Urban One reported lower revenue in the third quarter, with declines in cable television and digital operations. Radio revenue, however, provided a positive result.
What We Know: Urban One generated $88 million in net revenue during the third quarter, a 5% decline from the prior-year period. While radio revenue increased, the company faced continued advertising challenges across its other business segments.
What The Numbers Show:
| Sector | Result | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Net Revenue | $88 million | 🔴 -5% |
| Cable TV Revenue | $37.3 million | 🔴 -6.7% |
| Radio Revenue | $36.7 million | 🟢 +5.4% |
| Digital Revenue | $9.6 million | 🔴 -24.4% |
| Operating Income | -$126.6 million | 🔴 -102% |
What They Said: “Net political revenue for the full year is expected to be $8.8 million across all divisions. Weak demand in the Cable TV scatter market, shifted more inventory to the direct response category at lower rates in the third quarter. We saw an increase in local digital revenue in our radio markets, but large client attrition and suppressed rates in national direct digital revenue meant significant revenue declines in the overall digital segment.
“Revised Adjusted EBITDA guide for 2026 is now $40.0 million given the realities of the current advertising marketplace. Management is hyper-focused on cost reductions heading into next year and has identified at least $20.0 million of annualized savings.” -Urban One President/CEO Alfred Liggins III
What It Means: Urban One faces continued pressure from a challenging advertising marketplace, particularly in digital and cable television. However, radio provided some relief, helped by political advertising and the Dallas acquisition.
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