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Commitments And Contingencies
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Dec. 31, 2011
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| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitments And Contingencies |
Commitments and Contingencies
Film Rights
Starz has entered into agreements with a number of motion picture producers which obligate Starz to pay fees ("Programming Fees") for the rights to exhibit certain films that are released by these producers. In March 2010, Starz entered into a new, exclusive long-term licensing agreement for theatrically released films from the Disney studios through 2015, which provides Starz with exclusive pay TV rights to exhibit qualifying theatrically released live-action and animated feature films from Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney-Pixar, Touchstone Pictures, Marvel Entertainment and Hollywood Pictures labels. Theatrically released films from DreamWorks Studios and Miramax Films will not be licensed to us under the new agreement. In addition, we are obligated to pay programming fees for all qualifying films that are released theatrically in the United States by Sony's Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems and Sony Pictures Classics ("Sony") through 2016, subject to certain limitations. Films are generally available to Starz for exhibition 8-12 months after their theatrical release. The Programming Fees to be paid by Starz are based on the quantity and the domestic theatrical exhibition receipts of qualifying films.
The unpaid balance of Programming Fees for films that were available for exhibition by Starz at December 31, 2011 is reflected as a liability, in other liabilities, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The balance due as of December 31, 2011 is payable as follows: $64 million in 2011 and $2 million in 2012.
Under the above output agreements, Starz is also obligated to pay fees for the rights to exhibit films that have been released theatrically, but are not available for exhibition by Starz until some future date. These amounts have not been accrued at December 31, 2011. In addition,, Starz has agreed to pay Sony a total of $142.5 million in three remaining annual installments of $47.5 million with the next installment due at the beginning of 2012. In December 2008, Starz entered into a new agreement with Sony requiring $120 million in three equal annual installments beginning in 2015. Starz's estimate of amounts payable for rights to future programming (that have been released), including the Disney and Sony agreements, is as follows: $443 million in 2012; $129 million in 2013; $73 million in 2014; $59 million in 2015; $51 million in 2016 and $59 million thereafter.
Starz is also obligated to pay fees for films that have not been released in theatres. Starz is unable to estimate the amounts to be paid under these output agreements for films that have not yet been released in theatres; however, such amounts are expected to be significant.
Guarantees
The Company guarantees Starz's obligations under certain of its studio output agreements. At December 31, 2011, the Company's guarantees for obligations for films released by such date aggregated $511 million. While the guarantee amount for films not yet released is not determinable, such amount is expected to be significant. As noted above, Starz has recognized the liability for a portion of its obligations under the output agreements. As this represents a direct commitment of Starz, a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, the Company has not recorded a separate indirect liability for its guarantee of these obligations.
In connection with agreements for the sale of assets by the Company or its subsidiaries, the Company may retain liabilities that relate to events occurring prior to its sale, such as tax, environmental, litigation and employment matters. The Company generally indemnifies the purchaser in the event that a third party asserts a claim against the purchaser that relates to a liability retained by the Company. These types of indemnification obligations may extend for a number of years. The Company is unable to estimate the maximum potential liability for these types of indemnification obligations as the sale agreements may not specify a maximum amount and the amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events, the nature and likelihood of which cannot be determined at this time. Historically, the Company has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements and no amount has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification guarantees.
Employment Contracts
The Atlanta Braves and certain of their players and coaches have entered into long-term employment contracts whereby such individuals' compensation is guaranteed. Amounts due under guaranteed contracts as of December 31, 2011 aggregated $107 million, which is payable as follows: $61 million in 2012, $20 million in 2013, $13 million in 2014, $13 million in 2015. In addition to the foregoing amounts, certain players and coaches may earn incentive compensation under the terms of their employment contracts.
Operating Leases
The Company leases business offices, has entered into satellite transponder lease agreements and uses certain equipment under lease arrangements. Rental expense under such arrangements amounted to $16 million, $18 million and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
A summary of future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2011 follows (amounts in millions):
It is expected that in the normal course of business, leases that expire generally will be renewed or replaced by leases on other properties; thus, it is anticipated that future lease commitments will not be less than the amount shown for 2011.
Litigation
The Company has contingent liabilities related to legal and tax proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible the Company may incur losses upon conclusion of such matters, an estimate of any loss or range of loss cannot be made. In the opinion of management, it is expected that amounts, if any, which may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Other
During the period from March 9, 1999 to August 10, 2001, Liberty was included in the consolidated federal income tax return of AT&T and was a party to a tax sharing agreement with AT&T (the ''AT&T Tax Sharing Agreement''). Pursuant to the AT&T Tax Sharing Agreement and in connection with Liberty's split off from AT&T in 2001, AT&T was required to pay Liberty an amount equal to 35% of the amount of the net operating losses reflected in TCI's final federal income tax return ("TCI NOLs") that had not been used as an offset to Liberty's obligations under the AT&T Tax Sharing Agreement and that had been, or were reasonably expected to be, utilized by AT&T. For accounting purposes Liberty has accrued a portion of the amounts claimed by AT&T to be owed by Liberty under the AT&T Tax Sharing Agreement, although Liberty believes there are valid defenses or set-off or similar rights in its favor that may cause the total amount that it owes AT&T to be less than the amounts accrued; and under certain interpretations of the AT&T Tax Sharing Agreement, Liberty may be entitled to further reimbursements from AT&T.
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