Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $782 million, a decrease of 5% from Q1 2024, but 1% above the high end of guidance [8] - Net loss was $9 million in Q1 2025 compared to net income of $88 million in Q1 2024 [10] - Adjusted EBITDA was $160 million in Q1 2025, a decrease of 19% from Q1 2024 [10] - Total operating expenses were 1% below the low end of previously announced guidance [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core advertising revenue for Q1 2025 was down 8% compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to the Super Bowl airing on different channels [18] - Political advertising revenue exceeded expectations, coming in at $13 million against a guidance of $2 million to $4 million [21] - Digital advertising revenue was up double digits, indicating growth in this segment [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive advertising revenue was down in high single digits, reflecting ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [18] - Categories linked to consumer discretionary spending, such as restaurants and department stores, were soft, while essential categories like education and financial services performed better [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing leverage and enhancing its balance sheet, with a top capital allocation priority being debt reduction [24] - There is a commitment to enhancing local content offerings and entering new sports rights agreements to increase relevance in local markets [12][13] - The company is exploring opportunities for mergers and acquisitions, particularly in creating new duopolies [30][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for a more favorable regulatory environment that could facilitate strategic transactions [34] - There is cautious optimism regarding the second half of the year, particularly in political advertising, despite overall uncertainty in the advertising market [50] - Management noted that the recent trade deal with the UK could stabilize the advertising market, which has been affected by uncertainties [51] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share [12] - The Assembly Studios project is progressing, with multiple productions currently shooting and plans for future developments [15][69] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the most attractive options for market expansion? - Management is actively pursuing various opportunities and is optimistic about potential regulatory changes that could allow for new duopolies [30][34] Question: How does the new regulatory environment affect affiliate negotiations? - Management is encouraged by the changing tone from regulators regarding local news and broadcasters, which may positively impact negotiations [37][62] Question: Are there any cancellations in advertising? - There are no cancellations, but there is hesitancy in booking ads due to economic uncertainty [48] Question: What is the outlook for political advertising? - Political ad buys are currently strong, with significant orders coming in, indicating a positive trend for the upcoming election cycle [58] Question: What is the status of Assembly Studios? - Assembly Studios is currently around 75% to 80% leased, with ongoing inquiries and productions actively shooting [75][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $782 million, a decrease of 5% from Q1 2024, but 1% above the high end of guidance [6] - Net loss was $9 million in Q1 2025 compared to net income of $88 million in Q1 2024 [7] - Adjusted EBITDA was $160 million in Q1 2025, a decrease of 19% from Q1 2024 [7] - Total operating expenses decreased by 1% compared to the low end of previously announced guidance [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core advertising revenue for Q1 2025 finished down 8% versus Q1 2024, attributed partly to the Super Bowl airing on different channels [15] - Political advertising revenue was significantly higher than expected, reaching $13 million against a guidance of $2 million to $4 million [19] - Digital advertising revenue continued to grow in double digits, indicating a positive trend [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive advertising category saw a decline in high single digits, reflecting ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [15][17] - Essential categories like education and financial services performed better, while discretionary spending categories like restaurants were soft [17] - Political ad buys are expected to continue growing, with early signs of spending for upcoming elections [20][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing leverage and enhancing its balance sheet, with a top priority on capital allocation [22] - There is a commitment to expanding local content offerings and entering new sports rights agreements [10][11] - The company is exploring opportunities for mergers and acquisitions, particularly in light of a more relaxed regulatory environment [22][80] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for deregulation to create new opportunities for growth and consolidation [31][41] - There is cautious optimism regarding the advertising market, with expectations for some recovery in key verticals despite ongoing uncertainties [44][47] - The company is committed to maintaining cost discipline and expects to see benefits from cost-saving initiatives throughout 2025 [24][90] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share [10] - The Assembly Studios project is progressing, with several productions currently in operation and plans for future developments [61][62] Q&A Session Summary Question: How creative could the company get if deregulation allows for attractive opportunities? - The company is actively pursuing various options and is optimistic about potential regulatory changes that could facilitate new transactions [31] Question: What impact does the new regulatory environment have on affiliate negotiations? - Management is encouraged by the changing tone from regulators regarding local news and broadcasters, which may positively influence negotiations [34] Question: What is the margin lift from creating new duopolies? - The margin improvement from creating duopolies varies significantly based on market conditions and the specific stations involved [38] Question: Are there actual cancellations in advertising or just hesitancy? - The company is not seeing cancellations but rather hesitancy in ad bookings due to economic uncertainties [43] Question: What is the outlook for political advertising in the upcoming cycles? - Political ad buys are currently strong, with significant orders coming in, indicating a potentially robust political advertising cycle ahead [54] Question: What is the current occupancy rate at Assembly Studios? - The occupancy rate is estimated to be around 75% to 80%, with ongoing inquiries for additional leases [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenue for Q1 was $680 million, a decrease of 5% year over year, aligning with the outlook of down 4% to 7% [16][17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $136 million, a 22% decrease year over year, primarily due to lower political advertising revenue and AMS revenue [20] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $717 million at quarter end, with net leverage finishing at 2.8 times [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advertising and marketing services (AMS) revenue was $286 million, a 3% decrease year over year, impacted by macroeconomic headwinds and the Super Bowl airing on Fox [17] - Distribution revenue was flat year over year at $380 million, affected by a temporary disruption of service and subscriber declines [19] - Digital advertising revenue showed year-over-year growth, continuing momentum from the previous quarter [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advertising demand remains closely tied to overall economic sentiment, with consumer confidence softening, leading to a cautious approach from some advertisers [17] - Approximately 45% of traditional subscribers are up for renewal in 2025, providing opportunities for value capture [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on five areas: building a strong team culture, leveraging strengths across stations, deploying technology and AI, growing digital revenue, and cutting unnecessary spending [6][7] - Recent sports rights deals have been secured across various leagues, enhancing local broadcasting capabilities [13] - The company is taking a measured approach to share repurchases, preserving financial flexibility amid potential deregulation and M&A opportunities [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the advertising environment is expected to be softer in Q2 compared to Q1, influenced by macroeconomic factors [31] - There is optimism regarding the potential for M&A opportunities due to favorable regulatory conditions [29][40] - The company remains committed to returning 40% to 60% of adjusted free cash flow to shareholders over the 2024-2025 period [21] Other Important Information - The company is on track to achieve annualized core non-programming savings of $90 million to $100 million by the end of 2025 [21] - A reclassification of subscription revenue to distribution revenue was made, with immaterial amounts highlighted for simplification [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future deregulation initiatives and M&A opportunities - Management believes that the FCC's support for local broadcasters will unlock M&A opportunities, but specifics depend on the full landscape and pricing [29][30] Question: Anticipated headwinds in the advertising environment - Management indicated that Q2 is expected to be softer than Q1, with lower consumer confidence impacting advertising strategies [31][32] Question: Appetite for M&A and synergy opportunities - Management expressed excitement about M&A opportunities, emphasizing the potential for significant cost savings through consolidation [39][64] Question: Trends in Premion's performance - Premion's revenues remain flattish quarter to quarter, with local advertising continuing to grow while national declines offset this growth [42] Question: Alternative uses of spectrum and revenue generation - Management sees potential in ATSC 3.0 technology for future revenue streams, though significant revenue generation is not expected immediately [48][49] Question: Market concentration and regulatory views - Management highlighted that big tech dominates viewer consumption, suggesting that regulators should consider the competitive landscape when evaluating local news market concentration [59][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company revenue for Q1 2025 was $680 million, a decrease of 5% year over year, aligning with the outlook of down 4% to 7% [16] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $136 million, a 22% decrease year over year, primarily due to lower political advertising revenue and AMS revenue [21] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $717 million at quarter end, with net leverage at 2.8 times [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advertising and marketing services (AMS) revenue was $286 million, a 3% decrease year over year, impacted by macroeconomic headwinds and the Super Bowl airing on Fox [17] - Distribution revenue was flat year over year at $380 million, affected by a temporary service disruption and subscriber declines [19] - Digital advertising revenue showed year-over-year growth, continuing momentum from the previous quarter [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advertising demand remains closely tied to overall economic sentiment, with consumer confidence softening, leading to a cautious approach from some advertisers [17] - Approximately 45% of traditional subscribers are up for renewal in 2025, presenting opportunities for value capture [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on five key areas: building a strong team culture, leveraging strengths across stations, deploying technology and AI, growing digital revenue, and cutting unnecessary spending [6][7] - Recent sports rights deals have been secured across various leagues, enhancing local broadcasting capabilities [13] - The company is adapting to an evolving regulatory landscape, with potential for deregulation and M&A opportunities [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong market position and the ability to navigate economic pressures [25] - The outlook for Q2 2025 anticipates total company revenue to decline in the 4% to 7% range year over year, primarily due to lower political advertising revenue [24] - Management emphasized the importance of executing with discipline and unlocking operational efficiencies [25] Other Important Information - The company is committed to returning 40% to 60% of adjusted free cash flow to shareholders over the 2024-2025 period [22] - The effective tax rate guidance for 2025 has been lowered to a range of 22% to 23% due to expected tax refunds [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding FCC and deregulation opportunities - Management noted that the FCC is supportive of local broadcasters and that deregulation could unlock M&A opportunities, but specifics depend on the full landscape and pricing [30][31] Question: Advertising environment changes - Management indicated that Q2 is expected to be softer than Q1, with no cancellations but a cautious advertising environment due to lower consumer confidence [32][33] Question: M&A appetite and potential - Management expressed excitement about M&A opportunities, emphasizing the importance of capital allocation and the potential for significant savings through consolidation [40][62] Question: Premion performance - Management reported that Premion revenues remain flattish quarter to quarter, with local advertising continuing to grow while national revenues decline [42] Question: Spectrum usage and revenue potential - Management acknowledged the potential for new revenue streams from spectrum leasing and the importance of evolving technology for over-the-air television [48][49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nexstar reported first quarter net revenues of $1.23 billion, a decline of 3.9% year-over-year, primarily due to reduced political advertising [18] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $381 million, down $71 million from $452 million in the prior year [26] - Adjusted free cash flow for the first quarter was $348 million, compared to $389 million last year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Distribution revenue reached a record $762 million, an increase of $1 million or 0.1% year-over-year, driven by retransmission rate growth and new CW affiliations [18] - Advertising revenue decreased to $460 million, down $52 million or 10.2% year-over-year, with a notable decline in political advertising [19] - CW's profitability declined by mid-teens millions in Q1 due to increased sports programming amortization, but improved profitability is expected in 2025 [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 63% of Nexstar's revenue in Q1 came from distribution and other revenue sources, while 37% was from non-political advertising [10] - Non-political advertising revenue is forecasted to decline in the mid-single digits year-over-year for Q2, similar to Q1 results [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deregulation as a key strategic priority, aiming to reform local broadcast ownership rules [6] - Nexstar plans to capitalize on deregulation through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), with a well-defined playbook for identifying attractive assets [9] - The company is also pursuing a transition to ATSC 3.0 standards to enhance high-speed data transmission and monetize spectrum [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of revenue streams, with over 60% derived from subscription-based sources [23] - The company remains optimistic about the advertising market, despite current softness, and expects to see improvements in the second half of the year [56] - Management highlighted the importance of upcoming distribution renewals and the 2026 midterm elections as significant opportunities [17] Other Important Information - Nexstar's outstanding debt as of March 31, 2025, was $6.5 billion, with a reduction of $28 million for the quarter [31] - The company returned $132 million to shareholders, including $57 million in dividends and $75 million in stock repurchases [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: What would the confirmation of the fifth commissioner mean for deregulation? - Management anticipates that an NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) would likely be one of the first moves by the chairman to revisit ownership rules [38] Question: Are you comfortable beginning transactions under an NPRM? - Management indicated that it would depend on circumstances and the willingness of counterparties, but they are open to calculated risks [45][49] Question: When do you expect to see the impact of cord cutting on results? - Management has not seen a material change yet but remains cautiously optimistic about potential positive trends later in the year [54] Question: How does the company prioritize M&A opportunities? - Management stated that accretive acquisitions are the primary focus, with a preference for expanding the national footprint over adding additional stations in existing markets [60] Question: What is the outlook for the advertising market? - Management expects non-political advertising to decline in the mid-single digits for Q2, similar to Q1, but anticipates a pickup in the back half of the year [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nexstar reported first quarter net revenues of $1.23 billion, a decline of 3.9% compared to the prior year, primarily due to a reduction in political advertising [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $381 million, representing a decrease of $71 million from the previous year [25] - Adjusted free cash flow for the first quarter was $348 million, down from $389 million in the prior year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Distribution revenue reached a record $762 million, an increase of $1 million or 0.1% year-over-year, driven by retransmission rate growth and new CW affiliations [17] - Advertising revenue decreased to $460 million, down $52 million or 10.2% year-over-year, with a notable decline in political advertising [18] - The CW's profitability declined by mid-teens millions in Q1 due to increased sports programming amortization, but improved profitability is expected in 2025 [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 63% of Nexstar's revenue in Q1 came from distribution and other revenue sources, while 37% was derived from non-political advertising [9] - Non-political advertising revenue is forecasted to decline in the mid-single digits year-over-year for Q2, similar to Q1 results [21] - The CW's primetime ratings have surpassed other broadcast networks 74 times across key demographics in Q1, a significant increase from the previous season [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deregulation as a key strategic priority, aiming to reform local broadcast ownership rules [5] - Nexstar plans to capitalize on deregulation through mergers and acquisitions, with a well-defined M&A playbook targeting attractive assets in strategic markets [6] - The company is also pursuing a transition to ATSC 3.0 standards to enhance high-speed data transmission and monetize ancillary spectrum uses [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of revenue streams, with 63% of revenues coming from subscription-based sources [9] - The company remains optimistic about the advertising market, noting growth in service-based advertising despite challenges in goods-based categories [19] - Management highlighted the importance of upcoming distribution renewals and the 2026 midterm elections as significant opportunities for revenue growth [22] Other Important Information - Nexstar's outstanding debt as of March 31, 2025, was $6.5 billion, a reduction of $28 million for the quarter [29] - The company returned $132 million to shareholders, including $57 million in dividends and $75 million in stock repurchases [29] - The first lien covenant ratio was 1.67 times, well below the covenant limit of 4.25 times [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What would the confirmation of the fifth commissioner mean for deregulation? - Management expects an NPRM to be one of the first moves by the new chairman, which could lead to revisiting ownership rules [35] Question: Are you comfortable beginning transactions during the NPRM phase? - Management indicated that it would depend on circumstances and the willingness of counterparties, but they are open to calculated risks [41] Question: When do you expect to see the impact of cord-cutting moderation? - Management has not seen a material change yet but is cautiously optimistic about potential positive trends in the future [49] Question: How would you prioritize M&A opportunities? - The focus is on accretive acquisitions, with a preference for expanding the national footprint over adding additional stations in existing markets [58] Question: What is the outlook on the advertising market? - Management noted that while non-political advertising is expected to decline in the near term, they anticipate a pickup in the second half of the year [54] Question: How does the DOJ view potential consolidation? - Management believes there is a consensus that current rules are indefensible and does not see DOJ as an impediment to in-market opportunities [82]

Financial Performance - Gray Media's 1Q25 total revenue exceeded guidance, reporting $782 million compared to the guidance of $764-$775 million[9] - Retransmission revenue in 1Q25 also surpassed guidance, reaching $379 million against a guidance of $375-$377 million[9] - Core revenue for 1Q25 aligned with guidance at $344 million[9] - Broadcasting expenses for 1Q25 were below the low end of guidance at $577 million, compared to the guidance of $582-$587 million[9] - Production companies' expenses for 1Q25 were also below the low end of guidance at $20 million, versus a guidance of $21-$22 million[9] - Corporate expenses for 1Q25 were below the low end of guidance at $32 million, compared to the guidance of $33-$35 million[9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, was $160 million[12] - Net loss for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, was $9 million, compared to a net income of $88 million for the same period in 2024[12] - Total revenue for the year ending December 31, 2024, was $3644 million, compared to $3281 million in 2023[12] Debt and Leverage - Gray Media reduced debt principal by $17 million in 1Q25 and $520 million in 2024[13, 15] - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $240 million remaining under its debt repurchase authorization[15] - The leverage ratio at 1Q25 was 548x, with a leverage ratio denominator of $998 million[13] - First lien leverage ratio at 1Q25 was 292x[13] - Total outstanding principal including current portion was $5673 million as of March 31, 2025[20]

Core Viewpoint - Saga Communications, Inc. reported a net revenue decrease of 4.3% to $24.2 million for Q1 2025 compared to $25.3 million in Q1 2024, with an operating loss of $2.3 million, slightly improved from a loss of $2.4 million in the previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance - Net revenue for the same-station basis decreased by 6.6% to $23.6 million, while station operating expenses decreased by 5.0% to $21.3 million [2]. - The company experienced a net loss of $1.6 million for the quarter, consistent with the same period last year, and diluted loss per share was $0.25 [1][14]. Capital Expenditures and Dividends - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $700 thousand, down from $1.1 million in the same period last year [1]. - The company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, totaling approximately $1.6 million, and has paid over $137 million in dividends since 2012 [5]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $27.0 million in cash and short-term investments, which increased to $27.2 million by May 5, 2025 [6]. - The company expects to spend approximately $4.0 to $4.5 million on capital expenditures during 2025 [6]. Future Outlook - Revenue pacing for Q2 2025 remains uncertain but shows improvement, with April down high single digits, May down low single digits, and June approximately flat compared to the same period last year [3]. - The company anticipates additional legal and proxy contest expenses in the second quarter due to a potential proxy contest initiated by a shareholder [4].

Core Insights - Gray Media, Inc. reported total revenues of $782 million for Q1 2025, a decrease of 5% from Q1 2024, but 1% above the high end of guidance for the quarter [6][12] - The company experienced a decline in core advertising revenue, which was $344 million, down 8% year-over-year, attributed to the Super Bowl airing on fewer channels compared to the previous year [6][12] - Political advertising revenue saw a significant drop of 52% to $13 million, consistent with the off-year of the political advertising cycle, yet it was 225% greater than the high end of guidance for the quarter [6][12] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $160 million, down from $197 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to the cyclical decrease in political advertising revenue [14][6] - The net loss attributable to common stockholders was $22 million in Q1 2025, compared to a net income of $75 million in Q1 2024 [6][14] - Total operating expenses were $690 million, slightly down from $699 million in Q1 2024, with broadcasting expenses decreasing year-over-year for the first time since the COVID slowdown [6][12] Debt and Financial Flexibility - The company reduced its outstanding debt by $17 million during Q1 2025 and amended its revolving accounts receivable securitization facility to increase commitments from $300 million to $400 million [6][12] - As of March 31, 2025, Gray Media had a First Lien Leverage Ratio of 2.92 to 1.00 and a total leverage ratio of 5.48 to 1.00, indicating a manageable level of debt relative to its earnings [6][12] - The company has $692 million of borrowing availability under its undrawn Revolving Credit Facility, enhancing its financial flexibility [6][12] Future Guidance - For the quarter ending June 30, 2025, the company anticipates core advertising revenue to decline by mid-single digits compared to the same quarter in 2024, influenced by macroeconomic uncertainties [8][12] - Despite the anticipated decline in core advertising revenue, the company expects strong double-digit growth in digital advertising revenue and continued growth from local customers [8][12] - The company has implemented cost containment measures that are expected to exceed an annualized savings run-rate of $60 million [9][12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total media revenue was in line with expectations, with adjusted EBITDA exceeding the high end of guidance by approximately $9 million [6][24][30] - Distribution revenues increased by $15 million year over year, although they came in $2 million below guidance due to subscriber churn not catching up [7][24] - First lien net leverage was 1.8 times, total first lien net leverage at 4.2 times, and total net leverage at 5.8 times as of March 31 [22][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local Media segment saw core advertising down 4.5% year over year, while distribution revenues grew year over year but were slightly below expectations [24][30] - Tennis Channel reported revenues and adjusted EBITDA in line with guidance, with total revenues growing by 9% year over year [25][30] - Adjusted EBITDA declined by $27 million year over year, driven by lower core political and management fee revenues [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core advertising revenues were within guidance range, down low single digits year over year, with expectations for growth in the upcoming political season [12][13] - Net retransmission revenues grew by mid single digits year over year, with a two-year CAGR expected through the end of the year [14] - Subscriber churn has moderated, with Charter reducing video subscriber discounts by 55% year over year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming its ventures portfolio towards more majority-owned assets and is focused on expanding its digital and streaming footprint [8][10] - Regulatory optimism exists regarding potential changes to outdated FCC regulations that could facilitate M&A activity and strengthen local journalism [19][20] - The company is committed to elevating women's sports through new podcast launches and partnerships [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding core advertising growth despite reduced visibility due to macroeconomic uncertainties [40][41] - The upcoming political season is expected to drive advertising dollars, with competitive Senate and gubernatorial races anticipated [13][24] - The company is positioned for growth with a strong balance sheet and a comprehensive refinancing completed [22][31] Other Important Information - Lucy Rutishauser, CFO, announced her upcoming retirement after over 26 years with the company, with plans for a smooth transition [21][20] - The company repurchased approximately $66 million in face value of STG's 2027 notes for $62 million in early April [23][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comments on FCC regulations and retransmission rates - Management noted that the FCC has the ability to regulate network-affiliate relationships and that capping retransmission rates could level the playing field [36][37] Question: Visibility on core advertising and economic uncertainties - Management indicated that while they expect core advertising to grow year over year, visibility has decreased due to uncertainties in key advertising categories [39][40] Question: Trends in automotive advertising - Management has not seen a significant bump in automotive advertising but noted that Nissan is planning an aggressive ad campaign [46] Question: Capital allocation priorities and debt repayment - The focus remains on deleveraging the local media group, with continued debt paydown expected [50] Question: Details on the Compulse acquisition - Compulse is described as a best-in-class platform delivering double-digit growth, with plans to scale it significantly [70][72]