ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

(a) Organization

Urban One, Inc. (a Delaware corporation referred to as “Urban One”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) is an urban-oriented, multi-media company that primarily targets African-American and urban consumers. Our core business is our radio broadcasting franchise which is the largest radio broadcasting operation that primarily targets African-American and urban listeners. As of March 31, 2019, we owned and/or operated 60 broadcast stations (including all HD stations, translator stations and the low power television station we operate) located in 15 of the most populous African-American markets in the United States. While a core source of our revenue has historically been and remains the sale of local and national advertising for broadcast on our radio stations, our strategy is to operate the premier multi-media entertainment and information content provider targeting African-American and urban consumers. Thus, we have diversified our revenue streams by making acquisitions and investments in other complementary media properties. Our diverse media and entertainment interests include TV One, LLC (“TV One”), an African-American targeted cable television network; our 80.0% ownership interest in Reach Media, Inc. (“Reach Media”) which operates the Tom Joyner Morning Show and our other syndicated programming assets, including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, the Russ Parr Morning Show and the DL Hughley Show; and Interactive One, LLC (“Interactive One”), our wholly owned digital platform serving the African-American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including its Cassius, Bossip, HipHopWired and MadameNoire digital platforms and brands. We also have invested in a minority ownership interest in MGM National Harbor, a gaming resort located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Through our national multi-media operations, we provide advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to the African-American and urban audiences.

On January 19, 2019, the Company launched CLEO TV, a lifestyle and entertainment network targeting Millennial and Gen X women of color. CLEO TV offers quality content that defies negative and cultural stereotypes of today’s modern women. The results of CLEO TV’s operations will be reflected in the Company’s cable television segment.

Our core radio broadcasting franchise operates under the brand “Radio One.”  We also operate our other brands, such as TV One, Reach Media and Interactive One, while developing additional branding reflective of our diverse media operations and targeting our African-American and urban audiences.

As part of our consolidated financial statements, consistent with our financial reporting structure and how the Company currently manages its businesses, we have provided selected financial information on the Company’s four reportable segments: (i) radio broadcasting; (ii) Reach Media; (iii) digital; and (iv) cable television. (See Note 7 – Segment Information.)

(b) Interim Financial Statements

The interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In management’s opinion, the interim financial data presented herein include all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.

Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(c) Financial Instruments

Financial instruments as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, consisted of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, trade accounts receivable, asset-backed credit facility, long-term debt and redeemable noncontrolling interests. The carrying amounts approximated fair value for each of these financial instruments as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, except for the Company’s long-term debt. The 9.25% Senior Subordinated Notes, which were due in February 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) had a carrying value of approximately $2.0 million and fair value of approximately $2.0 million as of December 31, 2018. On January 17, 2019, the Company announced that it had given the required notice under the indenture governing its 2020 Notes to redeem for cash all outstanding aggregate principal amount of its Notes to the extent outstanding on February 15, 2019.  On February 15, 2019, the remaining 2020 Notes were redeemed. The fair values of the 2020 Notes, classified as Level 2 instruments, were determined based on the trading values of these instruments in an inactive market as of the reporting date. The 7.375% Senior Secured Notes that are due in March 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) had a carrying value of approximately $350.0 million and fair value of approximately $340.4 million as of March 31, 2019. The 2022 Notes had a carrying value of approximately $350.0 million and fair value of approximately $332.5 million as of December 31, 2018. The fair values of the 2022 Notes, classified as Level 2 instruments, were determined based on the trading values of these instruments in an inactive market as of the reporting date. On April 18, 2017, the Company closed on a $350.0 million senior secured credit facility (the “2017 Credit Facility”) which had a carrying value of approximately $323.1 million and fair value of approximately $307.6 million as of March 31, 2019, and had a carrying value of approximately $323.9 million and fair value of approximately $305.8 million as of December 31, 2018. The fair value of the 2017 Credit Facility, classified as a Level 2 instrument, was determined based on the trading values of this instrument in an inactive market as of the reporting date. On December 20, 2018, the Company closed on a new $192.0 million unsecured credit facility (the “2018 Credit Facility”) which had a carrying value of approximately $181.4 million and fair value of approximately $185.1 million as of March 31, 2019, and had a carrying value of approximately $192.0 million and fair value of approximately $195.9 million as of December 31, 2018. The fair value of the 2018 Credit Facility, classified as a Level 2 instrument, was determined based on the trading values of this instrument in an inactive market as of the reporting date. On December 20, 2018, the Company also closed on a new $50.0 million secured credit loan (the “MGM National Harbor Loan”) which had a carrying value of approximately $50.5 million and fair value of approximately $56.6 million as of March 31, 2019, and had a carrying value of approximately $50.1 million and fair value of approximately $56.1 million as of December 31, 2018. The fair value of the 2018 MGM National Harbor Loan, classified as a Level 2 instrument, was determined based on the trading values of this instrument in an inactive market as of the reporting date. The senior unsecured promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $11.9 million (the “Comcast Note”) had a fair value and carrying value of approximately $11.9 million as of December 31, 2018. On February 15, 2019, the Comcast Note was paid in full and retired. The fair value of the Comcast Note, classified as a Level 3 instrument, was determined based on the fair value of a similar instrument as of the reporting date using updated interest rate information derived from changes in interest rates since inception to the reporting date. The Company’s asset-backed credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) had a carrying value of approximately $3.0 million and fair value of approximately $3.0 million as of March 31, 2019.  There was no balance outstanding on the ABL Facility as of December 31, 2018.

(d) Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company elected to use the modified retrospective method, but the adoption of the standard did not have a material impact to our financial statements. In general, our spot advertising (both radio and cable television) as well as our digital advertising continues to be recognized when aired and delivered. For our cable television affiliate revenue, the Company grants a license to the affiliate to access its television programming content through the license period, and the Company earns a usage based royalty when the usage occurs, consistent with our previous revenue recognition policy. Finally, for event advertising, the performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time when the activity associated with the event is completed.

Within our radio broadcasting and Reach Media segments, the Company recognizes revenue for broadcast advertising at a point in time when a commercial spot runs. The revenue is reported net of agency and outside sales representative commissions. Agency and outside sales representative commissions are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing. Generally, clients remit the gross billing amount to the agency or outside sales representative, and the agency or outside sales representative remits the gross billing, less their commission, to the Company. For our radio broadcasting and Reach Media segments, agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $4.8 million and $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Within our digital segment, including Interactive One, which generates the majority of the Company’s digital revenue, revenue is principally derived from advertising services on non-radio station branded but Company-owned websites. Advertising services include the sale of banner and sponsorship advertisements.  Advertising revenue is recognized at a point in time either as impressions (the number of times advertisements appear in viewed pages) are delivered, when “click through” purchases are made, or ratably over the contract period, where applicable. In addition, Interactive One derives revenue from its studio operations, in which it provides third-party clients with publishing services including digital platforms and related expertise.  In the case of the studio operations, revenue is recognized primarily through fixed contractual monthly fees and/or as a share of the third party’s reported revenue.

Our cable television segment derives advertising revenue from the sale of television air time to advertisers and recognizes revenue when the advertisements are run. Advertising revenue is recognized at a point in time when the individual spots run. To the extent there is a shortfall in contracts where the ratings were guaranteed, a portion of the revenue is deferred until the shortfall is settled, typically by providing additional advertising units generally within one year of the original airing. Our cable television segment also derives revenue from affiliate fees under the terms of various multi-year affiliation agreements based on a per subscriber fee multiplied by the most recent subscriber counts reported by the applicable affiliate. The Company recognizes the affiliate fee revenue at a point in time as its performance obligation to provide the programming is met. The Company has a right of payment each month as the programming services and related obligations have been satisfied. For our cable television segment, agency and outside sales representative commissions were approximately $3.7 million and $3.5 million the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Revenue by Contract Type

The following chart shows our net revenue (and sources) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2019		2018
	(Unaudited) (In thousands)
Net Revenue:
Radio Advertising	$	42,439	$	44,622
Political Advertising		123		200
Digital Advertising		7,437		8,146
Cable Television Advertising		20,193		18,936
Cable Television Affiliate Fees		27,475		27,250
Event Revenues & Other		782		467
Net Revenue (as reported)	$	98,449	$	99,621

If economic conditions change, or other adverse factors outside our control arise, our operations could be negatively impacted.

Contract assets and liabilities

Contract assets (unbilled receivables) and contract liabilities (customer advances and unearned income and unearned event income) that are not separately stated in our consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018 were as follows:

	March 31, 2019			December 31, 2018		March 31, 2018
	(Unaudited)					(Unaudited)
	(In thousands)
Contract assets:
Unbilled receivables		$	6,529	$	3,425	$	6,284
Contract liabilities:
Customer advances and unearned income		$	3,836	$	3,766	$	4,516
Unearned event income			8,201		3,864		6,157

Unbilled receivables consists of earned revenue on behalf of customers that have not yet been billed. Customer advances and unearned income represents advance payments by customers for future services under contract that are generally incurred in the near term. Unearned event income represents payments by customers for upcoming events.

For customer advances and unearned income as of January 1, 2019, approximately $1.4 million was recognized as revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2019. For unearned event income, no revenue was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2019, as the event takes place during the second quarter of 2019. For customer advances and unearned income as of January 1, 2018, approximately $1.5 million was recognized as revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2018. For unearned event income, no revenue was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2018, as the event takes place during the second quarter of 2018. 

Practical expedients and exemptions

We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses.

We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less or (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.

(e) Launch Support

The cable television segment has entered into certain affiliate agreements requiring various payments for launch support. Launch support assets are used to initiate carriage under affiliation agreements and are amortized over the term of the respective contracts. The Company did not pay any launch support for carriage initiation during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. The weighted-average amortization period for launch support is approximately 7.8 years as of March 31, 2019, and approximately 7.8 years as of December 31, 2018. The remaining weighted-average amortization period for launch support is 5.8 years and 6.1 years as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Amortization is recorded as a reduction to revenue to the extent that revenue is recognized from the vendor, and any excess amortization is recorded as launch support amortization expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, launch support asset amortization of $105,000 and $105,000, respectively, was recorded as a reduction of revenue, and $151,000 and $0, respectively, was recorded as an operating expense in selling, general and administrative expenses. Launch assets are included in other intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheets, except for the portion of the unamortized balance that is expected to be amortized within one year which is included in other current assets.

(f) Barter Transactions

For barter transactions, the Company provides broadcast advertising time in exchange for programming content and certain services. The Company includes the value of such exchanges in both broadcasting net revenue and operating expenses. The valuation of barter time is based upon the fair value of the network advertising time provided for the programming content and services received. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, barter transaction revenues were $566,000 and $749,000 respectively. Additionally, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, barter transaction costs were reflected in programming and technical expenses of $416,000 and $708,000, respectively, and selling, general and administrative expenses of $150,000 and $41,000, respectively.

(g) Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock (Classes A, B, C and D) outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method.  The Company’s potentially dilutive securities include stock options and unvested restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a net loss, as the inclusion of the potentially dilutive common shares would have an anti-dilutive effect.

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in thousands, except share and per share data):

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2019			2018
	(Unaudited)
	(In Thousands)
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(6,663	)	$	(22,555	)
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net loss per share – weighted-average outstanding shares		45,001,767			46,757,386
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock		—			—
Denominator for diluted net loss per share – weighted-average outstanding shares		45,001,767			46,757,386
Net loss attributable to common stockholders per share – basic and diluted	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.48	)

All stock options and restricted stock awards were excluded from the diluted calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  The following table summarizes the potential common shares excluded from the diluted calculation. 

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2019		2018
	(Unaudited)
	(In thousands)
Stock options		3,549		5,537
Restricted stock awards		1,256		2,348

(h) Fair Value Measurements

We report our financial and non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis under the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

The fair value framework requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows: 

Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that can be accessed at the measurement date.

Level 2: Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1 (i.e., quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets).

Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value instrument.

As of March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively, the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized as follows:

	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(Unaudited)
	(In thousands)
As of March 31, 2019
Liabilities subject to fair value measurement:
Contingent consideration (a)	$	2,628		—		—	$	2,628
Employment agreement award (b)		26,011		—		—		26,011
Total	$	28,639	$	—	$	—	$	28,639
Mezzanine equity subject to fair value measurement:
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (c)	$	10,401	$	—	$	—	$	10,401
As of December 31, 2018
Liabilities subject to fair value measurement:
Contingent consideration (a)	$	2,831		—		—	$	2,831
Employment agreement award (b)		25,660		—		—		25,660
Total	$	28,491	$	—	$	—	$	28,491
Mezzanine equity subject to fair value measurement:
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (c)	$	10,232	$	—	$	—	$	10,232

(a)  This balance is measured based on the income approach to valuation in the form of a Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo simulation method is suited to instances such as this where there is non-diversifiable risk. It is also well-suited to multi-year, path dependent scenarios. Significant inputs to the Monte Carlo method include forecasted net revenues, discount rate and expected volatility. A third-party valuation firm assisted the Company in estimating the contingent consideration.

(b)  Each quarter, pursuant to an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) executed in April 2008, the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is eligible to receive an award (the “Employment Agreement Award”) amount equal to approximately 4% of any proceeds from distributions or other liquidity events in excess of the return of the Company’s aggregate investment in TV One. The Company reviews the factors underlying this award at the end of each quarter including the valuation of TV One (based on the estimated enterprise fair value of TV One as determined by a discounted cash flow analysis), and an assessment of the probability that the Employment Agreement will be renewed and contain this provision. The Company’s obligation to pay the award was triggered after the Company recovered the aggregate amount of its capital contribution in TV One and only upon actual receipt of distributions of cash or marketable securities or proceeds from a liquidity event with respect to the Company’s aggregate investment in TV One. The CEO was fully vested in the award upon execution of the Employment Agreement, and the award lapses if the CEO voluntarily leaves the Company or is terminated for cause. A third-party valuation firm assisted the Company in estimating TV One’s fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis. Significant inputs to the discounted cash flow analysis include forecasted operating results, discount rate and a terminal value. In September 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved terms for a new employment agreement with the CEO, including a renewal of the Employment Agreement Award upon similar terms as in the prior Employment Agreement. Prior to the quarter ended September 30, 2018, there were probability factors included in the calculation of the award related to the likelihood that the award will be realized. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, management changed the methodology used in calculating the fair value of the Company's Employment Agreement Award liability to simplify the calculation. As part of the simplified calculation, the Company eliminated certain adjustments made to its aggregate investment in TV One, including the treatment of historical dividends paid and potential distribution of assets upon liquidation. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the simplified method which eliminates certain assumptions that were historically used in the determination of the fair value of this liability. 

(c)  The redeemable noncontrolling interest in Reach Media is measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow methodology. A third-party valuation firm assisted the Company in estimating the fair value. Significant inputs to the discounted cash flow analysis include forecasted operating results, discount rate and a terminal value.

There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The following table presents the changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2019:

	Contingent Consideration			Employment Agreement Award			Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	2,831		$	25,660		$	10,232
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			125
Distribution		(279	)		(1,558	)		—
Change in fair value		76			1,909			44
Balance at March 31, 2019	$	2,628		$	26,011		$	10,401
The amount of total (losses)/income for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses/income relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date	$	(76	)	$	(1,909	)	$	—

Losses and income included in earnings were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as corporate selling, general and administrative expenses for the employment agreement award for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. Losses included in earnings were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as selling, general and administrative expenses for contingent consideration for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. 

		Significant	As of March 31, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
Level 3 liabilities	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Significant Unobservable Input Value
Contingent consideration	Monte Carlo Simulation	Expected volatility		31.8	%		34.6	%
Contingent consideration	Monte Carlo Simulation	Discount Rate		15.5	%		15.0	%
Employment agreement award	Discounted Cash Flow	Discount Rate		11.0	%		11.0	%
Employment agreement award	Discounted Cash Flow	Long-term Growth Rate		2.5	%		2.5	%
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	Discounted Cash Flow	Discount Rate		10.5	%		10.5	%
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	Discounted Cash Flow	Long-term Growth Rate		1.0	%		1.0	%

Any significant increases or decreases in discount rate or long-term growth rate inputs could result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements.

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in ASC 820.  These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances.  Included in this category are goodwill, radio broadcasting licenses and other intangible assets, net, that are written down to fair value when they are determined to be impaired, as well as content assets that are periodically written down to net realizable value. The Company concluded these assets were not impaired during the three months ended March 31, 2019. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $2.7 million related to its Charlotte market goodwill and a charge of approximately $3.8 million associated with our Detroit market radio broadcasting licenses. 

(i) Leases

As of January 01, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842, Leases, using the modification retrospective transition method. Prior comparative periods will be not be restated under this new standard and therefore those amounts are not presented below. The Company adopted a package of practical expedients as allowed by the transition guidance which permits the Company to carry forward the historical assessment of whether contracts contain or are leases, classification of leases and the remaining lease terms. The Company has also made an accounting policy election to exclude leases with an initial term of twelve months or less from recognition on the consolidated balance sheet. Short-term leases will be expensed over the lease term. The Company also elected to separate the consideration in the lease contracts between the lease and non-lease components. All variable non-lease components are expensed as incurred.

ASC 842 results in significant changes to the balance sheets of lessees, most significantly by requiring the recognition of right of use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases. Upon adoption of ASC 842, deferred rent balances, which were historically presented separately, were combined and presented net within the ROU asset. The adoption of this standard resulted in the Company recording an increase in ROU assets of approximately $49.8 million and an increase in lease liabilities of approximately $54.1 million. Approximately $4.3 million in deferred rent was also reclassed from liabilities to offset the applicable ROU asset. The tax impact of ASC 842, which primarily consisted of deferred gains related to previous transactions that were historically accounted for as sale and operating leasebacks in accordance with ASC Topic 840 were recognized as part of the cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings, resulting in an increase to retained earnings, net of tax, of approximately $5.8 million.

Many of the Company's leases provide for renewal terms and escalation clauses, which are factored into calculating the lease liabilities when appropriate. The implicit rate within the Company's lease agreements is generally not determinable and as such the Company’s collateralized borrowing rate is used.

The following table sets forth the components of lease expense and the weighted average remaining lease term and the weighted average discount rate for the Company’s leases as of March 31, 2019, dollars in thousands:

Operating Lease Cost (Cost resulting from lease payments)	$	3,057
Variable Lease Cost (Cost excluded from lease payments)		103
Total Lease Cost	$	3,160
Operating Lease - Operating Cash Flows (Fixed Payments)	$	3,268
Operating Lease - Operating Cash Flows (Liability Reduction)	$	1,897
Weighted Average Lease Term - Operating Leases		6.28 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate - Operating Leases		11.00	%

As of March 31, 2019, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

For the Year Ended December 31,	(Dollars in thousands)
For the remaining nine months ending December 31, 2019	$	9,790
2020		12,448
2021		11,619
2022		10,941
2023		9,722
Thereafter		18,472
Total future lease payments		72,992
Imputed interest		(20,475	)
Total	$	52,517

(j) Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact of the new standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (A Consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 is intended to reduce differences in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the new standard during the first quarter of 2018 and its adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 is intended to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. This standard will be effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company adopted the new standard during the first quarter of 2018 and its adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

(k) Redeemable noncontrolling interest

Redeemable noncontrolling interests are interests in subsidiaries that are redeemable outside of the Company’s control either for cash or other assets. These interests are classified as mezzanine equity and measured at the greater of estimated redemption value at the end of each reporting period or the historical cost basis of the noncontrolling interests adjusted for cumulative earnings allocations.  The resulting increases or decreases in the estimated redemption amount are affected by corresponding charges against retained earnings, or in the absence of retained earnings, additional paid-in-capital.

(l) Investments – Cost Method

On April 10, 2015, the Company made a $5 million investment in MGM’s world-class casino property, MGM National Harbor, located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, which has a predominately African-American demographic profile. On November 30, 2016, the Company contributed an additional $35 million to complete its investment. This investment further diversified our platform in the entertainment industry while still focusing on our core demographic. We accounted for this investment on a cost basis. Our MGM National Harbor investment entitles us to an annual cash distribution based on net gaming revenue. Our MGM investment is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and its income in the amount of approximately $1.7 million and $1.6 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, is recorded in other income on the consolidated statements of operations. The cost method investment is subject to a periodic impairment review in the normal course. The Company reviewed the investment and concluded that no impairment to the carrying value was required. As of December 4, 2018, the Company’s interest in the MGM National Harbor Casino secures the MGM National Harbor Loan.

(m) Content Assets

Our cable television segment has entered into contracts to acquire entertainment programming rights and programs from distributors and producers. The license periods granted in these contracts generally run from one year to ten years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms that are generally shorter than the contract period. Each contract is recorded as an asset and a liability at an amount equal to its gross contractual commitment when the license period begins and the program is available for its first airing. Acquired content is generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the license which reflects the estimated usage. For certain content for which the pattern of usage is accelerated, amortization is based upon the actual usage. Amortization of content assets is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as programming and technical expenses.

The Company also has programming for which the Company has engaged third parties to develop and produce, and it owns most or all rights (commissioned programming). In accordance with ASC 926, content amortization expense for each period is recognized based on the revenue forecast model, which approximates the proportion that estimated advertising and affiliate revenues for the current period represent in relation to the estimated remaining total lifetime revenues as of the beginning of the current period.  Management regularly reviews, and revises when necessary, its total revenue estimates, which may result in a change in the rate of amortization and/or a write-down of the asset to fair value. 

Acquired program rights are recorded at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. Estimated net realizable values are based on the estimated revenues associated with the program materials and related expenses. The Company did not record any additional amortization expense as a result of evaluating its contracts for recoverability for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. All produced and licensed content is classified as a long-term asset, except for the portion of the unamortized content balance that is expected to be amortized within one year which is classified as a current asset. 

Tax incentives that state and local governments offer that are directly measured based on production activities are recorded as reductions in production costs.

(n) Derivatives

The Company recognizes all derivatives at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.

The Company accounts for the Employment Agreement Award as a derivative instrument in accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The Company estimated the fair value of the award at March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, to be approximately $26.0 million and $25.7 million, respectively, and accordingly adjusted its liability to this amount. The long-term portion is recorded in other long-term liabilities and the current portion is recorded in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The expense associated with the Employment Agreement Award was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as corporate selling, general and administrative expenses and was approximately $1.9 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

The Company’s obligation to pay the Employment Agreement Award was triggered after the Company recovered the aggregate amount of its capital contribution in TV One and only upon actual receipt of distributions of cash or marketable securities or proceeds from a liquidity event with respect to the Company’s aggregate investment in TV One. The CEO was fully vested in the award upon execution of the employment agreement, and the award lapses if the CEO voluntarily leaves the Company, or is terminated for cause. In September 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved terms for a new employment agreement with the CEO, including a renewal of the Employment Agreement Award upon similar terms as in the prior employment agreement. Prior to the quarter ended September 30, 2018, there were probability factors included in the calculation of the award related to the likelihood that the award will be realized. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, management changed the methodology used in calculating the fair value of the Company's Employment Agreement Award liability to simplify the calculation. As part of the simplified calculation, the Company eliminated certain adjustments made to its aggregate investment in TV One, including the treatment of historical dividends paid and potential distribution of assets upon liquidation. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the simplified method which eliminates certain assumptions that were historically used in the determination of the fair value of this liability.

(o) Related Party Transactions

Reach Media operates the Tom Joyner Foundation’s Fantastic Voyage® (the “Fantastic Voyage®”), a fund raising event, on behalf of the Tom Joyner Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”), a 501(c)(3) entity. The agreements under which the Fantastic Voyage® operates provide that Reach Media provide all necessary operations of the cruise and that Reach Media will be reimbursed its expenditures and receive a fee plus a performance bonus for the cruise. Distributions from operating income or operating revenues, depending upon the year, are in the following order until the funds are depleted: up to $250,000 to the Foundation, reimbursement of Reach’s expenditures, up to $1.0 million fee to Reach, a performance bonus of up to 50% of remaining operating income to Reach, with the balance remaining with the Foundation. For years 2020 through 2022, $250,000 to the Foundation is guaranteed. Reach Media’s earnings for the Fantastic Voyage® may not exceed $1.7 million in 2018 and 2019, nor $1.75 million in 2020 and thereafter. The Foundation’s remittances to Reach Media under the agreements are limited to its Fantastic Voyage®-related cash revenues. Reach Media bears the risk should the Fantastic Voyage® sustain a loss and bears all credit risk associated with the related customer cabin sales. The agreement between Reach and the Foundation automatically renews annually unless termination is mutually agreed or unless a party’s financial requirements are not met, in which case that party not in breach of their obligations has the right, but not the obligation, to terminate unilaterally. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Foundation owed Reach Media approximately $2.1 million and $208,000, respectively, under the agreements for the operations on the cruises.

Reach Media provides office facilities (including office space, telecommunications facilities, and office equipment) to the Foundation, and to Tom Joyner, LTD. (“Limited”), Tom Joyner’s production company. Such services are provided to the Foundation and to Limited on a pass-through basis at cost. Additionally, from time to time, the Foundation and Limited reimburse Reach Media for expenditures paid on their behalf at Reach Media-related events. Under these arrangements, as of March 31, 2019, the Foundation and Limited owed $34,000 and $3,000 to Reach Media, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, the Foundation and Limited owed $34,000 and $2,000 to Reach Media, respectively.

Karen Wishart is employed as an Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer of the Company and as a Vice President of each of the Company's subsidiaries. Ms. Wishart owns a controlling interest in a temporary staffing and recruiting services firm. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company paid the staffing and recruiting services firm $0 and $22,000, respectively. Subsequent to Ms. Wishart’s hiring on October 2, 2017, on a limited basis, the staffing firm can continue to provide new staffing and/or recruiting services to the Company. However, the staffing firm will only be reimbursed for direct expenses actually incurred.