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INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (Block)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwil And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure Text Block

2.       INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL       

Goodwill and certain intangible assets are not amortized. The Company accounts for its acquired broadcasting licenses as indefinite-lived intangible assets and, similar to goodwill, these assets are reviewed at least annually for impairment. At the time of each review, if the fair value is less than the carrying value of goodwill and certain intangibles (such as broadcasting licenses), then a charge is recorded to the results of operations.

       

The following table presents the changes in broadcasting licenses:

 

  Broadcasting Licenses
  Carrying Amount
  September 30, December 31,
  2014 2013
  (amounts in thousands)
       
Beginning of period balance as of January 1, $ 718,542 $ 718,656
Acquisitions   450   -
Dispositions   -   (114)
Ending period balance $ 718,992 $ 718,542

The following table presents the changes in goodwill

   Goodwill Carrying Amount
   September 30, December 31,
   2014 2013
   (amounts in thousands)
Goodwill balance before cumulative loss     
on impairment as of January 1,$164,465 $164,718
Accumulated loss on impairment as of January 1, (125,615)  (125,615)
Goodwill beginning balance after cumulative loss     
on impairment as of January 1, 38,850  39,103
Dispositions 0  (253)
Ending period balance$38,850 $38,850

Broadcasting Licenses Impairment Test

       The Company performs its annual broadcasting license impairment test during the second quarter of each year by evaluating its broadcasting licenses for impairment at the market level using the direct method.

 

Each market's broadcasting licenses are combined into a single unit of accounting for purposes of testing impairment, as the broadcasting licenses in each market are operated as a single asset. The Company determines the fair value of the broadcasting licenses in each of its markets by relying on a discounted cash flow approach (a 10-year income model) assuming a start-up scenario in which the only assets held by an investor are broadcasting licenses. The Company's fair value analysis contains assumptions based upon past experience, reflects expectations of industry observers and includes judgments about future performance using industry normalized information for an average station within a certain market. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: (1) the discount rate; (2) the market share and profit margin of an average station within a market, based upon market size and station type; (3) the forecast growth rate of each radio market; (4) the estimated capital start-up costs and losses incurred during the early years; (5) the likely media competition within the market area; (6) the tax rate; and (7) future terminal values.

 

       The methodology used by the Company in determining its key estimates and assumptions was applied consistently to each market. Of the seven variables identified above, the Company believes that the assumptions in items (1) through (3) above are the most important and sensitive in the determination of fair value.

       During the second quarter for each of the years 2014 and 2013, the Company completed its annual impairment test for broadcasting licenses and determined that the fair value of its broadcasting licenses was greater than the amount reflected in the balance sheet for each of the Company's markets and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded. 

 

       If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or the Company, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of the Company's broadcasting licenses below the amount reflected in the balance sheet, the Company may be required to conduct an interim test and possibly recognize impairment charges, which may be material, in future periods.

       There were no events or circumstances since the Company's second quarter annual license impairment test that indicated an interim review of broadcasting licenses was required.

 

Goodwill Impairment Test              

       During the second quarter for each of the years 2014 and 2013, the Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test

If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or the Company, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of the Company's goodwill below the amount reflected in the balance sheet, the Company may be required to conduct an interim test and possibly recognize impairment charges, which could be material, in future periods.

There were no events or circumstances since the Company's second quarter annual goodwill test that required the Company to test the carrying value of its goodwill.