The Company has determined the types of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement are: (i) certain tangible and intangible assets subject to impairment testing as described in Note 8, Intangible Assets And Goodwill; (ii) financial instruments as described in Note 12, Long-Term Debt; (iii) deemed deferred compensation plans as described in Note 20, Employee Savings And Benefit Plans; (iv) lease abandonment liabilities ; and (v) interest rate derivative transactions that are outstanding from time to time as described in Note 13, Derivative And Hedging Activities.

The fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent to the inputs of the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy assigns the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).

Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable than objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value. At each balance sheet date, the Company performs an analysis of all instruments and includes in Level 3 all of those whose fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs.

The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets and/or liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value and its placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. During the periods

presented, there were no transfers between fair value hierarchical levels.


	Fair Value Measurements At Reporting Date
Description	Balance at December 31, 2021		Quoted prices in active markets Level 1		Significant other observable inputs Level 2		Significant unobservable inputs Level 3		Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient (2)
	(amounts in thousands)
Liabilities
Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1)	$	32,730	$	26,839	$	—	$	—	$	5,891
Interest rate cash flow hedge (3)	$	394	$	—	$	394	$	—	$	—
Contingent Consideration (4)	$	8,783	$	—	$	—	$	8,783	$	—


Description	Balance at December 31, 2020		Quoted prices in active markets Level 1		Significant other observable inputs Level 2		Significant unobservable inputs Level 3		Measured at Net Asset Value as a Practical Expedient (2)
	(amounts in thousands)
Liabilities
Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1)	$	33,474	$	27,040	$	—	$	—	$	6,434
Interest rate cash flow hedge (3)	$	2,439	$	—	$	2,439	$	—	$	—

(1)The Company’s deferred compensation liability, which is included in other long-term liabilities, is recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The unfunded plan allows participants to hypothetically invest in various specified investment options.

(2)The fair value of underlying investments in collective trust funds is determined using the net asset value (“NAV”) provided by the administrator of the fund as a practical expedient. The NAV is determined by each fund’s trustee based upon the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, less liabilities, divided by outstanding units. In accordance with appropriate accounting guidance, these investments have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

(3)The Company's interest rate collar, which is included in other long-term liabilities, is recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The derivatives are not exchange listed and therefore the fair value is estimated using models that reflect the contractual terms of the derivative, yield curves, and the credit quality of the counterparties. The models also incorporate the Company's creditworthiness in order to appropriately reflect non-performance risk. Inputs are generally observable and do not contain a high level of subjectivity.

(4)In connection with the Podcorn Acquisition, the Company recorded a liability for contingent consideration payable based upon the achievement of certain annual performance benchmarks over 2 years. The fair value of the liability is estimated using probability-weighted, discounted future cash flows at current tax rates using a scenario based model, and remeasured quarterly. The significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) used to estimate the fair value included the projected Adjusted EBITDA values for 2022 and 2023, as defined in the purchase agreement, and the discount rate. Using an initial discount rate of 10.5%, the fair value of the contingent consideration was $7.7 million at the acquisition date. Due to fluctuation in the market-based inputs used to develop the discount rate, the discount rate decreased to 9.0% at December 31, 2021. As a result, the fair value of the contingent consideration at December 31, 2021 increased to $8.8 million. This balance is included in other long-term liabilities.

The Company has certain assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are adjusted to fair value only when the carrying values are more than the fair values. The categorization of the framework used to price the assets is considered Level 3, due to the subjective nature of the unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value.

During the second, third and fourth quarters of 2020, the Company conducted interim and annual impairment assessments on its broadcasting licenses. As a result of these impairment assessments, the Company determined the fair values of the broadcasting licenses were less than their respective carrying values. Accordingly, the Company recorded impairment charges in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2020. Refer to Note 8, Intangible Assets and Goodwill, for additional information.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company conducted a qualitative impairment assessment on its goodwill attributable to the podcast reporting unit. As a result of the qualitative impairment test, the Company determined it was more likely than not that the fair value of the podcast reporting unit exceeded its respective carrying amount. Refer to Note 8, Intangible Assets and Goodwill, for additional information.

For the goodwill acquired in the QLGG Acquisition, similar valuation techniques that were applied in the valuation of goodwill under purchase price accounting were also used in the annual impairment testing process. The valuation of the acquired reporting unit approximated fair value. Refer to Note 8, Intangible Assets and Goodwill, for additional information.

As discussed in Note 8, Intangible Assets And Goodwill, the Company voluntarily changed the date of its annual impairment test for its broadcasting licenses and goodwill. As a result of this change, the Company did not determine the fair value of its broadcasting licenses and goodwill during the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company conducted an annual impairment assessment on its broadcasting licenses and goodwill. As a result of this impairment assessment, the Company concluded that its broadcasting licenses were not impaired as the fair value of these assets exceeded their carrying value. However, the Company concluded that its goodwill attributable to its broadcast reporting unit was impaired as the fair value was less than its carrying value. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge on its goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2019. Refer to Note 8, Intangible Assets And Goodwill, for additional information.

The Company performs review of its ROU assets for impairment when evidence exists that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. During the first, second and third quarters of 2021, the Company recorded a $0.3 million impairment charge, a $0.2 million impairment charge, and a $0.1 million impairment charge, respectively, related to ROU asset impairment.

During the first quarter of 2021, the Company recorded a $0.1 million impairment charge related to abandoned furniture and fixtures and a $0.2 million impairment charge related to abandoned computers and equipment. During the second quarter of 2021, the Company recorded a $0.5 million impairment charge related to abandoned computers and equipment. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company recorded a $0.9 million impairment charge related to abandoned computers software and disposed property, plant and equipment.

During the first quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a $1.1 million impairment charge related to ROU asset impairment. The impairment charge was recognized within the impairment loss line item on the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to Note 14, Impairment Loss, for additional information.

During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a $1.4 million impairment charge related to computer software. The impairment charge was recognized within the impairment loss line item on the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to Note 14, Impairment Loss, for additional information.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company recorded a $6.0 million impairment charge related to ROU asset impairment. and a $2.2 million impairment charge related to impairment of property and equipment. The impairment charges were recorded within the impairment loss line item on the consolidated statement of operations. Refer to Note 14, Impairment Loss, for additional information.

The estimated fair value of financial instruments is determined using the best available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessary, however, in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange, or the value that ultimately will be realized upon maturity or disposition. The use of different market assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

The carrying amount of the following assets and liabilities approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments: (i) cash and cash equivalents; (ii) accounts receivable; and (iii) accounts payable, including accrued liabilities.

The following table presents the carrying value of financial instruments and, where practicable, the fair value as of the periods indicated:


	December 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	(amounts in thousands)
Term B Loans (1)	$	632,415	$	626,881	$	754,006	$	737,041
Revolver (2)	$	97,727	$	97,727	$	114,727	$	114,727
Senior Notes (3)	$	—	$	—	$	400,000	$	398,000
2029 Notes (3)	$	540,000	$	527,850	$	—	$	—
2027 Notes (3)	$	470,000	$	460,600	$	425,000	$	429,250
Accounts receivable facility (4)	$	75,000			$	—
Other debt (4)	$	764			$	808
Letters of credit (4)	$	6,069			$	6,229

(1)The Company’s determination of the fair value of the Term B-2 Loan was based on quoted prices for these instruments and is considered a Level 2 measurement as the pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets.

(2)The fair value of the Revolver was considered to approximate the carrying value as the interest payments are based on LIBOR rates that reset periodically. The Revolver is considered a Level 2 measurement as the pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets.

(3)The Company utilizes a Level 2 valuation input based upon the market trading prices of the Senior Notes, 2029 Notes and 2027 Notes to compute the fair value as these Senior Notes, 2029 Notes and 2027 Notes are traded in the debt securities market. The Senior Notes, 2029 Notes and 2027 Notes are considered a Level 2 measurement as the pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets. The Senior Notes were redeemed during 2021.

The Company holds investments in privately held companies that are not exchange-traded and therefore not supported with observable market prices. The Company does not have significant influence over the investees. The amended accounting guidance for financial instruments, provides an alternative to measure equity securities without readily determinable fair values at cost less impairment (if any), plus or minus observable price changes from an identical or similar investment of the same issuer (the “measurement alternative”). The Company elected the measurement alternative for its qualifying equity securities.

The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its investments, when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company considers investee financial performance and other information received from the investee companies, as well as any other available estimates of the fair value of the investee companies in its evaluation.

If certain impairment indicators exist, the Company determines the fair value of its investments. If the Company determines the carrying value of an investment exceeds its fair value, the Company writes down the value of the investment to its fair value. The fair value of the investments is not adjusted if there are no identified adverse events or changes in circumstances that may have a material effect on the fair value of the investment.

Since its initial date of investment, the Company has not identified any events or changes in circumstances which would require the Company to estimate the fair value of its investments. Accordingly, there has been no impairment in the Company’s investments measured under the measurement alternative. Additionally, there have been no returns of capital or changes

resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions. As a result, the investments measured under the measurement alternative continue to be presented at their original cost basis on the consolidated balance sheets.

During the second quarter of 2021, the Company disposed of its investment in The Action Network, a media company featuring news, information and an industry-leading app focused on sports betting and fantasy content for proceeds of $1.2 million. As a result of the sale, the Company recognized a gain on the disposal of $0.9 million.

The following table presents the Company’s investments valued under the measurement alternative:


	Investments Valued Under the Measurement Alternative
	December 31,
	2021		2020
	(amounts in thousands)
Investment balance before cumulative impairment as of January 1,	$	3,305	$	3,305
Accumulated impairment as of January 1,	—		—
Investment beginning balance after cumulative impairment as of January 1,	3,305		3,305
Disposal of investment in a privately held company	(300)		—

Ending period balance	$	3,005	$	3,305