Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, total revenues were $584.9 million, a decrease of 8.6% year over year, or 6.4% on a same-store basis, with a 130 basis point improvement from Q1 [33] - Total adjusted EBITDA was $64.2 million, reflecting a sequential increase of 27% [9][35] - Free cash flow totaled $17.6 million, representing sequential growth of 73% [9][42] - Net income was $78.4 million, significantly improved by a tax benefit of $87.5 million [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital revenues in Q2 were $265.4 million, down 4.6% year over year, but digital advertising returned to growth due to improved page views and programmatic revenue [36][37] - Digital-only subscription revenues totaled $42.7 million, with ARPU increasing to $7.79, showing sequential and year-over-year growth [37][38] - The Digital Marketing Solutions (DMS) segment saw total core platform revenue of $116.9 million, up 8.1%, and segment adjusted EBITDA of $11.5 million, reflecting growth of 35.8% [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintained an audience of 181 million average monthly unique visitors, indicating strong reach and engagement [12] - Digital advertising revenues grew 4% year over year, with significant potential for further growth as the advertising marketplace stabilizes [10][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a diversified digital revenue strategy, enhancing audience engagement, and leveraging AI for content licensing [7][24] - A $100 million cost reduction program is underway, targeting operational efficiencies and improved EBITDA margins [11][34] - The company aims to grow digital-only subscriptions intentionally, focusing on high-value subscribers and sustainable growth [14][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the second half of 2025, expecting stronger performance driven by digital revenue growth and cost reduction initiatives [6][11] - The digital advertising marketplace is showing strength, with expectations for robust growth in Q3 and Q4 [50] - Management anticipates that revenue trends will stabilize and improve, aiming for flat revenues in early 2026 [51][44] Other Important Information - The company has implemented measures to protect its content from unauthorized AI scraping and is exploring partnerships for fair licensing [27][72] - Strategic hires in the entertainment sector are expected to enhance audience engagement and drive higher digital revenue [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: When do you think your revenues will turn flat? - Management expects revenues to stabilize in early 2026, driven by improvements in print trends and digital advertising [50] Question: Can you provide more details around the cost reduction program? - The program focuses on automation, outsourcing, and eliminating duplication, including the closure of two large print facilities [52][53] Question: What has been your experience with AI search and traffic? - The company continues to grow its digital audience and page views, leveraging automation and diversifying traffic sources [58][60] Question: Any updates on the ad tech antitrust case with Google? - Positive developments are noted in ongoing antitrust cases, with expectations for a ruling later this year [62][64] Question: When do you expect to return to year-over-year growth for digital subscriber revenue? - Management anticipates sequential growth in the third and fourth quarters, with overall growth expected next year [68] Question: Are you seeing trends in AI content partnership deals? - There is a momentum shift towards publishers, with more technology companies recognizing the need for fair licensing of content [71][73] Question: Can you dig into the digital advertising revenue drivers? - Growth was driven by page view increases, programmatic revenue, and the strength of the national brand [78][80] Question: What is happening with the DMS business strategy? - The strategy includes improving search capabilities and integrating CRM systems to enhance customer engagement and retention [83][87]