| Basis of Presentation (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Impact Of The COVID19 Pandemic | Impact of the COVID-19 In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 stay-at-home non-essential stay-at-home While this disruption is expected to be temporary, there remains to be considerable uncertainty around the duration. Although advertising revenue continues to improve from the lowest levels experienced during April and May of 2020, it remains significantly below prior years. The exact timing and pace of the recovery has not been determinable as certain markets have reopened, some of which have since experienced a resurgence of COVID-19 stay-at-home COVID-19’s COVID-19 Future availability under our credit facility is contingent upon our eligible receivable balance, which is negatively impacted by lower revenue and longer days to collect. Availability under our Asset Based Loan (“ABL Facility”) is subject to a borrowing base consisting of (a) 90% of the eligible accounts receivable plus (b) a calculated amount based on the value of certain real property. The maximum amount available under our ABL Facility declined to $24.2 million at December 31, 2020 from $26.4 million at December 31, 2019, of which $5.0 million was outstanding at December 31, 2020 compared to $12.4 million outstanding at December 31, 2019. In response to these developments, beginning in March 2020, we implemented several measures to reduce costs and conserve cash to ensure that we have adequate cash to meet our debt servicing requirements, including: • limiting capital expenditures; • reducing discretionary spending, including travel and entertainment; • eliminating open positions and freezing new hires; • reducing staffing levels; • implementing temporary company-wide pay cuts of 5%, 7.5 10 • furloughing certain employees; • temporarily suspending the company 401(k) match; • requesting rent concessions from landlords; • requesting discounts from vendors; • offering early payment discounts to certain customers in exchange for advance cash payments; and • suspending the payment of distributions on our common stock indefinitely. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law. The CARES Act provides opportunities for additional liquidity, loan guarantees, and other government programs to support companies affected by the COVID-19 • the deferral of all employer FICA taxes beginning in April 2020 for the remainder of 2020, with 50 • relaxation of interest expense deduction limitation for income tax purposes; and • Payroll Protection Plan (“PPP”) loans available based on the eligibility determined on a per-location 11.2 We believe that our customers have benefited from the enhanced benefits provided by the CARES Act, and that they will also benefit from the CAA. The CAA provides for another round of direct payments, enhanced unemployment benefits, education funding, and aid to sectors still reeling from the economic fallout of the pandemic. While these measures may benefit many of our customers, we cannot assure you that the implementation of these measures will offset the negative impact of COVID-19 We continue to review and consider any available potential benefit under the CARES Act and the CAA for which we qualify. We cannot predict the manner in which such benefits or any of the other benefits described herein will be allocated or administered and we cannot assure you that we will be able to access such benefits in a timely manner or at all. If the U.S. government or any other governmental authority agrees to provide such aid under the CARES Act, the CAA, or any other crisis relief assistance it may impose certain requirements on the recipients of the aid, including restrictions on executive officer compensation, dividends, prepayment of debt, limitations on debt and other similar restrictions that may apply for a period of time after the aid is repaid or redeemed in full. Due to the adverse economic impact, we reforecast our anticipated results extending through March 2022. Our reforecast includes the impact of certain of these cost-cutting measures. Based on our current and expected economic outlook and our current and expected funding needs, we believe that the borrowing capacity under our current credit facilities, together with cash on hand, allows us to meet our ongoing operating requirements, fund necessary capital expenditures and satisfy our debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months, including the working capital deficit at December 31, 2020. Based on our current assessment, we believe that we have the ability to meet our obligations as they come due for one year from the issuance of this annual report. |
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant areas for which management uses estimates include: • going concern evaluations; • revenue recognition; • asset impairments, including broadcasting licenses, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets; • probabilities associated with the potential for contingent earn-out • fair value measurements; • contingency reserves; • allowance for doubtful accounts; • sales returns and allowances; • barter transactions; • inventory reserves; • reserves for royalty advances; • fair value of equity awards; • self-insurance reserves; • estimated lives for tangible and intangible assets; • assessment of contract-based factors, asset-based factors, entity-based factors and market-based factors to determine the lease term impacting Right-Of-Use • determining the Incremental Borrowing Rate (“IBR”) for calculating ROU assets and lease liabilities; • income tax valuation allowances; and • uncertain tax positions. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid debt instruments, purchased with an initial maturity of three-months or less, to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents approximated fair value at each balance sheet date. |
| Trade Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Revenue | Trade Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Revenue Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances: Unbilled revenue end-of-flight, |
| Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for the estimated amount of receivables that may not be collected. The allowance is based on our historical collection experience, the age of the receivables, specific customer information and current economic conditions. Past due balances are generally not written-off |
| Inventory | Inventory Inventories consist of published books recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value as determined on a First-In First-Out |
| Inventory Reserves | Inventory Reserves We record a provision to expense the balance of unsold inventory that we believe to be unrecoverable. We review historical data associated with book inventories and our own experiences to estimate the fair value of inventory on hand. Our analysis includes a review of actual sales returns, our allowances, royalty reserves, overall economic conditions and product demand. We regularly monitor actual performance to our estimates and make adjustments as necessary. Estimated inventory reserves may be adjusted, either favorably or unfavorably, if factors such as the historical data we used to calculate these estimates do not properly reflect future returns or as a result of changes in economic conditions of the customer and/or the market. We have not modified our estimate methodology and we have not historically recognized significant losses from changes in our estimates. We believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable and that our reserves are accurately reflected. |
| Property and Equipment | Property and Equipment We account for property and equipment in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment Category Estimated Life Buildings 40 years Office furnishings and equipment 5 Antennae, towers and transmitting equipment 10 Studio, production, and mobile equipment 5 Computer software and website development costs 3 years Record and tape libraries 3 years Automobiles 5 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of the useful life or
remaining lease term The carrying value of property and equipment is evaluated periodically in relation to the operating performance and anticipated future cash flows of the underlying radio stations and business units for indicators of impairment. When indicators of impairment are present, and the cash flows estimated to be generated from these assets is less than the carrying value, an adjustment to reduce the carrying value to the fair market value of the assets is recorded. See Note 6, Property and Equipment. |
| Internally Developed Software and Website Development Costs | Internally Developed Software and Website Development Costs We capitalize costs incurred during the application development stage related to the development of internal-use 350-40 Internal-Use internal-use respectively, , respectively |
| Broadcast Licenses | Broadcast Licenses We account for broadcast licenses in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350 “ Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Impairment testing requires an estimate of the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. We believe that these estimates of fair value are critical accounting estimates as the value is significant in relation to our total assets and the estimates incorporate variables and assumptions based on our experiences and judgment about our future operating performance. Fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the estimates that market participants would use in measuring fair value, including assumptions about risk. If actual future results are less favorable than the assumptions and estimates used in our estimates, we are subject to future impairment charges, the amount of which may be material. The unobservable inputs are defined in FASB ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” as Level 3 inputs discussed in detail in Note 13, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. We perform our annual impairment testing during the fourth quarter of each year as discussed in Note 8, Broadcast Licenses. |
| Goodwill | Goodwill We account for goodwill in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350 “ Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Impairment testing requires an estimate of the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. We believe that these estimates of fair value are critical accounting estimates as the value is significant in relation to our total assets and the estimates incorporate variables and assumptions based on our experiences and judgment about our future operating performance. Fair value measurements use significant unobservable inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the estimates that market participants would use in measuring fair value, including assumptions about risk. If actual future results are less favorable than the assumptions and estimates used in our estimates, we are subject to future impairment charges, the amount of which may be material. The unobservable inputs are defined in FASB ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” as Level 3 inputs discussed in detail in Note 13, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. We perform our annual impairment testing during the fourth quarter of each year as discussed in Note 9, Goodwill. |
| Amortizable Intangible Assets | Amortizable Intangible Assets Intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. Typically, intangible assets are acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of broadcast entities, digital media entities and publishing entities. These intangibles are amortized using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Category Estimated Life Customer lists and contracts Lesser of 5 years or the life of contract Domain and brand names 5 Favorable and assigned leases Lease Term Subscriber base and lists 3 Author relationships 1-7 years Non-compete 1 to 5 years The carrying value of our amortizable intangible assets are evaluated periodically in relation to the operating performance and anticipated future cash flows of the underlying radio stations and businesses for indicators of impairment. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360 “ Property, Plant and Equipment |
| Deferred Financing Costs | Deferred Financing Costs Debt issue costs are amortized to non-cash On May 19, 2017, we closed on a private offering of $255.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% senior secured notes due 2024 (the “Notes”) and concurrently entered into a five-year $30.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, which includes a $5.0 million subfacility for standby letters of credit and a $7.5 million subfacility for swingline loans due May 19, 2022. We incurred debt issuance costs of $6.3 million that were recorded as a reduction of the Note proceeds that are being amortized to non-cash non-cash |
| Income Tax Valuation Allowances (Deferred Taxes) | Income Tax Valuation Allowances (Deferred Taxes) We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740 “ Income Taxes We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including historical levels of income, expectations and risks associated with estimates of future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. In the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to earnings in the period in which we make such a determination. Likewise, if we later determine that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets would be realized, we would reverse the applicable portion of the previously provided valuation allowance. For financial reporting purposes, we recorded a valuation allowance of $28.4 million as of December 31, 2020 to offset $28.4 million of the deferred tax assets related to state net operating loss carryforwards of $15.7 million and other financial statement accrual assets of $4.0 million, for a total valuation allowance of $48.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. This balance represents an increase of $35.1 million during the year, from $13.0 million valuation allowance as of December 31, 2019. We believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable and that our reserves are accurately reflected. |
| Income Taxes and Uncertain Tax Positions | Income Taxes and Uncertain Tax Positions We are subject to audit and review by various taxing jurisdictions. We may recognize liabilities on our financial statements for positions taken on uncertain tax positions. When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others may be subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. Such positions are deemed to be unrecognized tax benefits and a corresponding liability is established on the balance sheet. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as this requires us to make estimates based on the various possible outcomes. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, we believe it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. We review and reevaluate uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. Changes in assumptions may result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions around our subsidiary Salem Communications Holding Company’s Pennsylvania tax filing. The position taken on the tax returns follows Pennsylvania Notice 2016-01 million including interest and penalties. Our evaluation was performed for all tax years that remain subject to examination, which range from 2017 through 2020 |
| Effective Tax Rate | Effective Tax Rate Our provision for income tax as a percentage of operating income before taxes, or our effective tax rate, may be impacted by: (1) changes in the level of income in any of our taxing jurisdictions; (2) changes in statutes and rules applicable to taxable income in the jurisdictions in which we operate; (3) changes in the expected outcome of income tax audits; (4) changes in the estimate of expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes; (5) income taxes in certain states where the states’ current taxable income is dependent on factors other than consolidated net income; (6) the addition of operations in states that on average have different income tax rates from states in which we currently operate; and (7) the effect of previously reported temporary differences between the and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities. Our annual effective tax rate may also be materially impacted by tax expense associated with non-amortizable |
| Business Acquisitions | Business Acquisitions We account for business acquisitions in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting as specified in FASB ASC Topic 805 “ Business Combinations earn-out 2017-01 Business Combinations (Topic 805) Clarifying the Definition of a Business” Estimates of the fair value include discounted estimated cash flows to be generated by the assets and their expected useful lives based on historical experience, market trends and any synergies believed to be achieved from the acquisition. Acquisitions may include contingent consideration, the fair value of which is estimated as of the acquisition date as the present value of the expected contingent payments as determined using weighted probabilities of the payment amounts. The fair value measurement is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent a Level 3 measurement as defined in Note 13, Fair Value Measurements. We may retain a third-party appraiser to estimate the fair value of the acquired net assets as of the acquisition date. As part of the valuation and appraisal process, the third-party appraiser prepares a report assigning estimated fair values to the various assets acquired. These fair value estimates are subjective in nature and require careful consideration and judgment. Management reviews the third-party reports for reasonableness of the assigned values. We believe that these valuations and analysis provide appropriate estimates of the fair value for the net assets acquired as of the acquisition date. The initial valuations for business acquisitions are subject to refinement during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date. During this measurement period, we may retroactively record adjustments to the net assets acquired based on additional information obtained for items that existed as of the acquisition date. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any adjustments are reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. To date, we have not recorded adjustments to the estimated fair values used in our business acquisition consideration during or after the measurement period. Property and equipment are recorded at the estimated fair value and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Finite-lived intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair value and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill, which represents the organizational systems and procedures in place to ensure the effective operation of the entity, may also be recorded and tested for impairment. Costs associated with business acquisitions, such as consulting and legal fees, are expensed as incurred. We did not incur acquisition related costs during the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $0.1 million of acquisition related costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2019, which are included in unallocated corporate expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
| Partial Self-Insurance on Employee Health Plan | Partial Self-Insurance on Employee Health Plan We provide health insurance benefits to eligible employees under a self-insured plan whereby we pay actual medical claims subject to certain stop loss limits. We record self-insurance liabilities based on actual claims filed and an estimate of those claims incurred but not reported. Our estimates are based on historical data and probabilities. Any projection of losses concerning our liability is subject to a high degree of variability. Among the causes of this variability are unpredictable external factors such as future inflation rates , changes in severity , benefit level changes , medical costs and claim settlement patterns . Should the actual amount of claims increase or decrease beyond what was anticipated , we may adjust our future reserves . Our self - insurance liability was $ million and $ million at December 31 , 2020 and 2019 , respectively . We have not modified our estimate methodology and we have not historically recognized significant losses from changes in our estimates . The following table presents the changes in our partial self-insurance reserves: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2020 (Dollars in thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ 828 $ 640 Self-funded costs 8,087 7,477 Claims paid (8,275 ) (7,574 ) Ending period balance $ 640 $ 543 |
| Derivative Instruments | Derivative Instruments We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. We actively monitor these fluctuations and may use derivative instruments primarily for the purpose of reducing the impact of changing interest rates on our variable rate debt and to reduce the impact of changing fair market values on our fixed rate debt. In accordance with our risk management strategy, we may use derivative instruments only for the purpose of managing risk associated with an asset, liability, committed transaction, or probable forecasted transaction that is identified by management. Our use of derivative instruments may result in short-term gains or losses that may increase the volatility of our earnings. Under FASB ASC Topic 815, “ Derivatives and Hedging,” As of December 31, 2020, we did not have any outstanding derivative instruments. |
| Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures | Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures As of December 31, 2020, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued interest approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments. The carrying value of the ABL Facility |
| Long-term Debt and Debt Covenant Compliance | Long-term Debt and Debt Covenant Compliance Our classification of outstanding borrowings on our Notes as long-term debt on our balance sheet is based on our assessment that, under the Indenture and after considering our projected operating results and cash flows for the coming year, no principal payments are required to be made within the next twelve months. The Notes have a term of seven years, maturing on June 1, 2024. We may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount to be redeemed) set forth in the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date. See Note 12, Long-Term Debt. |
| Reserves for Royalty Advances | Reserves for Royalty Advances Royalties due to book authors are paid in advance and capitalized. Royalties are expensed as the related book revenue is ® |
| Contingency Reserves | Contingency Reserves In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal proceedings, lawsuits, arbitration and other claims which are complex in nature and have outcomes that are difficult to predict. Consequently, we are unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability or the financial impact with respect to these matters. We record contingency reserves to the extent we conclude that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the related loss can be reasonably estimated. The establishment of the reserve is based on a review of all relevant factors, the advice of legal counsel, and the subjective judgment of management. The reserves we have recorded to date have not been material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable and that our reserves are accurately reflected. While we believe that the final resolution of any known ma t |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers” Significant management judgments and estimates must be made in connection with determining the amount of revenue to be recognized in any accounting period. Application of ASC 606 requires a five-step model as discussed in Note 4, Revenue Recognition. |
| Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation We account for stock-based compensation under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718, “ Compensation—Stock Compensation first-in, first-out |
| Advertising and Promotional Cost | Advertising and Promotional Cost Costs of media advertising and associated production costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to approximately $7.9 million and $9.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. |
| Leases | Leases We adopted ASC 842 “ Leases For operating leases, we calculated ROU assets and lease liabilities based on the present value of the remaining lease payments as of the date Accounting Policy Elections under ASC 842 Lease Term We calculate the term for each lease agreement to include the noncancellable period specified in the agreement together with (1) the periods covered by options to extend the lease if we are reasonably certain to exercise that option, (2) periods covered by an option to terminate if we are reasonably certain not to exercise that option and (3) period covered by an option to extend (or not terminate) if controlled by the lessor. The assessment of whether we are reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend a lease requires significant judgement surrounding contract-based factors, asset-based factors, entity-based factors and market-based factors. These factors are described in our Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates in Item 7 in this annual report. Lease Payments Lease payments consist of the following payments (as applicable) related to the use of the underlying asset during the lease term: • Fixed payments, including in substance fixed payments, less any lease incentives paid or payable to the lessee • Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, such as the Consumer Price Index or a market interest rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement date of January 1, 2019. • The exercise price of an option to purchase the underlying asset if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option. • Payments for penalties for terminating the lease if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising an option to terminate the lease. • Fees paid by the lessee to the owners of a special-purpose entity for structuring the transaction • For a lessee only, amounts probable of being owed by the lessee under residual value guarantees Short-Term Lease Exemption We exclude short-term leases, or leases with a term of twelve months or less that do not contain a purchase option that we are reasonably certain to exercise, from our ROU asset and lease liability calculations. We considered the applicability of the short-term exception on month-to-month month-to-month one-month We believe that these month-to-month month-to-month Service Agreements with an Embedded Lease Component We exclude certain service agreements that contain embedded leases for equipment based on the immaterial impact of these agreements. Our analysis included cable and satellite television service agreements for which our monthly payment may include equipment rentals, coffee and water service at certain facilities that may include equipment rentals (we often meet minimum requirements and just pay for product used), security services that include a monthly fee for cameras or equipment, and other similar arrangements. Based on the insignificant amount of the monthly lease costs, we exclude these agreements from our ROU asset and liability calculations due to the immaterial impact to our financial statements. Incremental Borrowing Rate The ROU asset and related lease liabilities recorded under ASC 842 are calculated based on the present value of the lease payments using (1) the rate implicit in the lease or (2) the lessee’s IBR, defined as the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. As most leases do not provide an implicit rate, we estimate the IBR applicable to Salem using significant judgement and estimates, including the estimated value of the underlying leased asset, and the (a) credit history of Salem Media Group, (b) the credit worthiness of Salem Media Group, (c) the class of the underlying asset and the remaining term of the arrangement, and (d) the debt incurred under the lease liability as compared to amounts that would be borrowed. From these data points, we develop a matrix to estimate the IBR for each lease class. We review the IBR estimates on a quarterly basis and update as necessary. We have not modified our estimate methodology and we have not recognized significant changes in our estimates. Our analysis required the use of significant judgement and estimates, including the estimated value of the underlying leased asset, as described in are described in our Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates in Item 7 in this annual report. Portfolio Approach We apply a portfolio approach by applying a single IBR to leases with reasonably similar characteristics, including the remaining lease term, the underlying assets and the economic environment. We believe that applying the portfolio approach is acceptable because the results do not materially differ from the application of the leases model to the individual leases in that portfolio. Sales Taxes and Other Similar Taxes We do not evaluate whether sales taxes or other similar taxes imposed by a governmental authority on a specific lease revenue-producing transaction that are collected by the lessor from the lessee are the primary obligation of the lessor as owner of the underlying leased asset. A lessor that makes this election will exclude these taxes from the measurement of lease revenue and the associated expense. Taxes assessed on a lessor’s total gross receipts or on the lessor as owner of the underlying asset (e.g., property taxes) are excluded from the scope of the policy election. A lessor must apply the election to all taxes in the scope of the policy election and would provide certain disclosures. Separating Consideration between Lease and Non-Lease We include the lease and non-lease non-lease Contracts that include lease and non-lease non-lease Accounting for a lease component of a contract and its associated non-lease Impairment of ROU Assets ROU assets are reviewed for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. ROU assets from operating and finance leases are subject to the impairment guidance in ASC 360, “ Property, Plant, and Equipment ROU assets are tested for impairment individually or as part of an asset group if the cash flows related to the ROU asset are not independent from the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An asset group is the unit of accounting for long-lived assets to be held and used, which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. After a careful analysis of the guidance, we concluded that the appropriate unit of accounting for testing ROU assets for impairment is the broadcast market cluster level for radio station operations and the entity or division level for digital media entities, publishing entities and networks. Corporate ROU assets are tested on a consolidated level with consideration given to all cash flows of the company as corporate functions do not generate cash flows and are funded by revenue-producing activities at lower levels of the entity. ASC 360 requires three steps to identify, recognize and measure the impairment of a long-lived asset (asset group) to be held and used: Step 1—Consider whether Indicators of Impairment are Present As detailed in ASC 360-10-35-21, • A significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset (asset group) • A significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset (asset group) is being used or in its physical condition • A significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate that could affect the value of a long-lived asset (asset group), including an adverse action or assessment by a regulator • An accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of a long-lived asset (asset group) • A current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset (asset group) • A current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset (asset group) will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. The term more likely than not refers to a level of likelihood that is more than 50 percent. Other indicators should be considered if we believe that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. Step 2—Test for Recoverability If indicators of impairment are present, we are required to perform a recoverability test comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the long-lived asset or asset group in question to the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group. ASC 360 does not specifically address how operating lease liabilities and future cash outflows for lease payments should be considered in the recoverability test. Under ASC 360, financial liabilities, or long-term debt, generally are excluded from an asset group while operating liabilities, such as accounts payable, generally are included. ASC 842 characterizes operating lease liabilities as operating liabilities. Because operating lease liabilities may be viewed as having attributes of finance liabilities as well as operating liabilities, it is generally acceptable for a lessee to either include or exclude operating lease liabilities from an asset group when testing whether the carrying amount of an asset group is recoverable provided the approach is applied consistently for all operating leases and when performing Steps 2 and 3 of the impairment model in ASC 360. In cases where we have received lease incentives, including operating lease liabilities in an asset group may result in the long-lived asset or asset group having a zero or negative carrying amount because the incentives reduce our ROU assets. We elected to exclude operating lease liabilities from the carrying amount of the asset group such that we test ROU assets for operating leases in the same manner that we test ROU assets for financing leases. Undiscounted Future Cash Flows The undiscounted future cash flows in Step 2 are based on our own assumptions rather than a market participant. If an election is made to exclude operating lease liabilities from the asset or asset group, all future cash lease payments for the lease should also be excluded. The standard requires lessees to exclude certain variable lease payments from lease payments and, therefore, from the measurement of a lessee’s lease liabilities. Because these variable payments do not reduce the lease liability, we include the variable payments we expect to make in our estimate of the undiscounted cash flows in the recoverability test (Step 2) using a probability-weighted approach. Step 3—Measurement of an Impairment Loss If the undiscounted cash flows used in the recoverability test are less than the carrying amount of the long-lived asset (asset group), we are required to estimate the fair value of the long-lived asset or asset group and recognize an impairment loss when the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group exceeds the estimated fair value. We elected to exclude operating lease liabilities from the estimated fair value, consistent with the recoverability test. Any impairment loss for an asset group must reduce only the carrying amounts of a long-lived asset or assets of the group, including the ROU assets. The loss must be allocated to the long-lived assets of the group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts of those assets, except that the loss allocated to an individual long-lived asset of the group must not reduce the carrying amount of that asset below its fair value whenever the fair value is determinable without undue cost and effort. ASC 360 prohibits the subsequent reversal of an impairment loss for an asset held and used. Fair Value Considerations When determining the fair value of a ROU asset, we must estimate what market participants would pay to lease the asset or what a market participant would pay up front in one payment for the ROU asset, assuming no additional lease payments would be due. The ROU asset must be valued assuming its highest and best use, in its current form, even if that use differs from the current or intended use. If no market exists for an asset in its current form, but there is a market for a transformed asset, the costs to transform the asset are considered in the fair value estimate. Refer to Note 13, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. There were no indications of impairment during the year ended December 31, 2020. |
| Leasehold Improvements | Leasehold Improvements We may construct or otherwise invest in leasehold improvements to properties. The costs of these leasehold improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the lease term including anticipated renewal periods. |
| (Gain) Loss on the Disposition of Assets | (Gain) Loss on the Disposition of Assets We record gains or losses on the disposition of assets equal to the proceeds, if any, as compared to the net book value. Exchange transactions are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 845 “ Non-Monetary During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a $1.4 million estimated pre-tax WKAT-AM During the year ended December 31, 2019 we recorded a $9.4 million pre-tax WAFS-AM WWDJ-AM WHKZ-AM KEXB-AM KTNO-AM) KDMT-AM KTEK-AM KRDY-AM KXFN-AM WSDZ-AM pre-tax WWMI-AM WLCC-AM WZAB-AM WOCN-AM WKAT-AM) pre-tax WSPZ-AM pre-tax WDYZ-AM WORL-AM) pre-tax KKOL-AM KPAM-AM pre-tax pre-tax pre-tax WBZW-AM pre-tax pre-tax |
| Discontinued Operations | Discontinued Operations We regularly review underperforming assets to determine if a sale or disposal might be a better way to monetize the assets. When a station, group of stations, or other asset group is considered for sale or disposal, we review the transaction to determine if or when the entity qualifies as a discontinued operation in accordance with the criteria of FASB ASC Topic 205-20 Discontinued Operations |
| Basic and Diluted Net Earnings Per Share | Basic and Diluted Net Earnings Per Share Basic net earnings per share has been computed using the weighted average number of Class A and Class B shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during the period plus the dilutive effects of stock options. Options to purchase 2,291,020 and 1,860,722 shares of Class A common stock were outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding exclude outstanding stock options whose exercise price is in excess of the average price of the company’s stock price. These options are excluded from the respective computations of diluted net income or loss per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive. The following table sets forth the shares used to compute basic and diluted net earnings per share for the periods indicated: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2020 Weighted average shares 26,502,934 26,683,363 Effect of dilutive securities—stock options — — Weighted average shares adjusted for dilutive securities 26,502,934 26,683,363 |
| Segments | Segments We have three operating segments: (1) Broadcast, (2) Digital Media, and (3) Publishing, which also qualify as reportable segments. Our operating segments reflect how our chief operating decision makers, which we define as a collective group of senior executives, assesses the performance of each operating segment and determines the appropriate allocations of resources to each segment. We continually review our operating segment classifications to align with operational changes in our business and may make changes as necessary. We measure and evaluate our operating segments based on operating income and operating expenses that do not include allocations of costs related to corporate functions, such as accounting and finance, human resources, legal, tax and treasury, which are reported as unallocated corporate expenses in our consolidated statements of operations included in this annual report. We also exclude costs such as amortization, depreciation, taxes and interest expense. |
| Variable Interest Entities | Variable Interest Entities We may enter into agreements or investments with other entities that could qualify as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 810 “ Consolidation” re-evaluate We may enter into lease arrangements with entities controlled by our principal stockholders or other related parties. We believe that the requirements of FASB ASC 810 do not apply to these entities because the lease arrangements do not contain explicit guarantees of the residual value of the real estate, do not contain purchase options or similar provisions and the leases are at terms that do not vary materially from leases that would have been available with unaffiliated parties. Additionally, we do not have an equity interest in the entities controlled by our principal stockholders or other related parties and we do not guarantee debt of the entities controlled by our principal stockholders or other related parties. We also enter into Local Marketing Agreements (“LMAs”) or Time Brokerage Agreements (“TBAs”) contemporaneously with entering into an Asset Purchase Agreement (“APA”) to acquire or sell a radio station. Typically, both LMAs and TBAs are contractual agreements under which the station owner/licensee makes airtime available to a programmer/licensee in exchange for a fee and reimbursement of certain expenses. LMAs and TBAs are subject to compliance with the antitrust laws and the communications laws, including the requirement that the licensee must maintain independent control over the station and, in particular, its personnel, programming, and finances. The FCC has held that such agreements do not violate the communications laws as long as the licensee of the station receiving programming from another station maintains ultimate responsibility for, and control over, station operations and otherwise ensures compliance with the communications laws. The requirements of FASB ASC 810 may apply to entities under LMAs or TBAs, depending on the facts and circumstances related to each transaction. As of December 31, 2020, we did not have implicit or explicit arrangements that required consolidation under the guidance in FASB ASC 810. |
| Concentrations of Business Risks | Concentrations of Business Risks We derive a substantial part of our total revenue from the sale of advertising. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 , 30.7% and 35.3%, respectively, of our total broadcast revenue was generated from the sale of broadcast advertising. We are particularly dependent on revenue from stations in the Los Angeles and Dallas markets, which generated 14.1% and 22.1% of the total broadcast advertising revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020, and 15.0% and 20.4% of the total broadcast advertising revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019. Because substantial portions of our revenue is derived from local advertisers in these key markets, our ability to generate revenue in those markets could be adversely affected by local or regional economic downturns. |
| Concentrations of Credit Risks | Concentrations of Credit Risks Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents; trade accounts receivable and derivative instruments. We place our cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions. Such balances may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limits. To manage the related credit exposure, we continually monitor the credit worthiness of the financial institutions where we have deposits. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets in which we provide services, as well as the dispersion of our operations across many geographic areas. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers, but generally do not require collateral to support customer receivables. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on various factors including the credit risk of specific customers, age of receivables outstanding, historical trends, economic conditions and other information. Historically, our bad debt expense has been within management’s expectations. These estimates require the use of judgment as future events and the effect of these events cannot be predicted with certainty. The estimates will change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired and as more information is obtained. We evaluate and update our assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and we may consult outside experts to assist as considered necessary. |
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Recent Accounting Pronouncements Changes to accounting principles are established by the FASB in the form of ASUs to the FASB’s Codification. We consider the applicability and impact of all ASUs on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof. Described below are ASUs that are not yet effective, but may be applicable to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to not be applicable to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Reference Rate Reform of In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)—Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815 2016-01 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, held-to-maturity available-for-sale 2016-13, 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses 2016-13. 2018-19 2016-13. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments 2016-13. 2019-05, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) 2016-13. |
