Media & Publishing industry has evolved in recent times. It offers subscriptions, bundles digital and print access, runs sponsored content, and sometimes even sells ad spaces. If you run a media or publishing business, you will always get into a situation where you get paid in advance, but how do you determine what part of the money is earned today versus what needs to be deferred for the future? Can you recognize all of them upfront? Or should it spread across issues or impressions?
Subscriptions, advertising contracts, bundled content, and sponsored campaigns often complicate revenue recognition in media and publishing. Though accounting guidelines like ASC 606 and IFRS 15 apply, how you use them varies based on how you deliver content.
When a customer pays for a weekly, monthly, or annual subscription, the revenue must be spread across the subscription period, as content is delivered over time rather than upfront.
You may offer print+digital access, or magazine+e-book bundles. Each component should be recognized separately based on delivery schedules and relative values.
Advertising may be sold per issue, impressions, or based on clicks. You can recognize revenue only after delivery of an impression or publication, not when the ad is sold or paid for.
Sponsored stories or influencer placements should be recognized on publication date or campaign completion, depending on the agreement.
If a subscriber cancels mid-cycle and gets a partial refund, revenue must be adjusted with only the earned portion as recognized.
Zoho Billing for Media Revenue Recognition
Component | Recognition Frequency | Recognition Method | Recognition Time |
Print Magazines | Monthly | Evenly Distributed Prorated | Period Start |
Digital Library | Once | One-Time (Daily) | Period Start |
Even though the $240 is received upfront, revenue must be split evenly for the subscription-based service.
Component | Recognized Revenue | Description |
Digital Library | $60 | Fully recognized on the subscription start date |
Print Magazine | $45 | $15x3 issues delivered |
Total Recognized | $105 | recognized at the end of three months |
ii) Deferred Revenue Report
After three months of offering, nine print issues are still pending delivery.
Component | Deferred Amount |
Digital Library | $0 |
Print Magazine | $135 (9 months of deliverables) |
Total Deferred | $135 |
iii) Revenue Waterfall Report
Month | Digital Library | Print Magazine | Total |
Month 1 | $60 | $15 | $75 |
Month 2 | ---- | $15 | $15 |
Month 3 | ---- | $15 | $15 |
Month 4 (upcoming) | ---- | $15 | $15 |
Month 5 (upcoming) | ---- | $15 | $15 |
Month 6 (upcoming) | ---- | $15 | $15 |
Month 7 (upcoming) | ---- | $15 | $15 |
Month 8 (upcoming) | ---- | $15 | $15 |
Month 9 (upcoming) | ---- | $15 | $15 |
Month 10 (upcoming) | ---- | $15 | $15 |
Month 11 (upcoming) | ---- | $15 | $15 |
Month 12 (upcoming) | ---- | $15 | $15 |
Total (after 3 months) | $60 | $45 | $105 |
Only at the end of one year will the full payment you received be considered recognized revenue.
Best Practices for the Media Industry while recognizing revenue
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