FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Doug Rice Named General Sales Manager of Salem Radio

SEATTLE – May 11, 2006 – Salem Communications (NASDAQ: SALM), a leading U.S. radio broadcaster, Internet content provider and magazine publisher targeting audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content and conservative values, today announced that Doug Rice has been named general sales manager of the Seattle radio cluster, which includes stations 820 AM-KGNW, News Talk 1300AM KKOL and 1290 KIKN, 1590 AM-KLFE and Radio SOL1360 AM.

"Doug Rice brings a wealth of experience that will benefit all of Salem's clients,” said Joe Gonzalez, general manager of the Seattle cluster. “His experience in general market radio will prove especially beneficial as we power up News Talk 1300 KKOL to 50,000 watts this summer."

Involved in radio since his high school days, Rice most recently worked as director of sales for Cumulus Broadcasting in Macon, Georgia. He also worked at Cox Radio in Orlando and for Mondosphere Broadcasting in San Luis Obispo/Santa Maria, California. In his home state of Montana, Rice worked as a news director, announcer, air personality, account executive, general manager and talk show host at a number of networks.

Rice earned his degree in Public Relations at the University of Montana. He was named Montana Radio Broadcaster of the Year in 1985 and again in 1986, the youngest person ever in state history to receive the award. Following a six-year enlistment in the Montana Army National Guard, he received a Medal of Commendation for Overseas duty on a two-week tour to Panama/Honduras in 1989.

The Seattle radio cluster is owned and operated by Salem Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: SALM), a leading U.S. radio broadcaster, Internet content provider and magazine publisher targeting audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content and conservative values. In addition to its radio properties, Salem owns (R), which syndicates talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,000 affiliates; Salem Radio Representatives(TM), a national radio advertising sales force; (TM), an Internet provider of Christian content and online streaming; and Salem Publishing(TM), a Christian-themed magazine publisher. Upon the close of all announced transactions, the company will own 104 radio stations, including 66 stations in 24 of the top 25 markets. Additional information about Salem may be accessed at the company's website, www.salem.cc.

Contact: Janet Chismar (805) 987-0400, x1092 [email protected] Or Denise Davis (805) 384-4513 [email protected]

Source: Salem Communications Corp.