Urban One Reports Q4 Decline Amidst Broad Challenges

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, March 28, 2025

Urban One

Urban One has revealed a fourth quarter decline in net revenues and a transition into operating losses compared to the previous year. The company experienced a net revenue of approximately $117.1 million, marking a decrease of 2.7% from $120.3 million in the same period in 2023. The company posted an operating loss of about $1.9 million, a sharp contrast to the operating income of $6.8 million recorded in the final quarter of 2023.

The net loss significantly widened to approximately $35.7 million, or $(0.78) per share, compared to a net loss of $11.0 million, or $(0.23) per share, in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA slightly declined to $26.9 million from $27.1 million in the previous year.

The broadcast and digital operating income, which reflects the core segments excluding certain financial items, saw a minor increase of 1.7% to $38.6 million. However, this slight improvement was overshadowed by challenges across various segments. Increased political advertising could not offset the drop in core radio revenue, which is down 13.6% in the first quarter pacing of 2025.

Although the segment's Adjusted EBITDA rose by 50.7% for the quarter, it faced a 13.2% reduction in digital advertising revenue, reflecting the broader difficulties in monetizing digital platforms.

Urban One CEO Alfred C. Liggins III emphasized the company's balanced approach amidst the challenges: "Our focus remains on cost containment and deleveraging as we navigate through the persisting industry downturns. The stabilization seen in first quarter cable TV deliveries is promising, although the overall decline in linear TV subscribers continues."

As Urban One looks to 2025, the company faces the critical task of adjusting its strategies to adapt to the fast-evolving media landscape, where digital transformation and changing consumer behaviors continue to pose both challenges and opportunities.