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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Block) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies Abstract |
Significant Accounting Policies Text Block | 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles Of Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are 100% owned by the Company. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company also considers the applicability of any variable interest entities (“VIE”) that are required to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. From time to time, the Company may enter into a time brokerage agree ment (“TBA”) in connection with a pending acquisition or disposition of radio station(s) and the requirements to consolidate a VIE may apply, depending on the facts and circumstances related to each transaction. As of December 31, 2011, the consolidation requirements as a VIE (see Note 19, C ontingencies, G uarantor A rrangements A nd C ommitments) did not apply as there were no pending transactions. Reportable Segment - The Company operates under one reportable business segment, radio broadcasting, for which segment disclosure is consistent with the management decision-making process that determines the allocation of resources and the measuring of performance. Radio stations serving the same geographic area, which may be comprised of a city or combination of cities, are referred to as markets or as distinct operating segments. The Company has 23 operating segments. These operating segments are aggregated to create one reportable segment. Management's Use Of Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to: (1) asset impairments, including broadcasting licenses and goodwill; (2) income tax valuation allowances; (3) uncertain tax positions; (4) allowance for doubtful accounts; (5) self-insurance reserves; (6) fair value of equity awards; (7) estimated lives for tangible and intangible assets; (8) fair value measurements for financial instruments such as interest rate hedging transactions; and (9) contingency and litigation reserves. The Company's accounting estimates require the use of judgment as future events and the effect of these events cannot be predicted with certainty. The accounting estimates will change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired and as more information is obtained. The Company will evaluate and update assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may use outside experts to assist in the Company's evaluation, as considered necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Income Taxes – The Company applies the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for all temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of the Company's assets and liabilities based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is recorded for a net deferred tax asset balance when it is more likely than not that the benefits of the tax asset will not be realized. The Company reviews on a continuing basis the need for a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Any adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance is recorded in the income statement in the period that such an adjustment is required. The Company applies the guidance for income taxes and intraperiod allocation to the recognition of uncertain tax positions. This guidance clarifies the recognition, de-recognition and measurement in financial statements of income tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns or tax positions expected to be taken in tax returns, including a decision whether to file or not to file in a particular jurisdiction. The guidance requires that any liability created for unrecognized tax benefits is disclosed. The application of this guidance may also affect the tax bases of assets and liabilities and therefore may change or create deferred tax liabilities or assets. This guidance also clarifies the method to allocate income taxes (benefit) to the different components of income (loss), such as: (1) income (loss) from continuing operations; (2) income (loss) from discontinued operations; (3) extraordinary items; (4) other comprehensive income (loss); (5) the cumulative effects of accounting changes; and (6) other charges or credits recorded directly to shareholders' equity. See Note 13 for a further discussion of income taxes. Property And Equipment – Property and equipment are carried at cost. Major additions or improvements are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Upon sale or retirement, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is recognized in the statement of operations. T he Company reviews on a continuing basis the carrying value of property and equipment. I f events or changes in circumstances were to indicate that an asset's carry ing value is not recoverable, a write-down of the asset would be recorded through a charge to operations. Depreciation expense on property and equipment is determined on a straight-line basis. The estimated useful lives for depreciation are as follows:
Property Type |  | Depreciation Period In Years
Land Improvements |  | 10 | To | 15
Building |  | 20 |  |
Equipment |  | 3 | To | 20
Furniture and fixtures |  | 5 | To | 10
Leasehold improvements |  | shorter of economic life or lease term
D epreciation expense for property and equipment is reflected in the following table for the periods indicated:
|  | Property And Equipment
|  | Years Ended December 31,
|  | 2011 |  | 2010 |  | 2009
|  | (amounts in thousands)
Depreciation expense |  | $ | 10,325 |  | $ | 11,363 |  | $ | 15,060
A s of December 31, 2011, the Company ha d construction commitments outstanding of $2.0 million. T he following is a summary of the categories of property and equipment as of the periods indicated:
|  | Property And Equipment
|  | December 31,
|  | 2011 |  | 2010
|  | (amounts in thousands)
Land, land easements and land improvements |  | $ | 16,617 |  | $ | 16,499
Buildings |  |  | 21,547 |  |  | 20,937
Equipment |  |  | 122,651 |  |  | 122,932
Furniture and fixtures |  |  | 15,152 |  |  | 14,930
Leasehold improvements |  |  | 21,361 |  |  | 21,126
|  |  | 197,328 |  |  | 196,424
Accumulated depreciation |  |  | (140,908) |  |  | (134,623)
|  |  | 56,420 |  |  | 61,801
Capital improvements in progress |  |  | 1,973 |  |  | 928
Net property and equipment |  | $ | 58,393 |  | $ | 62,729
Revenue Recognition – Revenue from the sale of commercial broadcast time to advertisers is recognized when the commercials are broadcast. Revenues presented in the financial statements are reflected on a net basis, after the deduction of advertising agency fees by the advertising agencies, usually at a rate of 15% of gross revenues. Promotional fees are recognized as services are rendered. Advertiser payments received in advance of when the commercials are broadcast are recorded as unearned revenue. The Company also derives revenues through e-commerce by selling discount certificates for advertiser goods and services directly to the Company's listeners through the use of the Company's station websites. In this business model, the Company shares a portion of the e-commerce sales with the advertiser. The Company reports these revenues on a net basis after deducting the portion of the sales that were shared with the advertiser. The following table presents the amounts of unearned revenues as of the periods indicated:
|  |  |  | Unearned Revenues
|  |  |  | December 31,
|  | Balance Sheet Location |  | 2011 |  | 2010
|  |  |  | (amounts in thousands)
Current |  | Accrued compensation and other current liabilities |  | $ | 147 |  | $ | 216
Long-term |  | Other long-term liabilities |  | $ | 5 |  | $ | -
Concentration Of Credit Risk – The Company's revenues and accounts receivable relate primarily to the sale of advertising within its radio stations' broadcast areas. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customers' financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements and consistently have been within management's expectations. The Company also maintains deposit accounts with financial institutions. At times, such deposits may exceed FDIC insurance limits. Long-Lived Assets – The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets, which include property and equipment, broadcasting licenses (subject to an eight-year renewal cycle, goodwill, deferred charges, and other assets. See Note 4 for further discussion. The determination and measurement of an impairment loss require the use of significant judgments and estimates. Future events may impact these judgments and estimates. The expense to renew the Company's FCC licenses is nominal. Debt Issuance Costs And Original Issue Discount – The costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized over the lives of the related debt and such amortization is accounted for as interest expense. Please refer to Note 7 for the amount of deferred financing expense and an original issue discount that was included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In connection with the Company's debt: (1) in November 2011, the Company recorded deferred debt issuance costs and an original issue discount in connection with its debt refinancing (debt modification for its revolving credit facility); and (2) in March 2010, the Company recorded deferred debt issuance costs in connection with a debt modification. S ee Note 7 for further discussion. Extinguishment Of Debt –The Company may amend, append or replace, in part or in full, its outstanding debt. The Company reviews its unamortized financing costs associated with its outstanding debt to determine the amount subject to extinguishment under the accounting provisions for an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms or changes in a line-of-credit or revolving-debt arrangement. In connection with the Company's November 2011 debt refinancing and March 2010 debt modification, the Company recorded debt extinguishment costs. See Note 7 for a discussion of any debt extinguishments associated with the Company's long-term debt. Corporate General And Administrative Expense – Corporate general and administrative expense consists of corporate overhead costs and non-cash compensation expense. Included in corporate general and administrative expenses are those costs not specifically allocable to any of the Company's individual business properties. Time Brokerage Agreement (Income) Fees – TBA fees or income consist of fees paid or received under agreements which permit an acquirer to program and market stations prior to an acquisition. The Company sometimes enters into such agreements prior to the consummation of station acquisitions and dispositions. The following table presents those revenues and expenses incurred during the TBA for the periods indicated:
|  |  | Years Ended December 31,
|  |  | 2011 |  | 2010 |  | 2009
|  |  | (amounts in thousands)
Acquisition by the Company |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| TBA fees |  | $ | 244 |  | $ | - |  | $ | -
Disposition by the Company |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| TBA income |  | $ | - |  | $ | - |  | $ | (2)
Barter Transactions – The Company provides advertising broadcast time in exchange for certain products, supplies and services. The terms of the exchanges generally permit the Company to preempt such broadcast time in favor of advertisers who purchase time on regular terms. The Company includes the value of such exchanges in both broadcasting net revenues and station operating expenses. Barter valuation is based upon management's estimate of the fair value of the products, supplies and services received. See Note 15, Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures On Non-Cash Investing And Financing Activities, for a summary of the Company's barter transactions. Business Combinations – Accounting guidance for business combinations provides the criteria to recognize intangible assets apart from goodwill. Other than goodwill, the Company uses a direct value method to determine the fair value of all intangible assets required to be recognized for business combinations. For a discussion of impairment testing of those assets acquired in a business combination, including goodwill, see Note 4. Asset Retirement Obligations – The Company reasonably estimate s the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. For an asset retirement obligation that is conditional (uncertainty about the timing and/or method of settlement), the Company factors into its fair value measurement a probability factor as the obligation depends upon a future event that may or may not be within the control of the Company. Accrued Compensation – Certain types of employee compensation, which amounts are included in the balance sheets under accrued compensation and other current liabilities, are paid in subsequent periods. See Note 6 for amounts reflected in the balance sheets. Cash And Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of amounts held on deposit with financial institutions, including investments held in financial institutions in immediately available money market accounts and all highly liquid debt instruments with initial maturities of three months or less. Derivative Financial Instruments – The Company follows accounting guidance for its derivative financial instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities (for further discussion, see Note 9). Leases – The Company follows accounting guidance for its leases, which includes the recognition of escalated rents on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement, as described further in Note 6. Share-Based Compensation – T he Company records compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan purchases at estimated fair values. The Company also uses the simplified method in developing an estimate of the expected term of certain stock options. For further discussion of share-based compensation, see N ote 11. Investments – For those investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee, the investment is accounted for under the equity method. For those investments in which the Company does not have such significant influence, the Company applies the accounting guidance for certain investments in debt and equity securities. An investment is classified into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading securities, and, depending upon the classification, is carried at fair value based upon quoted market prices or historical cost when quoted market prices are unavailable. The Company also provides certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures for those investments that are impaired (other than temporary) at the balance sheet date and for those investments for which an impairment has not been recognized. Advertising And Promotion Costs – Costs of media advertising and associated production costs are expensed when incurred. Insurance And Self-Insurance Liabilities – The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to provide for the potential liabilities for workers' compensation, general liability, property, director and officers' liability, vehicle liability and employee health care benefits. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by the Company are estimated, in part, by considering claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors, outside expertise and other actuarial assumptions. For any legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency, the Company recognizes the expense as incurred. Recognition Of Insurance Recoveries – The Company recognizes insurance recoveries when all of the contingencies related to the insurance claims have been satisfied. Sports Programming Costs – Programming costs which are for a specified number of events are amortized on an event-by-event basis, and programming costs which are for a specified season are amortized over the season on a straight-line basis. The Company allocates that portion of sports programming costs that are related to sponsorship and marketing activities to sales and marketing expenses on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Accrued L itigation - The Company evaluates the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party and records a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These judgments are subjective, based on the status of such legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of the Company's defenses and consultation with corporate and external legal counsel. Actual outcomes of these legal and regulatory proceedings may materially differ from the Company's estimates. The Company expenses legal costs as incurred in professional fees. See Contingencies under Note 19. Software Costs – The Company capitalizes direct internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development state. Internal use software includes w ebsite development activities such as the planning and design of additional functionality and features to existing sites and/or the planning and design of new sites. Costs related to the maintenance, content development and training of internal-use software are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of three years. Reclassifications – Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' financial statements to conform to the presentation in the current year. Prior Period Correction– During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded a prior period correction to income taxes and to other comprehensive income (“OCI”) as described in Note 13, Income Taxes, and Note 14, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, respectively. Recent Accounting Standards - Balance Sheet Disclosures About Offsetting Assets And Liabilities In December 2011, the accounting guidance was revised to enhance disclosures regarding financial and derivative instruments. Entities are required to provide both net and gross information for these assets and liabilities in order to enhance comparability with international accounting standards. This new guidance, which will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2013, is to be applied retrospectively. The Company anticipate s that the adoption of this accounting guidance will expand its consolidated financial statement footnote disclosures. Goodwill Testing In August 2011, the accounting guidance for how an entity tests goodwill for impairment was revised to simplify the procedures. The amendments will allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity no longer will be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. Prior to this decision, entities were required to test goodwill for impairment, on at least an annual basis, by first comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the second step of the test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The Company does not expect that th is guidance, which will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2012, will have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. Presentation Of Comprehensive Income In June 2011, the accounting standards for the presentation of comprehensive income were amended. This guidance was intended to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and increases the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. In October 2011, the accounting standards were modified to defer the specific requirement to present items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income alongside their respective components of net income and other comprehensive income. The guidance provided by this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2012. Since this guidance will only change the format of financial statements, it is expected that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. Disclosure Of Fair Value Measurements In May 2011, the accounting standards for f air v alue m easurement s were amended to clarify existing guidance and require certain new quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding unobservable fair value measurements. The guidance provided by this update will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2012. Since this guidance will only require additional disclosures, it is expected that this will not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. Business Combinations In December 2010, the accounting standards for business combinations were amended to specify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. Th is amendment was effective for the Company on January 1, 2011. The Company adopted this provision without any impact to the Company's disclosures.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18743-107790 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18854-107790 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 -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 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18861-107790 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18726-107790 + Details
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