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## Accounts Receivable 

Management regularly reviews accounts receivable and determines an appropriate estimate for the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the impact of economic conditions on the merchant’s ability to pay, past collection experience and such other factors which, in management’s judgment, deserve current recognition. In turn, a provision is charged against earnings in order to maintain the appropriate allowance level. 

## Programming 

We have agreements with distributors for the rights to television programming over contract periods, which generally run from one to seven years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms that are generally equal to or shorter than the contract period. Pursuant to accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry, an asset and a liability for the rights acquired and obligations incurred under a license agreement are reported on the balance sheet where the cost of each program is known or reasonably determinable, the program material has been accepted by the licensee in accordance with the conditions of the license agreement and the program is available for its first showing or telecast. The portion of program contracts which becomes payable within one year is reflected as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. 

The rights to this programming are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. Estimated net realizable values are based on management’s expectation of future advertising revenues, net of sales commissions, to be generated by the program material. With the exception of one-year contracts amortization of program contract costs is computed using either a four-year accelerated method or based on usage, whichever method results in the earliest recognition of amortization for each program. Program contract cost are amortized on a straight- line basis for one-year contracts. Program contract costs estimated by management to be amortized in the succeeding year are classified as current assets. Payments of program contract liabilities are typically made on a scheduled basis and are not affected by adjustments for amortization or estimated net realizable value. 

## Barter Arrangements 

Certain program contracts provide for the exchange of advertising airtime in lieu of cash payments for the rights to such programming. The revenues realized from station barter arrangements are recorded as the programs are aired at the estimated fair value of the advertising airtime given in exchange for the program rights. Program service arrangements are accounted for as station barter arrangements, however, network affiliation programming is excluded from these calculations. Revenues are recorded as revenues realized from station barter arrangements and the corresponding expenses are recorded as expenses recognized from station barter arrangements. In conjunction with the 2009 termination of our MyNetworkTV affiliation agreements described in Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies , in September 2009 our relationship with MyNetworkTV changed to a program service arrangement and is accounted for as a station barter arrangement. 

We broadcast certain customers’ advertising in exchange for equipment, merchandise and services. The estimated fair value of the equipment, merchandise or services received is recorded as deferred barter costs and the corresponding obligation to broadcast advertising is recorded as deferred barter revenues. The deferred barter costs are expensed or capitalized as they are used, consumed or received and are included in station production expenses and station selling, general and administrative expenses, as applicable. Deferred barter revenues are recognized as the related advertising is aired and are recorded in revenues realized from station barter arrangements. 

## Other Assets 

Other assets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 consisted of the following (in thousands): 

<img src='content_image/256016.jpg'>

We have equity and cost method investments primarily in private investment funds and real estate ventures. These investments are included in our other operating divisions segment. In the event that one or more of our investments are significant, we are required to disclose summarized financial information. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, none of our investments were significant individually or in the aggregate. 

