Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (the Company) is a diversified television media company with national reach and a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations, regional sports networks, and digital platforms. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform and third-party platforms, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, college and professional sports, and other original programming produced by us. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties. Outside of our media related businesses, we operate technical services companies focused on supply and maintenance of broadcast transmission systems as well as research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and we manage other non-media related investments.

As of March 31, 2020, we had two reportable segments for accounting purposes, local news and marketing services and sports. The local news and marketing services segment consists primarily of our 191 broadcast television stations in 89 markets, which we own, provide programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements (LMAs), or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as joint sales agreements (JSAs) and shared services agreements (SSAs)). These stations broadcast 631 channels as of March 31, 2020. For the purpose of this report, these 191 stations and 631 channels are referred to as "our" stations and channels. The sports segment consists primarily of 21 regional sports network brands (the Acquired RSNs), the Marquee Sports Network (Marquee), and a 20% equity interest in the Yankee Entertainment and Sports Network, LLC (YES Network). We refer to the Acquired RSNs and Marquee as "the RSNs." The RSNs and YES Network, on a combined basis, own the exclusive rights to air, among other sporting events, the games of 44 professional sports teams and the RSNs are renegotiating rights with one team.

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, including the operating results of the regional sports networks acquired on August 23, 2019, as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets, and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary. Noncontrolling interests represent a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities. Noncontrolling interests which may be redeemed by the holder, and the redemption is outside of our control, are presented as redeemable noncontrolling interests. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. See Note 8. Variable Interest Entities for more information on our VIEs.

Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income generated by equity method investees.

The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, such financial statements have been presented on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of equity and redeemable noncontrolling interests, and consolidated statements of cash flows for these periods as adjusted for the adoption of recent accounting pronouncements discussed below.

As permitted under the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures normally included with audited consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC. The consolidated statements of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of operations for an entire year.

We measure our investments, excluding equity method investments, at fair value or, in situations where fair value is not readily determinable, we have the option to value investments at cost plus observable changes in value less impairment. Investments accounted for utilizing the measurement alternative were $38 million, net of $7 million of cumulative impairments, as of March 31, 2020 and $28 million, net of $7 million of cumulative impairments, as of December 31, 2019. There were no adjustments to the carrying amount of investments accounted for utilizing the measurement alternative for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and a $2 million impairment related to one investment for the three months ended March 31, 2019, which is reflected in other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of operations.

YES Network Investment. On August 29, 2019, an indirect subsidiary of Diamond Sports Group, LLC (DSG), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired a 20% equity interest in YES Network for cash consideration of $346 million as part of a consortium led by Yankee Global Enterprises. We account for our investment in the YES Network as an equity method investment, which is recorded within other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, and in which our proportionate share of the net income generated by the investment is represented within loss from equity method investments in our consolidated statements of operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recorded income of $5 million related to our investment.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

As of March 31, 2020, the impact of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to create significant uncertainty and disruption in the global economy and financial markets. It is reasonably possible that these uncertainties could materially impact our estimates related to, but not limited to, revenue recognition, goodwill and intangible assets, program contract costs, sports programming rights, and income taxes. As a result, many of our estimates and assumptions require increased judgment and carry a higher degree of variability and volatility. Our estimates may change as new events occur and additional information emerges, and such changes are recognized or disclosed in our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance on the accounting for credit losses on financial instruments. Among other provisions, this guidance introduces a new impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace the current “incurred loss” model that will generally result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software, with the capitalized implementation costs of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2018, the FASB issued guidance for determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest. The amendments require organizations to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety (as currently required in GAAP). We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2019, the FASB issued guidance which requires that an entity test a film or license agreement within the scope of Subtopic 920-350 for impairment at the film group level, when the film or license agreement is predominantly monetized with other films and/or license agreements. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Broadcast Television Programming below for further information on our accounting for television program contracts.

In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued guidance providing optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The guidance is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 and may be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, if elected.

We have agreements with rights holders for the rights to television programming over contract periods, which generally run from one to seven years. Contract payments are made in installments over periods that are generally equal to or shorter than the contract period. Pursuant to accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry, an asset and a liability for the rights acquired and obligations incurred under a license agreement are reported on the balance sheet when the cost of each program is known or reasonably determinable, the program material has been accepted by the licensee in accordance with the conditions of the license agreement, and the program is available for its first showing or telecast. The portion of program contracts which becomes payable within one year is reflected as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The rights to this programming are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. Program contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis except for contracts greater than three years which are amortized utilizing an accelerated method. Program contract costs estimated by management to be amortized in the succeeding year are classified as current assets. Payments of program contract liabilities are typically made on a scheduled basis and are not affected by amortization or fair value adjustments.

Fair value is determined utilizing a discounted cash flow model based on management’s expectation of future advertising revenues, net of sales commissions, to be generated by the program material. We assess our program contract costs on a quarterly basis to ensure the costs are recorded at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value in accordance with the accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry.

We have multi-year program rights agreements that provide the Company with the right to produce and telecast professional live sports games within a specified territory in exchange for a rights fee. A prepaid asset is recorded for rights acquired related to future games upon payment of the contracted fee. The assets recorded for the acquired rights are classified as current or non-current based on the period when the games are expected to be aired. Liabilities are recorded for any program rights obligations that have been incurred but not yet paid at period end. We amortize these programing rights as an expense over each season based upon contractually stated rates. Amortization is accelerated in the event that the stated contractual rates over the term of the rights agreement results in an expense recognition pattern that is inconsistent with the projected growth of revenue over the contractual term.

On March 12, 2020, the NBA and NHL suspended their seasons as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On this date, the Company suspended the recognition of amortization expense associated with program rights agreements with teams within these leagues. Amortization expense will resume over the modified seasons when the games commence. The timing and format of the remaining 2019-2020 NBA and NHL seasons is uncertain. On March 12, 2020, MLB also announced the delay of the 2020 regular season. This delay did not have a material effect on amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as the season has not yet commenced; however, the season delay will impact the timing and potentially the amount of amortization recognized in future periods.

Certain rights agreements with professional teams contain provisions which require the rebate of rights fees paid by the Company if a contractually minimum number of live games are not delivered. As of March 31, 2020, the Company has not recorded any receivables associated with these rebate provisions.



For the three months ended March 31, 2020	Local News and Marketing Services		Sports		Other		Eliminations			Total
Distribution revenue	$	355	$	752	$	49	$	—		$	1,156
Advertising revenue	310		55		35		—			400
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues	36		5		44		(32		)	53
Total revenues	$	701	$	812	$	128	$	(32	)	$	1,609

For the three months ended March 31, 2019	Local News and Marketing Services		Sports		Other		Eliminations			Total
Distribution revenue	$	320	$	—	$	32	$	—		$	352
Advertising revenue	288		—		20		—			308
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue	11		—		55		(4		)	62
Total revenues	$	619	$	—	$	107	$	(4	)	$	722

Distribution Revenue. We generate distribution revenue through fees received from MVPDs and vMVPDs for the right to distribute our stations, RSNs, and other properties. Distribution arrangements are generally governed by multi-year contracts and the underlying fees are based upon a contractual monthly rate per subscriber. These arrangements represent licenses of intellectual property; revenue is recognized as the signal or network programming is provided to our customers (as usage occurs) which corresponds with the satisfaction of our performance obligation. Revenue is calculated based upon the contractual rate multiplied by an estimated number of subscribers. Our customers will remit payments based upon actual subscribers a short time after the conclusion of a month, which generally does not exceed 120 days. Historical adjustments to subscriber estimates have not been material.

Certain of our distribution arrangements contain provisions that require the Company to deliver a minimum number of live professional sports games or tournaments during a defined period which usually corresponds with a calendar year. If the minimum threshold is not met, we may be obligated to refund a portion of the distribution fees received if shortfalls are not cured within a specified period of time. Our ability to meet these requirements is primarily driven by the delivery of games by the professional sports leagues. The Company has not historically paid any material rebates under these contractual provisions as it is unusual for there to be an event which is significant enough to preclude the Company from meeting or exceeding these thresholds. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant disruptions to the normal operations of the professional sports leagues resulting in delays and uncertainty with respect to regularly scheduled games. Decisions made by the leagues regarding the timing and format of the revised 2020 seasons may result in our inability to meet these minimum requirements and the need to reduce revenue based upon estimated rebates due to our distribution customers.

In accordance with ASC 606, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) distribution arrangements which are accounted for as a sales/usage based royalty.

Deferred Revenue. We record deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance, including amounts which are refundable. Deferred revenue was $45 million and $54 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Deferred revenue recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $30 million and $38 million, respectively.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, three customers accounted for 20%, 17%, and 12%, respectively, of our total revenues and 19%, 17%, and 12%, respectively, of our accounts receivable, net. For purposes of this disclosure, a single customer may include multiple entities under common control.

Our income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes. The tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 is based on the estimated effective tax rate applicable for the full year after taking into account discrete tax items and the effects of the noncontrolling interests. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis. A valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial portion of our available state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards, based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary book/tax basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income.

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was less than the statutory rate primarily due to $27 million of federal tax credits related to investments in sustainability initiatives and a $13 million discrete benefit as a result of the CARES Act allowing for the estimated 2020 federal net operating loss to be carried back to pre-2018 years when the federal tax rate was 35%. Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was less than the statutory rate primarily due to $5 million of federal tax credits related to investments in sustainability initiatives partially offset by a $3 million increase in liability for unrecognized tax benefits.

We believe it is reasonably possible that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to continuing operations could be reduced by up to $4 million, in the next twelve months, as a result of expected statute of limitations expirations, the application of limits under available state administrative practice exceptions, and the resolution of examination issues and settlements with federal and certain state tax authorities.

On August 9, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase authorization, in addition to the previous repurchase authorization of $150 million. There is no expiration date and currently, management has no plans to terminate this program. We repurchased approximately 10 million shares for $176 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2020, the total remaining purchase authorization was $547 million. As of May 8, 2020, we repurchased an additional 3.1 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $47 million during the second quarter.