Audacy (AUDAQ) 10-K 27 Feb 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 15, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	Entercom Communications Corp.
Entity Central Index Key	1,067,837
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float	$ 806,397,103
Trading Symbol	ETM
Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		137,731,485
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		4,045,199

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets Abstract
Cash	$ 122,893	$ 34,167	$ 46,843	$ 9,169
Restricted Cash	69,365	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	342,766	341,989
Prepaid expenses, deposits and other	25,205	24,347
Contract assets - current	330,983	331,799
Total current assets	560,229	400,503
Investments	11,205	9,955
Net property and equipment	317,030	346,507
Radio broadcasting licenses	2,516,625	2,649,959
Goodwill	539,469	862,000
Assets held for sale	19,603	212,320
Deferred charges and other assets, net of accumulated amortization	56,197	57,957
TOTAL ASSETS	4,020,358	4,539,201
Liabilities Abstract
Accounts payable	1,858	598
Accrued expenses	58,449	76,565
Accrued compensation and other current liabilities	118,438	107,561
Financing method lease obligations, current portion	0	0
Contract liability - current	0	0
Non-controlling interest - variable interest entity	0	0
Long-term debt, current portion	0	13,319
Total current liabilities	178,745	198,043
Long-term debt, net of current portion	1,872,203	1,859,442
Contract liability - noncurrent	0	0
Deferred tax liabilities	545,982	609,789
Other long-term liabilities	89,168	107,567
Total long-term liabilities	2,507,353	2,576,798
Total liabilities	2,686,098	2,774,841
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
Perpetual Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock	0	0
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	1,412	1,437
Additional paid-in capital	1,693,512	1,737,132
Accumulated deficit	(360,664)	25,791
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Total shareholders' equity	1,334,260	1,764,360	$ 393,374	$ 361,450
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	4,020,358	4,539,201
Common Class A [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock	1,372	1,397
Common Class B [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock	40	40
Common Class C Member
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Value	$ 1,412	$ 1,437
Common Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Value	$ 1,372	$ 1,397
Common Stock, Par Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued and Outstanding	137,180,213	139,675,781
Common Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Value	$ 40	$ 40
Common Stock, Par Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued and Outstanding	4,045,199	4,045,199
Common Class C Member
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Value	$ 0	$ 0
Common Stock, Par Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued and Outstanding	0	0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement Abstract
Revenues	$ 1,462,567	$ 592,884	$ 464,771
OPERATING EXPENSE:
Station operating expenses, including non-cash compensation expense	1,099,278	443,512	323,270
Depreciation and amortization expense	44,288	15,546	9,793
Corporate general and administrative expenses, including non-cash compensation expense	69,492	47,859	33,328
Integration Costs	25,372	0	0
Restructuring Charges	5,830	16,922	0
Merger and acquisition costs and restructuring charges	3,014	41,313	708
Impairment loss	493,988	952	254
Other expenses related to financing	0	2,213	565
Total Restructuring Charge and Transition Services	5,830	16,922	0
Net time brokerage agreement (income) fees	(918)	130	417
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(12,158)	11,853	(1,621)
Total operating expense	1,728,186	580,300	366,714
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	(265,619)	12,584	98,057
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:
Net interest expense	101,121	32,521	36,639
Net (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt	0	4,135	(10,858)
Net (gain) loss on investments	0	0	0
Other income	0	0	2,299
TOTAL OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE	0	4,135	8,559
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES (BENEFIT)	(366,740)	(24,072)	52,859
INCOME TAXES (BENEFIT)	(4,153)	(257,085)	14,794
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	(362,587)	233,013	38,065
Preferred stock dividend	0	(2,015)	(1,901)
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	(362,587)	230,998	36,164
Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax	1,152	836	0
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ (361,435)	$ 233,849	$ 38,065
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (2.63)	$ 4.49	$ 0.94
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income (taxes) benefit	0.01	0.02	0
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC	(2.62)	4.51	0.94
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - DILUTED
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(2.63)	4.37	0.91
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income (taxes) benefit	0.01	0.02	0
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - DILUTED	$ (2.62)	$ 4.38	$ 0.91
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES:
Basic	138,069,608	51,392,899	38,500,495
Diluted	138,069,608	52,885,156	39,568,062

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Opening Balance SHARES at Dec. 31, 2015		32,480,551	7,197,532
Compensation expense related to granting of restricted stock awards SHARES		1,095,759	0
Issuance of common stock related to an incentive plan SHARES		31,933	0
Common stock repurchase SHARES		0	0
Exercise of stock options SHARES		134,238	0
Purchase of vested employee restricted stock units SHARES	(232,000)	(232,297)	0
Ending Balance SHARES at Dec. 31, 2016		33,510,184	7,197,532
Opening Balance VALUE at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 361,450	$ 325	$ 72	$ 611,754	$ (250,701)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	38,065	0	0	0	38,065
Compensation expense related to granting of restricted stock awards VALUE	6,539	11	0	6,528	0
Issuance of common stock related to an incentive plan VALUE	379	0	0	379	0
Common stock repurchase VALUE	0	0	0	0	0
Purchase of vested employee restricted stock units	(2,268)	(2)	0	(2,266)	0
Payments of dividends VALUE	(8,666)	0	0	(8,666)	0
Exercise of stock options VALUE	265	1	0	264	0
Preferred stock dividend	(1,788)	0	0	(1,788)	0
Dividend equivalents, net of forfeitures	(602)	0	0	(602)	0
Ending Balance VALUE at Dec. 31, 2016	393,374	$ 335	$ 72	605,603	(212,636)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 38,065
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock SHARES		3,152,333	(3,152,333)
Compensation expense related to granting of restricted stock awards SHARES		2,066,241	0
Issuance of common stock related to an incentive plan SHARES		14,833	0
Common stock repurchase SHARES		(932,600)	0
Equity Awards assumed in Merger		618,325	0
Stock options assumed in Merger		0	0
Exercise of stock options SHARES		8,250	0
Shares Issued Pursuant to Acquisition		101,407,494	0
Purchase of vested employee restricted stock units SHARES	(169,000)	(169,279)	0
Ending Balance SHARES at Dec. 31, 2017		139,675,781	4,045,199
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 233,849	$ 0	$ 0	0	233,849
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock VALUE	0	32	(32)	0	0
Compensation expense related to granting of restricted stock awards VALUE	9,567	21	0	9,546	0
Issuance of common stock related to an incentive plan VALUE	182	0	0	182	0
Common stock repurchase VALUE	(10,675)	(9)	0	(10,666)	0
Purchase of vested employee restricted stock units	(2,565)	(2)	0	(2,563)	0
Payments of dividends VALUE	(29,296)	0	0	(29,296)	0
Exercise of stock options VALUE	42	0	0	42	0
Preferred stock dividend	(2,574)	0	0	(2,574)	0
Dividend equivalents, net of forfeitures	(1,556)	0	0	(1,556)	0
Stock Issued in Acquisition - VALUE	1,161,116	1,014	0	1,160,102	0
Equity awards assumed in Merger VALUE	6,777	6	0	6,771	0
Stock options assumed in Merger VALUE	1,007	0	0	1,007	0
Ending Balance VALUE at Dec. 31, 2017	1,764,360	$ 1,397	$ 40	1,737,132	25,791
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 233,013
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock SHARES		0	0
Compensation expense related to granting of stock options SHARES	0
Compensation expense related to granting of restricted stock awards SHARES		895,834	0
Issuance of common stock related to an incentive plan SHARES		228,227	0
Common stock repurchase SHARES		(3,226,300)	0
Exercise of stock options SHARES	113,137	113,137	0
Purchase of vested employee restricted stock units SHARES	(506,000)	(506,466)	0
Ending Balance SHARES at Dec. 31, 2018		137,180,213	4,045,199
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ (361,435)	$ 0	$ 0	0	(361,435)
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock VALUE		0	0	534	4,578
Compensation expense related to granting of restricted stock awards VALUE	15,149	9	0	15,140	0
Issuance of common stock related to an incentive plan VALUE	1,428	2	0	1,426	0
Common stock repurchase VALUE	(29,407)	(32)	0	(29,375)	0
Purchase of vested employee restricted stock units	(5,186)	(5)	0	(5,181)	0
Payments of dividends VALUE	(50,643)	0	0	(25,782)	(24,861)
Exercise of stock options VALUE	153	1	0	152	0
Preferred stock dividend	0	0	0	0	0
Dividend equivalents, net of forfeitures	(159)	0	0	0	(159)
Ending Balance VALUE at Dec. 31, 2018	1,334,260	$ 1,372	$ 40	$ 1,693,512	$ (360,664)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ (362,587)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ (362,587,000)	$ 233,013,000	$ 38,065,000
NET INCOME (LOSS)	(361,435,000)	233,849,000	38,065,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	44,288,000	15,546,000	9,793,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	327,000	1,371,000	2,897,000
Net deferred taxes (benefit) and other	(60,470,000)	(263,552,000)	14,688,000
Tax benefit on exercise of options	0	0	0
Provision for bad debts	8,909,000	3,715,000	1,330,000
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	(12,158,000)	11,853,000	(1,621,000)
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	15,149,000	9,567,000	6,539,000
Net (gain) loss on investments	0	0	0
Net (gain) loss on derivatives	0	0	0
Deferred rent	5,345,000	324,000	138,000
Unearned revenue - long-term	0	0	0
Net (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt	0	4,135,000	(10,858,000)
Deferred compensation	(1,357,000)	4,247,000	1,683,000
Tax benefit for vesting of restricted stock unit awards	0	0	0
Impairment loss	493,988,000	952,000	254,000
Net accretion expense for asset retirement obligations	60,000	37,000	27,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,777,000	(14,127,000)	(4,202,000)
Prepaid expenses and deposits	1,431,000	14,267,000	(1,368,000)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,217,000	8,370,000	(739,000)
Accrued interest expense	(6,278,000)	4,169,000	40,000
Accrued liabilities - long-term	(27,216,000)	(2,738,000)	(1,894,000)
Prepaid expenses - long-term	0	(2,874,000)	(4,458,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	102,249,000	29,112,000	72,030,000
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property and equipment	(29,837,000)	(20,530,000)	(7,336,000)
Proceeds from sale of property, equipment, intangibles and other assets	185,761,000	60,505,000	7,974,000
Purchases of radio station assets	(71,434,000)	(24,000,000)	(92,000)
Payments To Acquire non-amortizable intangible assets	0	0	(112,000)
Purchases of investments	(1,250,000)	(9,700,000)	0
Proceeds from investments and capital projects	70,187,000	0	0
Consolidation of a VIE	0	(302,000)	302,000
Payments to Acquire amortizable intangible assets	(11,949,000)	(663,000)	(241,000)
Proceeds from Sale of radio stations	0	12,000,000	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	141,478,000	17,310,000	495,000
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	500,000,000	480,000,000
Proceeds from the financing method of lease obligations	0	0	102,000
Payments of long-term debt	(81,348,000)	(669,750,000)	(293,266,000)
Retirement of senior subordinated notes	0	0	(220,000,000)
Purchase of the Company's common stock	(30,040,000)	(10,042,000)	0
Proceeds from issuance of employee stock plan	1,428,000	182,000	379,000
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	153,000	42,000	265,000
Purchase of vested employee restricted stock units	(5,186,000)	(2,565,000)	(2,268,000)
Payment of dividend equivalents on vested restricted stock units	(873,000)	(1,556,000)	(94,000)
Payment of dividends on common stock	(49,770,000)	(29,296,000)	(8,666,000)
Payment of fees associated with the issuance of preferred stock	0	0	0
Payments of dividends on preferred stock	0	(2,574,000)	(1,788,000)
ProceedsFromShortTermDebt	80,000,000	200,500,000	24,500,000
PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts	0	(16,302,000)	(8,038,000)
PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts	0	0	(5,977,000)
Payments for early retirement of Preferred	0	(27,737,000)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(85,636,000)	(59,098,000)	(34,851,000)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	158,091,000	(12,676,000)	37,674,000
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	96,843,000	24,813,000	34,568,000
Income taxes	54,217,000	2,030,000	381,000
Dividends on common stock	49,770,000	29,296,000	8,666,000
Dividends on preferred stock	$ 0	$ 2,574,000	$ 1,788,000

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ORGAN

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Abstract
Business Description And Basis Of Presentation Text Block	1 . BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT POLICIES Nature o f Business – Entercom Communications Corp. (the “Company”) is the second -largest radio broadcasting company in the United States . The Company is also a leading local media and entertainment company with a nationwide footprint of stations includin g positions in all of the top 16 markets and 22 of the top 25 markets. On February 2, 2017, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “CBS Radio Merger Agreement”) with CBS Corporation (“CBS”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary CBS Radio Inc. (“CBS Radio”). Pursuant to the CBS Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into CBS Radio with CBS Radio surviving as the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Merger”). On November 13, 2018, the Company changed the name of CBS Radio Inc. to Entercom Media Corp. The parties to the Merger believe that the Merger was tax-free to CBS and its shareholders. The Merger was effected through a stock for stock Reverse Morris Trust transaction. Th e Merger was subject to approval by the Company’s shareholders and customary regulatory approvals. As a result of the Merger, the Company would have owned radio stations in seven markets in excess of the limits set forth in the Federal Communications Comm ission’s (the “FCC”) local radio ownership rule. In order to comply with this FCC rule, and to obtain clearance for the Merger from the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”), the Company agreed to divest a total of nineteen stations in such markets, consisting of eight stations owned by the Company and eleven stations owned by CBS Radio. Refer to additional information on divestitures in Note 3 , Business Combinations. On November 1, 2017, the Company entered into a settlement with the DOJ. On November 9, 2017, the FCC released an order, pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, approving the applications filed by CBS Radio and the Company requesting FCC conse nt to the CBS Radio Merger Agreement. Obtaining the FCC Consent, and its effectiveness in accordance with applicable law and the rules and regulations of the FCC, was a condition to the obligation of CBS, CBS Radio, the Company, and Merger Sub to the cons ummation of the Merger. On November 15, 2017, the Company’s shareholders voted to approve the Merger. Upon obtaining all required approvals, the Merger closed on November 17, 2017. The results of CBS Radio have been included in the Company’s consolidat ed financial statements since the date of acquisition. Refer to Note 3 , Business Combinations, for additional information. The Company’s strategy focuses on providing compelling content in the communities it serves to enable the Company to offer it s advertisers an effective marketing platform to reach a large targeted local audience. The principal components of the Company’s strategy are to: (i) focus on creating effective integrated marketing solutions for its customers that incorporate its audio, digital and experiential assets; (ii) build strongly-branded radio stations with highly compelling content; (iii) develop market leading station clusters; and (iv) recruit, develop, motivate and retain superior employees. Changes in Operating Segment F ollowing the Company’s Merger with CBS Radio in November 2017, the Company’s radio broadcasting operations increased from 28 radio markets to 48 markets. In connection with the Merger, management further considered its operating segme nt and reportable segment conclusions. Management considered factors including, but not limited to: (i) the favorable impact of the significant synergies generated through more centralized operating activities; and (ii) how the value of the portfolio of radio markets is greater than the sum of the value of the individual radio markets in that portfolio. These factors impacted how the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) evaluates the results of a significantly larger company and how operating decision s are made, which are now performed at the Company level. This approach is consistent with how operating and capital investment decisions are made as needed, at the Company level, irrespective of any given market’s size or location. Furthermore, technol ogical enhancements and systems integration decisions are reached at the Company level and applied to all markets rather than to specific or individual markets to ensure that each market has the same tools and opportunities as every other market. Manageme nt also considered its organizational structure in assessing its operating segments and reportable segments. Managers at the market level are often responsible for the operational oversight of multiple markets, the assignment of which is neither dependent upon geographical region nor size. Managers at the market level do not report to the CODM and instead report to other senior management, who are responsible for the operational oversight of all 48 radio markets and for communication o f results to the CODM. After consideration of the above, the Company changed its operating segment conclusions during the second quarter of 2018. The Company now has one operating segment and continues to have one reportable segment. Changes in Accou nting Policies – Revenue Recognition The Company adopted the amended accounting guidance for revenue recognition on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method, without a need to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date. As a result, the Company has changed its accounting policy for revenue recognition as described below. Except for the changes below, the Company has consistently applied its accounting policies to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 4 , Revenue, for additional info rmation. Under certain practical expedients elected, the Company did not disclose the amount of consideration allocated to the remaining performance obligations or an explanation of when the Company expects to recognize that amount as revenue for all repo rting periods presented before January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the amended accounting guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with t he Company’s historical accounting guidance. Based upon the Company’s assessment, the impact of this guidance is not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows through December 31, 2018. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those products or services. Revenues presented in the consolidated financial statements are reflected on a net basis, after the deduction of advertising agency fees by the advertising agencies. The Company also evaluates when it is appropriate to recognize revenue based on the gross amount invoiced to t he customer or the net amount retained by the Company if a third party is involved. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ statements of cash flow and notes to the consolidated financial statements to conform to the presentation in the current year, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s previously reported financial statements.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies Abstract
Significant Accounting Policies Text Block	2 . SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles o f Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are 100 % owned by the Company. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company also considers the applicability of any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that are required to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. From time to time, the Company may enter into a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) or lo cal marketing agreement (“LMA”) in connection with a pending acquisition or disposition of radio stations and the requirement to consolidate or deconsolidate a VIE or separately present activity as discontinued operations may apply, depending on the facts and circumstances related to each transaction. As of December 31, 2018 , there was one VIE that required consolidation in these consolidated financial statements. During 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with a third part y qualified intermediary (“QI”), under which the Company is primarily responsible for the oversight and completion of certain construction projects. This agreement relates to the creation of leasehold improvement assets on property that has already been made available for tenant use. The Company also believes it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE as the Comp any has the power to direct the activities that are most significant to the VIE and the Company has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE during the period of the agreement . Tota l results of operations of the VIE for the year ended December 31, 2018 were not significant. The consolidated VIE has a material amount of cash as of December 31, 2018 , which was reflected as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet. As restricted cash balances of the QI are used to pay for project costs, restricted cash balances are released and leasehold improvements are established. The VIE has no other assets or liabilities aside from the restricted cash balances and capitalized leasehold improvements as of December 31, 2018 . The assets of the Company’s consolidated VIE can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE. There is a lack of recourse by the creditors of the VIE against the Company’s general creditors. As of December 31, 2017 , there were no outsta nding VIEs. As of December 31, 2016 , there was one VIE requiring consolidation in these financial statements. Refer to Note 20 , Contingencies And Commitments, for further discussion of VIEs requiring consolidation. See Note 19 , Assets Held Fo r Sale And Discontinued Operations, for further discussion on discontinued operations. Reportable Segment – The Company operates under one reportable business segment, radio broadcasting, for which segment disclosure is consistent with the management deci sion-making process that determines the allocation of resources and the measuring of performance. As discussed above, the Company has one operating segment. Management’s Use o f Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in confor mity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to: (i) asset impairments, including broadcasting li censes and goodwill; (ii) income tax valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; (iii) allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for sales reserves; (iv) self-insurance reserves; (v) fair value of equity awards; (vi) estimated lives for tangible and intangible assets; (vii) contingency and litigation reserves; (viii) fair value measurements; (ix) acquisition purchase price asset and liability allocations; and (x) uncertain tax positions. The Company’s accounting estimates require the use of judgment a s future events and the effect of these events cannot be predicted with certainty. The accounting estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired and as more information is obtained. The Company evaluates and updates assumptions a nd estimates on an ongoing basis and may use outside experts to assist in the Company’s evaluation, as considered necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Income Taxes – The Company applies the asset and liability method to the accou nting for deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for all temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the pe riods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is recorded for a net deferred tax asset balance when it is more likely than not that the benefits of the tax asset will not be realized. The Company reviews on a continuing basis the need for a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Any adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that such an adjustment is required. The Company applies the guidance for income taxes and intra - period allocation to the recognition of uncertain tax positions. This guidance clarifies the recognition, de-recognition and measurement in financial statements of in come tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns or tax positions expected to be taken in tax returns, including a decision whether to file or not to file in a particular jurisdiction. The guidance requires that any liability created for unrecogniz ed tax benefits is disclosed. The application of this guidance may also affect the tax bases of assets and liabilities and therefore may change or create deferred tax liabilities or assets. This guidance also clarifies the method to allocate income taxes (benefit) to the different componen ts of income (loss), such as: (i ) income (loss) from continuing operations; ( ii ) income (loss) from discontinued operations; ( iii ) other comprehensive income (loss); (iv ) the cumulative effec ts of accounting changes; and (v ) other charges or credits recorded directly to shareholders’ equity. See Note 15 , Income Taxes, for a further discussion of income taxes. Property a nd Equipment – Property and equipment are carried at cost. Major additions or improvements are c apitalized, including interest expense when material, while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Upon sale or retirement, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is recogniz ed in the statement of operations. D epreciation expense on property and equipment is determined on a straight-line basis. D epreciation expense for property and equipment , which includes amounts from the VIE in 2016 , is reflected in the following table: Property And Equipment Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Depreciation expense $ 28,709 $ 13,215 $ 8,689 A s of December 31, 2018 , the Company ha d capital expenditure commitments outstanding of $ 45.9 million. The following is a summary of the categories of property and equipment along with the range of estimated useful lives used for depreciation purposes: Depreciation Period Property And Equipment In Years December 31, From To 2018 2017 Land, land easements and land improvements - 15 $ 110,570 $ 137,160 Buildings 20 40 36,038 46,195 Equipment 3 40 222,847 199,044 Furniture and fixtures 5 10 18,426 23,859 Capital leases * * 44 44 Leasehold improvements * * 71,688 54,829 459,613 461,131 Accumulated depreciation (158,341) (132,209) 301,272 328,922 Capital improvements in progress 15,758 17,585 Net property and equipment $ 317,030 $ 346,507 * Shorter of economic life or lease term Long-Lived Assets - The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets, which include property and equipment, broadcasting licenses (subject to an eight-year renewal cycle), goodwill, deferred charges, and other assets. See Note 6 , Intangible Assets A nd Goodwill, for further discussion. Certain of the Company’s equipment, such as broadcast towers, can provide economic benefit over a longer period of time resulting in the use of longer lives of up to 40 years. If events or changes in circumstances were to indicate that an asset’s carrying value is not recoverable, a write-down of the asset would be recorded through a charge to operations. The determination and measurement of the fair value of long-lived assets requires the use of significant judgments and estimates. Future events may impact these judgments and estimates. Revenue Recognition – The Company generates revenue from the sale to advertisers of various services and products, including but not limited to: ( i ) commercial broadcast time; (ii) digital advertising; (iii) local events; (iv ) e-commerce where an advertiser’s goods and services are sold through the Company’s websites; and (v ) a suite of digital products. Revenue from services and products is recognized when delivered. Advertiser payments received in advance of when the products or services are delivered are recorded on the Company’s balance sheet as unearned revenue. Revenues presented in the consolidated financial statements are reflected on a net basis, after the deduction of advertising agency fees by the advertising agencies. The Company also evaluates when it is appropriate to recognize revenue based on the gross amount invoiced to the customer or the net amount retained by the Company if a third party is involved. Refer to the recent accounting pronouncements section within this note for additional i nformation on recently issued accounting guidance on revenue recognition. Refer to Note 4 , Revenue, for additional information on the Company’s revenue. The Company acquired certain contracts in the Merger, which resulted in a significant increase in the amount of unearned revenue recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the Company may also receive customer advances and deposits. Refer to Note 4 , Revenue, Note 8 , Other Current Liabilities , and Note 9 , Other Long-Term Liabilities, for additional information. The following table presents the amounts of unearned revenues as of the periods indicated: Unearned Revenues December 31, Balance Sheet Location 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Current Other current liabilities $ 22,692 $ 17,519 Long-term Other long-term liabilities $ 1,138 $ 13,000 Concentration o f Credit Risk – The Company’s revenues and accounts receivable relate primarily to the sale of advertising within its radio stations’ broadcast areas. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customers’ financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements and consistently have been within management’s expectations. Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The balance in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s historical collections, the age of the receivables, specific customer information, and current economic conditions. Delinquent accounts are written off if collections efforts have been unsuccessful and the likelihood of recovery is considered remote. Debt Issuance Costs a nd Ori ginal Issue Discount – The costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized over the lives of the related debt and such amortization is accounted for as interest expense . S ee Note 10 , Long-Term Debt, for further discussion for the amount of deferred financing expense that was included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations . In 2017, the Company refinanced its outstanding debt in conjunction with the Merger. In connect ion with this refinancing activity, a portion of the unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the Company’s former revolving credit facility and a portion of the unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the Company’s former term loa n was written off and included in the statement of operations under loss on extinguishment of debt. Lender fees and third party fees incurred during the refinancing were capitalized or expensed as appropriate based on accounting guidance for debt modifica tions and extinguishments. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company refinanced its previously outstanding debt that included retiring its $220.0 million 10.5% Senior Notes due December 1, 2019 (the “Former Senior Notes”). In connection with this refinancing, the unamortized original issue discount associated with the Former Senior Notes was written off and included in the statement of operations under loss on extinguishment of debt. Refer to Note 10 , Long-Term Debt, for further discus sion of the 2017 and 2016 refinancing activity. Extinguishment o f Debt –The Company may amend, append or replace, in part or in full, its outstanding debt. The Company reviews its unamortized financing costs associated with its outstanding debt to determi ne the amount subject to extinguishment under the accounting provisions for an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms or changes in a line-of-credit or revolving-debt arrangement. On November 17, 2017 and November 1, 2016, the Co mpany refinanced ce rtain of its outstanding debt. In each refinancing event, a portion of the Company’s outstanding debt was accounted for as an extinguishment. See Note 10 , Long-Term Debt for a discussion of the Company’s long-term debt . Corpora te General a nd Administrative Expense – Corporate general and administrative expense consists of corporate overhead costs and non-cash compensation expense. Included in corporate general and administrative expenses are those costs not specifically allocabl e to any of the Company’s individual business properties. Time Brokerage Agreement (Income) Fees – TBA fees or income consist of fees paid or received under agreements which permit an acquirer to program and market stations prior to an acquisition. The Co mpany sometimes enters into a TBA prior to the consummation of station acquisitions and dispositions. The Company may also enter into a Joint Sales Agreement to market, but not to program, a station for a defined period of time. A portion of the Company’ s TBA income earned is presented in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (benefit) in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. TBA fees or income earned from continuing operations are recorded as a separate line item in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Trade and Barter Transactions – The Company provides advertising broadcast time in exchange for certain products, supplies and services. The terms of the exchanges generally permit the Company to preempt such broadcast time in favor of advertisers who purchase time on regular terms. The Company includes the value of such exchanges in both broadcasting net revenues and station operating expenses. Trade and Barter valuation is based upon management’s estimate of the fair value of the products, supplies and services received. S ee Note 16 , Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures On Non-Cash Activities, for a summary of the Company’s barter transactions. Business Combinations – Accounting guidance for business combinations provides the criteria to recognize intangible assets apart from goodwill. Other than goodwill, the Company uses an income or cost method to determine the fair value of all intangible assets required to be recogn ized for business combinations. For a discussion of impairment testing of those assets acquired in a business combination, including goodwill, see Note 6 , Intangible Assets And Goodwill . Asset Retirement Obligations – The Company reasonably estimates the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. For an asset retirement obligation that is conditional (uncertainty about the timing and/or method of settlement), the Company factors into its fai r value measurement a probability factor as the obligation depends upon a future event that may or may not be within the control of the Company. The following table presents the changes in asset retirement obligations: Asset Retirement Obligations December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Beginning Balance $ 1,714 $ 1,044 Additions 456 1,006 Settlements (204) (525) Revision of estimate 4 152 Accretions 60 37 Ending Balance $ 2,030 $ 1,714 Asset retirement obligations - short term $ 342 $ 457 Asset retirement obligations - long term 1,688 1,257 Total asset retirement obligations $ 2,030 $ 1,714 Accrued Compensation – Certain types of employee compensation are paid in subsequent periods. See Note 8 , Other Current Liabilities, for amounts reflected in the balance sheets. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash – Cash consists primarily of amounts held on deposit with financial institutions. The Company’s cash deposits with banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $ 250,000 per account. At times, the cash balances held by the Company in financial institutions may exceed these insured limits. The risk of loss attributable to these uninsured balances is mitigated by depositing funds in high credit quality financial institutions. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accoun ts. From time to time, the Company may invest in cash equivalents, which consists of investments in immediately available money market accounts and all highly liquid debt instruments with initial maturities of three months or less. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash balances consist of amounts that the Company may be restricted in its ability to access or amounts that are reserved for a specific purpose and t herefore not available for immediate or general business use. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company has investments in money market instruments of approximately $ 69.4 million, which are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet as restricted cash a s the Company is temporarily restricted in its ability to access these funds. The Company deposited proceeds from the sale of a parcel of land in Chicago, Illinois and proceeds from the sale of land and buildings in Los Angeles, California into accounts o f a QI. Refer to Note 19 , Assets Held For Sale And Discontinued Operations, and Note 20 , Contingencies and Commitments, for additional information on these transactions. The Company deposited these proceeds into a QI account to comply with re quirements under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) to execute a like-kind exchange. This process will allow the Company to effectively minimize its current tax liability in connection with the gains recognized on these asset sales. T he cash proceeds in the accounts of the QIs are invested in money market accounts. The Company does not believe it has any material credit exposure with respect to these assets. Restrictions on these restricted cash deposits will lapse prior to the end o f the first quarter of 2019. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had no other cash equivalents on hand. Derivative Financial Instruments – The Company follows accounting guidance for its derivative financial instruments that it enters into from time to time, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities. Leases – The Company follows accounting guidance for its leases, which includes the recognition of escalated rents on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement, as described further in Note 9 , Other Long-Term Liabilities. The op erating lease obligations represent scheduled future minimum operating lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, including rent obligations under escalation clauses that are defined increases and not escalations that depend on variable indices . The minimum lease payments do not include common area maintenance, variable real estate taxes, insurance and other costs for which the Company may be obligated as most of these payments are primarily variable rather than fixed. See Note 20 , Conting encies and Commitments, for a discussion of the Company’s leases . In addition, refer to the recent accounting pronouncements section o f this note, Leasing Transactions , for a change in the Company’s reporting requirements as of January 1, 2019. Share-B ased Compensation – T he Company records compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, at estimated fair value. The Company also uses the simplified method in developing an estimate of the expected term of certain stock options. For further discussion of share-based compensation, see Note 14 , Share-Based Compensation . Investments – For those investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee, the investment is accounted for under the equity method. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the Company held no equity method investments. For those investments in which the Company does not have such significant influence, the Company applies the accounting guidance for certain investments in debt and equity securities. An investment is classified into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading securities, and, depending upon the classification, i s carried at fair value based upon quoted market prices or historical cost when quoted market prices are unavailable. The Company has minority equity investments in privately held companies that are separately presented in the Investments line item. T he Company monitors these investments for impairment and makes appropriate reductions to the carrying value when events and circumstances indicated that the carrying value of the investments may not be recoverable. In determining whether a decline in fair value exists, the Company considers various factors, including market price (when available), investment ratings, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the Company’s cost basis, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. The Company also provides certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures for tho se investments that are impaired at the balance sheet date and for those investments for which an impairment has not been recognized. Refer to Note 18 , Fair Value Of Financial Instruments, for additional information on the Company’s investments val ued under the measurement alternative. Advertising a nd Promotion Costs – Costs of media advertising and associated production costs are expensed when incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the costs incurred were $ 3.6 million, $ 0.7 million, and $ 0.3 million. Insurance a nd Self-Insurance Liabilities – The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to provide for the potential liabilities for workers’ compensation, general liability, property, director and officers’ liability, vehicle liability and employee health care benefits. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by the Company are estimated, in part, by considering claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors, outside e xpertise and other actuarial assumptions. For any legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency, the Company recognizes the expense as incurred. Recognition o f Insurance Claims and Other Recoveries – The Company recognizes in surance recoveries and other claims when all contingencies have been satisfied. During 2016 , the Company recovered $ 2.3 million related to a legal claim. This amount was recorded on a net basis after deducting certain related expen ses. For further discussion, see Note 20 , Contingencies And Commitments . Sports Programming Costs and Unfavorable/Favorable Sports Liabilities/Assets – Sports programming costs which are for a specified number of events are amortized on an event-by- event basis, and programming costs which are for a specified season are amortized over the season on a straight-line basis. Prepaid expenses which are not directly allocable to any one particular season are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the agreement. In connection with certain acquisitions, the Company assumed contracts at above or below market rates. These liabilities and assets are being amortized over the life of the contracts and are reflected within current and long-term assets and liabilities. Accrued Litigation - The Company evaluates the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party and records a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the a mount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These judgments are subjective, based on the status of such legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of the Company’s defenses and consultation with corporate and external legal counsel. Actual outcomes of these legal and regulatory proceedings may materially differ from the Company’s estimates. The Company expenses legal costs as incurred in professional fees. See Note 20 , Contingencies and Commitments . Software Costs – The Company capitalizes direct internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development stage. Internal-use software includes w ebsite development activities such as the planning and design of additional functionality and features f or existing sites and/or the planning and design of new sites . Costs related to the maintenance , content development and training of internal-use software are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of three y ears using the straight-line method . Recent Accounting Pronouncements A ll new accounting pronouncements that are in effect that may impact the Company’s financial statements have been implemented. The Company does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued, other than those listed below, that might have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Definition of a Business In January 2017, the accounting guidance was amended to clarify the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018 under a prospective application method. Base d upon the Company’s assessment, the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The guidance could have an impact in a future period if the Company acquires or disposes of radio stati ons that do not meet the definition of a business under the amended guidance. Restricted Cash In November 2016, the accounting guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows was enhanced and clarified to reduce diversity in practice. Restricted cash and cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts presented on the statement of cash flows. This guidance was e ffective for the Company as of January 1, 2018, under a retrospective application method. As the Company did not have any restricted cash or cash equivalents as of December 31, 2017 , the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s presentatio n of historical financial information. As a result of the Company’s consolidation of a VIE described above, the guidance had an impact on the Company’s presentation of the current period statements of financial position, cash flows and notes to the financ ial statements. The guidance could have an impact in a future period if the Company engages in transactions which result in restrictions on its cash or cash equivalents. Cash Flow Classification In August 2016, the accounting guidance for classifying elements of cash flow was modified. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018 under a retrospective application method. Based upon the Company’s assessment, the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s financial pos ition, results of operations or cash flows. Stock-Based Compensation In June 2018, the accounting guidance was amended to address several aspects of accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions to include share-based payment transaction s for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. The guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2019. The Company will adopt the new guidance using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earni ngs, if applicable, as of the effective date. While the Company is currently reviewing the effects of this guidance, the Company believes that this amendment to the accounting guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, r esults of operations or cash flows. In May 2017, the accounting guidance was amended to clarify modification accounting for stock-based compensation. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018, on a prospective basis. Under the ame nded guidance, the Company will only apply modification accounting for stock-based compensation if there are: (i) changes in the fair value or intrinsic value of share-based compensation; (ii) changes in the vesting conditions of awards; and (iii) changes in the classification of awards as equity instruments or liability instruments. Based upon the Company’s assessment, the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In March 2016, the accounting guidance for stock-based compensation was modified primarily to: (i) record excess tax benefits or deficiencies on stock-based compensation in the statement of operations, regardless of whether the tax benefits reduce taxes payable in the perio d; (ii) allow an employee’s use of shares to satisfy the employer’s statutory income tax withholding obligation up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the applicable jurisdictions; and (iii) allow entities to make an accounting policy election to either estimate the number of award forfeitures or to account for forfeitures when they occur. The guidance was effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. As of January 1, 2017, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to its accumulated deficit of $ 5.1 million on a modified retrospective transition basis. This adjustment was comprised of previously unrecognized excess tax benefits of $ 4.6 million as adjusted for the Company’s effective income tax rate , and a change to recognize stock-based compensation forfeitures when they occur of $ 0.5 million, net of tax. Financial Instruments In January 2016, the accounting guidance was modified with respect to recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The most notable impact of the amended accounting guidance for the Company is that this modification effectively supersedes and eliminates current accounting guidance for cost-method investments. Refe r to Note 18 , Fair Value Of Financial Instruments, for additional information on the Company’s investments valued under the measurement alternative. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018. The Company adopted the new gui dance using a modified retrospective approach, without a need to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date. The Company’s investments continue to be carried at their original cost. There have been no impa

REVENUE FROM CONTRACT WITH CUST

REVENUE FROM CONTRACT WITH CUSTOMER	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock	4 . REVENUE Nature O f G oods A nd S ervices The following is a description of principal activities from which the Company generates its revenue. The Company generates revenue from the sale to advertisers of various services and products, including but not limited to: ( i) commercial broadcast time; (ii) digital advertising; (iii ) promotional a nd sponsorship event revenue; (iv ) e-commerce revenue; and ( v ) trade and barter revenue. Services and products may be sold separately or in bundled packages. The typical length of a contract for service is less than 12 months. Revenue is recognized when or as performance obligations under the terms of a contract with customers are satisfied. This typically occurs at the point in time that advertisements are broadcast, marketing se rvices are provided, or as an event occurs. For commercial broadcast time and digital advertising, the Company recognizes revenue at the point in time when the advertisement is broadcast . For e-commerce revenue transactions, revenue is recognized as each t hird party sale is made and the advertisers’ good or service is transferred to the end customer. For trade and barter transactions, revenue is recognized at the point in time when the promotional advertising is aired. For bundled packages, the Company acc ounts for each product or performance obligation separately if they are distinct. A product or service is distinct if it is separately identifiable from other items in the bundled package and if a customer can benefit from it on its own or with other reso urces that are readily available to the customer. The consideration is allocated between separate products and services in a bundle based on their stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling prices are determined based on the prices at which the Company separately sells the commercial broadcast time, digital advertising, or digital product and marketing solutions. Broadcast Revenues Commercial broadcast time - The Company sells air-time to advertisers and broadcasts commercials at agreed upon dat es and times. The Company’s performance obligations are broadcasting advertisements for advertisers at specifically identifiable days and dayparts . The amount of consideration the Company receives and revenue it recognizes is fixed based upon contractuall y agreed upon rates. The Company recognizes revenue at a point in time when the advertisements are broadcast and the performance obligations are satisfied . Revenues are recorded on a net basis, after the deduction of advertising agency fees by the adverti sing agencies. Digital advertising - The Company sells digital marketing services to advertisers. The Company’s performance obligations are providing broadcasting advertisements and integrated marketing services for adv ertisers. The Company recognizes revenue at a point in time when the advertisements are broadcast, the marketing services are provided and the performance obligations are satisfied . Revenues are recorded on a gross basis as the Company acts as a principa l in these transactions. Event And Other Revenues Promotional and Sponsorship Event revenue - The Company provides promotional advertising to advertisers in exchange for cash proceeds from ticket sales. Performance obligations are broadcasting advertiseme nts for advertisers’ events at specifically identifiable days and dayparts . The Company also sells sponsorships to advertisers at various local events. Performance obligations include providing advertising space at the Company’s event. The Company recogni zes revenue at a point in time, as the event occurs. Revenues are recorded on a net basis when the Company is not the primary party hosting the event and acts as an agent in these transactions. E-Commerce r evenue - The Company sells discount certificate s to listeners on its websites. Listeners purchase goods and services from the advertiser at a discount to the fair value of the merchandise or service. Performance obligations include the promotion of advertisers’ discount offers on the Company’s websit e as well as revenue share payments to the advertiser. The Company records revenue on a net basis as it acts as an agent in these transactions. Trade And Barter Revenues Trade and barter – The Company provides advertising broadcast time in exchange for c ertain products, supplies, and services. The term of the exchanges generally permit the Company to preempt such broadcast time in favor of advertisers who purchase time on regular terms. Other than network barter programming, which is reflected on a net basis, t he Company includes the value of such exchanges in both broadcasting net revenues and station operating expenses. Trade and barter value is based upon management’s estimate of the fair value of the products, supplies and services received. Contra ct B alances Refer to the table below for information about receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers . Accounts receivable balances in the table below exclude other receivables that are not generated from contracts with customers. These amounts are $ 11.8 million and $ 10.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. December 31, Description 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Receivables, included in "Accounts receivable net of allowance for doubtful accounts" $ 330,983 $ 331,799 Contract assets - - Unearned revenue - current 22,692 17,519 Unearned revenue - noncurrent 1,138 13,000 Changes in Contract Balances The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable, unbilled receivables, and customer advances and deposits (unearned revenue) on the Company ’s consolidated balance sheet. At times, however, the Company receives advance payments or deposits from its customers before revenue is recognized, resulting in contract liabilities. The contra ct l iabilities primarily relate to the advance consideration received from customers on certain contracts. For these contracts, revenue is recognized in a manner that is consistent with the satisfaction of the underlying performance obligations. The cont ract liabilities are reported on the consolidated balance sheet on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each respective reporting period within the other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities line items. Significant changes in the co ntract liabilities balances during the period are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Description Unearned Revenue (amounts in thousands) Beginning balance on January 1, 2018 $ 30,519 Revenue recognized during the period that was included in the beginning balance of contract liabilities (14,986) Additional amounts recognized during period 8,297 Ending balance $ 23,830 Disaggregation of revenue The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source : Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Revenue by Source (amounts in thousands) Broadcast revenues $ 1,327,803 $ 530,553 $ 428,266 Event and other revenues 115,399 51,434 31,805 Trade and barter revenues 19,365 10,897 4,700 Net revenues $ 1,462,567 $ 592,884 $ 464,771 Performance obligations A performance obligation is a promise in a contract with a customer to transfer a good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account under this guidance. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and is recognized as revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied. Some of the Company’s contracts have one performance obligation which requires no allocation. For other contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation using its best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. The Company’s performance obligations are either satisfied at a point in time or are satisfied over a period of time. As the Company’s inpu ts are expended evenly throughout the performance period, the Company recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the life of a contract. For performance obligations that are satisfied at a point in time, the Company recognizes revenue when an advert isement is aired and the customer has received the benefits of advertising. Performance obligations for all products and services, with the exception of e vent revenues, are satisfied over the term of the contracts, which are typically less than 12 month s. Practical expedients As a practical expedient, when the period of time between when the Company transfers a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less, the Company will not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component. The Com pany elected to apply the practical expedient which allows it to not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less. The Company has contracts with customers which will result in the recognition of revenue beyond one year. From these contracts, the Company expects to recognize $ 1.1 million of revenue in excess of one year. The Company also elected to apply the practical expedient which allows it to not disclose the amount of the trans action price allocated to the remaining performance obligations and an explanation of when the Company expects to recognize that amount as revenue for all reporting periods presented before January 1, 2018. The Company elected to apply the practical exped ient which allow s the Company to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the assets that the Company otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. These costs are included in station operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Significant judgments For performance obligations satisfied at a point in time, the Company does not estimate when a customer obtains control of the promised goods or services. Rather, the Company recognizes revenues at the point in time in which performance obligations are satisfied . The Company records a provision against revenues for estimated sales adjustments when information indicates allowances are required. Refer to Note 5 , Accounts Receivable And Related Allowance For Doubtful A ccounts And Sales Reserves, for additional information. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation using its best estimate of the standalone selling price of ea ch distinct good or service in the contract. For all revenue streams with the exception of barter revenues, the transaction price is contractually determined. Accordingly, no estimates are required and there is no variable consideration. For trade and bar ter revenues, the Company estimates the consideration by estimating the fair value of the goods and services received. Net revenues from network barter programming have historically been recorded on a net basis. This treatment will continue to be the Company’s policy under the amended accounting guidance for revenue recognition. The adoption of the amended accounting guidance for revenue recognition had no impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, balance sheets, statements of shareholders’ equity, or statements of cash flow s for the year ended December 31, 2018 .

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND RELATED

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND RELATED ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFALL ACCOUNTS (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans Notes Trade And Other Receivables Disclosure Text Block	5 . ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND RELATED ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS AND SALES RESERVES Accounts receivable are primarily attributable to advertising which has been provided and for which payment has not been received from the advertiser. Accounts receivable are net of agency commissions and an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts and s ales reserves. Estimates of the allowance for doubtful accounts and sales reserves are recorded based on management’s judgment of the collectability of the accounts receivable based on historical information, relative improvements or deteriorations in the age of the accounts receivable and changes in current economic conditions. The accounts receivable balances, and the allowance for doubtful accounts and sales reserves, are presented in the following table: Net Accounts Receivable December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Accounts receivable $ 359,456 $ 346,264 Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales reserve (16,690) (4,275) Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and sales reserves $ 342,766 $ 341,989 See the table in Note 8 , Other Current Liabilities, for accounts receivable credits outstanding as of the periods indicated. The following table presents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts Changes In Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Additions Balance At Charged To Deductions Balance At Beginning Costs And From End Of Year Ended Of Year Expenses Reserves Year (amounts in thousands) December 31, 2018 $ 3,885 $ 8,909 $ (3,375) $ 9,419 December 31, 2017 2,137 3,715 (1,967) 3,885 December 31, 2016 2,134 1,330 (1,327) 2,137 In the course of arriving at practical business solutions to various claims arising from the sale to advertisers of various services and products, the Company estimates sales allowances. The Company records a provision against revenue for estimated sales adjustments in the same period the related revenues are recorded or when current information indicates additional allowances are required. These estimates are based on the Company’s historical experience, specific customer information and current economic conditions. If the historical data utilized does not reflect management’s expected future performance, a change in the allowance is recorded in the period such determination is made. The balance of sales reserves is reflected in the accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts line item on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As the estimated sales reserves were individually immaterial to the Company on a standalone basis prior to 2017, amounts were not separately disclosed and were included w ithin the allowance for doubtful accounts. After the Merger with CBS Radio, the Company determined that the sales reserve figure was material and warranted separate presentation and disclosure. The following table presents the changes in the sales reserves : Changes in Allowance for Sales Reserves Balance At Additions Deductions Balance At Beginning Charged To From End Of Year Ended Of Year Revenues Reserves Year (amounts in thousands) December 31, 2018 $ 390 $ 14,254 $ (7,373) $ 7,271 December 31, 2017 - 390 - 390

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwil And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure Text Block	6 . INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (A) Indefinite-Lived Intangibles Goodwill and certain intangible assets are not amortized for book purposes. They may be, however, amortized for tax purposes. The Company accounts for its acquired broadcasting licenses as indefinite-lived intangible assets and, similar to goodwill, these assets are reviewed at least annually for impairment. At the time of each review, if the fair va lue is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit, then a charge is recorded to the results of operations. Subsequent to the Company’s annual impairment test conducted during the second quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a $ 0.7 million impairme nt charge related to a potential disposal of assets in one of its markets. In evaluating whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that an interim impairment assessment is required, management considers several factors in determining whether it is more likely than not that the carrying value of the Company’s broadcasting licenses or goodwill exceeds the fair value of the Company’s broadcasting licenses or goodwill. The qualitative analysis considers: (i) macroeconomic conditions such as deterior ation in general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, or other developments in equity and credit markets; (ii) industry and market considerations such as deterioration in the environment in which the Company operates, an increased competi tive environment, a change in the market for the Company’s products or services, or a regulatory or political development; (iii) cost factors such as increases in labor or other costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows; (iv) overall fin ancial performance such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenue or earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods; (v) other relevant entity-specific events such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, or customers, bankruptcy, or litigation; (vi) events effective a reporting unit such as a change in the composition or carrying amount of the Company’s net assets; and (vii) a sustained decrease in the Company’s share price. Th e Company evaluates the significance of identified events and circumstances on the basis of the weight of evidence along with how they could affect the relationship between the carrying value of the Company’s broadcasting licenses and goodwill and their re spective fair value amounts, including positive mitigating events and circumstances. Subsequent to the annual impairment test conducted during the second quarter of 2018, the Company continued to monitor these factors listed above. Due to a sustained decline in the Company’s share price from the time of the annual impairment test conducted in the second quarter of 2018, the Company determined that the changes in circumstances warranted an interim impairment assessment on its broadcasting licenses and g oodwill. Due to changes in facts and circumstances, the Company revised its estimates with respect to estimated operating profit margins and long-term revenue growth rates used in the interim impairment assessment. In connection with the interim impairme nt assessment conducted during the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company determined the carrying value of its broadcasting licenses and goodwill was impaired and recorded an impairment loss of $ 465.0 million ($ 423.2 million net of tax). Of this amount, $ 147.9 million of the impairment charge ($ 108.8 million, net of tax) was attributed to the broadcasting licenses and $ 317.1 million of the impairment charge ($ 314.4 million, net of tax) was attributed to goodwill. There were material changes in the carrying value of broadcasting licenses and goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2018 , primarily as a result of: (i) the impairment recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018; and (ii) acquisition and disposition activities described further in Note 3 , Business Combinations. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company performed its annual impairment test of its goodwill and determined that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeded its fair value for one of its markets and recorded an impairment loss of $0.4 million. A contributing factor to the impairment was a decline in the advertising dollars in the particular market and its effect on the Company’s operations, coupled with an increase in the carrying value of its assets. The Company may only write down the carrying value of i ts indefinite-lived intangibles. The Company is not permitted to increase the carrying value if the fair value of these assets subsequently increases. The following table presents the changes in the carrying value of broadcasting licenses : Broadcasting Licenses Carrying Amount December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Broadcasting licenses balance as of January 1, $ 2,649,959 $ 823,195 Disposition of an FCC broadcasting license to facilitate the CBS Merger - (13,500) Deconsolidation of a VIE - 2017 Charlotte Acquisition - (15,738) Acquisition of radio stations - 2017 Charlotte Acquisition - 17,174 Acquisition of radio stations - CBS Radio Merger - 1,880,400 Disposition of FCC broadcasting licenses - EMF Sale - (54,661) Acquisition of a radio station - Beasley Transaction - 35,944 Acquisition of radio stations - iHeartMedia Transaction - 50,621 Disposition of radio stations - iHeartMedia Transaction - (7,462) Assets held for sale - Bonneville Transaction - (66,014) Acquisition of radio stations - Emmis Acquisition 12,785 - Acquisition of a radio station - Jerry Lee Transaction 27,346 - Loss on impairment (148,564) - Disposition of a radio station - WXTU Transaction (24,901) - Ending period balance $ 2,516,625 $ 2,649,959 The following table presents the changes in goodwill. Goodwill Carrying Amount December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Goodwill balance before cumulative loss on impairment as of January 1, $ 988,056 $ 158,333 Accumulated loss on impairment as of January 1, (126,056) (125,615) Goodwill beginning balance after cumulative loss on impairment as of January 1, 862,000 32,718 Loss on impairment during year (317,138) (441) Acquisition of radio stations - 2017 Charlotte Acquisition - 43 Acquisition of radio stations - CBS Radio Merger - 820,961 Disposition of goodwill - EMF sale - (266) Acquisition of a radio station - Beasley Transaction - 289 Acquisition of radio stations -iHeartMedia Transaction - 11,700 Disposition of radio stations - iHeartMedia Transaction - (14) Assets held for sale - Bonneville Transaction - (2,990) Disposition of a radio station - WXTU Transaction (8,623) - Measurement period adjustments to acquired goodwill (21,498) - Acquisition of radio stations - Emmis Acquisition 332 - Acquisition of a radio station - Jerry Lee Transaction 24,396 - Ending period balance $ 539,469 $ 862,000 Goodwill balance before cumulative loss on impairment as of December 31, $ 982,663 $ 988,056 Accumulated loss on impairment as of December 31, (443,194) (126,056) Goodwill ending balance as of December 31, $ 539,469 $ 862,000 Broadcasting Licenses Impairment Test The Company performs its annual broadcasting license impairment test during the second quarter of each year by evaluating its broadcasting licenses for impairment at the market level using the Greenfield method . During the second quarter of the current year and each of the past several years, t he Company completed its annual impairment test for broadcasting licenses and determined that the fair value of its broadcasting licenses was greater than the amount reflected in the balance sheet for each of the Company’s markets and, accordingly, no impairment was recorded. All of the Company’s broadcasting licenses, with the exception of the broadcasting licenses acquired in the Jerry Lee Transaction du ring the third quarter of the current year, were subject to the annual impairment test conducted in the second quarter of the current year. For the station acquired in the Jerry Lee Transaction, similar valuation techniques that were used in the annual im pairment testing process were applied to the valuation of the broadcasting licenses under purchase price accounting. The valuation of the acquired broadcasting licenses approximates fair value. E ach market’s broadcasting licenses are combined into a single unit of accounting for purposes of testing impairment, as the broadcasting licenses in each market are operated as a single asset. The Company determines the fair value of the broadcasting licenses in each of its markets by relying on a discounted cash flow approach (a 10 - year income model) assuming a start-up scenario in which the only assets held by an investor are broadcasting licenses. The Company’s fair value analysis contains assumptions based upon past experience, reflects expectations of industry observers and includes judgments about future performance using industry normalized information for an average station within a certain market. These as sumptions inc lude, but are not limited to: ( i ) the discount rate; (ii ) the market share and profit margin of an average station within a market, based upon market size and station type ; (iii ) the forecast growth rate of each radio market; ( iv ) the estimated ca pital start-up costs and losses inc urred during the early years; (v ) the likely media competition within the market area ; (vi ) the tax rate; and (vii ) future terminal values. The methodology used by the Company in determining its key estimates and assumpti ons was applied consistently to each market. Of the seven variables identified above, the Company believes that the assumptions in items ( i ) through (iii ) above are the most important and sensitive in the determination of fair value. Assumptions and Results – Broadcasting Licenses The following table reflects the estimates and assumptions used in the interim and annual broadcasting licenses impairment assessments of each year. Estimates And Assumptions Fourth Second Second Second Second Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2018 2018 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate 9.00% 9.00% 9.25% 9.5% 9.7% Operating profit margin ranges expected for average stations in the markets where the Company operates 22% to 37% 22% to 37% 19% to 40% 14% to 40% 25% to 40% Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company's markets 0.0% to 0.9% 0.5% to 1.0% 1.0% to 2.0% 1.0% to 2.0% 1.5% to 2.0% The Company has made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of its broadcasting licenses. T hese estimates and assumptions could be materially different from actual results. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or the Company, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of the Company’s broadcasting licenses below the amount reflected in the balance sheet, the Company may be required to conduct an interim test and possibly recognize impairment charges, which may be material, in future periods. Goodwill Impairment Test The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test during the second quarter of each year. In prior years, the Company determined that each individual radio market wa s a reporting unit and the Company assessed goodwill in each of the Company’s markets . U nder the amended guidance, i f the fa ir value of any reporting unit wa s less than the amount reflected on the balance sheet, the Company would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeded the reporting unit’s fair valu e. The loss recognized would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. As a result of the change to a single operating segment, the Company reassessed its reporting unit determination. Following the Company’s Merger with CBS Ra dio in November 2017, the Company’s radio broadcasting operations increased from 28 radio markets to 48 radio markets. Each market is a component one level beneath the single operating segment. Since each market is economicall y similar, all 48 markets have been aggregated into a single reporting unit for the goodwill impairment assessment. In response to the realignment in the Company’s operating segments and reporting units, the Company considered whethe r the event represented a triggering event for interim goodwill impairment testing. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, and prior to conducting the current year annual impairment testing described below, the Company made an evaluation, based on f actors such as each reporting unit’s total market share and changes in operating cash flow margins, and concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units exceeded their carrying values at the time of th e realignment. Current Year Methodology In connection with the Company’s current year annual and interim impairment assessment, the Company used an income approach in computing the fair value of the Company. This approach utilized a discounted cash fl ow method by projecting the Company’s income over a specified time and capitalizing at an appropriate market rate to arrive at an indication of the most probable selling price. Management believes that this approach is commonly used and is an appropriate methodology for valuing the Company. Factors contributing to the determination of the Company’s operating performance were historical performance and/or management’s estimates of future performance. Prior Year Methodology In connection with the Company’ s prior year annual impairment assessment, t he Company first assessed qualitative factors to determine whether it was necessary to perform a quantitative assessment for each reporting unit. These qualitative factors included, but were not limited to: (i) macroeconomic conditions; (ii) radio broadcasting industry considerations; (iii) financial performance of reporting units; (iv) Company-specific events; and (v) a sustained decrease in the Company’s share price. If the quantitative assessment was necessary , the Company determined the fair value of the goodwill allocated to each reporting unit . To determine the fair value, the Company used a market approach and, when appropriate, an income approach in computing the fair value of each reporting unit. The m arket approach calculated the fair value of each market’s radio stations by analyzing recent sales and offering prices of similar properties expressed as a multiple of cash flow . The income approach utilized a discounted cash flow method by projecting the subject property’s income over a specified time and capitalizing at an appropriate market rate to arrive at an indication of the most probable selling price . Management believes that these approaches are commonly used and appropriate methodologies for val uing broadcast radio stations. Factors contributing to the determination of the reporting unit’s operating performance were historical performance and/or management’s estimates of future performance . The Assumptions And Results - Goodwill The following table reflects the estimates and assumptions used in the interim and annual goodwill impairment assessments of each year: Estimates And Assumptions Fourth Second Second Second Second Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2018 2018 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate 9.00% 9.00% 9.25% 9.5% 9.7% Market multiple used in the market valuation approach not applicable not applicable 7.5x to 8.0x 7.5x to 8.0x 7.5x to 8.0x During the second quarter of the current year, the Company’s quantitative assessment indicated that the fair value of goodwill exceeded the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the Company. Accordingly, the Company did not recognize an impairment charge during the second quarter of 2018. All of the Company’s goodwill, with the exception of the goodwill acquired in the Jerry Lee Transaction during the third quarter of the current year, was subject to the annual impairment test conducted in the seco nd quarter of the current year. For the station acquired in the Jerry Lee Transaction, similar valuation techniques that were used in the annual impairment testing process were applied to the valuation of the goodwill under purchase price accounting. The valuation of the acquired goodwill approximates fair value. During the second quarter in each of the years of 2017 and 2016 , t he Company also performed a reasonableness test on the fair value results for goodwill on a combine d basis by comparing the carrying value of the Company’s assets to the C ompany’s enterprise value based upon its stock price. The Company determined that the results were reasonable. During the second quarter of 2016 , t he results of the goodwi ll impairment assessment indicated that no impairment charge was required. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the industry or the Company, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of the Company’s goodwill below the amount reflected in the balance sheet, the C ompany may be required to conduct an interim test and possibly recognize impairment charges, which could be material, in future periods. (B) Definite-Lived Intangibles The Company has definite-lived intangible assets that consist of advertiser lists and customer relationships, and acquired advertising contracts. These assets are amortized over the period for which the assets are expected to contribute to the Company’s future cash flows and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , the Compan y reviewed the carrying value and the useful lives of these assets and determined they were appropriate. See Note 7 , Deferred Charges And Other Assets, for: ( i ) a listing of the assets comprising definite-lived assets, which are included in def erred charges and other assets on the balance sheets; (ii ) the amount of amortization expense for definite-lived assets; and (iii ) the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for definite-lived assets in future periods.

DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSE

DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure Abstract
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure Text Block	7 . OTHER ASSETS Deferred charges and other assets consist of the following: Other Assets December 31, 2018 2017 Accumulated Accumulated Period Of Asset Amortization Net Asset Amortization Net Amortization (amounts in thousands) Deferred contracts $ 1,588 $ 1,390 $ 198 $ 1,588 $ 1,341 $ 247 Term of contract Leasehold premium 17,028 2,440 14,588 17,028 431 16,597 Term of contract Advertiser lists and customer relationships 29,332 10,780 18,552 29,126 1,390 27,736 3 to 5 years Other definite-lived assets 7,600 6,601 999 6,916 4,996 1,920 Term of contract Total definite-lived intangibles 55,548 21,211 34,337 54,658 8,158 46,500 Debt issuance costs 619 52 567 2,487 1,880 607 Term of debt Prepaid assets - long-term 4,259 - 4,259 5,239 - 5,239 Software costs and other 24,589 7,555 17,034 9,720 4,109 5,611 $ 85,015 $ 28,818 $ 56,197 $ 72,104 $ 14,147 $ 57,957 The following table presents the various categories of amortization expense, including deferred financing costs which are reflected as interest expense: Amortization Expense Other Assets For The Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Definite-lived assets $ 12,132 $ 1,240 $ 81 Deferred financing expense 3,189 2,333 2,585 Software costs 3,447 1,091 1,023 Total $ 18,768 $ 4,664 $ 3,689 The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense, for each of the five succeeding years for : (1) deferred charges and other assets ; and (2) definite-lived assets : Future Amortization Expense Definite-Lived Total Other Assets Years ending December 31, (amounts in thousands) 2019 $ 18,526 $ 6,267 $ 12,259 2020 16,148 5,682 10,466 2021 5,136 3,168 1,968 2022 2,066 111 1,955 2023 1,759 93 1,666 Thereafter 6,023 - 6,023 Total $ 49,658 $ 15,321 $ 34,337

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Bloc

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure Abstract
Other Liabilities Disclosure Text Block	During the third quarter of 2018, the Company disposed of certain property that the Company considered as surplus to its operations and that resulted in significant gains reportable for tax purposes. The income taxes payable generated from these gains and losses are included within the current portion of income taxes payable in the schedule above. Upon the successful completion of a like-kind exchange under Section 1031 of the Code , a portion of this amount will be reclassified to a deferred tax liability. R efer to Note 20 , Contingencies And Commitments, for additional information.
Accounts Payable Accrued Liabilities And Other Liabilities Disclosure Current Text Block	8 . OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Other current liabilities consist of the following as of the periods indicated: Other Current Liabilities December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Accrued compensation $ 31,192 $ 36,105 Accounts receivable credits 5,743 1,876 Advertiser obligations 4,190 3,048 Accrued interest payable 6,007 12,285 Unearned revenue 22,692 17,519 Unfavorable lease liabilities 2,852 3,301 Unfavorable sports liabilities 4,634 4,634 Accrued benefits 8,646 9,470 Non-income tax liabilities 6,748 8,196 Income taxes payable 10,558 5,370 Other 15,176 5,757 Total other current liabilities $ 118,438 $ 107,561

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Bl

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities Noncurrent Abstract
Accounts Payable Accrued Liabilities And Other Liabilities Disclosure Noncurrent Text Block	9 . OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Other long-term liabilities consist of the following as of the periods indicated: Other Long-Term Liabilities December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Deferred compensation $ 30,928 $ 40,995 Unfavorable lease liabilities 9,367 12,215 Unfavorable sports liabilities 17,633 22,285 Unearned revenue 1,138 13,000 Deferred rent liabilities 17,671 $ 6,599 Other 12,431 12,473 Total other long-term liabilities $ 89,168 $ 107,567

LONG-TERM DEBT (Block)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure Text Block	10 . LONG-TERM DEBT (A) Senior Debt Refinancing – CBS Radio Indebtedness In connection with the Merger, the Company assumed CBS Radio’s indebtedness outstanding under : (i) a credit agreement ( the “ Credit Facility ”) among CBS Radio (now Entercom Media Corp.) , the guarantors named therein, the lenders named therein, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent ; and (ii) the senior notes (described below). On March 3, 2017, CBS Radio (now Entercom Media Corp.) entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility, to, among other things, create a tranche of Term B-1 Loans (the “Term B-1 Tranche”) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $500 million. The Term B-1 Tranche is governed by the Credit Facility and will mature on November 17, 2024. Immediately prior to the Merger , the Credit Facility was comprised of a revolving credit facility and a term B loan. On the closing date of the Merger and the refinancing, the term B loan was converted into the Term B-1 Tranche and both were simultaneously refinanced (“Term B-1 Loan”). As a result of the refinancing activities described a bove, in the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $ 4.1 million. The loss included the write off of deferred financing expense, a loss on the early retirement of the Pre ferred, and certain fees paid to lenders in connection with the refinancing activities. The Credit Facility On November 17, 2017, in connection with the Merger, the Company refinanced its previously outstanding indebtedness and also assumed CBS Radio’s outstanding indebtedness. As a result of the refinancing activity and the Merger, the Company’s outstanding Credit Facility is comprised of the Revolver and a term loan component (the “Term B-1 Loan”). The $ 250.0 million Revolver has a maturity date of November 17, 2022. The amount available under the R evolver, which includes the impact of outstanding letters of credit, was $ 64.1 million as of December 31, 2018 . The Term B-1 Loan has a maturity date of November 17, 2024. The Term B-1 Loan amortizes: (i) with equal quarterly installments of principal in annual amounts equal to 1.0 % of the original principal amount of the Term B-1 Loan; and (ii) mandatory yearly prepayments based upon a percentage of Excess Cash Flow as defined in the agreement . The Term B-1 Loan requires mandatory prepayments equal to a percentage of Excess Cash Flow, as defined within the agreement, subject to incremental step-downs, depending on the Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio as defined in the agreement. The Ex cess Cash Flow payment, if any, will be due in the first quarter of each year, beginning with 2019, and is based on the Excess Cash Flow and Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio for the prior year. The Company expects to use the Revolver to: ( i ) pro v ide for working capital; and (ii ) provide for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and any or all of the following (subject to certain restrictions): repurchase of Class A common stock, dividends, investments and acquisitions. In add ition, the Credit Facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of the assets (including material real property) of Entercom Media Corp. and its subsidiaries with limited exclusions. A ll of the Company’s subsidiaries, jointly and severally guaranteed the Credit Facility. The assets securing the Credit Facility are subject to customary release provisions which would enable the Company to sell such assets free and clear of encumbrance, subject to certain conditions and exceptions. The Credit Facility has usual a nd customary covenants including, but not limited to, a net secured leverage ratio, restricted payments and the incurrence of additional debt. Specifically, the Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with a certain financial covenant which is a def ined term within the agreement, including a maximum Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio that cannot exceed 4.0 times at December 31, 2018 . In certain circumstances, if the Company consummates additional acquisition ac tivity permitted under the terms of the Credit Facility, the Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio will be increased to 4.5 times for a one year period following the consummation of such permitted acquisition. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company’s Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio was 3.6 times . Failure to comply with the Company’s financial covenant or other terms of its Credit Facility and any subsequent failure to negotiate and obtain any required relief from its lenders could result in a default under the Company’s Credit Facility. Any event of default could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and financial condition. The acceleration of the Company’s debt repayment could have a material adverse effect on its business. The Company may seek from time to time to amend its Credit Facility or obtain other funding or additional funding, which may result in higher interest rates. Management believes that over the next 12 months, the Company can continue to maintain compliance with its financial covenant. The Company’s opera ting cash flow is positive, and management believes that it is adequate to fund the Company’s operating needs and mandatory debt repayments under the Company’s Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company is in compliance with the financial covenant and a ll other terms of the Credit Facility in all material respects. The Company’s ability to maintain compliance with its covenant is highly dependent on its results of operations. Management believes that cash on hand, borrowing capacity from the Revolver a nd cash from operating activities will be sufficient to permit the Company to meet its liquidity requirements over the next 12 months, including its debt repayments. The cash available from the Revolver is dependent on the Company’s Consolidated Net Secure d Leverage Ratio at the time of such borrowing. Long-term debt was comprised of the following as of December 31, 2018 : Long-Term Debt December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Credit Facility Revolver, due November 17, 2022 $ 180,000 $ 143,000 Term B-1 Loan, due November 17, 2024 1,291,700 1,330,000 Plus unamortized premium 2,470 2,904 1,474,170 1,475,904 Senior Notes 7.250% senior unsecured notes, due October 17, 2024 400,000 400,000 Plus unamortized premium 14,158 16,584 414,158 416,584 Other Debt Other 912 70 Total debt before deferred financing costs 1,889,240 1,892,558 Current amount of long-term debt - (13,319) Deferred financing costs (excludes the revolving credit) (17,037) (19,797) Total long-term debt, net of current debt $ 1,872,203 $ 1,859,442 Outstanding standby letters of credit $ 5,862 $ 1,856 Entercom Media Corp. , which is a wholly- owned subsidiary of the Company , holds the ownership interest in various subsidiary companies that own the operating assets, including broadcasting licenses, permits, authorizations and cash royalties. Entercom Media Corp. is the borrower under the Credit Facility . The assets securing the Credit Facility a re subject to customary release provisions which would enable the Company to sell such assets free and clear of encumbrance, subject to certain conditions and exceptions. Under certain covenants, the Company’s subsidiary guarantors are restricted from paying dividends or distributions in excess of amounts defined under the Credit Facility , and the subsidiary guarantors are limited in their ability to incur additional inde btedness under certain restrictive covenants. Prior to the closing of the CBS Radio Merger Agreement, CBS Radio entered into a commitment letter with a syndicate of lenders (the “Commitment Parties”), pursuant to which the Commitment Parties committed t o provide up to $ 500.0 million of senior secured term loans (the “CBS Radio Financing”) as an additional tranche under the Credit Facility. On March 3, 2017, CBS Radio (now Entercom Media Corp.) entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility, to, among other things, create a tranche of Term B-1 Loans (the “Term B-1 Tranche”) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $500 million. The Term B-1 Tranche, which replaced the commitment under the CBS Radio Financing, is governed by the Credit Facility a nd will mature on November 17, 2024. The refinancing occurred on November 17, 2017 shortly after the Merger. The proceeds of the Term B-1 Tranche were used to: (i) refinance the Company’s $ 540 million credit agreement (t he “Former Credit Facility”) that was comprised of: (a) a term loan component (the “Former Term B Loan”) with $ 458.0 million outstanding at the date of the refinancing; and (b) a revolving credit facility (the “Former Revolv er”) with $ 17.5 million outstanding at the date of the refinancing; (ii) redeem the Company’s $ 27.5 million of Preferred plus accrued interest through the date of the Merger; and (iii) pay fees and expenses in connection with the refinancing . The Former Credit Facility On November 1, 2016 , the Company and its wholly - owned subsidiary, Entercom Radio, LLC, (“Radio”) entered into a $ 540 million credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders that was initially comprised of: (a) a $ 60 million revolving credit facility that was due to mature on November 1, 2021; and (b) a $ 480 million term B loan that was due to mature on November 1, 2 023. This Former Credit Facility was paid in full on November 17, 2017 in connection with the refinancing activities described above. The Former Credit Facility was secured by a pledge of 100% of the capital stock and other equity interest in all of the C ompany’s wholly- owned subsidiaries. In addition, the Former Credit Facility was secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets, with limited exclusions (including the Company’s real property). ( B ) Senior Unsecured Debt The Senior Notes Simultaneously with entering into the Merger and assuming the Credit Facility on November 17, 2017, the Company also assumed the 7.250 % unsecured senior notes (the “Senior Notes”) that were subsequently modified and mature on October 17, 2024 in the amount of $ 400.0 million. The Senior Notes were originally issued by CBS Radio (now Entercom Media Corp.) on October 17, 2016. The deferred financing costs and debt premium on the Seni or Notes will be amortized over the term under the effective interest rate method. As of any reporting period, the amount of any unamortized debt finance costs and debt premium costs are reflected on the balance sheet as a subtraction and an addition to t he $ 400.0 million liability, respectively. Interest on the Senior Notes accrues at the rate of 7.250 % per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of eac h year. The Senior Notes may be redeemed on or after November 1, 2019 at a redemption price of 105.438 % of their principal amount plus accrued interest. The redemption price decreases to 103.625 % of their principal amount plus accrued interest on or after November 1, 2020, 101.813 % of their principal amount plus accrued interest on or after November 1, 2021, and 100 % of their principal amount plus accrued interest on or after November 1, 2022. The Senior Notes are unsecured and rank: (i) senior in right of payment to the Company’s future subordinated debt; (ii) equally in r ight of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future senior debt; (iii) effectively subordinated to the Company’s existing and future secured debt (including the debt under the Company’s Credit Facility), to the extent of the value of the collater al securing such debt; and (iv) structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of the Com pany’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Notes, to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries. All of the Company’s existing subsidiaries, othe r than Entercom Media Corp. , jointly and severally guaranteed the Senior Notes. A default under the Company’s Senior Notes could cause a default under the Company’s Credit Facility. Any event of default, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on the Comp any’s business and financial condition. The Company may from time to time seek to repurchase or retire its outstanding debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, the Company’s liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material. The Senior Notes are not a registered security and there are no plans to register the Company’s Senior Notes as a security in the future. As a result, Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC is not applicable and no separate financial statements are required for the guarantor subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and for the years ended December 31 , 2018, 2017 and 2016. The Former Senior Notes In 2016, the Company issued a call notice to redeem its $ 220.0 million 10.5 % unsecured Senior Notes due December 1, 2019 (the “Former Senior Notes”) in full with an effective date of December 1, 2016, that was funded by the proceeds of the Former Credit Facility. The Former Senior Notes were unsecured and ranked: ( i ) senior in right of payment to the Company’s future subordinated debt; (ii ) equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future senior debt; (iii ) effectively subordinated to the Company’s existing and future secured debt (including the debt under the Company’s Former Credit Facility), to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such debt; and (iv ) struct urally subordina ted to all of the liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries that did not guarantee the Former Senior Notes, to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries. ( C ) Net Interest Expense The components of net interest expense are as follows: Net Interest Expense Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Interest expense $ 101,497 $ 31,266 $ 33,799 Amortization of deferred financing costs 3,189 2,333 2,585 Amortization of original issue discount (premium) of senior notes (2,862) (962) 312 Interest income and other investment income (703) (116) (57) Total net interest expense $ 101,121 $ 32,521 $ 36,639 The weighted average interest rate under the Credit Facility (before taking into account the fees on the unused portion of the Revolver) was: ( i ) 5.2 % as of December 31, 2018 ; and ( ii ) 4.2 % as of December 31, 2017 . ( D ) Interest Rate Transactions As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , there were no derivative interest rate transactions outstanding. The Company from time to time enters into interest rate transactions with different lenders to diversify its risk associated with interest rate fluctuations of its variable rate debt . Under these transactions, the Company agrees with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed notional principal amount against the variable debt. ( E ) Aggregate Principal Maturities The minimum a ggregate principal maturities on the Company’s outstanding debt (excluding any impact from required principal payments based upon the Company’s future operating performance) are as follow s: Principal Debt Maturities Term B-1 Loan Revolver Senior Notes Other Total (amounts in thousands) Years ending December 31: 2019 $ - $ - $ - $ 59 $ 59 2020 1,600 - - 47 1,647 2021 13,300 - - 35 13,335 2022 13,300 180,000 - 30 193,330 2023 13,300 - - 30 13,330 Thereafter 1,250,200 - 400,000 711 1,650,911 Total $ 1,291,700 $ 180,000 $ 400,000 $ 912 $ 1,872,612 (F) Outstanding Letters o f Credit The Company is required to maintain standby letters of credit in connection with insurance coverage as described in Note 20 , Contingencies And Commitments. (G ) Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information As of December 31, 2018 , each direct and indirect subsidiar y of Entercom Media Corp. is a guarantor of Entercom Media Corp.’s obligations under the Credit Facility and the Senior Notes . Under certain covenants, the Company’s subsidiary guarantors are restricted from paying dividends or distributions in excess of amounts defined under the Senior Notes, and the subsidiary guarantors are limited in their ability to incur additional indebtedn ess under certain restricted covenants. The Company’s borrowing agreements contain restrictions on its ability to pay dividends to its parent under certain facts and circumstances. As of December 31, 2018, these restrictions did not apply. Under the Credit Facility, Entercom Media Corp. is permitted to make distributions to Entercom Communications Corp., which are required to pay Entercom Communications Corp.’s reasonable overhead costs, including i ncome taxes, dividends to shareholders, share repurchases and other costs associated with conducting the operations of Entercom Media Corp. and its subsidiaries.

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Block)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders Equity Note Abstract
Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure Text Block	12 . SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Class B Common Stock Shares of Class B common stock are transferable only to Joseph M. Field, David J. Field, certain of their family members, their estates and trusts for any of their benefit. Upon any other transfer, shares of Class B common stock automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. In connection with the Merger, during 2017, certain members of the Field family caused to be converted an aggregate of 3,152,333 shares of Class B common stock to Class A common stock in accordance with the provisions for voluntary conversion of Class B common stock pursuant to Section 10(e)(i) of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. Dividends On November 2, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase to the Company’s annual common stock dividend program from $ 0.30 per share to $ 0.36 per share, beginning with the dividend paid in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Company expects quarterly dividend payments to be approximately $ 12.4 million per quarter. Any future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors based upon the relevant factors at the time of such consideration, including, without limitation, compliance with the restrictions set forth in the Company’s Credit Facility and the Senior Notes. During the second quarter of 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors commenced an annual $ 0.30 per share common stock dividend program, with payments that approximated $ 2.9 million per quarter. In addition to the quarterly dividend, the Company paid a special one-time cash dividend of $ 0.20 per s hare of common stock on August 30, 2017. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company agreed not to declare or pay any dividends or make other distributions in respect of any shares of the Company’s capital stock, except for the Company’s regular quarter ly cash dividend. The special one-time cash dividend, which approximated $ 7.8 million, was permitted under the Merger Agreement. Under the Credit Facility and the Senior Notes, the Company may be restricted in the amount a vailable for dividends, share repurchases, investments, and debt repurchases in the future based upon its Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio. The amount available can increase over time based upon the Company’s financial performance and used when its Consolidated Net Secured Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to the maximum Secured Leverage Ratio permitted at the time. There are certain other limitations that apply to its use. The following table presents a summary of the Company’s dividend activit y during the past two years ending December 31, 2018 : Aggregate Payment Dividends Payment Equity Type Date per Share Amount Common stock March 15, 2017 $ 0.075 $ 2,915,952 June 15, 2017 $ 0.075 $ 2,920,860 August 30, 2017 $ 0.200 $ 7,791,075 September 15, 2017 $ 0.075 $ 2,921,727 December 15, 2017 $ 0.090 $ 12,633,039 March 28, 2018 $ 0.090 $ 12,440,990 June 28, 2018 $ 0.090 $ 12,475,445 September 14, 2018 $ 0.090 $ 12,486,825 December 14, 2018 $ 0.090 $ 12,366,985 Preferred January 16, 2017 $ 50,000.00 $ 550,000 April 16, 2017 $ 50,000.00 $ 550,000 July 16, 2017 $ 50,000.00 $ 550,000 October 16, 2017 $ 62,500.00 $ 687,500 November 17, 2017 $ 21,527.78 $ 236,806 Dividend Equivalents The Company’s grants of RSUs include the right, upon vesting, to receive a cash payment equal to the aggregate amount of dividends, if any, that holders would have received on the shares of common stock underlying their RSUs if such RSUs had been vested during the period. The following table presents the amounts accrued an d unpaid on unvested RSUs: Dividend Equivalent Liabilities Balance Sheet December 31, Location 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Short-term Other current liabilities $ 1,279 $ 830 Long-term Other long-term liabilities 1,041 1,331 Total $ 2,320 $ 2,161 Deemed Stock Repurchase When RSUs Vest Upon vesting of RSUs, a tax obligation is created for both the employer and the employee. Unless employees elect to pay their tax withholding obligations in cash, the Company withholds shares of stock in an amount sufficient to cover their tax withholding obligations. The withholding of these shares by the Company is deemed to be a repurchase of its stock. The following table provides summary informat ion on the deemed repurchase of vested RSUs: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Shares of stock deemed repurchased 506 169 232 Amount recorded as financing activity $ 5,186 $ 2,565 $ 2,268 Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company ’s Entercom Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) allows participants to purchase the Company’s stock at a price equal to 85 % of the market value of such shares on the purchase date. The maximum number of shares authorized to be issued under the ESPP is 1.0 million. Pursuant to this plan, the Company does not record compensation expense to t he employee as income subject to tax on the difference between the market v alue and the purchase price, as this plan was designed to meet the requirements of Section 423(b) of the Code. The Company recognizes the 15 % discount in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as non-cash compensation expen se. Pursuant to the CBS Radio Merger Agreement, the Company agreed not to issue or authorize any shares of its capital stock until the earlier of the termination of the CBS Radio Merger Agreement or the consummation of the Merger. As a result, the Compan y effectively suspended the ESPP during the second quarter of 2017. There were no shares purchased and the Company did not recognize any non-cash compensation expense in connection with the ESPP during the second, third or fourth quarters of 2017. T he Company resumed the ESPP in the first quarter of 2018. Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Number of shares purchased 228 15 32 Non-cash compensation expense recognized $ 252 $ 32 $ 67 Share Repurchase Program On November 2, 2017 , the Company’s Board of Directors a nnounced a share repurchase program (the “2017 Share Repurchase Program”) to permit the Company to purchase up to $ 100.0 million of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock through open market purchases . Shares repurchased by the Company under the 2017 Share Repurchase Program will be at the discretion of the Company based upon the relevant facto rs at the time of such consideration, including, without limitation, compliance with the restrictions set forth in the Company’s Credit Facility and the Senior Notes. During the year ended December 31, 2018 , the Company repurchased 3.2 million shares of Class A c ommon stock at an aggregate average price of $ 9.11 per share for a total of $ 29.4 million.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Block

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments Abstract
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Text Block	14 . SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Equity Compensation Plan Under the Entercom Equity Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), the Company is authorized to issue share-based compensation awards to key employees, directors and consultants. The RSUs and options that have been issued generally vest over periods of up to four years. The options expire ten years from the date of grant. The Company issues new shares of Class A common stock upon the exercise of stock options and the later of vesting or issuance of RSUs. On January 1 of each year, the number of shares of Class A common stock aut horized under the Plan is automatically increased by 1.5 million, or a lesser number as may be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. The amount of shares available for grant automatically increased by 1.5 million on January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2017. The Board of Directors elected to forego the January 1, 2016 increase in the shares available for grant. As of December 31, 2018 , the shares available for grant were 1.7 million shares. The Plan included certain performance criteria for purposes of satisfying expense deduction requirements for income tax purposes. This expense deduction exemption does not apply under the new tax legislation that was enacted during the fourt h quarter of 2017 and was effective as of January 1, 2018. Accounting f or Share-Based Compensation The measurement and recognition of compensation expense, for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, is based on estimated fair va lues. The fair value is determined at the time of grant: (i) using the Company’s stock price for RSUs; and (ii) using the Black Scholes model for options. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense o ver the requisite service periods in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. F orfeitures are recognized as they occur. RSU Activity The following is a summary of the changes in RSUs under the Plan during the current period: Number Weighted Aggregate of Weighted Average Intrinsic Restricted Average Remaining Value as of Stock Purchase Contractual December 31, Period Ended Units Price Term (Years) 2018 (amounts in thousands) RSUs outstanding as of: December 31, 2017 4,285 RSUs awarded 1,292 RSUs released (1,496) RSUs forfeited (396) RSUs outstanding as of: December 31, 2018 3,685 $ - 1.1 $ 20,971 RSUs vested and expected to vest as of: December 31, 2018 3,685 $ - 1.1 $ 20,971 RSUs exercisable (vested and deferred) as of: December 31, 2018 49 $ - - $ 278 Weighted average remaining recognition period in years 1.9 Unamortized compensation expense $ 22,458 The following table presents additional information on RSU activity : Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount (amounts in thousands, except per share) RSUs issued 1,292 $ 10,078 3,064 $ 35,628 1,123 $ 10,381 RSUs forfeited - service based (396) (1,228) (379) (1,117) (27) (280) Net RSUs issued and increase (decrease) to paid-in capital 896 $ 8,850 2,685 $ 34,511 1,096 $ 10,101 Weighted average grant date fair value per share $ 9.71 $ 13.42 $ 9.24 Fair value of shares vested per share $ 11.07 $ 10.76 $ 9.30 RSUs vested and released 1,496 474 611 RSUs With Service and Market Conditions T he Company issued RSUs with service and market conditions that are included in the table above. These shares vest if: ( i ) the Company’s stock achieves certain shareholder performance targets ov er a defined measurement period; and (ii ) the employee fulfills a minimum service period. The compensation expense is recognized even if the market conditions are not satisfied and are only reversed in the event the service period is not met, as all of the conditions ne ed to be satisfied. These RSUs are amortized over the longest of the explicit, implicit or derived service periods, which range from approximately one to three years. The following table presents the changes in outstanding RSUs with market conditions: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) Reconciliation of RSUs with Service And Market Conditions Beginning of period balance 650 630 390 Number of RSUs granted - 70 470 Number of RSUs forfeited (110) - - Number of RSUs vested (314) (50) (230) End of period balance 226 650 630 Weighted average fair value of RSUs granted with market conditions $ - $ 9.81 $ 7.34 The fair value of RSUs with service conditions is estimated using the Company’s closing stock price on the date of the grant. To determine the fair value of RSUs with service and market conditions, the Company used the Monte Carlo simulation lattice model. The Company’s determination of the fair value was based on the number of shares granted, the Company’s stock price on the date of grant and certain assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. If other reasonable assumptions were used, the results could differ. The specific assumptions used for these valuations are as follow s : Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Expected Volatility Structure (1) - 54% 35% to 45% Risk Free Interest Rate (2) - 1.8% 0.4% to 1.1% Annual Dividend Payment Per Share (Constant) (3) - 3.3% 7.5% RSUs with Service and Performance Conditions In addition to the RSUs included in the table above summarizing the activity in RSUs under the Plan, the Company issued RSUs with both service and performance conditions. Vesting of performance-based awards, if any, is dependent upon the achievement of cer tain performance targets. If the performance standards are not achieved, all unvested shares will expire and any accrued expense will be reversed. The Company determines the requisite service period on a case-by-case basis to determine the expense recogni tion period for non-vested performance based RSUs. The fair value is determined based upon the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company applies a quarterly probability assessment in computing its non-cash compensation expense and any change in the estimate is reflected as a cumulative adjustment to expense in the quarter of the change. The following table reflects the activity of RSUs with service and performance conditions: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) Reconciliation of RSUs with Service and Performance Conditions Beginning of period balance - - 29 Number of RSUs granted - - - Number of RSUs that did not meet criteria - - (29) Number of RSUs vested - - - Average fair value of RSUs granted with performance conditions $ - $ - $ - As of December 31, 2018 , no non-cash compensation expense was recognized for RSUs with performance conditions . Option Activity The following table presents the option activity during the current year ended under the Plan: Weighted Intrinsic Weighted Average Value Average Remaining as of Number of Exercise Contractual December 31, Period Ended Options Price Term (Years) 2018 Options outstanding as of: December 31, 2017 883,347 $ 8.38 Options granted - - Options exercised (113,137) 1.35 Options forfeited - - Options expired (15,000) 9.30 Options outstanding as of: December 31, 2018 755,210 $ 9.42 1.4 $ 789,550 Options vested and expected to vest as of: December 31, 2018 755,210 $ 9.42 1.4 $ 789,550 Options vested and exercisable as of: December 31, 2018 755,210 $ 9.42 1.4 $ 789,550 Weighted average remaining recognition period in years - Unamortized compensation expense $ - The following table summarizes significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable options as of the current period: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Number of Weighted Number of Options Average Weighted Options Weighted Range of Outstanding Remaining Average Exercisable Average Exercise Prices December 31, Contractual Exercise December 31, Exercise From To 2018 Life Price 2018 Price $ 1.34 $ 1.34 184,800 0.1 $ 1.34 184,800 $ 1.34 $ 4.76 $ 13.98 570,410 1.8 $ 12.04 570,410 $ 12.04 $ 1.34 $ 13.98 755,210 1.4 $ 9.42 755,210 $ 9.42 The following table provides summary information on the granting and vesting of options: Years Ended December 31, Option Issuance and Exercise Data 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands except for per share and years) From To From To From To Exercise price range of options issued $ 1.34 $ 2.02 $ 1.34 $ 11.31 $ 1.34 $ 11.69 Upon vesting, period to exercise in years 1 10 1 10 1 10 Fair value per share upon grant $ - $ 4.33 $ - Number of options granted - 686 - Intrinsic value per share upon exercise $ 7.33 $ 7.24 $ 12.21 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 829 $ 60 $ 1,678 Tax benefit from options exercised $ 220 $ 21 $ 636 Cash received from exercise price of options exercised $ 152 $ 42 $ 265 Valuation Of Options The Company estimates the fair value of option awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The Company used the straight-line single option method for recognizing compensation expense , which was reduced for estimated forfeitures based on awards ultimately expected to vest. The Company’s determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exerci se behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. The Company’s stock options have certain characteristics that are different from traded options, and changes in the subjective assumptions could affect the estimated value. For options granted, the Company used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and determined: ( i ) the term by using the simplified plain-vanilla method as the Co mpany’s employee exercise history may not be indicative for estimating future exercises; (ii ) a historical volatility over a period commensurate with the expected term, with the observation of the volatility on a daily basis; (iii ) a risk-free interest rate t hat was consistent with the expected term of the stock options and based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant; and (iv ) an annual dividend yield based upon the Company’s most recent quarterly dividend at the time of grant. In connection with the Merger, the Company applied the above described valuation methodologies to determine the fair value for those options assumed as part of the Merger in 2017 . Recognized Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation Expense The following non-cash stock-based compensation expense, which is related primarily to RSUs, is included in each of the respective line items in the Company’s statement of operations: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Station operating expenses $ 6,855 $ 1,694 $ 1,363 Corporate general and administrative expenses 8,294 7,873 5,176 Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses 15,149 9,567 6,539 Income tax benefit (1) 3,160 3,328 2,321 After-tax stock-based compensation expense $ 11,989 $ 6,239 $ 4,218

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SH

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share Abstract
Earnings Per Share Text Block	13 . NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE Net income per common share is calculated as basic net income per share and diluted net income per share. Basic net income per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share is computed in the same manner as basic net income after assuming issuance of common stock for all potentially dilutive equivalent shares, which includes the potential dilution that could occur: ( i ) if the RSUs with service conditions were fully vested (usin g the treasury stock method); (ii ) if all of the Company’s outstanding stock options that are in-the-money were exercised (usin g the treasury stock method); (iii ) if the RSUs with ser vice and market conditions were co nsidered contingently issuable; ( iv ) if the RSUs with service and performance conditions were con sidered contingently issuable and (v ) if the Preferred was converted (using the as if converted method, for 2016 only). The Company considered whether the options to purchase Class A common stock in connection with the ESPP were potentially dilutive and concluded there were no dilutive shares as all options are automatically exercised at the balance sheet date. The Comp any considered the allocation of undistributed net income for multiple classes of common stock and determined that it was appropriate to allocate undistributed net income between the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock on an equal basis. For purpos es of making this determination, the Company’s charter provides that the holders of Class A and Class B common stock have equal rights and privileges except with respect to voting on most other matters where Class B shares voted by Joseph Field or David Fi eld have a 10 to 1 super vote. The following tables present the computations of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share from continuing operations and discontinued operations : Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) Basic Income (Loss) Per Share Numerator Net income available to the Company - continuing operations $ (362,587) $ 233,013 $ 38,065 Preferred stock dividends - 2,015 1,901 Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations (362,587) 230,998 36,164 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 1,152 836 - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ (361,435) $ 231,834 $ 36,164 Denominator Basic weighted average shares outstanding 138,069,608 51,392,899 38,500,495 Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Basic: Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share available to common shareholders - Basic $ (2.63) $ 4.49 $ 0.94 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share available to common shareholders - Basic 0.01 0.02 - Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders - Basic $ (2.62) $ 4.51 $ 0.94 Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share Numerator Net income available to the Company - continuing operations $ (362,587) $ 233,013 $ 38,065 Preferred stock dividends - 2,015 1,901 Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations (362,587) 230,998 36,164 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 1,152 836 - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ (361,435) $ 231,834 $ 36,164 Denominator Basic weighted average shares outstanding 138,069,608 51,392,899 38,500,495 Effect of RSUs and options under the treasury stock method - 1,492,257 1,067,567 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 138,069,608 52,885,156 39,568,062 Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Diluted: Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share available to common shareholders - Diluted $ (2.63) $ 4.37 $ 0.91 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share available to common shareholders - Diluted 0.01 0.02 - Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders - Diluted $ (2.62) $ 4.38 $ 0.91 Disclosure o f Anti-Dilutive Shares The following table presents those shares excluded as they were anti-dilutive: Impact Of Equity Awards Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) Dilutive or anti-dilutive for all potentially dilutive equivalent shares anti-dilutive dilutive dilutive Excluded shares as anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method: Options excluded 564 548 - Price range of options excluded: from $ 6.43 $ 11.69 $ - Price range of options excluded: to $ 13.98 $ 13.98 $ - RSUs with service conditions 1,394 163 - Excluded RSUs with service and market conditions as market conditions not met 226 336 267 Excluded RSUs with service and performance conditions until performance criteria is probable - - - Excluded preferred stock as anti-dilutive under the as if method - - 1,943 Excluded shares as anti-dilutive when reporting a net loss 755 - -

INCOME TAXES (Block)

INCOME TAXES (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure Abstract
Income Tax Disclosure Text Block	15 . INCOME TAXES Effective Tax Rate - Overview The Company’s effective income tax rate may be impacted by: (i) changes in the level of income in any of the Company’s taxing jurisdictions; (ii) changes in the statutes, rules and tax rates applicable to taxable income in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; (iii) changes in the expected outcome of income tax audits; (iv) changes in the estimate of expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes; (v) income taxes in certain sta tes where the states’ current taxable income is dependent on factors other than the Company’s consolidated net income; and (vi) adding facilities in states that on average have different income tax rates from states in which the Company currently operates and the resulting effect on previously reported temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities . The Company’s annual effective tax rate may also be materially impacted by tax expense associated w ith non-amortizable assets such as broadcasting licenses and goodwill and changes in the deferred tax valuation allowance . An impairment loss for financial statement purposes will result in an income tax benefit during the period incurred as the amortiza tion of some portion of the Company’s broadcasting licenses and goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. Expected a nd Reported Income Taxes (Benefit) Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations computed using the United States federal statutory rates is reconciled to the reported income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Federal statutory income tax rate 21% 35% 35% Computed tax expense at federal statutory rates on income before income taxes $ (77,016) $ (8,425) $ 18,501 State income tax expense, net of federal benefit (4,779) 23,045 (5,202) Goodwill impairment 64,465 - - Valuation allowance current year activity (2,593) 2,395 - Tax impact of share-based awards 872 1,383 - Transaction costs 391 8,477 - Recognized gain on Exchange Transactions - 6,435 - U.S. federal income tax reform 883 (291,497) - Tax benefit shortfall associated with share-based awards - - 286 Taxable gain on sale of radio stations 5,511 - - Nondeductible expenses and other 8,113 1,102 1,209 Income taxes $ (4,153) $ (257,085) $ 14,794 For 2018 The effective income tax rate was 1.1 %. This rate was lower than the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to an impairment on the Company’s goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2018 which is not deductible for income tax purposes. The income tax rate is lower than in previous year primarily due to an income tax benefit resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“T CJA”) that was enacted on December 22, 2017, which reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from the previous rate of 35 % to 21%. For 2017 The effective income tax rate was significantly impacted by an income tax benefit re sulting from the TCJA that was enacted on December 22, 2017, which reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from the previous rate of 35 % to 21 %. The Company’s deferred tax balances were re-measured using the ne w federal income tax rate. For 2016 T he effective income tax rate was 28.0 %. This rate was lower t han the federal statutory rate of 35 % primarily due to the combination of: (i) tax benefits associated with legis lative changes in certain single member states; (ii) a reduction in the Company’s valuation allowances against net operating losses in certain single member states as a result of internal restructuring; and (iii) the reliance more on share-based awards iss ued to senior management that are fully deductible for tax purposes. Income Tax Expense Income tax expense (benefit) for each year is summarized in the table below. The table does not include income tax expense from discontinued operations of $ 0.7 million and $0.5 million in 2018 and 2017 , respectively . Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ 38,481 $ 5,178 $ (33) State 17,836 1,289 139 Total current 56,317 6,467 106 Deferred: Federal (37,678) (295,467) 19,980 State (22,792) 31,915 (5,292) Total deferred (60,470) (263,552) 14,688 Total income taxes (benefit) $ (4,153) $ (257,085) $ 14,794 Deferred Tax Assets a nd Deferred Tax Liabilities The income tax accounting process to determine the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities involves estimating all temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities based on tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the period in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. These estimates include assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns . C hanges to these estimates could have a future impact on the Company’s financial positio n or results of operations. At December 31, 2017, the Company calculated the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of TCJA as written, and made a reasonable estimate of the effects on the existing deferred tax balances. The Company recorded an esti mated income tax benefit from continuing operations of $ 291.5 million to adjust the Company’s deferred income tax balances as a result of the reduced corporate income tax rate. The estimated amounts are included as components of income tax expen se from continuing operations. To determine the Company’s estimated amounts, the Company re-measured its deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally a 21 % federal tax rate and its related impact on the state tax rate. The Company completed its assessment of the impact of the TCJA as of December 22, 2018. In connection with this final assessment of the impact of the TCJA, the Company recorded an addi tional $0.9 million income tax benefit from continuing operations during 2018. The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 201 8 and 201 7 , are as detailed below. December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Federal and state income tax loss carryforwards 81,368 96,334 Share-based compensation 3,382 4,174 Investments - impairments 347 348 Lease rental obligations 15,080 13,910 Deferred compensation 9,097 11,601 Deferred gain on tower transaction 1,732 1,897 Debt fair value adjustment 4,390 5,162 Reserves - 7,442 Property, equipment and certain intangibles (other than broadcasting licenses and goodwill) - - Advertiser broadcasting obligations - - Employee benefits 2,396 543 Provision for doubtful accounts 4,406 4,383 Other non-current 5,799 1,614 Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance 127,997 147,408 Valuation allowance (25,761) (37,154) Total deferred tax assets $ 102,236 $ 110,254 Deferred tax liabilities: Advertiser broadcasting obligations $ 47 $ (7,172) Deferral of gain recognition on the extinguishment of debt - - Property, equipment and certain intangibles (49,662) (55,922) Broadcasting licenses and goodwill (598,603) (656,949) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (648,218) $ (720,043) Total net deferred tax liabilities $ (545,982) $ (609,789) Valuation Allowance f or Deferred Tax Assets Judgment is required in estimating valuation allowances for deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if an assessment of their components indicates that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of these assets will not be realized. The realization of a deferred tax asset ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in the carryforward periods under tax law. The Company periodically assess es th e need for valuation allowances for deferred tax assets based on more-likely-than-not realization threshold criteria. In the Company’s assessment, appropriate consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the de ferred tax assets. This assessment considers, among other matters, forecasts of future profitability , the duration of statutory carryforward periods and any ownership change limitations under Section 382 of the Code on the Company’s future income that can be used to offset historic losses. For 2018, the Company’s ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) will be limited under Section 382 of the Code as a result of the CBS Radio Merger. For federal income tax purposes , the acquisition of CBS Radio (now Entercom Media Corp.) was treated as a reverse acquisition which caused the Company to undergo an ownership change under Section 382 of the Code . The utilization of these NOLs in future years will be s ubject to an annual limitation. In addition, Entercom Media Corp. has federal NOLs that are subject to a separate IRC Section 382 annual limitation. As changes occur in the Company’s assessments regarding its ability to recover its deferred tax assets , the Company’s tax provision is increased in any period in which the Company determines that the recovery is not probable. The following table presents the changes in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance for the periods indicated : Increase Increase (Decrease) (Decrease) Charged Charged (Credited) (Credited) Balance at to Income to Balance At Beginning Taxes Balance Purchase End Of Year Ended of Year (Benefit) Sheet Accounting Year (amounts in thousands) December 31, 2018 $ 37,154 $ (11,393) $ - $ - $ 25,761 December 31, 2017 12,861 17,785 151 6,357 37,154 December 31, 2016 20,638 (7,777) - - 12,861 Lia b ilities f or Uncertain Tax Positions The Company recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on whether evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as this requires the Company to estimate the probability of various possible outcomes. The Company reevaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. Changes in assumptions may result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision. The Company classifies interest and penalties that are related to income tax liabilities as a component of income tax expense . T he income tax liabilities and accrued interest and penalties are presented as non - current liabilities , as payments are not anticipated within one year of the balance sheet date. These non - current income tax liabilities are recorded in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets . The Company’s liabilities for uncertai n tax positions are reflected in the following table: December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Liabilities for uncertain tax positions Tax $ 370 $ 711 Total $ 370 $ 711 The amounts for interest and penalties expense reflected in the statements of operations were eliminated in the statements of cash flows under net deferred taxes (benefit) and other as no cash payments were made during these periods. The follo wing table presents the expense (income) for uncertain tax positions, which amounts were reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as an increase (decrease) to income tax expense: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Tax expense (income) $ - $ - $ (67) Interest and penalties (income) - - (170) Total income taxes (benefit) from uncertain tax positions $ - $ - $ (237) The decrease in liabilities for uncertain tax positions for 2018 is related to the lapse of statutes of limitations. The following table presents the gross amount of changes in unrecognized tax benefits : Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Beginning of year balance $ (7,820) $ (7,138) $ (7,690) Prior year positions Gross Increases - (710) - Gross Decreases - - - Current year positions Gross Increases - - - Gross Decreases - - - Settlements with tax authorities - - - Reductions due to statute lapse 535 28 552 End of year balance $ (7,285) $ (7,820) $ (7,138) Ending liability balance included above that was reflected as an offset to deferred tax assets $ (6,915) $ (7,110) $ (7,138) The gross amount of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is reflected in the above table which , if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective income tax rate in the period of recognition. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could increas e or decrease within the next 12 months for a number of reasons including the expiration of statutes of limitations, audit settlements and tax examination activities . As of December 31, 2018 , there were no significant unrecognized net tax benefits (exclusive of interest and penalties) that over the next 12 months are subject to the expiration of various statutes of limitation. Interest and penalties accrued on uncertain tax positions are released upon the expiration of statutes of limitations. Federal a nd State Income Tax Audits The Company is subject to federal, state and local income tax audits from time to time that could result in proposed assessments. Management believes that the Company has made sufficient tax provisions for tax periods that are within the statutory period of limitations not previously audited and that are potentially open for examination by the taxing authorities. Potential liabilities associated with these years will be resolved when an event occurs to warrant closure, prima rily through the completion of audits by the taxing jurisdictions, or if the statute of limitations expires. To the extent audits or other events result in a material adjustment to the accrued estimates, the effect would be recognized during the period of the event. There can be no assurance, however, that the ultimate outcome of audits will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company cannot predict with certainty how these audits will be resolved and whether the Company will be required to make additional tax payments, which may include penalties and interest. For most states where the Company condu cts business, the Company is subject to examination for the preceding three to six years. In certain states, the period could be longer. Income Tax Payments, Refunds a nd Credits For federal taxation purposes, the TCJA repealed the Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) for corporations. Accordingly, the Company did not make any AMT payments in 2018. The Company is now subject to regular corporate income tax. T he following table provides the amount of income tax payments and income tax refunds for the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Federal and state income tax payments $ 54,217 $ 2,030 $ 381 Net Operating Loss Carryforwards As a result of the Merger with CBS Radio on November 17, 2017, changes in the cumulative ownership percentages triggered a significant limitation in its NOL carryforward utilization. The Company’s ability to use its federal NOL and credit carryforwards is subject to annual limitations as defined in Section 382 of the IRC . Entercom Media Corp. also had federal NOLs that are subject to a separate IRS Section 382 limitation. As a result, the Company has recorded a valuat ion allowance against a portion of its federal NOLs as it anticipates utilizing $ 254.5 million of its NOL carryovers. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance for its state NOLs as the Company does not expect to obtain a benefit in future periods. In addition, u tilization in future years of the NOL carryforwards may be subject to limitations due to the changes in ownership provisions under Section 382 of the Code and similar state provisions. T he C ompany will continue to assess the ability of these carryforwards to be realized in subsequent periods. The NOLs in the following table reflect an estimate of the NOLs for the 2018 tax filing year as these returns will not be filed until later in 2019 : Net Operating Losses December 31, 2018 NOLs NOL Expiration Period (amounts in (in years) thousands) Federal NOL carryforwards $ 262,066 2030 to 2033 State NOL carryforwards $ 518,779 2019 to 2034

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND BENEFIT PL

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND BENEFIT PLANS (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure Abstract
Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans Text Block	17 . EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND BENEFIT PLANS Deferred Compensation Plans The Company provides certain of its employees and the Board of Directors with an opportunity to defer a portion of their compensation on a tax-favored basis. The obligations by the Company to pay these benefits under the deferred compensation plans represent unsecured general obligations that rank equally with the Company’s other unsecured indebtedness. Amounts deferred under these plans were included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Any c hange in the deferred compensation liability for each period is recorded to corporate general and administrative expenses and to station operating expenses in the statement of operations. Further contributions under these plans have been frozen beginning with any contribution elections covering the 2018 year . Years Ended December 31, Benefit Plan Disclosures 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Deferred compensation Beginning of period balance $ 40,995 $ 10,875 $ 10,137 Assumption of deferred compensation in Merger - 27,057 - Employee compensation deferrals 384 840 963 Employee compensation payments (8,709) (1,184) (945) Increase (decrease) in plan fair value (1,742) 3,407 720 End of period balance $ 30,928 $ 40,995 $ 10,875 401(k) S avings Plan T he Company has a savings plan which is intended to be qualified under Section 401(k) of the Code. The plan is a defined contribution plan, available to a l l eligible employees, and allows participants to contribute up to the legal maximum of their eligible compensation, not to exceed the maximum tax-deferred amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company’s discretionary matching contribution is subject to certain conditions. The Company’s contributions for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 were $ 6.1 million, $ 2.9 million and $ 1.0 million, respectively.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUM

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures Abstract
Fair Value Disclosures Text Block	18 . FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Value o f Financial Instruments Subject t o Fair Value Measurements The Company has determined the types of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement are: ( i ) certain tangible and intangible assets subject to impairment testing as described in Note 6 , Intangible Assets And Goodwill; (ii ) financial instruments as described in Note 10 , Long-Term Debt ; ( iii ) deemed deferred compensation plans as described in Note 17 , Employee Savings And Benefit Plans ; ( iv ) lease abandonment liabilities as described in Note 3 , Business Combinat ions; and (v ) interest rate derivative transactions that are outstanding from time to time (none currently outstanding). The fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent to the inputs of the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy assigns the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable than objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value. At each balance sheet date, the Company performs an analysis of all instruments and includes in Level 3 all of those whose fair value is based on significant unobservable inputs. Recurring Fair Value Measurements The following table sets forth the Company's financial assets and/or liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value and its placement within the fair valu e hierarchy levels. During the periods presented, there were no transfers between fair value hierarchical levels. Fair Value Measurements At Reporting Date Quoted prices Significant Significant Measured at Balance at in active other observable unobservable Net Asset Value December 31, markets inputs inputs as a Practical Description 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Expedient (2) (amounts in thousands) Liabilities Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1) $ 30,928 $ 23,476 $ - $ - $ 7,452 Quoted prices Significant Significant Measured at Balance at in active other observable unobservable Net Asset Value December 31, markets inputs inputs as a Practical Description 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Expedient (2) (amounts in thousands) Liabilities Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1) $ 40,995 $ 23,751 $ - $ - $ 17,244 The Company’s deferred compensation liability, which is included in other long-term liabilities, is recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The unfunded plan allows participants to hypothetically invest in various specified investment options. The fair value of underlying investments in collective trust funds is determined using the net asset value (“NAV”) provided by the administrator of the fund as a practical expedient. The NAV is determined by each fund’s trustee based upon the fair value of t he underlying assets owned by the fund, less liabilities, divided by outstanding units. In accordance with appropriate accounting guidance , these investments have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements The Company has certain assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are adjusted to fair value only when the carrying values are more than the fair values. The categorization of the framework used to price the assets is considered Level 3, due to the subjective nature of the unobservable inputs used to determine the fair valu e . During the quarters ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 , the Company reviewed the fair value of its broadcasting licenses and goodwill, and concluded that its broadcasting licenses were not impaired as the fair value of these assets equaled or exceeded their carrying value. During the second quarter of the current year, the Company concluded that the fair value of goodwill exceeded the carrying value of goodwill and determined that no goodwill impairment charge was required. During the second quarter of the prior year, the Company concluded that the carrying value of goodwill allocated to one of its markets exceeded its fair value. Accordingly, the Company wrote off approximately $ 0.4 million of goodwill during the second quarter of 2017. Subsequent to the annual impairment test conducted during the second quarter of 2018, the Company determined that a sustained decrease in the Company’s share price required the Company to conduct an interim impairment assessment on its broadcas ting licenses and goodwill. This interim impairment conducted during the fourth quarter of the current year indicated that the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill and broadcasting licenses exceeded their respective carrying amount. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $ 147.9 million impairment charge ($ 108.8 million, net of tax) on its broadcasting licenses and a $ 317.1 million impairment ($ 314.4 million, net of tax) on its goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2018. Refer to Note 6 , Intangible Assets and Goodwill, for additional information. There were no events or changes in circumstances which indicated the Company’s investments, property and equipment, or other intangible assets may not be recoverable, other than as described below. During the se cond quarter of the current year, the Company recorded a $ 2.1 million impairment charge related to assets expected to be disposed of in one of its markets. During the second quarter of the current year, events or circumstances changed which indicated tha t a portion of the Company’s assets which had been classified as held for sale may not be recoverable. Accordingly, the Company estimated the fair value of these assets and recognized an impairment charge of $ 26.9 million. Refer to Note 19 , Assets Held For Sale And Discontinued Operations, for additional information. Fair Value o f Financial Instruments Subject t o Disclosures The estimated fair value of financial instruments is determined using the best available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessary, however, in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange, or the value that ultimately will be realized upon maturity or disposition. The use of different m arket assumptions may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The carrying amount of the following assets and liabilities approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments: ( i ) cash and cash equivalents; (ii ) accounts receivable; and (iii ) accounts payable, including accrued liabilities. The following table presents the carrying value of financial instruments and, where practicable, the fair value as of the periods indicated: December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Value Value Value Value (amounts in thousands) Term B Loans (1) $ 1,291,700 $ 1,243,261 $ 1,330,000 $ 1,336,650 Revolver (2) $ 180,000 $ 180,000 $ 143,000 $ 143,000 Senior Notes (3) $ 400,000 $ 378,000 $ 400,000 $ 422,876 Other debt (4) $ 912 $ 70 Letters of credit (4) $ 5,862 $ 1,856 The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments: (1) The Company’s determination of the fair value of the Term B-1 Loans w a s based on quoted prices for these instruments and is considered a Level 2 measurement as the pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets . (2) The fair value of the Revolver was considered to approximate the carrying value as the interest payments are based on LIBOR rates that reset periodically. The Revolver is considered a Level 2 measurement as the pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets . (3) The Company utilizes a Level 2 valuation input based upon the market trading prices of the Senior Notes to compute the fair value as these Senio r Notes are traded in the debt securities market. The Senior Notes are considered a Level 2 measurement as the pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets. ( 4 ) The Company does not believe it is practicable to estimate the fair value of the other debt or the outstanding standby letters of credit . Investments Valued Under the Measurement Alternative The Company h olds investments in privately held companies that are not exchange-traded and therefore not supported with observable market prices. The Company does not have significant influence over the investees. The amended accounting guidance for financial instruments discussed above in Note 1 , Basis Of Presentation And Significant Policies, provides an alternative to measure equity secur ities without readily determinable fair values at cost less impairment (if any), plus or minus observable price changes from an identical or similar investment of the same issuer (the “measurement alternative”). The Company elected the measurement alterna tive for its qualifying equity securities. The Company’s investments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at their cost basis, which represents the amount the Company paid to acquire the investments. The Company periodically evaluates the c arrying value of its investments, when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company considers investee financial performance and other information received from the investee companies, as wel l as any other available estimates of the fair value of the investee companies in its evaluation. If certain impairment indicators exist, the Company determines the fair value of its investments. If the Company determines the carrying value of an investme nt exceeds its fair value , the Company writes down the value of the investment to its fair value. The fair value of the investments are not adjusted if there are no identified adverse events or changes in circu mstances that may have a material effect on the fair value of the investment. Since its initial date of investment, the Company has not identified any events or changes in circumstances which would require the Company to estimate the fair value of its inve stments. Accordingly, there has been no impairment in the Company’s investments measured under the measurement alternative. Additionally, there have been no returns of capital or changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions. A s a result, the investments measured under the measurement alternative continue to be presented at their original cost basis on the consolidated balance sheets. There was no material change in the carrying value of the Company’s cost-method investments si nce the year ended December 31, 2017 , other than as described below. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company purchased a minority ownership interest in Drive Time Metrics, Inc. (“Drive Time”), a provider of an analytics software for the automotive in dustry for $1.3 million. The following table presents the Company’s investments valued under the measurement alternative: Investments Valued Under the Measurement Alternative December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Investment balance before cumulative impairment as of January 1, $ 9,955 $ 255 Accumulated impairment as of January 1, - - Investment beginning balance after cumulative impairment as of January 1, 9,955 255 Acquisition of interest in a privately held company 1,250 9,700 Ending period balance $ 11,205 $ 9,955

ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER (Block)

ACQUISITIONS AND OTHER (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Mergers Acquisitions And Dispositions Disclosures Text Block	3 . BUSINESS COMBINATIONS The Company records acquisitions under the acquisition method of accounting, and allocates the purchase price to the assets and liabilities based upon their respective fair values as determined as of the acquisition date. Merger and acquisition costs are excluded from the purchase price as these costs are expensed for book purposes and amortized for tax purposes. 2018 WXTU Transaction On July 18, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. (“Beasley”) to sell certain assets of WXTU-FM, serving the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania radio market for $ 38.0 million in cash (the “WXTU Transaction”). The Company also simultaneously entered into a TBA with Beasley where Beasley commenced operations of WXTU-FM on July 23, 2018. During the period of the TBA, the Company excluded net revenues and station operati ng expenses associated with operating WXTU-FM in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company completed this disposition, which was subject to customary regulatory approvals, during the third quarter of 2018 and recognized a gain of approx imately $ 4.4 million. 2018 Jerry Lee Transaction On September 27, 2018, the Company completed a transaction to acquire the assets of WBEB-FM, serving the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania radio market from Jerry Lee Radio, LLC (“Jerry Lee”) for a purchase pr ice of $ 57.5 million in cash, less certain working capital and other credits (the “Jerry Lee Transaction”). The Company used proceeds from the WXTU Transaction and cash on hand to fund this acquisition. Upon the completion of the WTXU Tr ansaction and the Jerry Lee Transaction, the Company will continue to operate six radio stations in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania market. On August 7, 2018, the Company entered into a TBA with Jerry Lee. During the period of the TBA, the Company include d net revenues, station operating expenses and monthly TBA fees associated with operating WBEB-FM in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The allocations presented in the table below are based upon management’s estimate of the fair values usin g valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. In estimating the fair value of the acquired FCC broadcasting licenses, the fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows that assume an e xpected future growth rate of 1.0 % and an estimated discount rate of 9.0 %. The gross profit margins utilized were considered appropriate based on management’s expectations and experience in equivalent sized market s. The Company determines the fair value of the broadcasting licenses by relying on a discounted cash flow approach assuming a start-up scenario in which the only assets held by an investor are broadcasting licenses. The Company’s fair value analysis con tains assumptions based upon past experience, reflects expectations of industry observers and includes judgments about future performance using industry normalized information for an average station within a certain market. Any excess of the purchase pric e over the assets acquired was reported as goodwill. The Company recorded goodwill on its books, which is fully deductible for income tax purposes. Management believes that this acquisition provides the Company with an opportunity to benefit from operati onal efficiencies from combining operations of the acquired station with the Company’s existing stations within the Philadelphia market. The following preliminary purchase price allocations are based upon the valuation of assets and these estimates and assumptions are subject to change as the Company obtains additional information during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date. These assets pending finalization include intangible assets. Differences between the pre liminary and final valuation could be substantially different from the initial estimates. Useful Lives in Years Preliminary Value From To (amounts in thousands) Assets Equipment $ 981 3 7 Total tangible property 981 Advertising contracts 477 1 1 Radio broadcasting licenses 27,346 non-amortizing Goodwill 24,396 non-amortizing Net working capital 3,234 not applicable Total intangible and other assets 55,453 Total assets $ 56,434 Preliminary fair value of net assets acquired $ 56,434 2018 Emmis Acquisition On April 30, 2018, the Company completed a transaction to acquire two radio stations in St. Louis, Missouri from Emmis Communications Corporation (“Emmis”) for a purchase price of $ 15.0 million in cash (the “Emmis Acquisition”). The Company borrowed under its revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) to fund the acquisition. With this acquisition, the Company increased its presence in St. Louis, Missouri, to five radio stations. On March 1, 2018, the Company entered into an as set purchase agreement and a TBA with Emmis to operate two radio stations. During the period of the TBA, the Company included in net revenues, station operating expenses and monthly TBA fees associated with operating these stations in the Company’s consol idated financial statements. The allocations presented in the table below are based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. In estimating the fair value of the acquired FCC bro adcasting licenses, the fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows that assume an expected future growth rate of 1.0 % and an estimated discount rate of 9.0 %. The gr oss profit margins utilized were considered appropriate based on management’s expectations and experience in equivalent sized markets. The Company determines the fair value of the broadcasting licenses by relying on a discounted cash flow approach assumin g a start-up scenario in which the only assets held by an investor are broadcasting licenses. The Company’s fair value analysis contains assumptions based upon past experience, reflects expectations of industry observers and includes judgments about futur e performance using industry normalized information for an average station within a certain market. Any excess of the purchase price over the assets acquired was reported as goodwill. The following preliminary purchase price allocations are based upon the valuation of assets and these estimates and assumptions are subject to change as the Company obtains additional information during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date. These assets pending finalization include in tangible assets. Differences between the preliminary and final valuation could be substantially different from the initial estimates. Useful Lives in Years Preliminary Value From To (amounts in thousands) Assets Equipment $ 1,558 3 7 Total tangible property 1,558 Advertiser relationships 207 5 15 Advertising contracts 114 1 1 Radio broadcasting licenses 12,785 non-amortizing Goodwill 332 non-amortizing Other noncurrent assets 4 2 2 Total intangible and other assets 13,442 Total assets $ 15,000 Preliminary fair value of assets acquired $ 15,000 2017 CBS Radio Business Acquisition On November 17, 2017, the Company acquired the CBS Radio business from CBS to further strengthen its scale and capabilities to compete more effectively with other media for a larger share of advertising dollars. The purchase price was $2.56 billion and consisted of $1. 17 billion of total equity consideration and $1.39 billion of assumed debt. The CBS Radio business acquisition was completed pursuant to the CBS Radio Merger Agreement, dated February 2, 2017, by and among the Company, CBS, CBS Radio, and Merger Sub. On November 17, 2017, (i) Merger Sub was merged with and into CBS Radio, with CBS Radio continuing as the surviving corporation and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and (ii) each share of CBS Radio common stock was converted into one share of the Company’s common stock. The Company issued 101,407,494 shares of its Class A common Stock to the former holders of CBS Radio common stock . At the time of the Merger, each outstanding restricted stock unit (“RSU”) and stock option with respect to CBS Class B common stock held by employees of CBS Radi o was canceled and converted into equity awards for the Company’s Class A common stock. The conversion was based on the ratio of the volume-weighted average per share closing prices of CBS stock on the five trading days prior to the date of acquisition an d the Company’s stock on the five trading days following the date of acquisition. Entercom Communications Corp. is considered to be the acquiring company for accounting purposes. To complete the Merger, certain divestitures were required by the FCC in o rder to comply with the FCC’s ownership rules and policies. These divestitures consisted of: (i) the exchange transaction with iHeartMedia, Inc. (“iHeart”); (ii) a station exchange with Beasley; (iii) a cash sale to Bonneville International Corporation (“ Bonneville”); and (iv) a cash sale to Educational Media Foundation (“EMF”). Due to the structure of the transaction, there was no step-up in tax basis for the assets acquired as the Company assumed the existing tax basis in the assets of CBS Radio. The absence of a step-up in tax basis will limit the Company’s tax deductions in future years and impacts the amount of deferred tax liabilities recorded as part of purchase price accounting. If any of the Internal Distributions or the Final Distribution, ea ch as defined in the CBS Radio Merger Agreement, does not qualify as a transaction that is tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 355 of the Code or the Merger does not qualify as a tax-free “reorganization” under Section 368(a) of the Code, including as a result of actions taken in connection with the distributions made by CBS to facilitate the Merger or as a result of subsequent acquisitions of shares of CBS, Entercom, or CBS Radio, then CBS and/or holders of CBS Common Stock that rec eived Radio Common Stock in the Final Distribution may be required to pay substantial U.S. federal income taxes, and, in certain circumstances, CBS Radio and Entercom may be required to indemnify CBS for any such tax liability. The allocations presented in the table below are based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. In estimating the fair value of the acquired FCC broadcasting licenses, the fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, hypothetical expected future revenue and cash flows that assume an expected future growth rate of 1.0 % and an estimated discount rate of 9.0 %. The gross profit margins utilized were considered appropriate based on management’s expectations and experience in equivalent sized markets. The Company determines the fair value of the broadcasting licenses by relying on a discounted cash flow approach assuming a start-up scenario in which the only asset s held by an investor are broadcasting licenses. The Company’s fair value analysis contains assumptions based upon past experience, reflects expectations of industry observers and includes judgments about future performance using industry normalized inform ation for an average station within a certain market. Any excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired was reported as goo dwill. The goodwill recorded reflects management’s expectations of its ability to gain access to and penetrate CBS Radio ’s customer base and the benefits of being able to leverage operational efficiencies with favorable growth opportunities as a results of a large national presence. A portion of the goodwill carryover basis is tax deductible. The following table reflects: (i) the Company’s preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date; (ii) measurement period adjustments made to the preliminary allocation during the measurement period; and (iii) the f inal allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Preliminary Value as of acquisition date (as previously Measurement reported as of Period Description December 31, 2017) Adjustment As Adjusted (amounts in thousands) Assets Accounts receivable $ 241,548 $ - $ 241,548 Prepaid sports rights and favorable sports contracts 4,160 - 4,160 Prepaid expenses, deposits and other 20,625 476 21,101 Other current assets 7,350 1,741 9,091 Total current assets 273,683 2,217 275,900 Land 112,880 - 112,880 Land improvements 3,988 (2,640) 1,348 Leasehold improvements 26,255 9,774 36,029 Buildings 19,246 (5,206) 14,040 Furniture and fixtures 10,929 (6,849) 4,080 Equipment and towers 76,486 21,346 97,832 Construction in process 14,598 - 14,598 Total tangible property 264,382 16,425 280,807 Advertiser relationships 27,453 - 27,453 Radio broadcasting licenses 1,880,400 - 1,880,400 Goodwill 820,961 (21,498) 799,463 Assets held for sale 255,650 - 255,650 Favorable leases 16,580 - 16,580 Other noncurrent assets 1,050 4,176 5,226 Total intangible and other assets 3,002,094 (17,322) 2,984,772 Total assets $ 3,540,159 $ 1,320 $ 3,541,479 Liabilities Accounts payable $ 36,137 $ 421 $ 36,558 Accrued expenses 35,154 2,309 37,463 Accrued salaries and benefits 26,324 - 26,324 Current portion of long-term debt 10,600 - 10,600 Unfavorable sports liability - current portion 4,803 - 4,803 Accrued interest 4,529 - 4,529 Unearned revenues - current portion 14,971 - 14,971 Total current liabilities 132,518 2,730 135,248 Unearned revenues - non-current portion 13,859 - 13,859 Unfavorable lease liability 12,770 - 12,770 Unfavorable sports liability - non-current portion 22,597 - 22,597 Non-current portion of long-term debt 1,376,900 - 1,376,900 Deferred tax liability 780,832 (3,336) 777,496 Other long-term liabilities 31,835 1,926 33,761 Total liabilities $ 2,371,311 $ 1,320 $ 2,372,631 Preliminary fair value of net assets acquired $ 1,168,848 $ - $ 1,168,848 The aggregate fair value purchase price allocation of the assets and liabilities acquired in the CBS Radio Merger as reported on the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2018 , were revised during the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily due to: (i) a change to the deferred tax liabilities associated with certain stations acquired in the CBS Radio Merger which resulted in a decrease to goodwill of $ 3.3 million; (ii) a change to other current assets acquired in the CBS Radio Merg er which resulted in a decrease to goodwill of $ 1.3 million; (iii) a change to prepaid assets acquired in the CBS Radio Merger which resulted in a decrease to goodwill of $0.5 million; (iv) a change to accrued expenses acquired in the CBS Radio Merger whic h resulted in an increase to goodwill of $2 .3 million; (v) the recording of current and noncurrent lease abandonment liabilities assumed and a corresponding receivable for reimbursement from CBS Corporation; (vi) a change to tenant improvement allowances ou tstanding that were acquired in the CBS Radio Merger which resulted in a decrease to goodwill of $ 2.3 million; (vii) a change to the purchase price allocated to acquired tangible property which resulted in a decrease to goodwill of $16.4 million; and (viii ) reclassification between the categories of acquired tangible property. As the measurement period ended on November 17, 2018, t he adjusted purchase price allocation amounts included in the table above are no longer subject to change . The Company is in t he process of finalizing estimates and assumptions related to certain net working capital accounts acquired in the Merger. Any adjustments to the purchase price allocation required after the one year measurement period, which may be material, are expected to be recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as operating expenses or income . Under purchase price accounting for the CBS Radio Merger, the Company recorded favorable and unfavorable lease s for studio and transmitter site property leases and unfavorable sports programming contracts as these leases and contracts contain terms that were considered to be below or above market rates. These leases and contracts are reflected net in other current and long-term assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of th e lease or contract. A favorable or unfavorable lease or contract will result in an increase or decrease, respectively, to station operating expenses. The future amortization to unfavorable leases and contracts is as follows: As Of December 31, 2018 (amounts in thousands) Years ending December 31, 2019 $ 7,318 2020 6,909 2021 6,606 2022 5,725 2023 6,099 Thereafter 1,011 $ 33,668 2017 Exchange Transaction: The iHeartMedia Transaction On November 1, 2017 , the Company entered into an agreement (the “iHeartMedia Transaction”) with iHeartMedia, Inc. (“iHeart”) to exchange three CBS Radio stations in Seattle, Washington, and two CBS Radio and two Company radio stations in Boston, Massachusetts, for four iHeart radio stations in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and six iHeart radio stations in Richmond, Virginia, respectively. Upon consummation of the CBS Merger, the Co mpany contributed the stations to be divested to iHeart into an FCC Disposition trust. Concurrently with the Company entering into an asset exchange agreement, the FCC Disposition Trust and iHeart entered into TBAs which provided for iHeart and the Compan y, respectively, to operate certain radio stations pending closing. Operation under each TBA commenced at various times and for certain stations after the Merger. During the period of the TBA, the Company: (i) included net revenues and station operating expenses associated with operating the Richmond and Chattanooga stations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements; and (ii) excluded net revenues and station operating expenses associated with iHeart’s operation of the Seattle stations and Boston stations from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As a result of this iHeartMedia Transaction, the Company enter ed into two new markets in Richmond, Virginia and Chattanooga, Tennessee. The results of operations of KZOK FM and KJAQ FM from November 17, 2017 to December 18, 2017 are presented within discontinued operations as these stations were acquired from CBS Radio and were never operated by the Company and immediately qualified as held for sale. Refer to Note 19 , Assets Held For Sale And Discontinued Operations, for additional information. 2017 Exchange Transaction: The Beasley Transaction On November 1, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Beasley Transaction”) with Beasley Broadcast Group (“Beasley”) to exchange a C BS Radio station (WBZ FM) in Boston, Massachusetts for another station in the same market (WMJX FM) and cash proceeds of $ 12.0 million. Concurrently with entering into the asset exchange agreement, the Company entered into a TBA to operat e WMJX FM and included net revenues and station operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the period from December 4, 2017 through December 19, 2017. The results of operations of WBZ FM from November 17, 2017 to December 18 , 2017 are presented within discontinued operations as this station was originally owned by CBS Radio and was never a part of the Company’s continuing operations. Prior to the commencement of operations under the TBA, the Company contributed WBZ FM to a t rust and the trust operated the station for a period of time. Refer to Note 19 , Assets Held For Sale And Discontinued Operations, for additional information. In valuing the non-monetary assets that were part of the consideration transferred, the Com pany utilized the fair value as of the acquisition date, with any excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired reported as goodwill. The fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities was measured from the perspective of a market participa nt, applying the same methodology and types of assumptions as described above. Applying these methodologies requires significant judgment. Summary o f iHeart a nd Beasley Transactions b y Radio Station iHeartMedia Transaction Market Radio Stations Transactions TBA Commencement Date Disposition or Acquisition Date Richmond, VA WRVA AM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Richmond, VA WRXL FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Richmond, VA WTVR FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Richmond, VA WBTJ FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Richmond, VA WRNL AM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Richmond, VA WRVQ FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Chattanooga, TN WKXJ FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Chattanooga, TN WUSY FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Chattanooga, TN WRXR FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Chattanooga, TN WLND FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Boston, MA WBZ AM Company divested to iHeart November 18, 2017 December 19, 2017 Boston, MA WZLX FM Company divested to iHeart November 18, 2017 December 19, 2017 Boston, MA WRKO AM Company divested to iHeart Not Applicable December 19, 2017 Boston, MA WKAF FM Company divested to iHeart November 18, 2017 December 19, 2017 Seattle, WA KZOK FM Company divested to iHeart Not Applicable December 19, 2017 Seattle, WA KJAQ FM Company divested to iHeart Not Applicable December 19, 2017 Seattle, WA KFNQ AM Company divested to iHeart November 18, 2017 December 19, 2017 Beasley Transaction Market Radio Stations Transactions TBA Commencement Date Disposition or Acquisition Date Boston, MA WMJX FM Company acquired from Beasley December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Boston, MA WBZ FM Company divested to Beasley Not Applicable December 19, 2017 Valuation of the iHeartMedia Transaction and The Beasley Transaction As discussed above, the Company completed a partial non-monetary transaction with Beasley and a non-monetary transaction with iHeart to exchange several radio stations in certain markets. In valuing the non-monetary assets that were part of the consideration transferred, the Company utilized the fair value as of the date the assets were exchanged. The allocations presented in the table below are based upon management’s estimate o f the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. In estimating the fair value of the acquired FCC broadcasting licenses, the fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows that assume an expected future growth rate of 1.0 % and an estimated discount rate of 9.0 %. The gross profit margins utilized were considered appropriate based on management’s expectations and experience in equivalent sized markets. The Company dete rmines the fair value of the broadcasting licenses by relying on a discounted cash flow approach assuming a start-up scenario in which the only assets held by an investor are broadcasting licenses. The Company’s fair value analysis contains assumptions ba sed on past experience, reflects expectations of industry observers and includes judgments about future performance using industry normalized information for an average station within a certain market. Any excess between the fair values of the net assets given up over the fair values of the net assets acquired was reported as goodwill. The following table reflects: (i) the Company’s preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date; (ii) measurement period adjustments made to the preliminary allocation during the measurement period; and (iii) the final aggregate fair value purchase price allocation of these assets and liabilities assumed. Beasley Transaction Assets Acquired Assets Disposed (amounts in thousands) Assets Total property plant and equipment $ 667 $ 807 Total tangible assets 667 807 Sports rights agreement - 267 Radio broadcasting licenses 35,944 35,944 Goodwill 289 11,882 Total intangible assets 36,233 48,093 Additional cash consideration 12,000 - Total value $ 48,900 $ 48,900 iHeart Transaction Assets Acquired Assets Disposed (amounts in thousands) Assets Total property plant and equipment $ 13,725 $ 8,149 Total tangible assets 13,725 8,149 Acquired advertising contracts 265 - Advertiser relationships 1,041 - Radio broadcasting licenses 50,621 56,299 Goodwill 11,700 6,852 Total intangible assets 63,627 63,151 Liabilities Unfavorable lease agreements assumed (1,301) - Deferred tax liabilities (4,751) - Total value $ 71,300 $ 71,300 2017 Local Marketing Agreement: The Bonneville Transaction On November 1, 2017, the Company a ssigned assets to a trust and the trust subsequently entered into two local marketing agreements (“LMAs”) with Bonneville. The LMAs, which were effective upon the closing of the Merger, allowed Bonneville to operate eight radio stations in the San Francisc o, California and Sacramento, California markets. Of the eight radio stations operated by Bonneville, three were originally owned by the Company and the remaining five were originally owned by CBS Radio. The Company conducted an analysis and determined t he assets of the eight stations satisfied the criteria to be presented as assets held for sale. The stations which were acquired from CBS Radio and were never operated by the Company are included within discontinued operations. On August 2, 2018, the Comp any entered into an asset purchase agreement with Bonneville to dispose of the eight radio stations in the San Francisco, California and Sacramento, California markets for $ 141.0 million in cash. During the year ended December 31, 2018 , the Company closed on this sale, which resulted in a loss of approximately $ 0.2 million to the Company . Refer to Note 19 , Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, for additional information. 2017 Charlotte Acquisition On January 6, 2017, the Company completed a transaction to acquire four radio stations in Charlotte, North Carolina from Beasley for a purchase price of $ 24 million in cash. The Company used cash on hand to fund the acquisition. On October 17, 2016, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement and a TBA with Beasley to operate three of the four radio stations that were held in a trust (the “Charlott e Trust”). On November 1, 2016, the Company commenced operations of the radio stations held in the Charlotte Trust and began operating the fourth station upon closing on the acquisition with Beasley in January 2017. During the period of the TBA, the Com pany included net revenues, station operating expenses and monthly TBA fees associated with operating these stations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The allocations presented in the table below are based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. In estimating the fair value of the acquired FCC broadcasting licenses, the fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flo ws that assume an expected future growth rate of 1.0 % and an estimated discount rate of 9.0 %. The gross profit margins utilized were considered appropriate based on management’s expectations and experience in equ ivalent sized markets. The Company determines the fair value of the broadcasting licenses by relying on a discounted cash flow approach assuming a start-up scenario in which the only assets held by an investor are broadcasting licenses. The Company’s fair value analysis contains assumptions based upon past experience, reflects expectations of industry observers and includes judgments about future performance using industry normalized information for an average station within a certain market. Any excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired was reported as goodwill. The purchase price allocations are based upon the valuation of assets and liabilities, which include the valuation of intangible assets, and are final. The following table reflec ts the final aggregate fair value purchase price allocation of these assets and liabilities. Useful Lives in Years Final Value From To (amounts in thousands) Assets Land $ 2,539 non-depreciating Buildings 217 15 25 Equipment 4,569 3 40 Total property plant and equipment 7,325 Deferred tax asset 287 life of underlying asset Radio broadcasting licenses and goodwill 17,384 non-amortizing Total assets 24,996 Liabilities Unfavorable lease liabilities 735 over remaining lease life Deferred tax liability 261 life of underlying liability Total liabilities 996 Fair value of net assets acquired $ 24,000 2017 Disposition s In October 201 7 , the Com pany divested three radio stations to EMF in order to facilitate the Merger. The Company disposed of equipment, radio broadcasting licenses, goodwill, and other assets across three of its markets for $ 57.8 million in cash . The Company reported a gain, net of expenses, of $ 2.5 million on the disposition of these assets. 2016 Disposition In March 2016, the Company sold certain assets of KRWZ AM in Denver, Colorado, for $ 3.8 million in cash. The Company believes that the sale of this station, with a marginal market share, did not alter the Company’s competitive position in the market. The Company reported a gain, net of expenses, of $ 0.3 million on the disposition of these assets . Merger and Acquisition Costs Merger and acquisition costs were expensed as a separate line item in the statement of operations. The Company records merger and acquisition costs whether or not an acquisition occurs. Merger and acquisition costs incurred in 2018 consist primarily of legal, professional and advisory services related to: (i) the Company ’s Merger with CBS Radio; (ii) the Jerry Lee Transaction; and (iii) the Emmis Acquisition. These costs incurred in 2017 and 2016 consist primarily of legal, professional and advisory services related to the Company’s Merger with CBS Radio. Restructuri ng Charges Restructuring charges were expensed as a separate line item in the statement of operations. The following table presents the components of restructuring charges. Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Costs to exit duplicative contracts $ 229 $ 500 $ - Workforce reduction 3,599 10,441 - Lease abandonment costs 1,315 2,874 - Other restructuring costs 687 147 - Transition services costs - 2,960 - Total restructuring charges $ 5,830 $ 16,922 $ - Restructuring Plan During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company initiated a restructuring plan as a result of the integration of the CBS Radio stations acquired in November 2017. The restructuring plan included: (i ) a workforce reduction and realignment charges that included one-time termination benefits and related costs; (ii ) lease abandonment costs as described below; and ( iii ) costs associated with realigning radio stations within the overlap markets between CBS Radio and the Company. A portion of unpaid restructuring charges as of December 31, 201 8 were included in accrued expenses as these expenses are expected to be paid in less than one year. The Company expects to incur additi onal restructuring costs in 2019 under this plan . In connection with the sale of a radio station and the consolidation of studio facilities in a few markets, the Company abandoned certain leases. The Company computed the present value of the remaining lease payments of the lease and re corded lease abandonment costs. These lease abandonment costs include future lease liabilities offset by estimated sublease income. Due to the timing of the lease expirations, the Company assumed there is minimal sublease income. The Company will contin ue to evaluate the opportunities to sublease this space and revise its sublease estimates accordingly. Any increase in the estimate of sublease income will be reflected through the income statement and such amount will also reduce the lease abandonment li abi lity. The leases expire in 2021 . During 2015, the Company initiated a restructuring plan primarily as a r esult of the integration of radio stations acquired in July 2015. The restructuring plan included: (i ) costs associated with exiting contractual v endor obligations as these obligations were duplicative; ( ii ) a workforce reduction and realignment charges that included one-time termination benefi

PERPETUAL CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBL

PERPETUAL CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Text Block Supplement Abstract
PreferredStockTextBlock	11 . PERPETUAL CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK As discussed in Note 10 , Long-Term Debt, a portion of the proceeds from the debt refinancing that occurred on November 17, 2017 were used to fully redeem the Preferred. As a result of this redemption, during 2017 the Company: (i) removed the net carrying value of Preferred of $ 27.5 million from its books, which included accrued dividends through the date of redemption of $ 0.2 million; and (ii) recognized a loss on extinguishment of the Preferred of $ 0.2 million. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company has no Preferred shares authorized, issued and outsta nding. In connection with an acquisition on July 16, 2015, the Company issued Preferred that in the event of a liquidation, ranked senior to common stock as to liquidation preference. The payment of the liquidation preference of the Preferred took preference over any liquidation payments to the Company’s common shareholders. The Preferred was convertible by the holder into a fixed number of 1.9 million shares, subject to customary anti-dilution provisions , after a three-year waiting period. T he Preferred was redeem ed in cash at a price of 100 %. The ini tial dividend rate on the Preferred was 6 % and increased over time to 12 %. Due to the legal obligation to pay cumulative dividends as a liquidation preference, the dividends were accrued as they were earned instead of when they were declared.

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure Abstract
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure Text Block	20 . CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS Contingencies The Company is subject to various outstanding claims which arise in the ordinary course of business and to other legal proceedings. Management anticipates that any potential liability of the Company, which may arise out of or with respect to these matters, will not materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Like-Kind Exchange Proceeds During the third quarter of 2018, the Company disposed of certain property that the Company considered as sur plus to its operations and that resulted in significant gains reportable for tax purposes. In order to minimize the tax impact on a certain portion of these taxable gains, the Company created an entity that serves as a QI for tax purposes and that holds t he net sales proceeds of $ 70.2 million as of December 31, 2018 . The Company plans to use a portion of these funds in a tax-free exchange by using the net sales proceeds from relinquished property for the purchase of replacement property. This entity was treated as a VIE and is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. The use of a QI in a like-kind exchange enables the Company to effectively minimize its current tax liability in connection wit h certain asset dispositions. As discussed in Note 19 , Assets Held For Sale And Discontinued Operations, the Company sold: (i) a parcel of land in Chicago, Illinois in 2018 for net proceeds of $ 45.5 million; and (ii) a former studio building in Los Angeles , California in 2018 for net proceeds of $ 24.7 million. These net sales proceeds were deposited into the account of the QI to comply with requirements under Section 1031 of the Code to execute a like-kind exchange and are reflected as restricted cash on t he Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 . Restrictions on these deposits will lapse prior to the end of the first quarter of 2019. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheet that aggregate to the total of the same such amounts shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows: Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 122,893 $ 34,167 Restricted cash 69,365 - Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 192,258 $ 34,167 Insurance The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to mitigate the potential liabilities for workers’ compensation, general liability, property, directors’ and officers’ liability, vehicle liability and employee health care benefits. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by the Company are estimated, in part, by considering claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors, outside expertise and other actuarial assumptions. Under these policies, the Company is required to maintain letters of credit. Broadcast Licenses The Company could face increased costs in the form of fines and a greater risk that the Company could lose any one or more of its broadcasting licenses if the FCC concludes that pro gramming broadcast by a Company station was obscene, indecent or profane and such conduct warrants license revocation. The FCC's authority to impose a fine for the broadcast of such material is $ 407,270 for a single incident, with a maximum fine of up to $ 3,759,410 for a continuing violation. The Company has determined that, at this time, the amount of potential fines and penalties, if any, cannot be estimated. The Company has filed, on a timely basis, renewal applications for those r adio stations with radio broadcasting licenses that are subject to renewal with the FCC. The Company’s costs to renew its licenses with the FCC are nominal and are expensed as incurred rather than capitalized. From time to time, the renewal of certain lic enses may be delayed. The Company continues to operate these radio stations under their existing licenses until the licenses are renewed. The FCC may delay the renewal pending the resolution of open inquiries. The affected stations are, however, authorize d to continue operations until the FCC acts upon the renewal applications. Currently, all of the Company’s licenses have been renewed. The FCC initiated an investigation in January 2007, related to a contest at one of the Company’s stations. In October 2 016, the FCC designated for a hearing whether the Company operated this station in the public interest and whether such station’s license should be renewed. In February 2017, the Company permanently discontinued operation of the station and returned the s tation’s broadcasting license to the FCC for cancellation, in order to facilitate the Merger. As a result, the Company recorded a $ 13.5 million loss in the statement of operations in net gain/loss on sale or disposal of assets in 2017 . Performance Fees The Company incurs fees from performing rights organizations (“PRO”) to license the Company’s public performance of the musical works contained in each PRO’s repertoire. The Radio Music Licensing Committee (the “RMLC”), of which the Compa ny is a represented participant: (i) entered into an industry-wide settlement with American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers that became effective January 1, 2017 for a five-year term; (ii) is currently seeking reasonable industry-wide fees fro m Broadcast Music, Inc. effective January 1, 2017 through rate court proceedings; (iii) is currently subject to arbitration proceedings with SESAC, Inc. to determine fair and reasonable fees that would be effective January 1, 2019; and (iv) filed in Novemb er 2016 a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Global Music Rights (“GMR”) arguing that GMR is a monopoly demanding monopoly prices and asking the Court to subject GMR to an antitrust consent decree. GMR filed a counterclaim in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California along with a motion to dismiss the RMLC’s claim in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. There have been subsequent claims and counterclaims to es tablish jurisdiction. In January 2017, the Company obtained an interim license from GMR for fees effective January 1, 2017 to avoid any infringement claims by GMR for using GMR’s repertory without a license. This license, including several extensions, is expected to expire March 31, 2019. Other Matters During the third quarter of 2016, the Company settled a legal claim with British Petroleum as a result of their Deepwater Horizon o il s pill in the Gulf of Mexico and recovered $ 2.3 million on a net basis after deducting certain related expenses. The claim was a result of lost business due to the oil spill. Leases and Other Contracts Rental expense is incurred principally for office and broadcasting facilities. Certain of the leases contain clauses that provide for contingent rental expense based upon defined events such as cost of living adjustments and/or maintenance costs in excess of pre-defined amounts. The Company also has rent obligations under a sale and leaseback transaction from 2009 whereby the Company sold certain of its radio broadcasting towers to a third party for cash in return for long-term leases on these towers. These sale and leaseback obligations are listed in the future minimum annual commitments table. The Company sold these towers as operating these towers to maximize tower rental income was not part of the Company’s core strategy. The following table provides the Company’s rent expense for the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Rent expense $ 53,948 $ 23,742 $ 17,892 The Company also has various commitments under the following types of contracts : Future Minimum Annual Commitments Sale Rent Under Leaseback Programming Operating Operating and Related Leases Leases Contracts Total (amounts in thousands) Years ending December 31, 2019 $ 50,455 $ 920 $ 169,384 $ 220,759 2020 49,556 948 121,212 171,716 2021 45,870 977 86,202 133,049 2022 40,451 1,006 57,662 99,119 2023 37,194 1,036 46,094 84,324 Thereafter 159,208 6,697 17,567 183,472 $ 382,734 $ 11,584 $ 498,121 $ 892,439

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE (Block)

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups Abstract
Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Disclosure Text Block	19 . ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Assets Held f or Sale Long -lived assets to be sold are classified as held for sale in the period in which they meet all the criteria for the disposal of long-lived assets. The Company measures assets held for sale at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Additionally, the Company determined that these assets comprise operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the Company. On November 17, 2017, in order to facilitate the Merger, the Company assigned assets to a trust and the trust subsequently entered into two separate LMAs with Bonneville which became effective upon the closing of the Merger. Under the terms of the LMAs, Bonneville began operating four stations in Sacramento, California and four stations in San Francisco, California. On August 2, 2018, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement with Bonneville to dispose of the eight radio stations for $141.0 million in cash. T he LMAs terminated on September 21, 2018, upon the consummation of a final agreement to divest the stations as required under a DOJ consent order agreed to by the Company, as a condition to complete the Merger. Of the eight radio stations placed in the tr ust, three were originally owned by the Company and the remaining five were originally owned by CBS Radio. The Company conducted an analysis and determined the assets of the eight radio stations met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, pending disposition. The five CBS Radio stations met the criteria to be classified within discontinued operations, pending disposition. As of December 31, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement to dispose of a parcel of land along with the land improvemen ts in Chicago, Illinois for $ 46.0 million and classified these assets as held for sale . During the t hird quarter of 2018 , the Company closed on this sale, which resulted in a loss of $ 0.1 million to the Company. As of June 30, 2018 , the Company entered into agreements with several third parties to dispose of: (i) land and buildings in Dallas, Texas; (ii) land and buildings in San Diego, California; (iii) land and buildings in Sacramento, Californ ia; (iv) land and buildings in Los Angeles, California; and (v) land in Austin, Texas. The Company conducted an analysis and determined the assets met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. In aggregate, these assets had a carrying value of $ 23. 5 million , net of a $ 1.3 million impairment charge that was recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2018. During the t hird quarter of 2018 , the Company closed on the sale of the land and buildings in Los Angeles, California and the l and and buildings in San Diego, California. The Company received proceeds of $ 27.2 million from these two sales, which resulted in a gain of approximately $ 6.4 million to the Company. Dur ing the fourth quarter of 2018 , the Company closed on the sales of: (i) the land and buildings in Dallas, Texas; (ii) the land and buildings in Sacramento, California; and (iii) the land in Austin, Texas. The Company received proceeds of $ 3.9 million from the se three sales, which resulted in a gain of approximately $ 0.3 million to the Company. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company entered into an agreement with a third party to dispose of land and land improvements, buildings and equipment . The Company con ducted an analysis and determined the assets met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. In aggregate, these assets have a carr ying value of approximately $19.6 million. This transaction is expected to close within one year. Long-lived assets a re reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company determined the fair value of the assets held for sale related to the Bonneville LMA by utilizing an off er from a third party for the bundle of assets. This is considered a Level 3 measurement. Based upon the agreed-upon price in the asset purchase agreement, the Company determined that the carrying value of these assets was greater than the fair value . Du ring the second quarter of 2018 , the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $ 25.6 million to reflect the change in the carrying value of these assets held for sale from $165.9 million to $ 140.3 million and to reduce the carrying value of these assets to the recoverable value. During the third quarter of 2018 , the Company closed on this sale, which resulted in a loss of approximately $ 0.2 million to the Company. The major categories of these assets held for sale are as follows: Assets Held for Sale December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Other Other Bonneville Assets Held Bonneville Assets Held Total LMA for Sale Total LMA for Sale (amounts in thousands) Land and land improvements $ 2,645 $ - $ 2,645 $ 47,110 $ 1,110 $ 46,000 Building 1,053 - 1,053 1,970 1,520 450 Leasehold improvements - - - 88 88 - Equipment 15,905 - 15,905 2,618 2,618 - Net property and equipment 19,603 - 19,603 51,786 5,336 46,450 Net radio broadcasting licenses - - - 136,014 136,014 - Other intangibles - - - 1,947 1,947 - Goodwill - - - 22,573 22,573 - Total intangibles - - - 160,534 160,534 - Net assets held for sale $ 19,603 $ - $ 19,603 $ 212,320 $ 165,870 $ 46,450 Discontinued Operations The results of operations for several radio stations acquired from CBS, which were never a part of the Company’s continuing operations as these radio stations have been disposed, were classified as discontinued operations for the period commencing after the Merger. Refer to Note 3 , Business Combinations, and elsewhere within this Note, for additional information on the iHeartMedia Transaction, the Beasley Transaction, and the Bonneville Transaction. The following table presents the results of operations of the discontinued operations: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Net broadcast revenues $ - $ 5,494 $ - Station operating expenses - 4,749 - Depreciation and amortization expense - 9 - Net time brokerage agreement (income) fees 1,765 (652) - Total operating expenses - 4,106 - Income before income taxes 1,765 1,388 - Income taxes 613 552 - Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ 1,152 $ 836 $ -

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMAT

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	16 . SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES ON NON-CASH ACTIVITIES The following table provides non-cash disclosures during the periods indicated: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Operating Activities Barter revenues $ 19,365 $ 10,898 $ 4,700 Barter expenses $ 19,324 $ 9,440 $ 4,789 Transition services costs incurred in the integration of CBS Radio $ 5,456 $ 1,917 $ - Reduction to the transition services asset $ (5,456) $ (1,917) $ - Financing Activities Increase in paid-in capital from the issuance of RSUs $ 10,078 $ 35,628 $ 10,381 Decrease in paid-in capital from the forfeiture of RSUs (1,228) (1,117) (280) Net paid-in capital of RSUs issued (forfeited) $ 8,850 $ 34,511 $ 10,101 Dividend accrued on perpetual cumulative convertible preferred stock $ - $ - $ 452 Debt assumed in a business combination or merger $ - $ 1,387,500 $ - Investing Activities Cash acquired through consolidation (deconsolidation) of a VIE $ - $ (302) $ 302 Noncash additions to property and equipment and intangibles $ 818 $ 2,213 $ 833 Net radio station assets given up in a market $ - $ 124,500 $ - Net radio station assets acquired in a market $ - $ 124,500 $ - Fair value of net assets acquired through the issuance of common stock $ - $ 1,168,848 $ -

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Block)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Subsequent Events Abstract
Schedule Of Subsequent Events Text Block	21 . SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Events occurring after December 31, 2018 , and through the date that these consolidated financial statements were issued , were evaluated to ensure that any subsequent events that met the criteria for recognition have been included and are as follows: On February 1, 2019, the Company closed on the sale of land, land improvements, buildings and equipment for total proceeds of $ 25.0 million. The assets were classified within assets held for sale as of December 31, 2018 . On February 13, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement with Cumulus Media Inc. (“Cumulus”) under which the Company will exchange three of its stations in Indianapolis, Indiana for two Cumulus stations in Springfield, Massachusetts, and one Cumulus statio n in New York City, New York. The Company and Cumulus will begin programming the respective stations under a LMA on March 1, 2019. The exchange transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019.

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Block)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure Abstract
Quarterly Financial Information Text Block	22 . SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) The following table presents unaudited operating results for each quarter within the two most recent years. The Company believes that all necessary adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, have been included in the amounts stated below to present fairly the following quarterly results when read in conjunction with the financial statements included elsewhere in this report. Results of operations for any particular quart er are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for a full year. The Company’s financial results are also not comparable from quarter to quarter due to the Company’s acquisitions and dispositions of radio stations as described in Note 3 , Bu siness Combinations, and due to the seasonality of revenues, with revenues usually the lowest in the first quarter of each year. Quarters Ended December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) 2018 Net revenues $ 411,375 $ 378,508 372,124 $ 300,560 Operating income $ (377,593) $ 78,733 27,552 $ 5,689 Net income (loss) available to the Company from continuing operations $ (386,568) $ 36,590 $ 1,597 $ (14,206) Preferred stock dividend $ - $ - $ - $ - Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations $ (386,568) $ 36,590 1,597 $ (14,206) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ (378) $ 358 $ 844 $ 328 Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ (386,946) $ 36,948 2,441 $ (13,878) Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share - basic (1) $ (2.80) $ 0.26 $ 0.01 $ (0.10) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, per share - basic (1) $ - $ - $ 0.01 $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders per share - basic (1) $ (2.80) $ 0.27 0.02 $ (0.10) Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 138,033 138,740 138,639 138,939 Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share - diluted (1) $ (2.80) $ 0.26 $ 0.01 $ (0.10) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, per share - diluted (1) $ - $ - $ 0.01 $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders per share - diluted (1) $ (2.80) $ 0.27 $ 0.02 $ (0.10) Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 138,033 139,103 139,263 138,939 Preferred stock dividends declared and paid $ - $ - $ - $ - Common stock dividends declared and paid $ 12,367 $ 12,486 $ 12,475 $ 12,441 Quarters Ended December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) 2017 Net revenues $ 246,614 $ 122,299 $ 124,970 $ 99,001 Operating income $ (2,265) $ 13,485 $ 16,379 $ (15,016) Income (loss) available to the Company from continuing operations $ 231,829 $ 4,100 $ 6,414 $ (9,331) Preferred stock dividend $ 252 $ 663 $ 550 $ 550 Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations $ 231,577 $ 3,437 $ 5,864 $ (9,881) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ 836 $ - $ - $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 232,413 $ 3,437 $ 5,864 $ (9,881) Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share - basic (1) $ 2.63 $ 0.11 $ 0.16 $ (0.24) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, per share - basic (1) $ 0.01 $ - $ - $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders per share - basic (1) $ 2.63 $ 0.09 $ 0.15 $ (0.25) Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 88,309 38,955 38,945 38,910 Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share - diluted (1) $ 2.58 $ 0.28 $ 0.26 $ 0.11 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, per share - diluted (1) $ 0.01 $ - $ - $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders per share - diluted (1) $ 2.59 $ 0.09 $ 0.15 $ (0.25) Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 89,887 39,728 39,656 38,910 Preferred stock dividends declared and paid $ 924 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 Common stock dividends declared and paid $ 12,746 $ 10,713 $ 2,921 $ 2,916 Income (loss) from continuing operations per share, income (loss) from discontinued operations per share, and net income (loss) per share is computed independently for each quarter and the full year based upon respective average shares outstanding. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the annual per share amounts reported.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies Abstract
Principles Of Consolidation	Principles o f Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are 100 % owned by the Company. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company also considers the applicability of any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that are required to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. From time to time, the Company may enter into a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) or lo cal marketing agreement (“LMA”) in connection with a pending acquisition or disposition of radio stations and the requirement to consolidate or deconsolidate a VIE or separately present activity as discontinued operations may apply, depending on the facts and circumstances related to each transaction. As of December 31, 2018 , there was one VIE that required consolidation in these consolidated financial statements. During 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with a third part y qualified intermediary (“QI”), under which the Company is primarily responsible for the oversight and completion of certain construction projects. This agreement relates to the creation of leasehold improvement assets on property that has already been made available for tenant use. The Company also believes it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE as the Comp any has the power to direct the activities that are most significant to the VIE and the Company has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE during the period of the agreement . Tota l results of operations of the VIE for the year ended December 31, 2018 were not significant. The consolidated VIE has a material amount of cash as of December 31, 2018 , which was reflected as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet. As restricted cash balances of the QI are used to pay for project costs, restricted cash balances are released and leasehold improvements are established. The VIE has no other assets or liabilities aside from the restricted cash balances and capitalized leasehold improvements as of December 31, 2018 . The assets of the Company’s consolidated VIE can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE. There is a lack of recourse by the creditors of the VIE against the Company’s general creditors. As of December 31, 2017 , there were no outsta nding VIEs. As of December 31, 2016 , there was one VIE requiring consolidation in these financial statements. Refer to Note 20 , Contingencies And Commitments, for further discussion of VIEs requiring consolidation. See Note 19 , Assets Held Fo r Sale And Discontinued Operations, for further discussion on discontinued operations.
Reportable Segment	Reportable Segment – The Company operates under one reportable business segment, radio broadcasting, for which segment disclosure is consistent with the management deci sion-making process that determines the allocation of resources and the measuring of performance. As discussed above, the Company has one operating segment.
Management's Use Of Estimates	Management’s Use o f Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in confor mity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to: (i) asset impairments, including broadcasting li censes and goodwill; (ii) income tax valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; (iii) allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for sales reserves; (iv) self-insurance reserves; (v) fair value of equity awards; (vi) estimated lives for tangible and intangible assets; (vii) contingency and litigation reserves; (viii) fair value measurements; (ix) acquisition purchase price asset and liability allocations; and (x) uncertain tax positions. The Company’s accounting estimates require the use of judgment a s future events and the effect of these events cannot be predicted with certainty. The accounting estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired and as more information is obtained. The Company evaluates and updates assumptions a nd estimates on an ongoing basis and may use outside experts to assist in the Company’s evaluation, as considered necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes – The Company applies the asset and liability method to the accou nting for deferred income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for all temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the pe riods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is recorded for a net deferred tax asset balance when it is more likely than not that the benefits of the tax asset will not be realized. The Company reviews on a continuing basis the need for a deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Any adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that such an adjustment is required. The Company applies the guidance for income taxes and intra - period allocation to the recognition of uncertain tax positions. This guidance clarifies the recognition, de-recognition and measurement in financial statements of in come tax positions taken in previously filed tax returns or tax positions expected to be taken in tax returns, including a decision whether to file or not to file in a particular jurisdiction. The guidance requires that any liability created for unrecogniz ed tax benefits is disclosed. The application of this guidance may also affect the tax bases of assets and liabilities and therefore may change or create deferred tax liabilities or assets. This guidance also clarifies the method to allocate income taxes (benefit) to the different componen ts of income (loss), such as: (i ) income (loss) from continuing operations; ( ii ) income (loss) from discontinued operations; ( iii ) other comprehensive income (loss); (iv ) the cumulative effec ts of accounting changes; and (v ) other charges or credits recorded directly to shareholders’ equity. See Note 15 , Income Taxes, for a further discussion of income taxes.
Property And Equipment	Property a nd Equipment – Property and equipment are carried at cost. Major additions or improvements are c apitalized, including interest expense when material, while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Upon sale or retirement, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is recogniz ed in the statement of operations. D epreciation expense on property and equipment is determined on a straight-line basis. D epreciation expense for property and equipment , which includes amounts from the VIE in 2016 , is reflected in the following table: Property And Equipment Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Depreciation expense $ 28,709 $ 13,215 $ 8,689 A s of December 31, 2018 , the Company ha d capital expenditure commitments outstanding of $ 45.9 million. The following is a summary of the categories of property and equipment along with the range of estimated useful lives used for depreciation purposes: Depreciation Period Property And Equipment In Years December 31, From To 2018 2017 Land, land easements and land improvements - 15 $ 110,570 $ 137,160 Buildings 20 40 36,038 46,195 Equipment 3 40 222,847 199,044 Furniture and fixtures 5 10 18,426 23,859 Capital leases * * 44 44 Leasehold improvements * * 71,688 54,829 459,613 461,131 Accumulated depreciation (158,341) (132,209) 301,272 328,922 Capital improvements in progress 15,758 17,585 Net property and equipment $ 317,030 $ 346,507 * Shorter of economic life or lease term
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition – The Company generates revenue from the sale to advertisers of various services and products, including but not limited to: ( i ) commercial broadcast time; (ii) digital advertising; (iii) local events; (iv ) e-commerce where an advertiser’s goods and services are sold through the Company’s websites; and (v ) a suite of digital products. Revenue from services and products is recognized when delivered. Advertiser payments received in advance of when the products or services are delivered are recorded on the Company’s balance sheet as unearned revenue. Revenues presented in the consolidated financial statements are reflected on a net basis, after the deduction of advertising agency fees by the advertising agencies. The Company also evaluates when it is appropriate to recognize revenue based on the gross amount invoiced to the customer or the net amount retained by the Company if a third party is involved. Refer to the recent accounting pronouncements section within this note for additional i nformation on recently issued accounting guidance on revenue recognition. Refer to Note 4 , Revenue, for additional information on the Company’s revenue. The Company acquired certain contracts in the Merger, which resulted in a significant increase in the amount of unearned revenue recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Additionally, the Company may also receive customer advances and deposits. Refer to Note 4 , Revenue, Note 8 , Other Current Liabilities , and Note 9 , Other Long-Term Liabilities, for additional information. The following table presents the amounts of unearned revenues as of the periods indicated: Unearned Revenues December 31, Balance Sheet Location 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Current Other current liabilities $ 22,692 $ 17,519 Long-term Other long-term liabilities $ 1,138 $ 13,000
Concentration Of Credit Risk	Concentration o f Credit Risk – The Company’s revenues and accounts receivable relate primarily to the sale of advertising within its radio stations’ broadcast areas. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customers’ financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements and consistently have been within management’s expectations. Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The balance in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s historical collections, the age of the receivables, specific customer information, and current economic conditions. Delinquent accounts are written off if collections efforts have been unsuccessful and the likelihood of recovery is considered remote.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets - The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets, which include property and equipment, broadcasting licenses (subject to an eight-year renewal cycle), goodwill, deferred charges, and other assets. See Note 6 , Intangible Assets A nd Goodwill, for further discussion. Certain of the Company’s equipment, such as broadcast towers, can provide economic benefit over a longer period of time resulting in the use of longer lives of up to 40 years. If events or changes in circumstances were to indicate that an asset’s carrying value is not recoverable, a write-down of the asset would be recorded through a charge to operations. The determination and measurement of the fair value of long-lived assets requires the use of significant judgments and estimates. Future events may impact these judgments and estimates.
Debt Issuance Costs And Original Issue Discount	Debt Issuance Costs a nd Ori ginal Issue Discount – The costs related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized over the lives of the related debt and such amortization is accounted for as interest expense . S ee Note 10 , Long-Term Debt, for further discussion for the amount of deferred financing expense that was included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations . In 2017, the Company refinanced its outstanding debt in conjunction with the Merger. In connect ion with this refinancing activity, a portion of the unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the Company’s former revolving credit facility and a portion of the unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the Company’s former term loa n was written off and included in the statement of operations under loss on extinguishment of debt. Lender fees and third party fees incurred during the refinancing were capitalized or expensed as appropriate based on accounting guidance for debt modifica tions and extinguishments. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company refinanced its previously outstanding debt that included retiring its $220.0 million 10.5% Senior Notes due December 1, 2019 (the “Former Senior Notes”). In connection with this refinancing, the unamortized original issue discount associated with the Former Senior Notes was written off and included in the statement of operations under loss on extinguishment of debt. Refer to Note 10 , Long-Term Debt, for further discus sion of the 2017 and 2016 refinancing activity.
Extinguishment Of Debt	Extinguishment o f Debt –The Company may amend, append or replace, in part or in full, its outstanding debt. The Company reviews its unamortized financing costs associated with its outstanding debt to determi ne the amount subject to extinguishment under the accounting provisions for an exchange of debt instruments with substantially different terms or changes in a line-of-credit or revolving-debt arrangement. On November 17, 2017 and November 1, 2016, the Co mpany refinanced ce rtain of its outstanding debt. In each refinancing event, a portion of the Company’s outstanding debt was accounted for as an extinguishment. See Note 10 , Long-Term Debt for a discussion of the Company’s long-term debt .
Corporate General And Administrative Expense	Corpora te General a nd Administrative Expense – Corporate general and administrative expense consists of corporate overhead costs and non-cash compensation expense. Included in corporate general and administrative expenses are those costs not specifically allocabl e to any of the Company’s individual business properties.
Time Brokerage Agreement (Income) Fees	Time Brokerage Agreement (Income) Fees – TBA fees or income consist of fees paid or received under agreements which permit an acquirer to program and market stations prior to an acquisition. The Co mpany sometimes enters into a TBA prior to the consummation of station acquisitions and dispositions. The Company may also enter into a Joint Sales Agreement to market, but not to program, a station for a defined period of time. A portion of the Company’ s TBA income earned is presented in income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (benefit) in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. TBA fees or income earned from continuing operations are recorded as a separate line item in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.
Barter Transactions	Trade and Barter Transactions – The Company provides advertising broadcast time in exchange for certain products, supplies and services. The terms of the exchanges generally permit the Company to preempt such broadcast time in favor of advertisers who purchase time on regular terms. The Company includes the value of such exchanges in both broadcasting net revenues and station operating expenses. Trade and Barter valuation is based upon management’s estimate of the fair value of the products, supplies and services received. S ee Note 16 , Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures On Non-Cash Activities, for a summary of the Company’s barter transactions.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations – Accounting guidance for business combinations provides the criteria to recognize intangible assets apart from goodwill. Other than goodwill, the Company uses an income or cost method to determine the fair value of all intangible assets required to be recogn ized for business combinations. For a discussion of impairment testing of those assets acquired in a business combination, including goodwill, see Note 6 , Intangible Assets And Goodwill .
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations – The Company reasonably estimates the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. For an asset retirement obligation that is conditional (uncertainty about the timing and/or method of settlement), the Company factors into its fai r value measurement a probability factor as the obligation depends upon a future event that may or may not be within the control of the Company. The following table presents the changes in asset retirement obligations: Asset Retirement Obligations December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Beginning Balance $ 1,714 $ 1,044 Additions 456 1,006 Settlements (204) (525) Revision of estimate 4 152 Accretions 60 37 Ending Balance $ 2,030 $ 1,714 Asset retirement obligations - short term $ 342 $ 457 Asset retirement obligations - long term 1,688 1,257 Total asset retirement obligations $ 2,030 $ 1,714
Accrued Compensation	Accrued Compensation – Certain types of employee compensation are paid in subsequent periods. See Note 8 , Other Current Liabilities, for amounts reflected in the balance sheets.
Cash And Cash Equivalents	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash – Cash consists primarily of amounts held on deposit with financial institutions. The Company’s cash deposits with banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $ 250,000 per account. At times, the cash balances held by the Company in financial institutions may exceed these insured limits. The risk of loss attributable to these uninsured balances is mitigated by depositing funds in high credit quality financial institutions. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accoun ts. From time to time, the Company may invest in cash equivalents, which consists of investments in immediately available money market accounts and all highly liquid debt instruments with initial maturities of three months or less. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash balances consist of amounts that the Company may be restricted in its ability to access or amounts that are reserved for a specific purpose and t herefore not available for immediate or general business use. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company has investments in money market instruments of approximately $ 69.4 million, which are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet as restricted cash a s the Company is temporarily restricted in its ability to access these funds. The Company deposited proceeds from the sale of a parcel of land in Chicago, Illinois and proceeds from the sale of land and buildings in Los Angeles, California into accounts o f a QI. Refer to Note 19 , Assets Held For Sale And Discontinued Operations, and Note 20 , Contingencies and Commitments, for additional information on these transactions. The Company deposited these proceeds into a QI account to comply with re quirements under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) to execute a like-kind exchange. This process will allow the Company to effectively minimize its current tax liability in connection with the gains recognized on these asset sales. T he cash proceeds in the accounts of the QIs are invested in money market accounts. The Company does not believe it has any material credit exposure with respect to these assets. Restrictions on these restricted cash deposits will lapse prior to the end o f the first quarter of 2019. As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had no other cash equivalents on hand.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments – The Company follows accounting guidance for its derivative financial instruments that it enters into from time to time, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities.
Leases	Leases – The Company follows accounting guidance for its leases, which includes the recognition of escalated rents on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement, as described further in Note 9 , Other Long-Term Liabilities. The op erating lease obligations represent scheduled future minimum operating lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, including rent obligations under escalation clauses that are defined increases and not escalations that depend on variable indices . The minimum lease payments do not include common area maintenance, variable real estate taxes, insurance and other costs for which the Company may be obligated as most of these payments are primarily variable rather than fixed. See Note 20 , Conting encies and Commitments, for a discussion of the Company’s leases . In addition, refer to the recent accounting pronouncements section o f this note, Leasing Transactions , for a change in the Company’s reporting requirements as of January 1, 2019.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-B ased Compensation – T he Company records compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, at estimated fair value. The Company also uses the simplified method in developing an estimate of the expected term of certain stock options. For further discussion of share-based compensation, see Note 14 , Share-Based Compensation .
Investments	Investments – For those investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee, the investment is accounted for under the equity method. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the Company held no equity method investments. For those investments in which the Company does not have such significant influence, the Company applies the accounting guidance for certain investments in debt and equity securities. An investment is classified into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading securities, and, depending upon the classification, i s carried at fair value based upon quoted market prices or historical cost when quoted market prices are unavailable. The Company has minority equity investments in privately held companies that are separately presented in the Investments line item. T he Company monitors these investments for impairment and makes appropriate reductions to the carrying value when events and circumstances indicated that the carrying value of the investments may not be recoverable. In determining whether a decline in fair value exists, the Company considers various factors, including market price (when available), investment ratings, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the Company’s cost basis, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. The Company also provides certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures for tho se investments that are impaired at the balance sheet date and for those investments for which an impairment has not been recognized. Refer to Note 18 , Fair Value Of Financial Instruments, for additional information on the Company’s investments val ued under the measurement alternative.
Advertising And Promotion Costs	Advertising a nd Promotion Costs – Costs of media advertising and associated production costs are expensed when incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the costs incurred were $ 3.6 million, $ 0.7 million, and $ 0.3 million.
Insurance And Self-Insurance Liabilities	Insurance a nd Self-Insurance Liabilities – The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to provide for the potential liabilities for workers’ compensation, general liability, property, director and officers’ liability, vehicle liability and employee health care benefits. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by the Company are estimated, in part, by considering claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors, outside e xpertise and other actuarial assumptions. For any legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency, the Company recognizes the expense as incurred.
Recognition Of Insurance Recoveries	Recognition o f Insurance Claims and Other Recoveries – The Company recognizes in surance recoveries and other claims when all contingencies have been satisfied. During 2016 , the Company recovered $ 2.3 million related to a legal claim. This amount was recorded on a net basis after deducting certain related expen ses. For further discussion, see Note 20 , Contingencies And Commitments .
Sports Programming Costs	Sports Programming Costs and Unfavorable/Favorable Sports Liabilities/Assets – Sports programming costs which are for a specified number of events are amortized on an event-by- event basis, and programming costs which are for a specified season are amortized over the season on a straight-line basis. Prepaid expenses which are not directly allocable to any one particular season are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the agreement. In connection with certain acquisitions, the Company assumed contracts at above or below market rates. These liabilities and assets are being amortized over the life of the contracts and are reflected within current and long-term assets and liabilities.
Accrued Litigation	Accrued Litigation - The Company evaluates the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party and records a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the a mount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These judgments are subjective, based on the status of such legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of the Company’s defenses and consultation with corporate and external legal counsel. Actual outcomes of these legal and regulatory proceedings may materially differ from the Company’s estimates. The Company expenses legal costs as incurred in professional fees. See Note 20 , Contingencies and Commitments .
Software Costs	Software Costs – The Company capitalizes direct internal and external costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development stage. Internal-use software includes w ebsite development activities such as the planning and design of additional functionality and features f or existing sites and/or the planning and design of new sites . Costs related to the maintenance , content development and training of internal-use software are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of three y ears using the straight-line method .
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	Recent Accounting Pronouncements A ll new accounting pronouncements that are in effect that may impact the Company’s financial statements have been implemented. The Company does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued, other than those listed below, that might have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Definition of a Business In January 2017, the accounting guidance was amended to clarify the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018 under a prospective application method. Base d upon the Company’s assessment, the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The guidance could have an impact in a future period if the Company acquires or disposes of radio stati ons that do not meet the definition of a business under the amended guidance. Restricted Cash In November 2016, the accounting guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows was enhanced and clarified to reduce diversity in practice. Restricted cash and cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts presented on the statement of cash flows. This guidance was e ffective for the Company as of January 1, 2018, under a retrospective application method. As the Company did not have any restricted cash or cash equivalents as of December 31, 2017 , the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s presentatio n of historical financial information. As a result of the Company’s consolidation of a VIE described above, the guidance had an impact on the Company’s presentation of the current period statements of financial position, cash flows and notes to the financ ial statements. The guidance could have an impact in a future period if the Company engages in transactions which result in restrictions on its cash or cash equivalents. Cash Flow Classification In August 2016, the accounting guidance for classifying elements of cash flow was modified. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018 under a retrospective application method. Based upon the Company’s assessment, the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s financial pos ition, results of operations or cash flows. Stock-Based Compensation In June 2018, the accounting guidance was amended to address several aspects of accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions to include share-based payment transaction s for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. The guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2019. The Company will adopt the new guidance using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earni ngs, if applicable, as of the effective date. While the Company is currently reviewing the effects of this guidance, the Company believes that this amendment to the accounting guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, r esults of operations or cash flows. In May 2017, the accounting guidance was amended to clarify modification accounting for stock-based compensation. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018, on a prospective basis. Under the ame nded guidance, the Company will only apply modification accounting for stock-based compensation if there are: (i) changes in the fair value or intrinsic value of share-based compensation; (ii) changes in the vesting conditions of awards; and (iii) changes in the classification of awards as equity instruments or liability instruments. Based upon the Company’s assessment, the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In March 2016, the accounting guidance for stock-based compensation was modified primarily to: (i) record excess tax benefits or deficiencies on stock-based compensation in the statement of operations, regardless of whether the tax benefits reduce taxes payable in the perio d; (ii) allow an employee’s use of shares to satisfy the employer’s statutory income tax withholding obligation up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the applicable jurisdictions; and (iii) allow entities to make an accounting policy election to either estimate the number of award forfeitures or to account for forfeitures when they occur. The guidance was effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. As of January 1, 2017, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to its accumulated deficit of $ 5.1 million on a modified retrospective transition basis. This adjustment was comprised of previously unrecognized excess tax benefits of $ 4.6 million as adjusted for the Company’s effective income tax rate , and a change to recognize stock-based compensation forfeitures when they occur of $ 0.5 million, net of tax. Financial Instruments In January 2016, the accounting guidance was modified with respect to recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The most notable impact of the amended accounting guidance for the Company is that this modification effectively supersedes and eliminates current accounting guidance for cost-method investments. Refe r to Note 18 , Fair Value Of Financial Instruments, for additional information on the Company’s investments valued under the measurement alternative. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018. The Company adopted the new gui dance using a modified retrospective approach, without a need to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date. The Company’s investments continue to be carried at their original cost. There have been no impairments i n the investments valued under the measurement alternative, returns of capital, or any adjustments resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the investments. Based upon the Company’s assessment, the adoption of this modified acco unting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the accounting guidance for revenue recognition was modified and subsequently updated with severa l amendments. Along with these modifications, most industry-specific revenue guidance was eliminated, including a current broadcasting exemption for reporting revenue from network barter programming. The new guidance provides companies with a revenue rec ognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new standard is to recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Compan y expects to be entitled to in exchange for such goods or services. The new guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant jud gments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The Company has identified changes to its revenue recognition policies related to contracts that contain performance bonuses. The impact of this g uidance was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company enhanced its disclosures to allow users of the financial statements to comprehend information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty o f revenue and cash flows arising from the Company’s contracts with its customers. Refer to Note 4 , Revenue, for additional information. Leasing Transactions In February 2016, the accounting guidance was modified to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The most notable change in the st andard is the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases with a term of more than one year. This change will primarily apply to the Company’s leased assets such as real estate and broadcastin g towers. Additionally, the Company will be required to provide additional disclosures to meet the objective of enabling users of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. While the Compan y is currently reviewing the effects of this guidance, the Company believes the standard will have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheets but will not have a material impact on its consolidated statements of operations. The Company believes that this modification to operating leases will result in: (i) an increase in the ROU assets and lease liabilities reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets to reflect the rights and obligations created by operating leases with a term of great er than one year; and (ii) no material change to the expense associated with the ROU assets. This guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2019, and must be implemented using a modified retrospective approach, with certain practical expedien ts available. The Company will elect the package of practical expedients which will allow the Company to waive reassessing: (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leas es; and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases. As a practical expedient, the Company may choose not to separate nonlease components from lease components as an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset. The Company will elect t his practical expedient by all classes of underlying assets in instances where leases contain common area maintenance. Under certain available practical expedients, the Company will exclude short term leases from the amended leasing guidance. Lease paymen ts associated with short term leases with terms of 12 months or less will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term without recognizing a ROU asset or lease liability on the balance sheet. The Company plans to adopt this new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2019 and intends to elect the available practical expedients upon adoption. The Company’s implementation of the amended accounting guidance depends upon system readiness, includi ng software, completion of analysis of the Company’s lease portfolio, and the ability to prepare financial information upon adoption. The Company believes it is on schedule to implement the amended accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019 . In Jul y 2018, the accounting guidance was further modified to provide for an additional transition method which allows entities to: (i) apply the new lease requirements at the effective date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption; (ii) continue to report comparative periods presented in the financial statements in the period of adoption under current U.S. GAAP; and (iii) provide the required disclosures under current U.S. GAAP for all per iods presented under current U.S. GAAP. The Company plans to adopt the amended accounting guidance using this transition method which facilitates comparative reporting upon adoption.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_3

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies Abstract
Schedule of depreciation expense on property pland and equipment	Property And Equipment Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Depreciation expense $ 28,709 $ 13,215 $ 8,689
Schedule of property plant and equipment by category	Depreciation Period Property And Equipment In Years December 31, From To 2018 2017 Land, land easements and land improvements - 15 $ 110,570 $ 137,160 Buildings 20 40 36,038 46,195 Equipment 3 40 222,847 199,044 Furniture and fixtures 5 10 18,426 23,859 Capital leases * * 44 44 Leasehold improvements * * 71,688 54,829 459,613 461,131 Accumulated depreciation (158,341) (132,209) 301,272 328,922 Capital improvements in progress 15,758 17,585 Net property and equipment $ 317,030 $ 346,507 * Shorter of economic life or lease term
Schedule of Deferred Revenue, by Arrangement	Unearned Revenues December 31, Balance Sheet Location 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Current Other current liabilities $ 22,692 $ 17,519 Long-term Other long-term liabilities $ 1,138 $ 13,000
ScheduleOfChangeInAssetRetirementObligationTableTextBlock	Asset Retirement Obligations December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Beginning Balance $ 1,714 $ 1,044 Additions 456 1,006 Settlements (204) (525) Revision of estimate 4 152 Accretions 60 37 Ending Balance $ 2,030 $ 1,714 Asset retirement obligations - short term $ 342 $ 457 Asset retirement obligations - long term 1,688 1,257 Total asset retirement obligations $ 2,030 $ 1,714
NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements A ll new accounting pronouncements that are in effect that may impact the Company’s financial statements have been implemented. The Company does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued, other than those listed below, that might have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Definition of a Business In January 2017, the accounting guidance was amended to clarify the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018 under a prospective application method. Base d upon the Company’s assessment, the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The guidance could have an impact in a future period if the Company acquires or disposes of radio stati ons that do not meet the definition of a business under the amended guidance. Restricted Cash In November 2016, the accounting guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows was enhanced and clarified to reduce diversity in practice. Restricted cash and cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts presented on the statement of cash flows. This guidance was e ffective for the Company as of January 1, 2018, under a retrospective application method. As the Company did not have any restricted cash or cash equivalents as of December 31, 2017 , the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s presentatio n of historical financial information. As a result of the Company’s consolidation of a VIE described above, the guidance had an impact on the Company’s presentation of the current period statements of financial position, cash flows and notes to the financ ial statements. The guidance could have an impact in a future period if the Company engages in transactions which result in restrictions on its cash or cash equivalents. Cash Flow Classification In August 2016, the accounting guidance for classifying elements of cash flow was modified. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018 under a retrospective application method. Based upon the Company’s assessment, the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s financial pos ition, results of operations or cash flows. Stock-Based Compensation In June 2018, the accounting guidance was amended to address several aspects of accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions to include share-based payment transaction s for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. The guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2019. The Company will adopt the new guidance using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earni ngs, if applicable, as of the effective date. While the Company is currently reviewing the effects of this guidance, the Company believes that this amendment to the accounting guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, r esults of operations or cash flows. In May 2017, the accounting guidance was amended to clarify modification accounting for stock-based compensation. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018, on a prospective basis. Under the ame nded guidance, the Company will only apply modification accounting for stock-based compensation if there are: (i) changes in the fair value or intrinsic value of share-based compensation; (ii) changes in the vesting conditions of awards; and (iii) changes in the classification of awards as equity instruments or liability instruments. Based upon the Company’s assessment, the impact of this guidance was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In March 2016, the accounting guidance for stock-based compensation was modified primarily to: (i) record excess tax benefits or deficiencies on stock-based compensation in the statement of operations, regardless of whether the tax benefits reduce taxes payable in the perio d; (ii) allow an employee’s use of shares to satisfy the employer’s statutory income tax withholding obligation up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the applicable jurisdictions; and (iii) allow entities to make an accounting policy election to either estimate the number of award forfeitures or to account for forfeitures when they occur. The guidance was effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. As of January 1, 2017, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to its accumulated deficit of $ 5.1 million on a modified retrospective transition basis. This adjustment was comprised of previously unrecognized excess tax benefits of $ 4.6 million as adjusted for the Company’s effective income tax rate , and a change to recognize stock-based compensation forfeitures when they occur of $ 0.5 million, net of tax. Financial Instruments In January 2016, the accounting guidance was modified with respect to recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The most notable impact of the amended accounting guidance for the Company is that this modification effectively supersedes and eliminates current accounting guidance for cost-method investments. Refe r to Note 18 , Fair Value Of Financial Instruments, for additional information on the Company’s investments valued under the measurement alternative. The guidance was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018. The Company adopted the new gui dance using a modified retrospective approach, without a need to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date. The Company’s investments continue to be carried at their original cost. There have been no impairments i n the investments valued under the measurement alternative, returns of capital, or any adjustments resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the investments. Based upon the Company’s assessment, the adoption of this modified acco unting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the accounting guidance for revenue recognition was modified and subsequently updated with severa l amendments. Along with these modifications, most industry-specific revenue guidance was eliminated, including a current broadcasting exemption for reporting revenue from network barter programming. The new guidance provides companies with a revenue rec ognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new standard is to recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Compan y expects to be entitled to in exchange for such goods or services. The new guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant jud gments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The Company has identified changes to its revenue recognition policies related to contracts that contain performance bonuses. The impact of this g uidance was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company enhanced its disclosures to allow users of the financial statements to comprehend information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty o f revenue and cash flows arising from the Company’s contracts with its customers. Refer to Note 4 , Revenue, for additional information. Leasing Transactions In February 2016, the accounting guidance was modified to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The most notable change in the st andard is the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases with a term of more than one year. This change will primarily apply to the Company’s leased assets such as real estate and broadcastin g towers. Additionally, the Company will be required to provide additional disclosures to meet the objective of enabling users of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. While the Compan y is currently reviewing the effects of this guidance, the Company believes the standard will have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheets but will not have a material impact on its consolidated statements of operations. The Company believes that this modification to operating leases will result in: (i) an increase in the ROU assets and lease liabilities reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets to reflect the rights and obligations created by operating leases with a term of great er than one year; and (ii) no material change to the expense associated with the ROU assets. This guidance is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2019, and must be implemented using a modified retrospective approach, with certain practical expedien ts available. The Company will elect the package of practical expedients which will allow the Company to waive reassessing: (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leas es; and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases. As a practical expedient, the Company may choose not to separate nonlease components from lease components as an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset. The Company will elect t his practical expedient by all classes of underlying assets in instances where leases contain common area maintenance. Under certain available practical expedients, the Company will exclude short term leases from the amended leasing guidance. Lease paymen ts associated with short term leases with terms of 12 months or less will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term without recognizing a ROU asset or lease liability on the balance sheet. The Company plans to adopt this new accounting guidance effective January 1, 2019 and intends to elect the available practical expedients upon adoption. The Company’s implementation of the amended accounting guidance depends upon system readiness, includi ng software, completion of analysis of the Company’s lease portfolio, and the ability to prepare financial information upon adoption. The Company believes it is on schedule to implement the amended accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019 . In Jul y 2018, the accounting guidance was further modified to provide for an additional transition method which allows entities to: (i) apply the new lease requirements at the effective date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption; (ii) continue to report comparative periods presented in the financial statements in the period of adoption under current U.S. GAAP; and (iii) provide the required disclosures under current U.S. GAAP for all per iods presented under current U.S. GAAP. The Company plans to adopt the amended accounting guidance using this transition method which facilitates comparative reporting upon adoption.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND RELAT_2

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND RELATED ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of accounts receivable balances and reserve for doubtful amount	Net Accounts Receivable December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Accounts receivable $ 359,456 $ 346,264 Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales reserve (16,690) (4,275) Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and sales reserves $ 342,766 $ 341,989
Schedule of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts	Changes In Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Additions Balance At Charged To Deductions Balance At Beginning Costs And From End Of Year Ended Of Year Expenses Reserves Year (amounts in thousands) December 31, 2018 $ 3,885 $ 8,909 $ (3,375) $ 9,419 December 31, 2017 2,137 3,715 (1,967) 3,885 December 31, 2016 2,134 1,330 (1,327) 2,137
Schedule of Changes in Allowance for Sales Reserves	Changes in Allowance for Sales Reserves Balance At Additions Deductions Balance At Beginning Charged To From End Of Year Ended Of Year Revenues Reserves Year (amounts in thousands) December 31, 2018 $ 390 $ 14,254 $ (7,373) $ 7,271 December 31, 2017 - 390 - 390

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWIL_2

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of the changes in broadcasting license	Broadcasting Licenses Carrying Amount December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Broadcasting licenses balance as of January 1, $ 2,649,959 $ 823,195 Disposition of an FCC broadcasting license to facilitate the CBS Merger - (13,500) Deconsolidation of a VIE - 2017 Charlotte Acquisition - (15,738) Acquisition of radio stations - 2017 Charlotte Acquisition - 17,174 Acquisition of radio stations - CBS Radio Merger - 1,880,400 Disposition of FCC broadcasting licenses - EMF Sale - (54,661) Acquisition of a radio station - Beasley Transaction - 35,944 Acquisition of radio stations - iHeartMedia Transaction - 50,621 Disposition of radio stations - iHeartMedia Transaction - (7,462) Assets held for sale - Bonneville Transaction - (66,014) Acquisition of radio stations - Emmis Acquisition 12,785 - Acquisition of a radio station - Jerry Lee Transaction 27,346 - Loss on impairment (148,564) - Disposition of a radio station - WXTU Transaction (24,901) - Ending period balance $ 2,516,625 $ 2,649,959
Schedule of assumptions and estimates for broadcasting licences impairment testing	Estimates And Assumptions Fourth Second Second Second Second Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2018 2018 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate 9.00% 9.00% 9.25% 9.5% 9.7% Operating profit margin ranges expected for average stations in the markets where the Company operates 22% to 37% 22% to 37% 19% to 40% 14% to 40% 25% to 40% Long-term revenue growth rate range of the Company's markets 0.0% to 0.9% 0.5% to 1.0% 1.0% to 2.0% 1.0% to 2.0% 1.5% to 2.0%
Schedule of changes in goodwill	Goodwill Carrying Amount December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Goodwill balance before cumulative loss on impairment as of January 1, $ 988,056 $ 158,333 Accumulated loss on impairment as of January 1, (126,056) (125,615) Goodwill beginning balance after cumulative loss on impairment as of January 1, 862,000 32,718 Loss on impairment during year (317,138) (441) Acquisition of radio stations - 2017 Charlotte Acquisition - 43 Acquisition of radio stations - CBS Radio Merger - 820,961 Disposition of goodwill - EMF sale - (266) Acquisition of a radio station - Beasley Transaction - 289 Acquisition of radio stations -iHeartMedia Transaction - 11,700 Disposition of radio stations - iHeartMedia Transaction - (14) Assets held for sale - Bonneville Transaction - (2,990) Disposition of a radio station - WXTU Transaction (8,623) - Measurement period adjustments to acquired goodwill (21,498) - Acquisition of radio stations - Emmis Acquisition 332 - Acquisition of a radio station - Jerry Lee Transaction 24,396 - Ending period balance $ 539,469 $ 862,000 Goodwill balance before cumulative loss on impairment as of December 31, $ 982,663 $ 988,056 Accumulated loss on impairment as of December 31, (443,194) (126,056) Goodwill ending balance as of December 31, $ 539,469 $ 862,000
Schedule of assumptions and estimates for goodwill impairment testing	Estimates And Assumptions Fourth Second Second Second Second Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 2018 2018 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate 9.00% 9.00% 9.25% 9.5% 9.7% Market multiple used in the market valuation approach not applicable not applicable 7.5x to 8.0x 7.5x to 8.0x 7.5x to 8.0x

DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER AS_2

DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure Abstract
Schedule of Deferred Charges and Other Assets	Other Assets December 31, 2018 2017 Accumulated Accumulated Period Of Asset Amortization Net Asset Amortization Net Amortization (amounts in thousands) Deferred contracts $ 1,588 $ 1,390 $ 198 $ 1,588 $ 1,341 $ 247 Term of contract Leasehold premium 17,028 2,440 14,588 17,028 431 16,597 Term of contract Advertiser lists and customer relationships 29,332 10,780 18,552 29,126 1,390 27,736 3 to 5 years Other definite-lived assets 7,600 6,601 999 6,916 4,996 1,920 Term of contract Total definite-lived intangibles 55,548 21,211 34,337 54,658 8,158 46,500 Debt issuance costs 619 52 567 2,487 1,880 607 Term of debt Prepaid assets - long-term 4,259 - 4,259 5,239 - 5,239 Software costs and other 24,589 7,555 17,034 9,720 4,109 5,611 $ 85,015 $ 28,818 $ 56,197 $ 72,104 $ 14,147 $ 57,957
Schdule of Deferred Charges Amortization Expense	Amortization Expense Other Assets For The Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Definite-lived assets $ 12,132 $ 1,240 $ 81 Deferred financing expense 3,189 2,333 2,585 Software costs 3,447 1,091 1,023 Total $ 18,768 $ 4,664 $ 3,689
Schdule of Future Estimated Amortization Expense	Future Amortization Expense Definite-Lived Total Other Assets Years ending December 31, (amounts in thousands) 2019 $ 18,526 $ 6,267 $ 12,259 2020 16,148 5,682 10,466 2021 5,136 3,168 1,968 2022 2,066 111 1,955 2023 1,759 93 1,666 Thereafter 6,023 - 6,023 Total $ 49,658 $ 15,321 $ 34,337

OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIA

OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure Abstract
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Other Current Liabilities December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Accrued compensation $ 31,192 $ 36,105 Accounts receivable credits 5,743 1,876 Advertiser obligations 4,190 3,048 Accrued interest payable 6,007 12,285 Unearned revenue 22,692 17,519 Unfavorable lease liabilities 2,852 3,301 Unfavorable sports liabilities 4,634 4,634 Accrued benefits 8,646 9,470 Non-income tax liabilities 6,748 8,196 Income taxes payable 10,558 5,370 Other 15,176 5,757 Total other current liabilities $ 118,438 $ 107,561
Schedule of Deferred Rent Liabilities	Other Long-Term Liabilities December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Deferred compensation $ 30,928 $ 40,995 Unfavorable lease liabilities 9,367 12,215 Unfavorable sports liabilities 17,633 22,285 Unearned revenue 1,138 13,000 Deferred rent liabilities 17,671 $ 6,599 Other 12,431 12,473 Total other long-term liabilities $ 89,168 $ 107,567

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES (Tab

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Long-Term Debt December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Credit Facility Revolver, due November 17, 2022 $ 180,000 $ 143,000 Term B-1 Loan, due November 17, 2024 1,291,700 1,330,000 Plus unamortized premium 2,470 2,904 1,474,170 1,475,904 Senior Notes 7.250% senior unsecured notes, due October 17, 2024 400,000 400,000 Plus unamortized premium 14,158 16,584 414,158 416,584 Other Debt Other 912 70 Total debt before deferred financing costs 1,889,240 1,892,558 Current amount of long-term debt - (13,319) Deferred financing costs (excludes the revolving credit) (17,037) (19,797) Total long-term debt, net of current debt $ 1,872,203 $ 1,859,442 Outstanding standby letters of credit $ 5,862 $ 1,856
Schedule Of Net Interest Expense	Net Interest Expense Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Interest expense $ 101,497 $ 31,266 $ 33,799 Amortization of deferred financing costs 3,189 2,333 2,585 Amortization of original issue discount (premium) of senior notes (2,862) (962) 312 Interest income and other investment income (703) (116) (57) Total net interest expense $ 101,121 $ 32,521 $ 36,639
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Principal Debt Maturities Term B-1 Loan Revolver Senior Notes Other Total (amounts in thousands) Years ending December 31: 2019 $ - $ - $ - $ 59 $ 59 2020 1,600 - - 47 1,647 2021 13,300 - - 35 13,335 2022 13,300 180,000 - 30 193,330 2023 13,300 - - 30 13,330 Thereafter 1,250,200 - 400,000 711 1,650,911 Total $ 1,291,700 $ 180,000 $ 400,000 $ 912 $ 1,872,612

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (Tables)

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders Equity Note Abstract
Schedule of dividends payable on unvested restricted stock units	Dividend Equivalent Liabilities Balance Sheet December 31, Location 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Short-term Other current liabilities $ 1,279 $ 830 Long-term Other long-term liabilities 1,041 1,331 Total $ 2,320 $ 2,161
Schedule Of Vested Employee Restricted Stock Units And Value	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Shares of stock deemed repurchased 506 169 232 Amount recorded as financing activity $ 5,186 $ 2,565 $ 2,268
Schedule of dividend activity	Aggregate Payment Dividends Payment Equity Type Date per Share Amount Common stock March 15, 2017 $ 0.075 $ 2,915,952 June 15, 2017 $ 0.075 $ 2,920,860 August 30, 2017 $ 0.200 $ 7,791,075 September 15, 2017 $ 0.075 $ 2,921,727 December 15, 2017 $ 0.090 $ 12,633,039 March 28, 2018 $ 0.090 $ 12,440,990 June 28, 2018 $ 0.090 $ 12,475,445 September 14, 2018 $ 0.090 $ 12,486,825 December 14, 2018 $ 0.090 $ 12,366,985 Preferred January 16, 2017 $ 50,000.00 $ 550,000 April 16, 2017 $ 50,000.00 $ 550,000 July 16, 2017 $ 50,000.00 $ 550,000 October 16, 2017 $ 62,500.00 $ 687,500 November 17, 2017 $ 21,527.78 $ 236,806
ESPP Shares Purchased and Non-Cash Comp Expense	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Number of shares purchased 228 15 32 Non-cash compensation expense recognized $ 252 $ 32 $ 67

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments Abstract
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Units Market Based	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) Reconciliation of RSUs with Service And Market Conditions Beginning of period balance 650 630 390 Number of RSUs granted - 70 470 Number of RSUs forfeited (110) - - Number of RSUs vested (314) (50) (230) End of period balance 226 650 630 Weighted average fair value of RSUs granted with market conditions $ - $ 9.81 $ 7.34
Schedule Of Other Options Dislcosure	Years Ended December 31, Option Issuance and Exercise Data 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands except for per share and years) From To From To From To Exercise price range of options issued $ 1.34 $ 2.02 $ 1.34 $ 11.31 $ 1.34 $ 11.69 Upon vesting, period to exercise in years 1 10 1 10 1 10 Fair value per share upon grant $ - $ 4.33 $ - Number of options granted - 686 - Intrinsic value per share upon exercise $ 7.33 $ 7.24 $ 12.21 Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 829 $ 60 $ 1,678 Tax benefit from options exercised $ 220 $ 21 $ 636 Cash received from exercise price of options exercised $ 152 $ 42 $ 265
Schedule Of significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable options	Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Number of Weighted Number of Options Average Weighted Options Weighted Range of Outstanding Remaining Average Exercisable Average Exercise Prices December 31, Contractual Exercise December 31, Exercise From To 2018 Life Price 2018 Price $ 1.34 $ 1.34 184,800 0.1 $ 1.34 184,800 $ 1.34 $ 4.76 $ 13.98 570,410 1.8 $ 12.04 570,410 $ 12.04 $ 1.34 $ 13.98 755,210 1.4 $ 9.42 755,210 $ 9.42
Schedule of recognized stock-based compensation expense	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Station operating expenses $ 6,855 $ 1,694 $ 1,363 Corporate general and administrative expenses 8,294 7,873 5,176 Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses 15,149 9,567 6,539 Income tax benefit (1) 3,160 3,328 2,321 After-tax stock-based compensation expense $ 11,989 $ 6,239 $ 4,218
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Units Vested And Released	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount (amounts in thousands, except per share) RSUs issued 1,292 $ 10,078 3,064 $ 35,628 1,123 $ 10,381 RSUs forfeited - service based (396) (1,228) (379) (1,117) (27) (280) Net RSUs issued and increase (decrease) to paid-in capital 896 $ 8,850 2,685 $ 34,511 1,096 $ 10,101 Weighted average grant date fair value per share $ 9.71 $ 13.42 $ 9.24 Fair value of shares vested per share $ 11.07 $ 10.76 $ 9.30 RSUs vested and released 1,496 474 611
Resticted Stock Unit Valuation Assumptions	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Expected Volatility Structure (1) - 54% 35% to 45% Risk Free Interest Rate (2) - 1.8% 0.4% to 1.1% Annual Dividend Payment Per Share (Constant) (3) - 3.3% 7.5%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Units, Vested and Expected to Vest	Number Weighted Aggregate of Weighted Average Intrinsic Restricted Average Remaining Value as of Stock Purchase Contractual December 31, Period Ended Units Price Term (Years) 2018 (amounts in thousands) RSUs outstanding as of: December 31, 2017 4,285 RSUs awarded 1,292 RSUs released (1,496) RSUs forfeited (396) RSUs outstanding as of: December 31, 2018 3,685 $ - 1.1 $ 20,971 RSUs vested and expected to vest as of: December 31, 2018 3,685 $ - 1.1 $ 20,971 RSUs exercisable (vested and deferred) as of: December 31, 2018 49 $ - - $ 278 Weighted average remaining recognition period in years 1.9 Unamortized compensation expense $ 22,458
Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested And Expected To Vest Outstanding	Weighted Intrinsic Weighted Average Value Average Remaining as of Number of Exercise Contractual December 31, Period Ended Options Price Term (Years) 2018 Options outstanding as of: December 31, 2017 883,347 $ 8.38 Options granted - - Options exercised (113,137) 1.35 Options forfeited - - Options expired (15,000) 9.30 Options outstanding as of: December 31, 2018 755,210 $ 9.42 1.4 $ 789,550 Options vested and expected to vest as of: December 31, 2018 755,210 $ 9.42 1.4 $ 789,550 Options vested and exercisable as of: December 31, 2018 755,210 $ 9.42 1.4 $ 789,550 Weighted average remaining recognition period in years - Unamortized compensation expense $ -
Schedule Of Restricted Stock Units Performance Based [Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) Reconciliation of RSUs with Service and Performance Conditions Beginning of period balance - - 29 Number of RSUs granted - - - Number of RSUs that did not meet criteria - - (29) Number of RSUs vested - - - Average fair value of RSUs granted with performance conditions $ - $ - $ -

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUS

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Change In Contract With Customer Asset [Abstract]
Change in Contract Assets and Liabilities Table	Year Ended December 31, 2018 Description Unearned Revenue (amounts in thousands) Beginning balance on January 1, 2018 $ 30,519 Revenue recognized during the period that was included in the beginning balance of contract liabilities (14,986) Additional amounts recognized during period 8,297 Ending balance $ 23,830
Contract With Customer Asset And Liability [Abstract]
Contract Assets and Liabilities Table	December 31, Description 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Receivables, included in "Accounts receivable net of allowance for doubtful accounts" $ 330,983 $ 331,799 Contract assets - - Unearned revenue - current 22,692 17,519 Unearned revenue - noncurrent 1,138 13,000
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue Table	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Revenue by Source (amounts in thousands) Broadcast revenues $ 1,327,803 $ 530,553 $ 428,266 Event and other revenues 115,399 51,434 31,805 Trade and barter revenues 19,365 10,897 4,700 Net revenues $ 1,462,567 $ 592,884 $ 464,771

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE (Ta

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) Basic Income (Loss) Per Share Numerator Net income available to the Company - continuing operations $ (362,587) $ 233,013 $ 38,065 Preferred stock dividends - 2,015 1,901 Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations (362,587) 230,998 36,164 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 1,152 836 - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ (361,435) $ 231,834 $ 36,164 Denominator Basic weighted average shares outstanding 138,069,608 51,392,899 38,500,495 Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Basic: Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share available to common shareholders - Basic $ (2.63) $ 4.49 $ 0.94 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share available to common shareholders - Basic 0.01 0.02 - Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders - Basic $ (2.62) $ 4.51 $ 0.94 Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share Numerator Net income available to the Company - continuing operations $ (362,587) $ 233,013 $ 38,065 Preferred stock dividends - 2,015 1,901 Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations (362,587) 230,998 36,164 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 1,152 836 - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ (361,435) $ 231,834 $ 36,164 Denominator Basic weighted average shares outstanding 138,069,608 51,392,899 38,500,495 Effect of RSUs and options under the treasury stock method - 1,492,257 1,067,567 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 138,069,608 52,885,156 39,568,062 Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Diluted: Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share available to common shareholders - Diluted $ (2.63) $ 4.37 $ 0.91 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share available to common shareholders - Diluted 0.01 0.02 - Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders - Diluted $ (2.62) $ 4.38 $ 0.91
Equity Award Impact Schedule	Impact Of Equity Awards Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) Dilutive or anti-dilutive for all potentially dilutive equivalent shares anti-dilutive dilutive dilutive Excluded shares as anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method: Options excluded 564 548 - Price range of options excluded: from $ 6.43 $ 11.69 $ - Price range of options excluded: to $ 13.98 $ 13.98 $ - RSUs with service conditions 1,394 163 - Excluded RSUs with service and market conditions as market conditions not met 226 336 267 Excluded RSUs with service and performance conditions until performance criteria is probable - - - Excluded preferred stock as anti-dilutive under the as if method - - 1,943 Excluded shares as anti-dilutive when reporting a net loss 755 - -

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure Abstract
Schedule Of Income Tax Expense Reconciliation	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Federal statutory income tax rate 21% 35% 35% Computed tax expense at federal statutory rates on income before income taxes $ (77,016) $ (8,425) $ 18,501 State income tax expense, net of federal benefit (4,779) 23,045 (5,202) Goodwill impairment 64,465 - - Valuation allowance current year activity (2,593) 2,395 - Tax impact of share-based awards 872 1,383 - Transaction costs 391 8,477 - Recognized gain on Exchange Transactions - 6,435 - U.S. federal income tax reform 883 (291,497) - Tax benefit shortfall associated with share-based awards - - 286 Taxable gain on sale of radio stations 5,511 - - Nondeductible expenses and other 8,113 1,102 1,209 Income taxes $ (4,153) $ (257,085) $ 14,794
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ 38,481 $ 5,178 $ (33) State 17,836 1,289 139 Total current 56,317 6,467 106 Deferred: Federal (37,678) (295,467) 19,980 State (22,792) 31,915 (5,292) Total deferred (60,470) (263,552) 14,688 Total income taxes (benefit) $ (4,153) $ (257,085) $ 14,794
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Federal and state income tax loss carryforwards 81,368 96,334 Share-based compensation 3,382 4,174 Investments - impairments 347 348 Lease rental obligations 15,080 13,910 Deferred compensation 9,097 11,601 Deferred gain on tower transaction 1,732 1,897 Debt fair value adjustment 4,390 5,162 Reserves - 7,442 Property, equipment and certain intangibles (other than broadcasting licenses and goodwill) - - Advertiser broadcasting obligations - - Employee benefits 2,396 543 Provision for doubtful accounts 4,406 4,383 Other non-current 5,799 1,614 Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance 127,997 147,408 Valuation allowance (25,761) (37,154) Total deferred tax assets $ 102,236 $ 110,254 Deferred tax liabilities: Advertiser broadcasting obligations $ 47 $ (7,172) Deferral of gain recognition on the extinguishment of debt - - Property, equipment and certain intangibles (49,662) (55,922) Broadcasting licenses and goodwill (598,603) (656,949) Total deferred tax liabilities $ (648,218) $ (720,043) Total net deferred tax liabilities $ (545,982) $ (609,789)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance	Increase Increase (Decrease) (Decrease) Charged Charged (Credited) (Credited) Balance at to Income to Balance At Beginning Taxes Balance Purchase End Of Year Ended of Year (Benefit) Sheet Accounting Year (amounts in thousands) December 31, 2018 $ 37,154 $ (11,393) $ - $ - $ 25,761 December 31, 2017 12,861 17,785 151 6,357 37,154 December 31, 2016 20,638 (7,777) - - 12,861
Schedule of Liabilities For Uncertain Tax Positions	December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Liabilities for uncertain tax positions Tax $ 370 $ 711 Total $ 370 $ 711
Schedule of Expense Income For Uncertain Tax Positions	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Tax expense (income) $ - $ - $ (67) Interest and penalties (income) - - (170) Total income taxes (benefit) from uncertain tax positions $ - $ - $ (237)
Schedule of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Beginning of year balance $ (7,820) $ (7,138) $ (7,690) Prior year positions Gross Increases - (710) - Gross Decreases - - - Current year positions Gross Increases - - - Gross Decreases - - - Settlements with tax authorities - - - Reductions due to statute lapse 535 28 552 End of year balance $ (7,285) $ (7,820) $ (7,138) Ending liability balance included above that was reflected as an offset to deferred tax assets $ (6,915) $ (7,110) $ (7,138)
Schedule of Income Tax Payments and Refunds	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Federal and state income tax payments $ 54,217 $ 2,030 $ 381
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]	Net Operating Losses December 31, 2018 NOLs NOL Expiration Period (amounts in (in years) thousands) Federal NOL carryforwards $ 262,066 2030 to 2033 State NOL carryforwards $ 518,779 2019 to 2034

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND BENEFIT _2

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure Abstract
Schedule Of Deferred Compensation Plan	Years Ended December 31, Benefit Plan Disclosures 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Deferred compensation Beginning of period balance $ 40,995 $ 10,875 $ 10,137 Assumption of deferred compensation in Merger - 27,057 - Employee compensation deferrals 384 840 963 Employee compensation payments (8,709) (1,184) (945) Increase (decrease) in plan fair value (1,742) 3,407 720 End of period balance $ 30,928 $ 40,995 $ 10,875

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR_2

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures Abstract
Schedule of recurring fair value measurements	Fair Value Measurements At Reporting Date Quoted prices Significant Significant Measured at Balance at in active other observable unobservable Net Asset Value December 31, markets inputs inputs as a Practical Description 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Expedient (2) (amounts in thousands) Liabilities Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1) $ 30,928 $ 23,476 $ - $ - $ 7,452 Quoted prices Significant Significant Measured at Balance at in active other observable unobservable Net Asset Value December 31, markets inputs inputs as a Practical Description 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Expedient (2) (amounts in thousands) Liabilities Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1) $ 40,995 $ 23,751 $ - $ - $ 17,244
Schedule Of Carrying Value Of Financial Instruments	December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Value Value Value Value (amounts in thousands) Term B Loans (1) $ 1,291,700 $ 1,243,261 $ 1,330,000 $ 1,336,650 Revolver (2) $ 180,000 $ 180,000 $ 143,000 $ 143,000 Senior Notes (3) $ 400,000 $ 378,000 $ 400,000 $ 422,876 Other debt (4) $ 912 $ 70 Letters of credit (4) $ 5,862 $ 1,856
Schedule of Cost Method Investments Table Text Block	Investments Valued Under the Measurement Alternative December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Investment balance before cumulative impairment as of January 1, $ 9,955 $ 255 Accumulated impairment as of January 1, - - Investment beginning balance after cumulative impairment as of January 1, 9,955 255 Acquisition of interest in a privately held company 1,250 9,700 Ending period balance $ 11,205 $ 9,955

ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AND

ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AND PRO FORMA SUMMARY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of merger and acquisition costs	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Costs to exit duplicative contracts $ 229 $ 500 $ - Workforce reduction 3,599 10,441 - Lease abandonment costs 1,315 2,874 - Other restructuring costs 687 147 - Transition services costs - 2,960 - Total restructuring charges $ 5,830 $ 16,922 $ -
Schedule of unaudited pro forma summary of financial information	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) Pro Forma Pro Forma Pro Forma Net revenues $ 1,473,266 $ 1,607,777 $ 1,656,123 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (357,608) $ 374,135 $ (587,393) Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ 1,152 $ 836 $ - Net income (loss) available to the Company $ (356,456) $ 374,971 $ (587,393) Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ (356,456) $ 372,956 $ (589,294) Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share - basic $ (2.59) $ 2.67 $ (4.20) Income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share - basic $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders per common share - basic $ (2.58) $ 2.66 $ (4.21) Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share - diluted $ (2.59) $ 2.64 $ (4.20) Income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share - diluted $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders per common share - diluted $ (2.58) $ 2.63 $ (4.21) Weighted shares outstanding basic 138,070 140,298 139,908 Weighted shares outstanding diluted 138,070 141,790 139,908 Conversion of preferred stock for dilutive purposes under the as if method Not applicable Not applicable anti-dilutive
Schedule of the future amortization of unfavoarble leases from acquisition	As Of December 31, 2018 (amounts in thousands) Years ending December 31, 2019 $ 7,318 2020 6,909 2021 6,606 2022 5,725 2023 6,099 Thereafter 1,011 $ 33,668
Schedule of Restrucutring Reserve by Type	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Restructuring charges and lease abandonment costs, beginning balance $ 16,086 $ 650 Additions resulting from the integration of CBS Radio 5,830 15,005 Restructuring charges assumed from the Merger - 1,095 Payments (14,839) (664) Restructuring charges and lease abandonment costs unpaid and outstanding 7,077 16,086 Restructuring charges and lease abandonment costs - noncurrent portion (988) (4,413) Restructuring charges and lease abandonment costs - current portion $ 6,089 $ 11,673
ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock	iHeartMedia Transaction Market Radio Stations Transactions TBA Commencement Date Disposition or Acquisition Date Richmond, VA WRVA AM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Richmond, VA WRXL FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Richmond, VA WTVR FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Richmond, VA WBTJ FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Richmond, VA WRNL AM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Richmond, VA WRVQ FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Chattanooga, TN WKXJ FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Chattanooga, TN WUSY FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Chattanooga, TN WRXR FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Chattanooga, TN WLND FM Company acquired from iHeart December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Boston, MA WBZ AM Company divested to iHeart November 18, 2017 December 19, 2017 Boston, MA WZLX FM Company divested to iHeart November 18, 2017 December 19, 2017 Boston, MA WRKO AM Company divested to iHeart Not Applicable December 19, 2017 Boston, MA WKAF FM Company divested to iHeart November 18, 2017 December 19, 2017 Seattle, WA KZOK FM Company divested to iHeart Not Applicable December 19, 2017 Seattle, WA KJAQ FM Company divested to iHeart Not Applicable December 19, 2017 Seattle, WA KFNQ AM Company divested to iHeart November 18, 2017 December 19, 2017 Beasley Transaction Market Radio Stations Transactions TBA Commencement Date Disposition or Acquisition Date Boston, MA WMJX FM Company acquired from Beasley December 4, 2017 December 19, 2017 Boston, MA WBZ FM Company divested to Beasley Not Applicable December 19, 2017
Charlotte [Member]
Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule Of Acquisition Valuation [Table Text Block]	Useful Lives in Years Final Value From To (amounts in thousands) Assets Land $ 2,539 non-depreciating Buildings 217 15 25 Equipment 4,569 3 40 Total property plant and equipment 7,325 Deferred tax asset 287 life of underlying asset Radio broadcasting licenses and goodwill 17,384 non-amortizing Total assets 24,996 Liabilities Unfavorable lease liabilities 735 over remaining lease life Deferred tax liability 261 life of underlying liability Total liabilities 996 Fair value of net assets acquired $ 24,000
CBS Radio [Member]
Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule Of Acquisition Valuation [Table Text Block]	Preliminary Value as of acquisition date (as previously Measurement reported as of Period Description December 31, 2017) Adjustment As Adjusted (amounts in thousands) Assets Accounts receivable $ 241,548 $ - $ 241,548 Prepaid sports rights and favorable sports contracts 4,160 - 4,160 Prepaid expenses, deposits and other 20,625 476 21,101 Other current assets 7,350 1,741 9,091 Total current assets 273,683 2,217 275,900 Land 112,880 - 112,880 Land improvements 3,988 (2,640) 1,348 Leasehold improvements 26,255 9,774 36,029 Buildings 19,246 (5,206) 14,040 Furniture and fixtures 10,929 (6,849) 4,080 Equipment and towers 76,486 21,346 97,832 Construction in process 14,598 - 14,598 Total tangible property 264,382 16,425 280,807 Advertiser relationships 27,453 - 27,453 Radio broadcasting licenses 1,880,400 - 1,880,400 Goodwill 820,961 (21,498) 799,463 Assets held for sale 255,650 - 255,650 Favorable leases 16,580 - 16,580 Other noncurrent assets 1,050 4,176 5,226 Total intangible and other assets 3,002,094 (17,322) 2,984,772 Total assets $ 3,540,159 $ 1,320 $ 3,541,479 Liabilities Accounts payable $ 36,137 $ 421 $ 36,558 Accrued expenses 35,154 2,309 37,463 Accrued salaries and benefits 26,324 - 26,324 Current portion of long-term debt 10,600 - 10,600 Unfavorable sports liability - current portion 4,803 - 4,803 Accrued interest 4,529 - 4,529 Unearned revenues - current portion 14,971 - 14,971 Total current liabilities 132,518 2,730 135,248 Unearned revenues - non-current portion 13,859 - 13,859 Unfavorable lease liability 12,770 - 12,770 Unfavorable sports liability - non-current portion 22,597 - 22,597 Non-current portion of long-term debt 1,376,900 - 1,376,900 Deferred tax liability 780,832 (3,336) 777,496 Other long-term liabilities 31,835 1,926 33,761 Total liabilities $ 2,371,311 $ 1,320 $ 2,372,631 Preliminary fair value of net assets acquired $ 1,168,848 $ - $ 1,168,848
IHeart And Beasley Exchange Member [Member]
Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule Of Acquisition Valuation [Table Text Block]	Beasley Transaction Assets Acquired Assets Disposed (amounts in thousands) Assets Total property plant and equipment $ 667 $ 807 Total tangible assets 667 807 Sports rights agreement - 267 Radio broadcasting licenses 35,944 35,944 Goodwill 289 11,882 Total intangible assets 36,233 48,093 Additional cash consideration 12,000 - Total value $ 48,900 $ 48,900 iHeart Transaction Assets Acquired Assets Disposed (amounts in thousands) Assets Total property plant and equipment $ 13,725 $ 8,149 Total tangible assets 13,725 8,149 Acquired advertising contracts 265 - Advertiser relationships 1,041 - Radio broadcasting licenses 50,621 56,299 Goodwill 11,700 6,852 Total intangible assets 63,627 63,151 Liabilities Unfavorable lease agreements assumed (1,301) - Deferred tax liabilities (4,751) - Total value $ 71,300 $ 71,300
Emmis [Member]
Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule Of Acquisition Valuation [Table Text Block]	Useful Lives in Years Preliminary Value From To (amounts in thousands) Assets Equipment $ 1,558 3 7 Total tangible property 1,558 Advertiser relationships 207 5 15 Advertising contracts 114 1 1 Radio broadcasting licenses 12,785 non-amortizing Goodwill 332 non-amortizing Other noncurrent assets 4 2 2 Total intangible and other assets 13,442 Total assets $ 15,000 Preliminary fair value of assets acquired $ 15,000
WBEB [Member]
Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule Of Acquisition Valuation [Table Text Block]	Useful Lives in Years Preliminary Value From To (amounts in thousands) Assets Equipment $ 981 3 7 Total tangible property 981 Advertising contracts 477 1 1 Radio broadcasting licenses 27,346 non-amortizing Goodwill 24,396 non-amortizing Net working capital 3,234 not applicable Total intangible and other assets 55,453 Total assets $ 56,434 Preliminary fair value of net assets acquired $ 56,434

CONTINGENCIES, GUARANTOR ARRANG

CONTINGENCIES, GUARANTOR ARRANGEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments And Contingencies Guarantor Disclosure [Abstract]
Scehdule of Rent Expense	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Rent expense $ 53,948 $ 23,742 $ 17,892
Schedule of Contracts and Commitments	Future Minimum Annual Commitments Sale Rent Under Leaseback Programming Operating Operating and Related Leases Leases Contracts Total (amounts in thousands) Years ending December 31, 2019 $ 50,455 $ 920 $ 169,384 $ 220,759 2020 49,556 948 121,212 171,716 2021 45,870 977 86,202 133,049 2022 40,451 1,006 57,662 99,119 2023 37,194 1,036 46,094 84,324 Thereafter 159,208 6,697 17,567 183,472 $ 382,734 $ 11,584 $ 498,121 $ 892,439
Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Schedule Of Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash December 31, 2018 2017 (amounts in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 122,893 $ 34,167 Restricted cash 69,365 - Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 192,258 $ 34,167

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE (Tables)

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property Plant And Equipment Assets Held For Sale Disclosure [Abstract]
Disclosure Of Long Lived Assets Held For Sale [Text Block]	Assets Held for Sale December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Other Other Bonneville Assets Held Bonneville Assets Held Total LMA for Sale Total LMA for Sale (amounts in thousands) Land and land improvements $ 2,645 $ - $ 2,645 $ 47,110 $ 1,110 $ 46,000 Building 1,053 - 1,053 1,970 1,520 450 Leasehold improvements - - - 88 88 - Equipment 15,905 - 15,905 2,618 2,618 - Net property and equipment 19,603 - 19,603 51,786 5,336 46,450 Net radio broadcasting licenses - - - 136,014 136,014 - Other intangibles - - - 1,947 1,947 - Goodwill - - - 22,573 22,573 - Total intangibles - - - 160,534 160,534 - Net assets held for sale $ 19,603 $ - $ 19,603 $ 212,320 $ 165,870 $ 46,450
Discontinued Operations	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Net broadcast revenues $ - $ 5,494 $ - Station operating expenses - 4,749 - Depreciation and amortization expense - 9 - Net time brokerage agreement (income) fees 1,765 (652) - Total operating expenses - 4,106 - Income before income taxes 1,765 1,388 - Income taxes 613 552 - Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ 1,152 $ 836 $ -

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSU

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES ON NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (amounts in thousands) Operating Activities Barter revenues $ 19,365 $ 10,898 $ 4,700 Barter expenses $ 19,324 $ 9,440 $ 4,789 Transition services costs incurred in the integration of CBS Radio $ 5,456 $ 1,917 $ - Reduction to the transition services asset $ (5,456) $ (1,917) $ - Financing Activities Increase in paid-in capital from the issuance of RSUs $ 10,078 $ 35,628 $ 10,381 Decrease in paid-in capital from the forfeiture of RSUs (1,228) (1,117) (280) Net paid-in capital of RSUs issued (forfeited) $ 8,850 $ 34,511 $ 10,101 Dividend accrued on perpetual cumulative convertible preferred stock $ - $ - $ 452 Debt assumed in a business combination or merger $ - $ 1,387,500 $ - Investing Activities Cash acquired through consolidation (deconsolidation) of a VIE $ - $ (302) $ 302 Noncash additions to property and equipment and intangibles $ 818 $ 2,213 $ 833 Net radio station assets given up in a market $ - $ 124,500 $ - Net radio station assets acquired in a market $ - $ 124,500 $ - Fair value of net assets acquired through the issuance of common stock $ - $ 1,168,848 $ -

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIA_2

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure Abstract
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Quarters Ended December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) 2018 Net revenues $ 411,375 $ 378,508 372,124 $ 300,560 Operating income $ (377,593) $ 78,733 27,552 $ 5,689 Net income (loss) available to the Company from continuing operations $ (386,568) $ 36,590 $ 1,597 $ (14,206) Preferred stock dividend $ - $ - $ - $ - Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations $ (386,568) $ 36,590 1,597 $ (14,206) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ (378) $ 358 $ 844 $ 328 Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ (386,946) $ 36,948 2,441 $ (13,878) Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share - basic (1) $ (2.80) $ 0.26 $ 0.01 $ (0.10) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, per share - basic (1) $ - $ - $ 0.01 $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders per share - basic (1) $ (2.80) $ 0.27 0.02 $ (0.10) Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 138,033 138,740 138,639 138,939 Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share - diluted (1) $ (2.80) $ 0.26 $ 0.01 $ (0.10) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, per share - diluted (1) $ - $ - $ 0.01 $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders per share - diluted (1) $ (2.80) $ 0.27 $ 0.02 $ (0.10) Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 138,033 139,103 139,263 138,939 Preferred stock dividends declared and paid $ - $ - $ - $ - Common stock dividends declared and paid $ 12,367 $ 12,486 $ 12,475 $ 12,441 Quarters Ended December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 (amounts in thousands, except per share data) 2017 Net revenues $ 246,614 $ 122,299 $ 124,970 $ 99,001 Operating income $ (2,265) $ 13,485 $ 16,379 $ (15,016) Income (loss) available to the Company from continuing operations $ 231,829 $ 4,100 $ 6,414 $ (9,331) Preferred stock dividend $ 252 $ 663 $ 550 $ 550 Net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations $ 231,577 $ 3,437 $ 5,864 $ (9,881) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ 836 $ - $ - $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 232,413 $ 3,437 $ 5,864 $ (9,881) Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share - basic (1) $ 2.63 $ 0.11 $ 0.16 $ (0.24) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, per share - basic (1) $ 0.01 $ - $ - $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders per share - basic (1) $ 2.63 $ 0.09 $ 0.15 $ (0.25) Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 88,309 38,955 38,945 38,910 Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share - diluted (1) $ 2.58 $ 0.28 $ 0.26 $ 0.11 Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, per share - diluted (1) $ 0.01 $ - $ - $ - Net income (loss) available to common shareholders per share - diluted (1) $ 2.59 $ 0.09 $ 0.15 $ (0.25) Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 89,887 39,728 39,656 38,910 Preferred stock dividends declared and paid $ 924 $ 550 $ 550 $ 550 Common stock dividends declared and paid $ 12,746 $ 10,713 $ 2,921 $ 2,916

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ORG_2

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Abstract
CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption				$ 5,112
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Operating Costs and Expenses	$ 1,099,278	$ 443,512	$ 323,270

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_4

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 28,709,000	$ 13,215,000	$ 8,689,000
Construction commitments	45,900,000
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	459,613,000	461,131,000
Accumulated depreciation	(158,341,000)	(132,209,000)
Net property and equipment before construction in progress	301,272,000	328,922,000
Capital improvements in progress	15,758,000	17,585,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	317,030,000	346,507,000
Deferred Revenue
Current - accrued compensation and other current liabilities	22,692,000	17,519,000
Long-term - other long term liabilities	$ 1,138,000	13,000,000
Revenues and expenses incurred during the TBA
SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativePercentageOwnership	100.00%
AssetRetirementObligationAbstract
ARO Beginning Balance	$ 1,714,000	1,044,000
IncreaseDecreaseInAssetRetirementObligations	456,000	1,006,000
AssetRetirementObligationLiabilitiesSettled	(204,000)	(525,000)
AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate	4,000	152,000
ResultsOfOperationsAccretionOfAssetRetirementObligations	60,000	37,000
ARO Ending Balance	2,030,000	1,714,000	1,044,000
AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent	1,688,000	1,257,000
AssetRetirementObligationCurrent	342,000	457,000
CashFDICInsuredAmount	250,000
AdvertisingExpense	3,600,000	700,000	$ 300,000
Land Improvements [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 110,570,000	137,160,000
Land Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Tangible assets amortization period	15 years
Land Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Tangible assets amortization period	0 years
Building [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 36,038,000	46,195,000
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Tangible assets amortization period	40 years
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Tangible assets amortization period	20 years
Equipment [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 222,847,000	199,044,000
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Tangible assets amortization period	40 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Tangible assets amortization period	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 18,426,000	23,859,000
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Tangible assets amortization period	10 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Tangible assets amortization period	5 years
Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 71,688,000	54,829,000
AssetsHeldUnderCapitalLeasesMember
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 44,000	$ 44,000

REVENUE - Contract Balances (De

REVENUE - Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Contract With Customer Asset And Liability [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable Net Current	$ 342,766	$ 341,989
ContractWithCustomerAssetNetCurrent	330,983	331,799
Deferred Revenue, Current	22,692	17,519
Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent	1,138	13,000
ReceivablesNotGeneratedFromCustomers	11,800	10,200
Contract Assets [Member]
Contract Assets or Liabilities Line Items [Line Items}
Beginning Balance		0
Satisfaction of Liability	0
Additional amounts recognized	0
Ending Balance	0
Contract Liabilities [Member]
Contract Assets or Liabilities Line Items [Line Items}
Beginning Balance		$ 30,519
Satisfaction of Liability	(14,986)
Additional amounts recognized	8,297
Ending Balance	$ 23,830

REVENUE - Disaggregation of Rev

REVENUE - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Abstract]
Broadcast revenues	$ 1,327,803	$ 530,553	$ 428,266
Event and other revenues	115,399	51,434	31,805
Trade and barter revenues	19,365	10,897	$ 4,700
Agency commissions	$ 0	$ 0

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND RELAT_3

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND RELATED ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Accounts receivable				$ 359,456	$ 346,264
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ (3,885)	$ (2,137)	$ (2,134)	(9,419)	(3,885)
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales reserves				(16,690)	(4,275)
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts				$ 342,766	$ 341,989
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for doubtful accounts	3,885	2,137	2,134
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	8,909	3,715	1,330
Deduction From Reserves	(3,375)	(1,967)	(1,327)
Allowance for doubtful accounts	9,419	3,885	$ 2,137
Allowance for Sales Reserves
Allowance for Sales Reserve	390
Sales Reserve Expense	14,254	390
Reduction in Sales Reseve	(7,373)	0
Allowance for Sales Reserve	$ 7,271	$ 390

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWIL_3

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)number	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018number	Jun. 30, 2017number	Jun. 30, 2016number	Jun. 30, 2015number	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)number	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 539,469							$ 539,469	$ 862,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		$ 700
Total Impairment of Intangibles								465,000
Total Impairment of Intagibles, net of tax								423,200
Market approach for step one goodwill analysis [Abstract]
Income model years used for the discounted cash flow approach | number							10
Broadcasting License Impairment Testing [Member]
Estimates and assumptions used for impairment test [Line Items]
Discount rates	9.00%		9.00%	9.25%	9.50%	9.70%
Broadcasting License Impairment Testing [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Estimates and assumptions used for impairment test [Line Items]
Operating profit margin ranges of the markets of the Company	37.00%		37.00%	40.00%	40.00%	40.00%
Long-term revenue growth rate ranges of the markets of the Company	0.90%		1.00%	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Broadcasting License Impairment Testing [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Estimates and assumptions used for impairment test [Line Items]
Operating profit margin ranges of the markets of the Company	22.00%		22.00%	19.00%	14.00%	25.00%
Long-term revenue growth rate ranges of the markets of the Company	0.00%		0.50%	1.00%	1.00%	1.50%
Goodwill Impairment Testing [Member]
Estimates and assumptions used for impairment test [Line Items]
Discount rates	9.00%		9.00%	9.25%	9.50%	9.70%
Goodwill Impairment Testing [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Market approach for step one goodwill analysis [Abstract]
Estimates of market multiples | number	0		0	8	8	8
Goodwill Impairment Testing [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Market approach for step one goodwill analysis [Abstract]
Estimates of market multiples | number	0		0	7.5	7.5	7.5
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member]
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Beginning of period balance							$ 2,649,959	2,649,959	823,195
Dispositions								0	(13,500)
Consolidation of a VIE								0	(15,738)
Acquisition of radio stations								0	17,174
Acquisition of radio stations - CBS Radio Merger								0	1,880,400
Disposition of Licenses - EMF Sale								0	(54,661)
Acqusition of radio Stations - Beasley Transaction								0	35,944
Acquisition of radio stations - iHeartMedia Transaction								0	50,621
Disposition of radio stations - iHeartMedia Transaction								0	(7,462)
Assets held for sale								0	(66,014)
Acquisition of radio stations - Emmis Acquisition								12,785	0
Acquisition Of Radio Station - Jerry Lee Acquisition								27,346	0
Impairment loss								(148,564)	0
Disposition Of Radio Stations -WXTU Transaction								(24,901)	0
Ending period balance	$ 2,516,625							2,516,625	2,649,959
Total Impairment of FCC Licenses								147,900
Total Impairment of FCC Licenses, net of tax								108,800
Goodwill [Member]
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Goodwill before cumulative loss on impairment	982,663							982,663	988,056	$ 158,333
Accumulated loss on impairment	(443,194)							(443,194)	(126,056)	(125,615)
Goodwill	$ 539,469							539,469	862,000	$ 32,718
Acquisition of radio stations								0	43
Acquisition of radio stations - CBS Radio Merger								0	820,961
Disposition of Licenses - EMF Sale								0	(266)
Acqusition of radio Stations - Beasley Transaction								0	289
Acquisition of radio stations - iHeartMedia Transaction								0	11,700
Disposition of radio stations - iHeartMedia Transaction								0	(14)
Assets held for sale								0	(2,990)
Acquisition of radio stations - Emmis Acquisition								332	0
Acquisition Of Radio Station - Jerry Lee Acquisition								24,396	0
Disposition Of Radio Stations -WXTU Transaction								(8,623)	0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss								(317,138)	(441)
Adjustments to Acquired Goodwill								(21,498)	$ 0
Total Impairment of Goodwill								317,100
Total Impairment of Goodwill, net of tax								$ 314,400

DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER AS_3

DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Costs Other Assets [Line Items]
Total definitive-lived intagible, Asset	$ 55,548	$ 55,548	$ 54,658
Total definite-lived intangibles, Reserve	21,211	21,211	8,158
Net	$ 34,337	34,337	46,500
Period of Amortization -advertiser lists and computer relationship	5 years
Deferred Costs
Debt Issuance costs	$ 619	619	2,487
Debt Issuance costs - amortization	52	52	1,880
Debt Issuance costs - net	567	567	607
Prepaid assets - long term	4,259	4,259	5,239
Software costs and other	24,589	24,589	9,720
Software costs and other - Amortization	7,555	7,555	4,109
Software costs and other - net	17,034	17,034	5,611
Total deferred charges and other assets	85,015	85,015	72,104
Total Reserve	28,818	28,818	14,147
Total Net	56,197	56,197	57,957
Amortization Expense
Definite-lived assets		12,132	1,240	$ 81
Deferred financing expense		3,189	2,333	2,585
Software costs		3,447	1,091	1,023
Total amortization expense for deferred charges and other assets		18,768	4,664	$ 3,689
Deferred Contracts And Other Agreements
Deferred Costs Other Assets [Line Items]
Total definitive-lived intagible, Asset	1,588	1,588	1,588
Total definite-lived intangibles, Reserve	1,390	1,390	1,341
Net	198	198	247
Leasehold Premium
Deferred Costs Other Assets [Line Items]
Total definitive-lived intagible, Asset	17,028	17,028	17,028
Total definite-lived intangibles, Reserve	2,440	2,440	431
Net	14,588	14,588	16,597
Other definitive lived assets
Deferred Costs Other Assets [Line Items]
Total definitive-lived intagible, Asset	7,600	7,600	6,916
Total definite-lived intangibles, Reserve	6,601	6,601	4,996
Net	999	$ 999	1,920
Period of Amortization -advertiser lists and computer relationship		3 years
Advertiser lists and customer relationships
Deferred Costs Other Assets [Line Items]
Total definitive-lived intagible, Asset	29,332	$ 29,332	29,126
Total definite-lived intangibles, Reserve	10,780	10,780	1,390
Net	$ 18,552	$ 18,552	$ 27,736

DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER AS_4

DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS - Future Amortization Exp (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Amortization Expense For Deferred Charges Other Assets And Definite Lived Assets [Line Items]
2,018	$ 18,526
2,019	16,148
2,020	5,136
2,021	2,066
2,022	1,759
Thereafter	6,023
Total amortization expense for deferred charges and other assets	49,658
Other Deferred Assets [Member]
Amortization Expense For Deferred Charges Other Assets And Definite Lived Assets [Line Items]
2,018	6,267
2,019	5,682
2,020	3,168
2,021	111
2,022	93
Thereafter	0
Total amortization expense for deferred charges and other assets	15,321
Finite Lived Assets [Member]
Amortization Expense For Deferred Charges Other Assets And Definite Lived Assets [Line Items]
2,018	12,259
2,019	10,466
2,020	1,968
2,021	1,955
2,022	1,666
Thereafter	6,023
Total amortization expense for deferred charges and other assets	$ 34,337

OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM L_2

OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued compensation	$ 31,192	$ 36,105
Accounts receivable credits	5,743	1,876
Advertiser obligations	4,190	3,048
Accrued interest payable	6,007	12,285
Deferred Revenue, Current	22,692	17,519
Unfavorable lease liabilities	2,852	3,301
Unfavorable sports contracts	4,634	4,634
Accrued benefits	8,646	9,470
Non income tax liabilities	6,748	8,196
Income Taxes payable	10,558	5,370
Other	15,176	5,757
Total other current liabilities	118,438	107,561
LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract
Deferred compensation	30,928	40,995
Unfavorable lease liabilities	9,367	12,215
Unfavorable sports contracts - noncurrent	17,633	22,285
Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent	1,138	13,000
Deferred Rent Credit, Noncurrent	17,671	6,599
OtherAccruedLiabilitiesNoncurrent	12,431	12,473
Other Liabilities Noncurrent	$ 89,168	$ 107,567

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES (Det

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 01, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New Credit Facility			$ 540,000
Senior unsecured notes	$ 414,158	$ 416,584
Total		1,892,558
Current amount of long-term debt	0	(13,319)
Total long-term debt	1,872,203	1,859,442
Outstanding standby letter of credit	$ 5,862	1,856
Stated interest rate percentage, senior unsecured debt	7.25%
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other	$ 912	70
Total Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New Credit Facility	1,474,170	1,475,904
Deferred Financing Costs [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	(17,037)	(19,797)
New Revolver due November 1, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New Credit Facility			60,000
New Term B Loan due November 1, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New Credit Facility			$ 480,000
Term B Loan, due November 17, 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New Credit Facility	1,291,700	1,330,000
Unamortized Premium on Debt	2,470	2,904
Senior Notes due October 17, 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes	400,000	400,000
Unamortized Premium on Debt	14,158	16,584
RevolverDueNovember172022Member [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New Credit Facility	$ 180,000	$ 143,000

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES - Se

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES - Senior Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 01, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate under the senior debt		5.20%	4.20%
New Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding				$ 540
Senior Debt Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio		3.6
Senior Debt Obligations | Through December 31, 2017 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio		4
Senior Debt Obligations | ThroughDecember312018Member [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio		4.5
Senior Debt Obligations | New Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Undrawn amount of the Revolver		$ 64.1
New Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 250
Senior Debt Obligations | New Term B Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
DebtInstrumentAnnualPrincipalPayment	1.00%

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES - _2

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES - Senior Unsecured Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 414,158	$ 416,584
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.25%
Senior Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes			$ 220,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			10.50%
Senior Unsecured Debt | On or After November 1, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption of the principal amount	105.438%
Senior Unsecured Debt | On or after November 1, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption of the principal amount	103.625%
Senior Unsecured Debt | On or after November 1, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption of the principal amount	101.813%
Senior Unsecured Debt | On or after November 1, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption of the principal amount	100.00%

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES - De

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES - Debt Extinguishment and Net Interest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Interest Expense
Interest expense	$ 101,497	$ 31,266	$ 33,799
Amortization of deferred financing costs	3,189	2,333	2,585
Amortization of original issue discount of senior notes	(2,862)	(962)	312
Interest income and other investment income	(703)	(116)	(57)
Total net interest expense	101,121	32,521	36,639
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	$ 0	$ (4,135)	$ 10,858

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES - Ma

LONG-TERM DEBT LIABILITIES - Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Aggregate Principal Maturities [Line Items]
2,018	$ 59
2,019	1,647
2,020	13,335
2,021	193,330
2,022	13,330
Thereafter	1,650,911
Total		$ 1,892,558
Credit Facility
Aggregate Principal Maturities [Line Items]
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	180,000
2,022	0
Thereafter	0
Total	180,000
Senior Notes
Aggregate Principal Maturities [Line Items]
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
2,022	0
Thereafter	400,000
Total	400,000
LoansPayableMember
Aggregate Principal Maturities [Line Items]
2,018	0
2,019	1,600
2,020	13,300
2,021	13,300
2,022	13,300
Thereafter	1,250,200
Total	1,291,700
Capital Lease Obligations
Aggregate Principal Maturities [Line Items]
2,018	59
2,019	47
2,020	35
2,021	30
2,022	30
Thereafter	711
Total	$ 912

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (Details)

SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2018	Dec. 14, 2018	Sep. 14, 2018	Jun. 28, 2018	Dec. 15, 2017	Nov. 17, 2017	Sep. 15, 2017	Aug. 30, 2017	Jun. 15, 2017	Mar. 15, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 16, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 16, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Apr. 16, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Jan. 16, 2017	Oct. 16, 2016	Jul. 16, 2016	Apr. 16, 2016	Jan. 16, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Conversion Of Class B Common Stock [Abstract]
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock (Share)																											3,152,333
Dividends And Shares Activitiy [Line Items]
Dvidend Equivalent liability - short term											$ 1,279,000				$ 830,000												$ 1,279,000	$ 830,000
Dvidend Equivalent liability - long term											1,041,000				1,331,000												1,041,000	1,331,000
Total Dividend Equivalent Liability											$ 2,320,000				2,161,000												$ 2,320,000	2,161,000
CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.09		$ 0.075	$ 0.2	$ 0.075	$ 0.075																	$ 0.36		$ 0.3
Dividend payments	$ 12,440,990	$ 12,366,985	$ 12,486,825	$ 12,475,445	$ 12,633,039		$ 2,921,727	$ 7,791,075	$ 2,920,860	$ 2,915,952																	$ 49,770,000	$ 29,296,000	$ 8,666,000
Shares of stock deemed repurchased																											506,000	169,000	232,000
Amount recorded as financing activity																											$ (5,186,000)	$ (2,565,000)	$ (2,268,000)
The total cost to repurchase																											(29,407,000)	(10,675,000)	0
Dividends paid on preferred stock						$ 236,806										$ 687,500		$ 550,000		$ 550,000		$ 550,000	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	2,574,000	1,788,000
Employee stock purchase plan, authorized shares											1,000,000																1,000,000
Stock Issued During Period Value Employee Stock Purchase Plan																											$ 1,428,000	182,000	379,000
Total Non cash compensation expense recognized																											$ 11,989,000	6,239,000	4,218,000
Espp Shares Market Value											85.00%																85.00%
Espp Share Discount											15.00%																15.00%
PreferredStockDividendsPerShareDeclared						$ 21,527.78										$ 62,500		$ 50,000		$ 50,000		$ 50,000	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
PaymentsOfDividendsAbstract
Payments of Dividends, Common Stock	$ 12,440,990	$ 12,366,985	$ 12,486,825	$ 12,475,445	$ 12,633,039		$ 2,921,727	$ 7,791,075	$ 2,920,860	$ 2,915,952																	$ 49,770,000	29,296,000	8,666,000
PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock											$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 924,000		$ 550,000		$ 550,000		$ 550,000						0	$ 2,574,000	$ 1,788,000
Treasury Stock Line Items
Stock Repurchase Prgram Authorized Amount											$ 100,000,000																$ 100,000,000
Average Cost per share of Acquired Treasury Shares																											$ 9.11
ESPP [Member]
Dividends And Shares Activitiy [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period Shares Employee Stock Purchase Plans																											228,000	15,000	32,000
Total Non cash compensation expense recognized																											$ 252,000	$ 32,000	$ 67,000

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Equi

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Equity Compensation Plan and RSU Acitivity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restricted Stock Unit Activity [Abstract]
RSUs issued	1,292,000	3,064,000	1,123,000
RSUs forfeited	(396,000)	(379,000)	(27,000)
Net RSUs issued and increase (decrease) to paid-in capital	896,000	2,685,000	1,096,000
RSUs vested and released	1,496,000	474,000	611,000
RSUs issued, Amount	$ 10,078	$ 35,628	$ 10,381
Stock Issued During Period Value Restricted Stock Award Net Of Forfeitures To Paid In Capital	$ 8,850	$ 34,511	$ 10,101
Equity Compensation Plan [Abstract]
Additional shares available for grant during the next period	1,500,000
Shares available for grant	1,700,000

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - RSU

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - RSU Activity - Summary of Change (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Number of Restricted Stock Units [Roll Forward]
RSUs beginning	4,285,000
RSUs awarded	1,292,000	3,064,000	1,123,000
RSUs assumed in Merger	0
RSUs released	(1,496,000)	(474,000)	(611,000)
RSUs forfeited	(396,000)	(379,000)	(27,000)
RSUs ending	3,685,000	4,285,000
Weighted Average Purchase Price RSUs	$ 0
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) RSUs	1 year 1 month 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value RSUs	$ 20,971
Number of RSUs vested and expected to vest	3,685,000
Weighted Average Purchase Price of RSUs vested and expected to vest	$ 0
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) of RUSs vested and expected to vest	1 year 1 month 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value RSUs vested and expected to vest	$ 20,971
Number of RSUs exercisable	49,000
Weighted Average Purchase Price of RUSs exercisable	$ 0
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) of RUSs exercisable	0 years
Aggregate Intrinsic Value RSUs exercisable	$ 278
Weighted average remaining recognition period in years	1 year 10 months 24 days
Unamortized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures	$ 22,458

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - RSUs

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - RSUs with Market Conditions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Restricted Stock Units With Market Conditions [Line Items]
RSUs issued	1,292,000	3,064,000	1,123,000
RSUs issued, Amount	$ 10,078	$ 35,628	$ 10,381
Reconciliation Of RSUs With Market Conditions [Abstract]
RSUs beginning	4,285,000
Number of RSUs granted	1,292,000	3,064,000	1,123,000
Number of RSUs forfeited	(396,000)	(379,000)	(27,000)
Number of RSUs vested	(1,496,000)	(474,000)	(611,000)
RSUs ending	3,685,000	4,285,000
Net RSUs increase (decrease) to APIC	$ 15,149	$ 9,567	$ 6,539
Fair value of each RSU issued with market conditions	$ 9.71	$ 13.42	$ 9.24
Average fair value of performance condition RSUs issued	$ 11.07	$ 10.76	$ 9.3
Restricted Stock Units With Market Conditions [Member]
Share-based Compensation Restricted Stock Units With Market Conditions [Line Items]
RSUs issued	0	70,000	470,000
Reconciliation Of RSUs With Market Conditions [Abstract]
RSUs beginning	650,000	630,000	390,000
Number of RSUs granted	0	70,000	470,000
Number of RSUs forfeited		0	0
Number of RSUs vested	(314,000)	(50,000)	(230,000)
RSUs ending	226,000	650,000	630,000
RSUs forfeited	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Fair value of each RSU issued with market conditions	$ 0	$ 9.81	$ 7.34
Restricted Stock Units With Market Conditions [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Reconciliation Of RSUs With Market Conditions [Abstract]
RSUs beginning	0
RSUs ending		0
Restricted Stock Units With Service Conditions [Member]
Reconciliation Of RSUs With Market Conditions [Abstract]
Number of RSUs forfeited	(396,000)	(379,000)	(27,000)
RSUs forfeited	$ (1,228)	$ (1,117)	$ (280)
Restricted Stock Units With Performance Conditions [Member]
Share-based Compensation Restricted Stock Units With Market Conditions [Line Items]
RSUs issued	0	0	0
Reconciliation Of RSUs With Market Conditions [Abstract]
RSUs beginning	0	0	29,000
Number of RSUs granted	0	0	0
Number of RSUs forfeited	0	0	(29,000)
Number of RSUs vested	0	0	0
RSUs ending	0	0	0
Fair value of each RSU issued with market conditions	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Othe

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Other Options Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Options Disclosures [Line Items]
Fair value per option issued	$ 4.33	$ 0		$ 0
Intrinsic value of options exercised		$ 829	$ 60	$ 1,678
Cash received from exercise price of options exercised		153	42	265
Tax benefit from options exercised		$ 220	$ 21	$ 636
Number of options issued	686	0		0
Intrinsic Value Per Share Upon Exercise		$ 7.33	$ 7.24	$ 12.21
Maximum [Member]
Other Options Disclosures [Line Items]
Exercise price range of options issued	$ 11.31	$ 2.02	$ 11.31	$ 11.69
General vesting period in years		10 years	10 years	10 years
Minimum [Member]
Other Options Disclosures [Line Items]
Exercise price range of options issued	$ 1.34	$ 1.34	$ 1.34	$ 1.34
General vesting period in years		1 year	1 year	1 year

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Opti

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Options Activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Options activity [Roll Forward]
Options beginning	883,347
Options granted	0
Options assumed in Merger	0
Options exercised	(113,137)
Options forfeited	0
Options expired	(15,000)
Options ending	755,210
Weighted average exercise price - beginning | $ / shares	$ 8.38
Weighted average exercise price - options exercised | $ / shares	1.35
Weighted average exercise price - options forfeited | $ / shares	0
Weighted average excercise price - options assumed in merger | $ / shares	0
Weighted average exercise price - options expired | $ / shares	9.3
Weighted average exercise price - ending | $ / shares	$ 9.42
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Options	1 year 4 months 24 days
Intrinsic Value Options | $	$ 789,550
Options vested and expected to vest	755,210
Options vested and exercisable	755,210
Weighted average exercise price options vested and expected to vest | $ / shares	$ 9.42
Weighted average exercise price options vested and exerciable | $ / shares	$ 9.42
Weighted average remaining contractual period (Years) options vested and expected to vest	1 year 4 months 24 days
Weighted average remaining contractual period (years) options vested and exercisable	1 year 4 months 24 days
Intrinsic value options vested and expected to vest | $	$ 789,550
Intrinsic value options vested and exercisable | $	$ 789,550
Weighted average remaining recognition period in years	0 years
Unamortized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures | $	$ 0

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Valu

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Valuation Method (Details) - Restricted Stock Units Activity [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation Methodology [Abstract]
Expected volatility factor (%) - Minimum	0.00%	0.00%	35.00%
Expected volatility factor (%) - Maximum	0.00%	54.00%	45.00%
Risk-free interest rate (%) - Minimum	0.00%	0.00%	0.40%
Risk-free interest rate (%) - Maximum	0.00%	1.80%	1.10%
Expected dividend yield (%)	0.00%	3.30%	7.50%

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Ot_2

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Other Award Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable options [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding	755,210	883,347
Weighted average remaining contractual life options outstanding	1 year 4 months 24 days
Weighted average exercise price options outstanding	$ 9.42	$ 8.38
Number of options exercisable	755,210
Weighted average exercise price options exercisable	$ 9.42
Recognized Non-Cash Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Total Non cash compensation expense recognized	$ 11,989	$ 6,239	$ 4,218
The amount of the Company's windfall tax benefit account	$ 3,382	4,174
Exercise prices from 1.34 to 1.34
Significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable options [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding	184,800
Weighted average remaining contractual life options outstanding	1 month 6 days
Weighted average exercise price options outstanding	$ 1.34
Number of options exercisable	184,800
Weighted average exercise price options exercisable	$ 1.34
Exercise prices from 4.76 to 13.98
Significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable options [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding	570,410
Weighted average remaining contractual life options outstanding	1 year 9 months 18 days
Weighted average exercise price options outstanding	$ 12.04
Number of options exercisable	570,410
Weighted average exercise price options exercisable	$ 12.04
Station operating expenses [Member]
Recognized Non-Cash Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Total Non cash compensation expense recognized	$ 6,855	1,694	1,363
Corporate general and administrative expenses [Member]
Recognized Non-Cash Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Total Non cash compensation expense recognized	8,294	7,873	5,176
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses [Member]
Recognized Non-Cash Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Total Non cash compensation expense recognized	15,149	9,567	6,539
Income tax benefit (net of a fully reserved valuation allowance for prior year) [Member]
Recognized Non-Cash Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Total Non cash compensation expense recognized	$ 3,160	$ 3,328	$ 2,321

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE (De

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Impact Of Equity Awards [Line Items]
Price range of option: from									$ 6.43	$ 11.69	$ 0
Price range of option: to									$ 13.98	$ 13.98	$ 0
Excluded shares as anti-dilutive when reporting loss									755,000	0	0
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	$ (386,568)	$ 36,590	$ 1,597	$ (14,206)	$ 231,829	$ 4,100	$ 6,414	$ (9,331)	$ (362,587)	$ 233,013	$ 38,065
Preferred stock dividend	0	0	0	0	252	663	550	550	0	2,015	1,901
Income available to common shareholders from continuing operations	(386,568)	36,590	1,597	(14,206)	231,577	3,437	5,864	(9,881)	(362,587)	230,998	36,164
Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax	(378)	358	844	328	836	0	0	0	1,152	836	0
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	(386,946)	36,948	2,441	(13,878)	232,413	3,437	5,864	(9,881)	(361,435)	233,849	38,065
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ (386,568)	$ 36,590	$ 1,597	$ (14,206)	$ 231,577	$ 3,437	$ 5,864	$ (9,881)	$ (362,587)	$ 230,998	$ 36,164
Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic	138,033,000	138,740,000	138,639,000	138,939,000	88,309,000	38,955,000	38,945,000	38,910,000	138,069,608	51,392,899	38,500,495
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements									0	1,492,257	1,067,567
Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding	138,033,000	139,103,000	139,263,000	138,939,000	89,887,000	39,728,000	39,656,000	38,910,000	138,069,608	52,885,156	39,568,062
Basic net income (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$ (2.8)	$ 0.26	$ 0.01	$ (0.1)	$ 2.63	$ 0.11	$ 0.16	$ (0.24)	$ (2.63)	$ 4.49	$ 0.94
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	0	0	0.01	0	0.01	0	0	0	0.01	0.02	0
Earnings Per Share Basic	(2.8)	0.27	0.02	(0.1)	2.63	0.09	0.15	(0.25)	(2.62)	4.51	0.94
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	(2.8)	0.26	0.01	(0.1)	2.58	0.28	0.26	0.11	(2.63)	4.37	0.91
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	0	0	0.01	0	0.01	0	0	0	0.01	0.02	0
Earnings Per Share Diluted	$ (2.8)	$ 0.27	$ 0.02	$ (0.1)	$ 2.59	$ 0.09	$ 0.15	$ (0.25)	$ (2.62)	$ 4.38	$ 0.91
Options Activity [Member]
Impact Of Equity Awards [Line Items]
Excluded shares as anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method									564,000	548,000	0
Price range of option: from									$ 6.43	$ 11.69	$ 0
Price range of option: to									$ 13.98	$ 13.98	$ 0
Restricted Stock Units Activity [Member] | Restricted Stock Units Service Conditions [Member]
Impact Of Equity Awards [Line Items]
Excluded shares as anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method									1,394,000	163,000	0
Restricted Stock Units Activity [Member] | Restricted Stock Units Service And Market Conditions But Market Not Met [Member]
Impact Of Equity Awards [Line Items]
Excluded shares as anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method									226,000	336,000	267,000
Restricted Stock Units Activity [Member] | Restricted Stock Units Service And Performance Conditions But Performance Not Met [Member]
Impact Of Equity Awards [Line Items]
Excluded shares as anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method									0	0	0
Restricted Stock Units Activity [Member] | Perpetual Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Impact Of Equity Awards [Line Items]
Excluded shares as anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method									0	0	1,943,000

INCOME TAXES - Expected And Rep

INCOME TAXES - Expected And Reported Income Taxes (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]
Federal statutory income tax rate	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Federal statutory income tax rate - revised	21.00%
Computed tax expense (benefit) at federal statutory rates on income (loss) before income taxes (benefit)	$ (77,016)	$ (8,425)	$ 18,501
State income tax expense (benefit), net of federal benefit	(4,779)	23,045	(5,202)
Federal tax expense associated with non-amortizable assets	64,465	0	0
Non recognition of expense due to full valuation allowance	0	0	0
Valuation allowance current year activity	(2,593)	2,395	0
Decrease in valuation allowance for change in federal net operating loss carryback rules	0	0	0
Change in uncertain tax positions	0	0	0
US federal income tax reform	883	(291,497)	0
Tax impact of share-based awards	872	1,383	0
Taxable gain on sale of radio stations	5,511	0	0
Transaction costs	391	8,477	0
Recognized gain on Exchange	0	6,435	0
Tax benefit shortfall associated with share-based awards	0	0	286
Nondeductible expenses and other	8,113	1,102	1,209
Income taxes (benefit)	$ (4,153)	$ (257,085)	14,794
Effective income tax rate	1.10%	28.00%
Impairment loss	$ 493,988	$ 952	$ 254

INCOME TAXES - Expense (Benefit

INCOME TAXES - Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current:
Federal	$ 38,481	$ 5,178	$ (33)
State	17,836	1,289	139
Total current	56,317	6,467	106
Deferred:
Federal	(37,678)	(295,467)	19,980
State	(22,792)	31,915	(5,292)
Total deferred	(60,470)	(263,552)	14,688
Income taxes (benefit)	$ (4,153)	$ (257,085)	$ 14,794

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Ass

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets:
Employee benefits - current	$ 0	$ 0
Provision for doubtful accounts - current	0	0
Deferred compensation - current	0	0
Deferred gain on tower transaction	0	0
Other	0	0
Total current deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	0	0
Valuation allowance	0	0
Total current deferred tax assets - net	0	0
Provision for doubtful accounts	4,383	4,406
Federal and state income tax loss carryforwards	96,334	81,368
Deferred compensation	11,601	9,097
Share-based compensation	4,174	3,382
Investments - impairments	348	347
Deferred gain on tower transaction, long term	1,897	1,732
Reserves	7,442	0
Debt fair value adjustment	5,162	4,390
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	0	0
Employee benefits	543	2,396
Advertiser broadcasting obligations - noncurrent	0	0
Lease rental obligations	13,910	15,080
Other	1,614	5,799
Total non-current deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	147,408	127,997
Valuation allowance	37,154	25,761
Total non-current deferred tax assets - net	110,254	102,236
Deferred tax liabilities:
Total current deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Advertiser broadcasting obligations	(7,172)	47
Property equipment and certain intangibles	(55,922)	(49,662)
Broadcasting licenses and goodwill	(656,949)	(598,603)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(720,043)	(648,218)
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net	609,789	$ 545,982
Estimated Income Tax Benefit -TCJA	$ 291,500

INCOME TAXES - Valuation Allowa

INCOME TAXES - Valuation Allowance And Uncertain Tax Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning year	$ 37,154	$ 12,861	$ 20,638
Increase (Decrease) Charged/ (Credited) To Income Tax	(11,393)	17,785	(7,777)
Increase (Decrease) Charged/ (Credited) To OCI	0	151	0
Purchase Accounting Adjustment	0	6,357	0
Balance at end of year	25,761	37,154	12,861
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions
Tax	370	711
Interest and penalties	0	0
Total	370	711
Expense (income) from uncertain tax positions
Tax expense (income)	0	0	(67)
Interest and penalties (income)	0	0	(170)
Total income taxes (benefit) from uncertain tax positions	0	0	(237)
The gross amount of changes in unrecognized tax benefits for the period:
Beginning of year balance	(7,820)	(7,138)	(7,690)
Gross increases prior year positions	0	(710)	0
Gross decreases prior year positions	0	0	0
Gross increases current year positions	0	0	0
Gross decreases current year positions	0	0	0
Settlements with tax authorities	0	0	0
Reductions due to statute lapse	535	28	552
End of year balance	(7,285)	(7,820)	(7,138)
Ending liability balance included above that was reflected as an offset to deferred tax assets	$ (6,915)	$ (7,110)	$ (7,138)

INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Payme

INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Payments Refunds Net Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Payments And Refunds
Income Taxes Paid Local And State Tax Authorities	$ 54,217	$ 2,030	$ 381
Federal and state income tax refunds	0	$ 0	$ 0
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
State income tax credits	0
Anticipated NOLs Used	254,500
Domestic Country [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
NOL carryforwards	262,066
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
NOL carryforwards	$ 518,779

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLO_2

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES ON NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash Flow Noncash [Line Items]
Net Paid In Captital Of Rsus	$ 8,850	$ 34,511	$ 10,101
Transition Services Costs incurred in Merger	5,456	1,917	0
Reduction in Transition Services Costs	(5,456)	(1,917)	0
Perpetual Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock Issued For Acquisition	0	0	0
Dividend Accrued On Perpetual Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock	0	0	452
Finance Method Lease Obligations Retirement	0	0	0
Net Radio Station Assets Given Up	0	124,500	0
Net Radio Station Assets Acquired	0	124,500	0
Radio Station Assets Acquired Using Preferred Stock	0	0	0
Cash acquired through consolidation of a VIE	0	(302)	302
Radio station assets acquired through the issuance of common stock	0	1,168,848	0
Barter And Other Transactions [Abstract]
Barter Revenues	19,365	10,898	4,700
Barter expenses	19,324	9,440	4,789
Issuance [Member]
Cash Flow Noncash [Line Items]
Net Paid In Captital Of Rsus	10,078	35,628	10,381
Forfeited [Member]
Cash Flow Noncash [Line Items]
Net Paid In Captital Of Rsus	$ 1,228	$ 1,117	$ 280

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND BENEFIT _3

EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND BENEFIT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Compensation Plans
Beginning of period balance	$ 40,995	$ 10,875	$ 10,137
Deferred compensation assumed in Merger	0	27,057	0
Employee compensation deferrals	384	840	963
Increase (decrease) in plan fair value	(1,742)	3,407	720
End of period balance	30,928	40,995	10,875
Employee Compensation Payments	(8,709)	1,184	(945)
Company's contribution to the 401K Plan
401(K) savings plan expense	$ 6,100	$ 2,900	$ 1,000

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR_3

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Recurring basis (Details) - Other Long Term Liabilities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Liabilities
Deferred Compensation	$ (30,928)	$ (40,995)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities
Deferred Compensation	(23,476)	(23,751)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities
Deferred Compensation	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities
Deferred Compensation	0	0
Measured at Net Asset Value as Practical Expedient [Member]
Liabilities
Deferred Compensation	$ (7,452)	$ (17,244)

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR_4

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Non-Recurring basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 0.7
Impairment - Market Assets		$ 2.1
Impairment - Assets Held for Sale		26.9
Impairment - Bonneville Assets held for Sale		25.6
Impairment - Other assets held for sale		$ 1.3

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR_5

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Carrying Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Schedule of Cost-method Investments Line Items
Original Cost		$ 9,955	$ 255
Other Than Temporary Impairment	$ 0	0
Carrying Amount Not Evaluated for Impairment		9,955	$ 255
Payments to Acquire Restricted Investments	1,250	9,700
Cost Method Invetsment, after adjustments	11,205	9,955
Senior Notes
Fair Value Of Instruments [Line Items]
Carrying value of debt	400,000	400,000
Fair value of debt	378,000	422,876
Finance Method Lease Obligations
Fair Value Of Instruments [Line Items]
Carrying value of debt	912	70
Letter of credit
Fair Value Of Instruments [Line Items]
Carrying value of debt	5,862	1,856
New Term B Loan [Member]
Fair Value Of Instruments [Line Items]
Carrying value of debt	1,291,700	1,330,000
Fair value of debt	1,243,261	1,336,650
New Revolver [Member]
Fair Value Of Instruments [Line Items]
Carrying value of debt	180,000	143,000
Fair value of debt	180,000	143,000
Former Term B Loan Member [Member]
Fair Value Of Instruments [Line Items]
Carrying value of debt	0	0
Fair value of debt	0	0
Former Revolver Member [Member]
Fair Value Of Instruments [Line Items]
Carrying value of debt	0	0
Fair value of debt	$ 0	$ 0

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE (Details)

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems
Revenues	$ 411,375	$ 378,508	$ 372,124	$ 300,560	$ 246,614	$ 122,299	$ 124,970	$ 99,001	$ 1,462,567	$ 592,884	$ 464,771
Net Revenues									0	5,494	0
Station operating expenses									0	4,749	0
Depreciation and amortization									0	9	0
TBA income									1,765	652	0
Total Operating Expenses									0	4,106	0
Income before taxes									1,765	1,388	0
Tax Expense attributable to Discontinued Operations									613	552	0
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax									1,152	836	$ 0
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	459,613				461,131				459,613	461,131
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	158,341				132,209				158,341	132,209
Property Plant And Equipment Net	317,030				346,507				317,030	346,507
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
Net Assets Held for Sale	19,603				212,320				19,603	212,320
Goodwill	539,469				862,000				539,469	862,000
IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill	0				160,534				0	160,534
BonnevilleTransactionMember [Member]
Assets Held-for-sale, at Carrying Value1 [Abstract]
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									140,300
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
Net Assets Held for Sale	0				165,870				0	165,870
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									140,300
Gain Loss On Sale Of Business									200
IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill	0				160,534				0	160,534
OtherTransactionMember [Member]
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
Net Assets Held for Sale	19,603				46,450				19,603	46,450
IntangibleAssetsNetIncludingGoodwill	0				0				0	0
Other Miscellaneous markets [Member]
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
Assets Held for Sale	23,500								23,500
ChicagoLandSale [Member]
Assets Held-for-sale, at Carrying Value1 [Abstract]
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									46,000
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									46,000
Gain Loss On Sale Of Business									100
SanDiegoAndLosAngelesSale [Member]
Assets Held-for-sale, at Carrying Value1 [Abstract]
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									27,200
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									27,200
Gain Loss On Sale Of Business									6,400
Austin Dallas and Sacramento Sale [Member]
Assets Held-for-sale, at Carrying Value1 [Abstract]
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									3,900
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									3,900
Gain Loss On Sale Of Business									300
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	2,645				47,110				2,645	47,110
Land and Land Improvements [Member] | BonnevilleTransactionMember [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	0				1,110				0	1,110
Land and Land Improvements [Member] | OtherTransactionMember [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	2,645				46,000				2,645	46,000
Building [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	1,053				1,970				1,053	1,970
Building [Member] | BonnevilleTransactionMember [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	0				1,520				0	1,520
Building [Member] | OtherTransactionMember [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	1,053				450				1,053	450
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	0				88				0	88
Leasehold improvements [Member] | BonnevilleTransactionMember [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	0				88				0	88
Leasehold improvements [Member] | OtherTransactionMember [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	0				0				0	0
Equipment [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	15,905				2,618				15,905	2,618
Equipment [Member] | BonnevilleTransactionMember [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	0				2,618				0	2,618
Equipment [Member] | OtherTransactionMember [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	15,905				0				15,905	0
Property Plant and Equipment Net Member [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	19,603				51,786				19,603	51,786
Property Plant and Equipment Net Member [Member] | BonnevilleTransactionMember [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	0				5,336				0	5,336
Property Plant and Equipment Net Member [Member] | OtherTransactionMember [Member]
Summary of the categories of property and equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net	19,603				46,450				19,603	46,450
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member]
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
Radio broadcasting licenses	0				136,014				0	136,014
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] | BonnevilleTransactionMember [Member]
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
Radio broadcasting licenses	0				136,014				0	136,014
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] | OtherTransactionMember [Member]
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
Radio broadcasting licenses	0				0				0	0
Other Intangibles
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
OtherIntangibleAssetsNet	0				1,947				0	1,947
Other Intangibles | BonnevilleTransactionMember [Member]
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
OtherIntangibleAssetsNet	0				1,947				0	1,947
Other Intangibles | OtherTransactionMember [Member]
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
OtherIntangibleAssetsNet	0				0				0	0
Goodwill [Member]
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
Goodwill	0				22,573				0	22,573
Goodwill [Member] | BonnevilleTransactionMember [Member]
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
Goodwill	0				22,573				0	22,573
Goodwill [Member] | OtherTransactionMember [Member]
IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwillAbstract
Goodwill	$ 0				$ 0				$ 0	$ 0

ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AN_2

ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AND PRO FORMA SUMMARY (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 17, 2017
CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
ProFormaWeightedAverageSharesOutstandingDiluted									138,070,000	141,790,000	139,908,000
WeightedAverageBasicSharesOutstandingProForma									138,070,000	140,298,000	139,908,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total									$ (2.59)	$ 2.67	$ (4.2)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share									0.01	0.01	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share									(2.59)	2.64	(4.2)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share									$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									$ (357,608)	$ 374,135	$ (587,393)
Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax									1,152	836	0
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross									71,434	24,000	92
Intangible assets amortization period maximum	5 years
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 459,613				$ 461,131				459,613	461,131
Property Plant And Equipment Net	317,030				346,507				317,030	346,507
Depreciation									28,709	13,215	8,689
AssetRetirementObligation	$ 2,030				$ 1,714				2,030	1,714	1,044
Merger and acquisition costs and restructuring charges									3,014	41,313	708
Restructuring Charges									5,830	16,922	0
Transition Services Costs									0	2,960	0
Other Restructuring Costs									687	147	0
Total Restructuring Charge and Transition Services									5,830	16,922	0
Lease Abandonment Costs									1,315	2,874	0
Changes in Estimates									0	0
Workforce Reduction									3,599	10,441	0
Costs to Exit Duplicative Contracts									229	500	0
Net revenues									1,473,266	1,607,777	1,656,123
Net income									$ (356,456)	$ 374,971	$ (587,393)
Net income per common share - basic									$ (2.58)	$ 2.66	$ (4.21)
Net income per common share - diluted									$ (2.58)	$ 2.63	$ (4.21)
Net income, available to common shareholders									$ (356,456)	$ 372,956	$ (589,294)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total	$ (2.8)	$ 0.26	$ 0.01	$ (0.1)	$ 2.63	$ 0.11	$ 0.16	$ (0.24)	$ (2.63)	$ 4.49	$ 0.94
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	0	0	0.01	0	0.01	0	0	0	0.01	0.02	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	(2.8)	0.26	0.01	(0.1)	2.58	0.28	0.26	0.11	(2.63)	4.37	0.91
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.01	$ 0	$ 0.01	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.01	$ 0.02	$ 0
Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic	138,033,000	138,740,000	138,639,000	138,939,000	88,309,000	38,955,000	38,945,000	38,910,000	138,069,608	51,392,899	38,500,495
Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding	138,033,000	139,103,000	139,263,000	138,939,000	89,887,000	39,728,000	39,656,000	38,910,000	138,069,608	52,885,156	39,568,062
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ (386,568)	$ 36,590	$ 1,597	$ (14,206)	$ 231,829	$ 4,100	$ 6,414	$ (9,331)	$ (362,587)	$ 233,013	$ 38,065
Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax	(378)	$ 358	$ 844	$ 328	836	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	1,152	836	0
Adjustment to Acquired Goodwill Current Assets									1,300
Adjustments to Acquired Goodwill TIA									2,300
Equipment [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	222,847				199,044				$ 222,847	199,044
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									40 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									3 years
Building [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	36,038				$ 46,195				$ 36,038	46,195
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									40 years
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									20 years
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									$ 0	17,174
Goodwill [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									$ 0	$ 43
KRWZAM [Member]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Gain Loss on sale of station											300
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses											$ 3,800
Charlotte [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Discount Rates									9.00%
Charlotte [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | MeasurementInputLongTermRevenueGrowthRateMemberMember [Member]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
LongTermRevenueGrowthRate									1.00%
Charlotte [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total assets	24,996								$ 24,996
Net assets acquired	24,000								24,000
Total liabilities acquired	996								996
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	7,325								7,325
Charlotte [Member] | Unfavorable lease liability [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	735								735
Charlotte [Member] | OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Other long-term liabilities	261								261
Charlotte [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total tangible assets									$ 4,569
Charlotte [Member] | Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									40 years
Charlotte [Member] | Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									3 years
Charlotte [Member] | Land [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total tangible assets									$ 2,539
Charlotte [Member] | Building [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total tangible assets									$ 217
Charlotte [Member] | Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									25 years
Charlotte [Member] | Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									15 years
Charlotte [Member] | Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									$ 17,384
Charlotte [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets non amortizable	287								287
CBS Radio [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total assets	3,541,479								3,541,479
Net assets acquired	1,168,848								1,168,848
Total current assets	275,900								275,900
Total current liabilities	135,248								135,248
Total liabilities acquired	2,372,631								2,372,631
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	280,807								$ 280,807
CBS Radio [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | MeasurementInputLongTermRevenueGrowthRateMemberMember [Member]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
LongTermRevenueGrowthRate									1.00%
CBS Radio [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	13,859								$ 13,859
CBS Radio [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Unfavorable lease Liabilities Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	12,770								12,770
CBS Radio [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Unfavorable contracts Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	22,597								22,597
CBS Radio [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Noncurrent Portion of Long Term Debt Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	1,376,900								1,376,900
CBS Radio [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Deferred Tax Liability Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	777,496								777,496
CBS Radio [Member] | Accrued Compensation Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	26,324								26,324
CBS Radio [Member] | Current Portion of Long Term Debt Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	10,600								10,600
CBS Radio [Member] | Current portion of unfavorable contracts Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	4,803								4,803
CBS Radio [Member] | Accrued interest member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	4,529								4,529
CBS Radio [Member] | Current Portion of Unearned Revenue Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	14,971								14,971
CBS Radio [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	36,558								$ 36,558
CBS Radio [Member]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Discount Rates									9.00%
Shares Issued Pursuant to Acquisition									101,407,494
CBS Radio [Member] | AccruedExpensesMember [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	37,463								$ 37,463
CBS Radio [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets	241,548								241,548
CBS Radio [Member] | Prepaid contracts member [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets	4,160								4,160
CBS Radio [Member] | PrepaidExpensesMember [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets	21,101								21,101
CBS Radio [Member] | OtherCurrentAssetsMember | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets	9,091								9,091
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total assets												$ 3,540,159
Net assets acquired												1,168,848
Total current assets												273,683
Total current liabilities												132,518
Total liabilities acquired												2,371,311
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired												13,859
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Unfavorable lease Liabilities Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired												12,770
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Unfavorable contracts Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired												22,597
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Noncurrent Portion of Long Term Debt Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired												1,376,900
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Deferred Tax Liability Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired												780,832
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | Accrued Compensation Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities												26,324
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | Current Portion of Long Term Debt Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities												10,600
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | Current portion of unfavorable contracts Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities												4,803
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | Accrued interest member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities												4,529
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | Current Portion of Unearned Revenue Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities												14,971
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities												36,137
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | AccruedExpensesMember [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities												35,154
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets												241,548
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | Prepaid contracts member [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets												4,160
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | PrepaidExpensesMember [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets												20,625
CBS Radio [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | OtherCurrentAssetsMember | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets												7,350
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total assets	1,320								1,320
Net assets acquired	0								0
Total current assets	2,217								2,217
Total current liabilities	2,730								2,730
Total liabilities acquired	1,320								1,320
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Unfavorable lease Liabilities Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Unfavorable contracts Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Noncurrent Portion of Long Term Debt Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Deferred Tax Liability Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	(3,336)								(3,336)
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | Accrued Compensation Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | Current Portion of Long Term Debt Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | Current portion of unfavorable contracts Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | Accrued interest member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | Current Portion of Unearned Revenue Member [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	421								421
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | AccruedExpensesMember [Member] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current liabilities	2,309								2,309
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | Prepaid contracts member [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | PrepaidExpensesMember [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets	476								476
CBS Radio [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | OtherCurrentAssetsMember | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total current assets	1,741								1,741
CBS Radio [Member] | OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	33,761								33,761
CBS Radio [Member] | OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired												31,835
CBS Radio [Member] | OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired	1,926								1,926
CBS Radio [Member] | Leasehold improvements [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	36,029								36,029
CBS Radio [Member] | Leasehold improvements [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross												26,255
CBS Radio [Member] | Leasehold improvements [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	9,774								9,774
CBS Radio [Member] | Furniture and equipment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	4,080								4,080
CBS Radio [Member] | Furniture and equipment [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross												10,929
CBS Radio [Member] | Furniture and equipment [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	(6,849)								(6,849)
CBS Radio [Member] | Equipment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	97,832								97,832
CBS Radio [Member] | Equipment [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross												76,486
CBS Radio [Member] | Equipment [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	21,346								21,346
CBS Radio [Member] | Land and Land Improvements [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,348								1,348
CBS Radio [Member] | Land and Land Improvements [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross												3,988
CBS Radio [Member] | Land and Land Improvements [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	(2,640)								(2,640)
CBS Radio [Member] | Land [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	112,880								112,880
CBS Radio [Member] | Land [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross												112,880
CBS Radio [Member] | Land [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Building [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	14,040								14,040
CBS Radio [Member] | Building [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross												19,246
CBS Radio [Member] | Building [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	(5,206)								(5,206)
CBS Radio [Member] | ConstructionInProgressMember | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	14,598								14,598
CBS Radio [Member] | ConstructionInProgressMember | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross												14,598
CBS Radio [Member] | ConstructionInProgressMember | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Total Tangible Property Member [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross												264,382
CBS Radio [Member] | Total Tangible Property Member [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	16,425								16,425
CBS Radio [Member] | Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets non amortizable	1,880,400								1,880,400
CBS Radio [Member] | Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets non amortizable												1,880,400
CBS Radio [Member] | Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets non amortizable	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Goodwill [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets non amortizable	799,463								799,463
CBS Radio [Member] | Goodwill [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets non amortizable												820,961
CBS Radio [Member] | Goodwill [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets non amortizable	(21,498)								(21,498)
CBS Radio [Member] | Advertiser lists and customer relationships [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortizable	27,453								27,453
CBS Radio [Member] | Advertiser lists and customer relationships [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortizable												27,453
CBS Radio [Member] | Advertiser lists and customer relationships [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortizable	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Assets Held For Sale [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortizable	255,650								255,650
CBS Radio [Member] | Assets Held For Sale [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total assets												255,650
CBS Radio [Member] | Assets Held For Sale [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total assets	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Lease Agreements [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortizable	16,580								16,580
CBS Radio [Member] | Lease Agreements [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total assets												16,580
CBS Radio [Member] | Lease Agreements [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total assets	0								0
CBS Radio [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortizable	5,226								5,226
CBS Radio [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | As Previously Reported [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total assets												1,050
CBS Radio [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Adjustment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total assets	4,176								4,176
Beasley Transatcion - CBS Radio Merger | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									36,233
Net assets acquired												48,900
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Cash Acquired in Excess of Payments to Acquire Business									12,000
Beasley Transatcion - CBS Radio Merger | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Disposed Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									48,093
Net assets acquired												48,900
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Cash Acquired in Excess of Payments to Acquire Business									0
Beasley Transatcion - CBS Radio Merger | OtherCurrentAssetsMember | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									0
Beasley Transatcion - CBS Radio Merger | OtherCurrentAssetsMember | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Disposed Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									267
Beasley Transatcion - CBS Radio Merger | Total Tangible Property Member [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total tangible assets									667
Beasley Transatcion - CBS Radio Merger | Total Tangible Property Member [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Disposed Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total tangible assets									807
Beasley Transatcion - CBS Radio Merger | Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									35,944
Beasley Transatcion - CBS Radio Merger | Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Disposed Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									35,944
Beasley Transatcion - CBS Radio Merger | Goodwill [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									289
Beasley Transatcion - CBS Radio Merger | Goodwill [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Disposed Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									$ 11,882
i Heart Media Transaction - CBS Radio Merger | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Discount Rates									9.00%
i Heart Media Transaction - CBS Radio Merger | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | MeasurementInputLongTermRevenueGrowthRateMemberMember [Member]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
LongTermRevenueGrowthRate									1.00%
i Heart Media Transaction - CBS Radio Merger | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									$ 63,627
Net assets acquired												71,300
i Heart Media Transaction - CBS Radio Merger | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Unfavorable lease Liabilities Member [Member] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired												1,301
i Heart Media Transaction - CBS Radio Merger | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Deferred Tax Liability Member [Member] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total liabilities acquired												$ 4,751
i Heart Media Transaction - CBS Radio Merger | Total Tangible Property Member [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total tangible assets									13,725
i Heart Media Transaction - CBS Radio Merger | Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									50,621
i Heart Media Transaction - CBS Radio Merger | Goodwill [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									11,700
i Heart Media Transaction - CBS Radio Merger | Advertiser lists and customer relationships [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									1,041
i Heart Media Transaction - CBS Radio Merger | Acquired advertising contracts [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | Assets Acquired Member [Member]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									265
Bonneville Transaction - CBS Radio Member | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Gain Loss on sale of station									200
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									141,000
Bonneville Transaction - CBS Radio Member
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Gain Loss on sale of station									200
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									140,300
EMF Sale [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Gain Loss on sale of station									2,500
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									57,800
Emmis [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross									15,000
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									13,442
Total assets	15,000								15,000
Net assets acquired	15,000								$ 15,000
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Discount Rates									9.00%
Emmis [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | MeasurementInputLongTermRevenueGrowthRateMemberMember [Member]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
LongTermRevenueGrowthRate									1.00%
Emmis [Member] | Equipment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,558								$ 1,558
Emmis [Member] | Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									7 years
Emmis [Member] | Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									3 years
Emmis [Member] | Total Tangible Property Member [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,558								$ 1,558
Emmis [Member] | Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									12,785
Emmis [Member] | Goodwill [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									332
Emmis [Member] | Advertiser lists and customer relationships [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									$ 207
Emmis [Member] | Advertiser lists and customer relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortization period									15 years
Emmis [Member] | Advertiser lists and customer relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortization period									5 years
Emmis [Member] | Acquired advertising contracts [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									$ 114
Emmis [Member] | Acquired advertising contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortization period									1 year
Emmis [Member] | Acquired advertising contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortization period									1 year
Emmis [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									$ 4
Emmis [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortization period									2 years
Emmis [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortization period									2 years
Jerry Lee [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross									$ 57,500
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									55,453
Total assets	56,434								56,434
Net assets acquired	$ 56,434								$ 56,434
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Discount Rates									9.00%
Jerry Lee [Member] | Maximum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									7 years
Jerry Lee [Member] | Minimum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									3 years
Jerry Lee [Member] | Equipment [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total tangible assets									$ 981
Jerry Lee [Member] | Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Tangible assets amortization period									3 years
Jerry Lee [Member] | Total Tangible Property Member [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total tangible assets									$ 981
Jerry Lee [Member] | Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									27,346
Jerry Lee [Member] | Goodwill [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									24,396
Jerry Lee [Member] | Acquired advertising contracts [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									$ 477
Jerry Lee [Member] | Acquired advertising contracts [Member] | Maximum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortization period									1 year
Jerry Lee [Member] | Acquired advertising contracts [Member] | Minimum [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortization period									1 year
Jerry Lee [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Purchase price allocation [Abstract]
Total intangible assets									$ 3,234
Beasley - WXTU [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
Gain Loss on sale of station									4,400
ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses									$ 38,000
Beasley - WXTU [Member] | CurrentLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | LongTermLiabilitiesDomain [Domain] | MeasurementInputLongTermRevenueGrowthRateMemberMember [Member]
Unaudited Pro Forma Summary Of Financial Information
LongTermRevenueGrowthRate									1.00%

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - Accrued

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS - Accrued Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]
Restructuring charges, beginning balance	$ 16,086	$ 650
Increase in Restructuring Charges	5,830	15,005
Payments for Restructuring	(14,839)	(664)
Restructuring Charges Assumed in Merger	0	1,095
Restructuring charges, ending balance	7,077	16,086
RestructuringReserveNoncurrent	(988)	(4,413)
Restructuring Reserve Current	$ 6,089	$ 11,673

PERPETUAL CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBA

PERPETUAL CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBALE PREFERRED STOCK (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Preferred Units [Line Items]
Convertible Preferred Stock Shares Issued Upon Conversion	1.9
Preferred Stock to Cash Redemption Percentage	100.00%
Loss on retirement of Preferred		$ 200
Preferred Stock Carrying Value [Abstract]
Payment of fees associated with the issuance of preferred stock	$ 0	0	$ 0
Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, Value, Issued		$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Preferred Units [Line Items]
Preferred Stock Dividend Rate [Percentage]	12.00%
Minimum [Member]
Preferred Units [Line Items]
Preferred Stock Dividend Rate [Percentage]	6.00%

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS_2

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure Abstract
Letter of credit requirement	$ 5,862,000	$ 1,856,000
FCC' s fine single Incident	407,270
FCC's maximum fine	3,759,410
Rental Expense for office and broadcasting facilities	53,948,000	23,742,000	$ 17,892,000
Proceeds from legal settlements			$ 2,300,000
Estimated Impairment KDND		13,500,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Total commitments 2018	220,759,000
Total commitments 2019	171,716,000
Total commitments 2020	133,049,000
Total commitments 2021	99,119,000
Total commitments 2022	84,324,000
Thereafter	183,472,000
Total	892,439,000
OtherCommitmentsLineItems
RestrictedCash	69,365,000	0
NetChicagoLandProceeds	45,500,000
NetLAandSanDiegoProceeds	24,700,000
Total Proceeds	70,200,000
Operating Leases
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Total commitments 2018	50,455,000
Total commitments 2019	49,556,000
Total commitments 2020	45,870,000
Total commitments 2021	40,451,000
Total commitments 2022	37,194,000
Thereafter	159,208,000
Total	382,734,000
Programming And Related Contracts
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Total commitments 2018	169,384,000
Total commitments 2019	121,212,000
Total commitments 2020	86,202,000
Total commitments 2021	57,662,000
Total commitments 2022	46,094,000
Thereafter	17,567,000
Total	498,121,000
Sale Leaseback Operating Lease [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Total commitments 2018	920,000
Total commitments 2019	948,000
Total commitments 2020	977,000
Total commitments 2021	1,006,000
Total commitments 2022	1,036,000
Thereafter	6,697,000
Total	11,584,000
Unfavorable Contract Liabilities [Member] | CBS Radio [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Total commitments 2018	7,318,000
Total commitments 2019	6,909,000
Total commitments 2020	6,606,000
Total commitments 2021	5,725,000
Total commitments 2022	6,099,000
Thereafter	1,011,000
Total	33,668,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents Member
OtherCommitmentsLineItems
Cash	122,893,000	34,167,000
RestrictedCash	69,365,000	0
CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents	$ 192,258,000	$ 34,167,000

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIA_3

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA - Unaudited (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share Basic [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total	$ (2.8)	$ 0.26	$ 0.01	$ (0.1)	$ 2.63	$ 0.11	$ 0.16	$ (0.24)	$ (2.63)	$ 4.49	$ 0.94
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	0	0	0.01	0	0.01	0	0	0	0.01	0.02	0
Earnings Per Share Basic	(2.8)	0.27	0.02	(0.1)	2.63	0.09	0.15	(0.25)	(2.62)	4.51	0.94
Earnings Per Share Diluted Abstract
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	(2.8)	0.26	0.01	(0.1)	2.58	0.28	0.26	0.11	(2.63)	4.37	0.91
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	0	0	0.01	0	0.01	0	0	0	0.01	0.02	0
Earnings Per Share Diluted	$ (2.8)	$ 0.27	$ 0.02	$ (0.1)	$ 2.59	$ 0.09	$ 0.15	$ (0.25)	$ (2.62)	$ 4.38	$ 0.91
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure Abstract
Revenues	$ 411,375	$ 378,508	$ 372,124	$ 300,560	$ 246,614	$ 122,299	$ 124,970	$ 99,001	$ 1,462,567	$ 592,884	$ 464,771
Operating Income Loss	$ (377,593)	$ 78,733	$ 27,552	$ 5,689	$ (2,265)	$ 13,485	$ 16,379	$ (15,016)	$ (265,619)	$ 12,584	$ 98,057
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	138,033,000	138,740,000	138,639,000	138,939,000	88,309,000	38,955,000	38,945,000	38,910,000	138,069,608	51,392,899	38,500,495
Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding	138,033,000	139,103,000	139,263,000	138,939,000	89,887,000	39,728,000	39,656,000	38,910,000	138,069,608	52,885,156	39,568,062
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Payments Of Dividends	$ 12,367	$ 12,486	$ 12,475	$ 12,441	$ 12,746	$ 10,713	$ 2,921	$ 2,916	$ (50,643)	$ (29,296)	$ (8,666)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(386,568)	36,590	1,597	(14,206)	231,829	4,100	6,414	(9,331)	(362,587)	233,013	38,065
Preferred stock dividend	0	0	0	0	252	663	550	550	0	2,015	1,901
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	(386,568)	36,590	1,597	(14,206)	231,577	3,437	5,864	(9,881)	(362,587)	230,998	36,164
Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax	(378)	358	844	328	836	0	0	0	1,152	836	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	(386,946)	36,948	2,441	(13,878)	232,413	3,437	5,864	(9,881)	(361,435)	233,849	38,065
Payments of dividends on preferred stock	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (924)	$ (550)	$ (550)	$ (550)	0	(2,574)	$ (1,788)
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member]
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)									$ 148,564	$ 0

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract
Deferred charges and other assets	$ 0	$ 0	$ 112
Subsequent Sale of Assets	$ 25,000

Uncategorized Items - etm-20181

Label	Element	Value
Common Class B [Member]
CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 0
Additional Paid In Capital [Member]
CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	534,000
Common Class A [Member]
CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	0
Retained Earnings [Member]
CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 4,578,000