1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 14 - General Session (sponsored by Deloitte)

Keynote #1: Kevin Westcott,Vice Chairman Principal, US Telecom, Media & Entertainment Lead, Deloitte

Keynote #2: Brian Bark, SVP, CIO, Sinclair Broadcast Group

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Part I – 2020 Media and Entertainment Industry Outlook 
This year has created enormous uncertainty and change for media and entertainment, and asked questions with no obvious answers. Which changes will persist? What will the new world look like? How will people and firms adapt? As most companies manage their recovery strategies they will be presented with opportunities to learn from the disruption and emerge stronger. Kevin Westcott, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP and US leader of telecommunications, media and entertainment, explores how some companies are evolving their engagement strategies with consumers as media consumption, advertising, content creation, sports and live entertainment face the new realities.  

Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of their legal structure. 
 
Part II – Get FIT For the Future
As companies begin to create, rethink, or reimagine their digital strategies, how are technologies such as cloud, machine learning, and blockchain helping them accelerate their pursuit? Sinclair’s Chief Information Officer, Brian Bark, will help us understand the fundamentals and shape the current environment as we get FIT (Finance/IT) for the future.

 

(SKA/1 CPE/O)

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 15 - Consumer Trends and Demographics of Those Who Stream
Moderator: Debbie Neveau, Warner Bros.
Panelists: Tobias Queisser, Cinelytic; Catharine Burhenne, Reelgood;  and Alex von Krogh, TV Time
Who is streaming and how are those usage trends changing?  What surprises and opportunities lie in the demographics?  How will the data be different in five years? 

(MAS/1 CPE/U)

2:00pm - 3:50pm Eastern/1:00pm - 2:50pm Central

• RT5 - CFO Roundtable, Invitation Only
  Sponsored by: Bond & Pecaro & KPMG

Moderators:  David Offenberg, PhD, Loyola Marymount University
Marie Tedesco, Beasley Media Group; Kent Nate, Bonneville International; Doug Lyons, The E. W. Scripps Company

 

In the first part of this two-part discussion, Professor David Offenberg of Loyola Marymount University will discuss systematic changes in the media industries. 

The second part will be a moderated discussion covering issues important to the media’s most-senior financial executives. Topics to be discussed include health insurance/employee benefits, employee retention and recruitment, security, the impact of new lease accounting standards, as well as an open forum to discuss other subjects of current concern to participants. Please come prepared with thoughts and questions.

(F/2 CPE/A)

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1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 16 - Robotic Process Automation [PRESENTATION]
(Sponsored by WideOrbit)
Moderator: Mike Lavey, Tribune Publishing 

Panelists: Cynthia Herndon, Tribune Publishing; Katy Wolf, Gannett Co., Jennifer Ellmer, Gannett/USA Today Networks

By now, everyone is familiar with Robotic Process Automation “RPA” and its promise to eliminate all the mundane, manuals tasks in our finance shops.  But the question is, how does one identify all those tasks, quantify the potential savings, and prioritize potential RPA projects?  Please join our panelists as they share the processes they have followed to maximize the impact of RPA in their operations beyond just the easily identified low hanging fruit.
(CS/1 CPE/U)

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 17 - Music Licensing By The Numbers
Panelists:  Janet McHugh, Television Music License Committee; Bill Velez, Radio Music License Committee; and Nicole Gustafson, NAB
Local Radio and TV broadcasters pay hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the PROs – ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR.  Bill Velez, Executive Director of the RMLC, and Janet McHugh, Executive Director of the TVMLC, will discuss music license fees now and in the future i.e. why you pay what you pay and whether you can expect fee adjustments in the future.  They will also give you news from Capitol Hill such as the US Department of Justice’s ongoing review of the ASCAP and BMI Consent Decrees.  Join us for an interesting and lively discussion.

(SKA/1 CPE/A)

11:00am - 12:00pm Eastern/10:00am - 11:00am Central
Session 18 -The Digital Economy – US & Global Taxation and Potential Margin [PRESENTATION]
Panelists:  Reid Okimoto, KPMG LLP; Jeremy Gray, KPMG LLP

With the explosion of downloaded and online content, media, gaming, sports and entertainment, jurisdictions throughout the US and the world have greatly expanded the taxation of these revenue streams and transactions, despite inherent complexities and challenges.  Companies that fail to appropriately charge and collect taxes from customers located throughout the US and the globe may be left on the hook, incurring unexpected taxes and penalties, and eroding margins.  In this session, Reid Okimoto, Principal in KPMG’s State and Local Tax Practice and Jeremy Gray, Managing Director, will discuss growing trends in the taxation of the broader digital economy, comparing approaches followed by US state and local jurisdictions on transactional taxes with the broader Value Added Tax considerations applied by countries around the globe.

(T/1  CPE/U)

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1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 19 - Automation – Governance, Risks and Controls [PRESENTATION]
Moderator: Greg Page, Tribune Publishing

Panelist:  Kelly Combs Eshelman, KPMG LLP
While the potential for benefits from automation such as robotic process automation is great, so are the risk-related implications of this technology. How does management know what these automations are doing, or when they start to get off track? Have the right controls been put in place to mitigate key risks?  Will it meet audit requirements?  In this session we discuss the importance of governance, risk and control considerations for organizations implementing and managing automation/RPA.

(CS/1 CPE/U) 

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 20 - Lease Accounting – Lessons Learned (sponsored by Deloitte)
Moderator:  Ashok Parmar, Deloitte
Panelists: Ana Occhiuzzi, Hearst Television; and Matt Waters, CoStar Group

With public companies now operating under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 842, the new lease accounting standard, their efforts to implement the standard hold lessons for private companies preparing to adopt this standard as well as share best practices to those companies who have recently adopted.  This session will explore best practices and lessons learned, technology solutions, SEC feedback and ongoing disclosure and controls.

(AC/1 CPE/I)  

2:00pm - 3:50pm Eastern/1:00pm - 2:50pm Central

RT6 - Workplace Culture & Diversity- Young Professionals Roundtable
Moderators:  Carrie Heffernan, Bonneville International; Ryan Laninga, Bonneville International
Join the YP committee for a group discussion on subjects related to young professionals and working with them in the media industry today. This year’s topics will include workplace culture, diversity & inclusion, and leadership & development. Open to conference attendees of all ages.

​(MAS/2 CPE/O)

1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 21 - Games Industry Valuation
Moderator:  Mark Mondello, Duff & Phelps, LLC 
Panelist:  Arya Rahimian, Duff & Phelps, LLC 
The video game industry ecosystem had another year of rapid change. The last year saw high volatility among public video game stocks, new and evolving business models, tightened regulation in China, and the rise of Fortnite. One thing remains consistent: video games continue to occupy more of consumers’ media consumption time. This session will be a year-in-review in M&A, public market activity, and trends in the video industry, with some commentary on what to look for in the future.

(SKA/1  CPE/I)

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 22 - The Move to Impressions-Based Selling (Sponsored by Szabo Associates, Inc.) [PRESENTATION]

Moderator: Tracy Clark, Hearst Television
Panelists: John McMorrow, Cox Reps ; Dustin Snyder, KQCA/Hearst Digital; Paul LeFort, Nielsen; Rebecca Rogers, Innocean Worldwide/Americas
The local TV industry is moving quickly to make Impressions-based transactions the coin of the realm. Increasing fragmentation and expanding for this transformation. Using Impressions gives consistent metrics that Buyers & Sellers can agree upon, such as a deeper set of programs to reach target audiences & deliver fundamental measures like Reach and Frequency. Please join our panelists from Nielsen, CoxReps, and the agency and station side for a lively discussion of what impression-based selling means to them.

(SKA/1 CPE/O) 

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4:00pm - 4:30pm Eastern/3:00pm - 3:30pm Central

BMI Concert featuring...Ashland Craft 

Emerging as one of the most exciting new voices in the genre, Ashland Craft is introducing her own brand of edgy Country music. As the first release on Big Loud Records, her Soul-infused vocal roars off the tracks with “Trainwreck.” Craft is set to drop a powerful batch of fresh music, after a Top 10 stint on NBC’s The Voice and opening tour slots for major artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and more. Since relocating to Nashville last year, she has won fans with her no B.S. stamp on independent releases like Country girl anthem "Good Ol' Girls," the cleverly-constructed ode to loneliness "Your Place or Mine," and clear-eyed ballad "They Always Do." A true, lifelong music lover, Craft discovered her honky-tonk spirit and cut her teeth singing Country and Rock covers at a hometown bar in South Carolina, and counts Def Leppard, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Bonnie Raitt, and John Mayer, among her eclectic musical influences.

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Note: Details on how to view will be emailed to conference attendees.

1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 23 - Bankruptcy Update in the Midst of COVID-19 (sponsored by Szabo Associates, Inc.) [PRESENTATION]
Speakers: Wanda Borges, Borges & Associates; Bruce Nathan, Lowenstein Sandler LLP

The Coronavirus Pandemic has impacted the retail, hospitality, and entertainment industries, among others.  Reeling from this current economic slowdown numerous bankruptcy cases have been filed in the past few months and it is anticipated that a huge wave of bankruptcy filings is yet to come. The speakers will discuss what is currently happening in the bankruptcy arena, including changes to the law affecting small business debtors and preference claims, and unprecedented court orders in recent filings. The speakers will then discuss best practices for defending preference claims with some “unique tricks” thrown in.​

(BL/1 CPE/A)

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 24 - Newspaper Valuation 
Moderator:  John Sanders, Bond & Pecaro

Panelist: Sara April, Dirks, Van Essen, Murray & April;  Jonathan Knee, Evercore; Jay Fogarty, Gannett Co.

Until the advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic which disrupted the entire media sector, the newspaper market in 2019-2020 continued to be a paradox of economic headwinds combined with a continuing and significant trading volume as strategic buyers rationalize regional holdings.  A panel of experienced finance professionals and operators will explore newspaper valuation trends in this dynamic and unprecedented marketplace, including major metropolitan and secondary markets.  Additional useful topics will include how deals are being structured, leveraging acquisitions for financial success, digital strategies, and how to maximize the operational benefits of consolidation.

(MAS/1  CPE/A) 

2:00pm - 2:50pm Eastern/1:00pm - 1:50pm Central

RT7A - Tax - Federal Update [PRESENTATION]

Moderator: George Manousos, PwC 

Panelist:  Louis Lazar, PwC ​

Today, tax accounting methods have never been more relevant. The tax environment is quickly evolving, with new regulations, court interpretations and legislation.  The pace of release of detailed and complex regulations under tax reform adds to the potential pitfalls.  In addition, tax accounting methods must now be coordinated with new areas, such as BEAT and GILTI.  This session will focus on accounting methods planning, the recent bonus depreciation regulations, section 163(j), E&P/GILTI planning, and BEAT hot topics, with a focus on media companies.  ​

(T/1 CPE/A) 

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3:00pm -4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

RT7B - Tax - Federal Update  (Invitation Only)

Moderator: Paul Nesterovsky, Sinclair Broadcast Group

This session is limited to In-house tax professionals who will share recent audit and litigation experiences. This roundtable will focus on federal and international income taxes. 

(T/1 CPE/A) 

1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 25 - Around the Labor & Employment World in 50 Minutes [PRESENTATION]

Speaker: Michael Zinser, The Zinser Law Firm 

Employee safety issues arising from employees returning to work following Coronavirus shutdown.  Legal issues involving independent contractors and their eligibility for the $600/week unemployment benefit under federal law.  National Labor Relations Board May 31, 2020 new modifications to union election procedures allowing opportunity for litigation & resolution of voter eligibility issues before the election.  Union organizing trends in newsrooms.

(BL/1  CPE/I)

 

​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 26 - Back to Business with Radio
Speaker:  Dave Chipman, Nielsen

In this session, we will discuss the exact nature of the change in Radio listening behavior due to the COVID-19 pandemic and what the impact of shifting dollars from social to Radio will have. We will also go through the separate waves of a Consumer Study conducted by Nielsen over the last three months. This study shows just what categories will recover first and who could benefit most by utilizing over the air radio. ​

(SKA/1 CPE/O)

1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 27 - Consumers Load Up on Entertainment Subscriptions (sponsored by Deloitte)
Introductions:  Darren Wilson, Deloitte

Speaker:  Hanish Patel, Deloitte and Kevin Downs, Deloitte Consulting

As media and entertainment companies adjust to a new operating environment, they will be eager to assess what the lasting consumer behavior trends post–COVID-19 will be. It’s clear that the prolonged stay-at-home period has empowered digital consumers and intensified the imperative to continue to create direct-to-consumer streaming services. As companies manage the recovery process, Hanish Patel will share the biggest consumer trends from the 14th edition of Deloitte’s Digital Media Trends Survey.

(BMO/1  CPE/U)

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 28 -Artificial Intelligence [PRESENTATION]

Moderator: Andrew Thompson, Symphony MediaAI
Speakers: Mark Moeder, Symphony MediaAI; Craig Kornblau, GV; Ken Metts, Nexstar; Aqueelah Traylor-Morgan, WarnerMedia; Chris Hock, Adobe

Are we all doomed to be replaced by soulless robots? This session will help you understand what AI can and cannot do, where the useful applications are driving real economic value, and how soon you need to take it seriously. AI experts from Symphony MediaAI and industry luminaries will join together to discuss the most interesting AI use cases that are driving substantial value for companies: automating tedious processes, uncovering possible revenue uplift, discerning signs that customers may be at risk, and maximizing operational efficiency.

(CS/1  CPE/O)

12:00pm - 1:00pm Eastern/11:00am - 12:00pm Central

Session 29 - Financial Reporting for Income Taxes (for the tax professional) [PRESENTATION]

Moderator:  Louis Lazar, PwC
Panelist:  Melissa Lubert, PwC
This session will cover significant developments impacting accounting for income taxes for financial reporting.  With a focus on the media industry, the topics covered will provide a broad overview of items that may impact a company’s quarterly and year-end provision processes, including the impact of regulations providing additional guidance with respect to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the CARES Act, and FASB updates.​

(T/1 CPE/A)

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RT8 - 2:00pm - 3:50pm Eastern/1:00pm - 2:50pm Central

Interactive & Digital Media and Networks, Programming, and Streaming JOINT Roundtable

Moderator: Shane Turner, WarnerMedia; Matthew Heuer, Discovery; and Matt Deprey, C-SPAN

An open discussion about topics of interest to the media industry and related accounting considerations.  Subjects will include COVID-19 and the challenges related to the pandemic, advertising and other business trends, recent accounting pronouncements, and more.

(BMO/2 CPE/A)

1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 30 - Accounting and Reporting Update – Private Companies (sponsored by Deloitte)
Moderator:  Darren Wilson, Deloitte

Speaker:  Ashok Parmar, Deloitte; Tom Harwood, Deloitte Advisory; Gretchen Scheidler, Deloitte
This session is a one-stop shop for the latest updates from the FASB. The speaker will discuss accounting and financial reporting hot topics and accounting standards that are effective in 2020 and beyond.  The course will also address COVID-19 accounting considerations specific to media companies, including revenue recognition, content accounting, impairment assessments, and reporting considerations.

(AC/1 CPE/A)

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 31 - Blockchain in Media: Why is this Technology Rising on CFO Priority Lists? 
Moderator:  Richard Taub, Pequan Group
Panelists:  Mike Kriak, ConsenSys; Kim Jackson, Breaker; James Gatto, Sheppard Mullin 

Advances in distributed ledger tech are beginning to make widespread Enterprise use of blockchain a real opportunity in media.  Former barriers to adoption such as privacy, currency risk and ecosystem adoption are eroding, and other industries' applications of blockchain provide a clear path.  This session examines the massive cost reduction and revenue enhancements that blockchain makes possible for media companies that sell and/or license their assets, and provide use cases from other industries.  We will also provide guidance on what to expect next from the established blockchain developers, investors, corporate finance teams.and the regulatory and legal environment.

(F/1 CPE/U)

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1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 32 - Residual Payments [PRESENTATION]  [ ResidualGulide]
(sponsored by CHUBB)

Speaker: Michael Grant, Residualsguide.com

This session will discuss streaming; the various platforms available and the residual payments connected to the distribution. In addition, we'll discuss changes to the landscape as a result of current guild negotiations.

(BMO/1 CPE/I)

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 33 - Guide to Working Capital Management in a Recessionary Economy [PRESENTATION]
(Sponsored by American Express)
Moderator: Chelsea Beale, High Radius 
Speaker:  Jacob Mathew, Warner Brothers Entertainment

COVID-19 has had a multi-level impact on the media and entertainment industry- as end-customers adapt to the new normal of staying at home and engaging with more digital content.  In this session, Jacob Matthews, VP of Enterprise Financial Services at Warner Bros. will highlight how finance leaders should identify and address the internal team challenges, changing customer behavior and process gaps that have come to attention in the wake of this crisis. 

(F/1 CPE/O)

2:00pm - 2:50pm Eastern/1:00pm - 1:50pm Central 

• RT9 - Television Roundtable

Moderators:  Tracy Clark, Hearst Television; Laura Graves, ABC Owned Stations Group/WLS-TV

A lively unscripted discussion of operating issues and hot topics of interest to television professionals. Come to discuss actual challenges and/or successes. This is an opportunity to network with, and learn from, your peers.

(BMO/1 CPE/A)

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2:00pm - 2:50pm Eastern/1:00pm - 1:50pm Central

•  RT10A - Tax - State and Local Update 

Moderator:  Kenny Levine, Reed Smith 
This session will provide an update on nationwide state and local tax developments relating to judicial decisions, legislative activity, and administrative actions by taxing agencies.  This will include a discussion of state tax implications of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  We will also explore potential refund opportunities and audit issues to watch out for, and more.
(T/1 CPE/A)

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3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

•  RT10B - Tax - State and Local Roundtable (Invitation Only)

Moderator: Sean Hetzler, TEGNA

This session is limited to In-house tax professionals who will share recent audit and litigation experiences involving all types of state and local taxes with the emphasis on the media-related issues.

(T/1 CPE/A)

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1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 34 - Esports Event Case Study (sponsored by CHUBB)

Moderator: Jenna Hardy, Gearbox Software 
Speaker:  Bill  Le Voir-Barry, IBM

(SKA/1 CPE/O)    

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 35 - Mergers – Integration of Systems

Panelists: Andrea Wroe, PwC; and Lori Bistis, PwC

This course will cover typical challenges associated with the integration of business following M&A, including those associated with the integration of information systems.

(CS/1 CPE/O)

1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 36 - Keynote Session

Part One:
Entertainment Choice in the Home: Understanding the Impact of Increasingly More Options
​ Speaker:  Mark Orne, EVP Cross-Platform Group, Screen Engine/ASII

Orne will be sharing the latest results from Screen Engine/ASI’s GETTTM (Global Entertainment & Technology Tracker) and TracktionTM (weekly film, TV show, and video game title awareness and interest tracking).

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Part Two:
Mass Appeal: Gaming Entertainment, Esports and the Cultural Zeitgeist
A fireside chat between:
Jennifer Dill, Vice President, esports, Turner Sports and
Howard Homonoff, Managing Director, Homonoff Media Group & Contributor, Forbes (Media and Entertainment)

Consumer tastes are constantly evolving across all sectors of media, and the video gaming vertical is no exception. Those who create premium video games content have had to adapt to a novel, broader understanding of their audiences. At the core of this shift is redefining the answer to the time-honored question, “who is a ‘gamer?’” New data from analytics firm Newzoo suggests that the perception of a young white male, living in their parents’ basement and playing games online for 10+ hours per day is antiquated and narrow. In fact, according to Newzoo's recent research, 46% of gamers, rather than being classified as “Ultimate Gamers” instead demonstrate playing and viewing behaviors such as “Time-Filler,” “Backseat Viewer,” or “Conventional Player,”  titles that don’t fit neatly into the old stereotype. If this is the new reality for gaming consumers, what does it mean for the business of video games moving forward and for stakeholders in media and marketing? 
In this talk, leading media industry strategy consultant and writer Howard Homonoff will discuss the content industry’s embrace of the broader definition of “Gamers” with Jennifer Dill, the Vice President of esports at Turner Sports and the executive who runs their ELEAGUE gaming and esports entertainment brand. Among other topics, they’ll explore the question of creating cross-platform content that extends beyond the professional matches known as esports and into the wider umbrella of gaming culture.
(SKA/1 CPE/O)

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 37 - What’s Up in Washington for Broadcasters? 
Speaker:  David Oxenford, Partner at Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP; Rick Kaplan, National Association of Broadcasters 

DC regulation of broadcasters and other media entities never goes away, even during a pandemic.  This session will provide information about the latest issues in media regulation from the FCC and Congress.  Topics  include political advertising issues for broadcast and cable and the potential for regulation of online media entities; spectrum issues including the TV repack, the repurposing of the C-Band and the roll-out of ATSC 3.0; the status of reform of the FCC’s media ownership rules; music licensing issues; proposed changes in the use of distributed transmission systems for TV and FM; the FCC’s latest efforts to modernize media regulation; and what may be in store for media companies after the November election.  
(BL/1 CPE/O)

2:00pm - 3:50pm Eastern/1:00pm - 2:50pm Central

RT11 - Internal Audit Roundtable #2

Moderator:  Marcus Anjewierden, Deseret Management
In a safe, informal environment, Controllership and Internal Auditors join together to discuss the use of data analytics, how to audit top industry risks, evaluating COSO and SOX controls, characteristics of the new auditor, retaining and finding talent, and a variety of other topics.

​(AUD/2 CPE/A)

 

1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 38 - Outsourcing

Panelists: Ed Ienner, Meredith Corporation; Stanley Kopec, AMC Networks

Does outsourcing improve performance and save money? The answer depends on a combination of flexibility, cost, speed and access to technology. Our presenters will give examples of their experiences, both good and bad, as well as what you need to know to be part of the discussion when your company suggests outsourcing credit and collections to another country.

(P/H/1 CPE/O)

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 39 - Cross-Media Opportunities (Games)

Moderator:  Jenna Hardy, Gearbox Entertainment Company
Panelists:  Stuart Lipson, eSports Ad Bureau; Cullen Sweet, Gearbox Entertainment Co; and Drew Smith, Twitch

As technologies grow and consumer usage habits follow, new opportunities for media are constantly appearing.  This session will examine those possibilities, including building brand awareness with New Media and redefining sports media.  Panelists will examine unique opportunities available in Twitch, and how that platform can be leveraged for the next level, impacting social and community engagement.  Panelists will also discuss their perspective on how New Media is changing advertising ROIs.​

(BMO/1 CPE/O)
 

11:00am - 12:00pm Eastern/10:00am - 11:00am Central

Session 40 - TAX - Covid-19 Update, the Road Ahead and the CARES Act
Moderator: Sean Hetzler, TEGNA

Speakers: Dolly Jacobs Park, EY; and Brett Beveridge, EY

Going into 2020, it would have been hard to predict how dramatically COVID-19 would alter the tax landscape.  Corporate tax departments now face a deluge of federal, state, and local stimulus legislation, a sudden shift in tax planning objectives, as well as potential permanent changes to operating models.  This session will provide a discussion of the impacts we’ve seen thus far and a look at what still may come.
(T/1 CPE/A)

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1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 41 - Alternative Sources of Revenue
Speaker: Jason Taylor, Gannett/GateHouse

This will be a lively discussion of what Gannett is doing to diversify their revenue streams outside of the traditional newspaper model. Specifically, what they are doing around the event space, both in-person live events and now virtual.

(F/1 CPE/U)

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 42 - Tax for the Non-Tax Professional
Moderator:  Don Garrett, Miller Kaplan
Panelists: Nicholas Sanchez, Miller Kaplan; Paul Rahmlow, Midwest Communications; Jasmine Dorismond, Lotus Communications Corporation
Tax laws impact everyone, not just those in the tax department.   Your accounting department must keep apprised of tax law changes in order to gather the information needed for tax planning and preparation.  This session will review recent and proposed tax changes (including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020) and will address how these changes can impact operational decisions and report.  Best practices will be discussed along with real-world strategies for those in the media industry.

(T/1 CPE/O)

2:00pm - 3:50pm Eastern/1:00pm - 2:50pm Central

RT12 - Roundtable - Newspaper Controller (Invitation Only)
Moderator: Mike Lavey, Tribune Publishing

This session is an open discussion focusing on issues of interest to Newspaper Controllers and other Finance personnel. Topics will include Accounting and Finance operations in a “post”-pandemic environment, providing meaningful and timely management reporting, accounting for the impact of Covid-19 on the balance sheet, managing expenses and cash flows, real estate management, contract renegotiations and managing staffing as it relates to retention and morale in a remote working world. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from and share with your peers in our industry.
(F/2 CPE/A)

12:00pm - 12:30pm Eastern/11:00am - 11:30am Central

BMI sponsored concert with singer/songwriter Dave Pahanish 

Dave Pahanish is a singer songwriter from Pittsburgh Pa, who moved to Nashville in 2007 and since then has written songs for Toby Keith, Jimmy Wayne, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and many others. He has had 3 of his 5 singles go to Number 1 on the billboard country charts- Keith Urban's "Without You", Toby Keith's "American Ride", and Jimmy Wayne's "Do you Believe Me Now"(also co-produced by Dave)
As a performing songwriter, Dave has toured extensively thru the years. He's a 2 year veteran of the Country Throwdown Tour which included Willie Nelson, Eric Church, Little Big Town, Jamie Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Eli Young Band, and many others.

 

Grand Prize Drawing sponsored by BARR Credit Services

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1:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern/12:00pm - 1:00pm Central

Session 43 -The Sales/Credit Relationship (sponsored by Szabo Associates, Inc.)
Panelists/Moderators: Ed Ienner, Meredith Corporation; Tonya Sorrells, Hearst Television 

(P/H/1 CPE/O) 

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​3:00pm - 4:00pm Eastern/2:00pm - 3:00pm Central

Session 44 - Finance Effectiveness/Operational Pain

Moderator: Neuhy Hubush, Gannett Co/USA Today Networks

Speakers: Puneet Manchanda, KPMG; and Raman Gilotra, KPMG

Organizations consistently strive for operational efficiencies, including the goal of best-in-class accounting and finance organizations.  As automation technology advancements continue to evolve, opportunities arise for companies to better leverage automation so that team members can focus on analysis and areas of judgement. How does management work towards achieving the desired balance and prevent unintended consequences to the organization?  In this session we will explore automation technology advancements and guidance on how companies can transition into an environment that balances human and technological intelligence.

(F/1 CPE/O) 

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