Salem Media Q2 Revenue Down 15.2%; Net Loss Narrows Significantly
Salem Media is a company in transition as it prepares to go private after a deal to be acquired by WaterStone was announced in May. That deal has WaterStone acquiring all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1.00 per share, representing approximately a 250% premium over Salem’s recent trading price.
For the second quarter of 2026, Salem’s net revenue was $45.9 million, a decrease of 15.2% from the same period in 2025. On the plus side, Salem’s net loss for the quarter was $3.4 million, a dramatic 81% decline from the $17.6 million net loss it reported a year ago. By segment for the quarter, Salem’s broadcast advertising revenue was $17.85 million, a dip of 11.3% compared to Q2 of 2025; broadcast programming revenue was $34.3 million, a decline of 6.3%; and digital revenue was $32.7 million, a decrease of 12.5%.

this deal will “strengthen Salem’s longterm mission across radio, digital media, streaming, podcasting, television, and publishing.” Company co-founder and board member Edward Atsinger III says, “For the last 10 years the Atsinger and Epperson families have been looking for a successor that would continue to carry the torch of delivering quality Christian and conservative media into the next generation and beyond. When we met with WaterStone some 24 months ago we believed it was a divine appointment. WaterStone is deeply aligned with the vision we had when our families founded this company.” Richard von Gnechten is chairman of Salem Media’s board of directors and president of WaterStone. He comments, “This is about building on what makes Salem unique. Salem has spent decades earning the trust of listeners, ministries, advertisers, and audiences by staying true to its mission. WaterStone believes deeply in that mission and in the people behind it. This partnership gives Salem additional strength and longterm stability while creating new opportunities to expand its reach for the future – which is why we are making this investment.” This deal is expected to close in August, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.