Revenue Recognition

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Note 2. Revenue Recognition

The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate our revenue:

Subscriber revenue: We enter into arrangements with multi-channel video distributors, such as cable, satellite and telecommunications companies (referred to as “MVPDs”) to provide a continuous feed of our programming generally based on a per subscriber fee pursuant to multi-year contracts, referred to as “affiliation agreements”, which typically provide for annual rate increases. We have used the practical expedient related to the right to invoice and recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed. The specific subscriber revenue we earn varies from period to period, distributor to distributor and also vary among our Networks, but are generally based upon the number of each distributor’s paying subscribers who subscribe to our Networks. Changes in subscriber revenue are primarily derived from changes in contractual per subscriber rates charged for our Networks and changes in the number of subscribers. MVPDs report their subscriber numbers to us generally on a two month lag. We record revenue based on estimates of the number of subscribers utilizing the most recently received remittance reporting of each MVPD, which is consistent with our past practice and industry practice. Revenue is recognized on a month by month basis when the performance obligations to provide service to the MVPDs is satisfied. Payment is typically received within sixty days of the remittance.

Advertising revenue: Advertising revenue is generated from the sale of commercial time, which is typically sold pursuant to sale orders with advertisers providing for an agreed upon commitment and price per spot. We recognize revenue from the sale of advertising as performance obligations are satisfied upon airing of the advertising; therefore, revenue is recognized at a point in time when each advertising spot is transmitted. Agency fees are calculated based on a stated percentage applied to gross billing revenue for our advertising inventory and are reported as a reduction of advertising revenue. Payment is typically due and received within thirty days of the invoice date.

Other revenue: Other revenue is derived primarily through the licensing of content to third parties. We enter into agreements to license content and recognize revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied and control is transferred, which is generally upon delivery of the content.

The following table presents the revenues disaggregated by revenue source (amounts in thousands):

	Three months ended March 31,
Revenues by type	2021		2020
Subscriber revenue	$	19,949	$	19,833
Advertising revenue		15,906		11,816
Other revenue		1,722		760
Total revenue	$	37,577	$	32,409