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INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (Block) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwil And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] |
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure Text Block | 4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (A) Indefinite-Lived Intangibles Goodwill and certain intangible assets are not amortized. The Company accounts for its acquired broadcasting licenses as indefinite-lived intangible assets and, similar to goodwill, these assets are reviewed at least annually for impairment. At the time of each review, if the fair value is less than the recorded value of goodwill and certain intangibles (such as broadcasting licenses), then a charge is recorded to the results of operations. T he Company may only write down the carrying value of i ts indefinite-lived intangibles. The Company is not permitted to increase the carrying value if the fair value of these assets subsequently increases. (1) Broadcasting Licenses Impairment Test The Company performs its annual broadcasting license impairment test during the second quarter of each year by evaluating its broadcasting licenses for impairment at the market level using the direct method. F or purposes of testing impairment, i ndefinite-lived intangible assets are combined into a single unit of accounting. Since the broadcasting licenses in each market are operated as a single asset, each market's broadcasting licenses are a single unit of accounting. The Company determines the fair value of the broadcasting licenses in each of its markets by relying on a discounted cash flow approach (a 10-year income model) assuming a start-up scenario in which the only assets held by an investor are broadcasting licenses. The Company's fair value analysis contains assumptions incorporating variables that are based on past experiences and judgments about future performance using industry normalized information for an average station within a certain market. These variables include, but are not limited to: (1) the discount rate used in the determination of fair value; (2) the market share and profit margin of an average station within a market based upon market size and station type; (3) the forecast growth rate of each radio market, including assumptions regarding each market's population, household income, retail sales and other factors that would influence advertising expenditures; (4) the estimated capital start-up costs and losses incurred during the early years; (5) the listening audience covered by an average station's broadcast signal and its comparison to other media competition within the market area; (6) an effective tax rate assumption; and (7) future terminal values. The following table presents the changes in broadcasting licenses for the periods indicated:
|  | Broadcasting Licenses
|  | Carrying Amount
|  | 2011 |  | 2010 |  | 2009
|  | (amounts in thousands)
Beginning of period balance as of January 1, |  | $ | 707,852 |  | $ | 707,852 |  | $ | 768,646
Impairment loss |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | (60,794)
Acquisition (Note ##AcqN) |  |  | 8,050 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0
Ending period balance as of December 31, |  | $ | 715,902 |  | $ | 707,852 |  | $ | 707,852
Broadcasting License Impairment Testing During The Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2011 During the second quarter of 2011, the Company completed its annual impairment test for broadcasting licenses and determined that the fair value of its broadcasting licenses was in excess of the carrying value for each of the Company's markets and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded. The methodology used by the Company in determining its key estimates and assumptions was applied consistently to each market. Of the seven variables identified above, the Company believes that the first three (in clauses (1) through (3) above) are the most important to the determination of fair value. The following table reflects the estimates and assumptions used in the second quarter of 201 1 as compared to the second quarter of 20 10, the date of the most recent prior impairment test. In general, when comparing the second quarter of 20 1 1 to the second quarter of 20 10: (1) the discount rate, which was estimated using required returns on debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies, did not change; (2) the operating profit margin range s expected for average station s in the same markets where the Company operates remained relatively stable with minor fluctuations in several markets; and (3) the market long-term revenue growth rate did not change.
| Estimates And Assumptions
| Second |  | Second
| Quarter |  | Quarter
| 2011 |  | 2010
Discount rate | 10.0% |  | 10.0%
Operating profit margin ranges expected for average stations in the same markets where the Company operates | 19.5% to 41.5% |  | 21.0% to 42.5%
Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company's markets | 1.5% to 2.0% |  | 1.5% to 2.0%
There were no events or circumstances since the second quarter of 2011 that indicated an interim review of broadcast licenses was required. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or the Company, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of the Company's broadcasting licenses below the amount reflected in the balance sheet, the Company may be required to conduct an interim test and possibly recognize impairment charges, which may be material, in future periods. Broadcasting License Impairment Testing During The Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2010 The Company completed its annual impairment test for broadcasting licenses during the second quarter of 2010 and determined that the fair value of the broadcasting licenses was more than the amount reflected in the balance sheet for each of the Company's markets and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded. The methodology used by the Company in determining its key estimates and assumptions was applied consistently to each market. Of the seven variables identified above, the Company believes that the first three (in clauses (1) through (3) above) are the most important to the determination of fair value. The following table reflects the estimates and assumptions used in the second quarter of 201 0 as compared to the second quarter of 20 09, the date of the prior impairment test. In general, when comparing the second quarter of 20 1 0 to the second quarter of 20 09: (1) the discount rate decreased primarily due to a decrease in the estimated required returns on debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies; (2) the operating profit margin range s expected for average station s in the same markets where the Company operates remained relatively flat; and (3) the market long-term revenue growth rate w as marginally higher as the outlook for the industry improved.
| Estimates And Assumptions
| Second |  | Second
| Quarter |  | Quarter
| 2010 |  | 2009
Discount rate | 10.0% |  | 10.6%
Operating profit margin ranges expected for average stations in the same markets where the Company operates | 21.0% to 42.5% |  | 21.0% to 44.0%
Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company's markets | 1.5% to 2.0% |  | 1.0% to 2.5%
Broadcasting Licenses Impairment Testing During The Second Quarter Ended June 30. 2009 The Company completed its annual impairment test for broadcasting licenses during the second quarter and determined that the fair value of the broadcasting licenses was less than the amount reflected in the balance sheet for each of the Company's markets, other than Seattle, and recorded an impairment loss of $60.8 million. The prolonged economic downturn negatively impacted the radio broadcasting industry as advertising revenues continued to decline and expectations for growth over the next year were reduced. The projected growth levels for the industry and the Company were less than those originally forecasted for 2009, which was the primary reason for further impairment to broadcasting licenses in the second quarter. As revenues decline, profitability levels are also negatively impacted, as fixed costs represent a large component of a radio station's operating expenses. As a result, the asset base is particularly sensitive to the impact of continued declining revenues. The methodology used by the Company in determining its key estimates and assumptions was applied consistently to each market. Of the seven variables identified previously, the Company believes that the first three (in clauses (1) through (3)) are the most important to the determination of fair value. The following table reflects the estimates and assumptions since the most recent prior impairment test of broadcasting licenses in the fourth quarter of 2008 (an interim impairment test for broadcasting licenses was performed during the fourth quarter of 2008). The table also depicts the range of operating profit margin and market long-term revenue growth rates used for determining the fair value of the Company's broadcasting licenses. In general, when comparing the second quarter of 2009 to the fourth quarter of 2008: (1) the discount rate, which was estimated using required returns on debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies, did not change; (2) the operating profit margin range s expected for average station s in the same markets where the Company operates declined; and (3) the market long-term revenue growth rates were consistent; however, current period revenues were less than previously projected for 2009.
| Estimates And Assumptions
| Second |  | Fourth
| Quarter |  | Quarter
| 2009 |  | 2008
Discount rate | 10.6% |  | 10.6%
Operating profit margin ranges expected for average stations in the same markets where the Company operates | 21.0% to 44.0% |  | 21.0% to 46.7%
Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company's markets | 1.0% to 2.5% |  | 1.0% to 2.0%
(2) G oodwill The Company performs its annual impairment test on its goodwill during the second quarter of each year by comparing the fair value for each reporting unit with the amount reflected on the balance sheet. The Company has determined that a radio market is a reporting unit and, in total, the Company assesses goodwill at 19 separate reporting units (4 of the Company's 23 reporting units ha d no goodwill recorded as of the end of the current period). If the fair value of any reporting unit is less than the amount reflected o n the balance sheet, an indication exists that the amount of goodwill attributed to a reporting unit may be impaired, and the Company is required to perform a second step of the impairment test. In the second step, the Company compares the amount reflected o n the balance sheet to the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill, determined by allocating the reporting unit's fair value to all of its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. To determine the fair value, the Company uses an income and market approach for each reporting unit. The market approach compares recent sales and offering prices of similar properties. The income approach uses the subject property's income generated over a specified time and capitalized at an appropriate market rate to arrive at an indication of the most probable selling price. The following table presents the changes in goodwill for each of the periods indicated:
|  |  | Goodwill Carrying Amount
|  |  | 2011 |  | 2010 |  | 2009
|  |  | (amounts in thousands)
Goodwill balance before cumulative loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
on impairment as of January 1, | $ | 163,783 |  | $ | 163,783 |  | $ | 163,783
Accumulated loss on impairment as of January 1, |  | (125,615) |  |  | (125,615) |  |  | (118,733)
Goodwill beginning balance after cumulative loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
on impairment as of January 1, |  | 38,168 |  |  | 38,168 |  |  | 45,050
Loss on impairment during year |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | (6,882)
Acquisition (Note ##AcqN) |  | 723 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0
Goodwill ending balance as of December 31, | $ | 38,891 |  | $ | 38,168 |  | $ | 38,168
Goodwill balance before cumulative loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
on impairment as of December 31, | $ | 164,506 |  | $ | 163,783 |  | $ | 163,783
Accumulated loss on impairment as of December 31, |  | (125,615) |  |  | (125,615) |  |  | (125,615)
Goodwill ending balance as of December 31, | $ | 38,891 |  | $ | 38,168 |  | $ | 38,168
Goodwill Impairment Testing During The Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2011 In step one of the Company's goodwill analysis during the second quarter, the Company considered the results of the market approach and, when appropriate, the income approach in computing the fair value of the Company's reporting units. In the market approach, the Company applied an estimated market multiple of between 7.5 times and 8.0 times to each reporting unit's operating performance to calculate the fair value. This multiple was consistent with the multiple applied to all markets in the second quarter of 20 10. Management believes that these approaches are an appropriate measurement given the current market valuations of broadcast radio stations together with historical market transactions, including those in recent months. Factors contributing to the determination of the reporting unit's operating performance were historical performance and management's estimate of future performance. In the income approach, the Company utilized the discounted cash flow method to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit (the key estimates and assumptions are included in the table below). The results of step one indicated that it was not necessary to perform the second step analysis in any of the markets tested, as t he fair values for all of the Company's markets were in excess of the carrying value. As a result of the step one test, no impairment loss was recorded during the second quarter of 201 1. The Company performed a reasonableness test by comparing the fair value results for goodwi ll by using the implied multiple based on the Company's cash flow performance and its current stock price and comparing the results to prevailing radio broadcast transaction multiples. The following table reflects certain key estimates and assumptions used in the second quarter of 201 1 and in the second quarter of 20 10, the date of the most recent prior impairment test. In general, when comparing the second quarter of 201 1 to the second quarter of 20 10: (1) the discount rate, which was estimated using required returns on debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies, did not change; (2) the market long-term revenue growth rate did not change; and (3) the market multiple used in step one of the market valuation approach did not change.
| Estimates And Assumptions
| Second |  | Second
| Quarter |  | Quarter
| 2011 |  | 2010
Discount rate | 10.0% |  | 10.0%
Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company's markets | 1.5% to 2.0% |  | 1.5% to 2.0%
Market multiple used in step one of the market valuation approach | 7.5x to 8.0x |  | 7.5x to 8.0x
There were no events or circumstances since the Company's second quarter annual goodwill test that required the Company to test the carrying value of its goodwill. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or the Company, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of the Company's goodwill below the amount reflected in the balance sheet, the Company may be required to conduct an interim test and possibly recognize impairment charges, which could be material, in future periods. Goodwill Impairment Testing During The Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2010 In step one of the Company's goodwill analysis during the second quarter, the Company considered the results of the market approach and the income approach, when appropriate, in computing the fair value of the Company's reporting units. In the market approach, the Company applied an estimated market multiple of between 7.5 times and 8.0 times to each reporting unit's operating performance to calculate the fair value. This multiple was higher than the 6.0 times multiple applied to all markets in the second quarter of 2009. Management believes that these approaches are an appropriate measurement given the current market valuations of broadcast radio stations together with the historical market transactions, including those in recent months. Factors contributing to the determination of the reporting unit's operating performance were historical perfor mance and management's estimate of future performance. In the income approach, the Company utilized the discounted cash flow method to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit (the key estimates and assumptions are included in the table below). The results of step one indicated that it was not necessary to perform the second step analysis in any of the markets tested, as t he fair values for all of the Company's markets were above book value. As a result of the step one test, no impairment loss was recorded during the second quarter of 2010. The Company performed a reasonableness test by comparing the fair value results for goodwi ll by using the implied multiple based on the Company's cash flow performance and its current stock price and comparing the results to prevailing radio broadcast transaction multiples. The following table reflects certain key estimates and assumptions used in the second quarter of 2010 and in the second quarter of 2009, the date of the prior impairment test. In general, when comparing the second quarter of 2010 to the second quarter of 2009: (1) the discount rate decreased primarily due to a decrease in the estimated required returns of the debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies; (2) the market long-term revenue growth rate range narrowed; and (3) the market multiple used in step one of the market valuation approach increased.
| Estimates And Assumptions
| Second |  | Second
| Quarter |  | Quarter
| 2010 |  | 2009
Discount rate | 10.0% |  | 10.6%
Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company's markets | 1.5% to 2.0% |  | 1.0% to 2.5%
Market multiple used in step one of the market valuation approach | 7.5x to 8.0x |  | 6.0x
Goodwill Impairment Testing During The Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2009 In step one of the Company's goodwill analysis during the second quarter, the Company considered the results of the market approach and the income approach, when appropriate, in computing the fair value of the Company's reporting units. In the market approach, the Company applied an estimated market multiple of 6.0 times (consistent with the multiple used in the fourth quarter of 2008) to each reporting unit's operating performance to calculate the fair value. The Company applied the same market multiple consistently across all reporting units. In the income approach, the Company utilized the discounted cash flow method to calculate the fair value of the reporting unit (key estimates and assumptions are included in the table below). The results of step one indicated that it was necessary to perform the second step analysis in seven of the 23 reporting units. The fair values for two of the seven markets were marginally above book value. Management believes that these approaches are commonly used methodologies for valuing broadcast radio stations and that a six times multiple is an appropriate measurement given the recent fall in market valuations of broadcast radio stations together with a historically low level of market transactions in recent months. The marginal stations were included in the Company's step two impairment testing due to the subjective nature of the step one analysis (unobservable inputs) and the sensitivities inherent in these calculations. Factors contributing to the determination of the reporting unit's operating performance were historical performance and/or management's estimates of future performance. Under the second step, the Company determined that the fair value of the Company's goodwill was less than the amount reflected in the balance sheet for the seven markets tested, which were Austin, Greensboro, Greenville, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Memphis and Wichita, and recorded an impairment loss of $6.9 million during the second quarter of 2009. Contributing factors to the impairment were a decline in the advertising dollars in these markets and its effect on the Company's operations, coupled with changes in the anticipated growth and profitability of these markets. The prolonged economic downturn negatively impacted the radio broadcasting industry as advertising revenues continued to decline and expectations for growth over the next year also declined. The projected revenue growth levels for the industry and the Company were less than those originally forecasted for 2009, which caused further goodwill impairment in the second quarter of 2009. As revenues decline, profitability levels are also negatively impacted as fixed costs represent a large component of a radio station's operating expenses. As a result, the asset base is particularly sensitive to the impact of declining revenues. The following table reflects certain key estimates and assumptions since the most recent prior impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2008. In general, when comparing between the second quarter of 2009 and the fourth quarter of 2008: (1) the discount rate, which was estimated using required returns on debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies, did not change; (2) the market long-term revenue growth rate w as consistent; however, current period revenues were less than previously projected for 2009; and (3) the market multiple used in step one of the market valuation approach did not change.
| Estimates And Assumptions
| Second |  | Fourth
| Quarter |  | Quarter
| 2009 |  | 2008
Discount rate | 10.6% |  | 10.6%
Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company's markets | 1.0% to 2.5% |  | 1.0% to 2.0%
Market multiple used in step one of the market valuation approach | 6.0x |  | 6.0x
(B) Definite-Lived Intangibles The Company has definite-lived intangible assets that consist of advertiser lists and customer relationships, and acquired advertising contracts. These assets are amortized over the period for which the assets are expected to contribute to the Company's future cash flows and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company reviewed the carrying value and the useful lives of these assets and determined they were appropriate. See Note 5 for: (1) a listing of the assets comprising definite-lived assets, which are included in deferred charges and other assets on the balance sheet s; (2) the Company's estimate of amortization expense for definite-lived assets in future periods; and (3) the amount of amortization expense for definite-lived assets.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905858&loc=d3e16265-109275 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905858&loc=d3e16373-109275 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905858&loc=d3e16323-109275 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13854-109267 + Details
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