NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: Nature of Operations
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (the Company) is a diversified television media company with national reach and a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations, regional sports networks, and digital platforms. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform and third-party platforms, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, college and professional sports, and other original programming produced by us. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties. Outside of our media related businesses, we operate technical services companies focused on supply and maintenance of broadcast transmission systems as well as research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and we manage other non-media related investments.
As of September 30, 2021, we had two reportable segments for accounting purposes, broadcast and local sports. The broadcast segment consists primarily of our 185 broadcast television stations in 86 markets, which we own, provide programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements (LMAs), or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as joint sales agreements (JSAs) and shared services agreements (SSAs)). These stations broadcast 632 channels as of September 30, 2021. For the purpose of this report, these 185 stations and 632 channels are referred to as "our" stations and channels. The local sports segment consists primarily of our Bally Sports network brands (the Bally RSNs), the Marquee Sports Network (Marquee) joint venture and a minority equity interest in the Yankee Entertainment and Sports Network, LLC (YES Network). 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 9. Variable Interest Entities for more information on our VIEs.
Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income generated by equity method investees. Interim Financial Statements The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, such financial statements have been presented on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of equity (deficit) and redeemable noncontrolling interests, and consolidated statements of cash flows for these periods as adjusted for the adoption of recent accounting pronouncements. As permitted under the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures normally included with audited consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the SEC. The consolidated statements of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of operations for an entire year. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The impact of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to create significant uncertainty and disruption in the global economy and financial markets. It is reasonably possible that these uncertainties could further materially impact our estimates related to, but not limited to, revenue recognition, goodwill and intangible assets, program contract costs, sports programming rights, and income taxes. As a result, many of our estimates and assumptions require increased judgment and carry a higher degree of variability and volatility. Our estimates may change as new events occur and additional information emerges, and such changes are recognized or disclosed in our consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2020, the FASB issued guidance providing optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The guidance was effective for all entities immediately upon issuance of the update and may be applied prospectively to applicable transactions existing as of or entered into from the date of adoption through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance, if elected, but do not expect a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Broadcast Television Programming
We have agreements with programming syndicators for the rights to television programming over contract periods, which generally run from one to seven years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms that are generally equal to or shorter than the contract period. Pursuant to accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry, an asset and a liability for the rights acquired and obligations incurred under a license agreement are reported on the balance sheet when the cost of each program is known or reasonably determinable, the program material has been accepted by the licensee in accordance with the conditions of the license agreement, and the program is available for its first showing or telecast. The portion of program contracts which becomes payable within one year is reflected as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets 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
We have multi-year program rights agreements that provide the Company with the right to produce and telecast professional live sports games within a specified territory in exchange for a rights fee. A prepaid asset is recorded for rights acquired related to future games upon payment of the contracted fee. The assets recorded for the acquired rights are classified as current or non-current based on the period when the games are expected to be aired. Liabilities are recorded for any program rights obligations that have been incurred but not yet paid at period end. We amortize these programming rights as an expense over each season based upon contractually stated rates. Amortization is accelerated in the event that the stated contractual rates over the term of the rights agreement results in an expense recognition pattern that is inconsistent with the projected growth of revenue over the contractual term. On March 12, 2020, the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Baseball (MLB) suspended or delayed the start of their seasons as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On that date, the Company suspended the recognition of amortization expense associated with prepaid program rights agreements with teams within these leagues. Amortization expense resumed for the NBA, NHL, and MLB over the modified seasons when the games commenced during the third quarter of 2020. The NBA and NHL also delayed the start of their 2020-2021 seasons until December 22, 2020 and January 13, 2021, respectively; sports rights expense associated with these seasons was recognized over the modified term of these seasons.
Certain rights agreements with professional teams contain provisions which require the rebate of rights fees paid by the Company if a contractual minimum number of live games are not delivered. The actual amount of rebates to be received will vary depending on changes in the final game counts of each league's respective season. Rights fees paid in advance of expense recognition, inclusive of any contractual rebates due to the Company, are included within prepaid sports rights in our consolidated balance sheets. Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities
Non-cash transactions related to finance lease obligations were $6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities were $11 million and $10 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Non-cash transactions related to sports rights were $22 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we received preferred shares in an investment valued at $6 million in exchange for an equivalent value of advertising spots. Revenue Recognition
The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by type and segment (in millions): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | For the three months ended September 30, 2021 | Broadcast | | Local sports | | Other | | Eliminations | | Total | Distribution revenue | $ | 372 | | | $ | 633 | | | $ | 48 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,053 | | Advertising revenue | 283 | | | 118 | | | 55 | | | (10) | | | 446 | | Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues | 46 | | | 8 | | | 14 | | | (32) | | | 36 | | Total revenues | $ | 701 | | | $ | 759 | | | $ | 117 | | | $ | (42) | | | $ | 1,535 | | | | | | | | | | | | For the three months ended September 30, 2020 | Broadcast | | Local sports | | Other | | Eliminations | | Total | Distribution revenue | $ | 356 | | | $ | 597 | | | $ | 50 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,003 | | Advertising revenue | 344 | | | 124 | | | 31 | | | 1 | | | 500 | | Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues | 34 | | | 6 | | | 24 | | | (28) | | | 36 | | Total revenues | $ | 734 | | | $ | 727 | | | $ | 105 | | | $ | (27) | | | $ | 1,539 | | | | | | | | | | | | For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 | Broadcast | | Local sports | | Other | | Eliminations | | Total | Distribution revenue | $ | 1,096 | | | $ | 1,997 | | | $ | 147 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3,240 | | Advertising revenue | 830 | | | 345 | | | 149 | | | (16) | | | 1,308 | | Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues | 127 | | | 23 | | | 49 | | | (89) | | | 110 | | Total revenues | $ | 2,053 | | | $ | 2,365 | | | $ | 345 | | | $ | (105) | | | $ | 4,658 | | | | | | | | | | | | For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 | Broadcast | | Local sports | | Other | | Eliminations | | Total | Distribution revenue | $ | 1,059 | | | $ | 1,959 | | | $ | 150 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3,168 | | Advertising revenue | 861 | | | 182 | | | 92 | | | — | | | 1,135 | | Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenues | 106 | | | 14 | | | 96 | | | (88) | | | 128 | | Total revenues | $ | 2,026 | | | $ | 2,155 | | | $ | 338 | | | $ | (88) | | | $ | 4,431 | |
Distribution Revenue. We have agreements with multi-channel video programming distributors (MVPDs) and virtual MVPDs (vMVPDs), and together with MVPDs, "Distributors". We generate distribution revenue through fees received from these Distributors for the right to distribute our stations, RSNs, and other properties. 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.
Certain of our distribution arrangements contain provisions that require the Company to deliver a minimum number of live professional sports games or tournaments during a defined period which usually corresponds with a calendar year. If the minimum threshold is not met, we may be obligated to refund a portion of the distribution fees received if shortfalls are not cured within a specified period of time. Our ability to meet these requirements is primarily driven by the delivery of games by the professional sports leagues. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company had not historically paid any material rebates under these contractual provisions as it is unusual for there to be an event which is significant enough to preclude the Company from meeting or exceeding these thresholds. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant disruptions to the normal operations of the professional sports leagues resulting in delays and uncertainty with respect to regularly scheduled games. Decisions made by the leagues during the second quarter of 2020 regarding the timing and format of the revised 2020 season and decisions made by the NHL and NBA during the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first and third quarters of 2021 regarding the timing and format of their revised 2020-2021 seasons have resulted, in some cases, in our inability to meet these minimum game requirements and the need to reduce revenue based upon estimated rebates due to our Distributors. Accrued rebates as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $201 million and $420 million, respectively. The decrease in accrued rebates during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 includes $202 million of payments and $17 million of adjustments related to rebates accrued in 2020 due primarily to changes in estimated game counts. As of September 30, 2021, all rebates are reflected in other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. We expect these rebates to be paid during 2021 and 2022. There were no new rebates accrued during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 that related to the 2020-2021 seasons, as we do not expect to be in a shortfall position in 2021.
Advertising Revenue. We generate advertising revenue primarily from the sale of advertising spots/impressions within our broadcast television, RSN, and digital platforms.
In accordance with ASC 606, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) distribution arrangements which are accounted for as a sales/usage based royalty.
Deferred Revenue. We record deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance, including amounts which are refundable. We classify deferred revenue as either current in other current liabilities or long-term in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets based on the timing of when we expect to satisfy our performance obligations. Deferred revenue was $230 million and $233 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, of which $169 million and $184 million, respectively, was reflected in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, was $38 million and $45 million, respectively.
On November 18, 2020, the Company and Diamond Sports Group, LLC (DSG) entered into an enterprise-wide commercial agreement with Bally's Corporation (Bally's), including providing certain branding integrations in our RSNs, broadcast networks and other properties. These branding integrations include naming rights associated with the majority of our RSNs (other than Marquee). The initial term of this arrangement is 10 years and we began performing under this arrangement during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The Company received non-cash consideration initially valued at $199 million which is reflected as a contract liability and recognized as revenue as the performance obligations under the arrangement are satisfied. See Note 3. Other Assets for more information. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, three customers accounted for 19%, 17%, and 14%, respectively, of our total revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, three customers accounted for 19%, 18%, and 14%, respectively, of our total revenues. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, three customers accounted for 17%, 15%, and 12%, respectively, of our total revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, three customers accounted for 19%, 17%, and 12%, respectively, of our total revenues. As of September 30, 2021, three customers accounted for 16%, 16%, and 13%, respectively, of our accounts receivable, net. For purposes of this disclosure, a single customer may include multiple entities under common control.Income Taxes
Our income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes. The tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 is based on the estimated effective tax rate applicable for the full year after taking into account discrete tax items and the effects of the noncontrolling interests. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis. A valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial portion of our available state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards, based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary book/tax basis differences, alternative tax strategies, and projected future taxable income.
Our effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 was greater than the statutory rate primarily due to a $39 million release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets relating to deductibility of interest expense under the IRC Section 163(j), and a $38 million discrete benefit as a result of the CARES Act allowing for the 2020 federal net operating loss to be carried back to pre-2018 years when the federal tax rate was 35%.
Our effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 approximated the statutory rate. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recorded a $68 million and an $83 million, respectively, discrete benefit as a result of the CARES Act allowing for the estimated 2020 federal net operating loss to be carried back to pre-2018 years when the federal tax rate was 35%.
We do not believe that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits would be materially impacted, in the next twelve months, as a result of the expected statute of limitations expirations, the application of limits under available state administrative practice exceptions, and the resolution of examination issues and settlements with federal and certain state tax authorities. Share Repurchase ProgramOn August 4, 2020, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $500 million share repurchase authorization in addition to the previous repurchase authorization of $1 billion. There is no expiration date and currently, management has no plans to terminate this program. As of September 30, 2021, the total remaining purchase authorization was $880 million.Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year's presentation.
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