Saga Communications reported another challenging quarter as revenue fell while station expenses increased. The company’s operating income also declined sharply from the same period last year.
What We Know: Saga Communications reported its 2nd quarter 2026 financial results Thursday, showing continued pressure on its core radio business. Net revenue declined 6.5% year-over-year to $26.4 million, while station operating expenses climbed 5.4% to $23.4 million. As a result, operating income fell to $623,000 from $1.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Saga operates broadcast properties across 28 markets, with 82 FM and 28 AM stations.
What the Numbers Show:
| Metric | 2nd Quarter 2026 | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| Net Revenue | $26.4 million | ▼ 6.5% |
| Station Operating Expenses | $23.4 million | ▲ 5.4% |
| Operating Income | $623K | ▼ 55.8% |
What Remains Unclear: The company’s results show a widening gap between revenue and expenses, but the figures alone don’t explain which markets or revenue categories drove the decline. Saga has previously pointed to softness in local and national advertising, while digital revenue has provided some offsetting growth.
What It Means: Saga Communications faces another difficult quarter as lower revenue and rising station expenses squeeze profitability. Still, the company continues investing in digital services and other revenue initiatives, which could provide longer-term growth.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.