COX RADIO INC - CXR Annual Report (10-K) ITEM 1. Business

The following is an excerpt from a 10-K SEC Filing, filed by COX RADIO INC on 3/1/2004.

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ITEM 1. Business

Cox Radio, Inc. is the third largest radio broadcasting company in the United States and the largest pure-play radio station group, based on revenues, and has one reportable segment for accounting purposes. We own or operate, or provide sales services for 78 radio stations (67 FM and 11 AM) clustered in 18 markets. We operate three or more stations in 15 of our 18 markets. We operate a wide range of programming formats in geographically diverse markets across the United States.

We are an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Inc. Cox Enterprises indirectly owns approximately 62% of our common stock and has approximately 94% of the voting power of Cox Radio. We have two classes of common stock outstanding, Class A common stock, par value $0.33 per share, and Class B common stock, par value $0.33 per share. Cox Enterprises' wholly-owned subsidiary, Cox Broadcasting, Inc., owns 100% of our outstanding Class B common stock.

Cox Enterprises, a privately-held corporation headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the largest media companies in the United States, with consolidated 2003 revenues of approximately $10.8 billion. Our business was operated as part of Cox Enterprises prior to our initial public offering in September 1996, when Cox Enterprises transferred all of its U.S. radio operations to Cox Radio. Cox Radio, as part of Cox Enterprises, was a pioneer in radio broadcasting, building its first station in 1934, acquiring its flagship station, WSB-AM (Atlanta), in 1939, and launching its first FM station, WSB-FM (Atlanta), in 1948.

We seek to maximize the revenues and broadcast cash flow of our radio stations by operating and developing clusters of stations in demographically attractive and rapidly growing markets, including Atlanta, Birmingham, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, San Antonio and Tampa. Further, we believe that our experienced senior management team is well positioned to manage larger radio station clusters, as well as new radio station clusters, and take advantage of new opportunities arising in the U.S. radio broadcasting industry.

As a result of our management, programming and sales efforts, our radio stations are characterized by strong ratings and above average power ratios (defined as total advertising revenue share in a particular market divided by audience share in such market). Our stations are diversified in terms of format, target audience, geographic location and stage of development.

We have a track record of acquiring, repositioning and improving the operating performance of previously under-performing stations. Management believes that a number of our stations have significant growth opportunities or turnaround potential and, therefore, can be characterized as start-up or developing stations. We believe these stations can achieve significant revenue growth by employing our operating strategy. Management believes that our mix of stations in different stages of development enables us to maximize our growth potential.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

All acquisitions discussed below have been accounted for using the purchase method. As such, the results of operations of the acquired stations have been included in the results of operations from the date of acquisition. Specific transactions entered into by us during the past three years, and through February 15, 2004, are summarized below.

In February 2001, we acquired WDYL-FM serving Richmond, Virginia, and WJMZ-FM and WHZT-FM serving Greenville, South Carolina, for a total of $52.5 million.

In February 2001, we entered into a joint sales agreement (JSA) to provide sales and marketing services for WARV-FM serving Richmond, Virginia, and simultaneously guaranteed the owner's financing for the acquisition of this station. In February 2003, the owner sold WARV-FM and repaid the $1.0 million of indebtedness associated with this station, thereby extinguishing our guarantee of that indebtedness. Also in February 2003, the JSA related to this station terminated.

In February 2001, we disposed of WHOO-AM serving Orlando, Florida, for $5.0 million.

In May 2001, we disposed of the assets of KGTO-AM serving Tulsa, Oklahoma, for $0.5 million.

In July 2001, we disposed of the assets of WVBB-AM serving Richmond, Virginia, for $0.7 million.

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In January 2002, we disposed of the assets of KRTR-AM serving Honolulu, Hawaii, for $0.6 million. The buyer of the station had been operating the station under a local marketing agreement (LMA) since October 2001. For more information regarding LMAs, refer to "Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting - Local Marketing Agreements and Joint Sales Agreements" below.

In June 2002, we disposed of the assets of KCCN-AM serving Honolulu, Hawaii, for $0.8 million.

In August 2002, we disposed of the assets of WBWL-AM serving Jacksonville, Florida, for $2.5 million.

Radio Stations

The following table summarizes certain information relating to radio stations we own or operate:

Target Demographic Demographic Group Group (Adults 25-54) Target ---------------- ---------------- Market (1) and Station Demographic Audience Audience Call Letters Format Group Share Rank Share Rank
Atlanta
WSB-AM News/Talk Adults 35-64 12.1 1 8.5 2 WALR-FM Urban Adult Contemporary Adults 35-54 5.8 4 4.9 4 WSB-FM Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 5.7 5 4.3 7 WBTS-FM Rhythmic CHR Women 18-34 4.6 9 1.9 22 WFOX-FM Urban Contemporary Adults 25-54 1.7 23 1.7 23

Birmingham
WBHK-FM R&B/Soul Adults 25-54 12.2 1 12.2 1 WBHJ-FM Hip Hop Adults 18-34 13.6 1 5.3 5 WZZK-FM Country Adults 25-54 6.2 3 6.2 3 WBPT-FM 80's Adults 25-54 5.0 8 5.0 8 WAGG-AM Gospel Adults 25-54 3.5 12 3.5 12 WODL-FM Oldies Adults 35-54 2.5 14 1.9 18 WZZK-AM (formerly WRJS-AM) Classic Country Adults 25-54 0.4 24 0.4 24

Dayton
WHKO-FM Country Adults 25-54 9.8 2 9.8 2 WHIO-AM News/Talk Adults 35-54 4.6 6 4.1 7 WZLR-FM Classic Rock Men 25-54 5.5 6 4.1 7 WDPT-FM 80's Adults 25-54 2.2 13 2.2 13

Greenville-Spartanburg
WJMZ-FM Urban Adults 25-54 8.0 2 8.0 2 WHZT-FM Rhythmic CHR Adults 18-34 10.5 2 4.1 9

Honolulu
KCCN-FM Hawaiian CHR Adults 18-34 9.8 1 8.0 3 KRTR-FM Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 10.4 2 8.3 2 KINE-FM Hawaiian Adult Contemporary Adults 25-54 6.0 4 6.0 4 KXME-FM Rhythmic CHR Women 18-34 8.9 4 2.7 15 KGMZ-FM (2) Oldies Adults 35-54 5.3 7 4.3 10

Houston
KLDE-FM Oldies Adults 35-54 4.1 8 3.0 14 KTHT-FM Country Legends Adults 35-64 3.6 10 2.7 18 KKBQ-FM Country Adults 25-54 3.2 11 3.2 11 KHPT-FM 80's Adults 25-54 3.0 14 3.0 14

Jacksonville
WFYV-FM Classic Rock Men 25-54 13.2 1 9.0 1 WOKV-AM News/Talk Adults 35-64 8.6 2 6.4 4
WAPE-FM CHR Women 18-34 10.4 2 4.8 8
WMXQ-FM 80's Adults 25-49 6.4 4 6.0 5 WKQL-FM Oldies Adults 35-54 7.1 5 5.8 6

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Target Demographic Demographic Group Group (Adults 25-54) Target ------------------- ------------------- Market (1) and Station Demographic Audience Audience Call Letters Format Group Share Rank Share Rank
Long Island
WBAB-FM Mainstream Rock Men 25-54 7.7 1 5.6 2 WHFM-FM Mainstream Rock Men 25-54 - (3) - (3) - (3) - (3)
WBLI-FM CHR Women 18-34 10.1 2 4.7 4

Louisville
WVEZ-FM Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 10.2 2 7.0 3 WSFR-FM Classic Rock Adults 25-54 5.3 5 5.3 5 WRKA-FM Oldies Adults 35-54 5.2 5 4.3 9 WPTI-FM 80's Adults 25-54 3.9 10 3.9 10

Miami
WHQT-FM Urban Adult Contemporary Adults 25-54 5.4 2 5.4 2 WEDR-FM Urban Contemporary Adults 18-34 9.2 2 5.1 3 WFLC-FM Hot Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 4.6 7 4.0 9 WPYM-FM Dance CHR Adults 18-34 4.6 7 3.1 15

Orlando
WHTQ-FM Classic Rock Men 35-54 8.2 1 4.5 9 WDBO-AM News/Talk Adults 35-64 6.3 3 4.4 10 WWKA-FM Country Adults 25-54 6.2 3 6.2 3 WCFB-FM Urban Adult Contemporary Adults 25-54 5.5 5 5.5 5 WMMO-FM Rock Adult Contemporary Adults 25-54 5.1 6 5.1 6 WPYO-FM CHR Rhythmic Adults 18-34 4.6 10 1.9 19

Richmond
WKLR-FM Classic Rock Men 25-54 8.6 1 6.3 3 WKHK-FM Country Adults 25-54 8.6 2 8.6 2 WMXB-FM Hot Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 7.1 3 5.7 6 WDYL-FM New Rock Men 18-34 9.3 3 3.1 13

San Antonio
KONO-FM Oldies Adults 35-54 9.5 1 7.1 1 KONO-AM Oldies Adults 35-54 - (4) - (4) - (4) - (4) KISS-FM Active Rock Adults 18-49 8.8 1 6.1 4 KCYY-FM Country Adults 25-54 6.2 2 6.2 2 KELZ-FM (formerly KCJZ-FM) Adult CHR Adults 18-34 4.1 8 2.1 18 KSMG-FM Hot Adult Contemporary Adults 25-54 4.3 11 4.3 11 KKYX-AM Classic Country Adults 35-64 1.8 17 0.8 24

Southern Connecticut
Bridgeport
WEZN-FM Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 14.8 2 11.7 2 New Haven
WPLR-FM Classic Rock/ Mainstream Men 25-54 16.7 1 12.1 1 WYBC-FM (2) Urban Adult Contemporary Adults 25-54 7.4 2 7.4 2

Stamford-Norwalk
WKHL-FM Oldies Adults 35-54 5.6 5 4.6 5 WEFX-FM Classic Rock Adults 25-54 4.1 6 4.1 6 WSTC-AM News/Talk Adults 35-64 1.4 27 0.9 27 WNLK-AM News/Talk Adults 35-64 0.5 31 0.5 33

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Target Demographic Demographic Group Group (Adults 25-54) Target ----------------- ----------------- Market (1) and Station Demographic Audience Audience Call Letters Format Group Share Rank Share Rank
Tampa
WWRM-FM Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 7.6 2 5.0 9 WDUV-FM Soft Adult Adults 35-64 6.8 4 3.1 14 Contemporary WSUN-FM Alternative Rock Men 18-34 7.2 4 2.8 15 WPOI-FM 80's Adults 25-54 5.3 6 5.3 6 WXGL-FM (formerly Classic Hits Adults 35-54 4.2 9 3.2 13 WBBY-FM)
WHPT-FM Classic Rock Men 25-44 4.3 10 2.8 15

Tulsa
KWEN-FM Country Adults 25-54 9.4 2 9.4 2 KRMG-AM News/Talk Adults 25-54 6.5 3 6.5 3 KRTQ-FM Active Rock Men 18-34 8.4 3 3.0 14 KJSR-FM Classic Rock Men 25-54 5.6 4 4.4 8 KRAV-FM Adult Contemporary Women 25-54 7.1 4 5.2 6

Source: Arbitron Market Reports four-book average for Winter 2003, Spring 2003, Summer 2003 and Fall 2003.

(1) Metropolitan market served; city of license may differ.

(2) Station operated by Cox Radio under a JSA.

(3) Audience share and audience rank information for WBAB-FM and WHFM-FM are combined because the stations are simulcast.

(4) Audience share and audience rank information for KONO-FM and KONO-AM are combined because the stations are simulcast.

Operating Strategy

The following is a description of the key elements of our operating strategy:

Clustering of Stations. We operate our stations in clusters to:

• Enhance net revenue growth by increasing the appeal of our stations to advertisers and enabling such stations to compete more effectively with other forms of advertising; and

• Achieve operating efficiencies by consolidating broadcast facilities, eliminating duplicative positions in management and production and reducing overhead expenses.

Management believes that operating several radio stations in each of its markets enables its sales teams to offer advertisers more attractive advertising packages. Furthermore, as radio clusters achieve significant audience share, they can deliver to advertisers the audience reach that historically only television and newspapers could offer, with the added benefit of frequent exposure to advertisers' target customers. Management believes that our clusters of stations, and their corresponding audience share, provide opportunities to capture an increased share of total advertising revenue in each of our markets.

Development of Under-Performing Stations. Our management has demonstrated its ability to acquire under-performing radio stations and develop them into consistent ratings and revenue leaders. Our historic margins reflect the acquisition and continued development of under-performing stations, as well as the fact that increases in net revenue are typically realized subsequent to increases in audience share. Management believes that a number of our stations have significant growth opportunities or turnaround potential and can therefore be characterized as start-up or developing stations.

Implementation of Cox Radio's Management Philosophy. Our local station operations, supported by a lean corporate staff, employ a management philosophy emphasizing:

• Market research and targeted programming;

• A customer-focused selling strategy for advertising; and

• Marketing and promotional activities.

Market Research and Targeted Programming. Our research, programming and marketing strategy combines extensive research with an assessment of competitors' vulnerabilities and market dynamics in order to identify specific audience opportunities within each market. We also retain consultants and research organizations to continually evaluate listener preferences. Using this information, we

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tailor the programming, marketing and promotions of each station to maximize its appeal to its target audience. Our disciplined application of market research enables each of our stations to be responsive to the changing preferences of its targeted listeners. This approach focuses on the needs of the listeners and their community and is designed to improve ratings and maximize the impact of advertising for our customers.

Through our research, programming and marketing, we also seek to create a distinct and marketable local identity for each of our stations in order to enhance audience share and listener loyalty and to protect against direct format competition. To achieve this objective, we employ and promote distinct high-profile on-air personalities and local sports programming at many of our stations. For example, we broadcast "Rush Limbaugh" in Dayton and Jacksonville; "The Clark Howard Show" in Atlanta, Dayton, Jacksonville, and Tulsa; "Neal Boortz" in Atlanta, Dayton, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tulsa; "Tom Joyner" in Atlanta, Birmingham, Greenville, Miami, Orlando and Southern Connecticut; "Sean Hannity" in Atlanta, Dayton, Tulsa, Jacksonville and Orlando; the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta; the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville; and the Orlando Magic in Orlando.

Customer-Focused Selling Strategy for Advertising. We have implemented a unique, customer-focused approach to selling advertising known as the Consultative Selling System. Our sales personnel are trained to approach each advertiser with a view towards solving the marketing needs of the customer. In this regard, the sales staff consults with customers, attempts to understand their business goals and offers comprehensive marketing solutions, including the use of radio advertising. Instead of merely selling station advertising time, our sales personnel are encouraged to develop innovative marketing strategies for the station's advertising customers.

Marketing and Promotional Activities. Our stations regularly engage in significant local promotional activities, including advertising on local television and in local print media, participating in telemarketing and direct mailings and sponsoring contests, concerts and events. Special events may include charitable athletic events, events centered on a major local occasion or local ethnic group and special community or family events. We also engage in joint promotional activities with other media in our markets to further leverage our promotional spending. These promotional efforts help our stations add new listeners and increase the amount of time spent listening to the stations.

Strong Management Teams. In addition to relying upon our experienced senior operating management, we place great importance on the hiring and development of strong local management teams and have been successful in retaining experienced management teams that have strong ties to their communities and customers.

We invest significant resources in identifying and training employees to create a talented team of managers at all levels of station operations. These resources include:

• Gallup/SRI, which helps us identify and select talented individuals for management and sales positions;

• Center for Sales Strategy, an independent sales and management training company which trains and develops managers and sales executives; and

• A program of leadership development conducted by our senior operating management and outside consultants.

Local managers are empowered to run the day-to-day operations of their stations and to develop and implement strategies that will improve station performance and establish long-term relationships with listeners and advertisers. The compensation of the senior operating management team and local station managers is dependent upon financial performance, and incentives to enhance performance are provided through awards under our Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Clustering Strategy

We have implemented our clustering strategy through the acquisition of radio stations in several of our existing markets as well as in new markets and disposition of certain radio stations that did not enhance our operating clusters. Management believes that larger, well-capitalized companies with experienced management, such as Cox Radio, are best positioned to take advantage of acquisition opportunities. Management considers the following factors when making an acquisition:

Market Selection Considerations. Our acquisition strategy has been focused on clustering stations in our existing markets and making opportunistic acquisitions in additional markets in which we believe that we can cost-effectively achieve a leading position in terms of audience and revenue share. Management believes that we will have the financial resources and management expertise to continue to pursue our acquisition strategy when appropriate opportunities arise. Certain future acquisitions may be limited by the multiple and cross-ownership rules of the Federal Communications Commission. See "Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting - General Ownership Matters."

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Station Considerations. We expect to concentrate on acquiring radio stations that offer, through the application of our operating philosophy, the potential for improvement in the station's performance. Such stations may be in various stages of development, which presents us with an opportunity to apply our management techniques and to enhance asset value. In evaluating potential acquisitions, we consider the strength of a station's broadcast signal. A powerful broadcast signal enhances delivery range and clarity, thereby influencing listener preference and loyalty. We also assess the strategic fit of an acquisition with our existing clusters of radio stations. When entering a new market, we expect to acquire a "platform" upon which to expand our portfolio of stations and to build a leading cluster of stations.

Industry Overview

The primary source of revenues for radio stations is the sale of advertising time to local and national spot advertisers and national network advertisers. During the past decade, local advertising revenue as a percentage of total radio advertising revenue in a given market has ranged from approximately 75% to 80% according to the Radio Advertising Bureau. The growth in total radio advertising revenue tends to be fairly stable. With the exception of 2001 and 1991, when total radio advertising revenue fell by approximately 7.4% and 2.8%, respectively, advertising revenue has risen each year since 1950 according to the Radio Advertising Bureau.

According to the Radio Advertising Bureau's Radio Marketing Guide and Fact Book for Advertisers, 2003-2004, radio reaches approximately 94% of all consumers over the age of 12 every week and 75% of persons over the age of 12 turn on their radios every day. More than 60% of all radio listening is done outside the home, in contrast to other advertising media, and radio reaches 82% of adults 18 and older in the car each week. The average listener over the age of 12 spends an average of 20 hours per week listening to radio. Most radio listening occurs during the morning and evening hours, and as a result, radio advertising sold during these "drive time" periods achieves premium advertising rates.

Radio is considered an efficient, cost-effective means of reaching specifically identified demographic groups. Stations are typically classified by their on-air format, such as country, adult contemporary, oldies or news/talk. A station's format and style of presentation enables it to target certain demographics. By capturing a specific share of a market's radio listening audience, with particular concentration in a targeted demographic, a station is able to market its broadcasting time to advertisers seeking to reach a specific audience. Advertisers and stations utilize data published by audience measuring services, such as Arbitron, to estimate how many people within particular geographical markets and demographics listen to specific stations.

The number of advertisements that can be broadcast without jeopardizing listening levels (and the resulting ratings) is limited in part by the format of a particular station and the local competitive environment. Although the number of advertisements broadcast during a given time period may vary, the total number of advertisements broadcast on a particular station generally does not vary significantly from year to year.

A station's local sales staff generates the majority of its local and regional advertising sales through direct solicitations of local advertising agencies and businesses. To generate national advertising sales, a station usually will engage a firm that specializes in soliciting radio advertising sales on a national level. National sales representatives obtain advertising principally from advertising agencies located outside the station's market and receive commissions based on the revenue from the advertising obtained.

Competition

The radio broadcasting industry is a highly competitive business. Cox Radio is the third largest radio broadcasting company in the United States, based on revenues. Infinity Broadcasting Corporation and Clear Channel Communications, Inc. are larger than Cox Radio, both in terms of revenues and number of stations owned or operated. Cumulus Media, Inc., Citadel Broadcasting Corporation, Entercom Communications Corporation, Salem Communications Corporation and Saga Communications own or operate more radio stations than we do; however, according to "Who Owns What" as of February 2004, these radio station groups report lower revenues.

The success of each of our stations depends largely upon our audience ratings and our share of the overall advertising revenue within the particular market. Our stations compete for listeners directly with other radio stations in their respective markets, primarily on the basis of program content that appeals to a target demographic group. By building a strong listener base consisting of a specific demographic in each of our markets, we are able to attract advertisers seeking to reach those listeners. Our stations compete for advertising revenue directly with other radio stations and with other electronic, broadcast and print media within their respective markets.

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Factors that are material to a station's competitive position include management experience, the station's audience share and rank in its market, transmitter 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 by:

• researching stations' programming;

• implementing advertising and promotional campaigns aimed at the demographics targeted by our stations; and

• managing our sales efforts to attract a larger share of advertising revenue.

Broadcasters also may, within limits, enter into joint arrangements with other stations in a market relating to programming, advertising sales and station operations. Management believes that radio stations that elect to take advantage of these opportunities may, in certain circumstances, have lower operating costs and may be able to offer advertisers more attractive rates and services. We also compete with other radio station groups to purchase additional radio stations.

Although the radio broadcasting industry is highly competitive, some barriers to entry exist. The operation of a radio broadcast station requires a license from the Federal Communications Commission (the FCC). The number of radio stations that a single entity may own and operate in a given market is limited by the availability of FM and AM radio frequencies allotted by the FCC to communities in that market, as well as by the FCC's multiple ownership rules. These rules (which are discussed further under "Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting" below) regulate the number of stations that may be owned and controlled by a single entity. The FCC also uses competitive bidding procedures (auctions) to select among mutually exclusive applicants for new broadcast stations and major changes to existing stations.

Potential advertisers can substitute advertising on radio stations with advertising through:

• broadcast television,

• cable television,

• direct broadcast satellite television,

• daily, weekly and free-distribution newspapers,

• other print media,

• direct mail and

• on-line computer services.

Competing media commonly target the customers of their competitors, and advertisers regularly shift dollars from radio to these competing media and vice versa. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any of our stations will be able to maintain or increase its advertising revenue share. In addition, the radio broadcasting industry is subject to competition from new media technologies that are being developed or introduced, such as the delivery of audio programming by cable television systems, by satellite digital audio radio service and by digital audio broadcasting. Digital audio broadcasting and satellite digital audio radio service provide for the delivery by terrestrial or satellite means of multiple new audio programming formats with compact disc quality sound to local and national audiences. The delivery of information through the Internet also has created a new form of competition. The radio broadcasting industry historically has grown despite the introduction of new technologies for the delivery of entertainment and information, such as broadcast television, cable television, the Internet, audiotapes and compact discs. A growing population and greater availability of radios, particularly car and portable radios, have contributed to this growth. There can be no assurance, however, that the development or introduction in the future of any new media technology will not have an adverse effect on the radio broadcasting industry.

Federal Regulation of Radio Broadcasting

The ownership, operation and sale of radio stations, including those licensed to Cox Radio, are subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC, which acts under authority granted by the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the Communications Act). Among other things, the FCC assigns frequency bands for broadcasting, determines the particular frequencies, locations and operating power of stations, issues, renews and modifies station licenses, determines whether to approve changes in ownership or control of station licenses, regulates equipment used by stations, adopts and implements regulations and policies that directly or indirectly affect the ownership, operation, program content, employment practices and business of stations, and has the power to impose penalties, including license revocations, for violations of its rules or the Communications Act.

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The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC rules and policies. This summary focuses on provisions material to our business, and a reader should refer to the Communications Act, FCC rules and public notices and rulings of the FCC for further information concerning the nature and extent of FCC regulation of broadcast stations.

License Renewal

Radio stations operate pursuant to renewable broadcasting licenses that are ordinarily granted by the FCC for maximum terms of eight years. A station may continue to operate beyond the expiration date of its license if a timely-filed license renewal application is pending. During the periods when renewal applications are pending, petitions to deny license renewals can be filed by interested parties, including interest groups and members of the public. The FCC is required to hold hearings on a station's renewal application only if a substantial or material question of fact exists as to whether the station has served the public interest, convenience and necessity. If, as a result of an evidentiary hearing, the FCC determines that the licensee has failed to meet certain requirements and that no mitigating factors justify the imposition of a lesser sanction, then the FCC may deny a license renewal application.

Between 2003 and 2006, all existing radio broadcast licenses must be renewed by the FCC. The FCC reviews all stations licensed to serve communities in a particular state at the same time. Historically, our FCC licenses have generally been renewed. We have no reason to believe that our licenses will not be renewed in the ordinary course, although there can be no assurance to that effect. As of February 15, 2004:

• all of our licenses that expired in 2003 or the first quarter of 2004 had been renewed;

• applications covering our stations in the Atlanta and Birmingham markets were pending with the FCC;

• we intend to timely file renewal applications covering our stations in the Louisville and Dayton markets in 2004; and

• we expect to timely file renewal applications covering our remaining stations in 2005 and the first half of 2006.

A table showing our stations grouped by metropolitan market and listing the expiration date for each FCC license appears below. The non-renewal of one or more of our licenses could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The FCC classifies each AM and FM station. An AM station operates on a clear channel, regional channel or local channel. A clear channel is one on which AM stations are assigned to serve wide areas. Clear channel AM stations are classified as:

• Class A stations, which operate on an unlimited time basis and are designed to render primary and secondary service over an extended area;

• Class B stations, which operate on an unlimited time basis and are designed to render service over a primary service area; or

• Class D stations, which operate either during daytime hours only, during limited times only or on an unlimited time basis with low nighttime power.

A regional channel is one on which Class B and Class D AM stations may operate and serve primarily a principal center of population and the rural areas contiguous to it. A local channel is one on which AM stations operate on an unlimited time basis and serve primarily a community and the suburban and rural areas immediately contiguous thereto. Class C AM stations operate on a local channel and are designed to render service only over a primary service area that may be reduced as a consequence of permitted interference from other stations.

The minimum and maximum facilities requirements for an FM station are determined by its class. FM class designations depend upon the geographic zone in which the transmitter of the FM station is located. In general, commercial FM stations are classified as follows, in order of increasing power and antenna height: Class A, B1, C3, B, C2, C1, C0 and C.

The following table sets forth selected information concerning each of the stations owned, or operated pursuant to a JSA, by Cox Radio, including the metropolitan market served (city of license may differ), frequency, FCC license expiration date (a station may continue to operate beyond the expiration date if a timely-filed license renewal application is pending), FCC license classification, and antenna height above average terrain and power:

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Expiration Date Height Above Market (1) and Station Call Letters Frequency of License Class Average Terrain Power
Atlanta
WSB-AM 750 KHz 4/1/04 (2) A N.A. 50 kw
WALR-FM 104.1 MHz 4/1/04 (2) C1 371 m 60 kw WSB-FM 98.5 MHz 4/1/04 (2) C 313 m 100 kw WBTS-FM 95.5 MHz 4/1/04 (2) C1 340 m 74 kw WFOX-FM 97.1 MHz 4/1/04 (2) C 483 m 100 kw

Birmingham
WBHK-FM (3) 98.7 MHz 4/1/04 (4) C1 408 m 39 kw WBHJ-FM 95.7 MHz 4/1/04 (4) C1 299 m 100 kw WZZK-FM (3) 104.7 MHz 4/1/04 (4) C0 404 m 100 kw WBPT-FM (3) 106.9 MHz 4/1/04 (4) C0 404 m 100 kw WAGG-AM 610 KHz 4/1/04 (4) B N.A. 5 kw day 1 kw night WODL-FM 97.3 MHz 4/1/04 (4) A 306 m 0.64 kw WZZK-AM (formerly WRJS-AM) 1320 KHz 4/1/04 (4) D N.A. 5 kw day 0.111 kw night

Dayton
WHKO-FM 99.1 MHz 10/1/04 B 325 m 50 kw
WHIO-AM 1290 KHz 10/1/04 B N.A. 5 kw
WZLR-FM 95.3 MHz 10/1/04 A 98 m 6 kw WDPT-FM 95.7 MHz 10/1/04 B 145 m 50 kw

Greenville-Spartanburg
WJMZ-FM 107.3 MHz 12/1/11 C 308 m 100 kw WHZT-FM 98.1 MHz 12/1/11 C 304 m 100 kw

Honolulu
KCCN-FM 100.3 MHz 2/1/06 C 599 m 100 kw KRTR-FM 96.3 MHz 2/1/06 C 645 m 75 kw KINE-FM 105.1 MHz 2/1/06 C 599 m 100 kw KXME-FM 104.3 MHz 2/1/06 C 645 m 75 kw KGMZ-FM (5) 107.9 MHz 2/1/06 C 599 m 100 kw

Houston
KLDE-FM 107.5 MHz 8/1/05 C 601 m 98 kw KTHT-FM 97.1 MHz 8/1/05 C 563 m 100 kw KKBQ-FM 92.9 MHz 8/1/05 C 585 m 100 kw KHPT-FM 106.9 MHz 8/1/05 C 579 m 100 kw

Jacksonville
WFYV-FM 104.5 MHz 2/1/12 C 309 m 100 kw WOKV-AM 690 KHz 2/1/12 B N.A. 50 kw day 10 kw night WAPE-FM 95.1 MHz 2/1/12 C 300 m 100 kw WMXQ-FM 102.9 MHz 2/1/12 C 309 m 100 kw WKQL-FM 96.9 MHz 2/1/12 C 309 m 100 kw

Long Island
WBAB-FM 102.3 MHz 6/1/06 A 82 m 6 kw WHFM-FM 95.3 MHz 6/1/06 A 108 m 5 kw WBLI-FM 106.1 MHz 6/1/06 B 152 m 49 kw

Louisville
WVEZ-FM 106.9 MHz 8/1/04 B 204 m 24.5 kw WSFR-FM 107.7 MHz 8/1/04 B1 173 m 8.2 kw WRKA-FM 103.1 MHz 8/1/04 A 95 m 6 kw WPTI-FM 103.9 MHz 8/1/04 A 149 m 1.35 kw

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Expiration Date Height Above Market (1) and Station Call Letters Frequency of License Class Average Terrain Power
Miami
WHQT-FM 105.1 MHz 2/1/12 C0 307 m 100 kw WEDR-FM 99.1 MHz 2/1/12 C1 280 m 100 kw WFLC-FM 97.3 MHz 2/1/12 C 307 m 100 kw WPYM-FM 93.1 MHz 2/1/12 C 307 m 100 kw

Orlando
WHTQ-FM 96.5 MHz 2/1/12 C 454 m 100 kw
WDBO-AM 580 KHz 2/1/12 B N.A. 5 kw
WWKA-FM 92.3 MHz 2/1/12 C 454 m 100 kw WCFB-FM (3) 94.5 MHz 2/1/12 C 451 m 100 kw WMMO-FM 98.9 MHz 2/1/12 C2 159 m 44 kw WPYO-FM 95.3 MHz 2/1/12 A 144 m 2.9 kw

Richmond
WKLR-FM 96.5 MHz 10/1/11 B 138 m 50 kw WKHK-FM 95.3 MHz 10/1/11 B1 120 m 17.5 kw WMXB-FM 103.7 MHz 10/1/11 B 256 m 20 kw WDYL-FM 101.1 MHz 10/1/11 A 112 m 4 kw

San Antonio
KONO-FM 101.1 MHz 8/1/05 C1 302 m 98 kw KONO-AM 860 KHz 8/1/05 B N.A. 5 kw day 0.9 kw night KISS-FM 99.5 MHz 8/1/05 C 339 m 100 kw KCYY-FM 100.3 MHz 8/1/05 C 300 m 100 kw KELZ-FM (formerly KCJZ-FM) 106.7 MHz 8/1/05 C 310 m 100 kw KSMG-FM 105.3 MHz 8/1/05 C 381 m 95 kw KKYX-AM 680 KHz 8/1/05 B N.A. 50 kw day 10 kw night

Southern Connecticut
Bridgeport
WEZN-FM 99.9 MHz 4/1/06 B 204 m 27.5 kw New Haven
WPLR-FM 99.1 MHz 4/1/06 B 276 m 15 kw WYBC-FM (5) 94.3 MHz 4/1/06 A 144 m 3 kw Stamford-Norwalk
WKHL-FM 96.7 MHz 4/1/06 A 100 m 3 kw WEFX-FM 95.9 MHz 4/1/06 A 91 m 3 kw
WSTC-AM 1400 KHz 4/1/06 C N.A. 0.78 kw WNLK-AM 1350 KHz 4/1/06 B N.A. 1 kw day

Tampa
WWRM-FM 94.9 MHz 2/1/12 C 470 m 100 kw WDUV-FM 105.5 MHz 2/1/12 C1 410 m 46 kw WSUN-FM 97.1 MHz 2/1/12 C2 224 m 11.5 kw WPOI-FM 101.5 MHz 2/1/12 C 470 m 100 kw WXGL-FM (formerly WBBY-FM) 107.3 MHz 2/1/12 C1 182 m 100 kw WHPT-FM 102.5 MHz 2/1/12 C 503 m 100 kw

Tulsa
KWEN-FM 95.5 MHz 6/1/05 C 405 m 100 kw KRMG-AM 740 KHz 6/1/05 B N.A. 50 kw day 25 kw night KRTQ-FM 102.3 MHz 6/1/05 C2 150 m 50 kw KJSR-FM 103.3 MHz 6/1/05 C 390 m 100 kw KRAV-FM 96.5 MHz 6/1/05 C 405 m 100 kw

(1) Metropolitan market served; city of license may differ.

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(2) A license renewal application was filed with the FCC on December 5, 2003 pursuant to an extension of the December 1, 2003 deadline for filing (DA 03-3739 released November 21, 2003).

(3) Station operating at these parameters pursuant to temporary authority. An FCC application for a permanent license has been filed.

(4) A license renewal application was filed with the FCC on December 8, 2003 pursuant to an extension of the December 1, 2003 deadline for filing (DA 03-3739 released November 21, 2003).

(5) Cox Radio provides sales and other services to this station pursuant to a JSA.

General Ownership Matters

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. To obtain the FCC's prior consent to assign or transfer control of a broadcast license, appropriate applications must be filed with the FCC. Depending on whether the application involves the assignment of the license or a "substantial change" in ownership or control (e.g., the transfer of more than 50% of the voting stock), the application may be required to go on public notice for a period of approximately 30 days during which petitions to deny the application may be filed by interested parties, including interest groups and members of the public. When reviewing an assignment or transfer application, the FCC is prohibited from considering whether the public interest might be served by an assignment or transfer to any party other than the assignee or transferee specified in the application.

The FCC's multiple ownership rules limit the permissible acquisitions and investments we may make. The FCC generally applies its ownership limits to "attributable" interests held by an individual, corporation, partnership or other association. In the case of corporations holding, or through subsidiaries controlling, broadcast licenses, the interests of officers, directors and those who, directly or indirectly, have the right to vote 5% or more of the corporation's stock (or 20% or more of such stock in the case of insurance companies, investment companies and bank trust departments that are passive investors) are generally attributable. In December 2000, the FCC eliminated its longstanding rule which provided that a minority stock interest in a corporation would not be deemed attributable if there was a single holder of more than 50% of the outstanding voting power of the corporation. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit subsequently reversed a similar rule change the FCC had adopted with respect to the ownership of cable systems. The FCC has suspended elimination of the exemption as it applies to the ownership of broadcast stations and has commenced a rulemaking to evaluate further whether to retain the exemption. This proceeding remains pending.

The FCC treats all partnership interests as attributable, except for those limited partnership interests that are "insulated" by the terms of the limited partnership agreement from "material involvement" in the media-related activities of the partnership. The FCC applies the same attribution and insulation standards to limited liability companies and other new business forms.

The FCC treats as attributable equity and debt interests if they exceed 33% of a station licensee's total assets when combined and if the party holding the interest either (a) supplies more than 15% of the station's total weekly programming or (b) has an attributable interest in another media entity in the same market. Under these rules, all non-conforming interests acquired before November 7, 1996 (other than LMAs) are permanently grand-fathered and thus do not constitute attributable ownership interests.

The Communications Act prohibits the holding of broadcast licenses by any corporation of which more than 20% of the capital stock is owned of record or voted by non-U.S. citizens, a foreign government, any corporation organized under the laws of a foreign country, or their representatives, or the holding of a broadcast license by any corporation directly or indirectly controlled by any other corporation of which more than 25% of the capital stock is owned of record or voted by such foreign persons, governments, entities or representatives, unless the FCC finds that the public interest would be served by granting a license under such circumstances. The FCC generally has declined to permit the control of broadcast licenses by corporations with foreign ownership or voting rights in excess of the 25% benchmark.

Local Radio Ownership Rule and Radio Market Concentration Issues

The FCC's local radio multiple ownership rule provides for certain limits on the number of radio stations that one entity may own in a local geographic market. These limits are as follows:

• In a radio market with 45 or more commercial radio stations, a party may own, operate or control up to eight commercial radio stations, not more than five of which are in the same broadcast service (i.e., AM or FM);

• In a radio market with between 30 and 44 (inclusive) commercial radio stations, a party may own, operate or control up to seven commercial radio stations, not more than four of which are in the same broadcast service;

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• In a radio market with between 15 and 29 (inclusive) commercial radio stations, a party may own, operate or control up to six commercial radio stations, not more than four of which are in the same broadcast service; and

• In a radio market with 14 or fewer commercial radio stations, a party may own, operate or control up to five commercial radio stations, not more than three of which are in the same broadcast service, except that a party may not own, operate or control more than 50 percent of the stations in the market.

Notwithstanding the limits contained in the FCC's local radio multiple ownership rule, the FCC has the authority to permit any person or entity to own, operate or control, or have an attributable ownership interest in a number of radio broadcast stations in excess of the rule's limits if the FCC determines that such ownership, operation, control or interest will result in an increase in the number of radio broadcast stations that are in operation.

In addition to the FCC's rules governing radio ownership, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have the authority to determine that a particular transaction presents antitrust concerns. The Antitrust Division has, in some cases, obtained consent decrees requiring radio station divestitures in a particular market based on concerns that the status quo constituted unacceptable concentration levels. The FCC also independently examines issues of market concentration when considering radio station acquisitions. The FCC has delayed its approval of a number of proposed radio station purchases by various parties because of concerns about market concentration and has withheld approval of radio acquisitions if the Antitrust Division has expressed concern regarding concentration levels in a particular market, even if the acquisitions comply with the FCC's local radio ownership rules.

The FCC does not currently regulate the number of radio stations that may be owned or controlled by one entity nationally.

Local Marketing Agreements and Joint Sales Agreements

A significant number of radio broadcast licensees, including Cox Radio, have entered into LMAs or JSAs. Under a typical LMA, separately-owned and licensed radio stations serving a common geographic area agree to function cooperatively in terms of programming, advertising sales and various administrative duties, subject to the licensee of each station maintaining independent control over the programming and station operations of its own station and subject to compliance with other requirements of the FCC's rules and policies as well as the antitrust laws. The LMA concept is referred to in the FCC rules as "time brokerage" under which a licensee of a station is permitted to sell the right to broadcast blocks of time on its station to an entity or entities which program the blocks of time and sell their own commercial advertising announcements for their own account during the time periods in question. Under a typical JSA, two separately owned radio stations serving a common service area agree to function cooperatively in terms of advertising sales only. Under such an arrangement, the licensee of one station sells the advertising time for its own account on the other licensee's station, but does not provide any programming to the other licensee's station. This arrangement is also subject to ultimate control by the latter licensee.

The FCC's multiple ownership rules specifically permit radio stations to enter into and implement LMAs, so long as the licensee of the station, which is being programmed under the LMA, maintains complete control over the operations of its station and assures compliance with applicable FCC requirements. A radio station being programmed pursuant to an LMA is considered an attributable ownership interest if the party providing the programming of the LMA either (a) owns a radio station, television station or a daily newspaper in the same market or (b) has a combined equity/debt interest in the licensee with a value exceeding 33% of the station licensee's total assets. JSAs are not currently attributable under the FCC's ownership rules.

Radio/Television Cross-Ownership Rule

The FCC's radio/television cross-ownership rule currently permits the common ownership or control of more than one radio station, whether AM, FM or both, and a television station in the same market based on the number of independently owned media voices in the local market.

• In markets with at least 20 independently owned media voices, a single entity may own up to two television stations and six radio stations. Alternatively, such an entity is permitted to own one television station and seven radio stations in the same market.

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• In a market that includes at least ten other independently owned media voices, a single entity may own one television station and up to four radio stations or, if permitted under FCC rules dealing with local television ownership, two television stations and up to four radio stations.

• Regardless of the number of media voices in a market, a single entity may own one television station and one radio station in any market and two television stations and one radio station in markets where the FCC's rules permit common ownership of two television stations.

Waivers of the radio/television cross-ownership rule will be granted only under the "failed station" test (i.e., the subject station has been off the air for at least four months or is currently involved in involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings).

Our parent company, Cox Broadcasting, Inc., and our indirect parent, Cox Enterprises, have attributable ownership interests in television stations located in:

• Orlando, Florida (two stations);

• Charlotte, North Carolina (two stations);

• Johnstown, Pennsylvania;

• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;

• Dayton, Ohio;

• Steubenville, Ohio;

• Atlanta, Georgia;

• San Francisco/San Jose, California (two stations);

• El Paso, Texas;

• Seattle, Washington; and

• Reno, Nevada.

Newspaper/Broadcast Cross-Ownership Rule

The FCC's rules currently in effect prohibit the common ownership of a radio or television broadcast station and a daily newspaper in the same market. The FCC has granted a permanent waiver of the radio/newspaper cross-ownership rule only in those circumstances in which the effect of applying the rule would be "unduly harsh," (i.e., the newspaper is unable to sell the commonly owned station, the sale would be at an artificially depressed price or the local community could not support a separately-owned newspaper and radio station). The FCC previously has granted only four permanent waivers of this rule. Our ownership of WALR-FM in Atlanta, Georgia, was granted pursuant to a temporary waiver and is conditioned on the outcome of the challenges to the FCC's new media ownership rules, as discussed below.

Cox Enterprises, our indirect parent company, has attributable ownership interests in daily newspapers located in:

• Grand Junction, Colorado;

• West Palm Beach, Florida;

• Atlanta, Georgia;

• Greenville, Rocky Mount and Elizabeth City, North Carolina;

• Dayton, Hamilton, Middletown and Springfield, Ohio; and

• Austin, Longview, Lufkin, Waco, Nacogdoches and Marshall, Texas.

Cox Enterprises has a non-attributable ownership interest in a daily newspaper located in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Revisions to the FCC's Media Ownership Rules

On June 2, 2003, the FCC adopted several new media ownership rules. Numerous parties have appealed various aspects of the new rules, and the consolidated appeals are being heard in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. On September 3, 2003 the Third Circuit issued a stay of the new rules and, as a result, the prior media ownership rules discussed above will remain in effect until challenges to the new rules have been resolved. Briefs have been filed with the Third Circuit and oral argument took place on February 11, 2004. A decision is not expected until mid-2004, and regardless of the outcome in the Third Circuit, further appeals

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to the Supreme Court are likely. In summary form, the new media ownership rules as adopted by the FCC that may be applicable to Cox Radio once judicial review of the new rules has been completed are as follows.

Local Radio Limits. The FCC retained its current limits on the number of radio stations overall and the number of radio stations in a broadcast service (AM or FM) that a single party may own in a local market, but significantly revised how a market is determined. First, both commercial and non-commercial stations will be considered when determining market size. Second, the FCC will use an Arbitron-based definition of a local radio market, rather than a signal contour overlap definition as was used in the past. These changes would, in a few instances, result in currently-compliant Cox Radio ownership groupings becoming non-compliant when the new rules take effect. Newly non-compliant ownership groupings can be retained by their current owners, but such groupings cannot be sold intact to third parties, except third party small businesses that qualify under the new FCC designation of "eligible entity." JSAs are attributable under the new rules if an entity brokers the sale of more than fifteen percent of a station's advertising time per week. Non-compliant JSAs cannot be retained by their current owners but must be divested within two years of the effective date of the new rules. No rules were established that limit the number of radio stations that may be owned or controlled by one entity nationally.

Cross-Ownership Limits. The FCC eliminated its newspaper/broadcast and radio/television cross-ownership limits. In place of specific cross-ownership bans, the FCC adopted a general cross-ownership rule: in any market with nine or more full-power commercial and non-commercial television stations, no cross-ownership limits apply; in any market with three or fewer full-power commercial and non-commercial television stations, cross-ownership of newspapers, radio and television stations is prohibited. In mid-sized markets (four to eight television stations), an entity that owns a daily newspaper may also have an interest in either: (1) one, but not more than one, television station in combination with radio stations up to 50 percent of the applicable local radio limit for the market; or (2) radio stations up to 100 percent of the applicable local radio limit but no television station. An entity without a newspaper in markets with four to eight television stations may own as many television and radio stations as are permitted in the market under the other applicable FCC local ownership caps. The FCC rules do not directly address cross-ownership limits when an entity owns more than one newspaper. Cable ownership is not considered when reviewing cross-ownership limits.

Expansion of Cox Radio's broadcast operations on both a local and national level will continue to be subject to the FCC's ownership rules and any changes that ultimately may be adopted. Any relaxation of the ownership rules may increase the level of competition to the extent that our competitors may have greater resources and thereby may be in a superior position to take advantage of such changes. Any restriction may also have an effect on Cox Radio and our investors. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the pending judicial review of the FCC's new media ownership rules or its impact on our business and operations.

Digital Audio Broadcasting

To facilitate the development of digital audio broadcasting, or digital radio, in October 2002, the FCC adopted interim rules that permit AM and FM stations to transmit analog and digital signals simultaneously using a single channel. The FCC's rules permit AM (during daytime operation only) and FM stations to commence digital operation on a voluntary basis upon notification to the FCC. We began digital operation at several of our Atlanta and Miami stations during 2003. The FCC will consider long-term licensing and service rules for digital operation in a future proceeding. We cannot predict at this time the ultimate impact of this new technology on our business.

Programming and Operation

The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the "public interest." Licensees are required to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests and to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness. Stations also must follow various rules promulgated under the Communications Act that regulate, among other things, political advertising, equal employment opportunity outreach and record keeping, sponsorship identification, the advertisement of contests and lotteries, obscene and indecent broadcasts and technical operations including limits on radio frequency radiation. Failure to observe these or other rules and policies can result in the imposition of various sanctions, including monetary forfeitures, the grant of short-term (i.e., less than the full term) renewals or, for particularly egregious violations, the denial of a license renewal application or the revocation of a license.

Proposed Changes

Congress and the FCC continually consider new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect our operations, ownership and profitability; result in the loss of audience share and advertising revenue; or affect our ability to acquire additional radio broadcast stations or to finance such acquisitions. We can neither predict what matters

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might be considered nor judge in advance what impact, if any, the implementation of any of these proposals or changes might have on our business.

Environmental

As the owner, lessee or operator of various real properties and facilities, we are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Historically, compliance with these laws and regulations has not had a material adverse effect on our business. There can be no assurance, however, that compliance with existing or new environmental laws and regulations will not require us to make significant expenditures of funds.

Seasonality

Seasonal revenue fluctuations are common in the radio broadcasting industry and are due primarily to fluctuations in advertising expenditures. Our revenues and operating income are typically lowest in the first quarter.

Employees

As of December 31, 2003, we employed 1,494 full-time and 719 part-time employees. We believe our relations with employees are satisfactory, and there are no collective bargaining agreements in effect for our employees.

We employ several on-air personalities with large audiences in their respective markets. We enter into employment agreements with certain on-air personalities in order to protect our interests in these employee relationships. We do not believe that the loss of any one of these on-air personalities would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Patents and Trademarks

We own numerous domestic trademark registrations related to the business of our stations. We own no patents or patent applications. We do not believe that any of our trademarks are material to our business or operations.

Available Information

Our Internet address is http://www.coxradio.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amended periodic reports are available on our Internet web site.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-K includes "forward-looking" statements, which are statements that relate to our future plans, earnings, objectives, expectations, performance, and similar projections, as well as any facts or assumptions underlying these statements or projections. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results, results we anticipate or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others:

• Advertising demand in our markets;

• The possibility that advertisers may cancel or postpone schedules in response to political events;

• General economic and business conditions, both nationally and in the regions in which Cox Radio operates;

• Technology changes;

• Competition;

• Our success in executing and integrating acquisitions;

• Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service obligations and finance operations;

• Our ability to secure financing on acceptable terms;

• Changes in business strategy or development plans;

• The ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;

• Existing governmental regulations and changes in, or the failure to comply with, governmental regulations;

• Liability and other claims asserted against Cox Radio; and

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• The level of success of our operating initiatives and strategy.

We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or to release publicly the results of any revisions to forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-K to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-K or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Additional factors that could have a material and adverse impact on our business are set forth below.

Risk Factors

The following factors (in addition to others) could have a material and adverse impact on our business:

Risks Associated with our Growth Strategy

Our business strategy depends on developing strong radio station clusters through the successful integration of acquired stations, including the development of under-performing radio stations and the opportunistic acquisition of additional radio stations. We intend to continue to evaluate the acquisition of additional radio stations or radio station groups. There can be no assurance that future acquisitions will be available on attractive terms or that FCC rules will continue to permit certain acquisitions. In addition, there can be no assurance that any synergies or savings will be achieved as a result of any acquisitions, that the integration of Cox Radio and new stations or management groups can be accomplished successfully or on a timely basis or that our acquisition strategy can be implemented.

Revenue Concentration

A significant portion of our business historically has been conducted in the Atlanta market. Net revenues earned from radio stations located in Atlanta represented 26%, 26% and 28% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Competition

The radio broadcasting industry is a highly competitive business. Our radio stations compete against other radio stations and other media (including new media technologies that are being developed or introduced) for audience share and advertising revenue. Factors that are material to a station's competitive position include management experience, the station's audience share and rank in its market, transmitter power, assigned frequency, audience characteristics, local program acceptance and the number and characteristics of other stations in the market area. No assurance can be given that any of our stations will be able to maintain or increase their current audience ratings or advertising revenue share.

Government Regulation of the Broadcasting Industry

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to extensive and changing regulation. Among other things, the Communications Act and FCC rules and policies limit the number of radio stations that one entity can own in a given market. The Communications Act and FCC rules and policies also require FCC approval for transfers of control and assignments of FCC licenses. The filing of petitions or complaints against FCC licensees such as Cox Radio 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 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 between the years 2004 and 2012. 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. Failure to obtain the renewal of any of our broadcast licenses or to obtain FCC approval for an assignment or transfer to Cox Radio of a license in connection with a radio station acquisition may have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. In addition, if Cox

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Radio or any of its officers, directors or significant shareholders 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 commence a proceeding to impose sanctions upon Cox Radio 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.

Control of Cox Radio by Cox Enterprises and Potential Conflicts of Interest

Cox Enterprises, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, owns approximately 62% of the outstanding common stock of Cox Radio and has approximately 94% of the voting power of Cox Radio. As a result, Cox Enterprises has sufficient voting power to elect all the members of the Board of Directors of Cox Radio and effect transactions without the vote of a majority of our public shareholders. Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and Amended and Restated Bylaws also contain certain anti-takeover provisions.

The interests of Cox Enterprises, which has interests in businesses in other industries, including television broadcasting, broadband communications, auto auctions and newspapers, may from time to time diverge from the interests of Cox Radio. There can be no assurance that any conflicts of interests will be resolved in favor of Cox Radio.

In addition, from time to time, we enter into transactions with Cox Enterprises or its affiliates and have entered into intercompany notes with Cox Enterprises to facilitate our day-to-day cash management. The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors consists of independent directors and reviews related party transactions between Cox Radio and Cox Enterprises and its other affiliates.