and such notice must be received by the Secretary of the Corporation on or before the close of business on the tenth day following the date of first public announcement of the date of the special meeting.

(b) Any notice of a nomination or proposal pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 2.11 shall include or be accompanied by a written statement which shall set forth:

 

  (1) as to each person whom the Shareholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a Director, all information relating to such person that is required be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of Directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a Director if elected;

 

  (2) as to any other business that the Shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a concise description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such Shareholder and of the beneficial owner or owners, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and

 

4


  (3) as to each Shareholder giving the notice and beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, (A) the name and address of such Shareholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner and (B) the number of each class of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such Shareholder and such beneficial owner.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (a) of this Section 2.11 to the contrary, if the number of Directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for Director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors at least fifty-five (55) days prior to the first anniversary of the first mailing of proxy materials by the Corporation for the preceding year’s annual meeting, a Shareholder’s notice required by this Section 2.11 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

(d) Only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.11 shall be eligible to serve as Directors. Only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of Shareholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.11. The chairman of the meeting has the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.11 and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with this Section 2.11, to declare that such defective nomination or proposal be disregarded.

(e) For purposes of this Section 2.11, “public announcement” means disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.11, a Shareholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.11. Nothing in this Section 2.11 shall be deemed to affect any rights of Shareholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.

(g) The chairman of any meeting of Shareholders may, if the facts warrant, determine and declare at such meeting that a nomination or proposal was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedure, and, if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare at the meeting and the defective nomination or proposal shall be disregarded. This provision shall not require the holding of any adjourned or special meeting of Shareholders for the purpose of considering such defective nomination or proposal.

 

5


(h) During any period of time in which the holders of the Corporation’s 6.25% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) are entitled to vote for Directors under the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended from time to time, the number of Directors specified in Section 3.2(a) shall be automatically increased by two (2). As soon as the holders of the Preferred Stock are no longer entitled to vote for Directors, the term of any Director elected by the holders of the Preferred Stock shall automatically expire and the number of Directors shall automatically return to the number specified in Section 3.2(a).

ARTICLE III

The Board of Directors

Section 3.1. General Powers . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the authority of its Board of Directors which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law, the Articles or these By-Laws required to be exercised or done by the Shareholders.

Section 3.2. Number, Qualification and Term of Office .

(a) Subject to Section 2.11(h), the Corporation shall have nine (9) directors (the “Directors”) who need not be Shareholders.

(b) Effective as of the annual meeting of Shareholders in 2000, the Board of Directors shall be divided into three (3) classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III, as nearly equal in number as possible. The number of Class A Directors in each class shall also be as nearly equal in number as possible. The initial term of office of directors in Class I will expire at the annual meeting of shareholders in 2001. The initial term of office of directors in Class II will expire at the annual meeting of shareholders in 2002. The initial term of office of directors in Class III will expire at the annual meeting of shareholders in 2003. At each annual election beginning at the annual meeting of shareholders in 2001, the successors to the class of directors whose term then expires shall be elected to hold office for a term of three (3) years and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, removal from office or death. This subsection (b) does not apply to any directors elected pursuant to special voting rights of one or more series of Preferred Stock.

(c) The Chairman of the Board shall preside at each Board of Directors meeting, and in his absence, any person appointed by the Chairman of the Board shall preside at the meeting. If no such person is appointed, any person appointed by the Board of Directors shall preside at the meeting.

Section 3.3 . Annual Board Meeting . Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors shall meet each year immediately after the annual meeting of the Shareholders, at the place where such meeting of the Shareholders has been held, for the purpose of organization, election of officers and consideration of any other business that may properly be brought before such annual meeting of the Board of Directors. No notice shall be necessary for the holding of the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. If the annual meeting of the Board of Directors is not held as above provided, the election of officers may be held at any subsequent duly constituted meeting of the Board of Directors.

 

6


Section 3.4 . Regular Board Meetings . Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at stated times or from time to time, and at such place, either within or outside the State of Indiana, as the Board of Directors may determine, without call and without notice.

Section 3.5 . Special Board Meetings . Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held whenever called by the Chairman of the Board or the President, at such place (within or outside the State of Indiana), date and hour as specified in the respective notices of such meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called on twenty-four (24) hours notice if notice is given to each Director personally or by telephone, telecopier or other telephonic or electronic communication, or on five (5) days notice if notice is mailed to each Director.

Section 3.6 . Waiver of Notice and Assent . A Director may waive notice of any meeting of the Board of Directors before or after the date and time of the meeting stated in the notice by a written waiver signed by the Director and filed with the minutes or corporate records. A Director’s attendance at or participation in a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting and assent to any corporate action taken at such meeting, unless (i) the Director at the beginning of the meeting (or promptly upon his arrival) objects to the holding the meeting of or transacting business at the meeting and does not thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting; (ii) the Director’s dissent or abstention from the action taken is entered in the minutes of such meeting; or (iii) the Director delivers written notice of his dissent or abstention to the presiding office at such meeting before its adjournment or to the Secretary immediately after its adjournment. The right of dissent or abstention is not available to a Director who votes in favor of the action taken.

Section 3.7 . Quorum . At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the total number of Directors specified in Section 3.2(a) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business, except (i) as provided in the Articles, (ii) for the purpose of filling vacancies, a majority of Directors then in office shall constitute a quorum, and (iii) a lesser number may adjourn a meeting from time to time until a quorum is present. The act of a majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided by law, the Articles or these By-Laws.

Section 3.8 . Conference Communications . Any or all Directors may participate in any meeting, or of any duly authorized committee of Directors, by any means of communications through which the Directors may simultaneously hear each other during such meeting. For the purposes of establishing a quorum and taking any action at the meeting, such Directors participating pursuant to this Section 3.8 shall be deemed present in person at the meeting, and the place of the meeting shall be the place of origination of the conference communication.

 

7


Section 3.9 . Vacancies; Newly Created Directorships . Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors, including any vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of Directors, may be filled by a majority vote of the Directors then in office, although less than a quorum. A Director elected to fill a vacancy or a newly created Directorship shall hold office until his successor has been elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.

Section 3.10 . Removal .

(a) A Director other than a Class A Director may be removed by the shareholders only for cause and only if the removal has been approved by an 80% majority of the combined voting power of the shares entitled to vote for the election of such Director, cast at a special meeting of the shareholders called for that purpose. A Class A Director may be removed by the holders of Class A Shares as provided in Section 7.4(b) of the Articles only for cause and only if the removal has been approved by the holders of an 80% majority of the Class A Shares, cast at a special meeting of the shareholders called for that purpose. Cause for removal exists only if:

 

  (1) the director whose removal is proposed has been convicted of a felony by a court of competent jurisdiction and the conviction is no longer subject to direct appeal; or

 

  (2) the director whose removal is proposed has been adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the Corporation in a matter of substantial importance to the Corporation, and the adjudication is not longer subject to direct appeal.

(b) This section does not apply to any directors elected pursuant to special voting rights of one or more series of Preferred Stock.

(c) Removal of a Director by the Board of Directors shall require the affirmative vote of the number of Directors constituting a majority of the total authorized number of Directors.

Section 3.11 . Committees . A resolution approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors may establish committees having the authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business of the Corporation to the extent provided in the resolution and may appoint members of the Board of Directors to serve of them. Committees are subject to the direction and control of, and vacancies in the membership thereof shall be filled by, the Board, except as otherwise provided by law. A majority of the members of a committee present at a meeting is a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger or smaller proportion or number is provided in a resolution approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 3.12 . Written Action . Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken is signed by all members of the Board of Directors, and such written consent is filed with the minutes of the proceedings. Such action shall be effective on the date on which the last signature is placed on such writing or writings or such earlier or later effective date as is set forth therein.

 

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Section 3.13 . Resignations . Any Director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time of receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein, and unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section 3.14 . Compensation of Directors . By resolution of the Board, each Director may be paid his expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors, and may be paid a stated amount as Director or a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors, or both. No such payment shall preclude a Director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed, pursuant to resolution by the Board of Directors, like compensation for attending committee meetings.

Section 3.15 . Election Not to be Governed by § 23-1-33-6(c) . The Corporation shall not be governed by I.C. § 23-1-33-6(c).

Section 3.16 . Electronic Action . Subject to any limitations or requirements contained in applicable law or in any policy adopted by the Board of Directors, any notice or consent required or permitted to be given in writing by the Corporation to a Director or by a Director to the Corporation may be in the form of an electronic record and may be signed with an electronic signature, as those terms are defined in I.C. §26-2-8. Any electronic record to be sent by the Corporation to a Director is properly sent if it is sent in the manner and to the electronic address or other means of receipt designated by the Director to receive the electronic record as shown in the Corporation’s current records. Any electronic record to be sent by a Director to the Corporation is properly sent if it is sent in the manner and to the electronic address or other means of receipt designated by the Corporation in a publication or in a notice provided by the Corporation to the Director. The Corporation or a Director may revoke or change any instruction applicable to him or her regarding the manner, electronic address or means of receipt required for electronic records by sending notice of the change and the corresponding new information.

ARTICLE IV

Officers

Section 4.1 . Number . The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall include a Chairman of the Board, a President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Board of Directors may also choose one or more Divisional Presidents, Executive Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries or Assistant Treasurers, or such other officers as they may deem advisable. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

 

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Section 4.2 . Election, Term of Office and Qualifications . The Board of Directors shall elect the officers of the Corporation, each of whom shall have the powers, rights, duties, responsibilities, and terms in office provided in these By-Laws or in a resolution of the Board of Directors not inconsistent herewith. Except for the Chairman of the Board, no officer need be a Director. The President and all other officers, except the Chairman of the Board, who may be Directors, shall continue to hold office until the election and qualification of their successors, notwithstanding an earlier termination of the directorship.

Section 4.3 . Removal and Vacancies . Any officer may be removed from his office at any time, with or without cause, by majority vote of the entire Board of Directors. Such removal, however, shall be without prejudice to the contract rights of the person so removed. If there is a vacancy among the officers of the Corporation by reason of death, resignation, or otherwise, such vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.4 . The Chairman of the Board . The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Shareholders and Directors and shall have such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors. He may execute and deliver in the name of the Corporation, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments pertaining to the business of the Corporation unless the authority to execute and deliver is required by law to be exercised by another person or is delegated by the Articles or these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.

Section 4.5 . President . The President shall have general active management of the business of the Corporation. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, he shall preside at all meetings of the Shareholders and Directors. He shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. He may execute and deliver, in the name of the Corporation, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments pertaining to the business of the Corporation unless such authority to execute and deliver is required by law to be exercised by another person or is delegated by the Articles or these By-Laws or by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation. He shall maintain records of and, whenever necessary, certify all proceedings of the Board of Directors and the Shareholders, and in general, shall perform all duties usually incident to the office of the President. He shall have such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.5.1 . Radio Division President . The Radio Division President, if one is elected, shall have general active management of all radio operations of the Corporation. He may execute and deliver, in the name of the Corporation, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments pertaining to the business of the Corporation unless the authority to execute and deliver is required by law to be exercised by another person or is delegated by the Articles or By-Laws or by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation. He shall have such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.5.2 . International Division President . The International Division President, if one is elected, shall have general active management of all international operations of the Corporation. He may execute and deliver, in the name of the Corporation, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments pertaining to the business of the Corporation unless the authority to execute and deliver is required by law to be exercised by another person or is delegated by the Articles or By-Laws or by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation. He shall have such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 4.5.3 . Publishing Division President . The Publishing Division President, if one is elected, shall have general active management of all publishing operations of the Corporation. He may execute and deliver, in the name of the Corporation, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments pertaining to the business of the Corporation unless the authority to execute and deliver is required by law to be exercised by another person or is delegated by the Articles or By-Laws or by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation. He shall have such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.6 . Executive Vice Presidents and other Vice Presidents . The Executive Vice Presidents and any other Vice Presidents shall have such powers and shall perform such duties specified in these By-Laws or prescribed by the Board of Directors or the President. Any Executive Vice President or Vice President may execute and deliver, in the name of the Corporation, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments pertaining to the business of the Corporation unless the authority to execute and deliver is required by law to be exercised by another person or is delegated by the Articles or By-Laws or by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.

Section 4.7 . Secretary . The Secretary shall be the secretary of and shall attend all meetings of the Shareholders and Board of Directors record all proceedings of such meetings in the minute book of the Corporation. He shall give proper notice of meetings of Shareholders and Directors. He shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.8 . Assistant Secretary . The Assistant Secretary, if any, or if there shall be more then one, the Assistant Secretaries in the order determined by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President, shall in the absence or disability of the Secretary, perform such other duties and have such powers and duties as the Board of Directors or the President may prescribed from time to time. An Assistant Secretary may attest to the execution by the Corporation of all documents.

Section 4.9 . Treasurer . The Treasurer shall maintain a correct and complete record of account showing accurately at all times the financial condition of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall be the legal custodian of all monies, notes, securities and other valuables which may from time to time come into the possession of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall immediately deposit all funds of the Corporation coming into his hands in some reliable bank or other depositary to be designated by the Board of Directors and shall keep such bank account in the name of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors or the President.

 

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Section 4.10 . Assistant Treasurer . The Assistant Treasurer, or if there shall be more than one, the Assistant Treasurers in the order determined by the Board of Directors or the President, shall in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Treasurer and shall perform such other duties and have such powers and duties as the Board of Directors or the President may prescribe from time to time.

Section 4.11 . Delegation of Authority . In the case of the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board, the President, the Radio Division President, the International Division President, the Publishing Division President, the Executive Vice Presidents and other Vice Presidents shall succeed to the Chairman of the Board’s power and duties in the order designated by the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board. In the case of the absence of any officer or for any other reason that the Board of Directors may deem sufficient, the Board of Directors may delegate the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer or to any Director, for the time being, provided a majority of the entire Board concurs therein.

ARTICLE V

Certificates of Stock

Section 5.1 . Certificates of Stock . The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of the Corporation’s stock shall be uncertificated shares. Every holder of a class or series of the Corporation’s stock that is certificated shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President, or a Vice President, and the Secretary, or an Assistant Secretary, certifying the number of shares owned by him in the Corporation. Each certificate shall set forth the number and class of shares and series, if any, and shall state that the Corporation will furnish information relating to the rights, preferences and limitations of the class or series upon request.

Section 5.2 . Issuance of Shares . The Board of Directors is authorized to cause to be issued shares of the Corporation up to the full amount authorized by the Articles in such amounts as determined by the Board of Directors and permitted by law. If shares are issued for promissory notes or for promises to render services in the future, the Corporation must comply with I.C. 23-1-53-2(b).

Section 5.3 . Facsimile Signatures . Where a certificate is signed (i) by a transfer agent or an assistant transfer agent, or (ii) by a transfer clerk acting on behalf of the Corporation, and a registrar, the signature of the Chairman of the Board, the President, the Vice President, Secretary or Assistant Secretary may be a facsimile. In case any officer or officers who have signed or whose facsimile signature or signatures have been used on any such certificate or certificates shall cease to be such officer or officers of the Corporation, such certificate or certificates may nevertheless be adopted by the Corporation and be issued and delivered as though the person or persons who signed such certificate or certificates or whose facsimile signature or signatures have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer or officers of the Corporation.

 

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Section 5.4 . Lost or Destroyed Certificates . Any Shareholder claiming a certificate for shares to be lost, stolen or destroyed shall make an affidavit of that fact in such form as the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or President shall require and shall, if the Board of Directors so requires, give the Corporation a bond of indemnity in a form, in an amount, and with one or more sureties satisfactory to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President, to indemnify the Corporation against any claim which may be made against it on account of the reissue of such certificate, whereupon a new certificate may be issued in the same tenor and for the same number of shares as the one alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.

Section 5.5 . Transfers of Stock . Subject to the power of the Board of Directors under Article XI of the Articles to provide certain transfers of stock ownership to Aliens (as defined in the Articles), upon surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for shares fully endorsed or accompanies by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the Corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books.

Section 5.6 . Registered Shareholders . The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law.

Section 5.7 . Restrictions on Ownership, Voting and Transfer Right to Redeem . Article XI of the Articles restricts the ownership, voting and transfer of shares of capital stock of the Corporation to the extent necessary to prevent ownership of such shares by Aliens from violating the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Communications Act”), and the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC Regulations”). In addition, Article XI of the Articles entitles the Corporation to redeem shares of capital stock determined by the Board of Directors to be owned beneficially by an Alien or Aliens if such ownership violates the Communications Act or FCC Regulations. Each certificate representing shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall contain a legend referencing such restrictions and right to redeem set forth in Article XI of the Articles.

 

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ARTICLE VI

General Provisions

Section 6.1 . Dividends . Subject to applicable law and the Articles, dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting and may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of the capital stock.

Section 6.2 . Record Date . Subject to any provisions of the Articles, the Board of Directors may fix a date not more than 120 days before the date fixed for the payment of any dividend as the record date for the determination of the Shareholders entitled to receive payment of the dividend, and, in such case, only Shareholders of record on the date so fixed shall be entitled to receive payment of such dividend notwithstanding any transfer of shares on the books of the Corporation after the record date. The Board of Directors may close the books of the Corporation against the transfer of shares during the whole or any part of such period.

Section 6.3 . Checks . All agreements, checks or demands for money or notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate. If no such designation is made, they may be signed by either the Chairman of the Board, the President, any Division President, any Executive Vice President, any Vice President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, singly.

Section 6.4 . Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board and in the absence of such resolution, the Corporation shall have a February 28/29 fiscal year.

Section 6.5 . Seal . The Corporation shall have no corporate seal.

Section 6.6 . Exclusive Forum for Certain Claims . Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, a Circuit or Superior Courts of the Marion County, State of Indiana, or the United States District Court in the Southern District of Indiana in a case of pendent jurisdiction, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Indiana Business Corporation Law, the articles of incorporation or the bylaws of the Corporation or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each case subject to said court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein.

 

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ARTICLE VII

Amendments

Section 7.01 . Any amendment of these By-Laws shall require approval by the number of Directors constituting a majority of the total number of Directors specified in Section 3.2(a).

Section 7.2 . Amendments to be Consistent with Applicable Law . Any amendment of these By-Laws shall be consistent with the Articles and provisions of applicable law then in effect, including without limitation, the Communications Act and the FCC Regulations.

ARTICLE VIII

Securities of Other Corporations

Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President shall have full power and authority on behalf of the Corporation to purchase, sell, transfer, encumber or vote any and all securities of any other corporation owned by the Corporation, and may execute and deliver such documents as may be necessary to effectuate such purchase, sale, transfer, encumbrance or vote. The Board of Directors may, from time to time, confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

 

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Exhibit 10.23

February 26, 2013

Gary Kaseff

c/o Emmis Communications Corporation

3500 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 1450

Burbank, California 91505

 

  Re: Amendment to Employment Agreement

Dear Gary:

This letter shall confirm our agreement to amend your employment agreement with Emmis Operating Company dated March 3, 2009 (the “Agreement”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this letter (the “Amendment”).

This Amendment is effective March 1, 2013. Any capitalized words or phrases used and not defined in this Amendment shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement. This shall confirm that the parties have agreed that: (1) The first clause (a) of Section 3 of the Agreement is amended to state: “February 28, 2019” instead of “the fifth (5 th ) anniversary of its commencement”; (2) Section 4 of the Agreement is hereby amended to increase the Base Salary to $123,400 effective March 1, 2013; (3) Section 7 of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced by the following: “7. COBRA . Executive shall no longer participate in Employer’s health plan. Effective March 1, 2013, Executive’s spouse shall be provided COBRA continuation coverage for Employer’s health plan, at Executive’s expense, for the maximum time permitted by applicable law or the effective date of replacement coverage secured by Executive (as set forth in a notice by Executive), whichever occurs first.”; (4) Section 10.4 is amended as follows: (a) the phrase “…$15,000 for each month from the date of termination of employment through March 12, 2014…” shall be amended to state: “…$17,500 for each month from the date of termination of employment through February 28, 2019…”; and (b) the phrase “…shall continue to provide the health care coverage in accordance with Section 7” at the end of this Section shall be amended to state the following: “…shall continue to provide COBRA continuation coverage for the time period described in Section 7, which obligation shall survive the termination of this Agreement.”; and (5) Sections 11.2 and 12 shall be amended to provide that, after an Incapacity Termination Date or termination of the Agreement upon Executive’s death, in addition to the obligations of Employer described in those Sections, Employer shall continue to provide COBRA continuation coverage for the time period described in Section 7, which obligation shall survive termination of the Agreement.


All of the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect unless specifically modified in this Amendment. All references to the Term or its expiration or termination shall be adjusted to properly reflect the language set forth above. This Amendment shall be incorporated by reference into the Agreement and made a part thereof. In the event of any conflict between any provision of this Amendment and any provision of the Agreement, this Amendment shall govern and control.

Please sign below where indicated to signify your acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth in this Amendment. Should you have any questions about this Amendment, please let me know. I look forward to much continued success together.

Sincerely,

/s/ J. Scott Enright

J. Scott Enright

Executive Vice President

Emmis Operating Company

ACCEPTED AND AGREED:

/s/ Gary Kaseff

Gary Kaseff

 

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Exhibit 10.24

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of December 21, 2012, by and between EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY , an Indiana company (“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, magazine and related operations (together, the “Emmis Group”).

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 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 17.9 . 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 17.9 .


2. Term . The term of this Agreement shall be for a three (3) year period commencing on March 1, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), 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; and 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:

   $ 410,000   

Second Contract Year:

   $ 422,000   

Third Contract Year:

   $ 435,000   

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 (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 the Company’s General Counsel (or, if either of those positions are no longer comparable to Executive’s position, any other positions mutually agreed upon by the parties).

In addition to the foregoing, as an inducement to enter into this Agreement, on or about the date of execution of this Agreement, Employer shall pay Executive the “Completion Bonus” set forth in Section 4.3 of Executive’s prior Employment Agreement with Employer.

 

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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 Equity Grants . On or about the first day of the Term, when Employer grants equity incentive compensation to its executive level employees (but in no event later than ninety (90) days after the first day of the Term), 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”), subject to the terms of this Section 4.1 .

On or about the first day of the Term, when Employer grants equity incentive compensation to its executive level employees (but in no event later than ninety (90) days after the Effective Date), Executive shall be granted Sixty Thousand (60,000) restricted Shares (“Restricted Shares”), which shall vest on February 29, 2016 and are subject to the terms of this Section 4.1 . Upon the vesting of any Restricted Shares, Employer shall withhold a sufficient number of Shares to satisfy all federal, state and local withholding requirements unless Executive has otherwise remitted fund sufficient to satisfy any such withholding requirements.

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 executive-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 executive-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. The Restricted Shares granted pursuant to this Section 4.1 shall be granted according to the terms and subject to the conditions of the Plan and shall include a restrictive legend as provided for by the Plan.

 

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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 2014, 2015 and 2016 (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 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 Section 4.2 ; provided that, unless provided otherwise in Sections 4.2 , 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 4.3 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 Section 4.2 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. 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.

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 an executive-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.

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 ;

 

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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 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) Pay to Executive an amount 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, 2016, subject to any applicable tax withholding and deductions as required by law, in a lump-sum cash payment within two (2) weeks after the termination date;

 

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(d) 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;

(e) 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; and

(f) 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, (iii) sale of all of Los Angeles Magazine, Orange Coast Magazine, Texas Monthly Magazine, Atlanta Magazine and Cincinnati Magazine, 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 Section 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 executive-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 Section 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.

 

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13. Termination of the Agreement because of Non-renewal . If this Agreement expires on February 28, 2016 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 .

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.

 

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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.

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 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 Operating Company

40 Monument Circle, Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Attn: Jeffrey H. Smulyan

Email: Jeff@emmis.com

With a copy to :

Emmis Operating Company

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.

 

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17. Miscellaneous .

17.1 Governing Law; Venue . 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. 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.

17.2 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.”

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).

 

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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.

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 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.

 

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17.10 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 date of this Agreement (the “CIC Agreement”). “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the CIC Agreement.

17.11 Survival . The provisions 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. Smulan
  Jeffrey H. Smulyan
  Chief Executive Officer

 

GREGORY T. LOEWEN

(“Executive”)

  /s/ Gregory T. Loewen
  Gregory T. Loewen

Exhibit 10.25

EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY

CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

THIS EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into, effective December 21, 2012 (the “Effective Date”), by and between EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY, an Indiana corporation (the “Company”), and Gregory T. Loewen (“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 July 10, 2012 (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) 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

(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
Title: Chairman of the Board, CEO and President
EXECUTIVE
/s/ Gregory T. Loewen

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
By:   /s/ Jeffrey H. Smulyan
Title: Chairman of the Board, CEO and President

Exhibit 10.37

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is effective as of March 1, 2013, by and between EMMIS OPERATING COMPANY , an Indiana company (“Employer”), and RICHARD F. CUMMINGS , a California 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 herein), Executive shall serve as President, Emmis Radio Programming. Executive shall have such duties, functions, authority and responsibilities as are commensurate with such 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 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 located at 3500 West Olive Avenue, Burbank, California, or if Employer no longer maintains possession of those premises, then such offices as may be designated by Employer in Los Angeles, California. 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 14.12 . 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 14.12.


2. Term . The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of one (1) year commencing on March 1, 2013, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Agreement (the “Term”).

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 during the Term an annualized base salary of Four Hundred Sixty-Four Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($464,100) (the “Base Salary”), payable pursuant to Employer’s customary payroll practices and subject to applicable taxes and withholdings as required by law.

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 (“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 other senior management level employees.

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 Bonus Amounts . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 4 , Executive shall be eligible to receive one (1) performance bonus in a target amount equivalent to sixty percent (60%) of Executive’s Base Salary for each Contract Year, and the exact amount of such performance bonus, if any, shall be determined on the basis of Executive’s attainment of certain performance and financial goals to be determined by Employer in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

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4.2 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 Section 4.1 ; provided that, 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 10 ), 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 4.2 to pay any 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 other senior management level employees. Any bonus amounts earned by Executive pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 4.1 shall be paid after the end of the relevant measuring period (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 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).

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.

 

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6. Fringe Benefits .

6.1 Vacation and Other Benefits . During 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, 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 programs and broadcasts on which Executive appears or for which Executive renders services to Employer in any capacity; (ii) the results and proceeds of Executive’s services pursuant to this Agreement including, without limitation, those results and proceeds provided in connection with the creation, development, preparation, writing, editing or production by Executive or any employee of any member of the Emmis Group of any and all materials, properties or elements of any and all kinds for the programs on which Executive appears or for which Executive renders services (whether directly or indirectly); and (iii) 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. Therefore, Employer shall be the author and copyright owner of the programs on which Executive appears or for which Executive renders services pursuant to this Agreement, the broadcasts and tapes or recordings thereof for all purposes without limitation of any kind, and all materials described in the immediately preceding sentence. The exclusive legal title to all of the aforesaid works and matters, programs, broadcasts, and materials and all secondary and derivative rights therein, shall belong, at all times, to Employer which shall have the right to copyright the same and apply for copyright registrations and copyright renewal registrations and to make whatever use thereof that Employer, in its sole and absolute discretion, deems advisable, including but not limited to rebroadcasts of programs or use of any portions of any program in the production or broadcast of other programs at any time, notwithstanding expiration of the Term or termination of this Agreement for any reason.

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; 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, and during the Post Term Period if Executive elects part-time employment pursuant to Section 13 , 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 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 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 , Employer shall be entitled to injunctive relief (including attorneys’ fees and costs) enforcing Section 8.1 , 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 , 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 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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8.3 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 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 (the “Final Notice”).

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 all earned but unpaid Base Salary with respect to any applicable pay period ending on or before 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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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) 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 (the “FCC”), 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 another employee or individual; (vi) sexual or other prohibited harassment of others; (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 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 misconduct under applicable laws.

10. Termination of Agreement by Employer for Incapacity .

10.1 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 six (6) months, 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.”

10.2 Obligations after Termination . Executive shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder after an Incapacity Termination Date except Executive’s obligations under Section 7 and 8 that 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 Section 9.2(ii) . Nothing in this Section 10 or in 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.

 

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11. 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 Section 9.2(ii) .

12. Severance . Subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 12 and Exhibit A , in the event that Employer elects not to allow this Agreement to automatically renew pursuant to Section 2 , does not offer Executive employment upon expiration of the Term on terms substantially similar to those contained herein (which shall include without limitation a Base Salary that is at least ninety-five percent (95%) of the Base Salary in effect at expiration of the Term) and Executive’s employment is terminated by Executive or Employer, Employer shall make a lump sum severance payment to Executive in the amount of $470,000, subject to applicable taxes and withholdings (the “Severance Payment”) not later than the later of (a) the fourteenth day of March immediately following Executive’s termination of employment or (b) the date which is sixty (60) days following Executive’s termination of employment. As a material condition upon which Executive shall be entitled to receive the Severance Payment, and as an inducement to Employer’s agreement to pay Executive the Severance Payment, Executive agrees to execute a general release in a form acceptable to Employer upon the termination of Executive’s full-time employment. Executive shall not be entitled to any additional severance compensation upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement other than the Severance Payment. Executive shall not be entitled to the Severance Payment as otherwise specified in this Agreement or if Executive’s employment is terminated either (i) by Employer under Section 9 , (ii) by reason of Executive’s incapacity or death under Sections 10 or 11 , or (iii) by Executive for any reason other than a material breach of this Agreement by Employer. In addition, subject to the terms and conditions of Section 13 , upon Executive’s termination of employment pursuant to this Section 12 , Executive shall be entitled to continue his employment with Employer as a part-time employee during the Post Term Period.

13. Part-Time Employment . If Executive is entitled to the Severance Payment pursuant to Section 12 , Executive shall be entitled to continue his employment with Employer as a part-time employee, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 13 . Such part-time employment shall commence upon the last day of Executive’s employment upon termination pursuant to Section 12 and shall end on the earliest of: (i) the fourth (4th) anniversary of its commencement, (ii) the date Executive secures full-time employment other than with Employer or any of its “Affiliates” (as defined in Exhibit A ), (iii) Executive’s death, (iv) the date Executive becomes unable to perform the services required by Section 13.3 because of ill health or physical or mental disability as reasonably determined by a physician selected by Employer, (v) the date thirty (30) days after Executive gives notice to Employer of his decision to terminate his part-time employment, or (vi) the date Executive ceases to comply with the provisions of Section 13.3 , as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors of Employer. The term of part-time employment described in the preceding sentence shall be referred to herein as the “Post Term Period”. In the event Executive elects to continue his employment as a part-time employee pursuant to this Section 13 , the Change in Control Agreement ( defined below ) shall become null, void and of no further force and effect as of the date Executive commences such part-time employment.

 

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13.1 During each year of the Post Term Period, Employer shall pay to Executive total annual compensation equal to $132,500 (“Part-Time Compensation”). Part-Time Compensation shall be paid by Employer in accordance with Employer’s customary payroll practices. In addition, during the Post Term Period, Executive and his dependents (as such term is defined in the applicable health plan of Employer) may continue to participate in Employer’s health plan, to the extent permitted under the terms of such plan and at the expense of Employer, except for any premium co-payment or other similar amounts for which Executive would have otherwise been responsible pursuant to the terms of such plan. In the event that the terms of Employer’s health plan do not at any time during the Post Term Period permit Executive and/or his dependents to continue to participate in such plan, Employer shall reimburse Executive for the cost of securing substantially comparable health care coverage for Executive and his dependents. During the Post Term Period, no other compensation or benefits shall be payable or provided by Employer other than those described in this Section 13 .

13.2 Any option granted to Executive prior to the Post Term Period under the Plan (other than any plan intended to qualify under Section 423(b) of the Code and provided that no provision hereof may supersede the terms of any plan of Employer) shall continue to vest and become exercisable during the Post Term Period to the extent not already exercisable as of the first day of the Post Term Period in accordance with the applicable vesting schedule of each such option, and shall remain outstanding through the earlier of: (a) 30 days following the last day of the Post Term Period or (b) the last day of the applicable option term provided under the applicable award agreement pursuant to which each such option was awarded. Ownership of any Shares granted to Executive (pursuant to Section 4.3 of this Agreement or otherwise) prior to the Post Term Period shall continue to vest during the Post Term Period (to the extent not already fully vested as of the first day of the Post Term Period) in accordance with the vesting schedule applicable to each grant in the same manner as if Executive remained a full-time employee with Employer continuously through the expiration of the Post Term Period.

 

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13.3 During the Post Term Period, Executive shall make himself available to Employer to complete such reasonable projects and assignments as may be assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer of Employer and/or Emmis Communications Corporation or any successor in interest thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive shall provide consulting services relative to operations, programming, ratings, personnel and budget. The parties intend that the transition from full-time to part-time employment shall constitute a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A (as defined below). Therefore, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event will Executive be required or permitted to provide more than twenty (20) hours of service during any calendar month pursuant to this Section 13 . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 13 , Employer shall have no obligation to pay Executive the Part-Time Compensation for any periods during which Executive fails or refuses to render services pursuant to this Section 13 . Employer shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses actually incurred by Executive directly related to the performance of the services contemplated by this Section 13 upon presentation of expense statements, vouchers or similar documentation, or such other supporting information as Employer may require of Executive. In addition, no later than ten (10) days following the first day of the Post Term Period, Executive shall resign as a director of Employer and each of its Affiliates, as applicable.

13.4 Notwithstanding anything in the Agreement to the contrary, Employer and Executive hereby agree and acknowledge that solely for purposes of Sections 7 and 8 (Confidential Information; Non-Interference), the Term shall include the Post Term Period.

14. Miscellaneous .

14.1 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.

14.2 Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the regulations thereunder (collectively, “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 to the extent required by Section 409A, if Executive is a “specified employee” for purposes of such Section, payments on account of Executive’s separation from service shall be delayed to the earliest date permissible under Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, “termination of employment,” “terminates employment,” or any variation of such term shall mean “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

14.3 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.

14.4 Entire Agreement . This Agreement shall supersede and replace, in all respects, any prior employment agreement entered into between the parties, and any such agreements 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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14.5 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 14.7 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.

14.6 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.

14.7 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).

14.8 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):

 

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(i) If to Employer :

Emmis Operating Company

40 Monument Circle, Suite 700

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

Attn: Jeffrey H. Smulyan

Email: Jeff@emmis.com

With a copy to :

Emmis Operating Company

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.

14.9 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.

14.10 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 14.10 .

14.11 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.

 

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14.12 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.

14.13 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, dated as of March 8, 2012 (the “CIC Agreement”). “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the CIC Agreement.

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

RICHARD F. CUMMINGS

(“Executive”)

 

/s/ Richard F. Cummings

 

Richard F. Cummings

 

14

Exhibit 10.39

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

OPTION GRANT AGREEMENT

Emmis Communications Corporation has granted you an Option to purchase Emmis Stock, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan referred to below and the attached Agreement Regarding Terms and Conditions of Grant, all of which are incorporated into this Notice by reference. Unless you reject this Option by delivering a written rejection notice to Emmis within 120 days after the Grant Date shown below, you will be deemed to have accepted it and agreed to the attached terms and conditions. A prospectus for the Plan is located on the Emmis Intranet at “www.inside.emmis.com”.

 

Optionee:   
Grant Date:    xxx
Plan:    2012 Equity Compensation Plan
Total Option Shares Granted:    xxx
Option Price Per Share:    $x.xx
Type of Option:    ISO or Non Qualified
Expiration Date:    Ten Years from the Grant Date
Vesting Schedule:    One third of the Total Option Shares Granted will vest and will be first exercisable on the first anniversary of the Grant Date.
   A second third of the Total Option Shares Granted will vest and will be first exercisable on the second anniversary of the Grant Date.
   The final third of the Total Option Shares Granted will vest and will be first exercisable on the third anniversary of the Grant Date.

This is an Award Agreement under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (referred to as the Plan ). It is dated as of the Grant Date shown in the attached Notice of Grant and is between Emmis Communications Corporation and you as the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement that are not defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan.

The attached Notice of Grant includes several important terms that are used in this Agreement. We refer to the Option Price per Share shown in the Notice of Grant as the Exercise Price. We refer to the Expiration Date shown in the Notice of Grant as the Expiration Date. We refer to a number of shares of Emmis Class A Common Stock (or Class B Common Stock, in the case of Jeffrey H. Smulyan) shown as the Total Option Shares Granted in the Notice of Grant as the Option Shares .” We refer to the option of the type shown as the Type of Option in the Notice of Grant to purchase the Option Shares for the Exercise Price under these terms and conditions as the Option ,” and any Option Shares purchased under the Option as Purchased Shares .”

1. Grant of Option . Subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Plan, Emmis hereby grants to you the Option to purchase the Option Shares at the Exercise Price and in the manner and subject to the conditions provided in this Agreement.

2. Exercise of Option .

(a) The Option is not exercisable after the Expiration Date. You may exercise the Option in whole or in part (as to a whole number of Option Shares) at any time on or before the Expiration Date as to any Option Shares which have vested under the Vesting Schedule shown in the Notice of Grant.

(b) You may exercise this Option by giving Emmis written notice specifying the number of Option Shares you want to purchase. The notice must be in the form prescribed by the Committee and be directed to Emmis at its principal executive offices. The date of exercise, which is referred to as the Exercise Date ,” is the date on which your notice is received by Emmis.


(c) You may not exercise this Option unless your exercise is in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws, as they are in effect on the date of exercise. You may not exercise the Option as to fewer than 100 Option Shares unless you exercise it as to all Option Shares as to which the Option can be exercised at that time.

(d) Except to the extent you use the “sale and remittance” procedure described in this subsection (d), you must pay the Exercise Price for the Purchased Shares on the Exercise Date. If the Plan allows you to pay the Exercise Price other than in cash at the time you exercise the Option, then you may also pay the Exercise Price in one of the following ways:

(1) in shares of Emmis Stock, each valued at Fair Market Value on the Exercise Date (including through a procedure where you attest to your ownership of the shares in a form acceptable to the Committee);

(2) with the approval of the Committee, in shares of restricted Emmis Stock, each valued at Fair Market Value on the Exercise Date;

(3) by waiver of compensation due or accrued to you for services rendered;

(4) with the consent of the Committee, by transferring property to Emmis;

(5) provided that a public market for the Stock exists:

 

  (A) through a “same day sale” commitment from you and a broker-dealer that is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers (referred to as an “NASD Dealer” ) in which you irrevocably elect to exercise the Option and to sell a portion of the Stock you purchase in order to pay for the Option, and in which the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of that Stock to forward the Exercise Price directly to Emmis; or

 

  (B) through a “margin” commitment from you and an NASD Dealer in which you irrevocably elect to exercise the Option and to pledge the Stock you have purchased to the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a loan from the NASD Dealer in the amount of the Exercise Price, and in which the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of that Stock to forward the Exercise Price directly to Emmis; or

 

  (C) through any other procedure pursuant to which you deliver to Emmis a properly executed exercise notice and instructions to deliver the resulting Stock to a stock broker that are intended to satisfy the provisions of Section 220.3(e)(4) of Regulation T issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as in effect from time to time;

(6) by the surrender of all or part of the Option being exercised, or

(7) such other payment method or procedure as the Committee may approve.

Emmis’ obligation to deliver the Purchased Shares pursuant to subsection 2(d)(5) described above is conditioned upon receiving sufficient funds to cover the Exercise Price and tax withholding obligations described in this Agreement.

3. Non-Transferability of this Option . This Option may not be assigned, encumbered, or transferred except, (a) in the event of your death, by will or the laws of descent and distribution, or (b) to an Eligible Transferee as provided in the Plan. This Option is exercisable during your lifetime only by you or, if transferred to an Eligible Transferee, by that Eligible Transferee as provided in the Plan. The provisions of this Option will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by you and Emmis, by the successors and assigns of Emmis, and by your heirs, legatees and personal representatives.

4. Termination of Employment .

(a) If you have a Termination of Employment, any part of the Option that is not then vested shall be forfeited, unless the Termination of Employment is: (i) due to your death; or (ii) due to your Disability; or (iii) effected by Emmis or a Subsidiary due to the elimination of your position (other than in connection with the sale of one or more stations, magazines or other business units); or (iv) effected by Emmis or a Subsidiary in connection with the sale of one or more stations, magazines or other business units; or (v) due to your Retirement (as defined below). However, the provisions of this Section does not limit the authority of the Committee to declare the Option fully vested whenever the Committee may determine that such action is appropriate pursuant to the Plan or this Agreement.


(b) If you have a Termination of Employment due to your death, Disability or Retirement, or that is effected by Emmis in connection with the sale of one or more stations, magazines or other business units, the unvested part of the Option shall vest in its entirety immediately prior to such Termination of Employment. For purposes of this Agreement, “Retirement” shall mean a Termination of Employment other than for Cause at a time when (a) the sum of your service to Emmis plus your age is not less than sixty-five years, (b) your age is not less than fifty-five years, and (c) you have provided not less than ten years of service to Emmis.

(c) If you have a Termination of Employment that is effected by Emmis or a Subsidiary due to the elimination of your position, then any part of the Option that is scheduled to vest within one year of such Termination of Employment shall vest immediately prior to such Termination of Employment.

5. The Plan . The terms of this Agreement are subject to the terms of the Plan. In the case of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan control. You acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan and represent (a) that you are familiar with the terms and provisions of the Plan, (b) that you have reviewed the Plan and this Agreement in their entirety, and (c) that you have had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to signing this Agreement and fully understand all provisions of the Option. You agree to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement.

6. No Shareholder Rights; No Guaranty of Employment . You do not have any of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the Option Shares until the Option Shares are issued or transferred to you after the exercise of the Option. Nothing in this Agreement confers or will confer on you any right to continue in the employment of Emmis, or remain affiliated with Emmis or any of its Subsidiaries, or to continue as an officer or director of Emmis, and nothing in this Agreement interferes with Emmis’ right to terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause.

7. Effect of Change of Control . Notwithstanding the Vesting Schedule shown in the Notice of Grant, this Option immediately becomes fully exercisable on the date on which the Committee so determines in connection with a Change in Control.

8. Withholding Tax . If cash or shares of Emmis Stock are to be delivered upon exercise of this Option, Emmis is entitled to require as a condition of delivery (a) that you pay an amount sufficient to satisfy all federal, state and local withholding tax requirements related to the exercise of the Option, (b) the withholding of such sums from compensation otherwise due to you or from any Purchased Shares due to you under the Plan, or (c) any combination of (a) and (b). The Committee reserves the right to revoke your right under the Plan to elect to have Option Shares withheld to satisfy your withholding tax liability.

9. Successors and Assigns . Except to the extent otherwise provided in the Plan, the benefits of this Agreement are applicable to, and this Agreement is binding upon, Emmis and its successors and anyone to whom Emmis legally assigns it and you, anyone to whom you legally assign it and the legal representatives, heir and beneficiaries of your estate.

10. Compliance with Laws and Regulations .

(a) Your exercise of the Option and the issuance of the Option Shares upon your exercise is subject to compliance by Emmis and you with all applicable requirements of law, including but not limited to federal and state securities laws, and with all applicable regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market (or any stock exchange, if applicable) on which the Purchased Shares may be designated or listed for trading at the time of your exercise and issuance of the Purchased Shares.

(b) If Emmis determines that it needs to obtain approval from any regulatory body in order to issue and sell any Option Share under the Option and cannot get that approval, Emmis is not liable for not issuing and selling the Option Shares under this Option to the extent that approval was not obtained. Emmis, however, will use its best efforts to obtain all such approvals.

(c) If this Option is shown under Type of Option in the Notice of Grant as an incentive stock option, then it is intended to be an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code and will in all respects be interpreted and construed as to be consistent with this intention.


11. Adjustments for Changes in Capitalization . If Emmis is involved in any reorganization, reclassification, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, share combination, merger, consolidation, asset spin-off or similar event, the Committee will make equitable adjustments of (a) the aggregate number of shares of Stock available under the Plan, (b) the number of shares of Stock covered by an Option, (c) the Exercise Price, and (d) all other matters relating to the Plan and any Option, all in such manner as may be determined by the Committee in its discretion, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of your rights under this Option. The Committee’s determination is conclusive in these matters.

12. Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares . If this Option is shown under Type of Option in the Notice of Grant as an incentive stock option and is exercised prior to your death, and if you (or your heirs, beneficiaries or personal representatives) sell or otherwise dispose of any of the Purchased Shares on or before the later of (a) two years after the Grant Date or (b) one year after the date of exercise of this Option, you (or any such heirs, beneficiaries or personal representatives) are required to promptly notify Emmis of the sale or other disposition. The notice must specify the number of Purchased Shares sold or otherwise disposed of and be directed to Emmis at its principal executive offices.

13. Amendment . Subject to any shareholder approval requirements of applicable law or the rules of any national securities exchange, stock market or automated quotation service on which the Stock is listed or quoted, the Committee has complete and exclusive power and authority to amend or modify this Agreement (and Emmis has the power and authority to amend or modify the Plan) at any time and in any respect, except that no such amendment or modification can adversely affect, in any material respect, any of your rights with respect to this Option, unless you consent in writing to the amendment or modification.

14. Entire Agreement; Governing Law; Attorneys’ Fees . The Plan is incorporated into this Agreement by reference as if it appeared here in full. The Plan and this Agreement together make up the entire agreement of Emmis and you with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede in their entirety all prior promises and agreements of Emmis and you with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. The Option must be exercised in accordance with any administrative regulations the Committee adopts from time to time. The Option and this Agreement are to be construed, administered and governed in all respects under and by the internal laws (but not the choice of law rules) of the State of Indiana. Each of Emmis and you hereby submits to jurisdiction before any state or federal court of record in Marion County, Indiana.

Exhibit 10.40

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Shares of Restricted Stock are awarded, effective as of the Date of Grant (as defined below), by Emmis Communications Corporation (the “Company”) to the person named below (the “Grantee”) upon the following terms and conditions. The Grantee will be deemed to have accepted the Restricted Stock unless the Grantee delivers a written notice of rejection to the Company within 120 days of the Date of Grant. The Restricted Stock grant evidenced by this Restricted Stock Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made pursuant to the Company’s 2012 Equity Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), which is incorporated in this Agreement by reference. A prospectus for the Plan is located on the Emmis Intranet at “ www.inside.emmis.com .”

1. Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement and any amendments hereto, the terms defined in Section 2 of the Plan, when capitalized in this Agreement, shall have the same meanings as the meanings ascribed to them by the Plan, unless a different meaning is specified in this Agreement, or unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context. For purposes of this Agreement and any amendments hereto, the following terms, when capitalized, have the following meanings, unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context:

 

Grantee:

  

Restricted Stock:

   xxx shares of the Company’s Stock

Date of Grant:

  

Vesting Date:

   The earlier of the expiration of the Grantee’s current term as a director of the Company or the third anniversary of the Grant Date

2. Reference to Plan . The Restricted Stock is granted pursuant to the Plan in effect on the Date of Grant. No amendment of the Plan adopted after the Date of Grant shall apply to the Restricted Stock unless, by its express provisions, the amendment is effective retroactive to the Date of Grant or some earlier date. No such retroactive amendment may, without the consent of the Grantee, adversely affect the rights of the Grantee under this Agreement.

3. Share Award . The Company hereby awards to the Grantee, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Restricted Stock in the form of Class A Common Stock.

4. Vesting and Restrictions on Transfer . The Restricted Stock will vest on the Vesting Date or such earlier date as may be determined pursuant to this Agreement or the Plan unless the Restricted Stock has been forfeited pursuant to Section 5. During the time from the Date of Grant to the Vesting Date or such earlier date as may be determined pursuant to this Agreement or the Plan (the “Restricted Period”), the Grantee may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber the Restricted Stock, except as hereinafter provided. The Committee shall have the authority, in its discretion, to waive the provisions of Section 5 and to shorten the Restricted Period as to any or all of the Restricted Stock, and thereby to cause such Restricted Stock to vest at an earlier date.

5. Forfeiture and Early Vesting .

(a) The Restricted Stock shall be forfeited and returned to the Company if the Grantee has a Termination of Employment prior to the Vesting Date, unless the Termination of Employment is: (i) due to the death of the Grantee; or (ii) due to the Disability of the Grantee; or (iii) effected by the Company or a Subsidiary due to the elimination of the Grantee’s position (other than in connection with the sale or disposition of one or more stations, magazines or other business units); or (iv) effected by the Company or a Subsidiary in connection with the sale or disposition of one or more stations, magazines or other business units; or (v) due to the Retirement (as defined below) of the Grantee. However, the provisions of this Section shall not be deemed to limit the authority of the Committee to declare the Restricted Stock fully vested whenever the Committee may determine that such action is appropriate pursuant to the Plan or this Agreement.

(b) If the Grantee has a Termination of Employment prior to the Vesting Date due to the death, Disability or Retirement of the Grantee or in connection with the sale or disposition of one or more stations, magazines or other business units, all of the Restricted Stock shall vest immediately prior to such Termination of Employment. For purposes of this Agreement, “Retirement” shall mean a Termination of Employment other than for Cause at a time when (a) the sum of the Grantee’s service to the Company plus the Grantee’s age is not less than sixty-five years, (b) the Grantee is not less than fifty-five years of age, and (c) the Grantee has provided not less than ten years of service to the Company.


(c) If the Grantee has a Termination of Employment that is effected by the Company or a Subsidiary due to the elimination of the Grantee’s position (other than in connection with the sale or disposition of one or more stations, magazines or other business units) prior to the Vesting Date, then the portion of the Restricted Stock that shall vest immediately prior to such Termination of Employment is equal to the total number of shares of Restricted Stock times a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days from the Date of Grant to the date of the Termination of Employment and the denominator of which is the number of days between the Date of Grant and the Vesting Date. If the calculation in the preceding sentence results in a fractional share, the number of shares which are not forfeited will be rounded up to the next whole share. The remaining shares of Restricted Stock shall be forfeited and returned to the Company.

6. Certificates for Restricted Stock . The Company may issue a certificate in respect of the Restricted Stock in the name of the Grantee and, if so, shall hold such certificate on deposit for the account of the Grantee until the expiration of the Restricted Period. Each such certificate shall bear the following legend:

The transferability of this certificate and the shares of stock represented hereby are subject to the terms and conditions (including forfeiture) contained in the Emmis Communications Corporation 2012 Equity Compensation Plan and an Agreement entered into between the registered owner and Emmis Communications Corporation. Copies of such Plan and Agreement are on file in the office of the Secretary of Emmis Communications Corporation, One Emmis Plaza, 140 Monument Circle, Suite 700, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.

Upon issuance of such certificate, the Grantee shall be deemed to have appointed the Company as its agent to sell, transfer or assign the Restricted Stock in such manner as the Company deems appropriate, provided that such sale, transfer or assignment is not prohibited by the terms of this Agreement or the Plan. In addition, if requested by the Company, following the issuance of such certificate, the Grantee shall execute a stock power endorsed in blank and shall promptly deliver such stock power to the Company.

7. Grantee’s Rights as Stockholder . If a certificate is issued for the Restricted Stock, then during the Restricted Period: (i) the Grantee shall have the right to vote any Restricted Stock which has not been forfeited hereunder; and (ii) the Grantee shall have the right to receive any declared distribution (provided, however, that if the distribution is in the form of Stock or other securities, the Stock or other securities shall be subject to the same restrictions as the Restricted Stock). Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Grantee shall have none of the rights of a shareholder in respect of the Restricted Stock.

8. Delivery of Shares Upon Expiration of Restricted Period. Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period, the Company shall issue a certificate in respect to the Restricted Stock in the name of the Grantee. Such certificate shall be free from any restrictive legend. If the Company issued a certificate pursuant to Section 6, the Company shall (i) exchange the previously issued certificate in respect of the Restricted Stock for a new certificate in respect of such shares that does not bear the legend provided for in Section 6 above, (ii) deliver such new certificate to the Grantee and (iii) relinquish to the Grantee the stock power held by the Company pursuant to Section 6.

9. Adjustments for Changes in Capitalization of the Company . If the Company is involved in any reorganization, reclassification, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, share combination, merger, consolidation, asset spin-off or similar event, the Committee will make equitable adjustments of the number of shares of Restricted Stock and all other matters relating to the Plan and the Restricted Stock (including the type of security or property to be delivered upon vesting), all in such manner as may be determined by the Committee in its discretion, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the Grantee’s rights under this Agreement. The Committee’s determination is conclusive in these matters. Any shares of Stock or other securities received by the Grantee as a result of any of the foregoing shall be subject to the same restrictions as the Restricted Stock.


10. Delivery and Registration of Shares of Stock . The Company’s obligation to deliver shares of Stock hereunder shall, if the Committee so requests, be conditioned upon the receipt of a representation as to the investment intention of the Grantee or any other person to whom such shares are to be delivered, in such form as the Committee shall determine to be necessary or advisable to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any other federal, State or local securities legislation. In requesting any such representation, it may be provided that such representation requirement shall become inoperative upon a registration of such shares or other action eliminating the necessity of such representation under such Securities Act or other securities legislation. The Company shall not be required to deliver any shares under this Agreement prior to (i) the admission of such shares to listing on any stock exchange on which the shares of Stock may then be listed, and (ii) the completion of such registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal law, rule or regulation, as the Committee shall determine to be necessary or advisable.

11. Withholding Tax . Upon vesting of the Restricted Stock (or at such earlier time as an election is made by the Grantee under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor provision thereto, to include the value of the Restricted Stock in taxable income), the Company shall have the right to require the Grantee or other person receiving the Restricted Stock to pay the Company the amount of any taxes which the Company is required to withhold with respect to the Restricted Stock or, in lieu thereof, to retain, or sell without notice, a sufficient number of shares of the Restricted Stock held by it to cover the amount of tax required to be withheld. The Company shall have the right to deduct from all dividends paid with respect to the Restricted Stock the amount of any taxes which the Company or any Affiliate is required to withhold with respect to such dividend payments.

12. Notices . All notices hereunder to the Company shall be delivered or mailed to it addressed to the Secretary, Emmis Communications Corporation, One Emmis Plaza, 40 Monument Circle, Suite 700, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. All notices hereunder to the Grantee shall be delivered personally or mailed to the Grantee’s address noted above. Such addresses for the service of notices may be change at any time provided written notice of the change is furnished in advance to the other party.

13. Plan and Plan Interpretations as Controlling . The Restricted Stock and the terms and conditions herein set forth are subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which are controlling. All determinations and interpretations of the Committee shall be binding and conclusive upon the Grantee or Grantee’s legal representatives with regard to any question arising hereunder or under the Plan.

14. Grantee’s Service . Nothing in this Agreement shall: (i) limit the right of the Company or any of its Affiliates to terminate the Grantee’s service as a director, officer or employee, for any or no reason or (ii) otherwise impose upon the Company or any of its Affiliates any obligation to employ or accept the services of the Grantee.

15. Entire Agreement; Governing Law; Attorneys’ Fees . The Plan is incorporated into this Agreement by reference as if it appeared here in full. The Plan and this Agreement together make up the entire agreement of the Company and Grantee with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede in their entirety all prior promises and agreements of the Company and Grantee with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement is to be construed, administered and governed in all respects under and by the internal laws (but not the choice of law rules) of the State of Indiana. Each of the Company and Grantee hereby submits to jurisdiction before any state or federal court of record in Marion County, Indiana.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Restricted Stock Agreement is effective as of the Date of Grant.

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, LLC1      35-1705332       IN    CA, IN, MO,
NJ, NY
   40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

3/23/1998

   Emmis Publishing, L.P.2      35-2039702       IN    CA, IN, OH,
GA, NY, TX
   40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

2/20/1998

   Emmis Indiana Broadcasting, L.P.3      35-2039701       IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

6/7/2011

   Emmis Radio Holding Corporation      45-2585130       IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

6/7/2011

   Emmis Radio Holding II Corporation      45-2585190       IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

3/23/2012

   Emmis New York Radio LLC      45-5232329       DE    NY    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

3/23/2012

   Emmis New York Radio License LLC      45-5232413       DE    NY    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    Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuidoost

7/9/1997

   Slager Radio Co. Zrt. (85%)       Hungary    Hungary    1075 Budapest, Rumbach Sebestyén utca 19

7/9/1997

   Slager Radio Sales Kft.       Hungary    Hungary    1076 Budapest, Rumbach Sebestyén utca 19

7/21/2011

   Emmis Radio Operating B.V.       Netherlands    Netherlands    Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuidoost

7/21/2011

   Emmis Radio (Hungary) Investments Kft.       Hungary    Hungary    1139 Budapest, Váci út 99

8/13/1988

   Emmis Publishing Corporation      35-1748335       IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

7/22/2004

   Emmis Radio License, LLC 4      20-1402022       IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

9/23/1997

   Emmis License Corporation of New York4      95-4662857       CA    CA    3500 W. Olive Ave., #1450, Burbank, CA 91505-4604

9/23/1997

   Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York4      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

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.

2  

Emmis Publishing, L.P. publishes Indianapolis Monthly, Atlanta Magazine, Cincinnati Magazine, Texas Monthly and Los Angeles Magazine.

3  

Emmis Indiana Broadcasting, L.P. operates all our Indiana radio stations (WFNI-AM, WLHK-FM, WIBC-FM, WYXB-FM, WTHI-FM ,WWVR-FM, WFNB-FM & WFNF-AM), and Network Indiana.

4  

Emmis Radio License, LLC holds all our radio FCC licenses except for 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.


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, IN, MO,
NJ, NY
   40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

3/23/1998

   Emmis Publishing, L.P. 2      35-2039702       IN    CA, IN, OH,
GA, NY, TX
   40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

2/20/1998

   Emmis Indiana Broadcasting, L.P. 3      35-2039701       IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

6/7/2011

   Emmis Radio Holding Corporation      45-2585130       IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

6/7/2011

   Emmis Radio Holding II Corporation      45-2585190       IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

3/23/2012

   Emmis New York Radio LLC      45-5232329       DE    NY    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

3/23/2012

   Emmis New York Radio License LLC      45-5232413       DE    NY    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    Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuidoost

7/9/1997

   Slager Radio Co. Zrt. (85%)       Hungary    Hungary    1075 Budapest, Rumbach Sebestyén utca 19

7/9/1997

   Slager Radio Sales Kft.       Hungary    Hungary    1076 Budapest, Rumbach Sebestyén utca 19

7/21/2011

   Emmis Radio Operating B.V.       Netherlands    Netherlands    Herikerbergweg 238, 1101 CM Amsterdam Zuidoost

7/21/2011

   Emmis Radio (Hungary) Investments Kft.       Hungary    Hungary    1139 Budapest, Váci út 99

8/13/1988

   Emmis Publishing Corporation      35-1748335       IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

7/22/2004

   Emmis Radio License, LLC 4      20-1402022       IN    IN    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

9/23/1997

   Emmis License Corporation of New York 4      95-4662857       CA    CA    3500 W. Olive Ave., #1450, Burbank, CA 91505-4604

9/23/1997

   Emmis Radio License Corporation of New York 4      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

2/15/1984

   Waterloo II, Ltd. ( 6.6%)      74-2310387       TX    TX    1311-A East 6th Street, Austin, TX 78702

10/28/1998

   Ibiquity Digital Corporation       DE    MD    8865 Stanford Blvd., Suite 202, Columbia, MD 21045

6/7/2011

   Merlin Media LLC (24%)      45-2585317       IN       40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

6/7/2011

   Merlin Media License LLC (24%)      45-2585269       IN       40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204
   Duffy Shamrock JV (50%)      75-2290415       TX    TX    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

11/9/2007

   BTC, LLC (12.5%)      13-4367659       DE    DE    40 Monument Circle, #700, Indianapolis, IN 46204

5/1/2012

   Courseload, Inc.       DE    DE    1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

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.

2  

Emmis Publishing, L.P. publishes Indianapolis Monthly, Atlanta Magazine, Cincinnati Magazine, Texas Monthly and Los Angeles Magazine.

3  

Emmis Indiana Broadcasting, L.P. operates all our Indiana radio stations (WFNI-AM, WLHK-FM, WIBC-FM, WYXB-FM, WTHI-FM ,WWVR-FM, WFNB-FM & WFNF-AM), and Network Indiana.

4  

Emmis Radio License, LLC holds all our radio FCC licenses except for 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.

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. 333-71904), pertaining to the Emmis Communications Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan,

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-92318), pertaining to the Emmis Communications Corporation 2002 Equity Compensation Plan,

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-117033), pertaining to the Emmis Communications Corporation 2004 Equity Compensation Plan,

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-171463), pertaining to the Emmis Communications Corporation 2010 Equity Compensation Plan, and

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-184933), pertaining to the Emmis Communications Corporation 2012 Equity Compensation Plan;

of our report dated May 8, 2013, 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 28, 2013.

/s/Ernst & Young LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana

May 8, 2013

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 28, 2013, 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 25, 2013

     

/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 28, 2013, 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 25, 2013

     

/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 28, 2013, 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 19, 2013

     

/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 28, 2013, 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 21, 2013

     

/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 28, 2013, 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 25, 2013

     

/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 28, 2013, 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 19, 2013

     

/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 28, 2013, 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 19, 2013

     

/s/ James M. Dubin

      James M. Dubin

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 8, 2013

 

      /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 8, 2013

 

/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 28, 2013, 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 8, 2013

 

/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 28, 2013, 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 8, 2013

 

/s/ PATRICK M. WALSH

Patrick M. Walsh

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

and Chief Financial Officer