What changed in this filing

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Item 1. Business

2025-04-15 compared with 2024-04-01 · 230 added, 112 removed, 154 unchanged (69% of the section changed)

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(“MediaCo” or the “Company”) is an owned and operated multi-media company formed in Indiana in 2019, focused on radio and digital advertising, premium programming and events.

Our assets consist of two radio stations, WQHT(FM) and WBLS(FM), which serve the New York City demographic market area that primarily targets Black, Hispanic, and multi-cultural consumers.

We derive our revenues primarily from radio and digital advertising sales, but we also generate revenues from events, including sponsorships and ticket sales, licensing, and syndication.

On December 9, 2022, Fairway Outdoor LLC, FMG Kentucky, LLC and FMG Valdosta, LLC (collectively, “Fairway”), all of which are wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries of MediaCo, entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), with The Lamar Company, L.L.C., a Louisiana limited liability company (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to which we sold our Fairway outdoor advertising business to the Purchaser.

On April 17, 2024, MediaCo Holding Inc.

and its wholly-owned subsidiary MediaCo Operations LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Purchaser”), entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with Estrella Broadcasting, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Estrella”), and SLF LBI Aggregator, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Aggregator”) and affiliate of HPS Investment Partners, LLC (“HPS”), pursuant to which Purchaser purchased substantially all of the assets of Estrella and its subsidiaries (other than certain broadcast assets owned by Estrella and its subsidiaries (the “Estrella Broadcast Assets”)) (the “Purchased Assets”), and assumed substantially all of the liabilities (the “Assumed Liabilities”) of Estrella and its subsidiaries (such transactions, collectively, the “Estrella Acquisition”).

MediaCo Operations LLC operates the Purchased Assets under the trade name Estrella MediaCo.

Our assets consist of two radio stations, WQHT(FM) and WBLS(FM), which serve the New York City demographic market area that primarily target Black, Hispanic, and multi-cultural consumers and as a result of the Estrella Acquisition, Estrella’s network, content, digital, and commercial operations, including network affiliation and program supply agreements with Estrella for its 11 radio stations serving Los Angeles, CA, Houston, TX, and Dallas, TX and nine television stations serving Los Angeles, CA, Houston, TX, Denver, CO, New York, NY, Chicago, IL and Miami, FL.

Among the Estrella brands that joined MediaCo are the EstrellaTV network, its influential linear and digital video content business, and Estrella’s expansive digital channels, including its eight free ad-supported television (“FAST”) channels and EstrellaTV app.

The Estrella brands that joined MediaCo include - EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Cine EstrellaTV, Estrella Games, EstrellaTV Mexico, Curiosity Explora, Curiosity Motores, and Curiosity Animales.

See Note 4 — Business Combinations in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information.

We derive our revenues primarily from radio, television and digital advertising sales, but we also generate revenues from events, including sponsorships and ticket sales, licensing, and syndication.

On December 9, 2022, Fairway Outdoor LLC, FMG Kentucky, LLC and FMG Valdosta, LLC (collectively, “Fairway”), all of which were wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries of MediaCo, entered into an asset purchase agreement with The Lamar Company, L.L.C., a Louisiana limited liability company, pursuant to which we sold our Fairway outdoor advertising business to The Lamar Company, L.L.C.

The transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement closed as of the date of the purchase agreement.

We have classified the related assets and liabilities associated with our Fairway business as discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheets and the results of our Fairway business have been presented as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented through December 9, 2022 as the sale represented a strategic shift in our business that had a major effect on our operations and financial results.

We have classified the related assets and liabilities associated with our Fairway business as discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheets.

Unless otherwise noted, discussion herein refers to the Company's continuing operations.

See Note 2 — Discontinued Operations in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information.

Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we”, “us” and “our” refer to MediaCo and its subsidiaries.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We operate in two business segments:

Audio (“Audio Segment”) and Video (“Video Segment”).

We organize our business segments based on the type of services offered.

See Note 14 — Segment Information in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

We are committed to improving the operating results of our core assets while simultaneously seeking future growth opportunities in new radio and other complementary broadcast or other businesses that focus predominately on multi-cultural audiences in the national and digital advertising spaces.

We are a brand and content company reflecting, informing, and amplifying multicultural communities through culture, news, and entertainment.

We are committed to improving the operating results of our core assets while simultaneously seeking future growth opportunities in the distribution of video and audio content, owned by us and our partners, to predominately multi-cultural audiences in the local, national, and digital advertising spaces.

We are a diverse owned, diverse targeted media business.

MediaCo stands at the forefront of entertainment and news, positioned as a leader in reaching multicultural audiences.

Through our diverse portfolio of digital, television, and radio properties, we engage over 35 million unique visitors each month, delivering a dynamic mix of free, ad-supported streaming and terrestrial entertainment, music, and news across all major media platforms and on all devices.

Our strategy is focused on the following operating principles:

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Our established nationally recognized media brands have achieved and sustained a leading position in their respective local market segments over many years, with each having a strong brand identity that reaches beyond its local footprint.

The knowledge of the New York market and consistently producing unique and compelling content that meets the needs of our target audiences are critical to our success.

Consistently producing unique and compelling content that meets the needs of our target audiences is critical to our success.

As such, we make substantial investments in areas such as market research, data analysis and creative talent to ensure that our content remains relevant and fresh, has a meaningful impact on the communities we serve and reinforces the core brand image of each respective property.

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

In recent years, we have placed substantial emphasis on enhancing the distribution of our radio content through digital and mobile platforms.

Accessible on all digital platforms and devices, our diverse lineup includes news, morning shows, game shows, talent competitions, late-night programs, concerts, music awards, documentaries and sports.

We believe our brands are well integrated within the Hip Hop and R&B marketplace and with our recent business combination of Estrella we have expanded into Hispanic audiences and a multitude of other genres, expanding our reach.

We expect to continue to expand our national reach on each of our brands through the digital, streaming, syndication and licensing arenas.

Our celebrity talent has broad national and international influence and are integrated into key cultural moments, which help amplify our brands.

Provide content in ways that our audiences want to consume it

We strive to make our brands available to audiences everywhere that they choose to consume content.

We distribute our audio content over digital radio as well as terrestrial radio.

We distribute our video content digitally, including through our apps for mobile and connected televisions (“TVs”), third-party partner apps and Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (“FAST”) platforms, and multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”), as well as on network and local TV.

We have placed substantial emphasis on enhancing the distribution of our video and audio content through digital and mobile platforms.

We believe these digital platforms offer excellent opportunities to further enhance the relationships we have with our audiences by allowing them to consume and share our content in new ways and providing us with new distribution channels for one-to-one communication with our end user.

In our Video Segment, new digital formats (including Live and Interactive) will differentiate our video businesses and grow viewership.

We will grow our video advertising inventory by scaling across FAST and connected devices through owned-and-operated properties and technology partners.

In our Audio Segment, we expect to support the growth of our owned-and-operated station audience through our enhanced website and app platforms.

We expect to leverage events and shows to drive listenership and community engagement and increase community involvement, participation, and coverage events through direct-to-consumer interactive apps, such as the Hot 97 App and NOW Apps and at times leveraging third party community engagement tools.

Deliver results to advertisers

Competition for advertising revenue is highly competitive and becoming more so as the overall market has declined due to shifts in the way advertising dollars are directed.

To remain competitive, we focus on sustaining and growing our radio audiences, optimizing our pricing strategy and developing innovative marketing programs for our clients that allow them to interact with our audiences in more direct and measurable ways.

These programs often include elements such as endorsements, events, contests, special promotions, Internet advertising, email marketing, interactive mobile advertising and online video.

Competition for advertising revenue is high.

To remain competitive, we focus on sustaining and growing our video and audio audiences, optimizing our pricing strategy and developing innovative marketing programs for our clients that allow them to interact with our audiences in more direct and measurable ways.

Our ability to deploy multi-touchpoint marketing programs allows us to deliver a stronger return-on-investment for our clients while simultaneously generating ancillary revenue streams for our media properties.

Extend sales efforts into new market segments

Given the competitive pressures in many of our “traditional” advertising categories, we have been expanding our network of advertiser relationships into not-for-profits, political advertising, corporate philanthropy, environmental initiatives and government agencies.

These efforts primarily focus on the health care and education sectors.

We believe our capabilities can address these clients’ under-served needs.

We offer premier content for diverse audiences in growing demographics.

We believe that this offers us an advantage in competing for advertisers that prioritize culturally relevant marketing.

Enhance the efficiency of our operations

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We regularly review our business operations and reduce costs or realign resources as necessary.

We are consolidating video operations across network TV, local TV, and digital.

We have also invested in technology solutions to help further streamline our business processes.

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We believe that consummating such acquisitions and investments can be a valuable tool in our efforts to grow our business.

Leverage the power of the brands

We believe our brands are well integrated within the Hip Hop and R&B marketplace.

We will continue to expand our national reach on each of our brands through the digital, streaming, syndication and licensing arenas.

Our celebrity talent has broad national and international influence and are integrated into key cultural moments, which help amplify our brands.

RADIO STATIONS

In the following table, “Market Rank by Revenue” is the ranking of the market revenue size of the principal radio market served by our stations among all radio markets in the United States.

Market revenue rankings are from BIA’s Investing In Radio 2023, fourth edition.

“Ranking in Primary Demographic Target” is the ranking of the station within its designated primary demographic target among all radio stations in its market based on the December 2023 Nielsen Audio, Inc.

(“Nielsen”) Portable People Meter results.

“Station Audience Share” represents a percentage generally computed by dividing the average number of persons in the primary demographic listening to a particular station during specified time periods by the average number of such persons in the primary demographic for all stations in the market area as determined by Nielsen.

As of December 31, 2024, we owned, operated or provided program, sales, and/or other services to these 13 radio stations, including one AM and 12 FM radio stations.

All of our radio stations are located in the United States.

No one station is material to our overall operations.

We believe that our properties are in good condition and suitable for our operations.

The following table provides the number of owned and operated radio stations by market:

STATION AND MARKET MARKET

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New York, NY 1

WQHT(FM) Hip-Hop 18-34 10 3.9

WQHT(FM) Rhythmic Contemporary Hit Radio 18-49 11 3.8

WBLS(FM) Urban Adult Contemporary 25-54 8 4.6

RADIO ADVERTISING SALES

Our stations derive their advertising revenue from local and regional spot radio and digital advertising in the marketplaces in which they operate, as well as from the sale of national advertising.

Los Angeles, CA 2

KBUE(FM) Regional Mexican 18-49 21 1.8

KBUA(FM) Regional Mexican (4) (4) (4)

KEBN(FM) Classic Country (4) (4) (4)

KVNR(AM) Vietnamese language (5) (5) (5)

KBOC(FM) Spanish Contemporary Hit 18-49 25 1.7

KZZA(FM) Regional Mexican 25-54 24 1.8

KNOR(FM) Regional Mexican 25-54 26 1.6

Galveston, TX 6

KQQK(FM) Regional Mexican 18-49 8 4.6

KTJM(FM) Classic Rock 18-49 12 4.2

KNTE(FM) Regional Mexican (6) (6) (6)

San Bernardino, CA 26

KRQB(FM) Regional Mexican 25-54 8 3.8

(1) “Market Rank by Designated Market Area (“DMA”)” is the ranking of the radio market universe estimates for the various designated market areas served by our stations among all radio markets in the United States.

DMA rankings are from the Spring 2024 Nielsen Audio Radio Market Rankings.

(2) “Ranking in Primary Demographic Target” is the ranking of the station within its designated primary demographic target among all radio stations in its market based on the December 2024 Nielsen Audio, Inc.

(“Nielsen”) Portable People Meter results.

(3) “Station Audience Share” represents a percentage generally computed by dividing the average number of persons in the primary demographic listening to a particular station during specified time periods by the average number of such persons in the primary demographic for all stations in the market area as determined by Nielsen.

(4) Station trimulcast with KBUE(FM)

(5) Station under a Local Marketing Agreement with Little Saigon Radio Broadcasting, Inc.

(6) Station simulcast with KTJM(FM)

TELEVISION MARKETS AND STATIONS

As of December 31, 2024, our Video Segment owned, operated or provided program, sales, and/or other services to these television stations, all with the EstrellaTV network affiliation, in the following markets:

MARKET MARKET RANK

NUMBER OF MARKET CHANNELS STATIONS

New York, NY 1 36 WASA

Los Angeles, CA 2 45 KRCA

Chicago, IL 3 30 WESV

Houston, TX 6 31 KZJL

Denver, CO 17 23 KETD

Miami, FL 18 32 WGEN, WGEN-LD, WVFW, W12DI

(1) “Market Rank by DMA” is the ranking of the television market universe estimates for the various designated market areas served by our stations among all television markets in the United States.

DMA rankings are from Nielsen’s 2024-2025 Nielsen DMA Ranking.

In addition, the Company operates leased television stations in California and Texas.

The Company also owns television production facilities that are used to produce programming for its owned and affiliated television stations.

MediaCo has also entered into affiliation agreements with certain television stations to broadcast its EstrellaTV network programming of the affiliate station’s primary or digital multicast channels.

Currently, the EstrellaTV network is broadcast by television stations in various states serving 48 designated market areas.

The Company also operates eight FAST channels - EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Cine EstrellaTV, Estrella Games, EstrellaTV Mexico, Curiosity Explora, Curiosity Motores, and Curiosity Animales on Over-the-top platforms through third party distribution partners.

ADVERTISING SALES

We derive our advertising revenue from local, regional, and digital advertising in the marketplaces in which we operate, as well as from the sale of national advertising.

Local and most regional sales are made by a station’s sales staff.

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During the year ended December 31, 2024, approximately 27% of our total spot radio advertising revenues were derived from national sales and 73% were derived from local sales.

During the year ended December 31, 2024, approximately 32% of our television advertising revenues were derived from national sales and 68% were derived from local sales.

NON-TRADITIONAL REVENUES

Our stations are involved with numerous events in the market in which we operate, that support the local community, entertain our audiences, and better connect our listeners with our stations and our advertisers.

We are involved with numerous events in the markets in which we operate that support the local community, entertain our audiences, and better connect our listeners with our stations and our advertisers.

In most cases, a third party produces the event, which we help promote, and we sell certain sponsorship opportunities to our advertisers.

In these situations, we do not bear financial risk on the success of the event.

In limited cases, such as Hot 97's Summer Jam, we produce the event, including securing the performing artists and venue, and are primarily responsible for the financial risk and reward, including ticket and sponsorship sales associated with the event.

In limited cases, such as the Fiestas Patrias and Hot 97's Summer Jam, we produce the event, including securing the performing artists and venue, and are primarily responsible for the financial risk and reward, including ticket and sponsorship sales associated with the event.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES

We believe that the growth of new technologies not only presents challenges, but also opportunities for broadcasters.

The primary challenge is increased competition for the time and attention of our listeners.

The primary opportunity is to further enhance the relationships we already have with our listeners by expanding products and services offered by our radio stations to adjacent areas of entertainment, including streaming, gaming, and sports, and to increase audience reach via connected devices.

The primary challenge is increased competition for the time and attention of the audience of our TV and radio stations.

The primary opportunities are to enhance the relationships we already have with our audience by expanding products and services offered by our TV and radio stations to adjacent areas of entertainment, including streaming, gaming, live programming and sports, and to increase audience reach via connected devices.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

We believe that to be successful, we must be integrally involved in the communities we serve.

We see ourselves as community partners.

To that end, our radio stations participate in many community programs, fundraisers and activities that benefit a wide variety of causes.

One of our guiding principles is making a difference in the communities we serve, and our corporate social responsibility initiatives are an important part of our culture.

We believe that building connections between our employees, their families and our communities creates a more meaningful, fulfilling and enjoyable workplace.

As a company, we endeavor to use our resources and products to drive meaningful societal change and have collaborated with local and national organizations globally to improve health and public safety;

to ensure a sustainable environment;

to promote arts, education and cultural diversity;

and to support market-by-market advertising standards.

MediaCo aims to be purposeful and do the right thing and over the years we have worked with our community to educate, understand, guide and amplify their voices to ensure our audience feels heard and appreciated particularly around dedicated news programming.

Our stations participate in many community programs, fundraisers and activities that benefit a wide variety of causes.

Charitable organizations that have been the beneficiaries of our support include, among others, Hip Hop has Heart, the Harlem Chamber of Commerce, the Sarcoidosis Foundation, New York Cares, American AIDS Foundation and the Queens Police Service Area Community Counsel.

We have embarked on a relationship with the Universal Hip Hop Museum, which is currently under construction in New York City.

Radio broadcasting stations compete with the other broadcasting stations in their respective market areas, as well as with other advertising media such as newspapers, cable, magazines, outdoor advertising, transit advertising, the Internet, satellite radio, streaming services, direct marketing, and mobile and wireless device marketing.

Competition within the broadcasting industry occurs primarily in individual market areas, so that a station in one market (e.g., New York) does not generally compete with stations in other markets (e.g., Los Angeles).

Our distribution channels, including our TV and radio broadcasting stations as well as digital channels, compete with the other broadcasting stations in their respective market areas, as well as with other advertising media such as newspapers, cable, magazines, outdoor advertising, transit advertising, the Internet, satellite radio, streaming services, direct marketing, and mobile and wireless device marketing.

Competition within the TV and radio broadcasting industry occurs primarily in individual market areas, so that a station in one market (e.g., New York) does not generally compete with stations in other markets (e.g., Los Angeles).

Competition in digital distribution is both local and nationwide.

Our stations face competition from other stations with substantial financial resources, including stations targeting the same demographic groups.

In addition to management experience, factors that are material to competitive position include the station's rank in its market in terms of the number of listeners, authorized power, assigned frequency, audience characteristics, local program acceptance and the number and characteristics of other stations in the market area.

In addition to management experience, factors that are material to competitive position of a radio station include its rank in its market in terms of the number of listeners, authorized power, assigned frequency, audience characteristics, local program acceptance and the number and characteristics of other stations in the market area.

Factors that are material to competitive position of a TV station include its rank in its market in terms of the number of viewers, audience characteristics, and the number and characteristics of other stations in the market area.

We attempt to improve our competitive position with programming and promotional campaigns aimed at the demographic groups targeted by our stations.

We also seek to improve our position through sales efforts designed to attract advertisers that have done little or no radio advertising by emphasizing the effectiveness of radio advertising in increasing the advertisers' revenues.

Although we believe that each of our stations can compete effectively in its market, there can be no assurance that either of our stations will be able to maintain or increase its current audience ratings or advertising revenue market share.

We also seek to improve our position through sales efforts designed to attract advertisers that are looking to reach growing diverse audiences.

Although we believe that each of our stations can compete effectively in its market, there can be no assurance that our stations will be able to maintain or increase its current audience ratings or advertising revenue market share.

Our content faces competition from major networks as well as networks that create specialty programming for demographically similar audiences.

Factors that are material to the competitive position of content include its quality and cultural relevance and the breadth of its availability.

We invest in award-winning entertainment and news programming and sports, music, and lifestyle content in order to stay competitive.

Cost of content is a factor for our audiences, which is why we distribute our content as free, ad-supported.

Although the broadcasting industry is highly competitive, barriers to entry exist.

The operation of a broadcasting station in the United States requires a license from the FCC.

The operation of a broadcasting station in the United States requires a license from the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”).

Also, the number of stations that can operate in a given market is limited by the availability of the frequencies that the FCC will license in that market, as well as by the FCC's multiple ownership rules regulating the number and types of stations that may be owned or controlled by the same person or company.

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Advertisers also compare the relative costs of available media, evaluating the number of impressions (potential viewings), exposure (the opportunity for advertising to be seen) and circulation (traffic volume in a market), as well as potential effectiveness, quality of related services (such as advertising copy design and layout) and customer service.

In competing with other media, we believe that radio is more cost-efficient than other media, allowing advertisers to reach broader audiences and target specific geographic areas or demographic groups within markets.

In competing with other media, we believe that our video and audio advertising inventory is cost-efficient, allowing advertisers to reach broader audiences and target specific geographic areas or demographic groups within markets.

Additionally, the strength of our digital reach and brand recognition allows us to compete for national digital advertising dollars.

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We believe an alignment between talent and strategy is key to scaling the business.

At December 31, 2023, we had 116 full-time and part-time employees, compared to 141 at December 31, 2022, at which earlier date 49 employees were employed in our disposed outdoor advertising business.

At December 31, 2024, we had 407 full-time and part-time employees, compared to 116 at December 31, 2023.

To facilitate talent attraction and retention, we strive to create strong teams and vibrant culture at every level of our organization through our core values of integrity, innovation, excellence and safety.

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We are deeply committed to promoting a culture of ethical conduct and compliance.

Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all employees as well as officers and all members of the Board, reinforces our core values and helps drive our workplace culture of compliance with ethical standards, integrity and accountability.

Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“Code”), which applies to all employees as well as officers and all members of the Board, reinforces our core values and helps drive our workplace culture of compliance with ethical standards, integrity and accountability.

Training on the Code is mandatory upon employment and is provided on an annual basis.

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Compensation and Benefits Programs

Our compensation and benefits programs are designed to attract and reward talented individuals who possess the skills necessary to support our business objectives, assist in the achievement of our strategic goals and create long-term value for our stockholders.

We provide competitive packages to address the needs of the individuals we employ to ensure we have alignment with culture, expectations and value driven results.

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Our executives and certain other employees receive long-term equity awards that vest over time.

We believe that a compensation program with both short-term and long-term awards provides fair and competitive compensation and aligns employee and stockholder interests.

We believe that a compensation program with both short-term and long-term awards provides fair and competitive compensation and aligns employee and shareholder interests.

We also provide our employees and their families with access to a variety of healthcare and insurance benefits, qualified spending accounts, retirement savings plans and various other benefits.

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of the 407 full-time and part-time employees driving the business, over 88% are Black, Hispanic, or Asian, and 41% are female.

Community Involvement

One of our guiding principles is making a difference in the communities we serve, and our corporate social responsibility initiatives are an important part of our culture.

We believe that building connections between our employees, their families and our communities creates a more meaningful, fulfilling and enjoyable workplace.

to ensure a sustainable environment;

to promote arts, education and cultural diversity;

and to support market-by-market advertising standards.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

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YEAR FIRST ELECTED OFFICER

Kudjo Sogadzi Interim President and Chief Operating Officer 41 2023

Beemish Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 51 2021

Sogadzi was appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer in July 2023 and interim President in October 2023.

Prior to joining MediaCo, Mr.

Sogadzi served as an investment analyst at Standard General LP since 2019.

He has also held positions as a Principal at OS Global LLC from 2015 to 2019, Hedge Fund Analyst at EnTrust Global, and serves on the board of Gloria Maris LLC.

Beemish was appointed to the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in November 2021.

Beemish was previously the Senior Vice President of Finance at MediaCo since March 2021.

Alberto Rodriguez Interim Chief Executive Officer and President 60 2024

Debra DeFelice Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 55 2024

René Santaella Chief Operating Officer 53 2024

Rodriquez was appointed to the position of Interim Chief Executive Officer and President in October 2024.

Rodriquez’s appointment to Interim Chief Executive Officer and President he served as Chief Revenue Officer and President of MediaCo Audio since January 2024.

Prior to joining the Company, Mr.

Rodriquez spent 24 years at Spanish Broadcasting System with his most recent position being President and Chief Operating Officer.

Rodriquez holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University.

DeFelice was appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in September 2024.

DeFelice was previously the EVP Radio Finance & Assistant Treasurer at MediaCo since April 2021.

Prior to joining MediaCo, Ms.

Beemish served as Knotel's Head of Global Administration and Readiness and Head of Global People Operations.

She founded consultancy Huppe Beemish LLC in 2016 and served as Senior Vice President of Operational Finance and Corporate Development at Granite Broadcasting.

Beemish began her career as an investment banker at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and Merrill Lynch.

She holds an MBA from New York University's Leonard N.

Stern School of Business and a bachelor's degree from Saint John's University.

DeFelice served as Artisanal Brewing Ventures’ Corporate Controller and prior to that she served as the Corporate Controller at HEPACO, LLC.

She holds an MBA from Eastern Carolina University and a bachelor's degree from Binghamton University.

DeFelice is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Santaella was appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer in October 2024.

Santaella was previously the Chief Digital and Streaming Officer for Estrella MediaCo.

Prior to joining Estrella Mr.

Santaella worked as the SVP of Business Planning and Operations at Sony Pictures Entertainment and the Director of Ad Sales Marketing within Disney’s Interactive Media Group.

Santaella holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from UCLA.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Our website address is mediacoholding.com.

Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are filed with the U.S.

Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

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FEDERAL REGULATION OF BROADCASTING

Radio broadcasting in the United States is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Communications Act”), including as amended in part by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “1996 Act”).

Radio broadcasting is prohibited except in accordance with a license issued by the FCC upon a finding that the public interest, convenience and necessity would be served by the grant of such license.

Broadcasting in the United States is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Communications Act”), including as amended in part by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “1996 Act”).

Radio and television broadcasting is prohibited except in accordance with a license issued by the FCC upon a finding that the public interest, convenience and necessity would be served by the grant of such license.

The FCC has the power to revoke licenses for, among other things, false statements made in FCC filings or willful or repeated violations of the Communications Act or of FCC rules.

In general, the Communications Act provides that the FCC shall allocate broadcast licenses for radio stations so as to provide a fair, efficient and equitable distribution of service throughout the United States.

In general, the Communications Act provides that the FCC must allocate broadcast licenses for radio and television stations so as to provide a fair, efficient and equitable distribution of service throughout the United States.

The FCC determines the operating frequency, location and power of stations;

regulates the equipment used by stations;

and regulates numerous other areas of radio broadcasting pursuant to rules, regulations and policies adopted under authority of the Communications Act.

regulates the transmission equipment used by stations;

and regulates numerous other aspects of radio and television broadcasting pursuant to rules, regulations and policies adopted under authority of the Communications Act.

The Communications Act, among other things, prohibits the assignment of a broadcast license or the transfer of control of an entity holding such a license without the prior approval of the FCC.

Under the Communications Act, the FCC also regulates certain aspects of media that compete with broadcast stations.

Under the Communications Act, the FCC also regulates limited aspects of broadcasters’ relationships with program providers and distributors, as well as some of the media that compete with broadcast stations.

The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations and policies.

Reference should be made to the Communications Act as well as FCC rules, public notices and rulings for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of radio stations.

Legislation has been introduced from time to time which would amend the Communications Act in various respects or otherwise affect the Company, and the FCC from time to time considers new regulations or amendments to its existing regulations.

Reference should be made to the Communications Act as well as FCC rules, public notices and rulings for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of broadcast stations.

Legislation has been introduced from time to time which would amend the Communications Act in various respects or otherwise affect the Company, and the FCC regularly considers new regulations or amendments to its existing regulations applicable to broadcasting and networks.

We cannot predict whether any such legislation will be enacted or whether new or amended FCC regulations will be adopted or what their effect would be on the Company.

License Renewal

Radio stations operate pursuant to broadcast licenses that are ordinarily granted by the FCC for maximum terms of eight years and are subject to renewal upon application and approval by the FCC.

License renewal applications for both WQHT(FM) and WBLS(FM) were granted in July 2022.

License Grant and Renewal

Radio and television stations operate pursuant to broadcast licenses that are ordinarily granted by the FCC for maximum terms of eight years and are subject to renewal upon application and approval by the FCC.

The following table sets forth our current FCC license expiration dates in addition to the call letters, license classification, antenna elevation above average terrain, power and frequency of all owned stations as of December 31, 2024:

Radio Market Stations City of License Frequency Expiration Date

FCC Class Height Above Average Terrain (in feet)

(in Kilowatts)

of License FCC Class

New York, NY WQHT(FM) New York, NY 97.1 June 2030 B

WBLS(FM) New York, NY 107.5 June 2030 B

The following table sets forth the current FCC license expiration dates in addition to the call letters, license classification, antenna elevation above average terrain, power and frequency of stations proposed to be acquired by the Company pursuant to a notice of exercise of option dated December 17, 2024.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company provides program, sales, and/or other services to these stations.

Radio Market Stations City of License Frequency Expiration Date

of License FCC Class

Los Angeles, CA KEBN(FM) Garden Grove, CA 94.3 December 2029 A

KBUE(FM) Long Beach, CA 105.5 December 2029 A

KBUA(FM) San Fernando, CA 94.3 December 2029 A

KVNR(AM) Santa Ana, CA 1,480.0 December 2029 B

Worth, TX KBOC(FM) Bridgeport, TX 98.3 August 2029 C

KZZA(FM) Muenster, TX 106.7 August 2029 C

KNOR(FM) Krum, TX 93.7 August 2029 C0

Houston-Galveston, TX KQQK(FM) Beaumont, TX 107.9 August 2029 C

KTJM(FM) Port Arthur, TX 98.5 August 2029 C

KNTE(FM) Bay City, TX 101.7 August 2029 C1

Riverside-San Bernardino, CA KRQB(FM) San Jacinto, CA 96.1 December 2029 A

Television Market Stations City of License Frequency Expiration Date

of License FCC Class

New York, NY WASA-LD 1

Port Jervis, NY VHF Ch.

13 June 2031 LDT

Los Angeles, CA KRCA(TV) 1

Riverside, CA VHF Ch.7 December 2030 DTV

Chicago, IL WESV-LD Chicago, IL UHF Ch.

31 December 2029 LDT

Houston, TX KZJL(TV) Houston, TX UHF Ch.

21 August 2030 DTV

Lauderdale, FL WGEN-TV Key West, FL VHF Ch.

8 February 2029 DTV

WGEN-LD Miami, FL VHF Ch.

8 February 2029 LDT

WVFW-LD Miami, FL VHF Ch.

8 February 2029 LDT

W12DI-LD Key West, FL VHF Ch.

12 February 2029 LDT

Denver, CO KETD(TV) Castle Rock, CO UHF Ch.

15 April 2030 DTV

1 Shared channel operation

Review of Ownership Restrictions

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Supreme Court reversed a lower court decision blocking a number of FCC rule changes designed to update the FCC’s media ownership regulations.

As a result, the FCC’s Radio/Television Cross-Ownership Rule, which limited the number of radio and television and stations that could be commonly owned in a single market, was eliminated.

The FCC completed its 2018 quadrennial review in December 2023, largely leaving its radio rules unchanged.

The 2022 quadrennial review was launched in December 2022 and that proceeding remains pending.

We cannot predict whether the 2022 quadrennial review proceedings will result in modifications of the ownership rules or the impact (if any) that such modifications would have on our business.

As a result, the FCC’s Radio/Television Cross-Ownership Rule, which limited the number of radio and television stations that could be commonly owned in a single market, was eliminated.

The FCC completed its 2018 quadrennial review in December 2023, largely leaving its radio rules unchanged while making its local ownership rules for television stations more restrictive.

The FCC’s decision in the 2018 quadrennial review is currently under appeal to the U.S.

Court of Appeals for the 8 th Circuit.

In the meantime, the FCC launched its 2022 quadrennial review in December 2022 and that proceeding remains pending.

We cannot predict whether the court appeal of the 2018 quadrennial review or the FCC’s 2022 quadrennial review will result in modifications of the ownership rules or the impact (if any) that such modifications would have on our business.

Attribution of Ownership Interests:

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

• equity and/or debt interests which, in the aggregate, exceed 33% of the total asset value of a station or other media entity (the “equity/debt plus policy”), if the interest holder supplies more than 15% of the station’s total weekly programming (usually pursuant to a time brokerage, local marketing or network affiliation agreement) or is a same-market media entity ( i.e.

, a broadcast station).

• equity and/or debt interests which, in the aggregate, exceed 33% of the total asset value of a station or other broadcast entity (referred to as the Equity/Debt Plus Rule), if the interest holder supplies more than 15% of the station’s total weekly programming (usually pursuant to a time brokerage, local marketing or network affiliation agreement) or holds an attributable interest in a same-market broadcast station.

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

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Such conflicts could also result in the Company being unable to obtain FCC consents necessary for future acquisitions.

Conversely, the Company’s media interests could operate to restrict other media investments by shareholders having or acquiring an interest in the Company.

Conversely, the Company’s broadcast interests could operate to restrict other broadcast investments by shareholders having or acquiring an attributable interest in the Company.

Local Radio Ownership :

The local radio ownership rule limits the number of commercial radio stations in a radio market in which a person or entity may hold an attributable interest based on the number of radio stations in that market:

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

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

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

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

The New York radio market has more than 45 radio stations.

For purposes of applying these numerical limits, the FCC has adopted rules with respect to (i) so-called local marketing agreements, or “LMAs,” by which the licensee of one radio station provides programming for another licensee’s radio station in the same market and sells all of the advertising within that programming and (ii) so-called joint sale agreements, or “JSAs,” by which the licensee of one station sells the advertising time on another station in the market.

Under these rules, an entity that owns one or more radio stations in a market and programs more than 15% of the broadcast time, or sells more than 15% of the advertising time, on another radio station in the same market pursuant to an LMA or JSA is generally required to count the station toward its media ownership limits even though it does not own the station.

As a result, in a market where we own one or more radio stations, we generally cannot provide programming to another station under an LMA or sell advertising on another station pursuant to a JSA, if we could not acquire that station under the local radio ownership rule.

In the 2022 quadrennial review proceeding, the FCC is considering all aspects of the local radio ownership rule, including whether the rule in its current form remains necessary in the public interest.

Alien Ownership :

Alien Ownership:

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

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

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

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

The New York market, in which the Company holds radio licenses, has more than 45 radio stations.

For purposes of applying these numerical limits, the FCC has adopted rules with respect to (i) so-called local marketing agreements, or “LMAs,” by which the licensee of one station provides programming for another licensee’s station in the same market and sells all of the advertising within that programming and (ii) so-called joint sale agreements, or “JSAs,” by which the licensee of one radio station sells the advertising time on another radio station in the same market.

Under these rules, an entity that holds an attributable interest in one or more stations in a market which programs more than 15% of the broadcast time of another broadcast station in the same market, or in a radio station which sells more than 15% of the advertising time, on another radio station in the same market is generally required to count that station toward its broadcast ownership limits even though it does not own the station.

As a result, in a market where we own one or more radio stations, we generally cannot provide programming to another station in that market under an LMA or sell advertising on another radio station pursuant to a JSA if we could not acquire that station under the FCC’s ownership rules.

Local Television Ownership :

A party may hold an attributable interest in television stations in adjoining markets, even if there is a noise limited service contour overlap between the two stations’ broadcast signals, and generally may hold an attributable interest in two stations in the same market if (i) there is no signal contour overlap between the stations;

or (ii) not more than one of the owned stations is among the top-four rated stations in the market ("the Top-Four Prohibition").

The FCC will, upon request, consider waiver of the Top-Four Prohibition to allow parties to own up to two top-four-rated stations in the same market on a case-by-case basis.

On December 22, 2023, the FCC adopted the 2018 Ownership Order, expanding the Top-Four Prohibition to prohibit, in certain circumstances, the placement of a second top-four-rated program affiliation on a commonly owned TV multicast stream or low power television (“LPTV”) station and restricting the circumstances under which such commonly owned top-four multicast streams or LPTV stations may be transferred or assigned in the future.

The 2018 Ownership Order, including this extension of the Top-Four Prohibition, became effective March 18, 2024.

In the 2022 quadrennial review proceeding, the FCC is considering all aspects of its local ownership rules, including whether the rules in their current form remain necessary in the public interest.

National Television Ownership :

In contrast to radio, which has no national ownership limit, there is a national cap on television station ownership.

Under this rule, no individual or entity may hold an attributable interest in commercial full power television stations located in markets which collectively contain more than 39% of the national television viewing audience.

Additionally, because UHF stations (channels 14 through 51) historically had poorer coverage of their markets than VHF stations (channels 2 through 13), only half of the TV households in a station’s market are included for purposes of the national cap calculation where the individual or entity holds an interest in only UHF station(s) in that market (commonly referred to as the "UHF Discount").

On December 18, 2017, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to examine the national ownership rule, including the UHF Discount.

The rulemaking proceeding remains pending.

We cannot predict the outcome of the rulemaking proceeding or the impact (if any) that changes adopted in that proceeding would have on our business.

Foreign Ownership :

Under the Communications Act, no FCC license may be held by a corporation if more than one-fifth of its capital stock is owned or voted by aliens or their representatives, a foreign government or representative thereof, or an entity organized under the laws of a foreign country (collectively, “Non-U.S.

Furthermore, the Communications Act provides that no FCC license may be granted to an entity directly or indirectly controlled by another entity of which more than one-fourth of its capital stock is owned or voted by Non-U.S.

Persons if the FCC finds that the public interest will be served by the denial of such license.

Persons if the FCC finds that the public interest will be served by the denial of such license grant.

The FCC has adopted rules to simplify and streamline the process for requesting authority to exceed the 25% indirect foreign ownership limit in broadcast licensees and has revised the methodology that publicly traded broadcasters must use to assess their compliance with the foreign ownership restrictions.

The foregoing restrictions on alien ownership apply in modified form to other types of business organizations, including partnerships and limited liability companies.

The foregoing restrictions on ownership by Non-U.S.

Persons apply in modified form to other types of business organizations, including partnerships and limited liability companies.

Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Code of By-Laws authorize the Board of Directors to prohibit such restricted alien ownership, voting or transfer of capital stock as would cause the Company to violate the Communications Act or FCC regulations.

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The Communications Act prohibits the assignment of a broadcast license or the transfer of control of a broadcast licensee without the prior approval of the FCC.

In determining whether to grant such approval, the FCC considers a number of factors, including compliance with the various rules limiting common ownership of media properties, the “character” of the assignee or transferee and those persons holding attributable interests therein and compliance with the Communications Act’s limitations on alien ownership as well as other statutory and regulatory requirements.

In determining whether to grant such approval, the FCC considers a number of factors, including compliance with the various rules limiting common ownership of broadcast licenses, the “character” of the assignor/transferor and of the assignee/transferee and those persons holding attributable interests therein and compliance with the Communications Act’s limitations on foreign ownership as well as other statutory and regulatory requirements.

When evaluating an assignment or transfer of control application, the FCC is prohibited from considering whether the public interest might be served by an assignment of the broadcast license or transfer of control of the licensee to a party other than the assignee or transferee specified in the application.

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The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the “public interest.” Beginning in the late 1970s, the FCC gradually relaxed or eliminated many of the more formalized procedures it had developed to promote the broadcast of certain types of programming responsive to the needs of a station’s community of license.

However, licensees are still required to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests and to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness.

Federal law prohibits the broadcast of obscene material at any time and the broadcast of indecent material during specified time periods.

However, licensees are still required to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests, and specifically in the case of television stations, to meet the educational and informational needs of children.

Stations are also required to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness.

Federal law prohibits the broadcast of obscene material at any time and the broadcast of indecent material during specified time periods when children are more than likely to be in the audience.

Federal law also imposes sponsorship identification (or “payola”) requirements, which mandate the disclosure of information concerning programming the airing of which is paid for by third parties.

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We cannot predict the outcome of any complaint proceeding or investigation or the extent or nature of any future FCC enforcement action.

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

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

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

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The FCC has adopted rules implementing a low power FM (“LPFM”) service, and nearly 2000 such stations are currently licensed.

In November 2007, the FCC adopted rules that, among other things, enhance LPFM’s interference protection from subsequently-authorized full-service stations.

Congress then passed legislation eliminating certain minimum distance separation requirements between full-power and LPFM stations, thereby reducing the interference protection afforded to full-power FM stations.

In November 2007, the FCC adopted rules that, among other things, enhance LPFM’s interference protection from subsequently-authorized full-service FM stations.

Congress then passed legislation eliminating certain minimum distance separation requirements between full-power FM and LPFM stations, thereby reducing the interference protection afforded to full-power FM stations.

As required by the legislation, the FCC in January 2012 submitted a report to Congress indicating that the results of a statutorily mandated economic study indicated that, on the whole, LPFM stations do not currently have, and in the future are unlikely to have, a demonstrable economic impact on full-service commercial FM radio stations.

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It also is possible that songwriters or publishers may disassociate with these performing rights organizations, or that additional such organizations could emerge in the future.

If a significant number of musical composition copyright owners withdraw from the established performing rights organizations, if new performing rights organizations form to license compositions that are not already licensed, or if the consent decrees between the DOJ and ASCAP/BMI are materially modified or eliminated, our royalty rates or negotiation costs could increase.

In order to stream music over the Internet, MediaCo must also obtain licenses and pay royalties to the owners of copyrights in sound recordings (typically, artists and record companies).

If a significant number of musical composition copyright owners move from the established performing rights organizations to performing rights organizations not operating under a consent decree, if new performing rights organizations form to license compositions that are not already licensed, or if the consent decrees between the U.S.

Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and ASCAP/BMI are materially modified or eliminated, our royalty rates or negotiation costs could increase.

In order to stream music over the Internet, the Company must also obtain licenses and pay royalties to the owners of copyrights in sound recordings (typically, artists and record companies).

These royalties are in addition to royalties for Internet streaming that must be paid to performing rights organizations.

Legislation also has regularly been introduced in Congress that would require the payment of performance royalties to artists, musicians, or record companies whose music is played on terrestrial radio stations, ending a long-standing copyright law exception.

If enacted, such legislation could have an adverse impact on the cost broadcast of music programming.

Legislation also has regularly been introduced in Congress that would require the payment of performance royalties to artists, musicians, or record companies whose music is played on terrestrial broadcast stations, ending a long-standing copyright law exception.

If enacted, such legislation could have an adverse impact on the cost to broadcast music programming.

Congress and the FCC also have under consideration, and may in the future consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies regarding a wide variety of additional matters that could, directly or indirectly, affect the operation, ownership and profitability of our broadcast stations, result in the loss of audience share and advertising revenues for our broadcast stations and/or affect our ability to acquire additional broadcast stations or finance such acquisitions.

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• proposals to modify broadcasters’ public interest obligations;

• proposals, including by states, to limit the tax deductibility of advertising expenses by advertisers.

• proposals, including by states, to limit the tax deductibility of advertising expenses by advertisers, or restrict the nature or types of advertising that may be aired.

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

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Compared sentence by sentence after normalising whitespace, quotation marks, case and digits, so re-formatting and restated figures do not read as changed language. Wording changes appear as one removal and one addition. The current filing and the prior one are authoritative.

What changed 10-K

Item 1. Business