CAMARILLO, Calif., Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Salem Media (OTCQX: SALM) announced today that Salem Podcast Network, a division of Salem Media, launched a new podcast, The Danielle Gill Show, debuting Monday, February 23. Hosted by conservative author Danielle Gill, the podcast will deliver insightful and timeless analysis of cultural issues, politics, news, and the social trends shaping our country today. New episodes will be released four times per week across the Salem Podcast Network. “I’m launch ...

Core Insights - The Jay Walker Podcast has entered a distribution agreement with Tubi, the largest ad-supported streaming service, to transition to a weekly televised format starting Summer 2026, while also making its entire library available for global streaming [2][3][4] - The podcast has achieved over 100 million downloads, establishing itself as a leading platform for culturally relevant storytelling and discussions with notable figures [3] - The partnership aims to enhance audience engagement by providing a cinematic experience while maintaining availability across all major podcast platforms [4][5] Company Overview - Jay Walker is a media executive and host of The Jay Walker Podcast, focusing on building brands and networks that blend culture, faith, and leadership [7] - WoahRae, the production company founded by Jay Walker, specializes in creating original content that resonates culturally and emphasizes ownership and leverage in media [8]

Core Insights - PodcastOne has increased its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance, now expecting revenue between $60 million and $62 million, and Adjusted EBITDA between $5.5 million and $6.5 million, driven by growing quarterly revenues from a Fortune 250 streaming partner and the sale of original IP for television adaptation [1][2] Company Overview - PodcastOne is a leading podcast platform that offers a comprehensive solution in sales, marketing, public relations, production, and distribution, boasting over 3.9 billion total downloads and a community of 200 top podcasters [2] - The company has a distribution network that reaches over 1 billion monthly impressions across various channels, including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio [2] Financial Metrics - Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, excluding certain non-recurring expenses and stock-based compensation [7] - Contribution Margin (Loss) is calculated as revenue less cost of sales before specific expenses, providing insights into the company's operational performance [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the fiscal third quarter of 2026 was a record $15.9 million, with an operating loss of $153 thousand, significantly improved from an operating loss of $1.6 million in the same year-ago quarter [8] - Net loss for the quarter was $154 thousand, or -$0.01 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.6 million, or -$0.06 per share in the year-ago quarter [8] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was a record $2.8 million, compared to -$670 thousand in the same year-ago quarter, driven by revenue growth and disciplined cost management [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Podroll revenue increased more than 5% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting growing adoption of the dynamic ad marketplace by brands and agencies [7] - The Dr. Gundry Podcast achieved 18 million all-time downloads, showcasing the long-tail value of evergreen, expert-driven content [6] - The company renewed several key shows, including LadyGang and The Adam Carolla Show, which are expected to enhance monetization opportunities [6][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The partnership with Dr. Phil's Envoy Media Company is expected to expand PodcastOne's reach beyond traditional podcast distribution into multi-platform owned media [5] - The company is experiencing increased advertiser interest, particularly in relation to the Dr. Phil Podcast, indicating a positive market response [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - PodcastOne is focusing on strategic partnerships, long-term talent renewals, and expansion of its owned and original content network [4] - The company aims to position itself as a content network rather than just a podcast publisher, leveraging AI-powered infrastructure to enhance operational efficiencies [4][10] - The strategy includes diversifying ad sales revenue generation channels and expanding relationships with brands and advertisers [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth potential of the podcasting industry, citing increasing media spending levels and the entry of major brands into the podcasting space [60] - The company anticipates continued growth throughout fiscal 2026 and beyond, supported by its AI capabilities and expanding portfolio of owned content [10] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $3.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and no debt on the balance sheet [9] - Management highlighted the importance of original IP and its potential to generate significant revenue with minimal additional costs [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the streams and downloads for the Dr. Phil Podcast, and what has been the advertiser response? - Management noted excitement about the Dr. Phil relationship, with positive advertiser interest and plans for future projects [13][15] Question: How are B2B deals impacting current results and what is the outlook? - Management highlighted the Amazon R19 deal as a significant contributor to revenue and efficiency, with expectations for continued growth in B2B relationships [18][19] Question: What is the outlook for cost of sales and G&A expenses? - Management indicated that G&A expenses are expected to remain stable in the short term, with ongoing efforts to contain costs [39] Question: What is the talent environment like for acquiring new shows? - Management reported a competitive environment for talent acquisition but remains optimistic about opportunities for growth and partnerships [56][58] Question: How is advertiser spending trending in the industry? - Management observed robust growth in media spending, with major brands increasingly shifting their budgets to podcasting [60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the fiscal third quarter of 2026 was a record $15.9 million, with an operating loss of $153,000 compared to an operating loss of $1.6 million in the same year-ago quarter, indicating significant improvement driven by higher advertising revenue and operational efficiencies [8][9] - Net loss for the quarter was $154,000 or -$0.01 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.6 million or -$0.06 per share in the year-ago quarter [8] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was a record $2.8 million, compared to -$670,000 in the same year-ago quarter, reflecting revenue growth and disciplined cost management [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PodRoll revenue increased more than 5% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting growing adoption of the dynamic ad marketplace by brands and agencies [7] - The Dr. Gundry Podcast and The Adam Carolla Show were highlighted as standout performers, with significant audience engagement and renewed multi-year agreements [6][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The partnership with Dr. Phil's Envoy Media Company is expected to expand PodcastOne's reach into multi-platform owned media, enhancing its market position [5] - The company continues to see strong advertiser interest, particularly from major brands like Amazon and Progressive, indicating robust growth in media spending [65] Company Strategy and Development Direction - PodcastOne is focused on strategic partnerships, talent renewals, and expanding its owned and original content network, positioning itself as a leading content network rather than just a podcast publisher [4][10] - The company is leveraging AI-powered infrastructure to enhance operational efficiencies and audience engagement, which is expected to drive future growth [4][5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing the company's strong position for continued growth throughout fiscal 2026 and beyond, driven by compelling content and strategic monetization [10] - The typical slowdown in advertising spending during the first quarter of the calendar year was acknowledged, with expectations to outperform last year's quarter despite a deceleration in guidance [53][54] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $3.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and no debt on the balance sheet, indicating a strong financial position [9] - The acquisition of Varnamtown by Paramount for development as a streaming project underscores the strength of PodcastOne's original IP [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the streams and downloads for Dr. Phil's podcast, and what has been the advertiser response? - Management noted excitement about the Dr. Phil relationship, with positive advertiser interest and plans for future projects [13][15] Question: How are B2B deals impacting current results and future outlook? - The Amazon ART19 deal was highlighted as a significant contributor to revenue and operational efficiencies, with expectations for continued growth in B2B relationships [18][19] Question: What is the outlook for cost of sales and G&A expenses? - Management indicated that G&A expenses are expected to remain stable in the short term, with ongoing efforts to improve cost efficiencies [44][45] Question: What is the talent environment like for acquiring new shows? - The competitive landscape for talent acquisition remains, but management is optimistic about ongoing relationships and new opportunities [60][63] Question: How is advertiser spending trending in the industry? - Management reported increasing media spending levels, with major brands shifting their budgets to podcasting, indicating a robust growth outlook [65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Q3 2026 reached a record $15.9 million, with an operating loss of $153 thousand, significantly improved from an operating loss of $1.6 million in the same quarter last year [8] - Net loss for the quarter was $154 thousand, or -$0.01 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.6 million, or -$0.06 per share in the year-ago quarter [8] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was a record $2.8 million, compared to -$670 thousand in the same year-ago quarter, driven by revenue growth and disciplined cost management [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Podroll revenue increased more than 5% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting growing adoption of the dynamic ad marketplace by brands and agencies [7] - The Dr. Gundry Podcast achieved 18 million all-time downloads, showcasing the long-tail value of evergreen, expert-driven content [6] - The company renewed several key shows, including LadyGang and The Adam Carolla Show, enhancing its content portfolio and monetization opportunities [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The partnership with Dr. Phil's Envoy Media Company is expected to expand PodcastOne's reach beyond traditional podcast distribution into a multi-platform owned media network [5] - The company is experiencing increased advertiser interest, particularly in relation to the Dr. Phil Podcast, indicating a positive market response [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - PodcastOne is focusing on strategic partnerships, talent renewals, and expanding its owned and original content network, positioning itself as a leading content network rather than just a podcast publisher [4][10] - The integration of AI-powered tools is enhancing operational efficiencies and supporting talent development, content creation, and monetization strategies [4][5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the company's strong position for continued growth throughout fiscal 2026 and beyond, driven by technology and strategic partnerships [10] - The management noted that the fourth quarter typically sees a slowdown in advertising revenue, but they expect to outperform last year's quarter [49] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $3.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and no debt on the balance sheet, indicating a strong financial position [9] - The acquisition of Varnamtown by Paramount for development as a streaming project underscores the strength of PodcastOne's original IP [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the streams and downloads for the Dr. Phil Podcast, and what has been the advertiser response? - Management indicated excitement about the Dr. Phil relationship, noting that the podcast is gaining traction and advertisers are showing interest in the offerings [12][14] Question: How are B2B deals impacting current results and future outlook? - Management highlighted the significance of the Amazon R19 deal, which is diversifying ad sales revenue and enhancing revenue channels [18][19] Question: What is the outlook for cost of sales and G&A expenses? - Management expects G&A to remain stable in the short term, with ongoing efforts to contain costs while improving operational efficiency [39][40] Question: What is the talent environment like for acquiring new shows? - Management noted a competitive environment for talent acquisition but remains optimistic about opportunities for growth and partnerships with existing shows [57][60] Question: How is advertiser spending trending in the industry? - Management reported that media spending levels are increasing, with major brands shifting their budgets towards podcasting, indicating robust growth in the sector [63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated revenue of $20.3 million for Q3 fiscal 2026, with total revenues for the nine months reaching over $58 million [4][13] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $2.6 million, contributing to a positive consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $1.6 million for the second quarter [13] - The company posted a net loss of $4.1 million or 37 cents per diluted share for Q3 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The audio division generated $18.6 million in revenue for Q3 and $52.2 million for the nine-month period, with an Adjusted EBITDA of $2.6 million for Q3 [5][13] - PodcastOne subsidiary achieved record revenue of $15.9 million and adjusted EBITDA of $2.8 million [13][14] - Slacker subsidiary reported Q3 revenue of $2.8 million with an adjusted EBITDA of negative $0.1 million [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has over $125 million in net operating loss carryforwards, which represent significant long-term shareholder value and tax efficiencies [5][6] - Industry valuation dynamics are improving, with the company trading at 60% of revenues compared to the industry average of over 3x revenues [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding partnerships with major players like Amazon, Apple, and Tesla, aiming to launch three significant Fortune 500 partnerships [7][9] - A strategy is in place to convert over 1 million free and ad-supported subscribers into paid tiers, representing potential incremental revenue [7] - The company is also expanding its original IP, having sold its fourth television series to a major streaming platform [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted that the company has emerged leaner and more disciplined after navigating various challenges, positioning itself for the next growth cycle [4][5] - The preliminary fiscal guidance for the upcoming year is set at $85 million to $95 million in revenues and $8 million to $10 million in Adjusted EBITDA [5][40] - Management expressed confidence in the company's undervaluation and the potential for significant growth driven by B2B partnerships and AI initiatives [11][12] Other Important Information - The company has streamlined its workforce from 350 to 88 members, resulting in a reduction of operating expenses by over 52% year-over-year [4] - The company is actively exploring M&A opportunities as the market stabilizes and valuations normalize [7][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the B2B business, can you elaborate on customization and options for customers? - Management stated that the company is uniquely positioned in the B2B space, leveraging AI for customization and offering competitive pricing [17][20] Question: What is the competitive landscape for content provision? - Management indicated that while some competition exists, the company's unique service offerings and flexibility provide a competitive advantage [29][31] Question: What is the potential for advertising revenue from Slacker's non-subscription customers? - Management noted that they are actively increasing advertising offerings and expect to convert free subscribers into paid subscriptions over time [24][26] Question: When will the 10-Qs be released? - The CFO confirmed that the 10-Qs for both LiveOne and PodcastOne would be released the following day [47] Question: How sustainable are current cost levels? - The CFO indicated that G&A and sales and marketing costs are expected to decrease further in the upcoming quarters [49][50] Question: What is the timing for revenue from the 30 million subscriber deal? - Management mentioned that revenue from this deal is expected to ramp up in the following year, with some initial revenue potentially coming in this quarter [61][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated revenue of $20.3 million for Q3 fiscal 2026, with a total of over $58 million in revenue for the nine months ending December 31, 2025 [4][14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $2.6 million, contributing to a total of over $3.7 million for the audio division in the nine-month period [5][14] - The company posted a net loss of $4.1 million or 37 cents per diluted share for Q3 fiscal 2026 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The audio division generated $52.2 million in revenue over nine months, with Q3 revenue of $18.6 million [5][14] - PodcastOne subsidiary achieved record revenue of $15.9 million and adjusted EBITDA of $2.8 million in Q3 [14][15] - Slacker subsidiary reported Q3 revenue of $2.8 million with an adjusted EBITDA of negative $0.1 million [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is trading at 60% of revenues, while the industry is trading over 3x revenues, indicating a significant undervaluation [6] - The B2B pipeline has grown over 30% in the last 120 days, with over 100 active enterprise opportunities [6][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding partnerships with major players like Amazon, Apple, and Tesla, aiming to launch three significant Fortune 500 partnerships [7][8] - A strategic shift towards owning intellectual properties and original content is underway, with over 15 original projects in the pipeline [8][9] - The company is evolving its leadership structure to enhance focus on B2B partnerships and AI initiatives [11][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position for transformational growth, citing a strong B2B pipeline and improving industry dynamics [15][40] - The company anticipates reaching profitability by the end of the fiscal year, leveraging over $125 million in net operating loss carryforwards for tax efficiencies [5][6] - Management highlighted the importance of AI in enhancing personalization and optimizing monetization, driving B2B demand [10][73] Other Important Information - The company has reduced operating expenses by over 52% year-over-year and streamlined its workforce from 350 to 88 employees [4][5] - A share repurchase program is being expanded, reflecting confidence in the company's undervaluation [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the B2B business, can you elaborate on customization and options for customers? - Management noted that the company is uniquely positioned in the B2B space, leveraging AI for customization and offering competitive pricing [18][20] Question: What is the competitive landscape for content provision? - Management indicated that while some competition exists, the company's unique service offerings and flexibility provide a significant advantage [31][32] Question: How is the advertising revenue for Slacker's non-subscription customers progressing? - Management highlighted a robust advertising business across audio platforms and noted a partnership with DAX to enhance advertising offerings [25][26] Question: What is the timing for the 30 million subscriber deal? - Management stated that the deal is signed and expected to ramp up in the following year, with some revenue potentially starting this quarter [59][61] Question: What is the expected impact of Tesla user conversions on revenue? - Management confirmed that the conversion from ad-supported to paid subscriptions is expected to contribute significantly to revenue growth [67][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated revenue of $20.3 million for Q3 fiscal 2026, with a total of $58 million in revenue for the nine months [15][4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $2.6 million, with a consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $1.6 million for the second quarter [15][4] - The company posted a net loss of $4.1 million or 37 cents per diluted share for Q3 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The audio division generated $18.6 million in revenue and $2.6 million in adjusted EBITDA for Q3 [15] - PodcastOne subsidiary achieved record revenue of $15.9 million and adjusted EBITDA of $2.8 million [15][16] - Slacker subsidiary reported Q3 revenue of $2.8 million with an adjusted EBITDA of negative $0.1 million [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is trading at 60% of revenues, while the industry is trading over 3x revenues [6] - The private sector in podcasting and audio is trading over 3.7x, with transactions above 5x revenues in the last 120 days [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to scale profitably and close the earnings delivery gap, with preliminary fiscal guidance of $85 million to $95 million in revenues and $8 million to $10 million in adjusted EBITDA for the next fiscal year [5][6] - The focus is on expanding partnerships with major companies like Amazon, Apple, and Tesla, and converting over 1 million free and ad-supported subscribers into paid tiers [8][9] - The company is also investing in original IP, with over 15 projects in the pipeline, and plans to expand live experiences, which previously accounted for 50% of revenues [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position for transformational growth, highlighting the importance of AI and behavioral data in driving future opportunities [16][11] - The company is focused on leveraging its $125 million net operating loss carryforwards for long-term shareholder value and tax efficiencies [5][6] - Management noted that the current B2B deals and upcoming partnerships could represent significant growth opportunities, with expectations of substantial revenue increases [41][76] Other Important Information - The company has streamlined its workforce from 350 to 88 members, reducing operating expenses by over 52% year-over-year [4] - The company has paid off over $2.5 million of debt, strengthening its balance sheet and capital flexibility [4][5] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the B2B business and customization - Management explained that the B2B deals are customized and that the company is leveraging AI to enhance service delivery, making it difficult for competitors to replicate [19][20] Question: Advertising revenue potential for Slacker - Management indicated that the advertising business is robust and that partnerships with programmatic advertising companies are expected to drive revenue growth from free subscribers [26][27] Question: Competitive landscape for content provision - Management stated that while some competition exists, the company's unique service offerings and flexibility provide a competitive advantage [31][32] Question: Timing and revenue from the 30 million subscriber deal - Management confirmed that the deal is signed and expected to ramp up in the following year, with conservative revenue estimates included in the guidance [36][62] Question: Conversion rates from Tesla users - Management highlighted a significant conversion rate from Tesla users and expressed optimism about future revenue growth from this segment [70]

Core Insights - The company achieved a record adjusted EBITDA of $2.8 million due to operational efficiencies in production and distribution, along with disciplined cost management [1] - The acquisition of the 'Varnamtown' IP for streaming development aligns with the company's strategy to create original IP with monetization potential [1] - Revenue growth was driven by a 5% quarter-over-quarter increase in PodRoll revenue, indicating higher adoption of the Dynamic Ad Marketplace by brands [1] Group 1 - Performance is increasingly supported by an AI-powered infrastructure that enhances predictive profitability, automated advertising management, and audio quality [2] - The partnership with Dr. Phil's Envoy Media Company marks a significant shift towards multi-platform original content, launching a new daily podcast-based network [2] Group 2 - Management is transitioning from a traditional podcast publisher to a vertically integrated content and monetization network focused on owned media assets [3] - Future adjusted EBITDA growth is anticipated, driven by structural improvements rather than one-time items [3] - The company plans to launch multiple new video and audio projects within the Envoy Media partnership over the next 3 to 6 months [3] - Guidance for the upcoming quarter indicates a typical seasonal deceleration in advertising spend as brands reset budgets [3] - Strategic focus remains on M&A opportunities, with discussions ongoing with several podcast networks to complement the existing portfolio [3] - Future revenue growth is expected to benefit from expanded B2B deals, including deeper integration with Amazon's ART19 and potential new content offerings for Pluto TV [3]