Salem Media Group, Inc. Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Salem Media Group, Inc. is a domestic multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content. Our media properties include radio broadcasting, digital media, and publishing entities. We have three operating segments: (1) Broadcast, (2) Digital Media, and (3) Publishing, which are discussed in Note 19 – Segment Data.

Impact Of The COVID19 Pandemic

Impact of the

COVID-19

Pandemic

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of

COVID-19

a global pandemic. The responses by federal, state and local governments to restrict public gatherings and travel rapidly grew to include

stay-at-home

orders, school closures and mandatory restrictions on

non-essential

businesses and services that has adversely affected workforces, economies, and financial markets resulting in a significant economic downturn. We experienced declining revenues from advertising, programming, events and book sales. Several advertisers reduced or ceased advertising spend due to the outbreak and

stay-at-homestay-at-home

orders that effectively shut many businesses down. This was particularly true within our broadcast segment, which derives substantial revenue from local advertisers who have been particularly hard hit due to social distancing and government interventions and in our publishing segment that sells books in retail stores and through live events.

While this disruption is currently expected to be temporary, there is considerable uncertainty around the duration. We are actively monitoring the

COVID-19

situation and its impact in the markets we serve. Although advertising revenue continues to improve from the lowest point during April and May of this year, it remains significantly below the prior year. The exact timing and pace of the recovery is not determinable as certain markets have reopened, some of which have since experienced a resurgence of

COVID-19

cases, resulting in varying degrees of reinstated

stay-at-home

orders. We are taking all precautionary safety measures as directed by health authorities and local and national governments. Due to continuing uncertainties regarding the ultimate scope and trajectory of

COVID-19’s

spread and evolution, it is impossible to predict the total impact that the pandemic will have on our business. If public and private entities continue to enforce restrictive measures, the material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could persist.

Future availability under our credit facility is contingent upon our eligible receivable balance that is negatively impacted by lower revenues and longer days to collect. Availability under the ABL 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 Asset Based Loan (“ABL”) Facility declined from $26.4 million at December 31, 2019 to $22.2 million at September 30, 2020, of which $16.6 million was outstanding at September 30, 2020 compared to $12.4 million outstanding at December 31, 2019. In response to these developments, beginning in March and continuing to date, we have 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 except for emergency-only requirements;

•

reducing all discretionary spending, including travel and entertainment;

•

eliminating open positions and freezing new hires;

•

reducing staffing levels;

•

implementing temporary company-wide pay cuts ranging from 5%, 7.5% or 10% depending on salary level;

•

furloughing certain employees that are

non-essential

at this time;

•

temporarily suspending the company 401K match;

•

requesting rent concessions from landlords;

•

requesting discounts from vendors;

•

offering early payment discounts to certain customers in exchange for advance cash payments;

•

offering extended payment terms of up to 90 days to limit cancellations and entice new business;

•

considering sales-leaseback of owned facilities; 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

pandemic and their employees. We have utilized certain benefits of the CARES Act, including:

•

the deferral of all employer FICA taxes beginning in April 2020 for the remainder of 2020, with 50% payable in December 2021 and the remainder payable in December 2022; and

•

relaxation of interest expense deduction limitation for income tax purposes.

We reforecast our anticipated results extending through November 2021. Our reforecast includes the impact of certain of these cost-cutting measures. We may consider sales-leaseback of owned facilities if the adverse economic impact of the

COVID-19

pandemic continues beyond 2020. 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 September 30, 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 these financial statements.

We continue to review and consider any available potential benefit under the CARES Act 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 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 will apply for a period of time after the aid is repaid or redeemed in full.

The ultimate impact of these disruptions, including the extent of their adverse impact on our financial and operating results, will be affected by the length of time that such disruptions continue, which will, in turn, depend on the currently unknown duration of the

COVID-19

pandemic and the impact of governmental regulations and other restrictions that have been or may be imposed in response to the pandemic. Our businesses could also continue to be impacted by the disruptions from

COVID-19

and resulting adverse changes in advertising customers and consumer behavior.

Basis Of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Salem include the company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Information with respect to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is unaudited. The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form

10-Q

and Article 10 of Regulation

S-X.

Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the company. The unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Annual Report for Salem filed on Form

10-K

for the year ended December 31, 2019. Our results are subject to seasonal fluctuations. Therefore, the results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2019 included in this report has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP.

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 can be materially different from these estimates and assumptions.

Significant areas for which management uses estimates include:

•

revenue recognition;

•

asset impairments, including broadcasting licenses, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets;

•

probabilities associated with the potential for contingent

earn-out

consideration;

•

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

(“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities;

•

determining the Incremental Borrowing Rate (“IBR”) for calculating ROU assets and lease liabilities;

•

income tax valuation allowances;

•

uncertain tax positions; and

•

estimates used in going concern analysis.

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.

The

COVID-19

pandemic continues to create significant uncertainty and disruption in the global economy and financial markets. It is reasonably possible that these uncertainties could materially impact our estimates related to, but not limited to, revenue recognition, broadcast licenses, goodwill 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.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC 606, “

Revenue from Contracts with Customers”

(“ASC 606,”) a comprehensive revenue recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received. The application of ASC 606 requires the use of significant judgment and estimates in applying a five-step model applicable to all revenue streams as follows:

Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer

A contract with a customer exists when (i) we enter into an enforceable contract with a customer that defines each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred and identifies the payment terms related to these goods or services, (ii) the contract has commercial substance and, (iii) we determine that collection of substantially all consideration for goods or services that are transferred is probable based on the customer’s intent and ability to pay the promised consideration.

We apply judgment in determining the customer’s ability and intention to pay, which is based on a variety of factors including the customer’s historical payment experience or, in the case of a new customer, published credit and financial information pertaining to the customer.

Identification of the performance obligations in the contract

Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct, whereby the customer can benefit from the goods or service either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available from third parties or from us, and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the goods or services is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract.

When a contract includes multiple promised goods or services, we apply judgment to determine whether the promised goods or services are capable of being distinct and are distinct within the context of the contract. If these criteria are not met, the promised goods or services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.

Determination of the transaction price

The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which we will be entitled to receive in exchange for transferring goods or services to our customer. We estimate any variable consideration included in the transaction price using the expected value method that requires the use of significant estimates for discounts, cancellation periods, refunds and returns. Variable consideration is described in detail below.

Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract

If the contract contains a single performance obligation, the entire transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. Contracts that contain multiple performance obligations require an allocation of the transaction price to each performance obligation based on a relative Stand-Alone Selling Price (“SSP”) basis. We determine SSP based on the price at which the performance obligation would be sold separately. If the SSP is not observable, we estimate the SSP based on available information, including market conditions and any applicable internally approved pricing guidelines.

Recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation

We recognize revenue at the point in time that the related performance obligation is satisfied by transferring the promised goods or services to our customer.

A summary of our principal sources of revenue is as follows:

Block Programming

We recognize revenue from the sale of blocks of airtime to program producers that typically range from 12

, 25 or

50-minutes

of time. We separate block program revenue into three categories, National, Local and Infomercial revenue. Our stations are classified by format, including Christian Teaching and Talk, News Talk, Contemporary Christian Music, Spanish Language Christian Teaching and Talk and Business. National and local programming content is complementary to our station format while infomercials are closely associated with long-form advertisements. Block programming revenue may include variable consideration for charities and programmers that purchase blocks of airtime to generate donations and contributions from our audience. Block programming revenue is recognized at the time of broadcast, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation. Block programming revenue is recorded on a gross basis unless an agency represents the programmer, in which case, revenue is reported net of the commission retained by the agency.

Spot Advertising

. We recognize revenue from the sale of airtime to local and national advertisers who purchase spot commercials of varying lengths. Spot Advertising may include variable consideration for charities and programmers that purchase spots to generate donations and contributions from our audience. Advertising revenue is recognized at the time of broadcast, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation. Advertising revenue is recorded on a gross basis unless an agency represents the advertiser, in which case revenue is reported net of the commission retained by the agency.

Network Revenue

Network revenue includes the sale of advertising time on our national network and fees earned from the syndication of programming on our national network. Network revenue is recognized at the time of broadcast, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation. Network revenue is recorded on a gross basis unless an agency represents the customer, in which case, revenue is reported net of the commission retained by the agency.

Digital Advertising.

We recognize revenue from the sale of banner advertising on our owned and operated websites and on our own and operated mobile applications. Each of our radio stations, our digital media entities and certain of our publishing entities have custom websites and mobile applications that generate digital advertising revenue. Digital advertising revenue is recognized at the time that the banner display is delivered, or the number of impressions delivered meets the previously agreed-upon performance criteria, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation. Digital advertising revenue is reported on a gross basis unless an agency represents the customer, in which case, revenue is reported net of the commission retained by the agency.

Broadcast digital advertising revenue consists of local digital advertising, such as the sale of banner advertisements on our owned and operated websites, the sale of advertisements on our own and operated mobile applications, and advertisements in digital newsletters that we produce, as well an national digital advertising, or the sale of custom digital advertising solutions, such as web pages and social media campaigns, that we offer to our customers. Advertising revenue is recorded on a gross basis unless an agency represents the advertiser, in which case, revenue is reported net of the commission retained by the agency.

Salem Surround, our national multimedia advertising agency, offers a comprehensive suite of digital marketing services to develop and execute audience-based marketing strategies for clients on both the national and local level. Salem Surround specializes in digital marketing services for each of our radio stations and websites as well as provides a full-service digital marketing strategy for each of our clients. In our role as a digital agency, our sales team provides our customers with integrated digital advertising solutions that optimize the performance of their campaign, which we view as one performance obligation. Our advertising campaigns are designed to be “white label” agreements between Salem and our advertiser, meaning we provide special care and attention to the details of the campaign. We provide custom digital product offerings, including tools for metasearch, retargeting, website design, reputation management, online listing services, and social media marketing. Digital advertising solutions may include third-party websites, such as Google or Facebook, which can be included in a digital advertising social media campaign. We manage all aspects of the digital campaign, including social media placements, review and approval of target audiences, and the monitoring of actual results to make modifications as needed. We may contract directly with a third-party, however, we are responsible for delivering the campaign results to our customer with or without the third-party. We are responsible for any payments due to the third-party regardless of the campaign results and without regard to the status of payment from our customer. We have discretion in setting the price to our customer without input or approval from the third-party. Accordingly, revenue is reported gross, as principal, as the performance obligation is delivered, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation.

Digital Streaming

. We recognize revenue from the sale of advertisements and from the placement of ministry content that is streamed on our owned and operated websites and on our owned and operated mobile applications. Each of our radio stations, our digital media entities and certain of our publishing entities have custom websites and mobile applications that generate streaming revenue. Digital streaming revenue is recognized at the time that the content is delivered, or when the number of impressions delivered meets the previously agreed-upon performance criteria. Delivery of the content represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation. Streaming revenue is reported on a gross basis unless an agency represents the customer, in which case, revenue is reported net of the commission retained by the agency.

Digital Downloads and

e-books

. We recognize revenue from sale of downloaded materials, including videos, song tracks, sermons, content archives and

e-books.

Payments for downloaded materials are due in advance of the download, however, the download is often instant upon confirmation of payment. Digital download revenue is recognized at the time of download, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation. Revenue is recorded at the gross amount due from the customer. All sales are final with no allowances made for returns.

Subscriptions

. We recognize revenue from the sale of subscriptions for financial publication digital newsletters, digital magazines, podcast subscriptions for

on-air

content, and subscriptions to our print magazine. Subscription terms typically range from three months to two years, with a money-back guarantee for the first 30 days. Refunds after the first

30-day

period are considered on a

pro-rata

basis based on the number of publications issued and delivered. Payments are due in advance of delivery and can be made in full upon subscribing or in quarterly installments. Cash received in advance of the subscription term, including amounts that are refundable, is recorded in contract l

abilities. Revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription term at the point in time that each publication is transmitted or shipped, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation. Revenue is reported net of estimated cancellations, which are based on our experience and historical cancellation rates during the cancellable period.

Book Sales

. We recognize revenue from the sale of books upon shipment, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing the performance obligation. Revenue is recorded at the gross amount due from the customer, net of estimated sales returns and allowances based on our historical experience. Print-based consumer books are sold on a fully returnable basis. We do not record assets or inventory for the value of returned books as they are considered “used” regardless of the condition upon return. Our experience with unsold or returned books is that their resale value is

not

significant and they are often destroyed or disposed of.

e-Commerce

. We recognize revenue from the sale of products sold through our digital platform. Payments for products are due in advance shipping. We record a contract liability when we receive customer payments in advance of shipment. The time frame from receipt of payment to shipment is typically one business day based on the time that an order is placed as compared to fulfillment.

E-Commerce

revenue is recognized at the time of shipment, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation. Revenue is reported net of estimated returns, which are based on our experience and historical return rates. Returned products are recorded in inventory if they are unopened and

re-saleable

with a corresponding reduction in the cost of goods sold.

Self-Publishing Fees

. We recognize revenue from self-publishing services through Salem Author Services (“SAS”), including book publishing and support services to independent authors. Services include book cover design, interior layout, printing, distribution, marketing services and editing for print books and eBooks. As each book and related support services are unique to each author, authors must make payments in advance of the performance. Payments are typically made in installments over the expected production timeline for each publication. We record contract liabilities equal to the amount of payments received, including those amounts that are fully or partially refundable. Contract liabilities are reported as current liabilities or long-term liabilities on our consolidated financial statements based on the time to fulfill the performance obligations under terms of the contract. Refunds are limited based on the percentage completion of each publishing project.

Revenue is recognized upon completion of each performance obligation, which represents the point in time that control of the product is transferred to the author, thereby completing our performance obligation. Revenue is recorded at the net amount due from the author, including discounts based on the service package.

Advertising - Print

. We recognize revenue from the sale of print magazine advertisements. Revenue is recognized upon delivery of the print magazine which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing the performance obligation. Revenue is reported on a gross basis unless an agency represents the customer, in which case, revenue is reported net of the commission retained by the agency.

Other Revenues

Other revenues include various sources, such as event revenue, listener purchase programs, talent fees for

on-air

hosts, rental income for studios and towers, production services, and shipping and handling fees. We recognize event revenue, including fees earned for ticket sales and sponsorships, when the event occurs, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation. Revenue for all other products and services is recorded as the products or services are delivered or performed, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation. Other revenue is reported on a gross basis unless an agency represents the customer, in which case, revenue is reported net of the commission retained by the agency.

Trade and Barter Transactions

In broadcasting, trade or barter agreements are commonly used to reduce cash expenses by exchanging advertising time for goods or services. We may enter barter agreements to exchange airtime or digital advertising for goods or services that can be used in our business or that can be sold to our audience under Listener Purchase Programs. The terms of these barter agreements permit us to preempt the barter airtime or digital campaign in favor of customers who purchase the airtime or digital campaign for cash. The value of these

non-cash

exchanges is included in revenue in an amount equal to the fair value of the goods or services we receive. Each transaction must be reviewed to determine that the products, supplies and/or services we receive have economic substance, or value to us. We record barter operating expenses upon receipt and usage of the products, supplies and services, as applicable. We record barter revenue as advertising spots or digital campaigns are delivered, which represents the point in time that control is transferred to the customer thereby completing our performance obligation. Barter revenue is recorded on a gross basis unless an agency represents the programmer, in which case, revenue is reported net of the commission retained by the agency.

Trade and barter revenues and expenses were as follows:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2020		2019		2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net broadcast barter revenue	$	1,366	$	444	$	4,080	$	2,118
Net digital media barter revenue		—		—		—		—
Net publishing barter revenue		17		3		33		34

Net broadcast barter expense	$	1,199	$	413	$	3,667	$	1,971
Net digital media barter expense		—		—		—		—
Net publishing barter expense		5		—		6		—

Contract Assets

Contract Assets - Costs to Obtain a Contract:

We capitalize commissions paid to sales personnel in our self-publishing business when customer contracts are signed and advance payment is received. These capitalized costs are recorded as prepaid commission expense in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amount capitalized is incremental to the contract and would not have been incurred absent the execution of the customer contract. Commissions paid upon the initial acquisition of a contract are expensed at the point in time that related revenue is recognized. Prepaid commissions are periodically reviewed for impairment. At September 30, 2020, our prepaid commission expense was $0.7 million.

Contract Liabilities

Contract liabilities consist of customer advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized. We may receive payments from our customers in advance of completing our performance obligations. Additionally, new customers, existing customers without approved credit terms and authors purchasing specific self-publishing services, are required to make payments in advance of the delivery of the products or performance of the services. We record contract liabilities equal to the amount of payments received in excess of revenue recognized, including payments that are refundable if the customer cancels the contract according to the contract terms. Contract liabilities are reported as current liabilities on our consolidated financial statements when the time to fulfill the performance obligations under terms of our contracts is less than one year. Long-term contract liabilities represent the amount of payments received in excess of revenue earned, including those that are refundable, when the time to fulfill the performance obligation is greater than one year. Our long-term liabilities consist of subscriptions with a term of

two-years

for which some customers have purchased and paid for multiple years.

Significant changes in our contract liabilities balances during the period are as follows:


	Short-Term			Long-Term
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period January 1, 2020	$	9,493		$	1,744
Revenue recognized during the period that was included in the beginning balance of contract liabilities		(6,123	)		—
Additional amounts recognized during the period		21,022			678
Revenue recognized during the period that was recorded during the period		(10,283	)		—
Transfers		604			(604	)

Balance, end of period September 30, 2020	$	14,713		$	1,818


Amount refundable at beginning of period	$	9,403		$	1,744
Amount refundable at end of period	$	14,648		$	1,818

We expect to satisfy these performance obligations as follows:


	Amount
For the Twelve Months Ended September 30,	(Dollars in thousands)
2021	$	14,713
2022		618
2023		689
2024		266
2025		128
Thereafter		117

	$	16,531

The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue source for each of our operating segments:


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
	Broadcast		Digital Media		Publishing		Consolidated
	(dollars in thousands)
By Source of Revenue:
Block Programming - National	$	35,536	$	—	$	—	$	35,536
Block Programming - Local		18,211		—		—		18,211
Spot Advertising - National		10,179		—		—		10,179
Spot Advertising - Local		28,630		—		—		28,630
Infomercials		750		—		—		750
Network		13,505		—		—		13,505
Digital Advertising		10,676		14,473		216		25,365
Digital Streaming		1,981		2,611		—		4,592
Digital Downloads and eBooks		3,049		4,291		960		8,300
Subscriptions		868		6,679		519		8,066
Book Sales and e-commerce, net of estimated sales returns and allowances		1,128		108		6,849		8,085
Self-Publishing Fees		—		—		3,860		3,860
Print Advertising		1		—		278		279
Other Revenues		5,527		193		684		6,404

	$	130,041	$	28,355	$	13,366	$	171,762


Timing of Revenue Recognition
Point in Time	$	128,157	$	28,319	$	13,366	$	169,842
Rental Income (1)		1,884		36		—		1,920

	$	130,041	$	28,355	$	13,366	$	171,762


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	Broadcast		Digital Media		Publishing		Consolidated
	(dollars in thousands)
By Source of Revenue:
Block Programming - National	$	36,517	$	—	$	—	$	36,517
Block Programming - Local		22,867		—		—		22,867
Spot Advertising - National		11,956		—		—		11,956
Spot Advertising - Local		38,467		—		—		38,467
Infomercials		1,091		—		—		1,091
Network		13,923		—		—		13,923
Digital Advertising		8,558		15,136		290		23,984
Digital Streaming		557		2,947		—		3,504
Digital Downloads and eBooks		—		4,196		1,232		5,428
Subscriptions		825		6,076		581		7,482
Book Sales and e-commerce, net of estimated sales returns and allowances		294		468		9,342		10,104
Self-Publishing Fees		—		—		4,258		4,258
Print Advertising		25		—		474		499
Other Revenues		7,774		526		885		9,185

	$	142,854	$	29,349	$	17,062	$	189,265


Timing of Revenue Recognition
Point in Time	$	141,161	$	29,301	$	17,062	$	187,524
Rental Income (1)		1,693		48		—		1,741

	$	142,854	$	29,349	$	17,062	$	189,265

(1)	Rental income is not applicable to ASC Topic 606, but shown for the purpose of identifying each revenue source presented in total revenue on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements within this report on Form 10-Q.

Principal versus Agent Considerations

When another party is involved in providing goods or services to our customer, we apply the principal versus agent guidance in ASC 606 to determine if we are the principal or an agent to the transaction. When we control the specified goods or services before they are transferred to our customer, we report revenue gross, as principal. If we do not control the goods or services before they are transferred to our customer, revenue is reported net of the fees paid to the other party, as agent. Our evaluation to determine if we control the goods or services within ASC 606 includes the following indicators:

We are primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified good or service.

When we are primarily responsible for providing the goods and services, such as when the other party is acting on our behalf, we have indication that we are the principal to the transaction. We consider if we may terminate our relationship with the other party at any time without penalty or without permission from our customer.

We have inventory risk before the specified good or service has been transferred to a customer or after transfer of control to the customer.

We may commit to obtaining the services of another party with or without an existing contract with our customer. In these situations, we have risk of loss as principal for any amount due to the other party regardless of the amount(s) we earn as revenue from our customer.

The entity has discretion in establishing the price for the specified good or service.

We have discretion in establishing the price our customer pays for the specified goods or services.

Significant Financing Component

The length of our typical sales agreement is less than 12 months; however, we may sell subscriptions with a

two-year

term. The balance of our long-term contract liabilities represents the unsatisfied performance obligations for subscriptions with a remaining term in excess of one year. We review long-term contract liabilities that are expected to be completed in excess of one year to assess whether the contract contains a significant financing component. The balance includes subscriptions that will be satisfied at various dates between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2025. The difference between the promised consideration and the cash selling price of the publications is not significant. Therefore, we have concluded that subscriptions do not contain a significant financing component under ASC 606.

Our self-publishing contracts may exceed a

one-year

term due to the length of time for an author to submit and approve a manuscript for publication. The author may pay for publishing services in installments over the production timeline with payments due in advance of performance. The timing of the transfer of goods and services under self-publishing arrangements are at the discretion of the author and based on future events that are not substantially within our control. We require advance payments to provide us with protection from incurring costs for products that are unique and only sellable to the author. Based on these considerations, we have concluded that our self-publishing contracts do not contain a significant financing component under ASC 606.

Variable Consideration

We make significant estimates related to variable consideration at the point of sale, including estimates for refunds and product returns. Under ASC 606, estimates of variable consideration are to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances, including when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of any estimated cumulative revenue will not occur.

We enter into agreements under which the amount of revenue we earn is contingent upon the amount of money raised by our customer over the contract term. Our customer is typically a charity or programmer that purchases blocks of programming time or spots to generate revenue from our audience members. Contract terms can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending the charity or programmer. If the campaign does not generate a

pre-determined

level of donations or revenue to our customer, the consideration that we expect to be entitled to may vary above a minimum base level per the contract. Historically, under ASC Topic 605, we reported variable consideration as revenue when the amount was fixed and determinable. Under ASC 606, variable consideration is to be estimated using the expected value or the most likely amount to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.

Based on the constraints for using estimates of variable consideration within ASC 606, and our historical experience with these campaigns, we will continue to recognize revenue at the base amount of the campaign with variable consideration recognized when the uncertainty of each campaign is resolved. These constraints include: (1) the amount of consideration received is highly susceptible to factors outside of our influence, specifically the extent to which our audience donates or contributes to our customer or programmer, (2) the length of time in which the uncertainty about the amount of consideration expected is to be resolved, and (3) our experience has shown these contracts have a large number and broad range of possible outcomes.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

We elected certain practical expedients and policy elections as follows:

•

We do not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the period between transfer of product and customer payment is expected to be less than one year at the time of contract inception;

•

We do not assess promised goods or services as performance obligations if they are immaterial in the context of the contract with the customer;

•

We exclude sales and similar taxes from the transaction price;

•

We treat shipping and handling costs that occur after control transfers as fulfillment activities instead of assessing such activities as separate performance obligations; and

•

We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less.

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 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

. The ASU is based on a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force and is expected to increase comparability in accounting for these transactions. ASU

2016-01

made targeted improvements to accounting for financial instruments, including providing an entity the ability to measure certain equity securities without a readily determinable fair value at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. Among other topics, the amendments clarify that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU

2016-13,

Financial Instruments-Credit Losses,

which changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables,

held-to-maturity

debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace today’s “incurred loss” model and generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For

available-for-sale

debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance. Subsequent to issuing ASU

2016-13,

the FASB issued ASU

2018-19,

Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses

, for the purpose of clarifying certain aspects of ASU

2016-13.

ASU

2018-19

has the same effective date and transition requirements as ASU

2016-13.

In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU

2019-04,

Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments

, which is effective with the adoption of ASU

2016-13.

In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU

2019-05,

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)

, which is also effective with the adoption of ASU

2016-13.

In October 2019, the FASB voted to delay the implementation date for certain companies, including those, such as Salem, that qualify as a smaller reporting company under SEC rules, until January 1, 2023. We will adopt this ASU on its effective date of January 1, 2023. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or presentation thereof.