Salem Media Group Inc. appointed Richard von Gnechten as its new board chair in August, succeeding former chief executive Edward Atsinger III.

The Camarillo-based multimedia company announced that Atsinger will remain with Salem as executive chairman, overseeing operations until December. The company specializes in Christian and conservative content via its national radio network, digital platforms and publishing brands.

In its August report, Salem Media said that its second quarter net revenue fell 10.7% to $54.1 million, compared with $60.6 million a year earlier. In the first quarter of 2025, the revenue was also down, declining 12%. The drop in revenue follows an election year, when advertising spending was up on its conservative outlets. Despite the revenue drop, Salem’s stock price has risen year-over-year from 25 cents to 90 cents in August.

Adjusting markets

In its second quarter filing the company cautioned that “increases in consumer prices, inflation, tariffs and interest rates may have a material adverse impact on our business, to the extent that any of these factors interfere with our customers’ advertising and promotional spending.”

Salem also warned that growth from broadcast airtime sales could be negatively affected by cultural shifts, such as audience spending less time commuting, auto manufacturers phasing out AM radio and increased consumer interest in audio streaming services, podcasts and satellite radio.

Looking ahead, company leadership says it will continue to expand Salem’s digital assets to complement its broadcast content and hopes that the increased use of smart speakers and other platforms that provide access to AM and FM radio will help the company reach its target audience.