SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").

The significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CME Ltd. and our subsidiaries, after the elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. Entities in which we hold less than a majority voting interest but over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. Other investments are accounted for using the cost method.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain amounts included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for 2010 and 2009 have been adjusted or reclassified to conform to the 2011 financial statements presentation. In the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, we increased disclosure to present amounts for the adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities relating to the amortization of program rights, the loss on extinguishment of debt, the change in deferred revenue, and the change in accrued interest, as well as the payment of debt issuance costs under cash flows from financing activities, and have presented the comparative amounts for all periods presented. In Note 6, "Program Rights", we presented the categories of television and feature film produced program rights relating to released, completed but not released, in production and under development for the comparative period. We also reclassified comparative period payables to related parties in Note 10, "Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities" and Note 11, "Other Liabilities".

We have adjusted the gross goodwill balances for three reporting units within the MPE operating segment as at December 31, 2010. The purchase price allocation and foreign currency adjustments recorded during 2010 presented US$ 4.5 million in the production services reporting unit and US$ 0.8 million in the distribution reporting unit, which are now presented in the fiction and reality and entertainment reporting unit. This adjustment is considered immaterial to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and had no effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery of products has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. A bad debt provision is maintained for estimated losses resulting from our customers' inability to make payments.

Revenues are recognized net of discounts and customer sales incentives. Our principal revenue streams and their respective accounting treatments are discussed below:

Advertising revenue

Revenues primarily result from the sale of advertising time. Television advertising revenue is recognized as the commercials are aired. In many countries, we commit to provide advertisers with certain rating levels in connection with their advertising. Revenue is recorded net of estimated shortfalls, which are usually settled by providing the advertiser additional advertising time. Discounts and agency commissions are recognized at the point when the advertising is broadcast and are reflected as a reduction to gross revenue. Display advertising on our websites is recognized as impressions are delivered. Impressions are delivered when an advertisement appears in pages viewed by users.

Program distribution revenue

Program distribution revenue is recognized when the relevant agreement has been entered into, the product is available to telecast or for delivery, the license period has begun, collectability of the cash is reasonably assured and all of our contractual obligations have been satisfied. Revenues from home video sales are recognized at the later of the delivery date or the date that video units are made widely available for sale or rental by retailers based on gross sales less a provision for estimated returns. Theatrical revenues are recognized as the films are exhibited.

Subscription revenues

Subscriber fees from cable operators and direct-to-home broadcasters are recognized as revenue over the period for which the channels are provided and to which the fees relate. Subscriber revenue is recognized as contracted, based upon the level of subscribers.

Barter transactions

We enter into barter transactions which represent advertising time or other services exchanged for non-cash goods and/or other services, such as promotional items, advertising, supplies and equipment. Revenue from barter transactions is recognized as income when the services have been provided. Expenses are recognized when goods or services are received or used. We record barter transactions at the fair value of goods or services received or advertising surrendered, whichever is more readily determinable. Barter revenue amounted to US$ 2.3 million, US$ 2.7 million and US$ 2.9 million for the years ending December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less. Cash that is subject to restrictions is classified as restricted cash.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives assigned to each major asset category as below:



Asset category	Estimated useful life
Land	Indefinite
Buildings	25 years
Machinery, fixtures and equipment	4 - 8 years
Other equipment	3 - 8 years
Software licenses	3 - 5 years

Construction-in-progress is not depreciated until put into use. Capital leases are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the related lease term or the life of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value, less expected costs of disposal.

Long-Lived Assets Including Intangible Assets with Finite Lives

Long-lived assets include property, plant, equipment and intangible assets with finite lives.

We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The carrying values of long-lived assets are considered impaired when the anticipated undiscounted cash flows from such assets are less than their carrying values. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value.

Program Rights

Purchased program rights

Purchased program rights and the related liabilities are recorded at their gross value when the license period begins and the programs are available for broadcast.

Purchased program rights are classified as current or non-current assets based on anticipated usage, while the related program rights liability is classified as current or non-current according to the payment terms of the license agreement.

Program rights are evaluated to determine if expected revenues are sufficient to cover the unamortized portion of the program. To the extent that expected revenues are insufficient, the program rights are written down to their net realizable value.

The costs incurred to acquire program rights are capitalized and amortized over their expected useful lives in a manner which reflects the pattern we expect to use and benefit from the programming. If the initial airing of content allowed by a license is expected to provide more value than subsequent airings, we apply an accelerated method of amortization. These accelerated methods of amortization depend on the estimated number of runs the content is expected to receive, and are determined based on a study of historical results for similar programming. For programming that is not advertising supported, each program's costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the license period. For content that is expected to be aired only once, the entire cost is recognized as expense on the first run.

During the third quarter of 2011, we concluded a comprehensive examination of the appropriateness of our program rights policy. This review included a study of the relative value generated by all runs of a license in past periods. We concluded that the existing allocation for films and series with an estimated two runs of 65% on showing the first run and 35% on showing the second run was still appropriate. However, past performance showed that content with an estimated three runs generated more relative value on the third run than our previous estimate. Consequently, from July 1, 2011 these titles were amortized 50% on showing the first run, 28% on showing the second run and 22% on showing the third run. The impact of this change is a lower amortization charge of approximately US$ 3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Had we continued with our estimate to amortize content with an estimated three runs by 60% on the first run, 30% on the second run and 10% on the third run from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 our net loss attributable to CME Ltd., basic net loss per common share and diluted net loss per common share would have been US$ (178.5) million, US$ (2.77) and US$ (2.77), respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Produced program rights

Program rights that are produced by us consist of deferred film and television costs including direct costs, production overhead and development costs. The costs are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. The amount of capitalized production costs recognized as cost of revenues for a given production as it is exhibited in various markets is determined using the film forecast method. The proportion of costs recognized is equal to the proportion of the revenue recognized compared to the total revenue expected to be generated throughout the product's life cycle (the “ultimate revenues”). Our process for evaluating ultimate revenues is tailored to the potential we believe a title has for generating multiple revenues. The majority of our production is intended primarily for exploitation by our own broadcasters. In such cases, we consider mainly the free television window in our calculation of the ultimate revenues. For produced and acquired feature films or other projects where we have a supportable expectation of generating multiple revenue streams, we base our estimates of ultimate revenues for each film on factors such as the historical performance of similar films, the star power of the actors and actresses, the rating and genre of the film, pre-release market research (including test market screenings) and the expected number of theaters in which the film will be released. These estimates are updated based on information available on the progress of the film's production and upon release, the actual results of each film.

Produced program rights are amortized on an individual production basis using the ratio of the current period's gross revenues to estimated remaining total ultimate revenues from such programs. Such program rights are stated at the lower of cost less accumulated amortization or fair value. Produced program rights are evaluated to determine if expected revenues, less additional costs to be incurred (including exploitation costs) are sufficient to cover the unamortized portion of the program. To the extent that expected revenues are insufficient, the program rights are written down to their fair value.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration paid over the fair value of net tangible and other identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination.

We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment exists when the carrying value of a reporting unit (including its goodwill), exceeds its fair value after adjusting for any impairments of long-lived assets or indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Goodwill impairment is measured as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its implied fair value, which is calculated by deducting the fair value of all assets, including recognized and unrecognized intangible assets from the fair value of the reporting unit. We have three operating segments, which are also our reportable segments as described in Note 18, “Segment Data”. We have determined that we have ten reporting units whose fair value is determined based on estimates of future cash flows discounted at appropriate rates and on publicly available information, where appropriate. In the assessment of discounted future cash flows the following data is used: management plans for a period of at least five years, a terminal value at the end of this period assuming an inflationary perpetual growth rate, and a discount rate selected with reference to the relevant cost of capital.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of certain acquired broadcast licenses and trademarks. Broadcast licenses are assigned indefinite lives after consideration of the following conditions:


•	We intend to renew the licenses into the foreseeable future and we have precedents of renewals or reasonable expectation of renewals;


•	We do not expect any substantial cost to be incurred as part of a future license renewal and no costs have been incurred in the renewals to date; and


•	We have not experienced any historical evidence of a compelling challenge to our holding these licenses.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized. We evaluate indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value.

During the annual review for impairment, we evaluated the criteria listed above and determined that the indefinite life assertion for acquired broadcast licenses was no longer appropriate. As a result, we evaluated the licenses for impairment and will prospectively amortize the balance over the remaining useful lives as described in Note 4, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets". Also, we changed our estimate of the remaining useful lives of certain amortized broadcast licenses, and will prospectively amortize the carrying values as of January 1, 2012 over the remaining period. The impact of these changes is included in the disclosure of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, included in Note 4, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets".

On January 1, 2011, the Company adopted guidance issued in December 2010, which modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test after assessing whether or not it is more likely than not that the reporting units’ goodwill is impaired. In determining whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, any adverse qualitative factors indicating that impairment may exist are to be considered. The amendments in this guidance did not impact our financial position or results of operations.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts which are more likely than not to be realized. In evaluating the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations.

We recognize in the Consolidated Financial Statements those tax positions determined to be “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the positions and we recognize, when applicable, both accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Foreign Currency

Translation of financial statements

Our reporting currency and functional currency is the dollar. The financial statements of our operations whose functional currency is other than the dollar are translated from such functional currency to dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities, and at weighted average rates for the period for revenues and expenses, including gains and losses. Translational gains and losses are charged or credited to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss), a component of Equity.

Transactions in foreign currencies

Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in foreign currency exchange (loss) / gain, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the period during which they arise.

Leases

Leases are classified as either capital or operating. Those leases that transfer substantially all benefits and risks of ownership of the property to us are accounted for as capital leases. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases.

Capital leases are accounted for as assets and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Commitments to repay the principal amounts arising under capital lease obligations are included in current liabilities to the extent that the amount is repayable within one year; otherwise the principal is included in non-current liabilities. The capitalized lease obligation reflects the present value of future lease payments. The financing element of the lease payments is charged to interest expense over the term of the lease.

Operating lease costs are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Financial Instruments

Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying value of financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. The fair value of our Senior Debt (as defined hereinafter) is included in Note 5, “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”.

Derivative financial instruments

We use derivative financial instruments for the purpose of mitigating currency risks, which exist as part of ongoing business operations. As a policy, we do not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor do we hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps are used to mitigate exposures to currency fluctuations on certain short-term transactions generally denominated in currencies other than our functional currency. These contracts are marked to market at the balance sheet date, and the resultant unrealized gains and losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, together with realized gains and losses arising on settlement of these contracts.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is recognized at fair value. We calculate the fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and recognize the compensation cost over the vesting period of the award.

Contingencies

The estimated loss from a loss contingency such as a legal proceeding or claim is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Disclosure of a loss contingency is made if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred.

Discontinued Operations

We present our results of operations, financial position and cash flows of operations that have either been sold or that meet the criteria for "held-for-sale accounting" as discontinued operations if the cash flows associated with the group of assets will be significantly eliminated from the ongoing operations of the Company and we will have no significant continuing involvement in the group of assets after the disposal transaction. At the time an operation qualifies for held-for-sale accounting, the operation is evaluated to determine whether or not the carrying value exceeds its fair value less cost to sell. Any loss as a result of carrying value in excess of fair value less cost to sell is recorded in the period the operation meets held-for-sale accounting. Management judgment is required to (1) assess the criteria required to meet held-for-sale accounting, and (2) estimate fair value. Changes to the operation could cause it to no longer qualify for held-for-sale accounting and changes to fair value could result in an increase or decrease to previously recognized losses.

On April 7, 2010, we completed the sale of our former operations in Ukraine to Harley Trading Limited, a company beneficially owned by Igor Kolomoisky, a CME Ltd. shareholder and a former member of our Board of Directors, for total consideration of US$ 308.0 million. The results of our former Ukraine operations have therefore been accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Summarized operating results for the years ending December 31, 2010 and 2009 for the Ukraine disposal group are as follows:



	For the Years Ending December 31,
	2010			2009
Revenues	$	16,888		$	32,083
Cost of revenues	(19,473		)	(70,257		)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(2,223		)	(6,301		)
Operating loss	(4,808		)	(44,475		)
Foreign exchange gain	891			(458		)
Other income	25			171
Loss before tax	(3,892		)	(44,762		)
Gain on sale	217,619			—
Provision for income tax	(30		)	7,938
Income from discontinued operations	$	213,697		$	(36,824	)

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense incurred for the years ending December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 totaled US$ 7.6 million, US$ 8.6 million and US$ 12.5 million, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period calculated using the treasury stock method.

Business Combinations

When we acquire a business, we allocate the purchase price to the various components of the acquisition based upon the fair value of each component. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. A gain may be recognized to the extent the purchase price is less than the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Transaction costs related to the acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred.

On January 1, 2011, we adopted guidance issued in December 2010, which clarifies the acquisition date that should be used for reporting the pro forma financial information disclosures when comparative financial statements are presented. The amendments specify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The guidance also requires a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments that are directly attributable to the business combination(s). This guidance will impact our disclosures for future significant acquisitions, but there has been no impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, guidance was issued which represents clarifications of common principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. It also includes instances where a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value has changed. The guidance is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2011, guidance was issued which gives entities the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Our Consolidated Financial Statements already present the components of net income and other comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive statements. In December 2011, additional guidance was released deferring the requirement to present reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.

In September 2011, guidance was issued to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment by providing an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is not necessary. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance will impact how we perform our goodwill testing, but not the amount of impairment recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements if goodwill is found to be impaired.

In December 2011, guidance was issued requiring entities to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after January 1, 2013. We do not engage in speculative trading and the adoption of this guidance will not impact our Consolidated Balance Sheet.