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NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2023

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Nature of Operations

Sinclair, Inc. ("Sinclair") is a diversified media company with national reach and a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations, digital platforms, and, prior to the Deconsolidation (as defined below in Deconsolidation of Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC), regional sports networks. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform and third-party platforms, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, other original programming produced by us and our owned networks and professional sports. Additionally, we own digital media companies that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties and we have interests in, own, manage, and/or operate technical and software services companies, research and development companies for the advancement of broadcast technology, and other media and non-media related businesses and assets, including real estate, venture capital, private equity, and direct investments.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, we had two reportable segments: local media and tennis. Prior to the Deconsolidation (as defined below in Deconsolidation of Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC), we had one additional reportable segment, local sports. The local media segment consists primarily of our 185 broadcast television stations in 86 markets, which we own, provide programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements ("LMA"), or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as joint sales agreements ("JSA") and shared services agreements ("SSA")). These stations broadcast 639 channels as of June 30, 2023. For the purpose of this report, these 185 stations and 639 channels are referred to as "our" stations and channels. The tennis segment consists of Tennis Channel, a cable network which includes coverage of many of tennis' top tournaments and original professional sports and tennis lifestyle shows; Tennis Channel International streaming service; Tennis Channel Plus streaming service; T2 FAST, a 24-hours a day free ad-supported streaming television channel; and Tennis.com. The local sports segment consisted primarily of our Bally Sports network brands ("Bally RSNs"), the Marquee Sports Network ("Marquee") joint venture, and a minority equity interest in the Yankee Entertainment and Sports Network, LLC ("YES Network") through February 28, 2022. On March 1, 2022, the Bally RSNs, Marquee, and YES Network were deconsolidated from our financial statements. See Deconsolidation of Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC below. Through February 28, 2022, we refer to the Bally RSNs and Marquee as "the RSNs". The RSNs and YES Network own the exclusive rights to air, among other sporting events, the games of professional sports teams in designated local viewing areas.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, and 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 has 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.

Company Reorganization

On April 3, 2023, the company formerly known as Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., a Maryland corporation ("Old Sinclair"), entered into an Agreement of Share Exchange and Plan of Reorganization (the "Share Exchange Agreement") with Sinclair, and Sinclair Holdings, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company ("Sinclair Holdings"). The purpose of the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement was to effect a holding company reorganization in which Sinclair would become the publicly-traded parent company of Old Sinclair.

Effective at 12:00 am Eastern U.S. time on June 1, 2023 (the "Share Exchange Effective Time"), pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement and Articles of Share Exchange filed with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, the share exchange between Sinclair and Old Sinclair was completed (the "Share Exchange"). In the Share Exchange, (i) each share or fraction of a share of Old Sinclair's Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Old Sinclair Class A Common Shares"), outstanding immediately prior to the Share Exchange Effective Time was exchanged on a one-for-one basis for an equivalent share of Sinclair's Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Sinclair Class A Common Shares"), and (ii) each share or fraction of a share of Old Sinclair's Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Old Sinclair Class B Common Shares"), outstanding immediately prior to the Share Exchange Effective Time was exchanged on a one-for-one basis for an equivalent share of Sinclair’s Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Sinclair Class B Common Shares").

Immediately following the Share Exchange Effective Time, Old Sinclair converted from a Maryland corporation to a Maryland limited liability company named Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC ("SBG"). On the day following the Share Exchange Effective Time (June 2, 2023), Sinclair Holdings became the intermediate holding company between Sinclair and SBG, and SBG transferred certain of its assets (the "Transferred Assets") to Ventures, a new indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sinclair. We refer to the Share Exchange and the related steps described above collectively as the "Reorganization." The Transferred Assets included technical and software services companies, intellectual property for the advancement of broadcast technology, and other media and non-media related businesses and assets including real estate, venture capital, private equity, and direct investments, as well as Compulse, a marketing technology and managed services company, and Tennis Channel and related assets. As a result of the Reorganization, the local media segment assets are owned and operated by SBG and the assets of the tennis segment and the Transferred Assets are owned and operated by Ventures.

At the Share Exchange Effective Time, Sinclair's articles of incorporation and bylaws were amended and restated to be the same in all material respects as the existing articles of incorporation and bylaws of Old Sinclair immediately prior to the Share Exchange. As a result, the Sinclair Class A Common Shares confer upon the holders thereof the same rights with respect to Sinclair that the holders of the Old Sinclair Class A Common Shares had with respect to Old Sinclair, and the Sinclair Class B Common Shares confer upon the holders thereof the same rights with respect to Sinclair that the holders of the Old Sinclair Class B Common Shares had with respect to Old Sinclair. Sinclair's Board of Directors, including its committees, and senior management team immediately after the Share Exchange were the same as Old Sinclair's immediately before the Share Exchange.

The Reorganization is considered transactions between entities under common control and as SBG and Ventures are both subsidiaries of Sinclair, there was no impact on the consolidated financial statements of Sinclair.

Deconsolidation of Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC

On March 1, 2022, Old Sinclair's subsidiary Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings, LLC, and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively "DSIH"), completed a series of transactions (the "Transaction"). As part of the Transaction, the governance structure of DSIH was modified including changes to the composition of its Board of Managers, resulting in the Company's loss of voting control. As a result, DSIH, whose operations represented the entirety of our local sports segment, was deconsolidated from our consolidated financial statements effective as of March 1, 2022 (the "Deconsolidation"). The consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2022 therefore includes two months of activity related to DSIH prior to the Deconsolidation. Subsequent to February 28, 2022, the assets and liabilities of DSIH are no longer included within our consolidated balance sheets. Any discussions related to results, operations, and accounting policies associated with DSIH are referring to the periods prior to the Deconsolidation.

Upon Deconsolidation, we recognized a gain before income taxes of approximately $3,357 million, which is recorded within gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary in our consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2022. Subsequent to the Deconsolidation, we accounted for our equity ownership interest in DSIH under the equity method of accounting. See Note 2. Other Assets for more information.

Interim Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 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 (loss) 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.

As permitted under the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "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, 2022 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.

Use of Estimates

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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2021, the FASB issued guidance to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in practice. ASU 2021-08 requires that an acquiring entity recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606, as if it had originated the contracts. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2023. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Broadcast Television Programming

We have agreements with programming syndicators for the rights to television programming over contract periods, which generally run from one to three years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms 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.

Sports Programming Rights

DSIH has multi-year program rights agreements that provide DSIH with the right to produce and telecast professional live sports games within a specified territory in exchange for a rights fee. Prior to the Deconsolidation, we amortized these rights as an expense over each season based upon contractually stated rates. Amortization was accelerated in the event that the stated contractual rates over the term of the rights agreement resulted in an expense recognition pattern that was inconsistent with the projected growth of revenue over the contractual term.

The National Basketball Association ("NBA") and the National Hockey League ("NHL") postponed games in the fourth quarter of 2021 and rescheduled these games to be played in the first quarter of 2022. The sports rights expense associated with these seasons was recognized over the modified term of these seasons.

Hedge Accounting

We entered into an interest rate swap effective February 7, 2023 and terminating on February 28, 2026 in order to manage a portion of our exposure to variable interest rates. The swap agreement has a notional amount of $600 million, bears a fixed interest rate of 3.9%, and we receive a floating rate of interest based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR").

We have determined that the interest rate swap meets the criteria for hedge accounting. The initial value of the interest rate swap and any changes in value in subsequent periods is included in accumulated other comprehensive income, with a corresponding change recorded in assets or liabilities depending on the position of the swap. Gains or losses on the monthly settlement of the interest rate swap are reflected in interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Cash flows related to the interest rate swap are classified as operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. See Interest Rate Swap within Note 3. Notes Payable, Finance Leases, and Commercial Bank Financing for further discussion.

Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities were $4 million and $7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities were $1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. Non-cash investing activities included property and equipment purchases of $5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

Revenue Recognition

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by type and segment (in millions):


For the three months ended June 30, 2023	Local Media		Tennis		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	372	$	46	$	—	$	—	$	418
Advertising revenue	293		14		6		(4)		309
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues	34		—		8		(1)		41
Total revenues	$	699	$	60	$	14	$	(5)	$	768

For the six months ended June 30, 2023	Local Media		Tennis		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	753	$	91	$	—	$	—	$	844
Advertising revenue	589		23		12		(6)		618
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues	62		1		19		(3)		79
Total revenues	$	1,404	$	115	$	31	$	(9)	$	1,541

For the three months ended June 30, 2022	Local Media		Tennis		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	385	$	45	$	—	$	—	$	430
Advertising revenue	343		11		13		(1)		366
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues	32		2		14		(7)		41
Total revenues	$	760	$	58	$	27	$	(8)	$	837

For the six months ended June 30, 2022	Local Media		Tennis		Local Sports		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	778	$	92	$	433	$	—	$	—	$	1,303
Advertising revenue	656		19		44		27		(9)		737
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues	80		3		5		30		(33)		85
Total revenues	$	1,514	$	114	$	482	$	57	$	(42)	$	2,125

Distribution Revenue. We have agreements with multi-channel video programming distributors ("MVPD") and virtual MVPDs ("vMVPD," and together with MVPDs, "Distributors"). We generate distribution revenue through fees received from these Distributors for the right to distribute our stations, other properties, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, RSNs. 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.

Advertising Revenue. We generate advertising revenue primarily from the sale of advertising spots/impressions within our broadcast television, digital platforms, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, RSNs.

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. We classify deferred revenue as either current in other current liabilities or long-term in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets based on the timing of when we expect to satisfy our performance obligations. Deferred revenue was $191 million and $200 million as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, of which $134 million and $144 million, respectively, was reflected in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $33 million and $42 million, respectively.

For the three months ended June 30, 2023, two customers accounted for 12% and 10%, respectively, of our total revenues. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, two customers accounted for 11% and 10%, respectively, of our total revenues. For the three months ended June 30, 2022, two customers accounted for 11% and 10%, respectively, of our total revenues. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, three customers accounted for 15%, 14%, and 12%, respectively, of our total revenues. As of June 30, 2023, three customers accounted for 11%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, of our accounts receivable, net. As of December 31, 2022, one customer accounted for 13% of our accounts receivable, net. For purposes of this disclosure, a single customer may include multiple entities under common control.

Income Taxes

Our income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes. The tax provision for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 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, current and cumulative losses, 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 amount of our available state net operating loss carryforwards based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income.

Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was less than the statutory rate primarily due to non-deductible expenses. Our effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was greater than the statutory rate primarily due to a release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j). Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2022 was greater than the statutory rate primarily due to an increase in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j). Our effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2022 approximated our statutory rate.

We believe that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by up to $1 million in the next twelve months, as a result of the expected statute of limitations expirations, and the resolution of examination issues and settlements with tax authorities.

Share Repurchase Program

On August 4, 2020, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $500 million share repurchase authorization in addition to the previous repurchase authorization of $1 billion. There is no expiration date and currently, management has no plans to terminate this program. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, we repurchased approximately 8.8 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $151 million. As of June 30, 2023, the total remaining purchase authorization was $547 million. All shares were repurchased under an SEC Rule 10b5-1 plan.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year's presentation.

Subsequent Events

In August 2023, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on September 15, 2023 to holders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2023.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Nature of Operations

Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC ("SBG"), a Maryland limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair, Inc. ("Sinclair"), is a diversified media company with national reach and a strong focus on providing high-quality content on SBG's local television stations, digital properties, and regional sports networks (prior to the Deconsolidation, as defined below in Deconsolidation of Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC). The content, distributed through SBG's broadcast platform and third-party platforms, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, other original programming produced by SBG and SBG owned networks, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, college and professional sports. Additionally, prior to the Reorganization (as defined below in Company Reorganization), SBG had interests in, owned, managed, and/or operated Tennis Channel, digital media companies, technical and software services companies, research and development companies for the advancement of broadcast technology, and other media and non-media related businesses and assets, including real estate, venture capital, private equity, and direct investments.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, SBG had one reportable segment: local media. Prior to the Deconsolidation (as defined below in Deconsolidation of Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC), SBG had one additional reportable segment: local sports. The local media segment consists primarily of SBG's 185 broadcast television stations in 86 markets, which SBG owns, provides programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements ("LMA"), or provides sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as joint sales agreements ("JSA") and shared services agreements ("SSA")). These stations broadcast 639 channels as of June 30, 2023. For the purpose of this report, these 185 stations and 639 channels are referred to as "SBG" stations and channels. The local sports segment consisted primarily of the Bally Sports network brands ("Bally RSNs"), the Marquee Sports Network ("Marquee") joint venture, and a minority equity interest in the Yankee Entertainment and Sports Network, LLC ("YES Network") through February 28, 2022. On March 1, 2022, the Bally RSNs, Marquee, and YES Network were deconsolidated from SBG's financial statements. See Deconsolidation of Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC below. Through February 28, 2022, the Bally RSNs and Marquee are referred to as "the RSNs". The RSNs and YES Network own the exclusive rights to air, among other sporting events, the games of professional sports teams in designated local viewing areas.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include SBG's accounts and those of SBG's wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, and VIEs for which SBG is the primary beneficiary. Noncontrolling interests represent a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of SBG's consolidated entities. Noncontrolling interests which may be redeemed by the holder, and the redemption is outside of SBG's control, are presented as redeemable noncontrolling interests. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

SBG consolidates VIEs when SBG is the primary beneficiary. SBG is the primary beneficiary of a VIE when SBG has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. See Note 7. Variable Interest Entities for more information on SBG's VIEs.

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

Company Reorganization

On April 3, 2023, the company formerly known as Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., a Maryland corporation ("Old Sinclair"), entered into an Agreement of Share Exchange and Plan of Reorganization (the "Share Exchange Agreement") with Sinclair and Sinclair Holdings, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company ("Sinclair Holdings"). The purpose of the transactions contemplated by the Share Exchange Agreement was to effect a holding company reorganization in which Sinclair would become the publicly-traded parent company of Old Sinclair.

Effective at 12:00 am Eastern U.S. time on June 1, 2023 (the "Share Exchange Effective Time"), pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement and Articles of Share Exchange filed with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, the share exchange between Sinclair and Old Sinclair was completed (the "Share Exchange"). Immediately following the Share Exchange Effective Time, Old Sinclair converted from a Maryland corporation to a Maryland limited liability company named Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC. On the day following the Share Exchange Effective Time, Sinclair Holdings became the intermediate holding company between Sinclair and SBG, and SBG transferred certain of its assets (the "Transferred Assets") to Sinclair Ventures, LLC, a new indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sinclair ("Ventures"). We refer to the Share Exchange and the related steps described above collectively as the "Reorganization." The Transferred Assets included technical and software services companies, intellectual property for the advancement of broadcast technology, and other media and non-media related businesses and assets including real estate, venture capital, private equity, and direct investments, as well as Compulse, a marketing technology and managed services company, and Tennis Channel and related assets.

As a result of the Reorganization, SBG's consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2023 includes two months of activity related to the Transferred Assets and for the six months ended June 30, 2023 includes five months of activity related to the Transferred Assets prior to the Reorganization. Subsequent to June 1, 2023, the assets and liabilities of the Transferred Assets are no longer included within SBG's consolidated balance sheets. Any discussions related to results, operations, and accounting policies associated with the Transferred Assets are referring to the periods prior to the Reorganization.

The Reorganization is considered transactions between entities under common control and therefore the Transferred Assets were transferred from SBG to Ventures at a net book value of $1,118 million, which is recognized in SBG's consolidated statements of equity and redeemable noncontrolling interests as a dividend to SBG's parent.

Deconsolidation of Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC

On March 1, 2022, Old Sinclair's subsidiary Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings, LLC, and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively "DSIH"), completed a series of transactions (the "Transaction"). As part of the Transaction, the governance structure of DSIH was modified including changes to the composition of its Board of Managers, resulting in SBG's loss of voting control. As a result, DSIH, whose operations represented the entirety of SBG's local sports segment, was deconsolidated from SBG's consolidated financial statements effective as of March 1, 2022 (the "Deconsolidation"). SBG's consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2022 therefore includes two months of activity related to DSIH prior to the Deconsolidation. Subsequent to February 28, 2022, the assets and liabilities of DSIH are no longer included within SBG's consolidated balance sheets. Any discussions related to results, operations, and accounting policies associated with DSIH are referring to the periods prior to the Deconsolidation.

Upon Deconsolidation, SBG recognized a gain before income taxes of approximately $3,357 million, which is recorded within gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary in SBG's consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2022. Subsequent to the Deconsolidation, SBG's equity ownership interest in DSIH is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. See Note 2. Other Assets for more information.

Interim Financial Statements

SBG's consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 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 (loss) 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.

As permitted under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, SBG's 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 Old Sinclair's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC. SBG's consolidated statements of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of operations for an entire year.

Use of Estimates

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2021, the FASB issued guidance to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in practice. ASU 2021-08 requires that an acquiring entity recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606, as if it had originated the contracts. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. SBG adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2023. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on SBG's consolidated financial statements.

Broadcast Television Programming

SBG has agreements with programming syndicators for the rights to television programming over contract periods, which generally run from one to seven years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms 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.

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. SBG assesses the program contract costs on a quarterly basis to ensure the costs are recorded at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value.

Sports Programming Rights

DSIH has multi-year program rights agreements that provide DSIH with the right to produce and telecast professional live sports games within a specified territory in exchange for a rights fee. Prior to the Deconsolidation, SBG amortized these rights as an expense over each season based upon contractually stated rates. Amortization was accelerated in the event that the stated contractual rates over the term of the rights agreement resulted in an expense recognition pattern that was inconsistent with the projected growth of revenue over the contractual term.

Hedge Accounting

SBG entered into an interest rate swap effective February 7, 2023 and terminating on February 28, 2026 in order to manage a portion of SBG's exposure to variable interest rates. The swap agreement has a notional amount of $600 million, bears a fixed interest rate of 3.9%, and SBG receives a floating rate of interest based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR").

SBG has determined that the interest rate swap meets the criteria for hedge accounting. The initial value of the interest rate swap and any changes in value in subsequent periods is included in accumulated other comprehensive income, with a corresponding change recorded in assets or liabilities depending on the position of the swap. Gains or losses on the monthly settlement of the interest rate swap are reflected in interest expense in SBG's consolidated statements of operations. Cash flows related to the interest rate swap are classified as operating activities in SBG's consolidated statements of cash flows. See Interest Rate Swap within Note 3. Notes Payable, Finance Leases, and Commercial Bank Financing for further discussion.

Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities were $3 million and $7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities were $1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. Non-cash investing activities included property and equipment purchases of $5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

As part of the Reorganization, SBG made a noncash distribution of $758 million to Ventures for the six months ended June 30, 2023, which represents the book value of the net assets distributed. See Company Reorganization above.

Revenue Recognition

The following table presents SBG's revenue disaggregated by type and segment (in millions):


For the three months ended June 30, 2023	Local Media		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	372	$	31	$	—	$	403
Advertising revenue	293		13		(3)		303
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues	34		3		—		37
Total revenues	$	699	$	47	$	(3)	$	743

For the six months ended June 30, 2023	Local Media		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	753	$	76	$	—	$	829
Advertising revenue	589		29		(5)		613
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues	62		14		(2)		74
Total revenues	$	1,404	$	119	$	(7)	$	1,516

For the three months ended June 30, 2022	Local Media		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	385	$	45	$	—	$	430
Advertising revenue	343		25		(2)		366
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues	32		15		(6)		41
Total revenues	$	760	$	85	$	(8)	$	837

For the six months ended June 30, 2022	Local Media		Local Sports		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	778	$	433	$	92	$	—	$	1,303
Advertising revenue	656		44		47		(10)		737
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues	80		5		32		(32)		85
Total revenues	$	1,514	$	482	$	171	$	(42)	$	2,125

Distribution Revenue. SBG has agreements with multi-channel video programming distributors ("MVPD") and virtual MVPDs ("vMVPD," and together with MVPDs, "Distributors"). SBG generates distribution revenue through fees received from these Distributors for the right to distribute SBG's stations, other properties, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, RSNs. 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 SBG's customers (as usage occurs) which corresponds with the satisfaction of SBG's performance obligation. Revenue is calculated based upon the contractual rate multiplied by an estimated number of subscribers. SBG's 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.

Advertising Revenue. SBG generates advertising revenue primarily from the sale of advertising spots/impressions within broadcast television, digital platforms, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, RSNs.

In accordance with ASC 606, SBG does 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. SBG records deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of performance, including amounts which are refundable. SBG classifies deferred revenue as either current in other current liabilities or long-term in other long-term liabilities in SBG's consolidated balance sheets based on the timing of when SBG expects to satisfy performance obligations. Deferred revenue was $181 million and $200 million as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, of which $134 million and $144 million, respectively, was reflected in other long-term liabilities in SBG's consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, was $32 million and $42 million, respectively.

For the three months ended June 30, 2023, two customers accounted for 12% and 10%, respectively, of SBG's total revenues. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, two customers accounted for 11% and 10%, respectively, of SBG's total revenues. For the three months ended June 30, 2022, two customers accounted for 11% and 10%, respectively, of SBG's total revenues. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, three customers accounted for 15%, 14%, and 12%, respectively, of SBG's total revenues. As of June 30, 2023, three customers accounted for 11%, 11%, and 10%, respectively, of SBG's accounts receivable, net. As of December 31, 2022, one customer accounted for 13% of SBG's accounts receivable, net. For purposes of this disclosure, a single customer may include multiple entities under common control.

Income Taxes

SBG's (provision) benefit for taxes and deferred tax balances have been calculated on a separate return basis as if SBG filed its own tax returns, although its operations are included in the Sinclair consolidated tax returns. The separate return method applies the accounting guidance for income taxes to the standalone financial statements as if SBG were a separate taxpayer and a standalone enterprise.

SBG's income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes. The tax provision for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 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. SBG provides a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating SBG's ability to realize net deferred tax assets, SBG considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, including past operating results, tax planning strategies, current and cumulative losses, and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these sources of taxable income, SBG must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage SBG's underlying businesses on a long-term basis. A valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial amount of SBG's available state net operating loss carryforwards based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income.

SBG's effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2023 was less than the statutory rate primarily due to non-deductible expenses. SBG's effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was greater than the statutory rate primarily due to a release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j). SBG's effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2022 was greater than the statutory rate primarily due to an increase in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j). SBG's effective income tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2022 approximated SBG's statutory rate.

SBG believes that its liability for unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by up to $1 million, in the next twelve months, as a result of the expected statute of limitations expirations, and the resolution of examination issues and settlements with tax authorities.

Share Repurchase Program

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, SBG repurchased approximately 8.8 million shares of Old Sinclair Class A Common Stock for $151 million. All shares were repurchased under an SEC Rule 10b5-1 plan, which is no longer applicable subsequent to the Reorganization.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year's presentation.