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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Block)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies Abstract  
Significant Accounting Policies Text Block

2.       SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles Of Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are 100% owned by the Company. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company also considers the applicability of any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that are required to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. From time to time, the Company may enter into a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) in connection with a pending acquisition or disposition of radio station(s) and the requirements to consolidate a VIE may apply, depending on the facts and circumstances related to each transaction. As of December 31, 2012, the consolidation requirements as a VIE (see Note 19, Contingencies, Guarantor Arrangements And Commitments) did not apply as there were no pending transactions.

Reportable Segment - The Company operates under one reportable business segment, radio broadcasting, for which segment disclosure is consistent with the management decision-making process that determines the allocation of resources and the measuring of performance. Radio stations serving the same geographic area, which may be comprised of a city or combination of cities, are referred to as markets or as distinct operating segments. The Company has 23 operating segments. These operating segments are aggregated to create one reportable segment.

 

Management's Use Of Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to: (1) asset impairments, including broadcasting licenses and goodwill; (2) income tax valuation allowances; (3) uncertain tax positions; (4) allowance for doubtful accounts; (5) self-insurance reserves; (6) fair value of equity awards; (7) estimated lives for tangible and intangible assets; (8) fair value measurements for financial instruments such as interest rate hedging transactions; and (9) contingency and litigation reserves. The Company's accounting estimates require the use of judgment as future events and the effect of these events cannot be predicted with certainty. The accounting estimates will change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired and as more information is obtained. The Company will evaluate and update assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may use outside experts to assist in the Company's evaluation, as considered necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Income Taxes – The Company applies the liability method to the accounting for deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for all temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of the Company's assets and liabilities based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is recorded for a net deferred tax asset balance when it is more likely than not that the benefits of the tax asset will not be realized. The Company reviews on a continuing basis the need for a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Any adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance is recorded in the income statement in the period that such an adjustment is required.

 

       The Company applies the guidance for income taxes and intraperiod allocation to the recognition of uncertain tax positions. This guidance clarifies the recognition, de-recognition and measurement in financial statements of income tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns or tax positions expected to be taken in tax returns, including a decision whether to file or not to file in a particular jurisdiction. The guidance requires that any liability created for unrecognized tax benefits is disclosed. The application of this guidance may also affect the tax bases of assets and liabilities and therefore may change or create deferred tax liabilities or assets. This guidance also clarifies the method to allocate income taxes (benefit) to the different components of income (loss), such as: (1) income (loss) from continuing operations; (2) income (loss) from discontinued operations; (3) extraordinary items; (4) other comprehensive income (loss); (5) the cumulative effects of accounting changes; and (6) other charges or credits recorded directly to shareholders' equity. See Note 13 for a further discussion of income taxes.

 

Property And Equipment – Property and equipment are carried at cost. Major additions or improvements are capitalized, including interest expense when material, while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Upon sale or retirement, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is recognized in the statement of operations. The Company reviews on a continuing basis the carrying value of property and equipment. If events or changes in circumstances were to indicate that an asset's carrying value is not recoverable, a write-down of the asset would be recorded through a charge to operations.

 

Depreciation expense on property and equipment is determined on a straight-line basis.

 

Depreciation expense for property and equipment is reflected in the following table for the periods indicated:

  Property And Equipment
  Years Ended December 31,
  2012 2011 2010
  (amounts in thousands)
          
Depreciation expense $ 9,903 $ 10,325 $ 11,363

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had construction commitments outstanding of $1.9 million.

 

The following is a summary of the categories of property and equipment, including the estimated useful lives for depreciation, as of the periods indicated:

 Depreciation Period Property And Equipment
 In Years December 31,
 From To 2012 2011
     (amounts in thousands)
          
Land, land easements and land improvements0 15 $ 16,640 $ 16,617
Buildings20 20   21,535   21,547
Equipment3 20   123,979   122,626
Furniture and fixtures5 10   14,690   15,152
Leasehold improvementsshorter of economic life       
 or lease term   21,485   21,361
       198,329   197,303
Accumulated depreciation      (148,605)   (140,908)
       49,724   56,395
Capital improvements in progress      1,953   1,973
Net property and equipment    $ 51,677 $ 58,368

Revenue Recognition – Revenue from the sale of commercial broadcast time to advertisers is recognized when the commercials are broadcast. Revenues presented in the financial statements are reflected on a net basis, after the deduction of advertising agency fees by the advertising agencies, usually at a rate of 15% of gross revenues. Promotional fees are recognized as services are rendered. Advertiser payments received in advance of when the commercials are broadcast are recorded as unearned revenue.

 

       The Company also derives revenues through e-commerce by selling discount certificates for advertiser goods and services directly to the Company's listeners through the use of the Company's station websites. In this business model, the Company shares a portion of the e-commerce sales with the advertiser. The Company reports these revenues on a net basis after deducting the portion of the sales that were shared with the advertiser.

 

The following table presents the amounts of unearned revenues as of the periods indicated:

    Unearned Revenues
    December 31,
  Balance Sheet Location 2012 2011
    (amounts in thousands)
         
Current Accrued compensation and other current liabilities $ 291 $ 147
Long-term Other long-term liabilities $ 125 $ 5

Concentration Of Credit Risk – The Company's revenues and accounts receivable relate primarily to the sale of advertising within its radio stations' broadcast areas. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customers' financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements and consistently have been within management's expectations. The Company also maintains deposit accounts with financial institutions. At times, such deposits may exceed FDIC insurance limits.

 

Long-Lived Assets – The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets, which include property and equipment, broadcasting licenses (subject to an eight-year renewal cycle), goodwill, deferred charges, and other assets. See Note 4 for further discussion. The determination and measurement of an impairment loss require the use of significant judgments and estimates. Future events may impact these judgments and estimates. The expense to renew the Company's FCC licenses is nominal.

 

Debt Issuance Costs And Original Issue Discount The costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized over the lives of the related debt and such amortization is accounted for as interest expense. Please refer to Note 7 for the amount of deferred financing expense and original issue discount that was included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In connection with the Company's debt: (1) in November 2012, the Company recorded deferred debt issuance costs in connection with a debt modification; (2) in November 2011, the Company recorded deferred debt issuance costs and an original issue discount in connection with its debt refinancing (debt modification for its revolving credit facility); and (3) in March 2010, the Company recorded deferred debt issuance costs in connection with a debt modification. See Note 7 for further discussion.

 

Extinguishment Of Debt –The Company may amend, append or replace, in part or in full, its outstanding debt. The Company reviews its unamortized financing costs associated with its outstanding debt to determine the amount subject to extinguishment under the accounting provisions for an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms or changes in a line-of-credit or revolving-debt arrangement. In connection with the Company's November 2012 debt modification, November 2011 debt refinancing and March 2010 debt modification, the Company recorded debt extinguishment costs. See Note 7 for a discussion of any debt extinguishments associated with the Company's long-term debt.

 

Corporate General And Administrative Expense – Corporate general and administrative expense consists of corporate overhead costs and non-cash compensation expense. Included in corporate general and administrative expenses are those costs not specifically allocable to any of the Company's individual business properties.

 

Time Brokerage Agreement (Income) Fees – TBA fees or income consist of fees paid or received under agreements which permit an acquirer to program and market stations prior to an acquisition. The Company sometimes enters into a TBA agreement prior to the consummation of station acquisitions and dispositions. The Company may also enter into a Joint Sales Agreement (“JSA”) to market, but not to program, a station for a defined period of time.

       

Barter Transactions – The Company provides advertising broadcast time in exchange for certain products, supplies and services. The terms of the exchanges generally permit the Company to preempt such broadcast time in favor of advertisers who purchase time on regular terms. The Company includes the value of such exchanges in both broadcasting net revenues and station operating expenses. Barter valuation is based upon management's estimate of the fair value of the products, supplies and services received. See Note 15, Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures On Non-Cash Investing And Financing Activities, for a summary of the Company's barter transactions.

Business Combinations – Accounting guidance for business combinations provides the criteria to recognize intangible assets apart from goodwill. Other than goodwill, the Company uses a direct value method to determine the fair value of all intangible assets required to be recognized for business combinations. For a discussion of impairment testing of those assets acquired in a business combination, including goodwill, see Note 4.

Asset Retirement Obligations – The Company reasonably estimates the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. For an asset retirement obligation that is conditional (uncertainty about the timing and/or method of settlement), the Company factors into its fair value measurement a probability factor as the obligation depends upon a future event that may or may not be within the control of the Company.

 

Accrued Compensation – Certain types of employee compensation, which amounts are included in the balance sheets under accrued compensation and other current liabilities, are paid in subsequent periods. See Note 6 for amounts reflected in the balance sheets.

Cash And Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of amounts held on deposit with financial institutions, including investments held in financial institutions in immediately available money market accounts and all highly liquid debt instruments with initial maturities of three months or less.

Derivative Financial Instruments – The Company follows accounting guidance for its derivative financial instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities (for further discussion, see Note 9).

 

LeasesThe Company follows accounting guidance for its leases, which includes the recognition of escalated rents on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement, as described further in Note 6.

 

Share-Based Compensation – The Company records compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan purchases, at estimated fair values. The Company also uses the simplified method in developing an estimate of the expected term of certain stock options. For further discussion of share-based compensation, see Note 11.

 

Investments – For those investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee, the investment is accounted for under the equity method. For those investments in which the Company does not have such significant influence, the Company applies the accounting guidance for certain investments in debt and equity securities. An investment is classified into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading securities, and, depending upon the classification, is carried at fair value based upon quoted market prices or historical cost when quoted market prices are unavailable.

 

       The Company also provides certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures for those investments that are impaired (other than temporarily) at the balance sheet date and for those investments for which an impairment has not been recognized.

 

Advertising And Promotion Costs – Costs of media advertising and associated production costs are expensed when incurred.

 

Insurance And Self-Insurance Liabilities – The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to provide for the potential liabilities for workers' compensation, general liability, property, director and officers' liability, vehicle liability and employee health care benefits. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by the Company are estimated, in part, by considering claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors, outside expertise and other actuarial assumptions. For any legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency, the Company recognizes the expense as incurred.

 

Recognition Of Insurance Recoveries – The Company recognizes insurance recoveries when all of the contingencies related to the insurance claims have been satisfied.

 

Sports Programming Costs – Programming costs which are for a specified number of events are amortized on an event-by-event basis, and programming costs which are for a specified season are amortized over the season on a straight-line basis. The Company allocates that portion of sports programming costs that are related to sponsorship and marketing activities to sales and marketing expenses on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.

 

Accrued Litigation - The Company evaluates the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party and records a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These judgments are subjective, based on the status of such legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of the Company's defenses and consultation with corporate and external legal counsel. Actual outcomes of these legal and regulatory proceedings may materially differ from the Company's estimates. The Company expenses legal costs as incurred in professional fees. See Contingencies under Note 19.

 

Software Costs – The Company capitalizes direct internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development state.  Internal-use software includes website development activities such as the planning and design of additional functionality and features for existing sites and/or the planning and design of new sites. Costs related to the maintenance, content development and training of internal-use software are expensed as incurred.  Capitalized costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of three years.

Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' financial statements to conform to the presentation in the current year.

 

Prior Period Correction During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded a prior period correction to income taxes and to other comprehensive income (“OCI”) as described in Note 13, Income Taxes, and Note 14, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), respectively.

Recent Accounting Standards -

 

Amounts Reclassified Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

In February 2013, the accounting guidance was modified to clarify how to report the effect of a significant reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income. This is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2013 and is to be applied prospectively. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will materially change the presentation of its consolidated financial statements.

 

Balance Sheet Disclosures About Offsetting Assets And Liabilities

 

In December 2011, the accounting guidance was revised to modify disclosures regarding financial and derivative instruments. Entities are required to provide both net and gross information for these assets and liabilities in order to provide for comparability with international accounting standards. This guidance, which is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2013, will be applied retrospectively. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this accounting guidance may expand its consolidated financial statement footnote disclosures.

 

Goodwill Testing

 

In September 2011, the accounting guidance for how an entity tests goodwill for impairment was revised. The guidance allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. This guidance was available but not used for the Company's annual goodwill testing during the second quarter of 2012. Refer to Note 4, Intangible Assets And Goodwill, for further discussion.

 

Presentation Of Comprehensive Income

 

In June 2011, the accounting standards for the presentation of comprehensive income were amended.  This guidance seeks to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income.   In October 2011, the accounting standards were modified to defer the specific requirement to present items that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance provided by this update was effective for the Company on January 1, 2012 Since this guidance only changes the format of financial statements, the adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurements

 

In May 2011, the accounting standards for fair value measurements were amended to clarify existing guidance and require certain new quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding unobservable fair value measurements. The guidance provided by this update was effective for the Company on January 1, 2012. Since this guidance only requires additional disclosures, the adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.