10/18/2005

Salem Communications to Acquire The Singing News Magazine
Publication Ranked First in Southern Gospel Music

NASHVILLE, Oct. 18 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Salem Publishing, a division of Salem Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:SALM) announced today that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire The Singing News Magazine and its related Internet properties. The acquisition is expected to close in January of 2006.

Founded in 1969 by gospel music legend J.G. Whitfield, The Singing News Magazine is known as "the printed voice of southern gospel music" and is regarded as the most widely read monthly magazine in Christian music. Jim Cumbee, president of Salem Publishing, said "The acquisition of The Singing News strengthens Salem's position as the nation's preeminent publisher of Christian music magazines. The Singing News fits perfectly into our family of titles, including Homecoming Magazine and CCM Magazine."

Cumbee continued, "We will be able to leverage The Singing News brand with Salem's radio and Internet businesses. We own the Solid Gospel radio network, which broadcasts southern gospel music to more than 100 affiliate radio stations, and via our Salem Web Network, we reach millions of Christians each month on the Internet. We will offer a complete integration of print, radio, and Internet for artists and advertisers who want to cost-effectively reach the huge audience for southern gospel music."

Maurice Templeton, publisher of The Singing News Magazine, has been majority owner of the monthly magazine since 1986. Templeton said, "It has been a privilege to own The Singing News Magazine for almost 20 years. Under the editorial leadership of Jerry Kirksey we have seen enormous growth for the magazine and for southern gospel music. The entire team, under the leadership of Danny Jones, has done a great job, and each member has my deep gratitude for their commitment and service."

The Singing News Magazine has paid subscribers in all 50 states and is read each month by more than 200,000 fans of southern gospel music. The monthly magazine also publishes the most frequently read radio airplay charts for southern gospel music. Cumbee said "We take very seriously The Singing News' stewardship of the southern gospel radio airplay charts, and we soon will be announcing a comprehensive web-based reporting system to complement the printed charts."

Jerry Kirksey, founding editor and a minority owner of The Singing News Magazine will consult with Salem Publishing and write for the magazine when the transaction is completed. Cumbee said, "Jerry's enthusiasm for and commitment to southern gospel music is unparalleled. We look forward to working with him on various assignments, but we respect his decision to slow down after shepherding the magazine for more than 36 years."

Salem Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:SALM), headquartered in Camarillo, CA, is the leading U.S. radio broadcaster focused on Christian and family themes programming. Upon the close of all announced transactions, the company will own 103 radio stations, including 66 stations in 24 of the top 25 markets. In addition to its radio properties, Salem owns Salem Radio Network(R), which syndicates talk, news and music programming to more than 1,900 affiliates; Salem Radio Representatives(TM), a national sales force; Salem Web Network(TM), a leading Internet provider of Christian content and online streaming; and Salem Publishing(TM), a leading publisher of Christian themed magazines. Information may be accessed at the company's website, www.salem.cc.