Asset impairment and other

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract]

Asset impairment and other

Asset impairment and other

As events occur, or circumstances change, we may recognize non-cash impairment charges to reduce the book value of intangible and other long-lived assets or to record charges (gains) related spectrum repacking reimbursements and other efforts, or other unique events.

A summary of these items by year (pre-tax basis) is presented below (in thousands):

	2023		2022		2021
Programming rights impairment	$	3,359	$	—	$	—
Reimbursement of spectrum repacking	—		(323)		(4,942)
Property and equipment impairments	—		—		1,095
Contract termination and other costs related to national sales	—		—		1,540
Total asset impairment and other	$	3,359	$	(323)	$	(2,307)

Programming rights impairment: In the second quarter of 2023, a $3.4 million impairment charge was recognized on programming assets.

Reimbursement of spectrum repacking: Some of our stations have had to purchase new equipment in order to comply with an FCC spectrum repacking initiative. As part of this initiative, the FCC is reimbursing companies for costs incurred to comply with the new requirements. In 2023, 2022 and 2021, we received $0.0 million, $0.3 million, $4.9 million of such reimbursements, respectively, which we have recorded as contra expense. All of our repacked stations have completed their transitions to their new channels.

Property and equipment impairments: During 2021, we recorded $1.1 million of impairment charges associated with the disposal of operating assets at several of our television stations.

Contract termination and other costs related to national sales: In 2021, we incurred a $1.5 million charge associated with contract termination and other incremental transition costs related to bringing our national sales organization in-house. Prior to the transition we utilized a third party national marketing representation firm for our national television advertising.