UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

þ		Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2010

o		Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

for the Transition Period from  _____  to  _____.

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

INDIANA
(State of incorporation or organization)

0-23264
(Commission file number)

35-1542018
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

ONE EMMIS PLAZA
40 MONUMENT CIRCLE
SUITE 700
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46204
(Address of principal executive offices)

(317) 266-0100
(Registrant’s Telephone Number,
Including Area Code)

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: None

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: Class A common stock, $.01 par value of Emmis Communications Corporation; 6.25% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par value of Emmis Communications Corporation.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” and “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o		Accelerated filer o		Non-accelerated filer o		Smaller reporting company þ

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, as of August 31, 2009, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $20,480,000.

The number of shares outstanding of each of Emmis Communications Corporation’s classes of common stock, as of April 30, 2010, was:

32,905,904		Class A Common Shares, $.01 par value
4,930,680		Class B Common Shares, $.01 par value
0		Class C Common Shares, $.01 par value

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Documents		Form 10-K Reference
Proxy Statement for 2010 Annual Meeting expected to be filed within 120 days		Part III

 

 

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
PART I			4
Item 1. Business			4
Item 1A. Risk Factors			16
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments			22
Item 2. Properties			23
Item 3. Legal Proceedings			23
Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)			23
PART II			24
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities			24
Item 6. Selected Financial Data			25
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation			25
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			48
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data			49
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure			94
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures			94
Item 9B. Other Information			94
PART III			94
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant			94
Item 11. Executive Compensation			94
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, and Management, and Related Stockholder Matters			94
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions			95
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services			95
PART IV			95
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules			95
Signatures			98
Exhibit 10.8
Exhibit 10.18
Exhibit 10.21
Exhibit 21
Exhibit 23
Exhibit 24
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes or incorporates forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can identify these forward-looking statements by our use of words such as “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “potential,” “opportunity” and similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. We cannot guarantee that we will achieve these plans, intentions or expectations. All statements regarding our expected financial position, business and financing plans are forward-looking statements.

Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. We have included important facts in various cautionary statements in this report that we believe could cause our actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements that we make. These include, but are not limited to, the factors described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

The forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers or dispositions. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

GENERAL

We are a diversified media company, principally focused on radio broadcasting. We operate the 8^th largest publicly traded radio portfolio in the United States based on total listeners. As of February 28, 2010, we own and operate seven FM radio stations serving the nation’s top three markets — New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, although one of our FM radio stations in Los Angeles is operated pursuant to a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) whereby a third party provides the programming for the station and sells all advertising within that programming. Additionally, we own and operate fourteen FM and two AM radio stations with strong positions in St. Louis, Austin (we have a 50.1% controlling interest in our radio stations located there), Indianapolis and Terre Haute, IN.

In addition to our domestic radio properties, we operate an international radio business and publish several city and regional magazines. Internationally, we own and operate national radio networks in Slovakia and Bulgaria. Our publishing operations consist of Texas Monthly, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Indianapolis Monthly, Cincinnati, Orange Coast, and Country Sampler and related magazines. We also engage in various businesses ancillary to our broadcasting business, such as website design and development, broadcast tower leasing and operating a news information radio network in Indiana.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

We are committed to improving the operating results of our core assets while simultaneously seeking future growth opportunities in related businesses. Our strategy is focused on the following operating principles:

Develop unique and compelling content and strong local brands

Most of our established local media brands have achieved and sustained a leading position in their respective market segments over many years. Knowledge of local markets and consistently producing unique and compelling content that meets the needs of our target audiences are critical to our success. As such, we make substantial investments in areas such as market research, data analysis and creative talent to ensure that our content remains relevant, has a meaningful impact on the communities we serve and reinforces the core brand image of each respective property.

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

In recent years, we have placed substantial emphasis on enhancing the distribution of our content through digital platforms, such as the Internet and mobile phones. We believe these digital platforms offer excellent opportunities to further enhance the relationships we have with our audiences by allowing them to consume and share our content in new ways and providing us with new distribution channels for one-to-one communication with them.

Deliver results to advertisers

Competition for advertising revenue is intense and becoming more so. To remain competitive, we focus on sustaining and growing our audiences, optimizing our pricing strategy and developing innovative marketing programs for our clients that allow them to interact with our audiences in more direct and measurable ways. These programs often include elements such as on-air endorsements, events, contests, special promotions, Internet advertising, email marketing, text messaging and online video. Our ability to deploy multi-touchpoint marketing programs allows us to deliver a stronger return-on-investment for our clients while simultaneously generating ancillary revenue streams for our media properties.

Extend sales efforts into new market segments

Given the competitive pressures in many of our “traditional” advertising categories, we are expanding our network of advertiser relationships into new and emerging advertising categories where we believe our capabilities can address clients’ under-served needs. The early return on these efforts has been encouraging and we plan to shift additional resources toward these efforts over time.

Enhance the efficiency of our operations

We believe it is essential that we operate our businesses as efficiently as possible. In recent years, we have undertaken a series of aggressive restructurings and cost cuts, and we continue to seek additional opportunities to streamline our operations.

Establish additional platforms for long-term growth and value creation

While our primary focus is on near-term performance improvement, we also believe it is important to make sensible investments in longer-term growth opportunities. For example, Emmis Interactive Inc., one of our subsidiaries, was formed last year to market to other broadcasters and publishers the leading-edge Internet technology platform and digital media sales expertise that had been developed in-house at Emmis Radio. To date, the company has signed up approximately 200 third-party media properties as clients and continues to grow rapidly. Our International Radio division has also been a strong source of profitable growth for the company over the past few years and we continue to search for opportunities to strengthen our existing clusters and expand the geographic footprint of our operations.

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 2010 (1^st 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 Fall 2009 Arbitron Survey or, in the case of our Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and St. Louis radio stations, based on the March 2010 Portable People Meter^TM (PPM^TM) results. A “t” indicates the station tied with another station for the stated ranking. “Station Audience Share” represents a percentage generally computed by dividing the average number of persons in the primary demographic listening to a particular station during specified time periods by the average number of such persons in the primary demographic for all stations in the market area as determined by Arbitron.

										RANKING IN
		MARKET						PRIMARY		PRIMARY				STATION
STATION AND		RANK BY						DEMOGRAPHIC		DEMOGRAPHIC				AUDIENCE
MARKET		REVENUE				FORMAT		TARGET AGES		TARGET				SHARE
Los Angeles, CA 1			1
KPWR-FM						Hip-Hop		18-34			2				6.8
New York, NY			2
WRKS-FM						Classic Soul/Today’s R&B		25-54			7t				3.7
WQHT-FM						Hip-Hop		18-34			2				7.9
WRXP-FM						Adult Album Alternative		25-54			15t				3.0
Chicago, IL			3
WLUP-FM						Classic Rock		25-54			11t				3.2
WKQX-FM						Alternative Rock		18-34			5				5.4
St. Louis, MO			21
KPNT-FM						Alternative Rock		18-34			1				13.2
KSHE-FM						Album Oriented Rock		25-54			2				8.2
KIHT-FM						Classic Hits		25-54			4				7.2
KFTK-FM						Talk		25-54			14				2.9
Austin, TX			32
KLBJ-AM						News/Talk		25-54			7				4.8
KLZT-FM 2						Mexican Regional		18-34			13t				1.8
KBPA-FM						Adult Hits		25-54			4t				5.4
KLBJ-FM						Album Oriented Rock		25-54			3				5.6
KGSR-FM						Adult Album Alternative		25-54			8				4.4
KROX-FM						Alternative Rock		18-34			6				5.8
Indianapolis, IN			36
WFNI-AM						Sports Talk		25-54			15				2.5
WYXB-FM						Soft Adult Contemporary		25-54			8				4.7
WLHK-FM						Country		25-54			4				5.7
WIBC-FM						News/Talk		35-64			2				7.5
Terre Haute, IN			237
WTHI-FM						Country		25-54			1				21.2
WWVR-FM						Classic Rock		25-54			3				7.6

In addition to our other domestic radio broadcasting operations, we own and operate Network Indiana, a radio network that provides news and other programming to nearly 70 affiliated radio stations in Indiana. Internationally, we own and operate national radio networks in Slovakia and Bulgaria. We also engage in various businesses ancillary to our broadcasting business, such as consulting and broadcast tower leasing.

PUBLISHING OPERATIONS

We publish the following magazines:

		Monthly
		Paid & Verified
		Circulation(1)
Regional Magazines:
Texas Monthly			301,100
Los Angeles			140,000
Atlanta			63,100
Orange Coast			52,500
Indianapolis Monthly			42,400
Cincinnati			39,300
Specialty Magazines (2):
Country Sampler			339,900
Country Business			21,900

INTERNET AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES

We believe that the growth of the Internet and other new technologies present not only a challenge, but an opportunity for broadcasters and publishers. The primary challenge is increased competition for the time and attention of our listeners and readers. The opportunity is to further enhance the relationships we already have with our listeners and readers by expanding products and services offered by our stations and magazines.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

We believe that to be successful, we must be integrally involved in the communities we serve. We see ourselves as community partners. To that end, each of our stations and magazines participates in many community programs, fundraisers and activities that benefit a wide variety of organizations. Charitable organizations that have been the beneficiaries of our contributions, marathons, walkathons, dance-a-thons, concerts, fairs and festivals include, among others, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Coalition for the Homeless, Indiana Black Expo, the Children’s Wish Fund, the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and Special Olympics. Several years ago, the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation honored us with the Hubbard Award, honoring a broadcaster “for extraordinary involvement in serving the community.” Emmis was the second broadcaster to receive this prestigious honor, after the Hubbard family, for which the award is named.

INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT

We have an active leadership role in a wide range of industry organizations. Our senior managers have served in various capacities with industry associations, including as directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Radio Advertising Bureau, the Radio Futures Committee, the Arbitron Advisory Council, and as founding members of the Radio Operators Caucus and Magazine Publishers of America. Our chief executive officer has been honored with the National Association of Broadcasters’ “National Radio Award” and as Radio Ink’s “Radio Executive of the Year.” Our management and on-air personalities have won numerous industry awards.

COMPETITION

Radio broadcasting stations compete with the other broadcasting stations in their respective market areas, as well as with other advertising media such as newspapers, cable, magazines, outdoor advertising, transit advertising, the Internet and direct marketing. Competition within the broadcasting industry occurs primarily in individual market areas, so that a station in one market (e.g., New York) does not generally compete with stations in other markets (e.g., Chicago). In each of our markets, our stations face competition from other stations with substantial financial resources, including stations targeting the same demographic groups. In addition to management experience, factors that are material to competitive position include the station’s rank in its market in terms of the number of listeners or viewers, authorized power, assigned frequency, audience characteristics, local program acceptance and the number and characteristics of other stations in the market area. We attempt to improve our competitive position with programming and promotional campaigns aimed at the demographic groups targeted by our stations. We also seek to improve our position through sales efforts designed to attract advertisers that have done little or no radio advertising by emphasizing the effectiveness of radio advertising in increasing the advertisers’ revenues. The policies and rules of the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) permit certain joint ownership and joint operation of local stations. All of our radio stations take advantage of these joint arrangements in an effort to lower operating costs and to offer advertisers more attractive rates and services. Although we believe that each of our stations can compete effectively in its market, there can be no assurance that any of our stations will be able to maintain or increase its current audience ratings or advertising revenue market share.

Although the broadcasting industry is highly competitive, barriers to entry exist. The operation of a broadcasting station in the United States requires a license from the FCC. Also, the number of stations that can operate in a given market is limited by the availability of the frequencies that the FCC will license in that market, as well as by the FCC’s multiple ownership rules regulating the number of stations that may be owned and controlled by a single entity and cross ownership rules which limit the types of media properties in any given market that can be owned by the same person or company.

ADVERTISING SALES

Our stations and magazines derive their advertising revenue from local and regional advertising in the marketplaces in which they operate, as well as from the sale of national advertising. Local and most regional sales are made by a station’s or magazine’s sales staff. National sales are made by firms specializing in such sales, which are compensated on a commission-only basis. We believe that the volume of national advertising revenue tends to adjust to shifts in a station’s audience share position more rapidly than does the volume of local and regional advertising revenue. During the year ended February 28, 2010, approximately 18% of our total advertising revenues were derived from national sales, and 82% were derived from local and regional sales. For the year ended February 28, 2010, our radio stations derived a higher percentage of their advertising revenues from local and regional sales (84%) than our publishing entities (73%).

EMPLOYEES

As of February 28, 2010, Emmis had approximately 880 full-time employees and approximately 330 part-time employees. Approximately 50 employees are represented by unions at our various radio stations. We consider relations with our employees to be good.

INTERNET ADDRESS AND INTERNET ACCESS TO SEC REPORTS

Our Internet address is www.emmis.com. Through our Internet website, free of charge, you may obtain copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. These reports will be available the same day we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the SEC. We have been making such reports available on the same day they are filed during the period covered by this report.

FEDERAL REGULATION OF BROADCASTING

Radio broadcasting in the United States is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934 (the “Communications Act”), as amended in part by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “1996 Act”). Radio broadcasting is prohibited except in accordance with a license issued by the FCC upon a finding that the public interest, convenience and necessity would be served by the grant of such license. The FCC has the power to revoke licenses for, among other things, false statements made in applications or willful or repeated violations of the Communications Act or of FCC rules. In general, the Communications Act provides that the FCC shall allocate broadcast licenses for radio stations in such a manner as will provide a fair, efficient and equitable distribution of service throughout the United States. The FCC determines the operating frequency, location and power of stations; regulates the equipment used by stations; and regulates numerous other areas of radio broadcasting pursuant to rules, regulations and policies adopted under authority of the Communications Act. The Communications Act, among other things, prohibits the assignment of a broadcast license or the transfer of control of an entity holding such a license without the prior approval of the FCC. Under the Communications Act, the FCC also regulates certain aspects of the operation of cable television systems and other electronic media that compete with broadcast stations.

The following is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations and policies. Reference should be made to the Communications Act as well as FCC rules, public notices and rulings for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of radio stations. Other legislation has been introduced from time to time which would amend the Communications Act in various respects, and the FCC from time to time considers new regulations or amendments to its existing regulations. We cannot predict whether any such legislation will be enacted or whether new or amended FCC regulations will be adopted or what their effect would be on Emmis.

LICENSE RENEWAL. Radio stations operate pursuant to broadcast licenses that are ordinarily granted by the FCC for maximum terms of eight years and are subject to renewal upon approval by the FCC. The following table sets forth our FCC license expiration dates in addition to the call letters, license classification, antenna elevation above average terrain (for our FM stations only), power and frequency of all owned stations as of February 28, 2010:

Height Above

Average

Expiration Date

Terrain

Power (in

Radio Market

Stations

City of License

Frequency

of License1

FCC Class

(in feet)

Kilowatts)

Los Angeles, CA

KPWR-FM

Los Angeles, CA

105.9

December 2013

B

3035

25

KXOS-FM

Los Angeles, CA

93.9

December 2013

B

3009

18.5

New York, NY

WRXP-FM

New York, NY

101.9

June 2014

B

1355

6.2

WQHT-FM

New York, NY

97.1

June 2014

B

1339

6.7

WRKS-FM

New York, NY

98.7

June 2014

B

1362

6

Chicago, IL

WKQX-FM

Chicago, IL

101.1

December 2004 2

B

1394

5.7

WLUP-FM

Chicago, IL

97.9

December 2012

B

1394

4

St. Louis, MO

KFTK-FM

Florissant, MO

97.1

February 2013

C1

561

100

KIHT-FM

St. Louis, MO

96.3

February 2013

C1

1027

80

KPNT-FM 3

Collinsville, IL

105.7

February 2005 2

C

1375

100

KSHE-FM

Crestwood, MO

94.7

February 2013

C0

1027

100

Austin, TX

KBPA-FM

San Marcos, TX

103.5

August 2013

C0

1257

100

KGSR-FM

Cedar Park, TX

93.3

August 2013

C

1926

100

KLZT-FM

Bastrop, TX

107.1

August 2013

C2

499

49

KLBJ-AM

Austin, TX

590

August 2013

B

N/A

5 D / 1 N

KLBJ-FM

Austin, TX

93.7

August 2013

C

1050

97

KROX-FM

Buda, TX

101.5

August 2013

C2

843

12.5

Indianapolis, IN

WFNI-AM

Indianapolis, IN

1070

August 2012

B

N/A

50 D / 10 N

WLHK-FM

Shelbyville, IN

97.1

August 2012

B

732

23

WIBC-FM

Indianapolis, IN

93.1

August 2004 2

B

991

13.5

WYXB-FM

Indianapolis, IN

105.7

August 2012

B

492

50

Terre Haute, IN

WTHI-FM

Terre Haute, IN

99.9

August 2012

B

489

50

WWVR-FM

West Terre Haute, IN

105.5

August 2012

A

295

3.3

Under the Communications Act, at the time an application is filed for renewal of a station license, parties in interest, as well as members of the public, may apprise the FCC of the service the station has provided during the preceding license term and urge the denial of the application. If such a petition to deny presents information from which the FCC concludes (or if the FCC concludes on its own motion) that there is a “substantial and material” question as to whether grant of the renewal application would be in the public interest under applicable rules and policy, the FCC may conduct a hearing on specified issues to determine whether the renewal application should be granted. The Communications Act provides for the grant of a renewal application upon a finding by the FCC that the licensee:

•

has served the public interest, convenience and necessity;

•

has committed no serious violations of the Communications Act or the FCC rules; and

•

has committed no other violations of the Communications Act or the FCC rules which would constitute a pattern of abuse.

If the FCC cannot make such a finding, it may deny the renewal application, and only then may the FCC consider competing applications for the same frequency. In a vast majority of cases, the FCC renews a broadcast license even when petitions to deny have been filed against the renewal application.

Petitions to deny have been filed against the renewal applications for WKQX and KPNT and remain pending. An informal objection was filed against the renewal applications of the Company’s Indiana radio stations and was rejected by the FCC, and the licenses of all the Indiana radio stations except WIBC were renewed. A petition was filed with the FCC seeking reconsideration of grant of those license renewals, and was rejected. However, an application for review of the decision denying reconsideration was subsequently filed, and remains pending. See “PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION.”

REVIEW OF OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS. The 1996 Act required the FCC to review all of its broadcast ownership rules every two years and to repeal or modify any of its rules that are no longer “necessary in the public interest.” Pursuant to subsequently adopted congressional appropriations legislation, these reviews now must be conducted once every four years.

In June of 2003, the FCC modified several of its regulations governing the ownership of radio stations in local markets. In June of 2004, however, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit released a decision rejecting much of the FCC’s 2003 decision. While affirming the FCC in certain respects, the Third Circuit found fault with the proposed new limits on media combinations, remanded them to the agency for further proceedings and extended a stay on the implementation of the new rules that it had imposed in September 2003. In December of 2007, the FCC adopted a decision pursuant to the remand ordered by the Court of Appeals. The FCC relaxed its long-standing prohibition on common ownership of a television or radio station and daily newspaper in the same market, allowing such ownership under limited circumstances. The FCC, however, largely left intact its other pre-2003 ownership rules, including those limiting the number of radio stations that may be commonly owned, or owned in combination with a television station, in a given local market. The FCC’s decision has been appealed by a number of broadcasters (not including Emmis) and by a number of “public interest” groups. The appeals have been consolidated in the Third Circuit and remain pending. Several other “public interest” groups also jointly filed a petition for reconsideration of the December 2007 decision with the FCC, and that petition similarly remains pending. In 2010, the FCC again will be required to undertake a comprehensive review of its broadcast ownership rules pursuant to its statutory quadrennial review obligation to determine whether the rules remain necessary in the public interest. We cannot predict whether such appeals or the reconsideration proceeding will result in modifications of the ownership rules or the impact (if any) that such modifications would have on our business.

The discussion below reviews the pertinent ownership rules currently in effect and the changes in the newspaper/broadcast rule adopted in the FCC’s December 2007 decision.

Local Radio Ownership:

The local radio ownership rule limits the number of commercial radio stations that may be owned by one entity in a given radio market based on the number of radio stations in that market:

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

Each of the markets in which our radio stations are located has at least 15 commercial radio stations.

For purposes of applying these numerical limits, the FCC has also adopted rules with respect to (i) so-called local marketing agreements, or “LMAs,” by which the licensee of one radio station provides programming for another licensee’s radio station in the same market and sells all of the advertising within that programming and (ii) so-called joint sale agreements, or “JSAs,” by which the licensee of one station sells the advertising time on another station in the market. Under these rules, an entity that owns one or more radio stations in a market and programs more than 15% of the broadcast time, or sells more than 15% of the advertising time, on another radio station in the same market pursuant to an LMA or JSA is generally required to count the station toward its media ownership limits even though it does not own the station. As a result, in a market where we own one or more radio stations, we generally cannot provide programming to another station under an LMA, or sell advertising on another station pursuant to a JSA, if we could not acquire that station under the local radio ownership rule. On April 3, 2009, Emmis entered into an LMA for KXOS-FM in Los Angeles with a subsidiary of Grupo Radio Centro, S.A.B. de C.V (“GRC”), a Mexican broadcasting company. The LMA for KXOS-FM started on April 15, 2009 and will continue for up to 7 years. The LMA fee is $7 million per year. At any time during the LMA, GRC has the right to purchase the station for $110 million. At the end of the term, Emmis has the right to require GRC to purchase the station for the same amount. Under the LMA, Emmis continues to own and operate the station, with GRC providing Emmis with programming for broadcast.

Although the FCC’s June 2003 decision did not change the numerical caps under the local radio rule, the FCC adjusted the rule by deciding that both commercial and noncommercial stations could be counted in determining the number of stations in a radio market. The decision also altered the definition of the relevant local market for purposes of the rule. The FCC “grandfathered” existing station “clusters” not in compliance with the numerical caps as calculated pursuant to the new market definition, but provided that they could be sold intact only to small businesses meeting certain requirements. In December 2007, the FCC expanded this policy to allow an owner to sell a grandfathered station cluster to any buyer, so long as the buyer commits to file, within 12 months, an application with the FCC to transfer the excess station(s) to an eligible small business or to a trust for ultimate sale to such an entity. The change in market definition appears to impact the Austin, Texas market, such that we exceed the numerical cap for FM stations. If we chose to sell our Austin cluster of stations, we would have to either sell the cluster to a buyer meeting the requirements described above or “spin off” one FM station to a separate buyer.

Cross-Media Ownership:

The FCC’s radio/television cross-ownership rule generally permits the common ownership of the following combinations in the same market, to the extent permitted under the FCC’s television duopoly rule and local radio rules:

•

up to two commercial television stations and six commercial radio stations or one commercial television station and seven commercial radio stations in a market where at least 20 independent media voices will remain post-merger;

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up to two commercial television stations and four commercial radio stations in a market where at least 10 independent media voices will remain post-merger; and

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two commercial television stations and one commercial radio station in a market with less than 10 independent media voices that will remain post-merger.

For purposes of this rule, the FCC counts as “voices” commercial and non-commercial broadcast television and radio stations as well as some daily newspapers and no more than one cable operator. The FCC will consider permanent waivers of its revised radio/television cross-ownership rule only if one of the stations is a “failed station.”

As noted above, the FCC rules formerly prohibited common ownership of a daily newspaper and a radio or television station in the same local market. In its December 2007 decision, the FCC adopted rules that contain a presumption in favor of allowing ownership of one television or radio station in combination with one daily newspaper in the 20 largest media markets. In smaller markets, there is a presumption against allowing such ownership. In the case of proposed TV/newspaper combinations, the TV station may not be among the top four ranked stations in its market, and there must be at least eight independently owned and operated TV stations in the market post-transaction. The Third Circuit had stayed implementation of the December 2007 changes to the newspaper/television cross-ownership ban, but the stay was lifted on March 23, 2010, and accordingly the changes are now in effect.

ALIEN OWNERSHIP. Under the Communications Act, no FCC license may be held by a corporation if more than one-fifth of its capital stock is owned or voted by aliens or their representatives, a foreign government or representative thereof, or an entity organized under the laws of a foreign country (collectively, “Non-U.S. Persons”). Furthermore, the Communications Act provides that no FCC license may be granted to an entity directly or indirectly controlled by another entity of which more than one-fourth of its capital stock is owned or voted by Non-U.S. Persons if the FCC finds that the public interest will be served by the denial of such license. The FCC staff has interpreted this provision to require an affirmative public interest finding to permit the grant or holding of a license, and such a finding has been made only in limited circumstances. The foregoing restrictions on alien ownership apply in modified form to other types of business organizations, including partnerships and limited liability companies. An LMA with a foreign owned company is not prohibited as long as the non-foreign holder of the FCC license continues to control and operate the station. Our Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Code of By-Laws authorize the Board of Directors to prohibit such restricted alien ownership, voting or transfer of capital stock as would cause Emmis to violate the Communications Act or FCC regulations.

ATTRIBUTION OF OWNERSHIP INTERESTS. In applying its ownership rules, the FCC has developed specific criteria in order to determine whether a certain ownership interest or other relationship with an FCC licensee is significant enough to be “attributable” or “cognizable” under its rules. Specifically, among other relationships, certain stockholders, officers and directors of a broadcasting company are deemed to have an attributable interest in the licenses held by that company, such that there would be a violation of the FCC’s rules where the broadcasting company and such a stockholder, officer or director together hold attributable interests in more than the permitted number of stations or a prohibited combination of outlets in the same market. The FCC’s regulations generally deem the following relationships and interests to be attributable for purposes of its ownership restrictions:

•

all officer and director positions in a licensee or its direct/indirect parent(s);

•

voting stock interests of at least 5% (or 20%, if the holder is a passive institutional investor, i.e., a mutual fund, insurance company or bank);

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

•

equity and/or debt interests which, in the aggregate, exceed 33% of the total asset value of a station or other media entity (the “equity/debt plus policy”), if the interest holder supplies more than 15% of the station’s total weekly programming (usually pursuant to a time brokerage, local marketing or network affiliation agreement) or is a same-market media entity (i.e., broadcast company or newspaper). In December of 2007, the FCC increased these limits under certain circumstances where the equity and/or debt interests are in a small business meeting certain requirements.

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

Under existing FCC policy, in the case of corporations having a “single majority shareholder,” the interests of minority shareholders are generally not deemed attributable. Because Jeffrey H. Smulyan’s voting interest in the Company currently exceeds 50%, this exemption appears to apply to the Company. Elimination of the exemption is, however, under consideration by the FCC. If the exemption is eliminated, or if Mr. Smulyan’s voting interest falls to or below 50%, then the interests of any minority shareholders that meet or exceed the thresholds described above would become attributable and would be combined with the Company’s interests for purposes of determining compliance with FCC ownership rules.

Ownership-rule conflicts arising as a result of aggregating the media interests of the Company and its attributable shareholders could require divestitures by either the Company or the affected shareholders. Any such conflicts could result in Emmis being unable to obtain FCC consents necessary for future acquisitions. Conversely, Emmis’ media interests could operate to restrict other media investments by shareholders having or acquiring an interest in Emmis.

ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS OF CONTROL. The Communications Act prohibits the assignment of a broadcast license or the transfer of control of a broadcast licensee without the prior approval of the FCC. In determining whether to grant such approval, the FCC considers a number of factors, including compliance with the various rules limiting common ownership of media properties, the “character” of the assignee or transferee and those persons holding attributable interests therein and compliance with the Communications Act’s limitations on alien ownership as well as other statutory and regulatory requirements. When evaluating an assignment or transfer of control application, the FCC is prohibited from considering whether the public interest might be served by an assignment of the broadcast license or transfer of control of the licensee to a party other than the assignee or transferee specified in the application.

PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION. The Communications Act requires broadcasters to serve the “public interest.” Beginning in the late 1970s, the FCC gradually relaxed or eliminated many of the more formalized procedures it had developed to promote the broadcast of certain types of programming responsive to the needs of a station’s community of license. However, licensees continue to be required to present programming that is responsive to community problems, needs and interests and to maintain certain records demonstrating such responsiveness.

Federal law prohibits the broadcast of obscene material at any time and the broadcast of indecent material during specified time periods; these prohibitions are subject to enforcement action by the FCC. The agency has engaged in more aggressive enforcement of its indecency regulations than has generally been the case in the past. In addition to imposing more stringent fines, the FCC has indicated that it may begin license revocation procedures for “serious” violations of the indecency law. Furthermore, in June of 2006, Congress passed legislation that increased the per-violation maximum fine tenfold, from $32,500 to $325,000.

In August of 2004, Emmis entered into a Consent Decree with the FCC, pursuant to which (i) the company adopted a compliance plan intended to avoid future indecency violations, (ii) the company admitted, solely for purposes of the Decree, that certain prior broadcasts were “indecent,” (iii) the company agreed to make a voluntary payment of $300,000 to the U.S. Treasury, (iv) the FCC rescinded its prior enforcement actions against the company based on allegedly indecent broadcasts, and agreed not to use against the company any indecency violations based on complaints within the FCC’s possession as of the date of the Decree or “similar” complaints based on pre-Decree broadcasts, and (v) the FCC found that neither the alleged indecency violations nor the circumstances surrounding a civil suit filed by a WKQX announcer raised any substantial and material questions concerning the company’s qualifications to hold FCC licenses. The Consent Decree was subsequently upheld by a federal court of appeals. Petitions have been filed against the license renewal applications of stations WKQX and KPNT, and an informal objection was filed against the license renewals of the company’s Indiana radio stations, in each case based primarily on the matters covered by the Decree. The petitions against WKQX and KPNT remain pending. The objections against the Indiana license renewals were rejected by the FCC, as was a petition for reconsideration of the grant of those applications, but an application for review of that FCC action is pending. Subsequent to the approval of the Consent Decree, the company has received letters of inquiry from the FCC alleging additional violations of indecency rules. The broadcasts covered by these letters of inquiry are not covered by the Consent Decree and could result in the imposition of liability.

In 2006, the FCC commenced an industry-wide inquiry into possible violations of sponsorship identification requirements and “payola” in the radio industry. Its initial inquiries were directed to four radio groups, and in April 2007, those groups entered into Consent Decrees with the FCC to resolve outstanding investigations and allegations. Emmis has received similar inquiries from the FCC and has submitted responses; additional responses may be submitted in the future.

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

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

ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND PROPOSED CHANGES. The FCC has adopted rules implementing a new low power FM (“LPFM”) service, and approximately 800 such stations are in operation. In November of 2007, the FCC adopted rules that, among other things, enhance LPFM’s interference protection from subsequently-authorized full-service stations. In addition, the FCC has proposed to reduce interference protection to FM stations from LPFM stations operating on certain adjacent frequencies, and in December 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that would implement the FCC’s proposal. A companion bill is pending in the Senate, but the likelihood of its passage remains uncertain. We cannot predict whether any LPFM stations will interfere with the coverage of our radio stations.

In June 2009, the FCC adopted rules that allow an AM radio station to use currently authorized FM translator stations to retransmit the AM station’s programming within the AM station’s authorized service area.

The FCC also has authorized the launch and operation of a satellite digital audio radio service (“SDARS”) system. In July of 2008, the two original SDARS companies—Sirius Satellite Radio, Inc. and XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc.—merged into a new company called Sirius XM, which currently provides nationwide programming service. Sirius XM also offers channels that provide local traffic and weather information for major cities. We cannot predict the impact of SDARS or of the merger of Sirius and XM on our radio stations’ listenership.

In October of 2002, the FCC issued an order selecting a technical standard for terrestrial digital audio broadcasting (“DAB,” also known as high definition radio or “HD Radio”). The in-band, on-channel (“IBOC”) technology chosen by the agency allows AM and FM radio broadcasters to introduce digital operations and permits existing stations to operate on their current frequencies in either full analog mode, full digital mode, or a combination of both (at reduced power). In March 2005, the FCC announced that, pending adoption of final rules, it would allow stations on an interim basis to broadcast multiple digital channels. In March 2007, the FCC adopted service rules for HD Radio^®. Significantly, the FCC decided to allow FM stations to broadcast digital multicast streams without seeking prior FCC authority, to provide datacasting services, to lease excess digital capacity to third parties, and to offer subscription services pursuant to requests for experimental authority. Under the new rules, FM stations may operate in the “extended hybrid mode,” which provides more flexibility for multicasting and datacasting services; and may use separate analog and digital antennas without seeking prior FCC authority. FM translators, FM boosters and low power FM stations may also broadcast digitally where feasible, and AM stations may now operate digitally during nighttime hours. The new rules mandate that broadcasters offering digital service provide at least one free over-the-air signal comparable in quality to their analog signal and that they simulcast their analog programming on their main digital stream, and prohibit broadcasters from operating exclusively in digital. The FCC declined either to set any mandatory deadline for broadcasters to convert to digital operations or to impose additional public interest obligations (beyond those that already apply to analog broadcasters) on digital broadcasters. The FCC did, however, adopt a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on (among other things) whether additional public interest obligations are necessary, including consideration of a requirement that radio stations report their public service programming in detail on a standardized form and post that form and all other contents of their public inspection files on the station’s website. (The FCC subsequently imposed such a requirement on television stations in November of 2007, which is the subject of a pending appeal.) In January 2010, the FCC revised its DAB service rules to allow FM DAB stations to increase the permitted power levels of DAB transmissions. In September 2008, shortly after approving the Sirius-XM merger, the FCC sought comment on whether it should mandate the inclusion of HD Radio^® features in satellite radio receivers. That proceeding remains pending, and we cannot predict its outcome or the impact that a decision might have on our business.

On May 1, 2007, the Copyright Royalty Board (“CRB”) published royalty rates and terms for non-interactive Internet streaming of sound recordings for 2006-2010. The new rates apply to all nonsubscription and new subscription services that stream sound recordings on the Internet, including radio stations that simulcast their broadcast programming over the Internet. The new rates represent a substantial increase from the previous rates. The rates increase from 0.08 cent per listener per song in 2006 to 0.19 cent per-listener per-song in 2010. Several parties, including certain commercial broadcasters, appealed the CRB decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. In February 2009, before the appeal was decided, the National Association of Broadcasters and SoundExchange, the entity that represents the recording industry and receives royalty payments from webcasters, negotiated a settlement setting rates and terms for 2006-2015 that resulted in the withdrawal of all commercial broadcasters from the appeal. Under the settlement, a commercial broadcaster could elect to pay pursuant to the settlement rates in lieu of the CRB rates, which Emmis elected to do. The rates set under the settlement increase from 0.08 cent per listener per song in 2006 to 0.25 cent per listener per song in 2015.

The D.C. Circuit decided the appeal of the CRB rates on July 10, 2009. The Court vacated the CRB’s decision to set $500 minimum annual fees for both commercial and noncommercial webcasters but affirmed the decision in all other respects. On remand, the CRB set a minimum annual fee of $500 per station or channel based on a settlement between SoundExchange and the Digital Media Association and is still considering the minimum annual fee payable by noncommercial webcasters. A proceeding to set rates for 2011-2015 is underway, but broadcasters such as Emmis that have elected to pay the rates set by the settlement agreement will not be eligible for those rates.

Legislation has also been introduced into both houses of Congress that would require terrestrial radio broadcasters to pay performance royalties to performers, ending a long-standing copyright law exception. As currently drafted, both bills would establish a flat royalty fee, but would also provide for a “per-program” option for radio stations that make limited use of sound recordings. Although both measures have been reported out of committee for consideration by the U.S. House and Senate, the prospects for passage of these measures remain uncertain. If enacted, this legislation could have an adverse impact on the cost of music programming.

In December of 2007, the FCC initiated a proceeding to consider imposing requirements intended to promote broadcasters’ service to their local communities, including (i) requiring stations to establish a “community advisory board,” (ii) reinstating a requirement that a station’s main studio be in its community of license and (iii) imposing local programming “guidelines” that, if not met, would result in additional scrutiny of a station’s license renewal application. While many broadcasters have opposed these proposals, we cannot predict how the FCC will resolve the issue.

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. Such matters include, but are not limited to:

•

proposals to impose spectrum use or other fees on FCC licensees;

•

proposals to repeal or modify some or all of the FCC’s multiple ownership rules and/or policies;

•

proposals to change rules relating to political broadcasting;

•

technical and frequency allocation matters;

•

AM stereo broadcasting;

•

proposals to modify service and technical rules for digital radio, including possible additional public interest requirements for terrestrial digital audio broadcasters;

•

proposals to restrict or prohibit the advertising of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages;

•

proposals to tighten safety guidelines relating to radio frequency radiation exposure;

•

proposals permitting FM stations to accept formerly impermissible interference;

•

proposals to reinstate holding periods for licenses;

•

changes to broadcast technical requirements, including those relative to the implementation of SDARS and DAB;

•

proposals to reallocate spectrum associated with TV channels 5 and 6 for FM radio broadcasting;

•

proposals to modify broadcasters’ public interest obligations;

•

proposals to limit the tax deductibility of advertising expenses by advertisers; and

•

proposals to regulate violence in broadcasts.

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

The foregoing is only a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act and of specific FCC regulations. Reference should be made to the Communications Act as well as FCC regulations, public notices and rulings for further information concerning the nature and extent of federal regulation of broadcast stations.

REGULATION OF BROADCASTING IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Each of our broadcast properties outside the United States also operate pursuant to licenses granted by a government regulator comparable to the FCC. The following table sets forth the regulator, the city or country of license and the license expiration date for each of our international radio properties:

Property		Country		Regulator		Expiration
Radio Expres		Slovakia		Council for Broadcasting and Retransmission		February 2013
Radio FM+		Bulgaria		The Council for Electronic Media		February 2013
Radio Fresh		Bulgaria		The Council for Electronic Media		February 2013
Star FM		Bulgaria		The Council for Electronic Media		January 2013

Broadcast licenses in many foreign countries do not necessarily confer the same renewal expectancy as U.S. radio stations broadcast licenses. While we believe that we have reasonable prospects for securing extensions of our remaining international broadcast licenses, we cannot be sure that such extensions will be granted or that the terms and conditions of such extensions will not have a material adverse effect on our international operations. For instance, on October 28, 2009, the Hungarian National Radio and Television Board (ORTT) announced that it was awarding to another bidder the national radio license then held by our majority-owned subsidiary, Slager. Slager ceased broadcasting effective November 19, 2009. Slager filed a lawsuit in Hungary claiming the award of the license by the ORTT to the other bidder violated the Hungarian Media Law. In February 2010, the Hungarian trial court agreed with Slager that the ORTT’s award was unlawful. The ORTT and the winning bidder appealed the court’s decision. A hearing on the appeal is scheduled for July 1, 2010. While we believe the trial court’s ruling was correct, we cannot guarantee that the ruling will be upheld on appeal or that a favorable ruling by the appellate court will result in the award of the license or monetary damages to Slager. We expect to continue to explore Hungarian, European Union, and international arbitration forums to seek a favorable resolution to this matter.

In addition, the broadcast licenses in these countries require our stations to comply with various other regulatory requirements, including broadcast content requirements (e.g., a certain amount of local news), limits on the amounts and types of advertising, and the like.

GEOGRAPHIC FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company’s segments operate primarily in the United States with national radio networks in Slovakia and Bulgaria. The following tables summarize relevant financial information by geographic area. Net revenues and noncurrent assets related to discontinued operations are excluded for all periods presented.

		Year Ended February 28 (29),
		2008				2009				2010
		(amounts in thousands)
Net Revenues:
Domestic		$	316,895			$	285,878			$	226,373
International			18,782				22,053				16,193
Total		$	335,677			$	307,931			$	242,566

		As of February 28 (29),
		2008				2009				2010
		(amounts in thousands)
Noncurrent Assets:
Domestic		$	953,025			$	594,034			$	412,977
International			26,134				13,687				10,490
Total		$	979,159			$	607,721			$	423,467

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

The risk factors listed below, in addition to those set forth elsewhere in this report, could affect the business and future results of the Company. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.

Risks Related to our Business

Our results of operations could be negatively impacted by weak economic conditions and instability in financial markets.

We believe that advertising is a discretionary business expense. Spending on advertising tends to decline disproportionately during an economic recession or downturn as compared to other types of business spending. Consequently, a downturn in the United States economy generally has an adverse effect on our advertising revenue and, therefore, our results of operations. A recession or downturn in the economy of any individual geographic market, particularly a major market such as Los Angeles or New York, also generally has a significant effect on us. The recent recession in the global economy negatively impacted our results of operations. While economic conditions appear to be improving, we can not ensure that our results of operations won’t be negatively impacted by future economic downturns or by delays in economic recovery.

Even with a recovery from the recent recession in the economy, an individual business sector (such as the automotive industry) that tends to spend more on advertising than other sectors might be forced to maintain a reduced level of advertising expenditures if that sector experiences a slower recovery than the economy in general, or might reduce its advertising expenditures further if additional downturns occur. If that sector’s spending represents a significant portion of our advertising revenues, any reduction in its advertising expenditures may affect our revenue.

We may lose audience share and advertising revenue to competing radio stations or other types of media.

We operate in highly competitive industries. Our radio stations compete for audiences and advertising revenue with other radio stations and station groups, as well as with other media. Shifts in population, demographics, audience tastes, consumer use of technology and forms of media and other factors beyond our control could cause us to lose market share. Any adverse change in a particular market, or adverse change in the relative market positions of the stations located in a particular market, could have a material adverse effect on our revenue or ratings, could require increased promotion or other expenses in that market, and could adversely affect our revenue in other markets. Other radio broadcasting companies may enter the markets in which we operate or may operate in the future. These companies may be larger and have more financial resources than we have. Our radio stations may not be able to maintain or increase their current audience ratings and advertising revenue in the face of such competition.

We routinely conduct market research to review the competitive position of our stations in their respective markets. If we determine that a station could improve its operating performance by serving a different demographic within its market, we may change the format of that station. Our competitors may respond to our actions by more aggressive promotions of their stations or by replacing the format we vacate, limiting our options if we do not achieve expected results with our new format.

From time to time, other stations may change their format or programming, a new station may adopt a format to compete directly with our stations for audiences and advertisers, or stations might engage in aggressive promotional campaigns. These tactics could result in lower ratings and advertising revenue or increased promotion and other expenses and, consequently, lower earnings and cash flow for us. Any failure by us to respond, or to respond as quickly as our competitors, could also have an adverse effect on our business and financial performance.

Arbitron Inc., the supplier of ratings data for United States radio markets, has developed technology to passively collect data for its ratings service. The Portable People Meter^TM is a small, pager-sized device that does not require any active manipulation by the end user and is capable of automatically measuring radio, television, Internet, satellite radio and satellite television signals that are encoded for the service by the broadcaster. Our New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and St. Louis market ratings are being measured by the PPM^TM. In each market, there has been a compression in the relative ratings of all stations in the market, enhancing the competitive pressure within the market for advertising dollars. In addition, ratings for certain stations when measured by the PPM^TM as opposed to the traditional diary methodology can be materially different. PPM^TM based ratings are scheduled to be introduced in Indianapolis and Austin by Spring 2010. We anticipate Terre Haute will remain a diary ratings market.

Because of the competitive factors we face and the introduction of the PPM^TM, we cannot assure investors that we will be able to maintain or increase our current audience ratings and advertising revenue.

Our domestic radio operations are heavily concentrated in the New York and Los Angeles markets.

Our radio operations in New York and Los Angeles account for approximately 50% of our domestic radio revenues. Our results from operations can be materially affected by decreased ratings or resulting revenues in either one of these markets.

We must respond to the rapid changes in technology, services and standards that characterize our industry in order to remain competitive.

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to rapid technological changes, evolving industry standards and the emergence of competition from new technologies and services. We cannot assure that we will have the resources to acquire new technologies or to introduce new services that could compete with these new technologies. Various media technologies and services that have been developed or introduced in the recent years include:

•

satellite-delivered digital audio radio service, which has resulted in subscriber-based satellite radio services with numerous niche formats;

•

audio programming by cable systems, direct-broadcast satellite systems, personal communications systems, Internet content providers and other digital audio broadcast formats;

•

personal digital audio devices (e.g., audio via Wi-Fi, mobile phones, iPods®, iPhones®, WiMAX, the Internet and MP3 players);

•

in-band on-channel digital radio (i.e., HD digital radio), which provides multi-channel, multi-format digital radio services in the same bandwidth currently occupied by traditional AM and FM radio services; and

•

low-power FM radio, which could result in additional FM radio broadcast outlets.

New media has resulted in fragmentation in the advertising market, but we cannot predict the effect, if any, that additional competition arising from new technologies may have on the radio broadcasting industry or on our financial condition and results of operations. We also cannot ensure that our investments in HD digital radio and other technologies will produce the desired returns.

Our business depends on maintaining our licenses with the FCC. We could be prevented from operating a radio station if we fail to maintain its license.

The radio broadcasting industry is subject to extensive and changing regulation. The Communications Act and FCC rules and policies require FCC approval for transfers of control and assignments of FCC licenses. The filing of petitions or complaints against FCC licensees could result in the FCC delaying the grant of, or refusing to grant, its consent to the assignment of licenses to or from an FCC licensee or the transfer of control of an FCC licensee. In certain circumstances, the Communications Act and FCC rules and policies will operate to impose limitations on alien ownership and voting of our common stock. There can be no assurance that there will be no changes in the current regulatory scheme, the imposition of additional regulations or the creation of new regulatory agencies, which changes could restrict or curtail our ability to acquire, operate and dispose of stations or, in general, to compete profitably with other operators of radio and other media properties.

Each of our radio stations operates pursuant to one or more licenses issued by the FCC. Under FCC rules, radio licenses are granted for a term of eight years. Our licenses expire at various times through June 2014. Although we will apply to renew these licenses, third parties may challenge our renewal applications. While we are not aware of facts or circumstances that would prevent us from having our current licenses renewed, there can be no assurance that the licenses will be renewed or that renewals will not include conditions or qualifications that could adversely affect our business and operations. Failure to obtain the renewal of any of our broadcast licenses may have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. In addition, if we or any of our officers, directors or significant stockholders materially violates the FCC’s rules and regulations or the Communications Act, is convicted of a felony or is found to have engaged in unlawful anticompetitive conduct or fraud upon another government agency, the FCC may, in response to a petition from a third party or on its own initiative, in its discretion, commence a proceeding to impose sanctions upon us which could involve the imposition of monetary fines, the revocation of our broadcast licenses or other sanctions. If the FCC were to issue an order denying a license renewal application or revoking a license, we would be required to cease operating the applicable radio station only after we had exhausted all rights to administrative and judicial review without success.

The FCC has begun more vigorous enforcement of its indecency rules against the broadcast industry, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The FCC’s rules prohibit the broadcast of obscene material at any time and indecent material between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Broadcasters risk violating the prohibition on the broadcast of indecent material because of the FCC’s broad definition of such material, coupled with the spontaneity of live programming.

Congress has dramatically increased the penalties for broadcasting obscene, indecent or profane programming and broadcasters can potentially face license revocation, renewal or qualification proceedings in the event that they broadcast indecent material. In addition, the FCC’s heightened focus on indecency, against the broadcast industry generally, may encourage third parties to oppose our license renewal applications or applications for consent to acquire broadcast stations. As a result of these developments, we have implemented certain measures that are designed to reduce the risk of broadcasting indecent material in violation of the FCC’s rules. These and other future modifications to our programming in an effort to reduce the risk of indecency violations could have an adverse effect on our competitive position.

Any changes in current FCC ownership regulations may negatively impact our ability to compete or otherwise harm our business operations.

The FCC is required to review all of its broadcast ownership rules every four years and to repeal or modify any of its rules that are no longer “necessary in the public interest.” We cannot predict the impact of these reviews on our business or their effect on our ability to acquire broadcast stations in the future or to continue to own and freely transfer stations that we have already acquired.

In 2003, we acquired a controlling interest in five FM stations and one AM station in the Austin, Texas market. Under ownership regulations released after the date of our acquisition, it appears that we would be permitted to own or control only four FM stations in the Austin market (ownership of one AM station would continue to be allowed). The new rules do not require divestiture of existing non- conforming station combinations, but do provide that such clusters may be transferred only to defined small business entities or to buyers that commit to selling any excess stations to such entities within one year. Consequently, if we wish to sell our interest in the Austin stations, we will have to either sell to an entity that meets those FCC requirements or exclude at least one FM station from the transaction.

Changes in current Federal regulations could adversely affect our business operations.

Congress and the FCC have under consideration, and may in the future consider and adopt, new laws, regulations and policies that could, directly or indirectly, affect the profitability of our broadcast stations. In particular, Congress is considering a revocation of radio’s exemption from paying royalties to performing artists for use of their recordings (radio already pays a royalty to songwriters). A requirement to pay additional royalties could have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial performance.

Our business strategy and our ability to operate profitably depend on the continued services of our key employees, the loss of whom could materially adversely affect our business.

Our ability to maintain our competitive position depends to a significant extent on the efforts and abilities of our senior management team and certain key employees. Although our executive officers are typically under employment agreements, their managerial, technical and other services would be difficult to replace if we lose the services of one or more of them or other key personnel. Our business could be seriously harmed if one of them decides to join a competitor or otherwise competes directly or indirectly against us.

Our radio stations employ or independently contract with several on-air personalities and hosts of syndicated radio programs with significant loyal audiences in their respective broadcast areas. These on-air personalities are sometimes significantly responsible for the ranking of a station and, thus, the ability of the station to sell advertising. These individuals may not remain with our radio stations and may not retain their audiences.

Last year, we reduced salaries of most employees in a cost reduction effort. Most of our employees with employment agreements voluntarily participated in the salary reduction. These salary reductions may make it more difficult to retain our key employees.

Future operation of our business may require significant additional capital.

The continued development, growth and operation of our businesses may require substantial capital. In particular, additional acquisitions may require large amounts of capital. We intend to fund our growth, including acquisitions, if any, with cash generated from operations, borrowings under our Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement, dated November 2, 2006, as further amended on March 3, 2009 and August 19, 2009 (the “Credit Agreement”), and proceeds from future issuances of debt and equity, both public and private. Our ability to raise additional debt or equity financing is subject to market conditions, our financial condition and other factors. If we cannot obtain financing on acceptable terms when needed, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted.

Our current and future operations are subject to certain risks that are unique to operating in a foreign country.

We currently have international operations in Slovakia and Bulgaria. Therefore, we are exposed to risks inherent in international business operations. The risks of doing business in foreign countries include the following:

	•		changing regulatory or taxation policies, including changes in tax policies that have been proposed by the Obama Administration related to foreign earnings;
	•		currency exchange risks;
	•		changes in diplomatic relations or hostility from local populations;
	•		seizure of our property by the government or restrictions on our ability to transfer our property or earnings out of the foreign country;
	•		potential instability of foreign governments, which might result in losses against which we are not insured; and
	•		difficulty of enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through some foreign legal systems.

Broadcast licenses in many foreign countries do not necessarily confer the same renewal expectancy as U.S. radio stations broadcast licenses. While we believe that we have reasonable prospects for securing extensions of our remaining international broadcast licenses, we cannot be sure that such extensions will be granted or that the terms and conditions of such extensions will not have a material adverse effect on our international operations. For instance, on October 28, 2009, the Hungarian National Radio and Television Board (ORTT) announced that it was awarding to another bidder the national radio license then held by our majority-owned subsidiary, Slager. Slager ceased broadcasting effective November 19, 2009. Slager filed a lawsuit in Hungary claiming the award of the license by the ORTT to the other bidder violated the Hungarian Media Law. In February 2010, the Hungarian trial court agreed with Slager that the ORTT’s award was unlawful. The ORTT and the winning bidder appealed the court’s decision. A hearing on the appeal is scheduled for July 1, 2010. While we believe the trial court’s ruling was correct, we cannot guarantee that the ruling will be upheld on appeal or that a favorable ruling by the appellate court will result in the award of the license or monetary damages to Slager. We expect to continue to explore Hungarian, European Union, and international arbitration forums to seek a favorable resolution to this matter.

Exchange rates may cause future losses in our international operations.

Because we own assets in foreign countries and derive revenue from our international operations, we may incur currency translation losses due to changes in the values of foreign currencies and in the value of the United States dollar. We cannot predict the effect of exchange rate fluctuations upon future operating results.

We have incurred losses over the past two years and we may incur future losses.

We have reported net losses in our consolidated statement of operations over the past three years as a result of recording non-cash impairment charges, mostly related to FCC licenses and goodwill. In fiscal 2010, we recorded an impairment charge of $174.6 million, $160.9 of which related to radio FCC licenses, $8.9 million of which related to goodwill at an international radio network and a magazine publication, and $4.8 million of which related to other definite-lived intangible assets. As of February 28, 2010, our FCC licenses and goodwill comprise 72% of our total assets. If events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of the FCC licenses and goodwill below the amount reflected on the balance sheet, we may be required to recognize impairment charges, which may be material, in future periods.

Our failure to comply under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 could cause a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.

In connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the period ended August 31, 2009, the Company discovered a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting. As disclosed in our Form 10-Q Report for the period ended November 30, 2009, we remediated the material weakness. As such, as of November 30, 2009, based upon the controls evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls were once again effective to provide reasonable assurance that information relating to Emmis that is required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In future periods, there are no assurances that we will not have additional material weaknesses that would be required to be reported or that we will be able to comply with the reporting deadline requirements of Section 404. A reported material weakness or the failure to meet the reporting deadline requirements of Section 404 could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. This loss of confidence could cause a decline in the market price of our stock.

Our operating results have been and may again be adversely affected by acts of war, terrorism and natural catastrophes.

Acts of war and terrorism against the United States, and the country’s response to such acts, may negatively affect the U.S. advertising market, which could cause our advertising revenues to decline due to advertising cancellations, delays or defaults in payment for advertising time, and other factors. In addition, these events may have other negative effects on our business, the nature and duration of which we cannot predict.

For example, after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, we decided that the public interest would be best served by the presentation of continuous commercial-free coverage of the unfolding events on our stations. This temporary policy had a material adverse effect on our advertising revenues and operating results for the month of September 2001. Future events like those of September 11, 2001 may cause us to adopt similar policies, which could have a material adverse effect on our advertising revenues and operating results.

Additionally, the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 resulted in the destruction of the transmitter facilities that were located there. Although we had no transmitter facilities located at the World Trade Center, broadcasters that had facilities located in the destroyed buildings experienced temporary disruptions in their ability to broadcast. Since we tend to locate transmission facilities for stations serving urban areas on tall buildings or other significant structures, such as the Empire State Building in New York, further terrorist attacks or other disasters could cause similar disruptions in our broadcasts in the areas affected. If these disruptions occur, we may not be able to locate adequate replacement facilities in a cost-effective or timely manner or at all. Failure to remedy disruptions caused by terrorist attacks or other disasters and any resulting degradation in signal coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Similarly, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, wild fires and other natural disasters can have a material adverse effect on our operations in any given market. While we generally carry property insurance covering such catastrophes, we cannot be sure that the proceeds from such insurance will be sufficient to offset the costs of rebuilding or repairing our property or the lost income.

Risks Related to our Indebtedness:

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health.

We have a significant amount of indebtedness. At February 28, 2010, our total indebtedness was $341.2 million, and our shareholders’ deficit was $179.0 million. Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to investors. For example, it could:

	•		make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness;
	•		increase our vulnerability to generally adverse economic and industry conditions;
	•		require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;
	•		result in higher interest expense in the event of increases in interest rates because some of our debt is at variable rates of interest;
	•		limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our businesses and the industries in which we operate;
	•		place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and
	•		limit, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our Credit Agreement, our ability to borrow additional funds.

If we cannot continue to comply with the financial covenants in our debt instruments, or obtain waivers or other relief from our lenders, we may default, which could result in loss of our sources of liquidity and acceleration of our indebtedness.

We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, and the instruments governing such indebtedness contain restrictive financial covenants. Our ability to comply with the covenants in the Credit Agreement will depend upon our future performance and various other factors, such as business, competitive, technological, legislative and regulatory factors, some of which are beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain compliance with all of these covenants. In that event, we would need to seek an amendment to the Credit Agreement, or would need to refinance our senior secured credit facilities. There can be no assurance that we can obtain future amendments or waivers of the Credit Agreement, or refinance our senior secured credit facilities and, even if so, it is likely that such relief would only last for a specified period, potentially necessitating additional amendments, waivers or refinancings in the future. In the event that we do not maintain compliance with the covenants under the Credit Agreement, the lenders could declare an event of default, subject to applicable notice and cure provisions, resulting in a material adverse impact on our financial position. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Agreement, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our senior secured credit facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. Our lenders have taken security interests in substantially all of our consolidated assets. If the lenders accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we may be forced to liquidate certain assets to repay all or part of the senior secured credit facilities, and we cannot be assured that sufficient assets will remain for us to continue our business operations after we have paid all of the borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities. Our ability to liquidate assets is affected by the regulatory restrictions associated with radio stations, including FCC licensing, which may make the market for these assets less liquid and increase the chances that these assets will be liquidated at a significant loss.

The terms of our indebtedness and the indebtedness of our direct and indirect subsidiaries may restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to respond to changes in market conditions or to take some actions.

Our Credit Agreement imposes significant operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions significantly limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, issue preferred stock, incur liens, pay dividends, enter into asset sale transactions, merge or consolidate with another company, dispose of all or substantially all of our assets or make certain other payments or investments.

These restrictions currently limit our ability to grow our business through acquisitions and could limit our ability to respond to market conditions or meet extraordinary capital needs. They also could restrict our corporate activities in other ways. These restrictions could adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs.

To service our indebtedness and other obligations, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, to pay dividends and to fund capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This ability to generate cash, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Our businesses might not generate sufficient cash flow from operations. We might not be able to complete future offerings, and future borrowings might not be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We cannot assure investors that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

Risks Related to our Common Stock:

One shareholder controls a majority of the voting power of our common stock, and his interest may conflict with those of investors.

As of April 26, 2010, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President, Jeffrey H. Smulyan, beneficially owned shares representing approximately 65% of the outstanding combined voting power of all classes of our common stock, as calculated pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act. He therefore is in a position to exercise substantial influence over the outcome of most matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, including the election of directors.

Our common stock may cease to be listed on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (Nasdaq) Global Select Market.

Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “EMMS.” We may not be able to meet the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which require, among other things, a minimum closing price of our common stock and a minimum market capitalization. If we are unable to satisfy the requirements of the Nasdaq Global Select Market for continued listing, our common stock would be subject to delisting from that market, and we might or might not be eligible to list our shares on another Nasdaq market. A delisting of our common stock from the Nasdaq Global Select Market could negatively impact us by, among other things, reducing the liquidity and market price of our common stock.

The difficulties associated with any attempt to gain control of our company could adversely affect the price of our Class A common stock.

Jeffrey H. Smulyan has substantial influence over the decision as to whether a change in control will occur for our company. There are also provisions contained in our articles of incorporation, by-laws and Indiana law that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of Emmis. In addition, FCC approval for transfers of control of FCC licenses and assignments of FCC licenses are required. These restrictions and limitations could adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

The types of properties required to support each of our radio stations include offices, studios and transmitter/antenna sites. We typically lease our studio and office space, although we do own some of our facilities, with each of our owned properties subject to a mortgage under our Credit Agreement. Most of our studio and office space leases contain lease terms with expiration dates of five to fifteen years. A station’s studios are generally housed with its offices in downtown or business districts. We generally consider our facilities to be suitable and of adequate size for our current and intended purposes. We own many of our main transmitter/antenna sites and lease the remainder of our transmitter/antenna sites with lease terms that generally range from five to twenty years. The transmitter/antenna site for each station is generally located so as to provide maximum market coverage, consistent with the station’s FCC license. In general, we do not anticipate difficulties in renewing facility or transmitter/antenna site leases or in leasing additional space or sites if required. We have approximately $58.6 million in aggregate annual minimum rental commitments under real estate leases. Many of these leases contain escalation clauses such as defined contractual increases or cost-of-living adjustments.

Our principal executive offices are located at 40 Monument Circle, Suite 700, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, in approximately 91,500 square feet of owned office space which is shared by our Indianapolis radio stations and our Indianapolis Monthly publication.

We own substantially all of our other equipment, consisting principally of transmitting antennae, transmitters, studio equipment and general office equipment. The towers, antennae and other transmission equipment used by our stations are generally in good condition, although opportunities to upgrade facilities are periodically reviewed.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Emmis is a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management of the company, however, there are no legal proceedings pending against the company that we believe are likely to have a material adverse effect on the company.

Certain individuals and groups have challenged applications for renewal of the FCC licenses of certain of the company’s stations. The challenges to the license renewal applications are currently pending before the Commission. Emmis does not expect the challenges to result in the denial of any license renewals.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Listed below is certain information about the executive officers of Emmis or its affiliates who are not directors or nominees to be directors.

				AGE AT				YEAR FIRST
				FEBRUARY 28,				ELECTED
NAME		POSITION		2010				OFFICER
Richard F. Cummings		President — Radio Programming			59				1984
J. Scott Enright		Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary			47				1998
Gregory T. Loewen		President — Publishing Division and Chief Strategy Officer			38				2007

Set forth below is the principal occupation for the last five years of each executive officer of the Company or its affiliates who is not also a director.

Mr. Cummings was appointed President — Radio Programming in March 2009. Mr. Cummings served as Radio Division President from December 2001 to February 2009. Prior to becoming Radio Division President, Mr. Cummings was Executive Vice President of Programming. Mr. Cummings joined Emmis in 1981.

Mr. Enright was appointed Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in March 2009. Previously, Mr. Enright served as Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary of Emmis from September 2006 to February 2009 and as Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from the date he joined Emmis in October 1998, adding the office of Secretary in 2002.

Mr. Loewen was appointed President — Publishing Division and Chief Strategy Officer in March 2010. Previously, Mr. Loewen served as Chief Strategy Officer from February 2007 to February 2010. Prior to joining Emmis in February 2007, Mr. Loewen served as Vice President of Digital Media and Strategy for The Toronto Star.

ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED)

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

MARKET INFORMATION FOR OUR COMMON STOCK

Emmis’ Class A common stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and is quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol EMMS. There is no established public trading market for Emmis’ Class B common stock or Class C common stock.

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of the Class A common stock for the periods indicated.

QUARTER ENDED		HIGH				LOW
May 2008			3.74				2.62
August 2008			3.24				1.49
November 2008			2.50				0.25
February 2009			0.65				0.27
May 2009			0.78				0.25
August 2009			1.11				0.24
November 2009			1.62				0.63
February 2010			1.44				0.82

HOLDERS

At April 27, 2010, there were 5,915 record holders of the Class A common stock, and there was one record holder of the Class B common stock.

DIVIDENDS

Emmis currently intends to retain future earnings for use in its business and has no plans to pay any dividends on shares of its common stock in the foreseeable future.

The terms of Emmis’ Preferred Stock provide for a quarterly dividend payment of $.78125 per share on each January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. Emmis has not declared a preferred stock dividend since October 15, 2008. As of February 28, 2010, cumulative preferred dividends in arrears total $11.3 million. Failure to pay the dividend is not a default under the terms of the Preferred Stock. However, since dividends have remained unpaid for more than six quarters, the holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to elect two persons to our board of directors. No nominations for these director positions were submitted for the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders. Thus, the two director positions will remain vacant until the next meeting of shareholders, unless the 2010 annual meeting is delayed for such a time as to trigger the right of the holders of the Preferred Stock to submit new nominations in accordance with our bylaws. The Second Amendment to our Credit Agreement prohibits the company from paying dividends on the Preferred Stock during the Suspension Period (as defined in the Credit Agreement) (See “Liquidity and Capital Resources”). Payment of future preferred stock dividends is at the discretion of the company’s Board of Directors.

SHARE REPURCHASES

During the three-month period ended February 28, 2010, there were no repurchases of our Class A common stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to a previously announced share repurchase program by the company’s Board of Directors. There was, however, withholding of shares of stock upon vesting of restricted stock to cover withholding tax obligations. The following table provides information on our repurchases related to the withholding of shares of stock in payment of employee tax obligations upon vesting of restricted stock during the three months ended February 28, 2010:

										(c)				(d)
										Total Number of				Maximum
										Shares				Approximate
										Purchased as				Dollar Value of
		(a)				(b)				Part of Publicly				Shares That May
		Total Number				Average Price				Announced				Yet Be Purchased
		of Shares				Paid Per				Plans or				Under the Plans
Period		Purchased				Share				Programs				or Programs
December 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009			427			$	1.19				—			$	36,150,565
January 1, 2010 – January 31, 2010			29,500			$	1.24				—			$	36,150,565
February 1, 2010 – February 28, 2010			290			$	0.90				—			$	36,150,565
			30,217								—

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

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

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION.

GENERAL

The following discussion pertains to Emmis Communications Corporation (“ECC”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Emmis” or the “Company”).

We own and operate radio and publishing properties located primarily in the United States. Our revenues are mostly affected by the advertising rates our entities charge, as advertising sales represent more than 70% of our consolidated revenues. These rates are in large part based on our entities’ ability to attract audiences/subscribers in demographic groups targeted by their advertisers. Arbitron Inc. generally measures radio station ratings weekly for markets measured by the Portable People Meter^TM and four times a year for markets measured by diaries. Because audience ratings in a station’s local market are critical to the station’s financial success, our strategy is to use market research, advertising and promotion to attract and retain audiences in each station’s chosen demographic target group.

Our revenues vary throughout the year. As is typical in the broadcasting industry, our revenues and operating income are usually lowest in our fourth fiscal quarter.

In addition to the sale of advertising time for cash, stations typically exchange advertising time for goods or services, which can be used by the station in its business operations. These barter transactions are recorded at the estimated fair value of the product or service received. We generally confine the use of such trade transactions to promotional items or services for which we would otherwise have paid cash. In addition, it is our general policy not to preempt advertising spots paid for in cash with advertising spots paid for in trade.

The following table summarizes the sources of our revenues for the past three years. All revenues generated by our international radio properties are included in the “Local” category. The category “Non Traditional” principally consists of ticket sales and sponsorships of events our stations and magazines conduct in their local markets. The category “Other” includes, among other items, revenues generated by the websites of our entities, and barter.

		Year ended February 28,
		2008				% of Total				2009				% of Total				2010				% of Total
Net revenues:
Local		$	210,704				62.8	%		$	184,134				59.8	%		$	143,924				59.3	%
National			62,083				18.5	%			57,753				18.8	%			31,572				13.0	%
Political			33				0.0	%			1,466				0.5	%			410				0.2	%
Publication Sales			14,220				4.2	%			14,006				4.5	%			12,844				5.3	%
Non Traditional			21,591				6.4	%			18,973				6.2	%			17,903				7.4	%
Other			27,046				8.1	%			31,599				10.2	%			35,913				14.8	%
Total net revenues		$	335,677							$	307,931							$	242,566

A significant portion of our expenses varies in connection with changes in revenue. These variable expenses primarily relate to costs in our sales department, such as salaries, commissions and bad debt. Our costs that do not vary as much in relation to revenue are mostly in our programming and general and administrative departments, such as talent costs, syndicated programming fees, utilities, office expenses and salaries. Lastly, our costs that are highly discretionary are costs in our marketing and promotions department, which we primarily incur to maintain and/or increase our audience and market share.

KNOWN TRENDS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Although the recent global recession has negatively impacted advertising revenues for a wide variety of media businesses, domestic radio revenue growth has been challenged for several years. Management believes this is principally the result of four factors unrelated to the recession: (1) the emergence of new media, such as various media content distributed via the Internet, telecommunication companies and cable interconnects, which are gaining advertising share against radio and other traditional media, (2) the perception of investors and advertisers that satellite radio and portable media players diminish the effectiveness of radio advertising, (3) advertisers’ lack of confidence in the ratings of radio stations due to dated ratings-gathering methods, and (4) a lack of inventory and pricing discipline by radio operators.

The Company and the radio industry have begun several initiatives to address these issues. The radio industry is working aggressively to increase the number of portable digital media devices that contain an FM tuner, including smartphones and music players. In many countries, FM tuners are common features in portable digital media devices. The radio industry is working with leading United States network providers, device manufacturers, regulators and legislators to ensure that FM tuners are included in most future portable digital media devices. Including FM as a feature on these devices has the potential to increase radio listening and improve perception of the radio industry while offering network providers the benefits of a proven emergency notification system, reduced network congestion from audio streaming services, and a host of new revenue generating applications.

The Company has also aggressively worked to harness the power of broadband and mobile media distribution in the development of emerging business opportunities by becoming one of the ten largest streaming audio providers in the United States, developing highly interactive websites with content that engages our listeners, using SMS texting and delivering real-time traffic to navigation devices.

Along with the rest of the radio industry, the majority of our stations have deployed HD Radio^®. HD Radio^® offers listeners advantages over standard analog broadcasts, including improved sound quality and additional digital channels. To make the rollout of HD Radio^® more efficient, a consortium of broadcasters representing a majority of the radio stations in nearly all of our markets have agreed to work together in each radio market to ensure the most diverse consumer offering possible and to accelerate the rollout of HD Radio^® receivers, particularly in automobiles. In addition to offering secondary channels, the HD Radio^® spectrum allows broadcasters to transmit other forms of data. We are participating in a joint venture with other broadcasters to provide the bandwidth that a third party will use to transmit location-based data to hand-held and in-car navigation devices. It is unclear what impact HD Radio^® will have on the markets in which we operate.

Arbitron Inc., the supplier of ratings data for United States radio markets, has developed technology to passively collect data for its ratings service. The Portable People Meter^TM (PPM^TM) is a small, pager-sized device that does not require any active manipulation by the end user and is capable of automatically measuring radio, television, Internet, satellite radio and satellite television signals that are encoded for the service by the broadcaster. The PPM^TM offers a number of advantages over the traditional diary ratings collection system including ease of use, more reliable ratings data and shorter time periods between when advertising runs and when audience listening or viewing habits can be reported. This service began in the New York, Los Angeles and Chicago markets in October 2008, in the St. Louis market in October 2009, and is planned for introduction in the Austin and Indianapolis markets in the fall of 2010. In each market in which the service has launched, there has been a compression in the relative ratings of all stations in the market, increasing the competitive pressure within the market for advertising dollars. In addition, ratings for certain stations when measured by the PPM^TM as opposed to the traditional diary methodology can be materially different. The Company continues to evaluate the impact PPM^TM will have on our revenues in these markets.

As discussed below, our radio stations in Los Angeles and New York have trailed the performance of their respective markets. Management believes this relative underperformance is principally due to two factors: (1) our lack of scale in these markets and (2) the introduction of PPM^TM to these markets in October 2008. Some of our competitors operate larger station clusters in New York and Los Angeles than we do, enabling them to use their market share to extract a greater percentage of available advertising revenue through discounting unit rates. Our stations in New York and Los Angeles principally target demographics that suffer a disproportionate decline in ratings when measured by the PPM^TM as compared to the previously used diary methodology. Management expects the impact we have experienced from the adoption of the PPM^TM to abate in our next fiscal year. Our Los Angeles and New York markets collectively account for approximately 50% of our domestic radio revenues.

On April 3, 2009, Emmis entered into an LMA and a Put and Call Agreement for KMVN-FM in Los Angeles with a subsidiary of Grupo Radio Centro, S.A.B. de C.V (“GRC”), a Mexican broadcasting company. The LMA for KMVN-FM commenced on April 15, 2009 and will continue for up to seven years. The LMA requires $7 million in annual payments plus reimbursement of certain expenses. GRC paid the first two years of LMA payments in advance at closing. At any time during the LMA, GRC has the right to purchase the station for $110 million. At the end of the term, Emmis has the right to require GRC to purchase the station for the same amount. Under the LMA, Emmis continues to own and operate the station, with GRC providing Emmis with broadcast programming. In connection with the LMA, the call letters of the station changed from KMVN-FM to KXOS-FM. The performance of Emmis’ other Los Angeles radio station, KPWR-FM, trailed the performance of the overall market. For the twelve-month period ended February 28, 2010, KPWR-FM’s gross revenues were down 28.2% whereas the independent accounting firm Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co. (Miller Kaplan) reported that the Los Angeles market total gross revenues were down 18.3% versus the same period of the prior year.

Our radio cluster in New York trailed the performance of the overall New York radio market during the twelve-month period ended February 28, 2010. For the twelve-month period ended February 28, 2010, our New York radio stations’ gross revenues were down 19.5%, whereas Miller Kaplan reported that New York radio market total gross revenues were down 12.4% versus the same period of the prior year.

While the general pace of business has improved over the past twelve months, the ongoing recovery remains unpredictable. For example, our domestic radio division’s revenues were up approximately 8% in the month of March 2010 as compared to the same month from the prior year, but were down 4% in the month of April 2010 as compared to the same month from the prior year. As of May 3, 2010, our domestic radio division’s revenues for the months of May 2010 and June 2010 as compared to the same month of the prior year are flat and up10%, respectively.

As part of our business strategy, we continually evaluate potential acquisitions of radio stations, publishing properties and other businesses that we believe hold promise for long-term appreciation in value and leverage our strengths. However, the August 2009 amendment to Emmis Operating Company’s (the Company’s principal operating subsidiary, hereinafter “EOC”) Credit Agreement substantially limits our ability to make acquisitions prior to September 2011. We also regularly review our portfolio of assets and may opportunistically dispose of assets when we believe it is appropriate to do so. In particular, we have one radio station in New York City and two radio stations in Chicago where we believe the sale value could exceed the prospects for cash flow generation as part of our portfolio. Although we remain optimistic about the growth potential of these stations, as the market for buying and selling radio stations improves, we may from time to time explore sales of one or more of these stations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that encompass significant judgments and uncertainties, and potentially derive materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We believe that our critical accounting policies are those described below.

Revenue Recognition

Broadcasting revenue is recognized as advertisements are aired. Publication revenue is recognized in the month of delivery of the publication. Both broadcasting revenue and publication revenue recognition is subject to meeting certain conditions such as persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists and collection is reasonably assured. These criteria are generally met at the time the advertisement is aired for broadcasting revenue and upon delivery of the publication for publication revenue. Advertising revenues presented in the financial statements are reflected on a net basis, after the deduction of advertising agency fees, usually at a rate of 15% of gross revenues.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded based on management’s judgment of the collectability of receivables. When assessing the collectability of receivables, management considers, among other things, historical loss experience and existing economic conditions.

FCC Licenses and Goodwill

We have made acquisitions in the past for which a significant amount of the purchase price was allocated to FCC licenses and goodwill assets. As of February 28, 2010, we have recorded approximately $360.0 in goodwill and FCC licenses, which represents approximately 72% of our total assets.

In the case of our U.S. radio stations, we would not be able to operate the properties without the related FCC license for each property. FCC licenses are renewed every eight years; consequently, we continually monitor our stations’ compliance with the various regulatory requirements. Historically, all of our FCC licenses have been renewed at the end of their respective periods, and we expect that all FCC licenses will continue to be renewed in the future. We consider our FCC licenses to be indefinite-lived intangibles. Our foreign broadcasting licenses expire during periods ranging from December 2012 to February 2013. We will need to submit applications to extend our foreign licenses upon their expiration to continue our broadcast operations in these countries. While there is a general expectancy of renewal of radio broadcast licenses in most countries and we expect to actively seek renewal of our foreign licenses, most of the countries in which we operate do not have the regulatory framework or history that we have with respect to license renewals in the United States. This makes the risk of non-renewal (or of renewal on less favorable terms) of foreign licenses greater than for United States’ licenses, as was recently demonstrated in Hungary when our broadcasting license was not renewed in November 2009 under circumstances that even a Hungarian court ruled violated the Hungarian Media Law. We treat our foreign broadcasting licenses as definite-lived intangibles and amortize them over their respective license periods.

We do not amortize goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets, but rather test for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired. When evaluating our radio broadcasting licenses for impairment, the testing is performed at the unit of accounting level as determined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350-30-35. In our case, radio stations in a geographic market cluster are considered a single unit of accounting, provided that they are not being operated under a Local Marketing Agreement by another broadcaster.

We complete our annual impairment tests on December 1 of each year and perform additional interim impairment testing whenever triggering events suggest such testing is warranted.

Valuation of Indefinite-lived Broadcasting Licenses

Fair value of our FCC Licenses is estimated to be the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To determine the fair value of our FCC Licenses, the Company uses an income valuation method when it performs its impairment tests. Under this method, the Company projects cash flows that would be generated by each of its units of accounting assuming the unit of accounting was commencing operations in its respective market at the beginning of the valuation period. This cash flow stream is discounted to arrive at a value for the FCC license. The Company assumes the competitive situation that exists in each market remains unchanged, with the exception that its unit of accounting commenced operations at the beginning of the valuation period. In doing so, the Company extracts the value of going concern and any other assets acquired, and strictly values the FCC license. Major assumptions involved in this analysis include market revenue, market revenue growth rates, unit of accounting audience share, unit of accounting revenue share and discount rate. Each of these assumptions may change in the future based upon changes in general economic conditions, audience behavior, consummated transactions, and numerous other variables that may be beyond our control.

The projections incorporated into our annual license valuations take into consideration the prolonged economic recession and credit crisis, which has led to a further weakened, deteriorating and less profitable radio marketplace with reduced potential for growth and a higher cost of capital. Between its December 1, 2007 annual impairment assessment and its August 1, 2009 interim assessment, the Company incorporated several more conservative estimates into its assumptions to reflect the deterioration in both the U.S. economy and the radio marketplace. Specifically, long-term revenue growth estimates generally decreased, from a range of 1.5% to 4.0% in the December 1, 2007 assessment to a range of 2.0% to 3.3% in the August 1, 2009 assessment. Similarly, as a large portion of radio’s expenses are of a fixed nature, declining revenue projections negatively impact operating profit margin assumptions. Operating profit margins decreased from a range of 30.1% to 50.7% in the December 1, 2007 assessment to a range of 26.0% to 40.9% in the December 1, 2009 assessment. Assumptions incorporated into the annual impairment testing as of December 1, 2009 were similar to those used in our August 1, 2009 interim testing, although revenue growth rates were slightly higher as a result of the pace of the industry’s recent revenue recovery. Below are some of the key assumptions used in our annual and interim impairment assessments. The methodology used to value our FCC licenses has not changed in the three-year period ended February 28, 2010.

		December 1, 2007		October 1, 2008		December 1, 2008		August 1, 2009		December 1, 2009
Discount Rate		10.5% – 11.1%		11.7% – 12.1%		11.5% – 11.9%		12.6% – 13.0%		12.7% – 13.1%
Long-term Revenue Growth Rate (Years 4-8)		1.5% – 4.0%		2.0% – 3.5%		2.0% – 3.3%		2.0% – 3.3%		2.0% – 3.5%
Revenue Growth Rate (All Years)		1.5% – 4.4%		1.5% – 3.4%		0.7% – 3.3%		1.5% – 3.2%		2.0% – 3.4%
Mature Market Share		6.7% – 31.0%		6.3% – 30.8%		6.3% – 30.5%		6.3% – 30.6%		6.2% – 30.0%
Operating Profit margin		30.1% – 50.7%		27.7% – 43.7%		27.1% – 42.7%		26.5% – 42.7%		26.0% – 40.9%

Valuation of Goodwill

ASC Topic 350 requires the Company to test goodwill for impairment at least annually using a two-step process. The first step is a screen for potential impairment, while the second step measures the amount of impairment. The Company conducts the two-step impairment test on December 1 of each fiscal year, unless indications of impairment exist during an interim period. When assessing its goodwill for impairment, the Company uses an enterprise valuation approach to determine the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units (radio stations grouped by market and magazines on an individual basis). Management determines enterprise value for each of its reporting units by multiplying the two-year average station operating income generated by each reporting unit (current year based on actual results and the next year based on budgeted results) by an estimated market multiple. The Company uses a blended station operating income trading multiple of publicly traded radio operators as a benchmark for the multiple it applies to its radio reporting units. There are no publicly traded publishing companies that are focused predominantly on city and regional magazines as is our publishing segment. Therefore, the market multiple used as a benchmark for our publishing reporting units is based on recently completed transactions within the city and regional magazine industry or analyst reports that include valuations of magazine divisions within publicly traded media conglomerates. For the interim assessment performed as of August 1, 2009, the Company applied a market multiple of 6.2 times and 5.0 times the reporting unit’s operating performance for our radio and publishing reporting units, respectively. For the annual assessment performed as of December 1, 2009, the Company applied a market multiple of 6.8 times and 5.0 times the reporting unit’s operating performance for our radio and publishing reporting units, respectively. Management believes this methodology for valuing radio and publishing properties is a common approach and believes that the multiples used in the valuation are reasonable given our peer comparisons and recent market transactions.

This enterprise valuation is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit for the first step of the goodwill impairment test. If the reporting unit exhibits impairment, the Company proceeds to the second step of the goodwill impairment test. For its step-two testing, the enterprise value is allocated among the tangible assets, indefinite-lived intangible assets (FCC licenses valued using a direct-method valuation approach) and unrecognized intangible assets, such as customer lists, with the residual amount representing the implied fair value of the goodwill. To the extent the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, the difference is recorded as an impairment charge in the statement of operations. The methodology used to value our goodwill has not changed in the three-year period ended February 28, 2010.

Sensitivity Analysis

Based on the results of our December 1, 2009 annual impairment assessment, the fair value of our broadcasting licenses was approximately $407.4 million which was in excess of the $335.8 million carrying value by $71.6 million, or 21.3%. The fair values exceeded the carrying values of all of our units of accounting. Should our estimates or assumptions worsen, or should negative events or circumstances occur in the units that have limited fair value cushion, additional license impairments may be needed.

		Radio Broadcasting Licenses
		As of
		February 28, 2010				December 1, 2009				Percentage by which fair
Unit of Accounting		Carrying Value				Fair Value				value exceeds carrying value
New York Cluster			145,588				156,080				7.2	%
KXOS-FM (Los Angeles)			52,333				55,281				5.6	%
Austin Cluster			46,030				46,511				1.0	%
Chicago Cluster			44,292				46,385				4.7	%
St. Louis Cluster			27,692				29,196				5.4	%
Indianapolis Cluster			17,274				18,051				4.5	%
KPWR-FM (Los Angeles)			2,018				55,281				2,639.4	%
Terre Haute Cluster			574				586				2.1	%
Total			335,801				407,371				21.3	%

Although our annual impairment testing on December 1, 2009 did not result in an impairment charge, if we were to assume a 1% change in any of our three key assumptions (a reduction in the long-term revenue growth rate, a reduction in local commercial share or an increase in the discount rate) used to determine the fair value of our broadcasting licenses on December 1, 2009, the resulting impairment charge would have been $64.0 million, $60.5 million and $26.6 million, respectively. Also, if we were to assume a 10% decrease in the two-year average station operating income or a market multiple decrease of one, two of the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our goodwill on December 1, 2009, the resulting impairment charge would have been $7.9 million and $8.0 million, respectively.

The prolonged economic downturn negatively impacted the radio broadcasting industry as advertising revenues continued to decline and expectations for growth over the next year also declined throughout most of calendar 2009. The projected revenue growth levels for the industry when we completed our interim impairment testing on August 1, 2009 were lower than we had originally forecasted when we completed our fiscal 2009 annual impairment test on December 1, 2008. This decline caused us to record further impairment to broadcasting licenses and goodwill as part of our August 1, 2009 impairment review. As revenues decline, profitability levels are also negatively impacted as fixed costs represent a significant component of a radio station’s operating expenses. As a result, the fair value of our asset base is particularly sensitive to the impact of declining revenues.

Deferred Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequence of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or income tax returns. Income taxes are recognized during the year in which the underlying transactions are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities as recorded for financial reporting purposes and amounts recorded for income tax purposes. After determining the total amount of deferred tax assets, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If the Company determines that a deferred tax asset is not likely to be realized, a valuation allowance will be established against that asset to record it at its expected realizable value.

Insurance Claims and Loss Reserves

The Company is self-insured for most healthcare claims, subject to stop-loss limits. Claims incurred but not reported are recorded based on historical experience and industry trends, and accruals are adjusted when warranted by changes in facts and circumstances. The Company had $0.9 million and $1.1 million accrued for employee healthcare claims as of February 28, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The Company also maintains large deductible programs (ranging from $250 thousand to $500 thousand per occurrence) for workers’ compensation, employment liability, automotive liability and media liability claims.

Valuation of Stock Options

The Company determines the fair value of its employee stock options at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the value of exchange-traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. The Company’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different than these traded options. In addition, option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility and expected term of the options granted. The Company relies heavily upon historical data for its stock price when determining expected volatility, but each year the Company reassesses whether or not historical data is representative of expected results.

ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

The transactions described below impact the comparability of operating results for the three years ended February 28, 2010.

During the quarter ended May 31, 2009, Emmis completed a series of transactions with its noncontrolling partners of two of our Bulgarian radio networks that gave Emmis 100% ownership in those networks. The purchase price of these transactions totaled $4.9 million in cash, and a substantial portion was allocated to goodwill which was then determined to be substantially impaired. Emmis recorded an impairment loss of $3.7 million related to Bulgarian goodwill during the quarter ended May 31, 2009.

On May 29, 2009, Emmis sold the stock of its Belgium radio operation to Alfacam Group NV, a Belgian corporation, for 100 euros. Emmis recognized a gain on the sale of its Belgium radio operations of $0.4 million, which included a gain of $0.1 million related to the transfer of cumulative translation adjustments. The gain on sale of the Belgium radio operations is included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Emmis desired to exit Belgium as its financial performance in the market failed to meet expectations. The sale allowed Emmis to eliminate further operating losses.

On July 18, 2008, Emmis completed the sale of its sole remaining television station, WVUE-TV in New Orleans, LA, to Louisiana Media Company LLC for $41.0 million in cash. The Company recognized a loss on the sale of WVUE-TV of $0.6 million, net of tax benefits of $0.4 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying statements of operations. In connection with the sale, the Company paid discretionary bonuses to the employees of WVUE-TV totaling $0.8 million, which is included in the calculation of the loss on sale. The sale of WVUE-TV completes the sale of our television division which began on May 10, 2005, when Emmis announced that it had engaged advisors to assist in evaluating strategic alternatives for its television assets.

On December 17, 2007, Emmis completed its acquisition of 100% of the shares of Infopress & Company OOD for $8.8 million in cash. Infopress & Company OOD operates Inforadio, a national radio network broadcasting to 13 Bulgarian cities. Inforadio joins Emmis’ majority owned Bulgarian radio networks Radio FM+ and Radio Fresh. Emmis believes the acquisition of Inforadio further strengthens its footprint in Bulgaria. The operating results of Inforadio from December 17, 2007 are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

On July 25, 2007, Emmis completed its acquisition of Orange Coast Kommunications, Inc., publisher of Orange Coast, for $6.9 million in cash including acquisition costs of $0.2 million. Approximately $0.3 million of the purchase price was withheld at the original closing, but was subsequently paid in April 2008. Orange Coast fits Emmis’ niche of publishing quality city and regional magazines and serves the affluent area of Orange County, CA. The operating results of Orange Coast from July 25, 2007 are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

On June 4, 2007, Emmis closed on its sale of KGMB-TV in Honolulu to HITV Operating Co, Inc. for $40.0 million in cash. Emmis recorded a gain on sale of $10.1 million, net of tax, which is included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

On March 27, 2007, Emmis closed on its sale of KMTV-TV in Omaha, NE to Journal Communications, Inc. (Journal) and received $10.0 million in cash. Journal had been operating KMTV-TV under a Local Programming and Marketing Agreement since December 5, 2005.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2009 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2010

Net revenues:

		For the years ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Net revenues:
Radio		$	224,941			$	177,566			$	(47,375	)			(21.1	)%
Publishing			82,990				65,000				(17,990	)			(21.7	)%
Total net revenues		$	307,931			$	242,566			$	(65,365	)			(21.2	)%

Radio net revenues decreased principally as a result of the precipitous decline of advertising spending in our domestic and international radio markets due to the global recession. We typically monitor the performance of our domestic radio stations against the aggregate performance of the markets in which we operate based on reports for the periods prepared by the independent accounting firm Miller Kaplan. Miller Kaplan reports are generally prepared on a gross revenue basis and exclude revenues from barter arrangements, and also exclude revenue Emmis recognized related to the guaranteed minimum amount of national sales by our national representation firm as discussed below. For the year ended February 28, 2010, revenues of our domestic radio stations were down 18.2%, whereas Miller Kaplan reported that revenues of our domestic radio markets were down 14.4%. The relative underperformance of our domestic radio stations is principally due to our lack of scale in the New York and Los Angeles markets and the introduction of PPM^TM to those markets in October 2008.

Market weakness and our stations’ weakness has led us to discount our rates charged to advertisers. In fiscal 2010, our average unit rate was down 23.3% and our number of units sold was up 0.4%. The Company’s national representation firm guaranteed a minimum amount of national sales for the years ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008. Actual national sales, as defined by the representation agreement, were approximately $10.2 million lower than the guaranteed minimum amount of national sales and the national representation firm has paid the shortfall to Emmis. As such, Emmis recognized $10.2 million of additional net revenues for the year ended February 28, 2009. Emmis recognized $3.7 million of additional net revenues related to the national representation firm’s shortfall during the year ended February 29, 2008. Our agreement with our national representation firm does not contain guarantees for any period after the year ended February 28, 2009.

Publishing net revenues decreased principally due to the global recession that diminished demand for advertising inventory at all of our city/regional publications.

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

		For the years ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense:
Radio		$	162,685			$	141,557			$	(21,128	)			(13.0	)%
Publishing			76,322				64,603				(11,719	)			(15.4	)%
Total station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense		$	239,007			$	206,160			$	(32,847	)			(13.7	)%

Radio station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, decreased principally due to division-wide cost reduction efforts consisting, among other things, of headcount and wage reductions. These cost reduction efforts as well as lower sales-related costs contributed to the reduction in station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense.

Publishing operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, decreased principally due to division-wide cost reduction efforts similar to our radio division.

Most of our cost reduction efforts occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2010; consequently, we do not anticipate similar year-over-year declines in station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, for the radio or publishing divisions in fiscal 2011.

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

		For the years ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense		$	18,503			$	13,634			$	(4,869	)			(26.3	)%

Corporate expenses decreased principally due to cost reduction efforts primarily consisting of headcount reductions and wage reductions, eliminating operating costs associated with the Company’s corporate aircraft, which was sold during the three months ended May 31, 2009, lower noncash compensation costs related to the discontinuance of the Company’s 401(k) matching program and lower Black-Scholes valuations related to the Company’s March 2009 equity grants.

Most of our cost reduction efforts occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2010; consequently, we do not anticipate similar year-over-year declines in corporate expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense, in fiscal 2011.

Restructuring charge:

		For the year ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Restructuring charge		$	4,208			$	3,350			$	(858	)			(20.4	)%

In response to the deteriorating economic environment and the decline in domestic advertising revenues previously discussed, the Company announced a plan on March 5, 2009 to reduce payroll costs by $10 million annually. In connection with the plan, approximately 100 employees were terminated. The terminated employees received severance of $4.2 million under the Company’s standard severance plan. This amount was recognized in the year ended February 28, 2009, as the terminations were probable and the amount was reasonably estimable prior to the end of the period. Employees terminated also received one-time enhanced severance of $3.4 million that was recognized in the year ended February 28, 2010, as the enhanced plan was not finalized and communicated until March 5, 2009.

Impairment loss:

		For the year ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Impairment loss		$	373,137			$	174,642			$	(198,495	)			(53.2	)%

During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, Emmis purchased the remaining ownership interests of its two majority owned radio networks in Bulgaria. Emmis now owns 100% of all three radio networks in Bulgaria. Approximately $3.7 million of the purchase price related to these acquisitions was allocated to goodwill, which was then determined to be substantially impaired. During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we performed an interim impairment test of our intangible assets as indicators of impairment were present. In connection with the interim review, we recorded an impairment loss of $160.9 million related to our radio FCC licenses, $5.3 million related to goodwill at our Los Angeles Magazine publication, $2.8 million related to definite-lived intangibles at our Orange Coast Magazine publication and $2.0 million related to our Bulgarian foreign broadcast licenses.

We performed our annual impairment testing as of December 1, 2009, but did not record any additional impairment charges.

Depreciation and amortization:

		For the years ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Depreciation and amortization:
Radio		$	9,020			$	8,128			$	(892	)			(9.9	)%
Publishing			1,231				772				(459	)			(37.3	)%
Corporate			2,152				1,493				(659	)			(30.6	)%
Total depreciation and amortization		$	12,403			$	10,393			$	(2,010	)			(16.2	)%

The decrease in radio and publishing depreciation and amortization mostly relates to impairment charges related to our definite-lived intangible assets at our Bulgarian radio operation and our Orange Coast publication in connection with our interim impairment testing performed on August 1, 2009.

Corporate depreciation and amortization expense decreased as a significant portion of the corporate property and equipment became fully depreciated at the end of fiscal 2009.

Operating loss:

		For the years ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Operating loss:
Radio		$	(281,774	)		$	(140,120	)		$	141,654				50.3	%
Publishing			(27,585	)			(9,200	)			18,385				66.6	%
Corporate			(29,982	)			(16,166	)			13,816				46.1	%
Total operating loss		$	(339,341	)		$	(165,486	)		$	173,855				51.2	%

The decrease in operating loss is primarily due to lower year-over-year impairment losses. Excluding impairment losses, operating income would have been $33.8 million and $9.2 million for the years ended February 28, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Operating income excluding impairment losses decreased due to lower revenues, partially offset by expense reductions, both of which are discussed above.

Interest expense:

		For the years ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Interest expense		$	25,067			$	24,820			$	(247	)			(1.0	)%

The August 2009 amendment to our Credit Agreement increased the interest rate on amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement by 2%. This increase is offset by lower outstanding debt during most of Fiscal 2010 as a result of our Dutch auction tenders, which are discussed below in “Gain on debt extinguishment.”

Gain on debt extinguishment:

		For the years ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Gain on debt extinguishment		$	—			$	31,362			$	31,362

In April 2009, Emmis commenced a series of Dutch auction tenders to purchase term loans of EOC under the Credit Agreement as amended. The cumulative effect of all of the debt tenders resulted in the purchase of $78.5 million in face amount of EOC’s outstanding term loans for $44.7 million in cash. As a result of these purchases, Emmis recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $31.9 million in the quarter ended May 31, 2009, which is net of transaction costs of $1.0 million and a write-off of deferred debt costs associated with the term loan reduction of $0.9 million. The Credit Agreement as amended permitted the Company to pay up to $50 million (less amounts paid after February 1, 2009 under our TV Proceeds Quarterly Bonus Program) to purchase EOC’s outstanding term loans through tender offers and required a minimum offer of $5 million per tender. Since the Company paid $44.7 million in debt tenders and paid $4.1 million under the TV Bonus Program in March 2009, we are not permitted to effect further tenders under the Credit Agreement.

In August 2009, Emmis further amended its Credit Agreement. As part of the August 2009 amendment, maximum availability under the revolver was reduced from $75 million to $20 million. The Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment during the year ended February 28, 2010 of $0.5 million related to the write-off of deferred debt costs associated with the revolver reduction.

Benefit for income taxes:

		For the years ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Benefit for income taxes		$	(65,848	)		$	(39,840	)		$	26,008				(39.5	)%

Our effective income tax benefit for the years ended February 28, 2009 and 2010 were 18% and 25%, respectively. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded a full valuation allowance for most of its deferred tax assets, including its net operating loss carryforwards. A portion of the impairment loss during the year ended February 28, 2010 decreased deferred tax liabilities associated with the indefinite-lived intangibles. The tax benefit of the deferred tax liability reduction decreased the effective annual tax rate for fiscal 2010.

During the year ended February 28, 2010, we recorded a $6.8 million benefit related to alternative minimum tax paid by Emmis in 2006 and 2007, which can now be recouped after the signing of the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009. This Act allows Emmis to extend the previously allowed two-year carryback period on net operating losses to five years and permits the full offset of alternative minimum tax during such extended carryback period. The alternative minimum tax asset previously had a full valuation allowance.

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax:

		For the years ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	4,922			$	442			$	(4,480	)			(91.0	)%

Our television division, Tu Ciudad Los Angeles, Emmis Books and our international radio operations in Belgium and Hungary have been classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The financial results of these stations and related discussions are fully described in Note 1j to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Below is a summary of the components of discontinued operations.

		Year ended February 28,
		2009				2010
Income (loss) from operations:
Television		$	5,007			$	—
Slager Radio (Hungary)			10,311				1,404
Belgium			(3,635	)			(944	)
Tu Ciudad			(1,890	)			(15	)
Emmis Books			(103	)			(22	)
Total			9,690				423
Provision for income taxes			4,188				401
Income from operations, net of tax			5,502				22
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations:
Television			(1,017	)			—
Belgium			—				420
Total			(1,017	)			420
Benefit for income taxes			(437	)			—
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax			(580	)			420
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		$	4,922			$	442

For a description of properties sold, see the discussion under Acquisitions, Dispositions and Investments.

Consolidated net loss:

		For the years ended February 28,
		2009				2010				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Consolidated net loss		$	(294,953	)		$	(118,492	)		$	176,461				(59.8	%)

The decrease in net loss for the year ended February 28, 2010 is mostly due to the decrease in the impairment charge recorded during fiscal 2010 and the gain on the extinguishment of debt as a result of our Dutch auction tenders, both of which are partially offset by the decrease in the benefit for income taxes and decrease in other components of operating income as discussed above.

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2008 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2009

Net revenue pro forma reconciliation:

Since March 1, 2007, we have acquired Orange Coast and a national radio network in Bulgaria. The results of our television division, Tu Ciudad Los Angeles publication, Emmis Books and our international radio properties in Belgium and Hungary have been included in discontinued operations and are not included in reported results below. The following table reconciles actual results to pro forma results.

		Year ended February 28 (29),
		2008				2009				$ Change				% Change
		(amounts in thousands)
Reported net revenues
Radio		$	243,738			$	224,941			$	(18,797	)			-7.7	%
Publishing			91,939				82,990				(8,949	)			-9.7	%
Total			335,677				307,931				(27,746	)			-8.3	%
Plus: Net revenues from stations acquired
Radio			604				—
Publishing			2,774				—
Total			3,378				—
Pro forma net revenues
Radio			244,342				224,941				(19,401	)			-7.9	%
Publishing			94,713				82,990				(11,723	)			-12.4	%
Total		$	339,055			$	307,931			$	(31,124	)			-9.2	%

For further disclosure of segment results, see Note 13 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Consistent with management’s review of the Company, the pro forma results above include the impact of all material consummated acquisitions and dispositions through February 28, 2009.

Net revenues discussion:

Radio net revenues decreased principally as a result of weak advertising demand in all of our domestic radio markets. On a pro forma basis (assuming the purchase of the radio network in Bulgaria had occurred on the first day of the pro forma periods presented above), radio net revenues for the year ended February 28, 2009 decreased $19.4 million, or 7.9%. We typically monitor the performance of our domestic radio stations against the aggregate performance of the markets in which we operate based on reports for the periods prepared by the independent accounting firm Miller Kaplan. Miller Kaplan reports are generally prepared on a gross revenue basis and exclude revenues from barter arrangements. For the year ended February 28, 2009, revenues of our domestic radio stations were down 14.4%, whereas Miller Kaplan reported that revenues of our domestic radio markets were down 11.6%. We underperformed the markets in which we operate principally due to the continuing challenge of our reformatted stations in our Los Angeles and New York markets. Excluding WRXP-FM in New York and KMVN-FM in Los Angeles, revenues for our domestic radio markets would have been down 11.2%. Our New York and Los Angeles stations account for approximately 50% of our domestic radio revenues.

Market weakness and our stations’ weakness has led us to discount our rates charged to advertisers. In fiscal 2009, our average unit rate was down 14.7% and our number of units sold was down 0.5%. The Company’s national representation firm guaranteed a minimum amount of national sales for the year ended February 28, 2009. Actual national sales, as defined by the representation agreement, were approximately $10.2 million lower than the guaranteed minimum amount of national sales and the national representation firm has paid the shortfall to Emmis. As such, Emmis recognized $10.2 million of additional net revenues for the year ended February 28, 2009. Emmis recognized $3.7 million of additional net revenues related to the national representation firm’s shortfall during the year ended February 29, 2008. Our agreement with our national representation firm does not contain guarantees for any period after the year ended February 28, 2009.

Publishing net revenues decreased principally due to the slowing economy during the latter half of calendar 2008 and the first two months of calendar 2009 that diminished demand for advertising inventory at all of our city/regional publications.

On a consolidated basis, pro forma net revenues for the year ended February 28, 2009 decreased $31.1 million, or 9.2%, due to the effect of the items described above.

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense pro forma reconciliation:

Since March 1, 2007, we have acquired Orange Coast and a national radio network in Bulgaria. The results of our television division, Tu Ciudad Los Angeles publication, Emmis Books and our international radio properties in Belgium and Hungary have been included in discontinued operations and are not included in reported results below. The following table reconciles actual results to pro forma results.

		Year ended February 28 (29),
		2008				2009				$ Change				% Change
		(amounts in thousands)
Reported station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense
Radio		$	171,534			$	162,685			$	(8,849	)			-5.2	%
Publishing			78,258				76,322				(1,936	)			-2.5	%
Total			249,792				239,007				(10,785	)			-4.3	%
Plus: Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense from stations acquired:
Radio			567				—
Publishing			2,894				—
Total			3,461				—
Pro forma station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense
Radio			172,101				162,685				(9,416	)			-5.5	%
Publishing			81,152				76,322				(4,830	)			-6.0	%
Total		$	253,253			$	239,007			$	(14,246	)			-5.6	%

For further disclosure of segment results, see Note 13 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Consistent with management’s review of the Company, the pro forma results above include the impact of all material consummated acquisitions and dispositions through February 28, 2009.

Station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense discussion:

Radio station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense decreased principally due to lower expenses at KMVN-FM in Los Angeles. KMVN-FM’s station operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization expense decreased $6.3 million during the year ended February 28, 2009, as the station was engaged in an extensive marketing campaign in the prior year, which was not replicated in the current year. Radio operating expenses also decreased as variable sales related costs were down in line with the decrease in revenues.

Publishing operating expenses decreased due to lower variable sales related costs coupled with extensive cost reduction activities that were initiated during our quarter ended August 31, 2008.

On a consolidated basis, pro forma station operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense decreased $14.2 million, or 5.6%, due to the effect of the items described above.

Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense:

		For the years ended February 28 (29),
		2008				2009				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Corporate expenses excluding depreciation and amortization expense		$	20,883			$	18,503			$	(2,380	)			(11.4	)%

Corporate expenses decreased due to our continuing efforts to streamline our corporate services coupled with lower health insurance costs as a result of favorable health claims experience and general insurance costs as compared to the same period of the prior year. These cost savings are partially offset by the resumption of regular salary payments to our CEO. Our CEO voluntarily reduced his salary from $0.9 million to one dollar for the year ended February 29, 2008.

Restructuring charge:

		For the year ended February 28 (29),
		2008				2009				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Restructuring charge		$	—			$	4,208			$	4,208				N/A

In response to the deteriorating economic environment and the decline in domestic advertising revenues previously discussed, the Company announced a plan on March 5, 2009 to reduce payroll costs by $10 million annually. In connection with the plan, approximately 100 employees were terminated. The terminated employees received severance of $4.2 million under the Company’s standard severance plan which was recognized as of February 28, 2009 as the terminations were probable and the amount was reasonably estimable. Employees terminated also received one-time enhanced severance of $3.4 million that was recognized in the fiscal year ended February 28, 2010 as the enhanced plan was not finalized and communicated until March 5, 2009.

Impairment loss:

		For the year ended February 28 (29),
		2008				2009				$ Change				% Change
		(As reported, amounts in thousands)
Impairment loss		$	18,068			$	373,137			$	355,069				1,965.2	%

In connection with our fiscal 2008 annual impairment review, we recognized a noncash impairment loss of $21.2 million ($18.0 million related to our FCC licenses in St. Louis and Terre Haute and $3.2 million related to our international broadcasting licenses in Belgium). In connection with our fiscal 2009 annual and interim impairment reviews, we recognized a noncash impairment loss of $373.4 million ($322.7 million related to domestic radio indefinite-lived intangibles, $8.2 million related to international radio goodwill, $2.5 million related to other long-lived assets of our foreign continuing operations, $31.9 million related to publishing division goodwill, $0.5 million related to publishing division definite-lived intangibles, $0.3 million related to long-lived assets in Belgium and $7.3 million related to our corporate aircraft). The impairment losses related to Belgium have been reclassified to discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.