Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of MSG Networks Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amount of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amount of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, investments, goodwill, other long-lived assets, pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and the related net periodic benefit cost, tax accruals, and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, rights fees expense, income tax benefit (expense), performance and share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, litigation matters, and other matters. Management believes its use of estimates in the consolidated financial statements to be reasonable. Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors. Due to the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, in March 2020, the 2019-20 NBA and NHL seasons were suspended. On May 26, 2020, the NHL announced that the 2019-20 regular season was complete and that certain teams would return to play post-season games. The Rangers and the Islanders, but not the Devils or the Sabres, participated in such post-season games. On June 4, 2020, the NBA announced that certain teams would return to play for the purpose of determining post-season participation and seeding, but not the Knicks. The NHL and NBA plans for resumption of play would have each league ending its respective post-season in October 2020, which would delay the start of each league's 2020-21 season. Our estimates have been prepared based on these facts, and we will continue to monitor updates made by the NBA and NHL with regards to league play and the impact on the Company’s use of estimates. The Company adjusts such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management’s best judgment at a point in time and as such, these estimates may ultimately differ from actual results. Changes in estimates resulting from weakness in the economic environment or other factors beyond the Company’s control, including government and league actions taken to contain or mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements in future periods.
Revenue Recognition	The Company generates revenues principally from affiliation fees charged to cable, satellite, telephone, and other platforms (“Distributors”) for the right to carry its networks, as well as from the sale of advertising. The Company’s advertising revenue is largely derived from the sale of inventory in its live professional sports programming, as such, a disproportionate share of this revenue has historically been earned in the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters. The Company’s revenue recognition policies that describe the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty associated with each major source of revenue from contracts with customers are described in Note 3.
Direct Operating Expenses	Direct Operating Expenses Direct operating expenses primarily represent media rights fees, and other direct programming and production costs, such as the salaries of on-air personalities, producers, directors, technicians, writers and other creative staff, as well as expenses associated with location costs, remote facilities and maintaining studios, origination, and transmission services and facilities. The professional team media rights acquired under media rights agreements to telecast various sporting events and other programming for exhibition on MSG Networks are typically expensed on a straight-line basis over the applicable annual contract or license period.
Advertising Expenses	Advertising Expenses Advertising costs are typically charged to expense when incurred. The Company enters into nonmonetary transactions, primarily with its Distributors, that involve the exchange of advertising and promotional benefits, for the Company’s services. Total advertising costs classified in selling, general and administrative expenses were $20,406, $18,249, and $11,229 for the years ended June 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions. Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets depends upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income to allow for the realization of its deductible temporary differences. If such estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company measures its deferred tax liability with regard to MSGN Holdings, L.P. (“MSGN L.P.”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company through which the Company conducts substantially all of its operations, based on the difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount for financial reporting purposes; this is commonly referred to as the outside basis difference. Interest and penalties, if any, associated with uncertain tax positions are included in income tax expense. The Company accounts for investment tax credits, if any, using the “flow-through” method, under which the tax benefit generated from an investment tax credit is recorded in the period the credit is generated.
Investment in Nonconsolidated Entity	Investment in Nonconsolidated Entity The Company’s investment in a nonconsolidated entity, which is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, does not have a readily determinable fair value. As such, the Company has elected to account for it at cost, which would be adjusted for impairment and changes resulting from observable price fluctuations in orderly transactions for an identical or a similar investment of the same issuer (referred to as the measurement alternative method). Investments accounted for under the measurement alternative method are classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy. As of June 30, 2020, the carrying amount of the Company’s equity investment in the nonconsolidated entity was $2,000, and the Company did not identify any potential adjustments to the cost of its investment through June 30, 2020.
Share-based Compensation	Share-based Compensation The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity-based instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. Share-based compensation cost is recognized in earnings over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, except for restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted to non-employee directors which, unless otherwise provided under the applicable award agreement, are fully vested, and are expensed at the grant date. The Company has elected to recognize share-based compensation cost for graded vesting awards with only service conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold highly liquid securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or is at fair value. Checks outstanding in excess of related book balances are included in accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company presents the change in these book cash overdrafts as cash flows from operating activities.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible accounts receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on the Company’s analysis of receivables aging, specific identification of certain receivables that are at risk of not being paid, historical collection experience and other factors. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts was $1,418 and $1,169 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets	Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets The Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets consist of goodwill, amortizable intangible assets, and property and equipment. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is not amortized. Identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the asset’s estimated useful life. The useful lives of the Company’s long-lived assets are based on estimates of the period over which the Company expects the assets to be of economic benefit to the Company. In estimating the useful lives the Company considers factors such as, but not limited to, risk of obsolescence, anticipated use, plans of the Company, and applicable laws. Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of August 31^st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. If the Company can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company does not need to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test for that reporting unit. If the Company cannot support such a conclusion or the Company does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment, then the Company would perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative goodwill impairment test, used to identify both the existence of impairment and the amount of impairment loss, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The Company has one reporting unit for evaluating goodwill impairment. The Company reviews other long-lived assets (including intangible assets that are amortized and property and equipment) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets, the fair value of the asset group is determined and the carrying value of the asset group is written down to fair value. In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets, the Company must make estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve significant uncertainties and judgments and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. If these estimates or material related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges related to its long-lived and/or indefinite-lived assets.
Contingencies	Contingencies Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan	Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan As more fully described in Note 12, the Company has both funded and unfunded defined benefit plans, as well as a contributory welfare plan, covering certain full-time employees and retirees. The expense recognized by the Company is determined using certain assumptions, including the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return, and rate of compensation increases, among others. The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans (other than multiemployer plans) as an asset or liability in the consolidated balance sheets and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income (loss).
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Basic earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) is based upon net income (loss) available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the effect of the assumed vesting of RSUs and exercise of stock options (see Note 13) only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive.
Common Stock	Common Stock Holders of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”) have one vote per share. Holders of the Company’s Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B Common Stock”) have ten votes per share. The Company’s Class A Common Stock has no conversion rights, and the Company’s Class B Common Stock can be converted to Class A Common Stock at any time with a conversion ratio of one share of Class A Common Stock for one share of Class B Common Stock. Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends equally on a per share basis. All actions submitted to a vote of stockholders are voted on by holders of Class A Common Stock (with one vote per share) and Class B Common Stock (with ten votes per share) voting together as a single class, except for the election of directors. With respect to the election of directors, holders of Class A Common Stock vote together as a separate class and are entitled to elect 25% of the total number of directors constituting the whole Board of Directors and, if such 25% is not a whole number, then the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, are entitled to elect the nearest higher whole number of directors that is at least 25% of the total number of directors. Holders of Class B Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, are entitled to elect the remaining directors. In addition, members of the Dolan family group are parties to a Stockholders Agreement, which has the effect of causing the voting power of the Class B stockholders to be cast as a block on all matters to be voted on by holders of the Company’s Class B Common Stock.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842, Leases, on July 1, 2019 (“Adoption Date”), which superseded the lease recognition requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. The Company applied the modified retrospective approach and effective date method. The Company elected the package of practical expedients, permitted under the transition guidance in the new standard, which among other things allowed for the carry forward of the historical classification of leases. The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition of operating lease liabilities of approximately $18,700 and operating lease right-of-use assets of the same amount as of Adoption Date. The historical net lease liabilities balances as of Adoption Date were eliminated as an offset to the operating lease right-of-use assets, resulting in net lease assets of approximately $16,300. The new standard did not impact the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows. See Note 8 for further discussion regarding leases.
Recently Issued Acounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, and subsequent ASUs that amended the application of ASU No. 2016-13, which introduces a new impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, the Company will be required to use a forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace the current “incurred loss” model and generally will result in earlier recognition of allowances for losses. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation — Retirement Benefits — Defined Benefit Plans — General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which removes, adds, or clarifies disclosure requirements relating to defined benefit plans to improve disclosure effectiveness. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied retroactively to all periods presented. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-02, Entertainment — Films — Other Assets — Film Costs (Subtopic 926-20) and Entertainment — Broadcasters — Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Subtopic 920-350): Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials, which amends ASC Subtopic 920-350 to align the accounting for production costs of an episodic television series with that for the costs of producing films. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The standard is to be applied prospectively to all periods presented. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This ASU eliminates certain exceptions to the general approach in ASC Topic 740 and includes methods of simplification to the existing guidance. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied prospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. This standard was effective upon issuance, and may be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements, if elected.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of MSG Networks Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amount of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amount of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, investments, goodwill, other long-lived assets, pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and the related net periodic benefit cost, tax accruals, and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, rights fees expense, income tax benefit (expense), performance and share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, litigation matters, and other matters. Management believes its use of estimates in the consolidated financial statements to be reasonable.

Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors. Due to the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, in March 2020, the 2019-20 NBA and NHL seasons were suspended. On May 26, 2020, the NHL announced that the 2019-20 regular season was complete and that certain teams would return to play post-season games. The Rangers and the Islanders, but not the Devils or the Sabres, participated in such post-season games. On June 4, 2020, the NBA announced that certain teams would return to play for the purpose of determining post-season participation and seeding, but not the Knicks. The NHL and NBA plans for resumption of play would have each league ending its respective post-season in October 2020, which would delay the start of each league's 2020-21 season.

Our estimates have been prepared based on these facts, and we will continue to monitor updates made by the NBA and NHL with regards to league play and the impact on the Company’s use of estimates. The Company adjusts such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management’s best judgment at a point in time and as such, these estimates may ultimately differ from actual results. Changes in estimates resulting from weakness in the economic environment or other factors beyond the Company’s control, including government and league actions taken to contain or mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements in future periods.

Revenue Recognition

The Company generates revenues principally from affiliation fees charged to cable, satellite, telephone, and other platforms (“Distributors”) for the right to carry its networks, as well as from the sale of advertising. The Company’s advertising revenue is largely derived from the sale of inventory in its live professional sports programming, as such, a disproportionate share of this revenue has historically been earned in the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters. The Company’s revenue recognition policies that describe the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty associated with each major source of revenue from contracts with customers are described in Note 3.

Direct Operating Expenses

Direct operating expenses primarily represent media rights fees, and other direct programming and production costs, such as the salaries of on-air personalities, producers, directors, technicians, writers and other creative staff, as well as expenses associated with location costs, remote facilities and maintaining studios, origination, and transmission services and facilities.

The professional team media rights acquired under media rights agreements to telecast various sporting events and other programming for exhibition on MSG Networks are typically expensed on a straight-line basis over the applicable annual contract or license period.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising costs are typically charged to expense when incurred. The Company enters into nonmonetary transactions, primarily with its Distributors, that involve the exchange of advertising and promotional benefits, for the Company’s services. Total advertising costs classified in selling, general and administrative expenses were $20,406, $18,249, and $11,229 for the years ended June 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions. Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets depends upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income to allow for the realization of its deductible temporary differences. If such estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company measures its deferred tax liability with regard to MSGN Holdings, L.P. (“MSGN L.P.”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company through which the Company conducts substantially all of its operations, based on the difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount for financial reporting purposes; this is commonly referred to as the outside basis difference. Interest and penalties, if any, associated with uncertain tax positions are included in income tax expense. The Company accounts for investment tax credits, if any, using the “flow-through” method, under which the tax benefit generated from an investment tax credit is recorded in the period the credit is generated.

Investment in Nonconsolidated Entity

The Company’s investment in a nonconsolidated entity, which is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, does not have a readily determinable fair value. As such, the Company has elected to account for it at cost, which would be adjusted for impairment and changes resulting from observable price fluctuations in orderly transactions for an identical or a similar investment of the same issuer (referred to as the measurement alternative method). Investments accounted for under the measurement alternative method are classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy. As of June 30, 2020, the carrying amount of the Company’s equity investment in the nonconsolidated entity was $2,000, and the Company did not identify any potential adjustments to the cost of its investment through June 30, 2020.

Share-based Compensation

The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity-based instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. Share-based compensation cost is recognized in earnings over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, except for restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted to non-employee directors which, unless otherwise provided under the applicable award agreement, are fully vested, and are expensed at the grant date. The Company has elected to recognize share-based compensation cost for graded vesting awards with only service conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold highly liquid securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or is at fair value. Checks outstanding in excess of related book balances are included in accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company presents the change in these book cash overdrafts as cash flows from operating activities.

Accounts Receivable

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible accounts receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on the Company’s analysis of receivables aging, specific identification of certain receivables that are at risk of not being paid, historical collection experience and other factors. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts was $1,418 and $1,169 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets

The Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets consist of goodwill, amortizable intangible assets, and property and equipment.

Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is not amortized. Identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the asset’s estimated useful life. The useful lives of the Company’s long-lived assets are based on estimates of the period over which the Company expects the assets to be of economic benefit to the Company. In estimating the useful lives the Company considers factors such as, but not limited to, risk of obsolescence, anticipated use, plans of the Company, and applicable laws.

Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of August 31^st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. If the Company can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company does not need to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test for that reporting unit. If the Company cannot support such a conclusion or the Company does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment, then the Company would perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative goodwill impairment test, used to identify both the existence of impairment and the amount of impairment loss, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The Company has one reporting unit for evaluating goodwill impairment.

The Company reviews other long-lived assets (including intangible assets that are amortized and property and equipment) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets, the fair value of the asset group is determined and the carrying value of the asset group is written down to fair value.

In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets, the Company must make estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These estimates

and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve significant uncertainties and judgments and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. If these estimates or material related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges related to its long-lived and/or indefinite-lived assets.

Contingencies

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan

As more fully described in Note 12, the Company has both funded and unfunded defined benefit plans, as well as a contributory welfare plan, covering certain full-time employees and retirees. The expense recognized by the Company is determined using certain assumptions, including the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return, and rate of compensation increases, among others. The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans (other than multiemployer plans) as an asset or liability in the consolidated balance sheets and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income (loss).

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) is based upon net income (loss) available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the effect of the assumed vesting of RSUs and exercise of stock options (see Note 13) only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive.

Common Stock

Holders of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”) have one vote per share. Holders of the Company’s Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class B Common Stock”) have ten votes per share. The Company’s Class A Common Stock has no conversion rights, and the Company’s Class B Common Stock can be converted to Class A Common Stock at any time with a conversion ratio of one share of Class A Common Stock for one share of Class B Common Stock. Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends equally on a per share basis. All actions submitted to a vote of stockholders are voted on by holders of Class A Common Stock (with one vote per share) and Class B Common Stock (with ten votes per share) voting together as a single class, except for the election of directors. With respect to the election of directors, holders of Class A Common Stock vote together as a separate class and are entitled to elect 25% of the total number of directors constituting the whole Board of Directors and, if such 25% is not a whole number, then the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, are entitled to elect the nearest higher whole number of directors that is at least 25% of the total number of directors. Holders of Class B Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, are entitled to elect the remaining directors. In addition, members of the Dolan family group are parties to a Stockholders Agreement, which has the effect of causing the voting power of the Class B stockholders to be cast as a block on all matters to be voted on by holders of the Company’s Class B Common Stock.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842, Leases, on July 1, 2019 (“Adoption Date”), which superseded the lease recognition requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. The Company applied the modified retrospective approach and effective date method. The Company elected the package of practical expedients, permitted under the transition guidance in the new standard, which among other things allowed for the carry forward of the historical classification of leases. The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition of operating lease liabilities of approximately $18,700 and operating lease right-of-use assets of the same amount as of Adoption Date. The historical net lease liabilities balances as of Adoption Date were eliminated as an offset to the operating lease right-of-use assets, resulting in net lease assets of approximately $16,300. The new standard did not impact the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows. See Note 8 for further discussion regarding leases.

Recently Issued Acounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, and subsequent ASUs that amended the application of ASU No. 2016-13, which introduces a new impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, the Company will be required to use a forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace the current “incurred loss” model and generally will result in earlier recognition of allowances for losses. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation — Retirement Benefits — Defined Benefit Plans — General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which removes, adds, or clarifies disclosure requirements relating to defined benefit plans to improve disclosure effectiveness. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied retroactively to all periods presented. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-02, Entertainment — Films — Other Assets — Film Costs (Subtopic 926-20) and Entertainment — Broadcasters — Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Subtopic 920-350): Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials, which amends ASC Subtopic 920-350 to align the accounting for production costs of an episodic television series with that for the costs of producing films. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The standard is to be applied prospectively to all periods presented. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This ASU eliminates certain exceptions to the general approach in ASC Topic 740 and includes methods of simplification to the existing guidance. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied prospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. This standard was effective upon issuance, and may be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements, if elected.