Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

In October 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2012-07, "Entertainment - Films (Topic 926): Accounting for Fair Value Information That Arises after the Measurement Date and Its Inclusion in the Impairment Analysis of Unamortized Film Costs" ("ASU 2012-07"), which amended Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 926 "Entertainment - Films" ("ASC 926"). ASC 926 requires that if evidence of a possible need for a write-down of unamortized film costs occurs after the date of the balance sheet but before the financial statements are issued, a rebuttable presumption exists that the conditions leading to the writeoff existed at the balance sheet date. ASC 926 requires that those conditions be incorporated into the fair value measurement used in the impairment test as of the balance sheet date as if they were known with certainty at that date, unless an entity can demonstrate that those conditions did not exist at that date. The amendments in ASU 2012-07 eliminate the rebuttable presumption that the conditions leading to the writeoff of unamortized film costs after the balance sheet date existed as of the balance sheet date. The amendments also eliminate the requirement that an entity incorporate into fair value measurements used in the impairment tests the effects of any changes in estimates resulting from the consideration of subsequent evidence if the information would not have been considered by market participants at the measurement date. ASU 2012-07 is effective for impairment assessments performed on or after December 15, 2012. The Company performed its impairment assessment as of December 31, 2012 in accordance with the provisions of ASU 2012-07. The adoption of ASU 2012-07 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment" ("ASU 2012-02"), which amended ASC 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" ("ASC 350"). This amendment is intended to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment and allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. An entity no longer is required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lined intangible asset unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50%. ASU 2012-02 will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2013. The Company does not expect ASU 2012-02 to have an impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”), which amended ASC 350. This amendment is intended to simplify how an entity tests goodwill for impairment and allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity no longer is required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50%. ASU 2011-08 was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012, although early adoption was permitted. The adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income: Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” (“ASU 2011-05”) which amended ASC 220, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” In accordance with the new guidance, an entity will no longer be permitted to present comprehensive income in its consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. Instead, entities will be required to present components of comprehensive income in either one continuous financial statement with two sections, net income and comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. The guidance, which must be applied retroactively, was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 concerns disclosure only and its adoption did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement: Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs,” (“ASU 2011-04”) which amended ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” This amendment is intended to result in convergence between U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards requirements for measurement of and disclosures about fair value. This amendment clarifies the application of existing fair value measurements and disclosures, and changes certain principles or requirements for fair value measurements and disclosures. ASU 2011-04 was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012. Its adoption did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all wholly owned subsidiaries. Investments in which the Company does not exercise significant influence over the investee are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Acquisitions

The Company accounts for acquisitions using the purchase method. Under this method, the acquiring company allocates the purchase price to the assets acquired based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition, including intangible assets that can be identified. The purchase price in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

Investment in equity securities

The Company has historically held certain investments in equity securities which had readily determinable fair values. These securities were accounted for as available-for-sale securities and were reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) within shareholders' equity. If a decline in fair value of any of these securities had been judged to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the securities would have been written down to fair value and the amount of the write-down would have been accounted for as a realized loss, included in earnings.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash equivalents that mature within three months of the date of purchase.

Short-term investments

Short-term investments include investments that have maturity dates in excess of three months, but generally less than one year, from the date of acquisition. See Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, for further discussion.

Inventories

Inventory consisting of paper is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method.

Television production costs

Television production costs are capitalized and amortized based upon estimates of future revenues to be received and future costs to be incurred for the applicable television product. The Company bases its estimates primarily on existing contracts for programs, historical advertising rates and ratings, as well as market conditions. Estimated future revenues and costs are adjusted regularly based upon actual results and changes in market and other conditions. To the extent that estimated future results are losses, capitalized television production costs are written down to zero.

Property, plant, and equipment

Property and equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lease term or, if shorter, the estimated useful lives of the related assets.

The useful lives of the Company’s assets are as follows:



Building	5 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 – 5 years
Computer hardware and software	3 – 5 years
Leasehold improvements	life of lease

Goodwill and intangible assets

The Company reviews its trademarks, which are classified as intangible assets with indefinite useful lives within the Merchandising segment, for impairment by applying a fair-value based test annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances warrant, in accordance with ASC 350. The Company performs the impairment test by comparing the fair value of an intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company estimates fair values using the DCF methodology based on the future expected cash flows, revenues, earnings and other factors, which consider reporting unit historical results, current trends, and operating and cash flow projections. The Company’s estimates are subject to uncertainty, and may be affected by a number of factors outside its control, including general economic conditions, the competitive market and regulatory changes. If actual results differ from the Company’s estimate of future cash flows, revenues, earnings and other factors, it may record additional impairment charges in the future. For 2012, 2011, and 2010, no impairment charges for intangible assets with indefinite useful lives were deemed necessary.

The Company reviews long-lived tangible assets and intangible assets with definite useful lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable and exceeds their fair value, in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” Using the Company’s best estimates based on reasonable assumptions and projections, the Company records an impairment loss to write down the assets to their estimated fair values if carrying values of such assets exceed their related undiscounted expected future cash flows. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. The Company evaluates intangible assets with definite useful lives at the lowest level at which independent cash flows can be identified. The Company evaluates corporate assets or other long-lived assets at a consolidated entity or segment reporting unit level, as appropriate.

The Company amortizes intangible assets with definite lives over their estimated useful lives and reviews these assets for impairment. The Company is currently amortizing one acquired intangible asset with a remaining definite life through March 2013.

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill

The components of goodwill as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are set forth in the schedule below, and are reported within the Publishing and Merchandising segments:



(In thousands)	Balance at December 31, 2011		Impairment charge			Balance at December 31, 2012
Publishing	$	44,257	$	(44,257	)	$	—
Merchandising	850		—			850
Total	$	45,107	$	(44,257	)	$	850

The Company reviews goodwill for impairment by applying a fair-value based test annually on October 1^st, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances warrant, in accordance with ASC 350. Potential goodwill impairment is measured based upon a two-step process. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount including goodwill using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) valuation method. Future cash flows are discounted based on a market comparable weighted average cost of capital rate, adjusted for market and other risks where appropriate. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, thus rendering unnecessary the second step in impairment testing. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a second step is performed in which the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill is compared to the carrying value of the goodwill. The implied fair value of the goodwill is determined based on the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit and the net fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, the difference is recognized as an impairment charge.

Revenue recognition

The Company recognizes revenues when realized or realizable and earned. Revenues and associated accounts receivable are recorded net of provisions for estimated future returns, doubtful accounts and other allowances. Allowances for uncollectible receivables are estimated based upon a combination of write-off history, aging analysis, and any specific, known troubled accounts.

Magazine advertising revenues are recorded based on the on-sale dates of magazines and are stated net of agency commissions and cash and sales discounts.

Deferred subscription revenue results from advance payments for subscriptions received from subscribers and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the subscription as issues are delivered.

Newsstand revenues are recognized based on the on-sale dates of magazines and are initially recorded based upon estimates of sales, net of brokerage, and net of estimates of newsstand-related fees. Estimated returns are recorded based upon historical experience.

Deferred book revenue results from advance payments received from the Company’s publishers and is recognized as manuscripts are delivered to and accepted by the publishers. Revenue is also earned from book publishing as sales on a unit basis exceed the advanced royalty.

Digital advertising revenues on the Company’s websites are generally based on the sale of impression-based advertisements, which are recorded in the period in which the advertisements are served.

Licensing-based revenues, most of which are in the Merchandising segment, are accrued on a monthly basis based on the specific mechanisms of each contract. Payments are typically made by the Company’s partners on a quarterly basis. Generally, revenues are accrued based on actual net sales, while any minimum guarantees are earned evenly over the fiscal year.

Television spot advertising beginning with season 6 of The Martha Stewart Show in September 2010 was sold by the Hallmark Channel, with net receipts payable to the Company quarterly. Since advertisers contracted with the Hallmark Channel directly, balance sheet reserves for television audience underdelivery were not required; however, revenues continued to be recognized when commercials were aired and were recorded net of agency commission and the impact of television audience underdelivery as determined by Hallmark Channel. Television integration revenues were recognized when the segment featuring the related product/brand immersion was initially aired. Television revenues related to talent services are generally recognized when services are performed, regardless of when the episodes air. Licensing revenues are recorded as earned in accordance with the specific terms of each agreement and are generally recognized upon delivery of the episodes to the licensee, provided that the license period has begun. Radio advertising revenues are generally recorded when the related commercials are aired and are recorded net of agency commissions. Licensing revenues from the Company’s radio programming are recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.

The Company participates in certain arrangements containing multiple deliverables. These arrangements generally consist of custom-created advertising programs delivered on multiple media platforms, as well as licensing programs which may also be supported by various promotional plans. Examples of significant program deliverables include print advertising pages in the Company’s publications, product integrations on the Company’s television programs, and advertising impressions delivered on the Company’s website. Arrangements that were executed prior to January 1, 2010 are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”). Because the Company elected to early adopt ASU 09-13, on a prospective basis, arrangements executed on or after January 1, 2010 have been subject to the new guidance. ASU 09-13 updated the existing multiple-element arrangement guidance in ASC 605.

ASC 605 and ASU 09-13 require that the Company examine separate contracts with the same entity or related parties that are entered into simultaneously or near the same time to determine if the arrangements should be considered a single arrangement in the determination of units of accounting. While both ASC 605 and ASU 09-13 require that units delivered have standalone value to the customer, ASU 09-13 modifies the separation criteria in determining units of accounting by eliminating the requirement to obtain objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of undelivered items. As a result of the elimination of this requirement, the Company’s significant program deliverables generally meet the separation criteria under ASU 09-13, whereas under ASC 605 they did not qualify as separate units of accounting.

For those arrangements accounted for under ASC 605, if the Company is unable to put forth objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of each deliverable, then the Company accounts for the deliverables as a combined unit of accounting rather than separate units of accounting. In this case, revenue is recognized as the earnings process is completed, generally over the fulfillment term of the last deliverable.

For those arrangements accounted for under ASU 09-13, the Company is required to allocate revenue based on the relative selling price of each deliverable which qualifies as a unit of accounting, even if such deliverables are not sold separately by either the Company itself or other vendors. Determination of selling price is a judgmental process that requires numerous assumptions. The consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables based upon their relative selling prices. Selling prices for deliverables that qualify as separate units of accounting are determined using a hierarchy of: (1) vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), (2) third-party evidence and (3) best estimate of selling price. The Company is able to establish VSOE of selling price for certain of its radio deliverables; however, in most instances it has allocated consideration based upon its best estimate of selling price. The Company established VSOE of selling price of certain radio deliverables by demonstrating that a substantial majority of the recent standalone sales of those deliverables are priced within a relatively narrow range. The Company’s other deliverables are generally priced with a wide range of discounts/premiums as the result of a variety of factors including the size of the advertiser and the volume and placement of advertising sold to the advertiser. The Company’s best estimate of selling price is intended to represent the price at which it would sell the deliverable if the Company were to sell the item regularly on a standalone basis. The Company’s estimates consider market conditions, such as competitor pricing pressures, as well as entity-specific factors that are consistent with normal pricing practices, such as the recent history of the selling prices of similar products when sold on a standalone basis, the impact of the cost of customization, the size of the transaction, and other factors contemplated in negotiating the arrangement with the customer. The arrangement fee is recognized as revenue as the earnings process is completed, generally at the time each unit of accounting is fulfilled (i.e., when magazines are on sale, at the time television integrations are aired or when the digital impressions are served).

Advertising costs

Advertising costs, consisting primarily of direct-response advertising, are expensed in the period in which the related advertising campaign occurs.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of actual common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur from the exercise of stock options and shares covered under a warrant and the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Equity compensation

The Company has issued stock-based compensation to certain of its employees and a non-employee consultant. In accordance with the fair-value recognition provisions of ASC Topic 718, Share-Based Payments (“ASC Topic 718”) and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, compensation cost associated with employee grants recognized in the 2012, 2011 and 2010 was based on the grant date fair value. The Company applies variable accounting to its non-employee price-based restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 718. Employee stock option, restricted stock, and RSU awards with service period-based vesting triggers (“service period-based” awards) are amortized as non-cash equity compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the expected vesting period. The Company values service period-based option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires numerous assumptions, including volatility of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and expected life of the option. Service period-based restricted stock and RSU awards are valued at the market value of traded shares on the date of grant. Recognition of compensation expense for awards intended to vest upon the achievement of certain adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) targets over a performance period (“performance-based” awards) is based on the probable outcome of the performance condition. Compensation cost is accrued if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved and is not accrued if it is not probable that the performance condition will be achieved. Options and RSUs with Class A Common Stock price-based vesting triggers (“price-based” awards) are valued using the Monte Carlo Simulation method which takes into account assumptions such as volatility of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, the risk-free interest rate based on the contractual term of the award, the expected dividend yield, the vesting schedule, and the probability that the market conditions of the award will be achieved.