XML 57 R36.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. 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 platform, 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.

As of December 31, 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 LMAs, or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements, such as JSAs and SSAs. These stations broadcast 640 channels as of December 31, 2023. For the purpose of this report, these 185 stations and 640 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 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 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 have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. See Note 14. 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 (loss) from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income or loss 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 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, 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 year ended December 31, 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 were 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 year ended December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded an adjustment to the deconsolidation gain of $10 million. Subsequent to the Deconsolidation, our equity ownership interest in DSIH is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. See Note 6. Other Assets for more information.

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.

In November 2023, the FASB issued guidance to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.

In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures, requiring annual disclosure of consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation table; additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold (if the effect of those reconciling items is equal to or greater than 5 percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income or loss by the applicable statutory income tax rate); income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction; and income or loss before income tax disaggregated between foreign and domestic. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable

We regularly review accounts receivable and determine an appropriate estimate for the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the impact of economic conditions on the merchant's ability to pay, past collection experience, and such other factors which, in management's judgment, deserve current recognition. In turn, a provision is charged against earnings in order to maintain the appropriate allowance level.

A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 is as follows (in millions):


	2023		2022		2021
Balance at beginning of period	$	5	$	7	$	5
Charged to expense	3		4		3
Net write-offs	(4)		(6)		(1)
Balance at end of period	$	4	$	5	$	7

As of December 31, 2023, two customers accounted for 10% and 10%, respectively, of our accounts receivable, net. As of December 31, 2022, one customer accounted for 13% of our accounts receivable, net. As of December 31, 2021, three customers accounted for 15%, 15%, and 12%, respectively, of our accounts receivable, net. For purposes of this disclosure, a single customer may include multiple entities under common control.

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 provided 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.

Impairment of Goodwill, Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, and Other Long-lived Assets

We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. Our goodwill has been allocated to, and is tested for impairment at, the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or a component of an operating segment to the extent that the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by management. Components of an operating segment with similar characteristics are aggregated when testing goodwill for impairment.

In the performance of our annual assessment of goodwill for impairment, we have the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit has been impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment, we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting units as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments.

If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, or if we elect not to perform the optional qualitative assessment, we will determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the net book value of the reporting unit. If the fair value is less than the net book value, we will record an impairment to goodwill for the amount of the difference. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units utilizing the income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis. Our discounted cash flow model is based on our judgment of future market conditions based on our internal forecast of future performance, as well as discount rates that are based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk.

Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of our broadcast licenses and a trade name. For our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that these assets are impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the indefinite-lived intangible assets as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. When evaluating our broadcast licenses for impairment, the qualitative assessment is done at the market level because the broadcast licenses within the market are complementary and together enhance the single broadcast license of each station. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that one of our broadcast licenses is impaired, we will perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the aggregate fair value of the broadcast licenses in the market to the respective carrying values. We estimate the fair values of our broadcast licenses using the Greenfield method, which is an income approach. This method involves a discounted cash flow model that incorporates several variables, including, but not limited to, market revenues and long-term growth projections, estimated market share for the typical participant without a network affiliation, and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type. The model also assumes outlays for capital expenditures, future terminal values, an effective tax rate assumption and a discount rate based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. If the carrying amount of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value.

We evaluate our long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets by comparing the carrying amount of the assets within an asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with the asset group. An asset group represents the lowest level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment loss is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset group to the carrying value. We estimate fair value using an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis.

During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we did not identify any indicators that our goodwill, indefinite-lived or long-lived assets may not be recoverable. See Note 5. Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Other Intangible Assets for more information.

We believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions in the performance of our impairment assessments. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, including future events such as a deterioration of market conditions, loss of significant customers, and significant increases in discount rates, among other factors, we could be exposed to impairment charges in the future. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows.

When factors indicate that there may be a decrease in value of an equity method investment, we assess whether a loss in value has occurred. If that loss is deemed to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded accordingly. For any equity method investments that indicate a potential impairment, we estimate the fair values of those investments using a combination of a market-based approach, which considers earnings and cash flow multiples of comparable businesses and recent market transactions, as well as an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis. See Note 6. Other Assets for more information.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):


	2023		2022
Compensation and employee benefits	$	98	$	100
Interest	12		11
Programming related obligations	156		151
Legal, litigation, and regulatory (a)	505		10
Accounts payable and other operating expenses	142		125
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	913	$	397

(a)See Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies for additional information regarding the litigation accruals recorded.

We expense these activities when incurred.

Income Taxes

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. 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. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to certain temporary basis differences, and 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. Future changes in operating and/or taxable income or other changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the ability to realize our deferred tax assets which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions, and we record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits if such tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation processes. Significant judgment is required in determining whether positions taken are more likely than not to be sustained, and it is based on a variety of facts and circumstances, including interpretation of the relevant federal and state income tax codes, regulations, case law and other authoritative pronouncements. Based on this analysis, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, liabilities are adjusted as necessary. The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for what we have provided. See Note 12. Income Taxes, for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits.

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 3.90%, 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 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for further discussion.

Supplemental Information — Statements of Cash Flows

During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we had the following cash transactions (in millions):


	2023		2022		2021
Income taxes paid	$	5	$	18	$	16
Income tax refunds	$	1	$	158	$	44
Interest paid	$	294	$	387	$	583

Non-cash investing activities included property and equipment purchases of $5 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 and the receipt of equipment with a fair value of $58 million in connection with completing the repack process as more fully described in Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for the year ended December 31, 2021.

During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we received equity shares in investments valued at $3 million and $6 million, respectively, in exchange for an equivalent value of advertising spots.

Revenue Recognition

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by type and segment for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions):


For the year ended December 31, 2023	Local media		Tennis		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	1,491	$	189	$	—	$	—	$	1,680
Advertising revenue	1,236		37		25		(13)		1,285
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue	139		2		37		(9)		169
Total revenues	$	2,866	$	228	$	62	$	(22)	$	3,134

For the year ended December 31, 2022	Local media		Tennis		Local sports		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	1,531	$	179	$	433	$	—	$	—	$	2,143
Advertising revenue	1,518		33		44		41		(22)		1,614
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue	144		5		5		54		(37)		171
Total revenues	$	3,193	$	217	$	482	$	95	$	(59)	$	3,928

For the year ended December 31, 2021	Local media		Tennis		Local sports		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	1,476	$	192	$	2,620	$	—	$	—	$	4,288
Advertising revenue	1,230		29		409		64		(41)		1,691
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue	181		3		27		64		(120)		155
Total revenues	$	2,887	$	224	$	3,056	$	128	$	(161)	$	6,134

Distribution Revenue. We generate distribution revenue through fees received from Distributors for the right to distribute our stations, other properties, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, the 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. Advertising revenue is recognized in the period in which the advertising spots/impressions are delivered. In arrangements where we provide audience ratings guarantees, to the extent that there is a ratings shortfall, we will defer a proportionate amount of revenue until the ratings shortfall is settled through the delivery of additional advertising. The term of our advertising arrangements is generally less than one year and the timing between when an advertisement is aired and when payment is due is not significant. In certain circumstances, we require customers to pay in advance; payments received in advance of satisfying our performance obligations are reflected as deferred revenue.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions. We expense sales commissions when incurred because the period of benefit for these costs is one year or less. These costs are recorded within media selling, general and administrative expenses. 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.

Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations. Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, we allocate revenues to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is generally based on the prices charged to customers.

Deferred Revenues. 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 within our consolidated balance sheets, based on the timing of when we expect to satisfy our performance obligations. Deferred revenue was $178 million, $200 million, and $235 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, of which $124 million, $144 million, and $164 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, was reflected in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $50 million and $62 million, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, two customers accounted for 11% and 10%, respectively, of our total revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2022, three customers accounted for 12%, 11%, and 10%, respectively, of our total revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2021, three customers accounted for 19%, 18%, and 14%, respectively, of our total revenues. For purposes of this disclosure, a single customer may include multiple entities under common control.

Advertising Expenses

Promotional advertising expenses are recorded in the period when incurred and are included in media production and other non-media expenses. Total advertising expenses, net of advertising co-op credits, were $8 million, $9 million, and $22 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

Financial Instruments

Financial instruments, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, consisted of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, stock options and warrants, and notes payable. The carrying amounts approximate fair value for each of these financial instruments, except for the notes payable. See Note 18. Fair Value Measurements for additional information regarding the fair value of notes payable.

Post-retirement Benefits

We maintain a supplemental executive retirement plan which we inherited upon the acquisition of certain stations. As of December 31, 2023, the estimated projected benefit obligation was $14 million, of which $1 million is included in accrued expenses and $13 million is included in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2023, the projected benefit obligation was measured using a 4.92% discount rate compared to a discount rate of 5.20% for the year ended December 31, 2022. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we made $1 million in benefit payments. We recognized an actuarial loss of $0.3 million and gain of $3 million through other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recognized $1 million of periodic pension expense, reported in other expense, net in our consolidated statements of operations.

We also maintain other post-retirement plans provided to certain employees. The plans are voluntary programs that primarily allow participants to defer eligible compensation and they may also qualify to receive a discretionary match on their deferral. As of December 31, 2023, the assets and liabilities included in our consolidated balance sheets related to deferred compensation plans were $45 million and $44 million, respectively.

Reclassifications

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

Sinclair Broadcast Group, LLC

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. 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 platform, and, prior to the Deconsolidation (as defined below in Deconsolidation of Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC), regional sports networks. 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.

As of December 31, 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 LMAs, or provides sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements, such as JSAs and SSAs. These stations broadcast 640 channels as of December 31, 2023. For the purpose of this report, these 185 stations and 640 channels are referred to as SBG's 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 have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. See Note 13. 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 or loss 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 the year ended December 31, 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 a transaction between entities under common control and therefore the Transferred Assets were transferred from SBG to Ventures at a net book value of $1,147 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, 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 the 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 year ended December 31, 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 year ended December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded an adjustment to the deconsolidation gain of $10 million. Subsequent to the Deconsolidation, SBG's equity ownership interest in DSIH is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. See Note 6. Other Assets for more information.

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.

In November 2023, the FASB issued guidance to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. SBG is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.

In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures, requiring annual disclosure of consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation table; additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold (if the effect of those reconciling items is equal to or greater than 5 percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income or loss by the applicable statutory income tax rate); income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction; and income or loss before income tax disaggregated between foreign and domestic. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. SBG is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

SBG consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable

SBG regularly reviews accounts receivable and determine an appropriate estimate for the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the impact of economic conditions on the merchant's ability to pay, past collection experience, and such other factors which, in management's judgment, deserve current recognition. In turn, a provision is charged against earnings in order to maintain the appropriate allowance level.

A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 is as follows (in millions):


	2023		2022		2021
Balance at beginning of period	$	5	$	7	$	5
Charged to expense	3		4		3
Net write-offs	(3)		(6)		(1)
Transferred to Ventures	(1)		—		—
Balance at end of period	$	4	$	5	$	7

As of December 31, 2023, two customers accounted for 10% and 10%, respectively, of our accounts receivable, net. As of December 31, 2022, one customer accounted for 13% of SBG's accounts receivable, net. As of December 31, 2021, three customers accounted for 15%, 15%, and 12%, respectively, of SBG's accounts receivable, net. For purposes of this disclosure, a single customer may include multiple entities under common control.

Broadcast Television Programming

SBG has 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.

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 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 provided 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.

Impairment of Goodwill, Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, and Other Long-lived Assets

SBG evaluates goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. SBG's goodwill has been allocated to, and is tested for impairment at, the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or a component of an operating segment to the extent that the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by management. Components of an operating segment with similar characteristics are aggregated when testing goodwill for impairment.

In the performance of SBG's annual assessment of goodwill for impairment, SBG has the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit has been impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment, SBG weighs the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting units as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. SBG also considers the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments.

If SBG concludes that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, or if SBG elects not to perform the optional qualitative assessment, SBG will determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the net book value of the reporting unit. If the fair value is less than the net book value, SBG will record an impairment to goodwill for the amount of the difference. SBG estimates the fair value of SBG's reporting units utilizing the income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis. SBG's discounted cash flow model is based on SBG's judgment of future market conditions based on SBG's internal forecast of future performance, as well as discount rates that are based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk.

SBG's indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of SBG's broadcast licenses and a trade name. For SBG's annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets, SBG has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that these assets are impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment SBG weighs the relative impact of factors that are specific to the indefinite-lived intangible assets as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. SBG also considers the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. When evaluating SBG's broadcast licenses for impairment, the qualitative assessment is done at the market level because the broadcast licenses within the market are complementary and together enhance the single broadcast license of each station. If SBG concludes that it is more likely than not that one of SBG's broadcast licenses is impaired, SBG will perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the aggregate fair value of the broadcast licenses in the market to the respective carrying values. SBG estimates the fair values of SBG's broadcast licenses using the Greenfield method, which is an income approach. This method involves a discounted cash flow model that incorporates several variables, including, but not limited to, market revenues and long-term growth projections, estimated market share for the typical participant without a network affiliation, and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type. The model also assumes outlays for capital expenditures, future terminal values, an effective tax rate assumption and a discount rate based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. If the carrying amount of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value.

SBG evaluates long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. SBG evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets by comparing the carrying amount of the assets within an asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with the asset group. An asset group represents the lowest level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment loss is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset group to the carrying value. SBG estimates fair value using an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis.

During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, SBG did not identify any indicators that goodwill, indefinite-lived or long-lived assets may not be recoverable. See Note 5. Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Other Intangible Assets for more information.

SBG believes it has made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions in the performance of SBG's impairment assessments. If future results are not consistent with SBG's assumptions and estimates, including future events such as a deterioration of market conditions, loss of significant customers, and significant increases in discount rates, among other factors, SBG could be exposed to impairment charges in the future. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on SBG's consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, and consolidated statements of cash flows.

When factors indicate that there may be a decrease in value of an equity method investment, SBG assesses whether a loss in value has occurred. If that loss is deemed to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded accordingly. For any equity method investments that indicate a potential impairment, SBG estimates the fair values of those investments using a combination of a market-based approach, which considers earnings and cash flow multiples of comparable businesses and recent market transactions, as well as an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis. See Note 6. Other Assets for more information.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):


	2023		2022
Compensation and employee benefits	$	93	$	100
Interest	12		11
Programming related obligations	156		151
Legal, litigation, and regulatory (a)	504		10
Accounts payable and other operating expenses	86		125
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	851	$	397

(a)See Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies for additional information regarding the litigation accruals recorded.

We expense these activities when incurred.

Income Taxes

SBG recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. SBG provides a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if SBG determines 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 SBG’s 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. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to certain temporary basis differences, and 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. Future changes in operating and/or taxable income or other changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the ability to realize SBG’s deferred tax assets which could have a material effect on SBG’s consolidated financial statements.

Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of SBG’s tax positions, and SBG records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits if such tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation processes. Significant judgment is required in determining whether positions taken are more likely than not to be sustained, and it is based on a variety of facts and circumstances, including interpretation of the relevant federal and state income tax codes, regulations, case law and other authoritative pronouncements. Based on this analysis, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, liabilities are adjusted as necessary. The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for what SBG has provided. See Note 11. Income Taxes, for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits.

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 3.90%, 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 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for further discussion.

Supplemental Information — Statements of Cash Flows

During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, SBG had the following cash transactions (in millions):


	2023		2022		2021
Income taxes paid	$	5	$	18	$	16
Income tax refunds	$	1	$	158	$	44
Interest paid	$	294	$	387	$	583

During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, SBG received equity shares in investments valued at $3 million and $6 million respectively, in exchange for an equivalent value of advertising spots.

Revenue Recognition

The following table presents SBG's revenue disaggregated by type and segment for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 (in millions):


For the year ended December 31, 2023	Local media		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	1,491	$	76	$	—	$	1,567
Advertising revenue	1,236		29		(5)		1,260
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue	139		14		(2)		151
Total revenues	$	2,866	$	119	$	(7)	$	2,978

For the year ended December 31, 2022	Local media		Local sports		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	1,531	$	433	$	179	$	—	$	2,143
Advertising revenue	1,518		44		74		(22)		1,614
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue	144		5		59		(37)		171
Total revenues	$	3,193	$	482	$	312	$	(59)	$	3,928

For the year ended December 31, 2021	Local media		Local sports		Other		Eliminations		Total
Distribution revenue	$	1,476	$	2,620	$	192	$	—	$	4,288
Advertising revenue	1,230		409		93		(41)		1,691
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue	181		27		67		(120)		155
Total revenues	$	2,887	$	3,056	$	352	$	(161)	$	6,134

Distribution Revenue. SBG generates distribution revenue through fees received from Distributors for the right to distribute SBG's stations, other properties, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, the 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 SBG's broadcast television, digital platforms, and, prior to the Deconsolidation, RSNs. Advertising revenue is recognized in the period in which the advertising spots/impressions are delivered. In arrangements where SBG provides audience ratings guarantees, to the extent that there is a ratings shortfall, SBG will defer a proportionate amount of revenue until the ratings shortfall is settled through the delivery of additional advertising. The term of SBG's advertising arrangements is generally less than one year and the timing between when an advertisement is aired and when payment is due is not significant. In certain circumstances, SBG requires customers to pay in advance; payments received in advance of satisfying SBG's performance obligations are reflected as deferred revenue.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions. SBG expenses sales commissions when incurred because the period of benefit for these costs is one year or less. These costs are recorded within media selling, general and administrative expenses. 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.

Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations. SBG's contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, SBG allocates revenues to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is generally based on the prices charged to customers.

Deferred Revenues. SBG records deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of SBG's 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 within SBG's consolidated balance sheets, based on the timing of when SBG expects to satisfy performance obligations. Deferred revenue was $171 million, $200 million, and $235 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, of which $124 million, $144 million, and $164 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, was reflected in other long-term liabilities in SBG's consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $47 million and $62 million, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, two customers accounted for 11% and 10% of SBG's total revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2022, three customers accounted for 12%, 11%, and 10%, respectively, of SBG's total revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2021, three customers accounted for 19%, 18%, and 14%, respectively, of SBG's total revenues. For purposes of this disclosure, a single customer may include multiple entities under common control.

Advertising Expenses

Promotional advertising expenses are recorded in the period when incurred and are included in media production and other non-media expenses. Total advertising expenses, net of advertising co-op credits, were $9 million, $9 million, and $22 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

Financial Instruments

Financial instruments, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, consisted of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, stock options, warrants, and notes payable. The carrying amounts approximate fair value for each of these financial instruments, except for the notes payable. See Note 16. Fair Value Measurements for additional information regarding the fair value of notes payable.

Post-retirement Benefits

SBG maintains a supplemental executive retirement plan which was inherited upon the acquisition of certain stations. As of December 31, 2023, the estimated projected benefit obligation was $14 million, of which $1 million is included in accrued expenses and $13 million is included in other long-term liabilities in SBG's consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2023, the projected benefit obligation was measured using a 4.92% discount rate compared to a discount rate of 5.20% for the year ended December 31, 2022. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, SBG made $1 million in benefit payments. SBG recognized an actuarial loss of $0.3 million and gain of $3 million through other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, SBG recognized $1 million of periodic pension expense, reported in other expense, net in SBG's consolidated statements of operations.

Reclassifications

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