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Other Matters
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Other matters
Other matters

Commitments, contingencies and other matters

We, along with a number of our subsidiaries, are defendants in judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to our business. We do not believe that any material liability will be imposed as a result of these matters.

Severance Expense

During the first quarter of 2016, we initiated a Voluntary Retirement Program (VRP) at our Media Segment. Under the VRP, Media employees meeting certain eligibility requirements were offered buyout payments in exchange for voluntarily retiring. Eligible non-union employees had until April 7, 2016 to retire under the plan. As of June 30, 2016, we had accrued a VRP separation obligation of $13.1 million. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, we recorded an additional buyout expense of approximately $0.6 million for acceptances received from certain union employees. Upon separation, employees accepting the VRP will receive salary continuation payments primarily based on years of service, the majority of which will occur evenly over the next 12 month period. As of September 30, 2016, we had approximately $9.2 million of VRP buyout obligation remaining.

In addition to the VRP, we incurred additional severance expense of $2.5 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2016. We expect the majority this severance obligation will be paid by the end of fiscal year 2017.