Nexstar Media (NXST) 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. 26, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	NXST
Entity Registrant Name	NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,142,417
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 3,210,723,476
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		45,745,692

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 145,115	$ 115,652
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,158 and $13,358, respectively		547,285	562,943
Spectrum asset		52,002	305,764
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		22,673	71,859
Total current assets		767,075	1,056,218
Property and equipment, net		731,538	734,138
Goodwill		2,167,954	2,142,846
FCC licenses		1,778,268	1,767,638
Other intangible assets, net		1,491,923	1,581,626
Other noncurrent assets, net		125,272	199,181
Total assets	[1]	7,062,030	7,481,647
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt		96,093	92,808
Accounts payable		67,828	31,136
Accrued expenses		143,850	175,940
Interest payable		32,047	39,563
Liability to surrender spectrum asset		52,002	314,087
Other current liabilities		12,352	17,169
Total current liabilities		404,172	670,703
Debt		3,884,910	4,269,652
Deferred tax liabilities		633,880	619,441
Other noncurrent liabilities		270,084	340,541
Total liabilities	[1]	5,193,046	5,900,337
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2018 and 2017
Additional paid-in capital		1,351,931	1,342,541
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(14,316)	6,140
Retained earnings		620,371	299,523
Treasury stock - at cost; 1,665,217 and 1,325,049 shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively		(105,685)	(78,063)
Total Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholders' equity		1,852,774	1,570,614
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated variable interest entities		16,210	10,696
Total stockholders' equity		1,868,984	1,581,310
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		7,062,030	7,481,647
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock		473	473
Total stockholders' equity		$ 473	$ 473
[1]	The consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include certain assets held by consolidated VIEs of $390.3 million and $426.9 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of Nexstar. The consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $45.1 million and $81.8 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of Nexstar. See Note 2 for additional information.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 13,158	$ 13,358
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Treasury Stock, Shares	1,665,217	1,325,049
Consolidated VIEs [Member]
ASSETS
Consolidated VIEs, Assets	$ 390,300	$ 426,900
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Consolidated VIEs, Liabilities	$ 45,100	$ 81,800
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	47,291,463	47,291,463
Common stock, shares outstanding	45,626,246	45,966,414
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Class C Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ 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
Revenues [Abstract]
Net revenue	$ 798,022	$ 693,015	$ 660,323	$ 615,336	$ 653,664	$ 611,870	$ 626,115	$ 540,317	$ 2,766,696	$ 2,431,966	$ 1,103,190
Operating expenses (income):
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									1,117,917	993,405	381,997
Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									579,933	605,106	263,606
Amortization of broadcast rights									61,342	105,403	57,145
Amortization of intangible assets									149,406	159,500	46,572
Depreciation									109,789	100,658	51,300
Reimbursement from the FCC related to station repack									(29,381)
Goodwill and intangible assets impairment									19,911	19,985	15,262
Gain on disposal of stations, net										(57,716)
Total operating expenses									2,008,917	1,926,341	815,882
Income from operations	272,776	192,893	174,494	117,616	136,660	125,916	135,529	107,520	757,779	505,625	287,308
Interest expense, net									(220,994)	(241,195)	(116,081)
Loss on extinguishment of debt									(12,120)	(34,882)
Pension and other postretirement plans credit, net									10,755	13,120
Other expenses									(2,475)	(1,284)	(555)
Income (loss) before income taxes	213,159	135,071	119,870	64,845	87,519	74,085	80,777	(997)	532,945	241,384	170,672
Income tax (expense) benefit									(144,680)	233,943	(77,572)
Net income (loss)									388,265	475,327	93,100
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests									1,212	(330)	(1,563)
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.	$ 153,109	$ 100,514	$ 87,732	$ 48,122	$ 378,481	$ 46,475	$ 43,992	$ 6,049	$ 389,477	$ 474,997	$ 91,537
Net income per common share attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.:
Basic	$ 3.36	$ 2.21	$ 1.92	$ 1.04	$ 8.27	$ 1.01	$ 0.94	$ 0.14	$ 8.52	$ 10.38	$ 2.98
Diluted	$ 3.22	$ 2.12	$ 1.86	$ 1.01	$ 8.03	$ 0.98	$ 0.91	$ 0.13	$ 8.21	$ 10.07	$ 2.89
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	45,619	45,552	45,631	46,075	45,754	46,107	46,931	44,200	45,718	45,754	30,687
Diluted	47,482	47,338	47,147	47,685	47,149	47,452	48,195	45,419	47,412	47,149	31,664
Net income (loss)									$ 388,265	$ 475,327	$ 93,100
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in unrecognized amounts included in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax benefit (expense) of $7,147 in 2018 and ($2,160) in 2017									(20,456)	6,140
Total comprehensive income									367,809	481,467	93,100
Total comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests									1,212	(330)	(1,563)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									$ 369,021	$ 481,137	$ 91,537

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OP_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Change in unrecognized amounts included in pension and postretirement obligations, tax	$ 7,147	$ (2,160)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]Class A Common Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 86,373	$ 316	$ 396,224	$ (268,120)		$ (47,746)		$ 5,699
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015		31,621,369
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015						(993,565)
Stock-based compensation expense	11,390		11,390
Vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of stock options	1,225		(5,008)			$ 6,233
Vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of stock options, shares						116,821	116,821
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises	13,760		13,760
Common stock dividends declared	(29,445)		(29,445)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests from variable interest entities	(100)							(100)
Consolidation of variable interest entities	108,694							108,694
Distribution to a noncontrolling interest	(643)							(643)
Net income (loss)	93,100			91,537				1,563
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	284,354	$ 316	386,921	(176,583)		$ (41,513)		115,213
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016		31,621,369
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016						(876,744)
Issuance/reissuance of stock in connection with a merger	1,031,443	$ 157	1,007,956			$ 23,330
Issuance/reissuance of stock in connection with a Merger, shares		15,670,094				560,316
Stock option replacement awards in connection with a merger	10,702		10,702
Purchase of treasury stock	(99,008)					$ (99,008)	$ (99,000)
Purchase of treasury stock, shares						(1,689,132)
Stock-based compensation expense	24,068		24,068
Vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of stock options	7,914		(31,214)			$ 39,128
Vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of stock options, shares						680,511	680,511
Common stock dividends declared	(55,892)		(55,892)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests from variable interest entities	(108,694)							(108,694)
Consolidation of variable interest entities	7,600							7,600
Deconsolidation of a variable interest entity	(3,655)			345				(4,000)
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	659							659
Distribution to a noncontrolling interest	(412)							(412)
Change in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax	6,140				$ 6,140
Net income (loss)	475,327			474,997				330
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,581,310	$ 473	1,342,541	299,523	6,140	$ (78,063)		10,696
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2017		47,291,463
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2017	(1,325,049)					(1,325,049)
Adjustment to adopt ASU 2016-16 | ASU 2016-16 [Member]	$ 764			764
Purchase of treasury stock	(50,524)					$ (50,524)	$ (50,500)
Purchase of treasury stock, shares						(751,920)
Stock-based compensation expense	31,260		31,260
Vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of stock options	1,032		(21,870)			$ 22,902
Vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of stock options, shares						411,752	411,752
Common stock dividends declared	(68,629)			(68,629)
Consolidation of variable interest entities	6,500							6,500
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	226							226
Change in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax	(20,456)				(20,456)
Net income (loss)	388,265			389,477				(1,212)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1,868,984	$ 473	$ 1,351,931	$ 620,371	$ (14,316)	$ (105,685)		$ 16,210
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2018		47,291,463
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2018	(1,665,217)					(1,665,217)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 388,265	$ 475,327	$ 93,100
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for bad debt	10,707	10,263	3,057
Amortization of broadcast rights, excluding barter	61,342	62,908	22,461
Depreciation of property and equipment	109,789	100,658	51,300
Amortization of intangible assets	149,406	159,500	46,572
Loss (gain) on asset disposal, net	5,793	(55,982)	1,553
Amortization of debt financing costs and debt discounts	9,765	10,483	5,649
Loss on extinguishment of debt	12,120	34,882
Goodwill and intangible assets impairment	19,911	19,985	15,262
Stock-based compensation expense	31,260	24,068	11,390
Deferred income taxes	12,403	(463,185)	54,591
Payments for broadcast rights	(61,979)	(62,531)	(23,004)
Other noncash credits, net	(2,432)	(3,491)	(1,612)
Change in the fair value of contingent consideration			4,044
Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition		(4,044)
Reimbursement from the FCC related to station repack	(29,381)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts receivable	30,874	(56,669)	(27,290)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	97	1,169	(6,972)
Other noncurrent assets	1,602	516	244
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(29,672)	(62,496)	1,628
Taxes payable	41,635	(42,638)	(75)
Interest payable	(7,516)	(17,421)	33,251
Other noncurrent liabilities	(17,122)	(22,211)	(896)
Net cash provided by operating activities	736,867	109,091	284,253
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(106,246)	(72,461)	(31,870)
Deposits and payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(103,976)	(2,975,254)	(103,970)
Proceeds from sale of stations		481,946
Spectrum repack reimbursements	29,381
Proceeds received to relinquish spectrum asset		478,608
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment	4,344	20,026	718
Proceeds received from settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies	983	850
Net cash used in investing activities	(175,514)	(2,066,285)	(135,122)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of debt discounts	251,387	3,533,981	958,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(653,011)	(1,922,329)	(80,140)
Premium paid on debt extinguishment		(18,050)
Payments for debt financing costs	(1,056)	(52,039)	(20,707)
Contributions from a noncontrolling interest, net	226	247	(643)
Purchase of treasury stock	(50,524)	(99,008)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	5,970	8,155	1,225
Common stock dividends paid	(68,629)	(55,892)	(29,445)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(2,468)	(66,901)	(100)
Payments for contingent consideration in connection with acquisitions		(259,603)	(2,000)
Cash paid for shares withheld for taxes	(4,938)	(4,099)
Payments for capital lease and capitalized software obligations	(8,847)	(7,095)	(3,258)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(531,890)	1,057,367	822,932
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	29,463	(899,827)	972,063
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	115,652	1,015,479	43,416
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	145,115	115,652	1,015,479
Supplemental information:
Interest paid	218,746	239,558	78,261
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	90,717	272,689	29,391
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrued purchases of property and equipment	19,364	4,107	2,339
Noncash purchases of property and equipment	565	20,723	706
Consolidation of variable interest entities	6,500		108,694
Accrued debt financing costs			$ 1,019
Debt assumed in connection with a merger		434,269
Issuance/reissuance of Class A Common Stock in connection with a merger		1,031,443
Stock option replacement awards in connection with a merger		10,702
Relinquishment of spectrum asset and derecognition of liability to surrender spectrum asset	$ 314,086	34,558
Contingent consideration payable in connection with a merger		$ 12,361

Organization and Business Opera

Organization and Business Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Business Operations	1. Organization and Business Operations As of December 31, 2018, Nexstar Media Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Nexstar”) owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to 174 full power television stations, including those owned by variable interest entities (“VIEs”), in 100 markets in the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The stations are affiliates of ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, The CW, MNTV, and other broadcast television networks. As of December 31, 2018, the stations reached approximately 42.7 million, or 38.8%, of all U.S. television households. Through various local service agreements, Nexstar provided sales, programming, and other services to 39 full power television stations owned by independent third parties.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Nexstar and the accounts of independently-owned VIEs for which Nexstar is the primary beneficiary (See Note 2—Variable Interest Entities). Nexstar and the consolidated VIEs are collectively referred to as the “Company.” Noncontrolling interests represent the VIE owners’ share of the equity in the consolidated VIEs and are presented as a component separate from Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity. All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Nexstar management evaluates each arrangement that may include variable interests and determines the need to consolidate an entity where it determines Nexstar is the primary beneficiary of a VIE in accordance with related authoritative literature and interpretive guidance. On December 17, 2018, Nexstar became the primary beneficiary of its variable interest in the station KHII (formerly KFVE) As of December 31, the following are assets of consolidated VIEs, excluding intercompany amounts, that are not available to settle the obligations of Nexstar and the liabilities of consolidated VIEs, excluding intercompany amounts, for which their creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Nexstar (in thousands): 2018 2017 Current assets Spectrum asset $ - $ 26,695 Other current assets 20,898 22,038 Total current assets 20,898 48,733 Property and equipment, net 10,994 7,517 Goodwill 121,600 130,362 FCC licenses 157,658 151,808 Other intangible assets, net 75,513 81,916 Other noncurrent assets, net 3,652 6,543 Total assets $ 390,315 $ 426,879 Current Liabilities Liability to surrender spectrum asset $ - $ 27,347 Other current liabilities 17,594 24,146 Total current liabilities 17,594 51,493 Noncurrent liabilities 27,542 30,339 Total liabilities $ 45,136 $ 81,832 Liquidity The Company is leveraged, which makes it vulnerable to changes in general economic conditions. The Company’s ability to repay or refinance its debt will depend on, among other things, financial, business, market, competitive and other conditions, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. On November 30, 2018, Nexstar entered into a definitive merger agreement with Tribune Media Company (“Tribune”) to acquire the latter’s outstanding equity and to settle the outstanding equity-based awards for $46.50 per share in a cash transaction. The estimated total purchase price is valued at $6.4 billion, consisting of the merger cash consideration and the refinancing of Tribune's outstanding debt. The merger has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is projected to close late in the third quarter of 2019, subject to (i) the approval of the merger by the stockholders of Tribune, (ii) FCC approval, (iii) other regulatory approvals (including expiration of the applicable Hart-Scott-Rodino “HSR” waiting period) and (iv) satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants contained in the amended credit agreements governing its senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing the 6.125% senior unsecured notes due 2022 (“6.125% Notes”), the 5.625% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (“5.625% Notes”) and the 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2022 (“5.875% Notes”). Variable Interest Entities The Company may determine that an entity is a VIE as a result of local service agreements entered into with an entity. The term local service agreement generally refers to a contract between two separately owned television stations serving the same market, whereby the owner-operator of one station contracts with the owner-operator of the other station to provide it with administrative, sales and other services required for the operation of its station. Nevertheless, the owner-operator of each station retains control and responsibility for the operation of its station, including ultimate responsibility over all programming broadcast on its station. A local service agreement can be (1) a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) or a local marketing agreement (“LMA”) which allows Nexstar to program most of a station’s broadcast time, sell the station’s advertising time and retain the advertising revenue generated in exchange for monthly payments, based on the station’s monthly operating expenses, (2) a shared services agreement (“SSA”) which allows the Nexstar station in the market to provide services including news production, technical maintenance and security, in exchange for Nexstar’s right to receive certain payments as described in the SSA, or (3) a joint sales agreement (“JSA”) which permits Nexstar to sell certain of the station’s advertising time and retain a percentage of the related revenue, as described in the JSA. Consolidated VIEs Nexstar consolidates entities in which Nexstar is deemed under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) to have controlling financial interests for financial reporting purposes as a result of (1) local service agreements Nexstar has with the stations owned by these entities, (2) Nexstar’s guarantees of the obligations incurred under certain VIEs’ senior secured credit facilities (see Note 7), (3) Nexstar having power over significant activities affecting these VIEs’ economic performance, including budgeting for advertising revenue, certain advertising sales and, in some cases, hiring and firing of sales force personnel and (4) purchase options granted by each VIE, exclusive of Marshall Broadcasting Group, Inc. (“Marshall”), which permit Nexstar to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each of the VIEs’ stations, subject to Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) consent. In connection with an agreement to acquire the MNTV affiliated television station KHII from HITV License Subsidiary, Inc. (“HITV”), Nexstar began providing programming and sales services to the station effective November 1, 2018. On December 17, 2018, the FCC approved Nexstar’s acquisition of the station. Nexstar evaluated its business arrangement with KHII and determined that it has a variable interest in the station. Nexstar has also determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest because it has the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the station including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Thus, Nexstar consolidated KHII as of December 17, 2018 under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. The assets that were consolidated into Nexstar included the licensed assets and network affiliation agreement of KHII but were attributed to the owner of the station at the time (noncontrolling interest). On January 28, 2019, Nexstar completed the acquisition of the station. The following table summarizes the various local service agreements Nexstar had in effect as of December 31, 2018 with its consolidated VIEs: Service Agreements Owner Full Power Stations TBA Only Mission Broadcasting, Inc. (“Mission”) WFXP, KHMT and KFQX HITV KHII, KGMD, KGMV LMA Only WNAC, LLC WNAC 54 Broadcasting, Inc. (“54 Broadcasting”) KNVA SSA & JSA Mission KJTL, KLRT, KASN, KOLR, KCIT, KAMC, KRBC, KSAN, WUTR, WAWV, WYOU, KODE, WTVO, KTVE, WTVW and WVNY White Knight Broadcasting (“White Knight”) WVLA, KFXK, KSHV Shield Media, LLC (“Shield”) WXXA and WLAJ Vaughan Media, LLC (“Vaughan”) WBDT, WYTV and KTKA Marshall KLJB, KPEJ and KMSS SSA Only Tamer Media, LLC (“Tamer”) KWBQ, KASY and KRWB Nexstar’s ability to receive cash from Mission, Marshall, White Knight, Shield, Tamer, Vaughan, WNAC, LLC, 54 Broadcasting and HITV is governed by the local service agreements. Under these agreements, Nexstar has received substantially all of the consolidated VIEs’ available cash, after satisfaction of operating costs and debt obligations. Nexstar anticipates it will continue to receive substantially all of the consolidated VIEs’ available cash, after satisfaction of operating costs and debt obligations. In compliance with FCC regulations for all the parties, Mission, Marshall, White Knight, Shield, Tamer, Vaughan, WNAC, LLC, 54 Broadcasting and HITV maintain complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances, personnel and operations of their stations. Nexstar had a variable interest in KRBK, LLC, the owner of station KRBK, upon execution of a TBA effective August 1, 2018 and a purchase agreement to acquire the assets of the station. Nexstar evaluated its business arrangement with KRBK, LLC and determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the variable interest because it had the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the station including developing the annual operating budget, selling advertising, and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Thus, Nexstar consolidated KRBK as of August 1, 2018 under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. The assets that were consolidated into Nexstar included the licensed assets and network affiliation agreement of KRBK but were attributed to the owner of the station at the time (noncontrolling interest). On October 17, 2018, Nexstar received approval from the FCC to acquire the licensed assets of the station. On November 1, 2018, Nexstar paid the former owner of the remaining purchase price, acquired the full balance of the noncontrolling interest and completed the acquisition. As of this date, KRBK is no longer a VIE. See Note 3 for additional information. The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities, excluding intercompany amounts, of the VIEs which have been included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,060 $ 17,180 Accounts receivable, net 22,725 24,407 Spectrum asset - 26,695 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,423 6,762 Total current assets 46,208 75,044 Property and equipment, net 30,861 25,971 Goodwill 154,787 163,549 FCC licenses 157,658 151,808 Other intangible assets, net 89,225 97,757 Other noncurrent assets, net 8,073 9,443 Total assets $ 486,812 $ 523,572 Current liabilities: Current portion of debt $ 54,616 $ 56,565 Interest payable 345 994 Liability to surrender spectrum asset - 27,347 Other current liabilities 17,594 24,146 Total current liabilities 72,555 109,052 Debt 243,717 245,523 Other noncurrent liabilities 27,542 30,594 Total liabilities $ 343,814 $ 385,169 Non-Consolidated VIEs Nexstar has an outsourcing agreement with Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (“Cunningham”), which continues through December 31, 2020. Under the outsourcing agreement, Nexstar provides certain engineering, production, sales and administrative services for WYZZ, the FOX affiliate in the Peoria, Illinois market, through WMBD, the Nexstar television station in that market. During the term of the outsourcing agreement, Nexstar retains the broadcasting revenue and related expenses of WYZZ and is obligated to pay a monthly fee to Cunningham based on the combined operating cash flow of WMBD and WYZZ, as defined in the agreement. Nexstar has determined that it has a variable interest in WYZZ. Nexstar has evaluated its arrangements with Cunningham and has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest in this station because it does not have the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the station’s economic performance, including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Therefore, Nexstar has not consolidated WYZZ under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. Under the local service agreement for WYZZ, Nexstar pays for certain operating expenses, and therefore may have unlimited exposure to any potential operating losses. Nexstar’s management believes that Nexstar’s minimum exposure to loss under the WYZZ agreement consists of the fees paid to Cunningham. Additionally, Nexstar indemnifies the owners of Cunningham from and against all liability and claims arising out of or resulting from its activities, acts or omissions in connection with the agreement. The maximum potential amount of future payments Nexstar could be required to make for such indemnification is undeterminable at this time. There were no significant transactions arising from Nexstar’s outsourcing agreement with Cunningham. In connection with an agreement to acquire WHDF from Huntsville TV, LLC, Nexstar began providing programming and sales services to the station effective July 15, 2018. As the TBA terminated upon Nexstar’s completion of its acquisition of WHDF on November 9, 2018, WHDF is no longer considered a VIE. Basis of Presentation Certain prior year financial statement amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and use assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure for contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant estimates made by management include those relating to the allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation related to business combinations, including assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contingent consideration liability and any other assets or liabilities recognized from these transactions, retransmission revenue recognized, trade transactions, pension and postretirement obligations, income taxes, the recoverability of goodwill, FCC licenses and other long-lived assets, the recoverability of broadcast rights and the useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets. Actual results may vary from such estimates recorded. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company’s accounts receivable consist primarily of billings to its customers for advertising broadcast on its stations or placed on its websites, for retransmission consent from cable or satellite operators, for digital publishing and content management, digital video advertising, social media advertising and related services. Trade receivables normally have terms of 30 days and the Company has no interest provision for customer accounts that are past due. The Company maintains an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. Management periodically evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors, including customer payment history, known customer circumstances, the overall aging of customer balances and trends. In circumstances where management is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, an allowance is recorded to reduce the receivable amount to an amount estimated to be collectable. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and accounts receivable. Cash deposits are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits; however, the Company believes these deposits are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and are not subject to any unusual credit risk. A significant portion of the Company’s accounts receivable is due from local and national advertising agencies. The Company does not require collateral from its customers but maintains reserves for potential credit losses. Management believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate, but if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, additional allowances may be required. The Company has not experienced significant losses related to receivables from individual customers or by geographical area. Revenue Recognition As discussed in Recent Accounting Pronouncements below, the Company adopted the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and all related amendments. ASC 606 establishes a comprehensive new revenue recognition model designed to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services and requires significantly enhanced revenue disclosures. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method as applied to customer contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. As a result, financial information for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 is presented under ASC 606, while comparative financial information has not been adjusted and continues to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historical accounting policy for revenue recognition prior to the adoption of ASC 606. The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from the sale of advertising and the compensation received from traditional multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”), such as cable and satellite providers, as well as over-the-top video distributors (“OTTDs”), companies that provide video content through internet streaming, in return for the Company’s consent to the retransmission of the signals of its television stations. Total revenue includes advertising revenue, retransmission compensation, digital revenue and other broadcast related revenues. The Company’s contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is generally determined based on the price charged to customers. The Company also determines whether gross or net presentation is appropriate based on its relationship in the applicable transaction with its ultimate customer. Any amounts paid by customers but not earned as of the balance sheet date are recorded as a contract liability (deferred revenue). The lag between billing the customers and when the payment is due is not significant. The stations’ advertising contracts are short-term in nature and include a number of spots that are delivered over the term of the arrangement. For broadcast of commercials (local, national and political advertising), the performance obligation is identified at the contract level as it represents a station’s promise to deliver an agreed number of spots, an agreed price per spot and other specifications. Each performance obligation is satisfied over time as the advertiser receives and consumes benefits when a station airs the advertiser’s commercial. For digital advertising, the performance obligation is a station’s promise to place an advertisement in its website and is satisfied either based on impressions or the placement of ads over an agreed period of time. Advertising revenue is recognized, for the amount the Company is entitled to receive, when the advertisements are broadcast on its stations or delivered on the stations’ websites. The Company’s retransmission consent agreements with MVPDs and OTTDs generally have a three-year term and provide revenue based on a monthly amount the Company is entitled to receive per subscriber. Under ASC 606, these revenues are considered arising from the licensing of functional intellectual property. As such, the Company applies the exception for sales- or usage-based royalty for the accounting of variable consideration and recognizes revenue (retransmission compensation) at the point in time the broadcast signal is delivered to the distributors . The distributors report their subscriber numbers to the Company on a 30- to 60-day lag, which coincides with their payment of the fees due to the Company. Prior to receiving the report, the Company records revenue based on estimated number of subscribers and the monthly amount the Company is entitled to receive per subscriber. The impact of the lag in the number of subscribers is not significant. Revenue from the Company’s other digital businesses includes revenue from digital publishing and content management platforms, a digital video advertising platform, a social media advertising platform and related services. Revenue is recognized at the time advertising is delivered or upon performance of services. The Company applies the right to invoice practical expedient to certain transactions where the invoice amount corresponds directly with the value to its customers. Most of the arrangements with customers are short-term in nature. The Company trades certain advertising time for various goods and services. These transactions are short-term in nature and are recorded at the estimated fair value of the goods or services received. Revenue from trade transactions is recognized when the related advertisement spots are broadcast. The Company recorded $16.8 million, $14.2 million and $11.0 million of trade revenue during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 respectively. Trade expense is recognized when services or merchandise received are used. The Company recorded $16.5 million, $14.5 million and $10.8 million of trade expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which were included in direct operating expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The above revenue recognition policies are consistent with the Company’s historical accounting policies prior to the adoption of ASC 606. Effective on January 1, 2018, the Company no longer recognizes barter revenue (and the related barter expense) resulting from the exchange of advertising time for certain program material. During the year ended December 31, 2017, barter revenue (and the related barter expense) were $42.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, barter revenue (and the related barter expense) were $34.7 million. Barter expense was included in amortization of broadcast rights in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. Under the Company’s historical accounting policy prior to the adoption of ASC 606, barter revenue (and the related barter expense) would have been $41.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, the current barter assets (and the related current barter liabilities) would have been $8.7 million, and the noncurrent barter assets (and the related noncurrent barter liabilities) would have been $8.1 million as of December 31, 2018. The Company elected to utilize the practical expedient around costs incurred to obtain contracts for television advertising and digital advertising due to their short-term nature. Additionally, the incremental benefit from efforts in acquiring these contracts is considered not significant. Thus, the Company continued to expense sales commissions when incurred. The Company did not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations on its contracts with customers because they are either (i) contracts with an original expected term of one year or less, (ii) contracts for which the sales- or usage-based royalty exception was applied, or (iii) contracts for which revenue is recognized in proportion to the amount the Company has the right to invoice for services performed. The Company’s contract liabilities, which are reflected in its Consolidated Financial Statements as accrued expenses and other liabilities, consist primarily of customer payments for products or services received before the transfer of control to the customer occurs (deferred revenue). The Company’s performance obligations related to contract liabilities of $5.4 million as of January 1, 2018 were recognized as revenue during the first quarter of 2018. The Company’s performance obligations related to contract liabilities of $2.3 million as of December 31, 2018 are expected to be recognized as revenue in the first quarter of 2019. See Note 14 for disaggregated revenue information. Broadcast Rights and Broadcast Rights Payable The Company records broadcast rights contracts as an asset and a liability when the following criteria are met: (1) the license period has begun, (2) the cost of each program is known or reasonably determinable, (3) the program material has been accepted in accordance with the license agreement, and (4) the program is produced and available for broadcast. Cash broadcast rights are initially recorded at the contract cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period the programming airs. The current portion of cash broadcast rights represents those rights available for broadcast which will be amortized in the succeeding year. The Company periodically evaluates the net realizable value, calculated using the average historical rates for the programs or the time periods the programming will air, of cash broadcast rights and adjusts the amortization for any deficiency calculated. Effective on January 1, 2018, the Company no longer recognizes barter broadcast rights and barter broadcast rights payable resulting from the exchange of advertising time for certain program material. See Revenue Recognition policy above for additional information. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment is stated at cost or estimated fair value at the date of acquisition through a business combination. The cost and related accumulated depreciation applicable to assets sold or retired are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposition is recognized. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized, and ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to expense in the period incurred. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (see Note 4). Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill, FCC licenses, network affiliation agreements, developed technology and customer relationships arising from acquisitions. The Company accounts for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that purchase prices, including any contingent consideration, are measured at acquisition date fair values. These purchase prices are allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at estimated fair values at the date of acquisition using various valuation techniques, including discounted projected cash flows, the cost approach and the income approach. The fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company records adjustments related to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Company’s goodwill and FCC licenses are considered to be indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually in the Company’s fourth quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. The use of an indefinite life for FCC licenses contemplates the Company’s historical ability to renew its licenses such that renewals generally may be obtained indefinitely and at little cost. Therefore, cash flows derived from the FCC licenses are expected to continue indefinitely. Network affiliation agreements are subject to amortization computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 15 years . The 15-year life assumes affiliation contracts will be renewed upon expiration. Changes in the likelihood of renewal could require a change in the useful life of such assets and cause an acceleration of amortization. The Company evaluates the remaining lives of its network affiliations whenever changes occur in the likelihood of affiliation contract renewals, and at least on an annual basis. The Company aggregates its television stations into a single broadcast business reporting unit for purposes of goodwill impairment tests because of their similar economic characteristics. In January 2018, the Likqid Media Inc. (“LKQD”) (See Note 3). The reporting units within the Company’s digital business are not economically similar, and therefore, not aggregated. The Company first assesses the qualitative factors to determine the likelihood of the goodwill and FCC licenses being impaired. The qualitative analysis includes, but is not limited to, assessing the changes in macroeconomic conditions, regulatory environment, industry and market conditions, and the financial performance versus budget of the reporting units, as well as any other events or circumstances specific to the reporting units or the FCC licenses. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill or a station’s FCC license is greater than its carrying amount, no further testing will be required. Otherwise, the Company will apply the quantitative impairment test method. The quantitative impairment test for goodwill is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The quantitative impairment test for FCC licenses consists of a market-by-market comparison of the carrying amounts of FCC licenses with their fair value, using a discounted cash flow analysis. An impairment is recorded when the carrying value of an FCC license exceeds its fair value. Determining the fair value of reporting units and FCC licenses requires management to make a number of judgments about assumptions and estimates that are highly subjective and that are based on unobservable inputs. The actual results may differ from these assumptions and estimates, and it is possible that such differences could have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition to the various inputs (i.e. market growth, operating profit margins, discount rates) used to calculate the fair value of reporting units and FCC licenses, the Company evaluates the reasonableness of its assumptions by comparing the total fair value of all its reporting units to its total market capitalization; and by comparing the fair values of its reporting units and FCC licenses to recent market television station sale transactions. The Company tests finite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable, relying on a number of factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections and anticipated future cash flows. The impairment test for finite-lived intangible assets consists of an asset (asset group) comparison of the carrying amount with its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. An impairment in the carrying amount of a finite-lived intangible asset is recognized when the expected discounted future operating cash flow derived from the operation to which the asset relates is less than its carrying value. Debt Financing Costs Debt financing costs represent direct costs incurred to obtain long-term financing and are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Previously capitalized debt financing costs are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if the Company determines that there has been a subst

Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions	3. Acquisitions and Dispositions Merger Agreement with Tribune On November 30, 2018, Nexstar entered into a definitive merger agreement with Tribune to acquire Tribune’s outstanding equity for $46.50 per share in a cash transaction. All equity-based awards of Tribune that are outstanding prior to the merger will vest in full and will be converted into the right to receive the same cash consideration. The estimated total purchase price is valued at $6.4 billion, consisting of the merger cash consideration and the refinancing of Tribune's outstanding debt. Tribune shareholders will be entitled to additional cash consideration of approximately $0.30 per share per month if the transaction has not closed by August 31, 2019, pro-rated for partial months and less an adjustment for any dividends declared on or after September 1, 2019. Transaction costs relating to this proposed acquisition, including legal and professional fees of $2.5 million and $1.2 million were expensed as incurred during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The merger agreement contains certain termination rights for both Nexstar and Tribune. If the merger agreement is terminated in connection with Tribune entering into a definitive agreement with respect to a superior proposal, as well as under certain other circumstances, the termination fee payable by Tribune to Nexstar will be $135 million. If the merger agreement is terminated because the required Tribune stockholder vote is not obtained at a stockholder meeting duly held for such purpose, Tribune will be required to reimburse Nexstar for its costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transaction in an amount not to exceed $15 million. Either party may terminate the merger agreement if the merger is not consummated on or before an end date of November 30, 2019, with an automatic extension to February 29, 2020, if necessary to obtain regulatory approval under circumstances specified in the merger agreement. The merger has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is projected to close late in the third quarter of 2019, subject to (i) the approval of the merger by the stockholders of Tribune, (ii) FCC approval, (iii) other regulatory approvals (including expiration of the applicable HSR waiting period) and (iv) satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The merger does not require approval of Nexstar’s stockholders and is not subject to any financing contingency. On November 30, 2018, Nexstar received committed financing up to a maximum of $6.4 billion from a group of commercial banks to provide the debt financing to consummate the merger and the refinancing of certain of the existing indebtedness of Tribune and related transactions. In connection with obtaining the HSR approval and the FCC approval, Nexstar agreed to divest one or more television stations in certain DMAs. Those DMAs are: (i) Salt Lake City, UT; (ii) Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, MI; (iii) Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA; (iv) Richmond-Petersburg, VA; (v) Des Moines-Ames, IA; (vi) Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, VA; (vii) Fort Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR; (viii) Davenport, IA-Rock Island-Moline, IL; (ix) Memphis, TN; (x) Huntsville-Decatur (Florence), AL; (xi) Indianapolis, IN; (xii) Hartford-New Haven, CT and (xiii) Harrisburg, PA. Nexstar is required to designate one or more Tribune stations or Nexstar stations for divestiture in each DMA. Nexstar has also agreed to designate, at its option, certain additional Tribune stations or Nexstar stations for divestiture and to divest such stations in order to comply with the FCC national cap as required by the FCC in order to obtain approval of and consummate the transactions Tribune is a diversified media and entertainment business, comprising of 42 owned or operated local television stations. Nexstar and Tribune plan to divest certain of their stations in connection with the proposed merger in order to comply with FCC media ownership rules. 2018 Acquisitions LKQD On January 16, 2018, Nexstar Digital LLC (“Nexstar Digital”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nexstar, acquired the outstanding equity of LKQD, a video advertising infrastructure company, for $97.0 million. In January 2018, $94.0 million of the purchase price was paid, funded by a combination of borrowing under Nexstar’s revolving credit facility (Note 7) and cash on hand. The remaining purchase price of $3.0 million (working capital adjustment) was paid to the former owners on April 27, 2018, funded by cash on hand. The sellers were also entitled to receive up to $35.0 million in additional cash payments if a certain earnings target was achieved during the fiscal year 2019 and if certain employees continued their employment with Nexstar Digital on the date of payment (the “Earnout Payments”). However, as of December 31, 2018, the employees ceased employment with Nexstar Digital and forfeited the additional payments. In the fourth quarter of 2018, Nexstar Digital reversed its previous estimated accrual of $1.9 million related to the Earnout Payments. The acquisition of LKQD broadened and diversified Nexstar Digital’s portfolio with technologies that are complementary to its current offerings of digital solutions and services for media publishers, and multi-platform marketing solutions for local and national advertisers. Transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal and professional fees of $0.4 million, were expensed as incurred during the year ended December 31, 2018. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands): Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,167 Accounts receivable 24,712 Prepaids 13 Property and equipment 210 Other intangible assets 45,320 Goodwill 42,475 Total assets acquired and consolidated 123,897 Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (18,816 ) Less: Taxes payable (1,065 ) Less: Deferred tax liabilities (6,984 ) Net assets acquired and consolidated $ 97,032 The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in operating costs. The goodwill and other intangible assets are not deductible for tax purposes. Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of approximately three years. During 2018, Nexstar Digital recorded measurement period adjustments including a decrease in accounts receivable of $1.2 million, resulting from changes in the estimate of collectability of accounts receivable. This adjustment increased goodwill by $1.3 million, along with other measurement period adjustments. LKQD’s net revenue of $34.2 million and operating income of $12.9 million from the date of acquisition to December 31, 2018 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. WHDF On July 15, 2018, Nexstar entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of television station WHDF from Huntsville TV, LLC for $3.0 million in cash, including working capital adjustments. WHDF is a full power television station in the Huntsville, Alabama market and an affiliate of CW. Nexstar provided programming and sales services to this station pursuant to a TBA from July 15, 2018 through the completion of the acquisition. On July 15, 2018, Nexstar completed the first closing and acquired the station’s assets excluding certain transmission equipment, FCC licenses and network affiliation agreements for $2.3 million, funded by cash on hand. As discussed in Note 2, Nexstar was not the primary beneficiary of its variable interests in WHDF. Therefore, in the third quarter of 2018, the station’s remaining assets were not consolidated into Nexstar’s financial statements under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. The acquisition was approved by the FCC on October 17, 2018 and Nexstar completed the second closing on November 9, 2018, acquiring the remaining assets and paying the remaining purchase price of $0.7 million, funded by cash on hand. The TBA was also terminated as of this date. The station’s net revenue and operating income from November 9, 2018 to December 31, 2018 were not significant. Subject to final determination, which is expected to occur within 12 months of the acquisition date, the provisional fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the first and second closing are as follows (in thousands): Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 66 Property and equipment 1,539 Other intangible assets 246 Other noncurrent assets 26 FCC licenses 379 Network affiliation agreements 686 Total assets acquired 2,942 Less: Accrued expenses (30 ) Net assets acquired $ 2,912 Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of three years. KRBK On August 1, 2018, Nexstar entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of KRBK from KRBK LLC for $17.6 million in cash, including working capital adjustments. KRBK is a full power television station in the Springfield, Missouri market and an affiliate of FOX. Nexstar provided programming and sales services to this station pursuant to a TBA from August 1, 2018 through the completion of the acquisition. The transaction created a new duopoly for Nexstar. On August 1, 2018, Nexstar completed the first closing of the acquisition and acquired the station’s assets excluding certain transmission equipment, FCC licenses and network affiliation agreements for $15.1 million, funded by cash on hand. Of this amount, $13.1 million was considered a deposit for the second closing and the remainder was allocated to the initial assets acquired. Since not all assets needed to operate the station were acquired in August 2018, the first closing did not represent an acquisition of a business. However, as discussed in Note 2, Nexstar was the primary beneficiary of its variable interests in KRBK throughout the duration of the TBA. Therefore, the station’s remaining assets as of August 1, 2018, and transactions thereafter, were consolidated into Nexstar’s financial statements under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. The consolidation of the remaining assets of KRBK resulted in a noncontrolling interest of $15.6 million, representing the estimated fair value of KRBK’s assets attributable to the owner. The acquisition was approved by the FCC on October 17, 2018. On November 1, 2018, Nexstar acquired the remaining assets of KRBK, paid the owners the remaining purchase price of $2.5 million, funded by cash on hand, and utilized the $13.1 million deposit previously paid to the owners to acquire the noncontrolling interest of $15.6 million. The TBA was also terminated as of this date. Subject to final determination, which is expected to occur within 12 months of the acquisition date, the provisional fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the first and second closing are as follows (in thousands): Accounts receivable $ 2,091 Broadcast rights 73 Property and equipment 3,894 FCC licenses 4,401 Network affiliation agreements 5,719 Goodwill 2,544 Other intangible assets 119 Other noncurrent assets 7 Total assets acquired 18,848 Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1,281 ) Net assets acquired $ 17,567 The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in programming and other station operating costs. The goodwill and FCC licenses are deductible for tax purposes. The intangible assets related to the network affiliation agreements are amortized over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of one year. The station’s net revenue of $4.9 million and operating income of $2.2 million from August 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations . Transaction costs relating to the acquisition were not significant during the year ended December 31, 2018. KHII On November 1, 2018, Nexstar entered into a definitive agreement to acquire from HITV the FCC license, certain transmission equipment and the network affiliation agreement of KHII, the MNTV affiliate serving Honolulu, Hawaii and its satellite stations KGMV serving Wailuku, Hawaii and KGMD serving Hilo, Hawaii. On November 1, 2018, Nexstar paid an advance payment of $0.1 million towards the purchase price of $6.5 million. Effective November 1, 2018, Nexstar began managing some elements of KHII’s operation under a TBA until the transaction receives FCC approval and closes. As discussed in Note 2, following the FCC approval on December 17, 2018, Nexstar became the primary beneficiary of its variable interest in KHII and the satellite stations. Therefore, as of December 17, 2018 and transactions thereafter, the stations’ assets that Nexstar agreed to acquire pursuant to the purchase agreement were consolidated into Nexstar’s financial statements under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. The consolidation of the assets of the KHII stations resulted in noncontrolling interests of $6.5 million, representing the estimated fair value attributable to the owners. Subject to final determination, which is expected to occur within 12 months of the acquisition date, the provisional fair values of the stations’ assets consolidated into Nexstar are as follows (in thousands): Property and equipment $ 400 FCC licenses 5,850 Network affiliation agreements 250 Consolidated assets of VIE $ 6,500 On January 28, 2019, Nexstar completed its acquisition of KHII and paid the remaining purchase price of $6.4 million, funded by cash on hand. Accordingly, the deposit and the payment of the remaining purchase price were applied against the full balance of the noncontrolling interest. The TBA was also terminated as of this date. The station’s net revenue and operating income from November 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 were not significant. 2017 Acquisitions Merger with Media General On January 17, 2017, Nexstar completed its merger with Media General. Prior to the completion of the merger, Media General owned, operated or serviced 78 full power television stations in 48 markets. In connection with the merger, Nexstar sold the assets of seven of Media General’s full power television stations in seven markets. The full power television stations acquired and consolidated by Nexstar as a result of the merger, net of divestitures, were as follows: Market Rank at Acquisition Market Full Power Stations Primary Affiliation Nexstar: 6 San Francisco, CA KRON MNTV 11 Tampa, FL WFLA, WTTA NBC, MNTV 24 Raleigh, NC WNCN CBS 25 Portland, OR KOIN CBS 27 Indianapolis, IN WISH, WNDY The CW, MNTV 29 Nashville, TN WKRN ABC 30 New Haven, CT WTNH, WCTX ABC, MNTV 32 Columbus, OH WCMH NBC 37 Spartanburg, SC WSPA, WYCW CBS, The CW 39 Austin, TX KXAN, KBVO NBC, MNTV 42 Portsmouth, VA WAVY, WVBT NBC, FOX 43 Harrisburg, PA WHTM ABC 44 Grand Rapids, MI WOOD, WOTV NBC, ABC 45 Birmingham, AL WIAT CBS 48 Albuquerque, NM KRQE, KREZ, KBIM CBS 52 Providence, RI WPRI CBS 53 Buffalo, NY WIVB, WNLO CBS, The CW 55 Richmond, VA WRIC ABC 59 Albany, NY WTEN, WCDC ABC, ABC 60 Mobile, AL WKRG, WFNA CBS, The CW 62 Knoxville, TN WATE ABC 64 Dayton, OH WDTN NBC 65 Honolulu, HI KHON, KHAW, KAII FOX, FOX, FOX 66 Wichita, KS KSNW, KSNC, KSNG, KSNK NBC 88 Colorado Springs, CO KXRM FOX 91 Savannah, GA WSAV NBC 94 Charleston, SC WCBD NBC 95 Jackson, MS WJTV CBS 98 Tri-Cities, TN-VA WJHL CBS 100 Greenville, NC WNCT CBS 102 Florence, SC WBTW CBS 109 Sioux Falls, SD KELO, KDLO, KPLO CBS 110 Ft. Wayne, IN WANE CBS 111 Augusta, GA WJBF ABC 113 Lansing, MI WLNS CBS 114 Springfield, MA WWLP NBC 115 Youngstown, OH WKBN CBS 120 Lafayette, LA KLFY CBS 127 Columbus, GA WRBL CBS 135 Topeka, KS KSNT NBC 168 Hattiesburg, MS WHLT CBS 172 Rapid City, SD KCLO CBS VIEs: 39 Austin, TX KNVA The CW 48 Alburquerque, NM KASY, KRWB, KWBQ MNTV, The CW, The CW 52 Providence, RI WNAC FOX 59 Albany, NY WXXA FOX 64 Dayton, OH WBDT NBC 113 Lansing, MI WLAJ ABC 115 Youngstown, OH WYTV ABC 135 Topeka, KS KTKA ABC As discussed in Note 2, Nexstar is the primary beneficiary of its variable interests in Shield, Tamer, Vaughan, WNAC, LLC and 54 Broadcasting and has consolidated these entities, including the stations they own. Upon the completion of the merger, each issued and outstanding share of common stock, no par value, of Media General immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, other than shares or other securities representing capital stock in Media General owned, directly or indirectly, by Nexstar or any subsidiary of Media General, was converted into the right to receive (i) $10.55 in cash, without interest (the “Cash Consideration”), (ii) 0.1249 of a share of Nexstar’s Class A Common Stock (the “Nexstar Common Stock”), par value $0.01 per share (the “Stock Consideration”), and (iii) one non-tradeable CVR representing the right to receive a pro rata share of the net proceeds from the disposition of Media General’s spectrum in the FCC’s recently concluded spectrum auction (the “FCC auction”), subject to and in accordance with the contingent value rights agreement governing the CVRs (the CVR, together with the Stock Consideration and the Cash Consideration, the “Merger Consideration”). The CVRs are not transferable, except in limited circumstances specified in the agreement governing the CVRs. Upon the completion of the merger, each unvested Media General stock option outstanding immediately prior to the effective time became fully vested and was converted into an option to purchase Nexstar Common Stock at the same aggregate price as provided in the underlying Media General stock option, with the number of shares of Nexstar Common Stock adjusted to account for the Cash Consideration and the exchange ratio for the Stock Consideration. Additionally, the holders of Media General stock options received one CVR for each share subject to the Media General stock option immediately prior to the effective time. All other equity-based awards of Media General outstanding immediately prior to the merger vested in full and were converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration. The following table summarizes the components of the total consideration paid, payable or issued upon closing of the merger (in thousands): Cash Consideration $ 1,376,108 Nexstar Common Stock issued (15,670,094 shares) 995,835 Reissued Nexstar Common Stock from treasury (560,316 shares) 35,608 Stock option replacement awards (228,438 options) 10,702 Repayment of Media General debt, including premium and accrued interest 1,658,135 Contingent consideration liability (CVR) 271,008 $ 4,347,396 Concurrent with the closing of the merger, Nexstar sold the assets of 12 full power television stations in 12 markets, five of which were previously owned by Nexstar and seven of which were previously owned by Media General. Nexstar sold the Media General stations for a total consideration of $427.6 million and recognized a loss on disposal of $4.7 million (the “Media General Divestitures”). Nexstar sold its stations for $114.4 million and recognized gain on disposal of $62.4 million (the “Nexstar Divestitures”). The net gain recognized from these divestitures was included as a separate line item in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2017. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (net of the effects of the Media General Divestitures but including the consolidation of the assets and liabilities of Shield, Tamer, Vaughan, WNAC, LLC and 54 Broadcasting) are as follows (in thousands): Cash and cash equivalents $ 63,850 Accounts receivable 301,604 Spectrum asset 465,582 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 35,973 Property and equipment 482,144 FCC licenses 1,242,847 Network affiliation agreements 1,323,200 Other intangible assets 101,083 Goodwill 1,701,097 Other noncurrent assets 36,104 Total assets acquired and consolidated 5,753,484 Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (187,721 ) Less: Taxes payable (10,854 ) Less: Interest payable (12,794 ) Less: Debt (434,269 ) Less: Deferred tax liabilities (957,779 ) Less: Other noncurrent liabilities (227,378 ) Less: Noncontrolling interests in consolidated VIEs (7,600 ) Net assets acquired and consolidated $ 3,915,089 The estimated acquisition date fair value of Media General’s spectrum auctioned with the FCC (spectrum asset) is $465.6 million and was calculated as gross proceeds to receive from the FCC to surrender the spectrum of certain Media General stations, less estimated costs to dispose such assets. As of the acquisition date, the estimated fair value of the CVR payable to the holders was $271.0 million and was calculated as the gross proceeds , less estimated transaction expenses, repacking expenses and taxes as defined in the CVR agreement. On July 21, 2017, the Company received $478.6 million of gross proceeds from the FCC to surrender the spectrum of 11 stations previously owned or operated by Media General. The gross proceeds were recorded as liability to surrender spectrum asset pending the relinquishment of spectrum assets or conversion from UHF to VHF. In November 2017, one station went off the air. During 2018, eight stations ceased broadcasting on their previous channels and implemented channel sharing agreements. These relinquishments of spectrum resulted in the derecognition of the associated spectrum asset and liability to surrender spectrum asset. The remaining two stations will convert from UHF to VHF. See Note 12 for additional information with respect to the auctioned spectrum. On August 28, 2017, Nexstar completed the $258.6 million initial payments of the CVR to the holders, which represents the majority of the estimated amount due. As of December 31, 2018, the remaining amount payable to the CVR holders is estimated at $12.4 million. The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in operating costs. The intangible assets related to the network affiliation agreements are amortized over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of 19 years. The carryover of the tax basis in goodwill, FCC licenses, network affiliation agreements, other intangible assets and property and equipment of $159.0 million, $294.3 million, $31.7 million, $40.4 million and $247.8 million, respectively, are deductible for tax purposes. Nexstar assumed the $400.0 million 5.875% Notes previously issued by LIN TV. Nexstar also consolidated Shield’s senior secured credit facility with an outstanding Term Loan A principal balance of $24.8 million. These debts were assumed at fair values on the merger closing date. See Note 7 for additional information. Nexstar also assumed Media General’s pension and postretirement obligations (included in other noncurrent liabilities). See Note 8 for additional information. The consolidation of Shield, Tamer, Vaughan, WNAC, LLC and 54 Broadcasting resulted in noncontrolling interests of $7.6 million, representing the residual fair value attributable to the owners of these entities as of January 17, 2017, estimated by applying the income approach valuation technique. The Cash Consideration, the repayment of Media General debt, including premium and accrued interest, and the related fees and expenses were funded through a combination of cash on hand, proceeds from the Nexstar Divestitures and the Media General Divestitures and borrowings during 2017. During 2017, Nexstar recorded measurement period adjustments, including (i) the result of our ongoing valuation procedures on acquired intangible assets which decreased property and equipment, FCC licenses and other intangible assets by $1.8 million, $255.3 million and $25.1 million, respectively, and increased the network affiliation agreements by $254.5 million, (ii) a change in the estimated fair value of Media General’s spectrum asset which increased by $24.0 million, (iii) changes in the estimate of collectability of accounts receivable and various fair value assumptions, which decreased the estimated fair value of accounts receivable by $23.4 million, (iv) an increase in goodwill and deferred tax liabilities of $32.8 million and $7.4 million, respectively, and a decrease in income tax payable of $6.5 million, due to the measurement period adjustments discussed in items (i) through (iii), and (v) reclassifications from other noncurrent assets to prepaid expenses and other current assets and reclassifications between accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other noncurrent liabilities. None of these measurement period adjustments had a material impact on the Company’s results of operations. The acquisition’s net revenue of $1.412 billion and operating income of $300.4 million from January 17, 2017 to December 31, 2017 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Transaction costs relating to the merger, including legal and professional fees and severance costs, were $52.4 million and $8.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These costs were included in selling, general and administrative expense, excluding depreciation and amortization in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. WVMH On November 16, 2015, Nexstar entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of three CBS affiliated full power television stations and one NBC affiliated full power television station from WVMH for $130.0 million in cash, plus working capital adjustments. The stations affiliated with CBS are WOWK in the Charleston-Huntington, West Virginia market, WTRF in the Wheeling, West Virginia-Steubenville, Ohio market and WVNS in the Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill, West Virginia market. WBOY in the Clarksburg-Weston, West Virginia market is affiliated with NBC. This acquisition allows Nexstar entrance into these markets. Nexstar provided programming and sales services to these stations pursuant to a TBA from December 1, 2015 through the completion of the acquisition. On January 4, 2016, Nexstar completed the first closing of the transaction and acquired the stations’ assets excluding certain transmission equipment, the FCC licenses and network affiliation agreements for $65.0 million, including a deposit paid upon signing the purchase agreement in November 2015 of $6.5 million. The purchase price paid in 2016 was funded through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under Nexstar’s revolving credit facility in 2016. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the first closing are as follows (in thousands): Accounts receivable $ 438 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 114 Property and equipment 18,362 Other intangible assets 3,402 Goodwill 35 Total assets acquired at first closing 22,351 Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (623 ) Less: Other noncurrent liabilities (307 ) Net assets acquired at first closing 21,421 Deposit on second closing 43,543 Total paid at first closing $ 64,964 Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of three years. Nexstar became the primary beneficiary of its variable interests in WVMH’s stations upon receiving FCC approval on August 2, 2016 to acquire the stations’ remaining assets. Therefore, Nexstar has consolidated these remaining assets under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs as of this date. The fair values of the assets consolidated were as follows (in thousands): Broadcast rights $ 527 Property and equipment 3,489 FCC licenses 41,230 Network affiliation agreements 35,387 Goodwill 28,588 Consolidated assets of VIEs 109,221 Less: Broadcast rights payable (527 ) Consolidated net asset of VIEs $ 108,694 The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in programming and other station operating costs. The goodwill and FCC licenses are deductible for tax purposes. The intangible assets related to the network affiliation agreements are amortized over 15 years. On January 31, 2017, Nexstar completed its acquisition of the remaining assets of the stations and paid WVMH the remaining purchase price of $66.9 million, plus working capital adjustments, funded by cash on hand. Accordingly, the deposit on the second closing and the payment of the remaining purchase price were applied against the full balance of noncontrolling interests. The TBA was also terminated as of this date. The stations’ net revenue of $51.3 million and operating income of $11.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. No Parker On May 27, 2014, Mission assumed the rights, title and interest to an existing purchase agreement to acquire Parker Broadcasting of Colorado, LLC (“Parker”), the owner of television station KFQX, the FOX affiliate in the Grand Junction, Colorado market, for $4.0 million in cash. In connection with this assumption, Mission paid a deposit of $3.2 million on June 13, 2014. The acquisition was approved by the FCC in February 2017 and met all other customary conditions in March 2017. On March 31, 2017, Mission completed this acquisition and paid the remaining purchase price of $0.8 million, funded by cash on hand. The acquisition allows Mission entrance into this market. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows (in thousands): FCC licenses $ 1,539 Network affiliation agreements 1,743 Other intangible assets 20 Goodwill 698 Total assets acquired $ 4,000 The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in programming and other station operating costs. The goodwill and FCC licenses are deductible for tax purposes. The intangible assets related to the network affiliation agreements are amortized over 15 years. Nexstar had a variable interest in Parker and had consolidated this entity until Mission acquired Parker’s outstanding equity. Since Nexstar no longer has variable interests in Parker, its accounts were deconsolidated from Nexstar’s financial statements. However, since Nexstar is the primary beneficiary of variable interests in Mission, it retained a beneficial financial interest in KFQX and continued to consolidate this station. (See Note 2) WLWC-TV On October 2, 2017, Nexstar completed the acquisition of certain assets of WLWC, a CW affiliated full power television station in the Providence, Rhode Island market, from OTA Broadcasting (PVD), LLC for $4.1 million in cash, funded by cash on hand. The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows (in thousands): Broadcast rights $ 1,599 Property and equipment 1,158 Network affiliation 2,517 Other intangible assets 385 Total assets acquired 5,659 Less: Broadcast rights payable (1,599 ) Net assets acquired $ 4,060 Nexstar accounted for the transaction as an asset purchase because it was concentrated in acquiring the station’s affiliation with the CW. Additionally, the FCC license, a significant input to operate a station, was not acquired by Nexstar. Thus, no goodwill was allocated from the purchase price. The intangible assets related to the network affiliation agreements are amortized over 15 years. 2016 Acquisitions Reiten On February 1, 2016, Nexstar completed the acquisition of the assets of four full power television stations from Reiten Television, Inc. (“Reiten”) for $44.0 million in cash, funded by a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under Nexstar’s revolving credit facility. The purchase price includes a $2.2 million deposit paid by Nexstar upon signing the purchase agreement in September 2015. The stations, all affiliated with CBS at acquisition, are KXMA, KXMB, KXMC and KXMD in the Minot-Bismarck-Dickinson, North Dakota market. This acquisition allows Nexstar entrance into this market. At acquisition, KXMA, KXMB and KXMD were satellite stations of KXMC. KXMA subsequently became an affiliate of The CW network. Transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal and professional fees of $0.1 million, were expensed as incurred during the year ended December 31, 2016. The stations’ net revenue of $11.1 million and operating income of $1.0 million from the date of acquisition to December 31, 2016 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Co

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	4. Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following, as of December 31 (dollars in thousands): Estimated useful life, in years 2018 2017 Buildings and improvements 39 $ 231,270 $ 225,183 Land N/A 126,926 127,625 Leasehold improvements term of lease 27,573 29,114 Studio and transmission equipment 5-15 555,389 539,788 Computer equipment 3-5 97,180 96,487 Furniture and fixtures 7 18,720 18,876 Vehicles 5 38,398 35,211 Construction in progress N/A 74,924 21,236 1,170,380 1,093,520 Less: accumulated depreciation (438,842 ) (359,382 ) Property and equipment, net $ 731,538 $ 734,138 The increase in property and equipment primarily relates to spectrum repack projects , routine purchases of property and equipment, less disposals, and business acquisitions (see Note 3). Property under capital lease with a cost of $5.8 million was included in leasehold improvements as of each of December 31, 2018 and 2017. Property under capital lease with a cost of $5.2 million was included in studio and transmission equipment as of each of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets and Goodwill	5. Intangible Assets and Goodwill Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following, as of December 31 (dollars in thousands): Estimated 2018 2017 useful life, Accumulated Accumulated in years Gross Amortization Net Gross Amortization Net Network affiliation agreements 15 $ 1,977,825 $ (575,860 ) $ 1,401,965 $ 1,971,170 $ (461,345 ) $ 1,509,825 Other definite-lived intangible assets 1-20 246,137 (156,179 ) 89,958 193,089 (121,288 ) 71,801 Other intangible assets $ 2,223,962 $ (732,039 ) $ 1,491,923 $ 2,164,259 $ (582,633 ) $ 1,581,626 The increases in network affiliation agreements and other definite-lived intangible assets relate to Company acquisitions (see Note 3). In the fourth quarter of 2018, management reviewed the recoverability of other definite-lived intangible assets attributable to two of Nexstar’s digital businesses as a result of shortfalls from operating forecasts and increased levels of competition. Based on the analysis of estimated undiscounted future pre-tax cash flows expected to result from the use of these assets, management determined that their carrying values were recoverable as of December 31, 2018. No other events or circumstances were noted in 2018 that would indicate impairment. In the fourth quarter of 2017, management reviewed the recoverability of other definite-lived intangible assets attributable to Nexstar’s digital businesses and recognized total impairment charges of $8.5 million. The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter for definite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2019 $ 140,793 2020 130,335 2021 119,559 2022 114,147 2023 112,954 Thereafter 874,135 $ 1,491,923 The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and FCC licenses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in thousands): Goodwill FCC Licenses Accumulated Accumulated Gross Impairment Net Gross Impairment Net Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ 534,557 $ (61,253 ) $ 473,304 $ 591,945 $ (49,421 ) $ 542,524 Acquisitions and consolidation of VIEs (See Notes 2 and 3) 1,701,719 - 1,701,719 1,244,386 - 1,244,386 Nexstar Divestitures (See Note 3) (22,823 ) 2,861 (19,962 ) (19,744 ) 2,011 (17,733 ) Deconsolidation of a VIE (698 ) - (698 ) (1,539 ) - (1,539 ) Impairment - (11,517 ) (11,517 ) - - - Balances as of December 31, 2017 2,212,755 (69,909 ) 2,142,846 1,815,048 (47,410 ) 1,767,638 Acquisitions and consolidation of VIEs (See Notes 2 and 3) 45,019 - 45,019 10,630 - 10,630 Impairment - (19,911 ) (19,911 ) - - - Balances as of December 31, 2018 $ 2,257,774 $ (89,820 ) $ 2,167,954 $ 1,825,678 $ (47,410 ) $ 1,778,268 As discussed in Note 2, the Company has one broadcast business reporting unit and four digital reporting units for purposes of annual goodwill impairment review as of December 31, 2018. The Company’s annual impairment review of FCC Licenses is performed at the station market level. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company performed its annual impairment tests on goodwill and FCC licenses attributable to the broadcast business using the qualitative analysis approach In the fourth quarter of 2018, management performed quantitative impairment tests on two of its digital reporting units as a result of shortfalls from operating forecasts and increased levels of competition. The quantitative analyses were performed using a combination of a discounted cash flows analysis and market revenue multiples analysis, including the following key assumptions: (i) compound annual growth rate ranging from 4.4% to 5.0% based on management projections and industry trends, (ii) operating profit margins in the initial year ranging from 1.1% to 5.9% driven by planned development activities, increasing to 6.3% to 13.7% reflecting a mature operating model, (iii) discount rate of 15.0% based on an analysis of digital media companies, (iv) income tax rate of 21.0% to 28.7% based on statutory federal and blended state tax rates, (v) terminal growth rate of 2.5% based on a mature company in the digital media industry and (vi) market revenue multiples, adjusted for the reporting units’ forecasted operating performance, ranging from 0.2 to 0.4. $19.9 million. For the remaining two digital reporting units, the Company performed its annual impairment tests using the qualitative analysis approach and concluded that it was more likely than not that their fair values would sufficiently exceed the carrying amounts. In the fourth quarter of 2017, management performed the one-step quantitative impairment tests on each of its three digital reporting units as a result of shortfalls from operating forecasts and increased levels of competition. The Company’s analyses resulted in total impairment charges of $11.5 million. As of December 31, 2017, the total remaining goodwill of digital businesses was $19.9 million.

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	6. Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses consisted of the following, as of December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Compensation and related taxes $ 44,269 $ 44,775 Network affiliation fees 21,916 68,197 Other 77,665 62,968 $ 143,850 $ 175,940

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	7. Debt Long-term debt consisted of the following, as of December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Term loans, net of financing costs and discount of $37,679 and $57,547, respectively $ 2,407,490 $ 2,791,875 Revolving loans 5,628 3,000 6.125% Senior unsecured notes due 2022, net of financing costs of $1,556 and $1,992, respectively 273,444 273,008 5.875% Senior unsecured notes due 2022, plus premium of $6,233 and $8,102, respectively 406,233 408,102 5.625% Senior unsecured notes due 2024, net of financing costs of $11,792 and $13,525, respectively 888,208 886,475 3,981,003 4,362,460 Less: current portion (96,093 ) (92,808 ) $ 3,884,910 $ 4,269,652 Nexstar Senior Secured Credit Facility On January 16, 2018, Nexstar borrowed $44.0 million from its revolving credit facility to partially fund the acquisition of LKQD (See Note 3). Through June 2018, Nexstar repaid in full the outstanding principal balance under its revolving loan for total payments of $44.0 million. On July 27, 2018, Nexstar reallocated $5.6 million of its unused revolving loan credit facility to Marshall. On October 26, 2018, Nexstar amended its senior secured credit facility. The amendment extended the maturity date of Term Loan A and revolving credit facility from July 19, 2022 to October 26, 2023 and reduced the applicable margin portion of the interest rates by 25 basis points for Term Loan B, Term Loan A and revolving credit facility. The maturity date of Term Loan B did not change (January 17, 2024). Nexstar also borrowed an additional $150.0 million Term Loan A under its amended senior secured credit facility. The proceeds were used to partially repay the outstanding principal balance of Nexstar’s Term Loan B of $150.0 million. Through December 2018, Nexstar prepaid a total of $360.0 million in principal balance under its Term Loan B, funded by cash on hand. During the year ended December 31, 2018, Nexstar repaid scheduled maturities of $36.2 million of its Term Loan A. The refinancing of loans and prepayments of debt during 2018 resulted in a total loss of extinguishment of debt of $11.6 million, representing the write-off of unamortized debt financing costs and debt discounts. On November 30, 2018, Nexstar received committed financing up to a maximum of $6.4 billion from a group of commercial banks to provide the debt financing to consummate its proposed merger with Tribune and the refinancing of certain of the existing indebtedness of Tribune and related transactions. The merger has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is projected to close late in the third quarter of 2019, subject to the approval of the merger by the stockholders of Tribune, FCC approval, other regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. See Note 3 for additional information. As of December 31, 2018, Nexstar’s Term Loan B and Term Loan A, net of financing costs and discounts, had balances of $1.289 billion and $825.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, Nexstar’s Term Loan B and Term Loan A, net of financing costs and discounts, had balances of $1.782 billion and $711.0 million, respectively. No amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of each of the years then ended. Interest rates are selected at Nexstar’s option and the applicable margin is adjusted quarterly as defined in Nexstar’s amended credit agreement. The interest rate of Nexstar’s Term Loan A was 4.27% and 3.56% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and the interest rate of Nexstar’s Term Loan B was 4.77% and 4.06% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The interest rate on Nexstar’s revolving credit facility was 4.27% and 3.56% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Interest is payable periodically based on the type of interest rate selected. Additionally, Nexstar is required to pay quarterly commitment fees on the unused portion of its revolving loan commitment of 0.5% per annum. Mission Senior Secured Credit Facility On October 26, 2018, Mission amended its senior secured credit facility. The amendment extended the maturity date of Mission’s revolving credit facility from July 19, 2022 to October 26, 2023 and reduced the applicable margin portion of the interest rates by 25 basis points for the Term Loan B and revolving credit facility. The loan refinancing resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.5 million, representing the write-off of unamortized debt financing costs. During the year ended December 31, 2018, Mission repaid scheduled maturities of $2.3 million of its Term Loan B. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Mission’s Term Loan B, net of financing costs and discounts, had balances of $224.6 million and $225.7 million, respectively, and none outstanding under its revolving credit facility as of each of the years then ended. Terms of the Mission senior secured credit facility, including repayment, maturity and interest rates, are the same as the terms of the Nexstar senior secured facility described above. Interest rates are selected at Mission’s option and the applicable margin is adjusted quarterly as defined in Mission’s amended credit agreement. The interest rate of Mission’s Term Loan B was 4.77% and 4.06% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The interest rate on Mission’s revolving loans was 4.27% and 3.56% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Marshall Senior Secured Credit Facility On June 28, 2018, Marshall amended its senior secured credit facility. The amendment refinanced the then outstanding principal balances of Marshall’s Term Loan A and revolving credit facility of $48.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The refinancing was funded by Marshall’s new Term Loan A of $51.8 million which Nexstar continues to guarantee. The amendment also extended the maturity date of Marshall’s Term Loan A to December 1, 2019. On July 27, 2018, Marshall drew the full $5.6 million revolving loan facility reallocated from Nexstar and used the funds to partially repay its outstanding Term Loan A. During the year ended December 31, 2018, Marshall repaid $1.8 million scheduled maturities of its Term Loan A. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Marshall’s Term Loan A, net of financing costs and discounts, had balances of $45.4 million and $49.6 million, respectively, and $5.6 million and $3.0 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility as of each of the years then ended. As of December 31, 2018, all of Marshall’s outstanding debts are classified as current liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. Interest rates are selected at Marshall’s option and the applicable margin is adjusted quarterly as defined in Marshall’s amended credit agreement. The interest rate on Marshall’s Term Loan A and revolving credit facility was 4.52% and 3.56% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Interest is payable periodically based on the type of interest rate selected. Additionally, Marshall is required to pay quarterly commitment fees on the unused portion of its revolving loan commitment of 0.5% per annum. Marshall had no unused revolving credit facility as of each of the years then ended. Shield Senior Secured Credit Facility On October 26, 2018, Shield amended its senior secured credit facility. The amendment extended the maturity date of its Term Loan A from July 19, 2022 to October 26, 2023 and reduced the applicable margin portion of the interest rates by 25 basis points. During the year ended December 31, 2018, Shield repaid $1.2 million scheduled maturities of its Term Loan A. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Shield’s Term Loan A, net of financing costs and discounts, had a balance of $22.6 million and $23.8 million, respectively. Terms of the Shield senior secured credit facility, including repayment, maturity and interest rates, are the same as the terms of the Nexstar senior secured credit facility described above. Interest rates are selected at Shield’s option and the applicable margin is adjusted quarterly as defined in Shield’s amended credit agreement. The interest rate on Shield’s Term Loan A was 4.27% and 3.56% as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Unused Commitments and Borrowing Availability The Company had $166.4 million of total unused revolving loan commitments under the respective Nexstar and Mission senior secured credit facilities, all of which was available for borrowing, based on the covenant calculations as of December 31, 2018. The Company’s ability to access funds under the senior secured credit facilities depends, in part, on its compliance with certain financial covenants. As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants. On November 30, 2018, Nexstar received committed financing up to a maximum of $6.4 billion from a group of commercial banks to provide the debt financing to consummate its proposed merger with Tribune and the refinancing of certain of the existing indebtedness of Tribune and related transactions. The merger has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is projected to close late in the third quarter of 2019, subject to the approval of the merger by the stockholders of Tribune, FCC approval, other regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. See Note 3 for additional information. 5.875% Notes As part of Nexstar’s merger with Media General on January 17, 2017, Nexstar assumed the $400.0 million 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 previously issued by Media General’s subsidiary. The 5.875% Notes will mature on November 15, 2022. Interest on the 5.875% Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. The 5.875% Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of November 5, 2014 (the “5.875% Indenture”). The 5.875% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Nexstar and certain of Nexstar’s future 100% owned subsidiaries, subject to certain customary release provisions. The 5.875% Notes are senior obligations of Nexstar but junior to the secured debt, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The 5.875% Notes rank equal to the 5.625% Notes and the 6.125% Notes. At any time on or after November 15, 2017, Nexstar may redeem the 5.875% Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices set forth in the 5.875% Indenture. At any time before August 1, 2019, Nexstar may also redeem the 5.875% Notes at 105.875% of the aggregate principal amount at a redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, with the net cash proceeds from equity offerings, provided that (1) at least $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Notes issued under the 5.875% Indenture remains outstanding after each such redemption and (2) the redemption occurs within 90 days after the closing of the note offering. Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the 5.875% Indenture), each holder of the 5.875% Notes may require Nexstar to repurchase all or a portion of the 5.875% Notes in cash at a price equal to 101.0% of the aggregate principal amount to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the date of repurchase. The 5.875% Indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, Nexstar’s ability to (1) incur additional debt, (2) make certain restricted payments, (3) consummate specified asset sales, (4) enter into transactions with affiliates, (5) create liens, (6) pay dividends or make other distributions, (7) repurchase or redeem capital, (8) merge or consolidate with another person and (9) enter new lines of business. The 5.875% Indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include nonpayment, breach of covenants in the 5.875% Indenture, payment defaults or acceleration of other indebtedness, a failure to pay certain judgments, certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency and any guarantee of the 5.875% Notes that ceases to be in full force and effect with certain exceptions specified in the 5.875% Indenture. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the Trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding notes may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest, including additional interest, on all the notes to be due and payable. 5.625% Notes On July 27, 2016, Nexstar completed the issuance and sale of $900.0 million of 5.625% Notes at par. The proceeds were used to partially fund Nexstar’s merger with Media General consummated on January 17, 2017 (See Note 3). The 5.625% Notes will mature on August 1, 2024. Interest on the 5.625% Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year. The 5.625% Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of July 27, 2016 (the “5.625% Indenture”). The 5.625% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Nexstar and are guaranteed by Mission and certain of Nexstar’s and Mission’s future 100% owned subsidiaries, subject to certain customary release provisions. The 5.625% Notes are senior obligations of Nexstar and Mission but junior to the secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The 5.625% Notes rank equal to the 5.875% Notes and the 6.125% Notes. Nexstar has the option to redeem all or a portion of the 5.625% Notes at any time prior to August 1, 2019 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date plus applicable premium as of the date of redemption. At any time on or after August 1, 2019, Nexstar may redeem the 5.625% Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices set forth in the 5.625% Indenture. At any time prior to August 1, 2019, Nexstar may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount at a redemption price of 105.625%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, with the net cash proceeds from equity offerings. Upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the 5.625% Indenture), each holder of the 5.625% Notes may require Nexstar to repurchase all or a portion of the 5.625% Notes in cash at a price equal to 101.0% of the aggregate principal amount to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the date of repurchase. The 5.625% Indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, Nexstar’s ability to (1) incur additional debt, (2) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchases or redeem its capital stock, (3) make certain investments, (4) create liens, (5) merge or consolidate with another person or transfer or sell assets, (6) enter into restrictions affecting the ability of Nexstar’s restricted subsidiaries to make distributions, loans or advances to it or other restricted subsidiaries, (7) prepay, redeem or repurchase certain indebtedness and (8) engage in transactions with affiliates. The 5.625% Indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include nonpayment, breach of covenants in the Indenture, payment defaults or acceleration of other indebtedness, a failure to pay certain judgments and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the Trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding 5.625% Notes may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest, including additional interest, on all the 5.625% Notes to be due and payable. In 2016, Nexstar recorded $15.7 million in legal, professional and underwriting fees related to the issuance of the 5.625% Notes, which were recorded as debt finance costs and are being amortized over the term of the 5.625% Notes. Debt financing costs are netted against the carrying amount of the related debt. 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes On January 29, 2015, Nexstar completed the issuance and sale of $275.0 million 6.125% Notes at par. The 6.125% Notes will mature on February 15, 2022. Interest on the 6.125% Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year commencing on August 15, 2015. The 6.125% Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2015 (the “6.125% Indenture”). The 6.125% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Nexstar and are guaranteed by Mission and certain of Nexstar’s and Mission’s future 100% owned subsidiaries, subject to certain customary release provisions. The 6.125% Notes are senior obligations of Nexstar and Mission but junior to the secured debt, including the Nexstar Facility, the Mission Facility and the Marshall Facility to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The 6.125% Notes rank equal to the 5.625% Notes and 5.875% Notes. Nexstar has the option to redeem all or a portion of the 6.125% Notes at any time after February 15, 2018 at the redemption prices set forth in the 6.125% Indenture. At any time before February 15, 2018, Nexstar may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount at a redemption price of 106.125%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, with the net cash proceeds from equity offerings. Upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the 6.125% Indenture), each holder of the 6.125% Notes may require Nexstar to repurchase all or a portion of the 6.125% Notes in cash at a price equal to 101.0% of the aggregate principal amount to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the date of repurchase. The 6.125% Indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, Nexstar’s ability to (1) incur additional debt, (2) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchases or redeem its capital stock, (3) make certain investments, (4) create liens, (5) merge or consolidate with another person or transfer or sell assets, (6) enter into restrictions affecting the ability of Nexstar’s restricted subsidiaries to make distributions, loans or advances to it or other restricted subsidiaries; prepay, redeem or repurchase certain indebtedness and (7) engage in transactions with affiliates. The 6.125% Indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include nonpayment, breach of covenants in the Indenture, payment defaults or acceleration of other indebtedness, a failure to pay certain judgments and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the Trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding 6.125% Notes may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest, including additional interest, on all the 6.125% Notes to be due and payable. In 2015, Nexstar recorded $3.0 million in legal, professional and underwriting fees related to the issuance of the 6.125% Notes, which were recorded as debt finance costs and amortized over the term of the 6.125% Notes. Debt financing costs are netted against the carrying amount of the related debt. Collateralization and Guarantees of Debt The Company’s credit facilities described above are collateralized by a security interest in substantially all the combined assets, excluding FCC licenses and the other assets of consolidated VIEs unavailable to creditors of Nexstar (See Note 2). Nexstar guarantees full payment of all obligations incurred under the Mission, Marshall and Shield senior secured credit facilities in the event of their default. Mission and Nexstar Digital, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nexstar, are guarantors of Nexstar’s senior secured credit facility. Mission is also a guarantor of Nexstar’s 6.125% Notes and the 5.625% Notes but does not guarantee Nexstar’s 5.875% Notes. Nexstar Digital does not guarantee any of the notes. Marshall and Shield are not guarantors of any debt within the group. In consideration of Nexstar’s guarantee of the Mission senior secured credit facility, Mission has granted Nexstar purchase options to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to FCC consent. These option agreements (which expire on various dates between 2021 and 2028) are freely exercisable or assignable by Nexstar without consent or approval by Mission. The Company expects these option agreements to be renewed upon expiration. Debt Covenants The Nexstar credit agreement (senior secured credit facility) contains a covenant which requires Nexstar to comply with a maximum consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of 4.25 to 1.00. The financial covenant, which is formally calculated on a quarterly basis, is based on the combined results of the Company. The Mission, Marshall and Shield amended credit agreements do not contain financial covenant ratio requirements but do provide for default in the event Nexstar does not comply with all covenants contained in its credit agreement. As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants. Fair Value of Debt The aggregate carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s debt were as follows, as of December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Term loans (1) $ 2,407,490 $ 2,389,439 $ 2,791,875 $ 2,852,199 Revolving loans (1) 5,628 5,528 3,000 2,985 6.125% Senior unsecured notes (2) 273,444 275,688 273,008 284,625 5.875% Senior unsecured notes (2) 406,233 397,000 408,102 415,500 5.625% Senior unsecured notes (2) 888,208 837,000 886,475 925,875 (1) The fair value of senior secured credit facilities is computed based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. These fair value measurements are considered Level 3, as significant inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable in the market. (2) The fair value of Nexstar’s fixed rate debt is estimated based on bid prices obtained from an investment banking firm that regularly makes a market for these financial instruments. These fair value measurements are considered Level 2, as quoted market prices are available for low volume trading of these securities. Debt Maturities The scheduled maturities of the Company’s debt, excluding the unamortized financing costs, discounts and premium, as of December 31, 2018 are summarized as follows (in thousands): 2019 $ 96,093 2020 44,910 2021 61,961 2022 762,536 2023 624,616 Thereafter 2,435,681 $ 4,025,797

Retirement and Postretirement P

Retirement and Postretirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement and Postretirement Plans	8. Retirement The Company has a funded, qualified non-contributory defined benefit retirement plan which covers certain employees and former employees. Additionally, there are non-contributory unfunded supplemental executive retirement and ERISA excess plans which supplement the coverage available to certain executives. All of these retirement plans are frozen. The Company also has a retiree medical savings account plan which reimburses eligible retired employees for certain medical expenses and an unfunded plan that provides certain health and life insurance benefits to retired employees who were hired prior to 1992. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans (“OPEB”). The Company recognizes the underfunded status of these plan liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheet. The funded status of a plan represents the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the related plan projected benefit obligation. Benefit Obligations The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations for the periods January 17, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 (in thousands) 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 460,862 $ 23,374 $ 562,197 $ 22,601 Service cost - 16 - 22 Interest cost 13,965 689 14,981 695 Participant contributions - 20 - 48 Plan settlements (1) - - (40,235 ) - Divestiture transfer (2) - - (60,032 ) - Actuarial (gain) loss (21,568 ) (1,362 ) 11,301 1,431 Benefit payments (29,559 ) (1,328 ) (27,350 ) (1,423 ) Benefit obligation at end of period (3)(4) $ 423,700 $ 21,409 $ 460,862 $ 23,374 (1) In December 2017, the Company offered terminated vested participants of the legacy Media General Retirement Plan an opportunity to receive a lump sum payout in settlement of their retirement plan liability. Approximately one third of the roughly 2,200 participants elected to do so, resulting in $39.0 million in payouts from plan assets. The Company recognized an immediate gain of $1.2 million in 2017 related to this settlement and included it as an offset against pension expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. (2) Upon the consummation of the Media General transaction, approximately $60 million of the benefit obligation related to the Company's retirement plan was transferred to Graham Media Group, Inc., as part of the Media General Divestitures discussed in Note 3. (3) Unless required, the Company’s policy is to fund benefits under the supplemental executive retirement, ERISA Excess, and all postretirement benefits plans as claims and premiums are paid. As of December 31, 2018, the benefit obligation related to the supplemental executive retirement and ERISA Excess plans included in the preceding table was approximately $51.9 million. (4) As of December 31, 2018, the pension benefit obligation includes $371.8 million that is substantially funded by plan assets. These plan assets cover approximately 89% of the benefit obligation. The Plans’ benefit obligations were determined using the following assumptions: 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Discount rate 4.12 % 4.06 % 3.49 % 3.47 % Compensation increase rate - 2.00 % - 3.00 % Plan Assets The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the fair value of the plans’ assets for the periods January 17, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period $ 381,455 $ - $ 394,526 $ - Actual return on plan assets (25,108 ) - 49,853 - Employer contributions 4,126 1,308 4,661 1,375 Participant contributions - 20 - 48 Plan settlements - - (40,235 ) - Benefit payments (29,559 ) (1,328 ) (27,350 ) (1,423 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of period $ 330,914 $ - $ 381,455 $ - Under the fair value hierarchy, $49.2 million and $57.6 million of the Company’s retirement plan assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, fall under Level 1 (quoted prices in active markets). The Company also utilizes common collective trust funds as the remaining investment vehicle for its defined benefit plans. A Common Collective Trust Fund is a pooled fund operated by a bank or trust company for investment of the assets of various organizations and individuals in a well-diversified portfolio. Investments in Common Collective Trust Funds are stated at the fair value as determined by the issuer based on the fair value of the underlying investments (Net Asset Value or “NAV”). As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, $281.7 million and $323.8 million of the plan assets were measured at NAV. The asset allocation for the Company’s funded retirement plans at the end of 2018, and the asset allocation range for 2019, by asset category, are as follows: Asset Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets at Year End Asset Category 2019 2018 Equity securities 40% 35% Fixed income securities/cash 60% 64% Other - 1% Total 100% As the plan sponsor of the funded retirement plans, the Company’s investment strategy is to achieve a rate of return on the plans’ assets that, over the long-term, will fund the plans’ benefit payments and will provide for other required amounts in a manner that satisfies all fiduciary responsibilities. A determinant of the plans’ returns is the asset allocation policy. The Company’s investment policy provides ranges (3-23% U.S. large cap equity, 0-13% U.S. small/mid cap equity, 0-19% international/global equity, 0-17% other equity, 50-70% fixed income and 0-10% cash) for the plans’ long-term asset mix. The Company periodically (at least annually) reviews and rebalances the asset mix if necessary. The Company also reviews the plans’ overall asset allocation to determine the proper balance of securities by market capitalization, value or growth, U.S., international or global or the addition of other asset classes. The plans’ investment policy is reviewed frequently and administered by an investment consultant. Periodically, the Company evaluates each investment with the investment consultant to determine if the overall portfolio has performed satisfactorily when compared to the defined objectives, similarly invested portfolios and specific market indices. The policy contains general guidelines for prohibited transactions such as: • borrowing of money • purchase of securities on margin • short sales • pledging any securities except loans of securities that are fully-collateralized • purchase or sale of futures or options for speculation or leverage Restricted transactions include: • purchase or sale of commodities, commodity contracts or illiquid interests in real estate or mortgages • purchase of illiquid securities such as private placements • use of various futures and options for hedging or for taking limited risks with a portion of the portfolio’s assets Investments in Common Collective Trust Funds do not have any unfunded commitments, and do not have any applicable liquidation periods or defined terms and periods to be held. The portfolios offer daily liquidity; however, they request 5 business days’ notice for both withdrawals and redemptions. Strategies of the Common Collective Trust Funds by major category are as follows: • Equity Common Collective Trusts are primarily invested in funds seeking investment results that correspond to the total return performance of their respective benchmarks in both the U.S. and International markets. • Fixed Income Common Collective Trusts are primarily invested in funds with an investment objective to provide investment returns through fixed-income and commingled investment vehicles that seek to outperform their respective benchmarks. • Real Estate and Real Asset Common Collective Trusts seek to achieve high current return and long-term capital growth by investing in equity securities of real estate investment trusts that seek to outperform their respective benchmarks. Funded Status The following table provides a statement of the funded status of the plans at December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Amounts recorded in the balance sheet: Current liabilities $ (4,091 ) $ (1,883 ) $ (3,714 ) $ (1,882 ) Noncurrent liabilities (88,695 ) (19,526 ) (75,693 ) (21,492 ) Funded status $ (92,786 ) $ (21,409 ) $ (79,407 ) $ (23,374 ) The following table provides a summary of the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans prior to any deferred tax effects (in thousands): Pension Benefits OPEB January 17, 2017 $ - $ - Actuarial gain (loss) 9,733 (1,433 ) December 31, 2017 9,733 (1,433 ) Actuarial (loss) gain (29,074 ) 1,471 December 31, 2018 $ (19,341 ) $ 38 The estimated net loss for the other postretirement benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2019 is $46 thousand. There is no prior service cost or transition obligation recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Expected Cash Flows The following table includes amounts that are expected to be contributed to the plans by the Company, in thousands. It additionally reflects benefit payments that are made from the plans’ assets as well as those made directly from the Company’s assets, and it includes the participants’ share of the costs, which is funded by participant contributions. The amounts in the table are actuarially determined and reflect the Company’s best estimate given its current knowledge including the impact of recent pension funding relief legislation. Actual amounts could be materially different. Pension Benefits OPEB Employer Contributions 2019 to participant benefits $ 4,091 $ 1,883 Expected Benefit Payments 2019 $ 30,520 $ 1,883 2020 30,169 1,877 2021 29,901 1,865 2022 29,579 1,838 2023 29,470 1,815 2024-2028 141,763 8,013 Net Periodic Benefit Cost The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the plans for the periods January 17, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Service cost $ - $ 16 $ - $ 22 Interest cost 13,965 689 14,981 695 Expected return on plan assets (25,534 ) - (27,658 ) - Amortization of net loss - 109 - - Settlement gain recognized - - (1,160 ) - Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ (11,569 ) $ 814 $ (13,837 ) $ 717 The Company anticipates recording an aggregate net periodic benefit credit of $5.6 million for its pension and other benefits in 2019, as the expected return on plan assets exceeds estimated interest cost. An interest crediting rate of 2.30% was assumed for 2018 to determine net periodic benefit costs for LIN TV’s supplemental retirement plan. This rate is assumed to increase to 3.20% in 2019 and to 4.00% thereafter compounded annually. The net periodic costs for the Company’s pension and other benefit plans were determined using the following assumptions: 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Discount rate 3.49 % 3.42 % 3.87 % 3.80 % Expected return on plan assets 7.00 % - 7.25 % - Compensation increase rate - 2.00 % - 3.00 % The reasonableness of the expected return on the funded retirement plan assets was assessed with the assistance of an investment consultant, but all assumptions were reviewed by management. Their proprietary model simulates possible capital market scenarios based on the current economic environment and their capital market assumptions to come up with expected returns for the portfolio based on the current asset allocation. Defined Contribution Plans The Company has established retirement savings plans under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Plans”). The Plans cover substantially all Company employees who meet the minimum age and service requirements and allow participants to defer a portion of their annual compensation on a pre-tax basis. Employer contributions to the Plans may be made at the discretion of management of the Company. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, Nexstar contributed $8.5 million, $4.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively, to the Plans. The Company has a Supplemental Income Deferral Plan for which certain employees, including executive officers, were eligible. The plan provides benefits to highly compensated employees in circumstances in which the maximum limits established under the ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code prevent them from receiving Company contributions. The amounts recorded by the Company for these plans for 2018 is nominal.

Common Stock

Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock	9. Common Stock The holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share and the holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes per share. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock generally vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Holders of Class C common stock have no voting rights. The common stockholders are entitled to receive cash dividends, subject to the rights of holders of any series of preferred stock, on an equal per share basis. The Nexstar Facility provides limits on the amounts of dividends the Company may pay to stockholders over the term of the Nexstar Credit Agreement. On January 25, 2019, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend for 2019 beginning in the first quarter. See Note 18 for additional information. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, the board of directors declared annual cash dividends of $1.50 per share, $1.20 per share and $0.96 per share, respectively, of Nexstar’s outstanding Class A common stock. The dividends were paid in equal quarterly installments. On April 26, 2018, Nexstar’s Board of Directors approved an additional $200 million increase in Nexstar’s share repurchase authorization to repurchase its Class A common stock. As of December 31, 2018, the remaining available amount under the share repurchase authorization was $201.9 million, inclusive of the 2018 additional authorization and the remaining balance under the prior authorization. Share repurchases may be made from time to time in open market transactions, block trades or in private transactions. There is no minimum number of shares that is required to be repurchased and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. In 2018, Nexstar repurchased a total of 751,920 shares of Class A common stock for $50.5 million, funded by cash on hand. In 2017, Nexstar repurchased a total of 1,689,132 shares of Class A common stock for $99.0 million, funded by cash on hand. During the years ended December 31, 2018 In connection with the acquisition of Media General on January 17, 2017, Nexstar issued 15,670,094 shares of Class A common stock and reissued 560,316 shares of Class A common stock from treasury. See Note 3 for additional information.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	10. Stock-Based Compensation Plans Stock-Based Compensation Expense The Company measures compensation cost related to stock options based on the grant-date fair value of the awards, calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The compensation cost related to time-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”) is based on the market price of the stock on the date of the award. The fair values of the stock options and RSUs are recognized ratably over their respective vesting periods. The fair values of PSUs are recognized when it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved. In 2017, Nexstar issued 228,438 replacement stock options in connection with its acquisition of Media General (See Note 3). There were no stock options granted in 2018 and 2016. The assumptions used in calculating the fair values of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2017 was as follows: Expected volatility 32.4% to 47.7% Risk-free interest rates 0.5% to 2.2% Expected life 0.2 to 7 years Dividend yields 1.9% Weighted-average grant date fair value per share $ 46.85 The expected volatility assumptions used for stock option grants were based on Nexstar’s historical volatility rates over a period approximating the expected life of the options. The expected term assumption is calculated utilizing Nexstar’s historical exercise and post-vesting cancellation experience combined with expectations developed over outstanding options. The risk-free interest rates used are based on the daily U.S. Treasury yield curve rate in effect at the time of the grant having a period commensurate with the expected term assumption. The expected dividend yield is based on the current annual dividend divided by the stock price on the date of grant. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $31.3 million, $24.1 million and $11.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, there was $65.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options and restricted stock units, expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.43 years. Stock-Based Compensation Plans Nexstar has two stock-based compensation plans that provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs and PSUs to directors, employees or consultants of Nexstar: the 2015 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan, approved by Nexstar’s majority stockholders on June 11, 2015 (the “2015 Plan”) and the 2012 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan, approved by Nexstar’s majority stockholders on September 26, 2012 (the “2012 Plan”). A maximum of 2,500,000 shares and 1,500,000 shares of Nexstar’s Class A common stock can be issued under the 2015 Plan and the 2012 Plan, respectively. No new awards are granted under equity incentive plans prior to these plans but any unissued available shares can be issued under the 2012 Plan. At December 31, 2018, 853,813 shares remained available for future grants, of which 836,063 shares and 17,750 shares were available under the 2015 Plan and the 2012 Plan, respectively. Nexstar utilizes any available treasury stock or issues new shares of its Class A common stock when options are exercised or restricted stock units vest. Stock Options Options are granted with an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock on the date of the grant, vest over a range of four to five years and expire ten years from the date of grant. Except as otherwise determined by the compensation committee or with respect to the termination of a participant’s services in certain circumstances, including a change of control, no option may be exercised within six months of the date of the grant. Upon the employee’s termination, all nonvested options are forfeited immediately and any unexercised vested options are cancelled from 30 to 180 days following the termination date. The following table summarizes activity and information related to stock options for the year ended December 31, 2018: Outstanding Options Non-Vested Options Weighted- Weighted- Average Aggregate Weighted- Average Remaining Intrinsic Average Exercise Contractual Value Grant-Date Shares Price Term (Years) (thousands) Shares Fair Value Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 1,960,459 $ 23.48 5.06 107,273 256,875 $ 31.75 Granted - $ - - $ - Exercised (141,660 ) $ 42.66 - $ - Vested - $ - (206,875 ) $ 31.82 Forfeited/cancelled (9,531 ) $ 35.19 $ - Balances as of December 31, 2018 1,809,268 $ 21.92 4.05 $ 102,625 50,000 $ 31.45 Exercisable as of December 31, 2018 1,759,268 $ 21.20 4.00 $ 101,049 Fully vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2018 1,809,268 $ 21.92 4.05 $ 102,625 Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the closing market price of Nexstar’s common stock on the last day of the fiscal period, which was $78.64 on December 31, 2018, and the stock option exercise prices multiplied by the number of options outstanding. Time-Based Restricted Stock Units The RSUs vest over a range of two to five years from the date of the award. All unvested RSUs are forfeited immediately upon the employee’s termination for any reason other than change of control. The following table summarizes activity and information related to RSUs for the year ended December 31, 2018: Weighted- Average Unvested Grant-Date Shares Fair Value Unvested as of December 31, 2017 1,090,125 $ 63.09 Awarded 525,000 $ 64.42 Vested (310,125 ) $ 61.89 Forfeited/cancelled (48,625 ) $ 63.96 Unvested as of December 31, 2018 1,256,375 $ 63.91 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units The vesting of the PSUs is contingent on the continued service of the grantee and the achievement of specific performance metrics (generally over a three-year period) designated by the Board of Directors of the Company. All unvested PSUs are forfeited immediately upon the employee’s termination for any reason other than change of control. The following table summarizes activity and information related to PSUs for the year ended December 31, 2018: Weighted- Average Unvested Grant-Date Shares Fair Value Unvested as of December 31, 2017 50,000 $ 45.24 Awarded 142,500 $ 67.13 Vested (25,000 ) $ 45.24 Forfeited/cancelled - $ - Unvested as of December 31, 2018 167,500 $ 63.86

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	11. Income Taxes The income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following components for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Current tax expense (benefit): Federal $ 102,516 $ 190,743 $ 12,054 State 29,761 38,499 10,927 132,277 229,242 22,981 Deferred tax (benefit) expense: Federal 7,997 (438,281 ) 53,094 State 4,406 (24,904 ) 1,497 12,403 (463,185 ) 54,591 Income tax (benefit) expense $ 144,680 $ (233,943 ) $ 77,572 The following is a reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to income tax expense for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Federal income tax at the statutory rate $ 111,915 $ 84,476 $ 59,735 State and local taxes, net of federal benefit 27,123 10,676 7,697 Nondeductible compensation 2,858 6,375 709 Nontaxable proceeds on station divestiture - (9,146 ) - Nondeductible earnout payments - - 1,415 Nondeductible acquisition costs - 3,901 12 Nondeductible meals and entertainment 2,047 1,546 504 Nondeductible goodwill impairment 1,532 3,577 5,276 Domestic production activities deduction - (11,178 ) - Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation (750 ) (8,106 ) - Disposition of nondeductible goodwill - 3,279 - Impact of federal tax rate reduction - (322,193 ) - Change in beginning of year valuation allowance 1,430 1,635 - Other (1,475 ) 1,215 2,224 Income tax (benefit) expense $ 144,680 $ (233,943 ) $ 77,572 On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. The Act reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Although the federal corporate income tax rate reduction is only effective for tax periods beginning after December 31, 2017, ASC 740 requires the Company to remeasure the existing net deferred tax liability in the period of enactment. The Act also provides for immediate expensing of 100% of the costs of qualified property that are incurred and placed in service during the period from September 27, 2017 to December 31, 2022. Beginning January 1, 2023, the immediate expensing provision is phased down by 20% per year until it is completely phased out as of January 1, 2027. Additionally, effective January 1, 2018, the Act modifies the executive compensation deduction limitation and imposes possible limitations on the deductibility of interest expense. As a result of these provisions of the Act, the Company’s deduction related to executive compensation and interest expense could be limited in future years. Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), issued by the SEC on December 22, 2017, provides guidance to assist filers in accounting for the impact of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”). SAB 118 outlines the approach companies may take if they determine that the necessary information is not available (in reasonable detail) to evaluate, compute and prepare accounting entries to recognize the effects of the Act by the time the financial statements are required to be filed. Companies may use this approach when the timely determination of some or all of the income tax effect(s) from the Act is incomplete by the due date of the financial statements. The SAB divides items into three different buckets: 1. Items where there is sufficient time and information to complete the accounting as of the reporting date. 2. Items where provisional estimates can be reasonably determined as of the reporting date. 3. Items where a reasonable estimate cannot be determined as of the reporting date. SAB 118 allows filers to make measurement period adjustments for up to 12 months for items where an estimate has been used or a reasonable estimate could not be determined as of the reporting date. The Company completed its analysis through the measurement period. During the measurement period, based upon Treasury Regulations issued in 2018, the deductibility of officer stock compensation under 162(m) was adjusted. There were no other changes. The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) were as follows, as of December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 46,189 $ 51,802 Compensation 14,085 15,574 Rent 1,916 2,173 Pension 30,679 28,033 Other 13,270 12,732 Total deferred tax assets 106,139 110,314 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (3,071 ) (2,155 ) Total deferred tax assets 103,068 108,159 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment (72,703 ) (72,423 ) Other intangible assets (291,673 ) (312,460 ) Goodwill (37,455 ) (31,062 ) FCC licenses (318,562 ) (305,293 ) Other (13,070 ) (4,854 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (733,463 ) (726,092 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (630,395 ) $ (617,933 ) As of December 31, 2018, the Company had a valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets of $3.1 million which was not likely to be realized, an increase of $1.4 million from December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the valuation allowance increased primarily due to the Company’s belief, based upon consideration of the positive and negative evidence, that certain deferred tax assets related to one of the VIEs were not likely to be realized. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's reserve for uncertain tax positions totaled approximately $12.5 million. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 there were $12.5 million, $23.3 million and $3.7 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, respectively, that would reduce the effective tax rate if the underlying tax positions were sustained or settled favorably. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the gross liability for uncertain tax positions is as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Uncertain tax position liability at the beginning of the year $ 23,258 $ 3,677 $ 3,677 Increases resulting from merger transaction 432 22,605 - Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period 45 1,847 - Increases related to tax positions taken during prior periods 1,497 - - Decreases related to tax positions taken during prior periods (12,496 ) (2,440 ) - Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities - (806 ) - Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations (194 ) (1,625 ) - Uncertain tax position liability at the end of the year $ 12,542 $ 23,258 $ 3,677 There can be no assurance that the outcomes from any tax examinations will not have a significant impact on the amount of such liabilities, which could have an impact on the operating results or financial position of the Company. Interest expense and penalties related to the Company’s uncertain tax positions are reflected as a component of income tax benefit (expense) in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. The Company is subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for years after 2014. Additionally, any NOLs that were generated in prior years and utilized in the current year or future years may also be subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Generally, the Company is subject to state tax examination for years after 2014 and any NOLs that were generated in prior years and utilized in the current year or future years may also be subject to examination. The Company has gross federal and state income tax NOL carryforwards of $148.6 million and $301.8 million, respectively, which are available to reduce future taxable income if utilized before their expiration. The federal NOLs expire through 2038 if not utilized. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, generally imposes an annual limitation on the amount of NOLs that may be used to offset taxable income when a corporation has undergone significant changes in stock ownership. Ownership changes are evaluated as they occur and could limit the ability to use NOLs. As of December 31, 2018, the Company does not expect any NOLs to expire as a result of Section 382 limitations. The ability to use NOLs is also dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate taxable income. The NOLs could expire before the Company generates sufficient taxable income. To the extent the Company’s use of NOLs is significantly limited, the Company’s income could be subject to corporate income tax earlier than it would if it were able to use NOLs, which could have a negative effect on the Company’s financial results and operations. Changes in ownership are largely beyond the Company’s control and the Company can give no assurance that it will continue to have realizable NOLs.

FCC Regulatory Matters

FCC Regulatory Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]
FCC Regulatory Matters	12. FCC Regulatory Matters Television broadcasting is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Communications Act”). The Communications Act prohibits the operation of television broadcasting stations except under a license issued by the FCC, and empowers the FCC, among other things, to issue, revoke, and modify broadcasting licenses, determine the location of television stations, regulate the equipment used by television stations, adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of the Communications Act and impose penalties for the violation of such regulations. The FCC’s ongoing rule making proceedings could have a significant future impact on the television industry and on the operation of the Company’s stations and the stations to which it provides services. In addition, the U.S. Congress may act to amend the Communications Act or adopt other legislation in a manner that could impact the Company’s stations, the stations to which it provides services and the television broadcast industry in general. The FCC has adopted rules with respect to the final conversion of existing low power and television translator stations to digital operations, which must be completed by July 2021. Media Ownership The FCC is required to review its media ownership rules every four years and to eliminate those rules it finds no longer serve the “public interest, convenience and necessity.” In August 2016, the FCC adopted a Second Report and Order (the “2016 Ownership Order”) concluding the agency’s 2010 and 2014 quadrennial reviews. The 2016 Ownership Order (1) retained the then-existing local television ownership rule and radio/television cross-ownership rule with minor technical modifications, (2) extended the ban on common ownership of two top-four television stations in a market to network affiliation swaps, (3) retained the then-existing ban on newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership in local markets while considering waivers and providing an exception for failed or failing entities, (4) retained the dual network rule, (5) made JSA relationships attributable interests and (6) defined a category of sharing agreements designated as SSAs between stations and required public disclosure of those SSAs (while not considering them attributable). The 2016 Ownership Order reinstated a rule that attributed another in-market station toward the local television ownership limits when one station owner sells more than 15% of the second station’s weekly advertising inventory under a JSA (this rule had been previously adopted in 2014 but was vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (the “Third Circuit”)). Parties to JSAs entered into prior to March 31, 2014 were permitted to continue to operate under those JSAs until September 30, 2025. Nexstar and other parties filed petitions seeking reconsideration of various aspects of the 2016 Ownership Order. On November 16, 2017, the FCC adopted an order (the “Reconsideration Order”) addressing the petitions for reconsideration. The Reconsideration Order (1) eliminated the rules prohibiting newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership and limiting television/radio cross-ownership, (2) eliminated the requirement that eight or more independently-owned television stations remain in a local market for common ownership of two television stations in that market to be permissible, (3) retained the general prohibition on common ownership of two “top four” stations in a local market but provided for case-by-case review, (4) eliminated the television JSA attribution rule, and (5) retained the SSA definition and disclosure requirement for television stations. These rule modifications took effect on February 7, 2018, when the Third Circuit denied a mandamus petition which had sought to stay their effectiveness. The Reconsideration Order remains subject to appeals before the Third Circuit. In December 2018, the FCC initiated its 2018 quadrennial review with the issuance of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Among other things, the FCC seeks comment on all aspects of the local television ownership rule’s implementation and whether the current version of the rule remains necessary in the public interest. Comments and reply comments in the 2018 quadrennial review are due in the first and second quarters of 2019. The FCC’s media ownership rules limit the percentage of U.S. television households which a party may reach through its attributable interests in television stations to 39% on a nationwide basis. Historically, the FCC has counted the ownership of an ultra-high frequency (“UHF”) station as reaching only 50% of a market’s percentage of total national audience. On August 24, 2016, the FCC adopted a Report and Order abolishing this “UHF discount” for the purposes of a licensee’s determination of compliance with the 39% national cap, and that rule change became effective in October 2016. On April 20, 2017, the FCC adopted an order on reconsideration that reinstated the UHF discount. That order stated that the FCC would launch a comprehensive rulemaking later in 2017 to evaluate the UHF discount together with the national ownership limit. The FCC initiated that proceeding in December 2017, and comments and reply comments were filed in the first and second quarters of 2018. The FCC’s April 2017 reinstatement of the UHF discount became effective on June 15, 2017. A petition for review of the FCC’s order reinstating the UHF discount was filed in a federal appeals court, and Nexstar intervened in the litigation in support of the FCC. On July 25, 2018, the federal court dismissed the appeal for lack of standing. Nexstar is in compliance with the 39% national cap limitation without the UHF discount and, therefore, with the UHF discount as well. Spectrum The FCC is in the process of repurposing a portion of the broadcast television spectrum for wireless broadband use. Pursuant to federal legislation enacted in 2012, the FCC conducted an incentive auction for the purpose of making additional spectrum available to meet future wireless broadband needs. Under the auction statute and rules, certain television broadcasters accepted bids from the FCC to voluntarily relinquish all or part of their spectrum in exchange for consideration, and certain wireless broadband providers and other entities submitted successful bids to acquire the relinquished television spectrum. Over the next several years, television stations that are not relinquishing their spectrum are being “repacked” into the frequency band still remaining for television broadcast use. The incentive auction commenced on March 29, 2016 and officially concluded on April 13, 2017. Ten of Nexstar’s stations and one station owned by Vaughan, a consolidated VIE, accepted bids to relinquish their spectrum. On July 21, 2017, the Company received $478.6 million of gross proceeds from the FCC related to the incentive auction. These were recorded as liability to surrender spectrum asset pending the relinquishment of spectrum assets or conversion from UHF to VHF. Of the 11 total stations that accepted bids, one station went off the air in November 2017 and the associated spectrum asset and liability to surrender spectrum, both amounting to $34.6 million, were derecognized in the fourth quarter of 2017. As a result, the associated spectrum asset and liability to surrender spectrum, both amounting to $314.1 million, were derecognized in the second quarter of 2018. The remaining two stations will move The majority of the Company’s television stations did not accept bids to relinquish their television channels. Of those stations, 61 full power stations owned by Nexstar and 17 full power stations owned by VIEs have been assigned to new channels in the reduced post-auction television band. These “repacked” stations are required to construct and license the necessary technical modifications to operate on their newly assigned channels and must cease operating on their former channels by deadlines which the FCC has established and which are no later than July 13, 2020. Congress has allocated up to an industry-wide total of $2.75 billion to reimburse television broadcasters, MVPDs and other parties for costs reasonably incurred due to the repack. This allocation includes $1 billion added to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018. and Comprehensive Income The reallocation of television spectrum to broadband use may be to the detriment of the Company’s investment in digital facilities, could require substantial additional investment to continue current operations, and may require viewers to invest in additional equipment or subscription services to continue receiving broadcast television signals. The Company cannot predict the impact of the incentive auction and subsequent repacking on its business. Exclusivity/Retransmission Consent On March 3, 2011, the FCC initiated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which among other things asked for comment on eliminating the network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity protection rules, which may permit MVPDs to import out-of-market television stations in certain circumstances. In March 2014, the FCC adopted a further notice of proposed rulemaking which sought additional comment on the elimination or modification of the network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity rules. The FCC’s possible elimination or modification of the network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity protection rules may affect the Company’s ability to sustain its current level of retransmission consent revenues or grow such revenues in the future and could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company cannot predict the resolution of the FCC’s network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity proposals, or the impact of these proposals. On December 5, 2014, federal legislation directed the FCC to commence a rulemaking to “review its totality of the circumstances test for good faith [retransmission consent] negotiations.” The FCC commenced this proceeding in September 2015 and comments and reply comments were submitted. In July 2016, the then-Chairman of the FCC publicly announced that the agency would not adopt additional rules in this proceeding. However, the proceeding remains open. Further, certain online video distributors and other OTTDs have begun streaming broadcast programming over the Internet. In June 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court held that an OTTD’s retransmissions of broadcast television signals without the consent of the broadcast station violate copyright holders’ exclusive right to perform their works publicly as provided under the Copyright Act. In December 2014, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to interpret the term “MVPD” to encompass OTTDs that make available for purchase multiple streams of video programming distributed at a prescheduled time and seeking comment on the effects of applying MVPD rules to such OTTDs. Comments and reply comments were filed in 2015. Although the FCC has not classified OTTDs as MVPDs to date, several OTTDs have signed agreements for retransmission of local stations within their markets and others are actively seeking to negotiate such agreements.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	13. Commitments and Contingencies Merger Agreement with Tribune On November 30, 2018, Nexstar entered into a definitive merger agreement with Tribune to acquire the latter’s outstanding equity and equity-based awards for $46.50 per share in a cash transaction. The estimated total purchase price is valued at $6.4 billion, consisting of the merger cash consideration and the refinancing of Tribune's outstanding debt. The merger has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is projected to close late in the third quarter of 2019, subject to (i) the approval of the merger by the stockholders of Tribune, (ii) FCC approval, (iii) other regulatory approvals (including expiration of the applicable HSR waiting period) and (iv) satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Broadcast Rights Commitments Broadcast rights acquired for cash under license agreements are recorded as an asset and a corresponding liability at the inception of the license period. Future minimum payments for license agreements for which the license period has not commenced and no asset or liability has been recorded are as follows as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2019 $ 46,118 2020 35,731 2021 20,090 2022 12,740 2023 78 $ 114,757 Operating Leases The Company leases office space, vehicles, towers, antenna sites, studio and other operating equipment under noncancelable operating lease arrangements expiring through June 2114. Rent expense recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income 2019 $ 22,179 2020 19,841 2021 16,794 2022 13,573 2023 11,108 Thereafter 37,577 $ 121,072 Capital Leases The Company leases certain equipment, tower facilities and other real estate properties under noncancelable lease arrangements. These contracts were accounted for as capital leases and included in property and equipment (See Note 4). The future minimum lease payments under these agreements as of December 31, 2018 are as follows (in thousands): 2019 $ 1,766 2020 1,795 2021 1,843 2022 1,803 2023 1,818 Thereafter 15,202 24,227 Less: Amount representing interest 7,323 $ 16,904 Guarantee of Mission, Marshall and Shield Debt Nexstar and its subsidiaries guarantee full payment of all obligations incurred under the Mission, Marshall and Shield senior secured credit facilities. In the event that Mission, Marshall or Shield are unable to repay amounts due, Nexstar will be obligated to repay such amounts. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Nexstar would be required to make under these guarantees would be generally limited to the borrowings outstanding. As of December 31, 2018, Mission had a maximum commitment of $227.6 million under its senior secured credit facility, of which $224.6 million of debt was outstanding, Marshall had used all its commitment under its senior secured credit facility and had outstanding obligations of $51.1 million, and Shield had also used all of its commitment and had outstanding obligations of $22.6 million. Based on the terms of the credit agreements, Mission’s outstanding debt is due January 2024, Marshall’s outstanding debt is due December 2019 and Shield’s outstanding debt is due October 2023. Marshall’s debt is included in the current liabilities in the accompanying December 31, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The other debts guaranteed by Nexstar are long-term debt obligations of Mission and Shield. Indemnification Obligations In connection with certain agreements that the Company enters into in the normal course of its business, including local service agreements, business acquisitions and borrowing arrangements, the Company enters into contractual arrangements under which the Company agrees to indemnify the third party to such arrangement from losses, claims and damages incurred by the indemnified party for certain events as defined within the particular contract. Such indemnification obligations may not be subject to maximum loss clauses and the maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification arrangements may be unlimited. Historically, payments made related to these indemnifications have been insignificant and the Company has not incurred significant costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements. Collective Bargaining Agreements As of December 31, 2018, certain technical, production and news employees at 14 of the Company’s stations are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Company believes that employee relations are satisfactory and has not experienced any work stoppages at any of its stations. However, there can be no assurance that the collective bargaining agreements will be renewed in the future or that the Company will not experience a prolonged labor dispute, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, or results of operations. Litigation From time to time, the Company is involved with claims that arise out of the normal course of its business. In the opinion of management, any resulting liability with respect to these claims would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. On March 16, 2018, a group of companies including Nexstar (the “Defendants”) received a Civil Investigative Demand from the Antitrust Division of the DOJ regarding an investigation into the exchange of certain information related to the pacing of sales related to the same period in the prior year among broadcast stations in some DMAs in alleged violation of federal antitrust law. Other Defendants entered into a proposed consent decree with the DOJ on November 6, 2018. Without admitting any wrongdoing, Nexstar agreed to settle the matter with the DOJ on December 5, 2018. The DOJ filed an amended complaint adding Nexstar to the consent decree on December 13, 2018. The consent decree, which settles any claims by the government of alleged violations of federal antitrust laws in connection with the alleged information sharing, does not include any financial penalty. Pursuant to the consent decree, we have agreed not to exchange certain non-public information with other stations operating in the same DMA except in certain cases, to implement certain antitrust compliance measures and to monitor and report on compliance with the consent decree. On July 30, 2018, Clay, Massey & Associates, PC filed an antitrust class action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on behalf of itself and all others similarly situated against Gray Television, Inc., Hearst Communications, Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Tegna Inc., Tribune Media Company and Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. The lawsuit alleges unlawful coordination between broadcast television station owners to artificially increase prices of television spot advertisements in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act (15 U.S.C. §1). Nexstar has since been named in 15 similar complaints, including ten in the Northern District of Illinois, three in the Southern District of New York, and two in the District of Maryland. Each complaint includes similar allegations and claims a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. One, filed in the District of Maryland, also alleges violations of state antitrust and consumer protection statutes and a claim for unjust enrichment. On October 9, 2018, these cases were consolidated in a multi-district litigation in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois captioned In Re: Local TV Advertising Antitrust Litigation

Segment Data

Segment Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Data	14. Segment Data The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on net revenue and operating income. The Company’s broadcast segment includes television stations and related community focused websites that Nexstar owns, operates, programs or provides sales and other services to in various markets across the United States. The other activities of the Company include corporate functions, digital businesses and eliminations. Segment financial information is included in the following tables for the periods presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2018 Broadcast Other Consolidated Net revenue $ 2,612,531 $ 154,165 $ 2,766,696 Depreciation 89,312 20,477 109,789 Amortization of intangible assets 126,850 22,556 149,406 Income (loss) from operations 918,401 (160,622 ) 757,779 Goodwill 2,125,479 42,475 2,167,954 Assets 6,622,604 439,426 7,062,030 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Broadcast Other Consolidated Net revenue $ 2,306,404 $ 125,562 $ 2,431,966 Depreciation 85,913 14,745 100,658 Amortization of intangible assets 147,328 12,172 159,500 Income (loss) from operations 694,967 (189,342 ) 505,625 Goodwill 2,122,935 19,911 2,142,846 Assets 6,723,685 757,962 7,481,647 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Broadcast Other Consolidated Net revenue $ 1,040,704 $ 62,486 $ 1,103,190 Depreciation 44,313 6,987 51,300 Amortization of intangible assets 33,079 13,493 46,572 Income (loss) from operations 372,496 (85,188 ) 287,308 The following table presents the disaggregation of the Company’s revenue under ASC 606 for the periods presented. Comparative 2017 and 2016 revenues are presented in accordance with the Company’s historical accounting standard prior to the adoption of ASC 606 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2018 Broadcast Other Consolidated Local $ 797,709 $ - $ 797,709 National 292,211 - 292,211 Political 251,209 - 251,209 Retransmission compensation 1,121,081 - 1,121,081 Digital 107,054 154,105 261,159 Other 26,425 60 26,485 Trade revenue 16,842 - 16,842 Net revenue $ 2,612,531 $ 154,165 $ 2,766,696 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Broadcast Other Consolidated Local $ 805,360 $ - $ 805,360 National 302,657 - 302,657 Political 26,865 - 26,865 Retransmission compensation 995,790 - 995,790 Digital 101,286 125,466 226,752 Other 17,765 96 17,861 Trade and barter revenue 56,681 - 56,681 Net revenue $ 2,306,404 $ 125,562 $ 2,431,966 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Broadcast Other Consolidated Local $ 344,356 $ - $ 344,356 National 122,319 - 122,319 Political 92,262 - 92,262 Retransmission compensation 394,038 - 394,038 Digital 35,944 62,431 98,375 Other 6,093 55 6,148 Trade and barter revenue 45,692 - 45,692 Net revenue $ 1,040,704 $ 62,486 $ 1,103,190 The Company is a television broadcasting and digital media company focused on the acquisition, development and operation of television stations and interactive community websites and digital media services in medium-sized markets in the United States. Advertising revenue (local, national, political and digital) is positively affected by national and regional political campaigns, and certain events such as the Olympic Games or the Super Bowl. Company stations’ advertising revenue is generally highest in the second and fourth quarters of each year, due in part to increases in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the period leading up to, and including, the holiday season. In addition, advertising revenue is generally higher during even-numbered years when congressional and presidential elections occur, and advertising is aired during the Olympic Games. The Company receives compensation from MVPDs and OTTDs in return for the consent to the retransmission of the signals of its television stations. Retransmission compensation is recognized at the point in time the broadcast signal is delivered to the distributors and is based on Beginning in 2018, the Company no longer recognizes barter revenue (and the related barter expense) resulting from the exchange of advertising time for certain program material. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized barter revenue (and barter expense) of $42.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized barter revenue (and barter expense) of $34.7 million. These are included in the trade and barter revenue line in the tables above.

Condensed Consolidating Financi

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	15. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information The following condensed consolidating financial information presents the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company, including its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its consolidated VIEs. This information is presented in lieu of separate financial statements and other related disclosures pursuant to Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered.” The Nexstar column presents the parent company’s financial information, excluding consolidating entities. The Nexstar Broadcasting column presents the financial information of Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. (“Nexstar Broadcasting”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nexstar and issuer of the 5.625% Notes, the 6.125% Notes and the 5.875% Notes. The Mission column presents the financial information of Mission, an entity which Nexstar Broadcasting is required to consolidate as a VIE (See Note 2). The Non-Guarantors column presents the combined financial information of Nexstar Digital and other VIEs consolidated by Nexstar Broadcasting (See Note 2). Nexstar Broadcasting’s outstanding 5.875% Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by Nexstar, subject to certain customary release provisions. These notes are not guaranteed by any other entities. Nexstar Broadcasting’s outstanding 5.625% Notes and 6.125% Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by Nexstar and Mission, subject to certain customary release provisions. These notes are not guaranteed by any other entities. The indentures governing the 5.625% Notes and the 6.125% Notes are not registered but require consolidating information that presents the guarantor information. As discussed in Note 2, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-15 on a retrospective basis which reclassified the cash flow classification of certain payments for contingent consideration related to an acquisition in 2017 from financing activities to operating activities and payments received for the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance claims from operating activities to investing activities. The Company also adopted ASU No. 2016-18 on a retrospective basis which impacted the cash flow treatment of transfers between cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in 2017. Further, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-07 on a retrospective basis which requires the presentation of the net periodic benefit costs, other than the current service costs, in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations. The effects of these adoptions were reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET As of December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 105,665 $ 10,798 $ 28,652 $ - $ 145,115 Accounts receivable - 466,270 12,857 68,158 - 547,285 Amounts due from consolidated entities - 88,987 77,521 - (166,508 ) - Spectrum asset - 52,002 - - - 52,002 Other current assets - 17,420 1,655 3,598 - 22,673 Total current assets - 730,344 102,831 100,408 (166,508 ) 767,075 Investments in subsidiaries 1,119,605 108,884 - - (1,228,489 ) - Amounts due from consolidated entities 782,365 - - - (782,365 ) - Property and equipment, net - 696,910 19,867 14,833 (72 ) 731,538 Goodwill - 1,970,692 33,187 164,075 - 2,167,954 FCC licenses - 1,620,610 43,102 114,556 - 1,778,268 Other intangible assets, net - 1,365,159 13,712 113,052 - 1,491,923 Other noncurrent assets - 116,660 4,421 4,191 - 125,272 Total assets $ 1,901,970 $ 6,609,259 $ 217,120 $ 511,115 $ (2,177,434 ) $ 7,062,030 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current liabilities: Current portion of debt $ - $ 41,477 $ 2,285 $ 52,331 $ - $ 96,093 Accounts payable - 47,574 2,357 17,897 - 67,828 Amounts due to consolidated entities - - - 166,508 (166,508 ) - Liability to surrender spectrum asset - 52,002 - - - 52,002 Other current liabilities 299 155,023 4,441 28,486 - 188,249 Total current liabilities 299 296,076 9,083 265,222 (166,508 ) 404,172 Debt - 3,641,193 222,354 21,363 - 3,884,910 Amounts due to consolidated entities - 559,057 - 223,519 (782,576 ) - Deferred tax liabilities 62 624,869 - 8,949 - 633,880 Other noncurrent liabilities - 255,228 6,820 8,036 - 270,084 Total liabilities 361 5,376,423 238,257 527,089 (949,084 ) 5,193,046 Total stockholders' equity (deficit) 1,901,609 1,232,836 (21,137 ) (32,184 ) (1,228,350 ) 1,852,774 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated variable interest entities - - - 16,210 - 16,210 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) $ 1,901,970 $ 6,609,259 $ 217,120 $ 511,115 $ (2,177,434 ) $ 7,062,030 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET As of December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 90,860 $ 9,524 $ 15,268 $ - $ 115,652 Accounts receivable - 484,096 14,717 64,130 - 562,943 Amounts due from consolidated entities - 55,417 92,923 - (148,340 ) - Spectrum asset - 279,069 - 26,695 - 305,764 Other current assets - 64,256 2,070 5,533 - 71,859 Total current assets - 973,698 119,234 111,626 (148,340 ) 1,056,218 Investments in subsidiaries 617,297 109,354 - - (726,651 ) - Amounts due from consolidated entities 970,207 - - - (970,207 ) - Property and equipment, net - 697,898 18,454 17,861 (75 ) 734,138 Goodwill - 1,959,386 33,187 150,273 - 2,142,846 FCC licenses - 1,615,830 43,102 108,706 - 1,767,638 Other intangible assets, net - 1,476,297 15,841 89,488 - 1,581,626 Other noncurrent assets - 189,303 2,645 7,233 - 199,181 Total assets $ 1,587,504 $ 7,021,766 $ 232,463 $ 485,187 $ (1,845,273 ) $ 7,481,647 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current liabilities: Current portion of debt $ - $ 36,243 $ 2,314 $ 54,251 $ - $ 92,808 Accounts payable - 24,293 1,090 5,753 - 31,136 Liability to surrender spectrum asset - 286,740 - 27,347 - 314,087 Amounts due to consolidated entities - - - 148,340 (148,340 ) - Other current liabilities - 192,827 13,310 26,535 - 232,672 Total current liabilities - 540,103 16,714 262,226 (148,340 ) 670,703 Debt - 4,024,129 223,428 22,095 - 4,269,652 Amounts due to consolidated entities 714,408 - 256,010 (970,418 ) - Deferred tax liabilities - 613,227 - 6,214 - 619,441 Other noncurrent liabilities - 322,572 7,626 10,343 - 340,541 Total liabilities - 6,214,439 247,768 556,888 (1,118,758 ) 5,900,337 Total Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit) 1,587,504 807,327 (15,305 ) (82,397 ) (726,515 ) 1,570,614 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated variable interest entities - - - 10,696 - 10,696 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) $ 1,587,504 $ 7,021,766 $ 232,463 $ 485,187 $ (1,845,273 ) $ 7,481,647 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Net broadcast revenue (including trade) $ - $ 2,495,780 $ 69,227 $ 201,689 $ - $ 2,766,696 Revenue between consolidated entities 31,758 91,257 39,997 74,367 (237,379 ) - Net revenue 31,758 2,587,037 109,224 276,056 (237,379 ) 2,766,696 Operating expenses (income): Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization - 890,378 40,861 193,061 (6,383 ) 1,117,917 Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization 37,568 559,024 4,965 40,633 (62,257 ) 579,933 Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities - 77,482 55,650 35,607 (168,739 ) - Amortization of broadcast rights - 57,022 1,584 2,736 - 61,342 Amortization of intangible assets - 118,068 2,129 29,209 - 149,406 Depreciation - 99,526 3,171 7,092 - 109,789 Reimbursement from the FCC related to station repack - (23,933 ) (2,818 ) (2,630 ) - (29,381 ) Goodwill and intangible assets impairment - - - 19,911 - 19,911 Total operating expenses 37,568 1,777,567 105,542 325,619 (237,379 ) 2,008,917 (Loss) income from operations (5,810 ) 809,470 3,682 (49,563 ) - 757,779 Interest expense, net - (206,267 ) (11,101 ) (3,626 ) - (220,994 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt - (11,647 ) (452 ) (21 ) - (12,120 ) Pension and other postretirement plans credit, net - 10,755 - - - 10,755 Other expenses - (2,475 ) - - - (2,475 ) Equity in income of subsidiaries 408,006 - - - (408,006 ) - Income (loss) before income taxes 402,196 599,836 (7,871 ) (53,210 ) (408,006 ) 532,945 Income tax (expense) benefit (1,231 ) (153,871 ) 2,042 8,380 - (144,680 ) Net income (loss) 400,965 445,965 (5,829 ) (44,830 ) (408,006 ) 388,265 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 1,212 - 1,212 Net income (loss) attributable to Nexstar $ 400,965 $ 445,965 $ (5,829 ) $ (43,618 ) $ (408,006 ) $ 389,477 Net income (loss) $ 400,965 $ 445,965 $ (5,829 ) $ (44,830 ) $ (408,006 ) $ 388,265 Other comprehensive income: Change in unrecognized amounts included in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax benefit of $7,147 - (20,456 ) - - - (20,456 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) 400,965 425,509 (5,829 ) (44,830 ) (408,006 ) 367,809 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 1,212 - 1,212 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nexstar $ 400,965 $ 425,509 $ (5,829 ) $ (43,618 ) $ (408,006 ) $ 369,021 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter) $ - $ 2,160,330 $ 70,592 $ 201,044 $ - $ 2,431,966 Revenue between consolidated entities - 71,434 36,580 38,272 (146,286 ) - Net revenue - 2,231,764 107,172 239,316 (146,286 ) 2,431,966 Operating expenses (income): Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization - 793,606 35,820 167,690 (3,711 ) 993,405 Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization - 582,314 4,168 43,423 (24,799 ) 605,106 Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities - 51,859 35,500 30,417 (117,776 ) - Amortization of broadcast rights - 92,888 5,645 6,870 - 105,403 Amortization of intangible assets - 137,808 2,422 19,270 - 159,500 Depreciation - 91,791 2,342 6,525 - 100,658 Goodwill and intangible assets impairment 19,985 19,985 Gain on disposal of stations, net - (57,716 ) - - - (57,716 ) Total operating expenses - 1,692,550 85,897 294,180 (146,286 ) 1,926,341 Income (loss) from operations - 539,214 21,275 (54,864 ) - 505,625 Interest expense, net - (226,853 ) (10,135 ) (4,207 ) - (241,195 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt - (32,523 ) (2,133 ) (226 ) - (34,882 ) Pension and other postretirement plans credit, net - 13,120 - - - 13,120 Other expenses - (1,284 ) - - - (1,284 ) Equity in income of subsidiaries 471,363 - - - (471,363 ) - Income (loss) before income taxes 471,363 291,674 9,007 (59,297 ) (471,363 ) 241,384 Income tax benefit (expense) - 219,460 (3,400 ) 17,883 - 233,943 Net income (loss) 471,363 511,134 5,607 (41,414 ) (471,363 ) 475,327 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - (330 ) - (330 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Nexstar $ 471,363 $ 511,134 $ 5,607 $ (41,744 ) $ (471,363 ) $ 474,997 Net income (loss) $ 471,363 $ 511,134 $ 5,607 $ (41,414 ) $ (471,363 ) $ 475,327 Other comprehensive income: Change in unrecognized amounts included in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax of $2,160 - 6,140 - - - 6,140 Total comprehensive income (loss) 471,363 517,274 5,607 (41,414 ) (471,363 ) 481,467 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - (330 ) - (330 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nexstar $ 471,363 $ 517,274 $ 5,607 $ (41,744 ) $ (471,363 ) $ 481,137 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter) $ - $ 939,333 $ 61,402 $ 102,455 $ - $ 1,103,190 Revenue between consolidated entities - 34,436 42,930 11,942 (89,308 ) - Net revenue - 973,769 104,332 114,397 (89,308 ) 1,103,190 Operating expenses: Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization - 284,866 30,278 67,067 (214 ) 381,997 Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization - 246,698 3,611 18,822 (5,525 ) 263,606 Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities - 49,202 18,000 16,367 (83,569 ) - Amortization of broadcast rights - 47,990 5,567 3,588 - 57,145 Amortization of intangible assets - 27,394 2,544 16,634 - 46,572 Depreciation - 45,173 2,400 3,727 - 51,300 Goodwill impairment - 186 - 15,076 - 15,262 Total operating expenses - 701,509 62,400 141,281 (89,308 ) 815,882 Income (loss) from operations - 272,260 41,932 (26,884 ) - 287,308 Interest expense, net - (104,231 ) (10,251 ) (1,599 ) - (116,081 ) Other expenses - (555 ) - - - (555 ) Equity in income of subsidiaries 72,193 - - - (72,193 ) - Income (loss) before income taxes 72,193 167,474 31,681 (28,483 ) (72,193 ) 170,672 Income tax (expense) benefit - (69,149 ) (12,337 ) 3,914 - (77,572 ) Net income (loss) 72,193 98,325 19,344 (24,569 ) (72,193 ) 93,100 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - (1,563 ) - (1,563 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Nexstar 72,193 98,325 19,344 (26,132 ) (72,193 ) 91,537 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nexstar $ 72,193 $ 98,325 $ 19,344 $ (26,132 ) $ (72,193 ) $ 91,537 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Cash flows from operating activities $ - $ 709,446 $ 4,810 $ 22,611 $ - $ 736,867 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment - (93,181 ) (4,044 ) (9,021 ) - (106,246 ) Spectrum repack reimbursements - 23,933 2,818 2,630 - 29,381 Deposits and payments for acquisitions - (103,976 ) - - - (103,976 ) Other investing activities - 5,322 - 5 - 5,327 Net cash used in investing activities - (167,902 ) (1,226 ) (6,386 ) - (175,514 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt - 194,000 - 57,387 - 251,387 Repayments of long-term debt - (590,247 ) (2,310 ) (60,454 ) - (653,011 ) Common stock dividends paid (68,629 ) - - - - (68,629 ) Purchase of treasury stock (50,524 ) - - - - (50,524 ) Inter-company payments 118,121 (118,121 ) - - - - Other financing activities 1,032 (12,371 ) - 226 - (11,113 ) Net cash used in financing activities - (526,739 ) (2,310 ) (2,841 ) - (531,890 ) Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - 14,805 1,274 13,384 - 29,463 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period - 90,860 9,524 15,268 - 115,652 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ - $ 105,665 $ 10,798 $ 28,652 $ - $ 145,115 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Cash flows from operating activities $ - $ 82,532 $ 4,692 $ 21,867 $ - $ 109,091 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment - (62,056 ) (700 ) (9,705 ) - (72,461 ) Deposits and payments for acquisitions - (2,974,454 ) (800 ) - - (2,975,254 ) Proceeds from sale of a station - 481,946 - - - 481,946 Proceeds received to relinquish spectrum 478,608 478,608 Other investing activities - 20,374 100 402 - 20,876 Net cash used in investing activities - (2,055,582 ) (1,400 ) (9,303 ) - (2,066,285 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt - 3,249,575 230,609 53,797 - 3,533,981 Repayments of long-term debt - (1,640,088 ) (227,051 ) (55,190 ) - (1,922,329 ) Premium paid on debt extinguishment - (18,050 ) - - - (18,050 ) Payments for debt financing costs - (48,235 ) (3,804 ) - - (52,039 ) Purchase of noncontrolling interests - (66,901 ) - - - (66,901 ) Payments for contingent consideration - (258,647 ) - (956 ) - (259,603 ) Common stock dividends paid (55,892 ) - - - - (55,892 ) Purchase of treasury stock (99,008 ) - - - - (99,008 ) Inter-company payments 150,844 (150,844 ) - - - - Other financing activities 4,056 (6,529 ) - (319 ) - (2,792 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - 1,060,281 (246 ) (2,668 ) - 1,057,367 Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - (912,769 ) 3,046 9,896 - (899,827 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period - 1,003,629 6,478 5,372 - 1,015,479 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ - $ 90,860 $ 9,524 $ 15,268 $ - $ 115,652 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Cash flows from operating activities $ - $ 274,472 $ 5,370 $ 4,411 $ - $ 284,253 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment - (28,326 ) (241 ) (3,303 ) - (31,870 ) Deposits and payments for acquisitions - (103,970 ) - - - (103,970 ) Other investing activities - 718 - - - 718 Net cash used in investing activities - (131,578 ) (241 ) (3,303 ) - (135,122 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt - 958,000 - - - 958,000 Repayments of long-term debt - (73,155 ) (2,335 ) (4,650 ) - (80,140 ) Common stock dividends paid (29,445 ) - - - - (29,445 ) Payments for debt financing costs - (20,024 ) (683 ) - - (20,707 ) Inter-company payments 28,220 (28,220 ) - - - - Other financing activities 1,225 (3,358 ) - (2,643 ) - (4,776 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - 833,243 (3,018 ) (7,293 ) - 822,932 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - 976,137 2,111 (6,185 ) - 972,063 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period - 27,492 4,367 11,557 - 43,416 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ - $ 1,003,629 $ 6,478 $ 5,372 $ - $ 1,015,479

Unaudited Quarterly Data

Unaudited Quarterly Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Data	16. Unaudited Quarterly Data Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2018 2018 2018 2018 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net revenue $ 615,336 $ 660,323 $ 693,015 798,022 Income from operations 117,616 174,494 192,893 272,776 Income before income taxes 64,845 119,870 135,071 213,159 Net income attributable to Nexstar 48,122 87,732 100,514 153,109 Basic net income per common share $ 1.04 $ 1.92 $ 2.21 $ 3.36 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 46,075 45,631 45,552 45,619 Diluted net income per common share $ 1.01 $ 1.86 $ 2.12 $ 3.22 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 47,685 47,147 47,338 47,482 Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2017 2017 2017 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net revenue $ 540,317 $ 626,115 $ 611,870 $ 653,664 Income from operations 107,520 135,529 125,916 136,660 (Loss) income before income taxes (997 ) 80,777 74,085 87,519 Net income attributable to Nexstar 6,049 43,992 46,475 378,481 Basic net income per common share $ 0.14 $ 0.94 $ 1.01 $ 8.27 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 44,200 46,931 46,107 45,754 Diluted net income per common share $ 0.13 $ 0.91 $ 0.98 $ 8.03 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 45,419 48,195 47,452 47,149 As discussed in Note 2, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-07 on a retrospective basis which requires the presentation of the net periodic benefit costs, other than the current service costs, in the income statement separately and outside the subtotal of income from operations. The effects of this adoption in fiscal year 2017 are reflected in the unaudited quarterly data table above.

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	17. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Rollforward Additions Balance at Charged to Balance at Beginning Costs and End of of Period Expenses Deductions (1) Period Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 13,358 $ 10,707 $ (10,907 ) $ 13,158 Year Ended December 31, 2017 5,805 10,263 (2,710 ) 13,358 Year Ended December 31, 2016 5,369 4,160 (3,724 ) 5,805 (1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	18. Subsequent Events On January 25, 2019, Nexstar’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.45 per share of its Class A common stock. The dividend was paid on February 22, 2019 to stockholders of record on February 8, 2019. On January 28, 2019, Nexstar completed the acquisition of KHII and paid the remaining purchase price of $ 6.4

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Nexstar and the accounts of independently-owned VIEs for which Nexstar is the primary beneficiary (See Note 2—Variable Interest Entities). Nexstar and the consolidated VIEs are collectively referred to as the “Company.” Noncontrolling interests represent the VIE owners’ share of the equity in the consolidated VIEs and are presented as a component separate from Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity. All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Nexstar management evaluates each arrangement that may include variable interests and determines the need to consolidate an entity where it determines Nexstar is the primary beneficiary of a VIE in accordance with related authoritative literature and interpretive guidance. On December 17, 2018, Nexstar became the primary beneficiary of its variable interest in the station KHII (formerly KFVE) As of December 31, the following are assets of consolidated VIEs, excluding intercompany amounts, that are not available to settle the obligations of Nexstar and the liabilities of consolidated VIEs, excluding intercompany amounts, for which their creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Nexstar (in thousands): 2018 2017 Current assets Spectrum asset $ - $ 26,695 Other current assets 20,898 22,038 Total current assets 20,898 48,733 Property and equipment, net 10,994 7,517 Goodwill 121,600 130,362 FCC licenses 157,658 151,808 Other intangible assets, net 75,513 81,916 Other noncurrent assets, net 3,652 6,543 Total assets $ 390,315 $ 426,879 Current Liabilities Liability to surrender spectrum asset $ - $ 27,347 Other current liabilities 17,594 24,146 Total current liabilities 17,594 51,493 Noncurrent liabilities 27,542 30,339 Total liabilities $ 45,136 $ 81,832
Liquidity	Liquidity The Company is leveraged, which makes it vulnerable to changes in general economic conditions. The Company’s ability to repay or refinance its debt will depend on, among other things, financial, business, market, competitive and other conditions, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. On November 30, 2018, Nexstar entered into a definitive merger agreement with Tribune Media Company (“Tribune”) to acquire the latter’s outstanding equity and to settle the outstanding equity-based awards for $46.50 per share in a cash transaction. The estimated total purchase price is valued at $6.4 billion, consisting of the merger cash consideration and the refinancing of Tribune's outstanding debt. The merger has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is projected to close late in the third quarter of 2019, subject to (i) the approval of the merger by the stockholders of Tribune, (ii) FCC approval, (iii) other regulatory approvals (including expiration of the applicable Hart-Scott-Rodino “HSR” waiting period) and (iv) satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants contained in the amended credit agreements governing its senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing the 6.125% senior unsecured notes due 2022 (“6.125% Notes”), the 5.625% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (“5.625% Notes”) and the 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2022 (“5.875% Notes”).
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities The Company may determine that an entity is a VIE as a result of local service agreements entered into with an entity. The term local service agreement generally refers to a contract between two separately owned television stations serving the same market, whereby the owner-operator of one station contracts with the owner-operator of the other station to provide it with administrative, sales and other services required for the operation of its station. Nevertheless, the owner-operator of each station retains control and responsibility for the operation of its station, including ultimate responsibility over all programming broadcast on its station. A local service agreement can be (1) a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) or a local marketing agreement (“LMA”) which allows Nexstar to program most of a station’s broadcast time, sell the station’s advertising time and retain the advertising revenue generated in exchange for monthly payments, based on the station’s monthly operating expenses, (2) a shared services agreement (“SSA”) which allows the Nexstar station in the market to provide services including news production, technical maintenance and security, in exchange for Nexstar’s right to receive certain payments as described in the SSA, or (3) a joint sales agreement (“JSA”) which permits Nexstar to sell certain of the station’s advertising time and retain a percentage of the related revenue, as described in the JSA. Consolidated VIEs Nexstar consolidates entities in which Nexstar is deemed under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) to have controlling financial interests for financial reporting purposes as a result of (1) local service agreements Nexstar has with the stations owned by these entities, (2) Nexstar’s guarantees of the obligations incurred under certain VIEs’ senior secured credit facilities (see Note 7), (3) Nexstar having power over significant activities affecting these VIEs’ economic performance, including budgeting for advertising revenue, certain advertising sales and, in some cases, hiring and firing of sales force personnel and (4) purchase options granted by each VIE, exclusive of Marshall Broadcasting Group, Inc. (“Marshall”), which permit Nexstar to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each of the VIEs’ stations, subject to Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) consent. In connection with an agreement to acquire the MNTV affiliated television station KHII from HITV License Subsidiary, Inc. (“HITV”), Nexstar began providing programming and sales services to the station effective November 1, 2018. On December 17, 2018, the FCC approved Nexstar’s acquisition of the station. Nexstar evaluated its business arrangement with KHII and determined that it has a variable interest in the station. Nexstar has also determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest because it has the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the station including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Thus, Nexstar consolidated KHII as of December 17, 2018 under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. The assets that were consolidated into Nexstar included the licensed assets and network affiliation agreement of KHII but were attributed to the owner of the station at the time (noncontrolling interest). On January 28, 2019, Nexstar completed the acquisition of the station. The following table summarizes the various local service agreements Nexstar had in effect as of December 31, 2018 with its consolidated VIEs: Service Agreements Owner Full Power Stations TBA Only Mission Broadcasting, Inc. (“Mission”) WFXP, KHMT and KFQX HITV KHII, KGMD, KGMV LMA Only WNAC, LLC WNAC 54 Broadcasting, Inc. (“54 Broadcasting”) KNVA SSA & JSA Mission KJTL, KLRT, KASN, KOLR, KCIT, KAMC, KRBC, KSAN, WUTR, WAWV, WYOU, KODE, WTVO, KTVE, WTVW and WVNY White Knight Broadcasting (“White Knight”) WVLA, KFXK, KSHV Shield Media, LLC (“Shield”) WXXA and WLAJ Vaughan Media, LLC (“Vaughan”) WBDT, WYTV and KTKA Marshall KLJB, KPEJ and KMSS SSA Only Tamer Media, LLC (“Tamer”) KWBQ, KASY and KRWB Nexstar’s ability to receive cash from Mission, Marshall, White Knight, Shield, Tamer, Vaughan, WNAC, LLC, 54 Broadcasting and HITV is governed by the local service agreements. Under these agreements, Nexstar has received substantially all of the consolidated VIEs’ available cash, after satisfaction of operating costs and debt obligations. Nexstar anticipates it will continue to receive substantially all of the consolidated VIEs’ available cash, after satisfaction of operating costs and debt obligations. In compliance with FCC regulations for all the parties, Mission, Marshall, White Knight, Shield, Tamer, Vaughan, WNAC, LLC, 54 Broadcasting and HITV maintain complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances, personnel and operations of their stations. Nexstar had a variable interest in KRBK, LLC, the owner of station KRBK, upon execution of a TBA effective August 1, 2018 and a purchase agreement to acquire the assets of the station. Nexstar evaluated its business arrangement with KRBK, LLC and determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the variable interest because it had the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the station including developing the annual operating budget, selling advertising, and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Thus, Nexstar consolidated KRBK as of August 1, 2018 under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. The assets that were consolidated into Nexstar included the licensed assets and network affiliation agreement of KRBK but were attributed to the owner of the station at the time (noncontrolling interest). On October 17, 2018, Nexstar received approval from the FCC to acquire the licensed assets of the station. On November 1, 2018, Nexstar paid the former owner of the remaining purchase price, acquired the full balance of the noncontrolling interest and completed the acquisition. As of this date, KRBK is no longer a VIE. See Note 3 for additional information. The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities, excluding intercompany amounts, of the VIEs which have been included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,060 $ 17,180 Accounts receivable, net 22,725 24,407 Spectrum asset - 26,695 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,423 6,762 Total current assets 46,208 75,044 Property and equipment, net 30,861 25,971 Goodwill 154,787 163,549 FCC licenses 157,658 151,808 Other intangible assets, net 89,225 97,757 Other noncurrent assets, net 8,073 9,443 Total assets $ 486,812 $ 523,572 Current liabilities: Current portion of debt $ 54,616 $ 56,565 Interest payable 345 994 Liability to surrender spectrum asset - 27,347 Other current liabilities 17,594 24,146 Total current liabilities 72,555 109,052 Debt 243,717 245,523 Other noncurrent liabilities 27,542 30,594 Total liabilities $ 343,814 $ 385,169 Non-Consolidated VIEs Nexstar has an outsourcing agreement with Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (“Cunningham”), which continues through December 31, 2020. Under the outsourcing agreement, Nexstar provides certain engineering, production, sales and administrative services for WYZZ, the FOX affiliate in the Peoria, Illinois market, through WMBD, the Nexstar television station in that market. During the term of the outsourcing agreement, Nexstar retains the broadcasting revenue and related expenses of WYZZ and is obligated to pay a monthly fee to Cunningham based on the combined operating cash flow of WMBD and WYZZ, as defined in the agreement. Nexstar has determined that it has a variable interest in WYZZ. Nexstar has evaluated its arrangements with Cunningham and has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest in this station because it does not have the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the station’s economic performance, including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Therefore, Nexstar has not consolidated WYZZ under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. Under the local service agreement for WYZZ, Nexstar pays for certain operating expenses, and therefore may have unlimited exposure to any potential operating losses. Nexstar’s management believes that Nexstar’s minimum exposure to loss under the WYZZ agreement consists of the fees paid to Cunningham. Additionally, Nexstar indemnifies the owners of Cunningham from and against all liability and claims arising out of or resulting from its activities, acts or omissions in connection with the agreement. The maximum potential amount of future payments Nexstar could be required to make for such indemnification is undeterminable at this time. There were no significant transactions arising from Nexstar’s outsourcing agreement with Cunningham. In connection with an agreement to acquire WHDF from Huntsville TV, LLC, Nexstar began providing programming and sales services to the station effective July 15, 2018. As the TBA terminated upon Nexstar’s completion of its acquisition of WHDF on November 9, 2018, WHDF is no longer considered a VIE.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Certain prior year financial statement amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and use assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure for contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant estimates made by management include those relating to the allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation related to business combinations, including assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contingent consideration liability and any other assets or liabilities recognized from these transactions, retransmission revenue recognized, trade transactions, pension and postretirement obligations, income taxes, the recoverability of goodwill, FCC licenses and other long-lived assets, the recoverability of broadcast rights and the useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets. Actual results may vary from such estimates recorded.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company’s accounts receivable consist primarily of billings to its customers for advertising broadcast on its stations or placed on its websites, for retransmission consent from cable or satellite operators, for digital publishing and content management, digital video advertising, social media advertising and related services. Trade receivables normally have terms of 30 days and the Company has no interest provision for customer accounts that are past due. The Company maintains an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. Management periodically evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors, including customer payment history, known customer circumstances, the overall aging of customer balances and trends. In circumstances where management is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, an allowance is recorded to reduce the receivable amount to an amount estimated to be collectable.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and accounts receivable. Cash deposits are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits; however, the Company believes these deposits are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and are not subject to any unusual credit risk. A significant portion of the Company’s accounts receivable is due from local and national advertising agencies. The Company does not require collateral from its customers but maintains reserves for potential credit losses. Management believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate, but if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, additional allowances may be required. The Company has not experienced significant losses related to receivables from individual customers or by geographical area.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition As discussed in Recent Accounting Pronouncements below, the Company adopted the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and all related amendments. ASC 606 establishes a comprehensive new revenue recognition model designed to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services and requires significantly enhanced revenue disclosures. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method as applied to customer contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. As a result, financial information for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 is presented under ASC 606, while comparative financial information has not been adjusted and continues to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historical accounting policy for revenue recognition prior to the adoption of ASC 606. The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from the sale of advertising and the compensation received from traditional multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”), such as cable and satellite providers, as well as over-the-top video distributors (“OTTDs”), companies that provide video content through internet streaming, in return for the Company’s consent to the retransmission of the signals of its television stations. Total revenue includes advertising revenue, retransmission compensation, digital revenue and other broadcast related revenues. The Company’s contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is generally determined based on the price charged to customers. The Company also determines whether gross or net presentation is appropriate based on its relationship in the applicable transaction with its ultimate customer. Any amounts paid by customers but not earned as of the balance sheet date are recorded as a contract liability (deferred revenue). The lag between billing the customers and when the payment is due is not significant. The stations’ advertising contracts are short-term in nature and include a number of spots that are delivered over the term of the arrangement. For broadcast of commercials (local, national and political advertising), the performance obligation is identified at the contract level as it represents a station’s promise to deliver an agreed number of spots, an agreed price per spot and other specifications. Each performance obligation is satisfied over time as the advertiser receives and consumes benefits when a station airs the advertiser’s commercial. For digital advertising, the performance obligation is a station’s promise to place an advertisement in its website and is satisfied either based on impressions or the placement of ads over an agreed period of time. Advertising revenue is recognized, for the amount the Company is entitled to receive, when the advertisements are broadcast on its stations or delivered on the stations’ websites. The Company’s retransmission consent agreements with MVPDs and OTTDs generally have a three-year term and provide revenue based on a monthly amount the Company is entitled to receive per subscriber. Under ASC 606, these revenues are considered arising from the licensing of functional intellectual property. As such, the Company applies the exception for sales- or usage-based royalty for the accounting of variable consideration and recognizes revenue (retransmission compensation) at the point in time the broadcast signal is delivered to the distributors . The distributors report their subscriber numbers to the Company on a 30- to 60-day lag, which coincides with their payment of the fees due to the Company. Prior to receiving the report, the Company records revenue based on estimated number of subscribers and the monthly amount the Company is entitled to receive per subscriber. The impact of the lag in the number of subscribers is not significant. Revenue from the Company’s other digital businesses includes revenue from digital publishing and content management platforms, a digital video advertising platform, a social media advertising platform and related services. Revenue is recognized at the time advertising is delivered or upon performance of services. The Company applies the right to invoice practical expedient to certain transactions where the invoice amount corresponds directly with the value to its customers. Most of the arrangements with customers are short-term in nature. The Company trades certain advertising time for various goods and services. These transactions are short-term in nature and are recorded at the estimated fair value of the goods or services received. Revenue from trade transactions is recognized when the related advertisement spots are broadcast. The Company recorded $16.8 million, $14.2 million and $11.0 million of trade revenue during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 respectively. Trade expense is recognized when services or merchandise received are used. The Company recorded $16.5 million, $14.5 million and $10.8 million of trade expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which were included in direct operating expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The above revenue recognition policies are consistent with the Company’s historical accounting policies prior to the adoption of ASC 606. Effective on January 1, 2018, the Company no longer recognizes barter revenue (and the related barter expense) resulting from the exchange of advertising time for certain program material. During the year ended December 31, 2017, barter revenue (and the related barter expense) were $42.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, barter revenue (and the related barter expense) were $34.7 million. Barter expense was included in amortization of broadcast rights in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. Under the Company’s historical accounting policy prior to the adoption of ASC 606, barter revenue (and the related barter expense) would have been $41.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, the current barter assets (and the related current barter liabilities) would have been $8.7 million, and the noncurrent barter assets (and the related noncurrent barter liabilities) would have been $8.1 million as of December 31, 2018. The Company elected to utilize the practical expedient around costs incurred to obtain contracts for television advertising and digital advertising due to their short-term nature. Additionally, the incremental benefit from efforts in acquiring these contracts is considered not significant. Thus, the Company continued to expense sales commissions when incurred. The Company did not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations on its contracts with customers because they are either (i) contracts with an original expected term of one year or less, (ii) contracts for which the sales- or usage-based royalty exception was applied, or (iii) contracts for which revenue is recognized in proportion to the amount the Company has the right to invoice for services performed. The Company’s contract liabilities, which are reflected in its Consolidated Financial Statements as accrued expenses and other liabilities, consist primarily of customer payments for products or services received before the transfer of control to the customer occurs (deferred revenue). The Company’s performance obligations related to contract liabilities of $5.4 million as of January 1, 2018 were recognized as revenue during the first quarter of 2018. The Company’s performance obligations related to contract liabilities of $2.3 million as of December 31, 2018 are expected to be recognized as revenue in the first quarter of 2019. See Note 14 for disaggregated revenue information.
Broadcast Rights and Broadcast Rights Payable	Broadcast Rights and Broadcast Rights Payable The Company records broadcast rights contracts as an asset and a liability when the following criteria are met: (1) the license period has begun, (2) the cost of each program is known or reasonably determinable, (3) the program material has been accepted in accordance with the license agreement, and (4) the program is produced and available for broadcast. Cash broadcast rights are initially recorded at the contract cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period the programming airs. The current portion of cash broadcast rights represents those rights available for broadcast which will be amortized in the succeeding year. The Company periodically evaluates the net realizable value, calculated using the average historical rates for the programs or the time periods the programming will air, of cash broadcast rights and adjusts the amortization for any deficiency calculated. Effective on January 1, 2018, the Company no longer recognizes barter broadcast rights and barter broadcast rights payable resulting from the exchange of advertising time for certain program material. See Revenue Recognition policy above for additional information.
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment is stated at cost or estimated fair value at the date of acquisition through a business combination. The cost and related accumulated depreciation applicable to assets sold or retired are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposition is recognized. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized, and ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to expense in the period incurred. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (see Note 4).
Intangible Assets, Net	Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill, FCC licenses, network affiliation agreements, developed technology and customer relationships arising from acquisitions. The Company accounts for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that purchase prices, including any contingent consideration, are measured at acquisition date fair values. These purchase prices are allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at estimated fair values at the date of acquisition using various valuation techniques, including discounted projected cash flows, the cost approach and the income approach. The fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company records adjustments related to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Company’s goodwill and FCC licenses are considered to be indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually in the Company’s fourth quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. The use of an indefinite life for FCC licenses contemplates the Company’s historical ability to renew its licenses such that renewals generally may be obtained indefinitely and at little cost. Therefore, cash flows derived from the FCC licenses are expected to continue indefinitely. Network affiliation agreements are subject to amortization computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 15 years . The 15-year life assumes affiliation contracts will be renewed upon expiration. Changes in the likelihood of renewal could require a change in the useful life of such assets and cause an acceleration of amortization. The Company evaluates the remaining lives of its network affiliations whenever changes occur in the likelihood of affiliation contract renewals, and at least on an annual basis. The Company aggregates its television stations into a single broadcast business reporting unit for purposes of goodwill impairment tests because of their similar economic characteristics. In January 2018, the Likqid Media Inc. (“LKQD”) (See Note 3). The reporting units within the Company’s digital business are not economically similar, and therefore, not aggregated. The Company first assesses the qualitative factors to determine the likelihood of the goodwill and FCC licenses being impaired. The qualitative analysis includes, but is not limited to, assessing the changes in macroeconomic conditions, regulatory environment, industry and market conditions, and the financial performance versus budget of the reporting units, as well as any other events or circumstances specific to the reporting units or the FCC licenses. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill or a station’s FCC license is greater than its carrying amount, no further testing will be required. Otherwise, the Company will apply the quantitative impairment test method. The quantitative impairment test for goodwill is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The quantitative impairment test for FCC licenses consists of a market-by-market comparison of the carrying amounts of FCC licenses with their fair value, using a discounted cash flow analysis. An impairment is recorded when the carrying value of an FCC license exceeds its fair value. Determining the fair value of reporting units and FCC licenses requires management to make a number of judgments about assumptions and estimates that are highly subjective and that are based on unobservable inputs. The actual results may differ from these assumptions and estimates, and it is possible that such differences could have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition to the various inputs (i.e. market growth, operating profit margins, discount rates) used to calculate the fair value of reporting units and FCC licenses, the Company evaluates the reasonableness of its assumptions by comparing the total fair value of all its reporting units to its total market capitalization; and by comparing the fair values of its reporting units and FCC licenses to recent market television station sale transactions. The Company tests finite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable, relying on a number of factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections and anticipated future cash flows. The impairment test for finite-lived intangible assets consists of an asset (asset group) comparison of the carrying amount with its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. An impairment in the carrying amount of a finite-lived intangible asset is recognized when the expected discounted future operating cash flow derived from the operation to which the asset relates is less than its carrying value.
Debt Financing Costs	Debt Financing Costs Debt financing costs represent direct costs incurred to obtain long-term financing and are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Previously capitalized debt financing costs are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if the Company determines that there has been a substantial modification of the related debt. Deferred financing costs related to term loans and senior unsecured notes are combined with debt discounts and presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt. Debt financing costs related to revolving credit facilities are included in other noncurrent assets.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income The Company’s comprehensive income consists of net income and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses on its pension and postretirement liabilities, net of income tax adjustments.
Advertising Expense	Advertising Expense The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred. The Company incurred advertising costs in the amount of $8.2 million, $9.2 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, of which the majority was recognized in trade expense.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments The Company utilizes the following categories to classify the valuation methodologies for fair values of financial assets and liabilities: Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities; Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity). The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable, broadcast rights, accounts payable, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. See Note 3 for fair value disclosures of spectrum asset and contingent consideration liability (CVR) in connection with Nexstar’s merger with Media General, Inc. (“Media General”). See Note 7 for fair value disclosures related to the Company’s debt. Certain investments held in the pension and other post retirement plans have been valued using net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient for fair value. In accordance with ASC 820, investments measured at NAV are excluded from the fair value hierarchy. See Note 8 for fair value disclosures related to retirement and postretirement plans.
Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefits	Pension plans and postretirement benefits A determination of the liabilities and cost of the Company’s pension and other postretirement plans requires the use of assumptions. The actuarial assumptions used in the Company’s pension and postretirement reporting are reviewed annually with independent actuaries and are compared with external benchmarks, historical trends and the Company’s own experience to determine that its assumptions are reasonable. The assumptions used in developing the required estimates include the following key factors: discount rates, expected return on plan assets, mortality rates, retirement rates and expected contributions. The amount by which the projected benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of the pension plan assets is recorded in other noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. As discussed under Recent Accounting Pronouncements, as of January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2017-07 . Under
Company-owned Life Insurance	Company-owned Life Insurance The Company owns life insurance policies on certain executives, current employees, former employees and retirees. These policies were assumed from a past acquisition. Management considers these policies to be operating assets. Cash surrender values of life insurance policies are presented net of policy loans. Borrowings and repayments against company-owned life insurance are reflected in the operating activities section of the statement of cash flows. Under ASU No. 2016-15, payments received for the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance claims are now required to be disclosed within investing activities. Accordingly, amounts previously reported in fiscal year 2017 as a source of cash from operating activities have been reclassified to investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Nexstar maintains stock-based employee and non-employee compensation plans which are described more fully in Note 10. The Company calculates the grant-date fair value of employee and non-employee stock options using the Black-Scholes model. The fair values of time-based and performance-based restricted stock units are based on the number of shares awarded and market price of the stock on the date of award. These amounts are recognized into selling, general and administrative expense over the vesting period of the options or the time-based restricted stock units, and for performance-based restricted stock units, when it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved. The excess or shortage of tax deductions over the compensation cost of stock-based payments is recognized as income tax benefit or income tax expense, respectively.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is applied against net deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Nexstar and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Mission, Marshall, White Knight and 54 Broadcasting file their own separate federal income tax returns. Shield, Vaughan, Tamer and WNAC are disregarded entities for tax purposes and do not incur tax within the consolidated financial statements. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company recognizes interest and penalties relating to income taxes within income tax expense.
Income Per Share	Income Per Share Basic income per share is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares are calculated using the treasury stock method. They consist of stock options and restricted stock units outstanding during the period and reflect the potential dilution that could occur if common shares were issued upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units. The following table shows the amounts used in computing the Company’s diluted shares during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 45,718 45,754 30,687 Dilutive effect of equity incentive plan instruments 1,694 1,395 977 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 47,412 47,149 31,664 The Company has outstanding stock options and restricted stock units to acquire 21,000, 153,000 and 351,000 weighted average shares of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, the effects of which are excluded from the calculation of dilutive income per share, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.
Segments	Segments Nexstar operates in one reportable television broadcast segment. The other activities of the Company include corporate functions, digital businesses and eliminations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Standards Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The Company adopted this standard and all related amendments effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method as applied to customer contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Upon adoption of this standard, the cumulative adjustment to the Company’s retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 for the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2016-15”). The amendments in ASU 2016-15 address eight specific cash flow issues and apply to all entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under FASB Accounting Standards Codification 230, Statement of Cash Flows. The amendments in ASU 2016-15 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has applied the change in accounting as of January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis. This adoption impacted Nexstar’s previous financing activity classification of payments for contingent consideration in 2017 related to an acquisition. The payment was not made soon after the consummation of a business combination and includes an amount that is more than the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration liability. Under ASU 2016-15, this portion of the transaction should be classified as an operating activity in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The adoption also impacted Nexstar’s disclosure of payments received for the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance claims within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows during the year ended December 31, 2017. The payments were previously reported as a source of cash from operating activities and are now required to be disclosed within investing activities, as indicated in the third table below. ASU No 2016-15 did not impact the Company’s cash flow presentations during the year ended December 31, 2016. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU 2016-18”), which provides guidance on the presentation of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has applied the change in accounting as of January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis. This adoption impacted the following transactions and balances during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016: 2016 Transactions 2016 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Previous Presentation) In July 2016, Nexstar issued its $900.0 million 5.625% Notes at par, the gross proceeds of which were directly deposited into a restricted escrow account. No cash flow from issuance of long-term debt was reported in the financing activities due to direct deposit of proceeds into a restricted escrow account not owned by Nexstar. Instead, the transaction was reported as a supplemental information for non-cash investing and financing activity. In 2016, Nexstar pre-funded the interest on the 5.625% Notes totaling $26.7 million, also deposited into the restricted escrow account. $21.7 million of the pre-funded interest was previously reported as a use of cash from change in prepaid expenses and other current assets. This amount was also included in the supplemental information of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, under the caption Interest Paid. The remaining $5.1 million was previously reported In 2016, Nexstar earned $1.1 million in interest income from the escrow deposit. The income was previously presented as an adjustment against net income and reduced net cash provided by operating activities As of December 31, 2016, the restricted escrow account had a balance of $927.8 million. Not previously included in the cash balance at the end of period. 2017 Transactions 2017 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Previous Presentation) In January 2017, the funds previously deposited in a restricted escrow account totaling $927.8 million were released to Nexstar’s and were deposited into Nexstar’s operating cash. (i) $21.6 million source of cash from change in prepaid expenses and other current assets, (ii) $1.1 million source of cash from change in other noncurrent assets, (iii) $5.1 million source of cash from investing activities, and (iv) $900.0 million reported as proceeds from issuance of long-term debt under financing activities On February 1, 2017, Nexstar paid the first semi-annual interest due to the lenders of the 5.625% Notes of $25.9 million. No cash flow reported in 2017 for the payment of interest on the 5.625% Notes as the cash flow impact was reported in 2016 when the pre-funding was made Under ASU 2016-18, transfers between cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents are not part of an entity’s operating, investing and financing activities, and details of those transfers are not reported as cash flow activities in the statement of cash flows. As such, the previous classifications in the 2017 and 2016 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows related to these transactions were reversed . Additionally, the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of December 31, 2016 increased. Also, the supplemental cash flow information for interest paid increased in 2017 and decreased in 2016. The supplemental information for non-cash investing and financing activities in 2016 related to the issuance of 5.625% Notes directly deposited into an escrow account decreased. The following tables summarize the line items in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows that were impacted by the adoption of ASU 2016-15 and ASU 2016-18 along with reclassifications to conform with current year presentation (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2017 Previously Adjustments for adoption of Current Reported ASU 2016-15 ASU 2016-18 Reclassifications Presentation Cash flows from operating activities: Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition $ - $ (4,044 ) $ - $ - $ (4,044 ) Other non-cash credits (1,617 ) - - (1,874 ) (3,491 ) Accounts receivable (55,819 ) (850 ) - - (56,669 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 22,825 - (21,656 ) - 1,169 Other noncurrent assets (278 ) - (1,080 ) 1,874 516 Net cash provided by operating activities 136,721 (4,894 ) (22,736 ) - 109,091 Cash flows from investing activities: Withdrawal of interest previously deposited in escrow 5,063 - (5,063 ) - - Proceeds received from corporate-owned life insurance policies - 850 - 850 Net cash used in investing activities (2,062,072 ) 850 (5,063 ) - (2,066,285 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 4,433,981 - (900,000 ) - 3,533,981 Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition (263,647 ) 4,044 - - (259,603 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 1,953,323 4,044 (900,000 ) - 1,057,367 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 27,972 - (927,799 ) - (899,827 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 87,680 - 927,799 - 1,015,479 Supplemental information: Interest paid $ 213,683 $ - $ 25,875 $ - $ 239,558 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Previously Adjustments for adoption of Current Reported ASU 2016-15 ASU 2016-18 Reclassifications Presentation Cash flows from operating activities: Income from escrow deposit $ (1,080 ) $ - $ 1,080 $ - $ - Prepaid expenses and other current assets (28,628 ) - 21,656 - (6,972 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 261,517 - 22,736 - 284,253 Cash flows from investing activities: Prepaid interest deposited in escrow (5,063 ) - 5,063 - - Net cash used in investing activities (140,185 ) - 5,063 - (135,122 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 58,000 - 900,000 - 958,000 Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (77,068 ) - 900,000 - 822,932 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 44,264 - 927,799 - 972,063 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 87,680 - 927,799 - 1,015,479 Supplemental information: Interest paid 99,917 - (21,656 ) - 78,261 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Proceeds from the issuance of debt directly deposited into escrow $ 900,000 $ - $ (900,000 ) $ - $ - In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 provides clarification on the definition of a business and adds guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. To be considered a business under the new guidance, it must include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output. The amendment removes the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and will be applied prospectively. The Company has applied the change in accounting as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”). ASU 2017-07 requires entities to (1) disaggregate the current-service-cost component from the other components and present it with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement and (2) present the other components elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. In addition, ASU 2017-07 requires entities to disclose the income statement lines that contain the other components if they are not presented on appropriately described separate lines. The amendment should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component. ASU 2017-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has applied the change in accounting as of January 1, 2018. Accordingly, net periodic benefit income, excluding service costs, of $13.1 The adoption of this ASU did not impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Scope of Modification Accounting (“ASU 2017-09”). ASU 2017-09 clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The new guidance will reduce diversity in practice and result in fewer changes to the terms of an award being accounted for as modifications. Under ASU 2017-09, an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if the award’s fair value, vesting conditions and classification as an equity or liability instrument are the same immediately before and after the change. ASU 2017-09 will be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the adoption date. ASU 2017-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has applied the change in accounting as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2018-02”). ASU 2018-02 provides the option to reclassify stranded tax effects related to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Act”) in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The adjustment relates to the change in the U.S. corporate income tax rate. The adoption of this ASU did not impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”). The standard aligns the accounting for share-based payment awards issued to employees and nonemployees. Changes to the accounting for nonemployee awards include: (1) equity-classified share-based payment awards issued to nonemployees will now be measured on the grant date, instead of the previous requirement to remeasure the awards through the performance completion date; (2) for performance conditions, compensation cost associated with the award will be recognized when achievement of the performance condition is probable, rather than upon achievement of the performance condition; and (3) the current requirement to reassess the classification (equity or liability) for nonemployee awards upon vesting will be eliminated, except for awards in the form of convertible instruments. The guidance should be applied to all new awards granted after the date of adoption. In addition, the modified retrospective approach should be used on all liability-classified awards that have not been settled and equity-classified awards for which a measurement date has not been established by the adoption date by remeasurement at fair value as of the adoption date with a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the fiscal year of adoption. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than an entity’s adoption of ASC 606. The Company has applied the change in accounting as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU did not impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The amendments in this Update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The Company has applied the change in accounting as of January 1, 2018. In August 2018, the SEC adopted the final rule under SEC Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, amending certain disclosure requirements that were redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated or superseded. In addition, the amendments expanded the disclosure requirements on the analysis of stockholders' equity for interim financial statements. Under the amendments, an analysis of changes in each caption of stockholders' equity presented in the balance sheet must be provided in a note or separate statement. The analysis should present a reconciliation of the beginning balance to the ending balance of each period for which a statement of comprehensive income is required to be filed. This final rule was effective on November 5, 2018. The Company has applied the new SEC disclosure requirements in its Consolidated Financial Statements on a retrospective basis. New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). Under this guidance, lessees are required to recognize on the balance sheet a right-of-use asset and a lease liability arising from operating leases except for short-term contracts with original terms of twelve months or less. The new guidance also requires enhanced qualitative and quantitative disclosures in the notes to the financial statements and is expected to provide transparency of information and comparability among organizations. ASU 2016-02 and related amendments is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2016–02 as of January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method. As such, the Company's reporting for the comparative periods presented in the financial statements will continue to be in accordance with ASC Topic 840, Leases. The Company In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”). The standard requires entities to estimate loss of financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade receivables, debt securities and loans, using an expected credit loss model. The expected credit loss model differs from the previous incurred losses model primarily in that the loss recognition threshold of “probable” has been eliminated and that expected loss should consider reasonable and supportable forecasts in addition to the previously considered past events and current conditions. Additionally, the guidance requires additional disclosures related to the further disaggregation of information related to the credit quality of financial assets by year of the asset’s origination for as many as five years. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19 to clarify the scope of the guidance in the amendments in ASU 2016-13. Entities must apply the standard provision as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13 on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) (“ASU 2018-13”), which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for any removed or modified disclosures. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2018-13 on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20) (“ASU 2018-14”). ASU 2018-14 removes certain disclosures that are not considered cost beneficial, clarifies certain required disclosures and adds additional disclosures. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption is permitted. The updated standard should be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2018-14 on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities (“ASU 2018-17”). The amendments in this Update for determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest require reporting entities to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety (as currently required in GAAP). Therefore, these amendments likely will result in more decision makers not having a variable interest through their decision-making arrangements. The amendments in this Update are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2018-17 on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	Basic income per share is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares are calculated using the treasury stock method. They consist of stock options and restricted stock units outstanding during the period and reflect the potential dilution that could occur if common shares were issued upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units. The following table shows the amounts used in computing the Company’s diluted shares during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 45,718 45,754 30,687 Dilutive effect of equity incentive plan instruments 1,694 1,395 977 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 47,412 47,149 31,664
ASU 2016-15 and ASU 2016-18 [Member]
Schedule of Consolidating Cash Flow Statement	The following tables summarize the line items in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows that were impacted by the adoption of ASU 2016-15 and ASU 2016-18 along with reclassifications to conform with current year presentation (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2017 Previously Adjustments for adoption of Current Reported ASU 2016-15 ASU 2016-18 Reclassifications Presentation Cash flows from operating activities: Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition $ - $ (4,044 ) $ - $ - $ (4,044 ) Other non-cash credits (1,617 ) - - (1,874 ) (3,491 ) Accounts receivable (55,819 ) (850 ) - - (56,669 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 22,825 - (21,656 ) - 1,169 Other noncurrent assets (278 ) - (1,080 ) 1,874 516 Net cash provided by operating activities 136,721 (4,894 ) (22,736 ) - 109,091 Cash flows from investing activities: Withdrawal of interest previously deposited in escrow 5,063 - (5,063 ) - - Proceeds received from corporate-owned life insurance policies - 850 - 850 Net cash used in investing activities (2,062,072 ) 850 (5,063 ) - (2,066,285 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 4,433,981 - (900,000 ) - 3,533,981 Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition (263,647 ) 4,044 - - (259,603 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 1,953,323 4,044 (900,000 ) - 1,057,367 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 27,972 - (927,799 ) - (899,827 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 87,680 - 927,799 - 1,015,479 Supplemental information: Interest paid $ 213,683 $ - $ 25,875 $ - $ 239,558 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Previously Adjustments for adoption of Current Reported ASU 2016-15 ASU 2016-18 Reclassifications Presentation Cash flows from operating activities: Income from escrow deposit $ (1,080 ) $ - $ 1,080 $ - $ - Prepaid expenses and other current assets (28,628 ) - 21,656 - (6,972 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 261,517 - 22,736 - 284,253 Cash flows from investing activities: Prepaid interest deposited in escrow (5,063 ) - 5,063 - - Net cash used in investing activities (140,185 ) - 5,063 - (135,122 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 58,000 - 900,000 - 958,000 Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (77,068 ) - 900,000 - 822,932 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 44,264 - 927,799 - 972,063 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 87,680 - 927,799 - 1,015,479 Supplemental information: Interest paid 99,917 - (21,656 ) - 78,261 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Proceeds from the issuance of debt directly deposited into escrow $ 900,000 $ - $ (900,000 ) $ - $ -
Non Guarantor VIEs [Member]
Consolidated VIEs	As of December 31, the following are assets of consolidated VIEs, excluding intercompany amounts, that are not available to settle the obligations of Nexstar and the liabilities of consolidated VIEs, excluding intercompany amounts, for which their creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Nexstar (in thousands): 2018 2017 Current assets Spectrum asset $ - $ 26,695 Other current assets 20,898 22,038 Total current assets 20,898 48,733 Property and equipment, net 10,994 7,517 Goodwill 121,600 130,362 FCC licenses 157,658 151,808 Other intangible assets, net 75,513 81,916 Other noncurrent assets, net 3,652 6,543 Total assets $ 390,315 $ 426,879 Current Liabilities Liability to surrender spectrum asset $ - $ 27,347 Other current liabilities 17,594 24,146 Total current liabilities 17,594 51,493 Noncurrent liabilities 27,542 30,339 Total liabilities $ 45,136 $ 81,832
Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Consolidated VIEs	The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities, excluding intercompany amounts, of the VIEs which have been included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,060 $ 17,180 Accounts receivable, net 22,725 24,407 Spectrum asset - 26,695 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,423 6,762 Total current assets 46,208 75,044 Property and equipment, net 30,861 25,971 Goodwill 154,787 163,549 FCC licenses 157,658 151,808 Other intangible assets, net 89,225 97,757 Other noncurrent assets, net 8,073 9,443 Total assets $ 486,812 $ 523,572 Current liabilities: Current portion of debt $ 54,616 $ 56,565 Interest payable 345 994 Liability to surrender spectrum asset - 27,347 Other current liabilities 17,594 24,146 Total current liabilities 72,555 109,052 Debt 243,717 245,523 Other noncurrent liabilities 27,542 30,594 Total liabilities $ 343,814 $ 385,169

Acquisitions and Dispositions (

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Unaudited Pro forma Information	The following unaudited pro forma information has been presented for the periods indicated as if the acquisition of Media General and the related consolidation of VIEs had occurred on January 1, 2016 (in thousands, except per share data): Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Net revenue $ 2,484,214 $ 2,457,492 Income before income taxes 288,279 124,966 Net income 503,871 49,318 Net income attributable to Nexstar 503,541 46,547 Net income per common share attributable to Nexstar - basic $ 10.84 $ 0.99 Net income per common share attributable to Nexstar - diluted $ 10.52 $ 0.97
LKQD [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands): Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,167 Accounts receivable 24,712 Prepaids 13 Property and equipment 210 Other intangible assets 45,320 Goodwill 42,475 Total assets acquired and consolidated 123,897 Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (18,816 ) Less: Taxes payable (1,065 ) Less: Deferred tax liabilities (6,984 ) Net assets acquired and consolidated $ 97,032
WHDF [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	Subject to final determination, which is expected to occur within 12 months of the acquisition date, the provisional fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the first and second closing are as follows (in thousands): Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 66 Property and equipment 1,539 Other intangible assets 246 Other noncurrent assets 26 FCC licenses 379 Network affiliation agreements 686 Total assets acquired 2,942 Less: Accrued expenses (30 ) Net assets acquired $ 2,912
KRBK [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	Subject to final determination, which is expected to occur within 12 months of the acquisition date, the provisional fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the first and second closing are as follows (in thousands): Accounts receivable $ 2,091 Broadcast rights 73 Property and equipment 3,894 FCC licenses 4,401 Network affiliation agreements 5,719 Goodwill 2,544 Other intangible assets 119 Other noncurrent assets 7 Total assets acquired 18,848 Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1,281 ) Net assets acquired $ 17,567
Media General [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (net of the effects of the Media General Divestitures but including the consolidation of the assets and liabilities of Shield, Tamer, Vaughan, WNAC, LLC and 54 Broadcasting) are as follows (in thousands): Cash and cash equivalents $ 63,850 Accounts receivable 301,604 Spectrum asset 465,582 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 35,973 Property and equipment 482,144 FCC licenses 1,242,847 Network affiliation agreements 1,323,200 Other intangible assets 101,083 Goodwill 1,701,097 Other noncurrent assets 36,104 Total assets acquired and consolidated 5,753,484 Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (187,721 ) Less: Taxes payable (10,854 ) Less: Interest payable (12,794 ) Less: Debt (434,269 ) Less: Deferred tax liabilities (957,779 ) Less: Other noncurrent liabilities (227,378 ) Less: Noncontrolling interests in consolidated VIEs (7,600 ) Net assets acquired and consolidated $ 3,915,089
Components of Total Consideration Paid, Payable or Issued Upon Closing of Merger	The following table summarizes the components of the total consideration paid, payable or issued upon closing of the merger (in thousands): Cash Consideration $ 1,376,108 Nexstar Common Stock issued (15,670,094 shares) 995,835 Reissued Nexstar Common Stock from treasury (560,316 shares) 35,608 Stock option replacement awards (228,438 options) 10,702 Repayment of Media General debt, including premium and accrued interest 1,658,135 Contingent consideration liability (CVR) 271,008 $ 4,347,396
WVMH [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the first closing are as follows (in thousands): Accounts receivable $ 438 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 114 Property and equipment 18,362 Other intangible assets 3,402 Goodwill 35 Total assets acquired at first closing 22,351 Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (623 ) Less: Other noncurrent liabilities (307 ) Net assets acquired at first closing 21,421 Deposit on second closing 43,543 Total paid at first closing $ 64,964
WVMH [Member] | Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets consolidated were as follows (in thousands): Broadcast rights $ 527 Property and equipment 3,489 FCC licenses 41,230 Network affiliation agreements 35,387 Goodwill 28,588 Consolidated assets of VIEs 109,221 Less: Broadcast rights payable (527 ) Consolidated net asset of VIEs $ 108,694
Parker [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows (in thousands): FCC licenses $ 1,539 Network affiliation agreements 1,743 Other intangible assets 20 Goodwill 698 Total assets acquired $ 4,000
WLWC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows (in thousands): Broadcast rights $ 1,599 Property and equipment 1,158 Network affiliation 2,517 Other intangible assets 385 Total assets acquired 5,659 Less: Broadcast rights payable (1,599 ) Net assets acquired $ 4,060

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following, as of December 31 (dollars in thousands): Estimated useful life, in years 2018 2017 Buildings and improvements 39 $ 231,270 $ 225,183 Land N/A 126,926 127,625 Leasehold improvements term of lease 27,573 29,114 Studio and transmission equipment 5-15 555,389 539,788 Computer equipment 3-5 97,180 96,487 Furniture and fixtures 7 18,720 18,876 Vehicles 5 38,398 35,211 Construction in progress N/A 74,924 21,236 1,170,380 1,093,520 Less: accumulated depreciation (438,842 ) (359,382 ) Property and equipment, net $ 731,538 $ 734,138

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following, as of December 31 (dollars in thousands): Estimated 2018 2017 useful life, Accumulated Accumulated in years Gross Amortization Net Gross Amortization Net Network affiliation agreements 15 $ 1,977,825 $ (575,860 ) $ 1,401,965 $ 1,971,170 $ (461,345 ) $ 1,509,825 Other definite-lived intangible assets 1-20 246,137 (156,179 ) 89,958 193,089 (121,288 ) 71,801 Other intangible assets $ 2,223,962 $ (732,039 ) $ 1,491,923 $ 2,164,259 $ (582,633 ) $ 1,581,626
Estimated Amortization Expense of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter for definite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2019 $ 140,793 2020 130,335 2021 119,559 2022 114,147 2023 112,954 Thereafter 874,135 $ 1,491,923
Goodwill and FCC Licenses	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and FCC licenses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in thousands): Goodwill FCC Licenses Accumulated Accumulated Gross Impairment Net Gross Impairment Net Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ 534,557 $ (61,253 ) $ 473,304 $ 591,945 $ (49,421 ) $ 542,524 Acquisitions and consolidation of VIEs (See Notes 2 and 3) 1,701,719 - 1,701,719 1,244,386 - 1,244,386 Nexstar Divestitures (See Note 3) (22,823 ) 2,861 (19,962 ) (19,744 ) 2,011 (17,733 ) Deconsolidation of a VIE (698 ) - (698 ) (1,539 ) - (1,539 ) Impairment - (11,517 ) (11,517 ) - - - Balances as of December 31, 2017 2,212,755 (69,909 ) 2,142,846 1,815,048 (47,410 ) 1,767,638 Acquisitions and consolidation of VIEs (See Notes 2 and 3) 45,019 - 45,019 10,630 - 10,630 Impairment - (19,911 ) (19,911 ) - - - Balances as of December 31, 2018 $ 2,257,774 $ (89,820 ) $ 2,167,954 $ 1,825,678 $ (47,410 ) $ 1,778,268

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consisted of the following, as of December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Compensation and related taxes $ 44,269 $ 44,775 Network affiliation fees 21,916 68,197 Other 77,665 62,968 $ 143,850 $ 175,940

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long Term Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following, as of December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Term loans, net of financing costs and discount of $37,679 and $57,547, respectively $ 2,407,490 $ 2,791,875 Revolving loans 5,628 3,000 6.125% Senior unsecured notes due 2022, net of financing costs of $1,556 and $1,992, respectively 273,444 273,008 5.875% Senior unsecured notes due 2022, plus premium of $6,233 and $8,102, respectively 406,233 408,102 5.625% Senior unsecured notes due 2024, net of financing costs of $11,792 and $13,525, respectively 888,208 886,475 3,981,003 4,362,460 Less: current portion (96,093 ) (92,808 ) $ 3,884,910 $ 4,269,652
Fair Value of Debt	The aggregate carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s debt were as follows, as of December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Amount Value Amount Value Term loans (1) $ 2,407,490 $ 2,389,439 $ 2,791,875 $ 2,852,199 Revolving loans (1) 5,628 5,528 3,000 2,985 6.125% Senior unsecured notes (2) 273,444 275,688 273,008 284,625 5.875% Senior unsecured notes (2) 406,233 397,000 408,102 415,500 5.625% Senior unsecured notes (2) 888,208 837,000 886,475 925,875 (1) The fair value of senior secured credit facilities is computed based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. These fair value measurements are considered Level 3, as significant inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable in the market. (2) The fair value of Nexstar’s fixed rate debt is estimated based on bid prices obtained from an investment banking firm that regularly makes a market for these financial instruments. These fair value measurements are considered Level 2, as quoted market prices are available for low volume trading of these securities.
Maturities of Debt	The scheduled maturities of the Company’s debt, excluding the unamortized financing costs, discounts and premium, as of December 31, 2018 are summarized as follows (in thousands): 2019 $ 96,093 2020 44,910 2021 61,961 2022 762,536 2023 624,616 Thereafter 2,435,681 $ 4,025,797

Retirement and Postretirement_2

Retirement and Postretirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Reconciliation of Changes in Plans' Benefit Obligations	The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations for the periods January 17, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 (in thousands) 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ 460,862 $ 23,374 $ 562,197 $ 22,601 Service cost - 16 - 22 Interest cost 13,965 689 14,981 695 Participant contributions - 20 - 48 Plan settlements (1) - - (40,235 ) - Divestiture transfer (2) - - (60,032 ) - Actuarial (gain) loss (21,568 ) (1,362 ) 11,301 1,431 Benefit payments (29,559 ) (1,328 ) (27,350 ) (1,423 ) Benefit obligation at end of period (3)(4) $ 423,700 $ 21,409 $ 460,862 $ 23,374 (1) In December 2017, the Company offered terminated vested participants of the legacy Media General Retirement Plan an opportunity to receive a lump sum payout in settlement of their retirement plan liability. Approximately one third of the roughly 2,200 participants elected to do so, resulting in $39.0 million in payouts from plan assets. The Company recognized an immediate gain of $1.2 million in 2017 related to this settlement and included it as an offset against pension expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. (2) Upon the consummation of the Media General transaction, approximately $60 million of the benefit obligation related to the Company's retirement plan was transferred to Graham Media Group, Inc., as part of the Media General Divestitures discussed in Note 3. (3) Unless required, the Company’s policy is to fund benefits under the supplemental executive retirement, ERISA Excess, and all postretirement benefits plans as claims and premiums are paid. As of December 31, 2018, the benefit obligation related to the supplemental executive retirement and ERISA Excess plans included in the preceding table was approximately $51.9 million. (4) As of December 31, 2018, the pension benefit obligation includes $371.8 million that is substantially funded by plan assets. These plan assets cover approximately 89% of the benefit obligation.
Schedule of Plans' Benefit Obligations Determined Using Assumptions	The Plans’ benefit obligations were determined using the following assumptions: 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Discount rate 4.12 % 4.06 % 3.49 % 3.47 % Compensation increase rate - 2.00 % - 3.00 %
Schedule of Reconciliation of Changes in Fair Value of Plans' Assets	The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the fair value of the plans’ assets for the periods January 17, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period $ 381,455 $ - $ 394,526 $ - Actual return on plan assets (25,108 ) - 49,853 - Employer contributions 4,126 1,308 4,661 1,375 Participant contributions - 20 - 48 Plan settlements - - (40,235 ) - Benefit payments (29,559 ) (1,328 ) (27,350 ) (1,423 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of period $ 330,914 $ - $ 381,455 $ -
Schedule of Asset Allocation for Funded Retirement Plan and Range Asset Category	The asset allocation for the Company’s funded retirement plans at the end of 2018, and the asset allocation range for 2019, by asset category, are as follows: Asset Allocation Percentage of Plan Assets at Year End Asset Category 2019 2018 Equity securities 40% 35% Fixed income securities/cash 60% 64% Other - 1% Total 100%
Schedule of Funded Status of Plans	The following table provides a statement of the funded status of the plans at December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Amounts recorded in the balance sheet: Current liabilities $ (4,091 ) $ (1,883 ) $ (3,714 ) $ (1,882 ) Noncurrent liabilities (88,695 ) (19,526 ) (75,693 ) (21,492 ) Funded status $ (92,786 ) $ (21,409 ) $ (79,407 ) $ (23,374 )
Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	The following table provides a summary of the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans prior to any deferred tax effects (in thousands): Pension Benefits OPEB January 17, 2017 $ - $ - Actuarial gain (loss) 9,733 (1,433 ) December 31, 2017 9,733 (1,433 ) Actuarial (loss) gain (29,074 ) 1,471 December 31, 2018 $ (19,341 ) $ 38
Schedule of Expected Plan Contributions	The following table includes amounts that are expected to be contributed to the plans by the Company, in thousands. It additionally reflects benefit payments that are made from the plans’ assets as well as those made directly from the Company’s assets, and it includes the participants’ share of the costs, which is funded by participant contributions. The amounts in the table are actuarially determined and reflect the Company’s best estimate given its current knowledge including the impact of recent pension funding relief legislation. Actual amounts could be materially different. Pension Benefits OPEB Employer Contributions 2019 to participant benefits $ 4,091 $ 1,883 Expected Benefit Payments 2019 $ 30,520 $ 1,883 2020 30,169 1,877 2021 29,901 1,865 2022 29,579 1,838 2023 29,470 1,815 2024-2028 141,763 8,013
Summary of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) for Plans	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the plans for the periods January 17, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Service cost $ - $ 16 $ - $ 22 Interest cost 13,965 689 14,981 695 Expected return on plan assets (25,534 ) - (27,658 ) - Amortization of net loss - 109 - - Settlement gain recognized - - (1,160 ) - Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ (11,569 ) $ 814 $ (13,837 ) $ 717
Schedule of Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Costs	The net periodic costs for the Company’s pension and other benefit plans were determined using the following assumptions: 2018 2017 Pension Benefits OPEB Pension Benefits OPEB Discount rate 3.49 % 3.42 % 3.87 % 3.80 % Expected return on plan assets 7.00 % - 7.25 % - Compensation increase rate - 2.00 % - 3.00 %

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Calculations	In 2017, Nexstar issued 228,438 replacement stock options in connection with its acquisition of Media General (See Note 3). There were no stock options granted in 2018 and 2016. The assumptions used in calculating the fair values of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2017 was as follows: Expected volatility 32.4% to 47.7% Risk-free interest rates 0.5% to 2.2% Expected life 0.2 to 7 years Dividend yields 1.9% Weighted-average grant date fair value per share $ 46.85
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes activity and information related to stock options for the year ended December 31, 2018: Outstanding Options Non-Vested Options Weighted- Weighted- Average Aggregate Weighted- Average Remaining Intrinsic Average Exercise Contractual Value Grant-Date Shares Price Term (Years) (thousands) Shares Fair Value Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 1,960,459 $ 23.48 5.06 107,273 256,875 $ 31.75 Granted - $ - - $ - Exercised (141,660 ) $ 42.66 - $ - Vested - $ - (206,875 ) $ 31.82 Forfeited/cancelled (9,531 ) $ 35.19 $ - Balances as of December 31, 2018 1,809,268 $ 21.92 4.05 $ 102,625 50,000 $ 31.45 Exercisable as of December 31, 2018 1,759,268 $ 21.20 4.00 $ 101,049 Fully vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2018 1,809,268 $ 21.92 4.05 $ 102,625
Time Based Restricted Stock Units
Summary of Restricted Stock Units	The RSUs vest over a range of two to five years from the date of the award. All unvested RSUs are forfeited immediately upon the employee’s termination for any reason other than change of control. The following table summarizes activity and information related to RSUs for the year ended December 31, 2018: Weighted- Average Unvested Grant-Date Shares Fair Value Unvested as of December 31, 2017 1,090,125 $ 63.09 Awarded 525,000 $ 64.42 Vested (310,125 ) $ 61.89 Forfeited/cancelled (48,625 ) $ 63.96 Unvested as of December 31, 2018 1,256,375 $ 63.91
Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit
Summary of Restricted Stock Units	The vesting of the PSUs is contingent on the continued service of the grantee and the achievement of specific performance metrics (generally over a three-year period) designated by the Board of Directors of the Company. All unvested PSUs are forfeited immediately upon the employee’s termination for any reason other than change of control. The following table summarizes activity and information related to PSUs for the year ended December 31, 2018: Weighted- Average Unvested Grant-Date Shares Fair Value Unvested as of December 31, 2017 50,000 $ 45.24 Awarded 142,500 $ 67.13 Vested (25,000 ) $ 45.24 Forfeited/cancelled - $ - Unvested as of December 31, 2018 167,500 $ 63.86

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Taxes	The income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following components for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Current tax expense (benefit): Federal $ 102,516 $ 190,743 $ 12,054 State 29,761 38,499 10,927 132,277 229,242 22,981 Deferred tax (benefit) expense: Federal 7,997 (438,281 ) 53,094 State 4,406 (24,904 ) 1,497 12,403 (463,185 ) 54,591 Income tax (benefit) expense $ 144,680 $ (233,943 ) $ 77,572
Schedule of Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Income Tax Expense	The following is a reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to income tax expense for the years ended December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Federal income tax at the statutory rate $ 111,915 $ 84,476 $ 59,735 State and local taxes, net of federal benefit 27,123 10,676 7,697 Nondeductible compensation 2,858 6,375 709 Nontaxable proceeds on station divestiture - (9,146 ) - Nondeductible earnout payments - - 1,415 Nondeductible acquisition costs - 3,901 12 Nondeductible meals and entertainment 2,047 1,546 504 Nondeductible goodwill impairment 1,532 3,577 5,276 Domestic production activities deduction - (11,178 ) - Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation (750 ) (8,106 ) - Disposition of nondeductible goodwill - 3,279 - Impact of federal tax rate reduction - (322,193 ) - Change in beginning of year valuation allowance 1,430 1,635 - Other (1,475 ) 1,215 2,224 Income tax (benefit) expense $ 144,680 $ (233,943 ) $ 77,572
Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Tax Asset Liability	The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) were as follows, as of December 31 (in thousands): 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 46,189 $ 51,802 Compensation 14,085 15,574 Rent 1,916 2,173 Pension 30,679 28,033 Other 13,270 12,732 Total deferred tax assets 106,139 110,314 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (3,071 ) (2,155 ) Total deferred tax assets 103,068 108,159 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment (72,703 ) (72,423 ) Other intangible assets (291,673 ) (312,460 ) Goodwill (37,455 ) (31,062 ) FCC licenses (318,562 ) (305,293 ) Other (13,070 ) (4,854 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (733,463 ) (726,092 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (630,395 ) $ (617,933 )
Schedule of Reconciliation of Gross Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the gross liability for uncertain tax positions is as follows (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Uncertain tax position liability at the beginning of the year $ 23,258 $ 3,677 $ 3,677 Increases resulting from merger transaction 432 22,605 - Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period 45 1,847 - Increases related to tax positions taken during prior periods 1,497 - - Decreases related to tax positions taken during prior periods (12,496 ) (2,440 ) - Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities - (806 ) - Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations (194 ) (1,625 ) - Uncertain tax position liability at the end of the year $ 12,542 $ 23,258 $ 3,677

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Payments for Un-booked Broadcast Rights	Future minimum payments for license agreements for which the license period has not commenced and no asset or liability has been recorded are as follows as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2019 $ 46,118 2020 35,731 2021 20,090 2022 12,740 2023 78 $ 114,757
Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under these operating leases are as follows as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands) 2019 $ 22,179 2020 19,841 2021 16,794 2022 13,573 2023 11,108 Thereafter 37,577 $ 121,072
Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Leases	The future minimum lease payments under these agreements as of December 31, 2018 are as follows (in thousands): 2019 $ 1,766 2020 1,795 2021 1,843 2022 1,803 2023 1,818 Thereafter 15,202 24,227 Less: Amount representing interest 7,323 $ 16,904

Segment Data (Tables)

Segment Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Segment Financial Information	Segment financial information is included in the following tables for the periods presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2018 Broadcast Other Consolidated Net revenue $ 2,612,531 $ 154,165 $ 2,766,696 Depreciation 89,312 20,477 109,789 Amortization of intangible assets 126,850 22,556 149,406 Income (loss) from operations 918,401 (160,622 ) 757,779 Goodwill 2,125,479 42,475 2,167,954 Assets 6,622,604 439,426 7,062,030 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Broadcast Other Consolidated Net revenue $ 2,306,404 $ 125,562 $ 2,431,966 Depreciation 85,913 14,745 100,658 Amortization of intangible assets 147,328 12,172 159,500 Income (loss) from operations 694,967 (189,342 ) 505,625 Goodwill 2,122,935 19,911 2,142,846 Assets 6,723,685 757,962 7,481,647 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Broadcast Other Consolidated Net revenue $ 1,040,704 $ 62,486 $ 1,103,190 Depreciation 44,313 6,987 51,300 Amortization of intangible assets 33,079 13,493 46,572 Income (loss) from operations 372,496 (85,188 ) 287,308
ASC 606 [Member]
Summary of Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table presents the disaggregation of the Company’s revenue under ASC 606 for the periods presented. Comparative 2017 and 2016 revenues are presented in accordance with the Company’s historical accounting standard prior to the adoption of ASC 606 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2018 Broadcast Other Consolidated Local $ 797,709 $ - $ 797,709 National 292,211 - 292,211 Political 251,209 - 251,209 Retransmission compensation 1,121,081 - 1,121,081 Digital 107,054 154,105 261,159 Other 26,425 60 26,485 Trade revenue 16,842 - 16,842 Net revenue $ 2,612,531 $ 154,165 $ 2,766,696 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Broadcast Other Consolidated Local $ 805,360 $ - $ 805,360 National 302,657 - 302,657 Political 26,865 - 26,865 Retransmission compensation 995,790 - 995,790 Digital 101,286 125,466 226,752 Other 17,765 96 17,861 Trade and barter revenue 56,681 - 56,681 Net revenue $ 2,306,404 $ 125,562 $ 2,431,966 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Broadcast Other Consolidated Local $ 344,356 $ - $ 344,356 National 122,319 - 122,319 Political 92,262 - 92,262 Retransmission compensation 394,038 - 394,038 Digital 35,944 62,431 98,375 Other 6,093 55 6,148 Trade and barter revenue 45,692 - 45,692 Net revenue $ 1,040,704 $ 62,486 $ 1,103,190

Condensed Consolidating Finan_2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET As of December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 105,665 $ 10,798 $ 28,652 $ - $ 145,115 Accounts receivable - 466,270 12,857 68,158 - 547,285 Amounts due from consolidated entities - 88,987 77,521 - (166,508 ) - Spectrum asset - 52,002 - - - 52,002 Other current assets - 17,420 1,655 3,598 - 22,673 Total current assets - 730,344 102,831 100,408 (166,508 ) 767,075 Investments in subsidiaries 1,119,605 108,884 - - (1,228,489 ) - Amounts due from consolidated entities 782,365 - - - (782,365 ) - Property and equipment, net - 696,910 19,867 14,833 (72 ) 731,538 Goodwill - 1,970,692 33,187 164,075 - 2,167,954 FCC licenses - 1,620,610 43,102 114,556 - 1,778,268 Other intangible assets, net - 1,365,159 13,712 113,052 - 1,491,923 Other noncurrent assets - 116,660 4,421 4,191 - 125,272 Total assets $ 1,901,970 $ 6,609,259 $ 217,120 $ 511,115 $ (2,177,434 ) $ 7,062,030 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current liabilities: Current portion of debt $ - $ 41,477 $ 2,285 $ 52,331 $ - $ 96,093 Accounts payable - 47,574 2,357 17,897 - 67,828 Amounts due to consolidated entities - - - 166,508 (166,508 ) - Liability to surrender spectrum asset - 52,002 - - - 52,002 Other current liabilities 299 155,023 4,441 28,486 - 188,249 Total current liabilities 299 296,076 9,083 265,222 (166,508 ) 404,172 Debt - 3,641,193 222,354 21,363 - 3,884,910 Amounts due to consolidated entities - 559,057 - 223,519 (782,576 ) - Deferred tax liabilities 62 624,869 - 8,949 - 633,880 Other noncurrent liabilities - 255,228 6,820 8,036 - 270,084 Total liabilities 361 5,376,423 238,257 527,089 (949,084 ) 5,193,046 Total stockholders' equity (deficit) 1,901,609 1,232,836 (21,137 ) (32,184 ) (1,228,350 ) 1,852,774 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated variable interest entities - - - 16,210 - 16,210 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) $ 1,901,970 $ 6,609,259 $ 217,120 $ 511,115 $ (2,177,434 ) $ 7,062,030 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET As of December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ - $ 90,860 $ 9,524 $ 15,268 $ - $ 115,652 Accounts receivable - 484,096 14,717 64,130 - 562,943 Amounts due from consolidated entities - 55,417 92,923 - (148,340 ) - Spectrum asset - 279,069 - 26,695 - 305,764 Other current assets - 64,256 2,070 5,533 - 71,859 Total current assets - 973,698 119,234 111,626 (148,340 ) 1,056,218 Investments in subsidiaries 617,297 109,354 - - (726,651 ) - Amounts due from consolidated entities 970,207 - - - (970,207 ) - Property and equipment, net - 697,898 18,454 17,861 (75 ) 734,138 Goodwill - 1,959,386 33,187 150,273 - 2,142,846 FCC licenses - 1,615,830 43,102 108,706 - 1,767,638 Other intangible assets, net - 1,476,297 15,841 89,488 - 1,581,626 Other noncurrent assets - 189,303 2,645 7,233 - 199,181 Total assets $ 1,587,504 $ 7,021,766 $ 232,463 $ 485,187 $ (1,845,273 ) $ 7,481,647 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current liabilities: Current portion of debt $ - $ 36,243 $ 2,314 $ 54,251 $ - $ 92,808 Accounts payable - 24,293 1,090 5,753 - 31,136 Liability to surrender spectrum asset - 286,740 - 27,347 - 314,087 Amounts due to consolidated entities - - - 148,340 (148,340 ) - Other current liabilities - 192,827 13,310 26,535 - 232,672 Total current liabilities - 540,103 16,714 262,226 (148,340 ) 670,703 Debt - 4,024,129 223,428 22,095 - 4,269,652 Amounts due to consolidated entities 714,408 - 256,010 (970,418 ) - Deferred tax liabilities - 613,227 - 6,214 - 619,441 Other noncurrent liabilities - 322,572 7,626 10,343 - 340,541 Total liabilities - 6,214,439 247,768 556,888 (1,118,758 ) 5,900,337 Total Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit) 1,587,504 807,327 (15,305 ) (82,397 ) (726,515 ) 1,570,614 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated variable interest entities - - - 10,696 - 10,696 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) $ 1,587,504 $ 7,021,766 $ 232,463 $ 485,187 $ (1,845,273 ) $ 7,481,647
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Net broadcast revenue (including trade) $ - $ 2,495,780 $ 69,227 $ 201,689 $ - $ 2,766,696 Revenue between consolidated entities 31,758 91,257 39,997 74,367 (237,379 ) - Net revenue 31,758 2,587,037 109,224 276,056 (237,379 ) 2,766,696 Operating expenses (income): Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization - 890,378 40,861 193,061 (6,383 ) 1,117,917 Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization 37,568 559,024 4,965 40,633 (62,257 ) 579,933 Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities - 77,482 55,650 35,607 (168,739 ) - Amortization of broadcast rights - 57,022 1,584 2,736 - 61,342 Amortization of intangible assets - 118,068 2,129 29,209 - 149,406 Depreciation - 99,526 3,171 7,092 - 109,789 Reimbursement from the FCC related to station repack - (23,933 ) (2,818 ) (2,630 ) - (29,381 ) Goodwill and intangible assets impairment - - - 19,911 - 19,911 Total operating expenses 37,568 1,777,567 105,542 325,619 (237,379 ) 2,008,917 (Loss) income from operations (5,810 ) 809,470 3,682 (49,563 ) - 757,779 Interest expense, net - (206,267 ) (11,101 ) (3,626 ) - (220,994 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt - (11,647 ) (452 ) (21 ) - (12,120 ) Pension and other postretirement plans credit, net - 10,755 - - - 10,755 Other expenses - (2,475 ) - - - (2,475 ) Equity in income of subsidiaries 408,006 - - - (408,006 ) - Income (loss) before income taxes 402,196 599,836 (7,871 ) (53,210 ) (408,006 ) 532,945 Income tax (expense) benefit (1,231 ) (153,871 ) 2,042 8,380 - (144,680 ) Net income (loss) 400,965 445,965 (5,829 ) (44,830 ) (408,006 ) 388,265 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 1,212 - 1,212 Net income (loss) attributable to Nexstar $ 400,965 $ 445,965 $ (5,829 ) $ (43,618 ) $ (408,006 ) $ 389,477 Net income (loss) $ 400,965 $ 445,965 $ (5,829 ) $ (44,830 ) $ (408,006 ) $ 388,265 Other comprehensive income: Change in unrecognized amounts included in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax benefit of $7,147 - (20,456 ) - - - (20,456 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) 400,965 425,509 (5,829 ) (44,830 ) (408,006 ) 367,809 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 1,212 - 1,212 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nexstar $ 400,965 $ 425,509 $ (5,829 ) $ (43,618 ) $ (408,006 ) $ 369,021 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter) $ - $ 2,160,330 $ 70,592 $ 201,044 $ - $ 2,431,966 Revenue between consolidated entities - 71,434 36,580 38,272 (146,286 ) - Net revenue - 2,231,764 107,172 239,316 (146,286 ) 2,431,966 Operating expenses (income): Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization - 793,606 35,820 167,690 (3,711 ) 993,405 Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization - 582,314 4,168 43,423 (24,799 ) 605,106 Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities - 51,859 35,500 30,417 (117,776 ) - Amortization of broadcast rights - 92,888 5,645 6,870 - 105,403 Amortization of intangible assets - 137,808 2,422 19,270 - 159,500 Depreciation - 91,791 2,342 6,525 - 100,658 Goodwill and intangible assets impairment 19,985 19,985 Gain on disposal of stations, net - (57,716 ) - - - (57,716 ) Total operating expenses - 1,692,550 85,897 294,180 (146,286 ) 1,926,341 Income (loss) from operations - 539,214 21,275 (54,864 ) - 505,625 Interest expense, net - (226,853 ) (10,135 ) (4,207 ) - (241,195 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt - (32,523 ) (2,133 ) (226 ) - (34,882 ) Pension and other postretirement plans credit, net - 13,120 - - - 13,120 Other expenses - (1,284 ) - - - (1,284 ) Equity in income of subsidiaries 471,363 - - - (471,363 ) - Income (loss) before income taxes 471,363 291,674 9,007 (59,297 ) (471,363 ) 241,384 Income tax benefit (expense) - 219,460 (3,400 ) 17,883 - 233,943 Net income (loss) 471,363 511,134 5,607 (41,414 ) (471,363 ) 475,327 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - (330 ) - (330 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Nexstar $ 471,363 $ 511,134 $ 5,607 $ (41,744 ) $ (471,363 ) $ 474,997 Net income (loss) $ 471,363 $ 511,134 $ 5,607 $ (41,414 ) $ (471,363 ) $ 475,327 Other comprehensive income: Change in unrecognized amounts included in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax of $2,160 - 6,140 - - - 6,140 Total comprehensive income (loss) 471,363 517,274 5,607 (41,414 ) (471,363 ) 481,467 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - (330 ) - (330 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nexstar $ 471,363 $ 517,274 $ 5,607 $ (41,744 ) $ (471,363 ) $ 481,137 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter) $ - $ 939,333 $ 61,402 $ 102,455 $ - $ 1,103,190 Revenue between consolidated entities - 34,436 42,930 11,942 (89,308 ) - Net revenue - 973,769 104,332 114,397 (89,308 ) 1,103,190 Operating expenses: Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization - 284,866 30,278 67,067 (214 ) 381,997 Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization - 246,698 3,611 18,822 (5,525 ) 263,606 Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities - 49,202 18,000 16,367 (83,569 ) - Amortization of broadcast rights - 47,990 5,567 3,588 - 57,145 Amortization of intangible assets - 27,394 2,544 16,634 - 46,572 Depreciation - 45,173 2,400 3,727 - 51,300 Goodwill impairment - 186 - 15,076 - 15,262 Total operating expenses - 701,509 62,400 141,281 (89,308 ) 815,882 Income (loss) from operations - 272,260 41,932 (26,884 ) - 287,308 Interest expense, net - (104,231 ) (10,251 ) (1,599 ) - (116,081 ) Other expenses - (555 ) - - - (555 ) Equity in income of subsidiaries 72,193 - - - (72,193 ) - Income (loss) before income taxes 72,193 167,474 31,681 (28,483 ) (72,193 ) 170,672 Income tax (expense) benefit - (69,149 ) (12,337 ) 3,914 - (77,572 ) Net income (loss) 72,193 98,325 19,344 (24,569 ) (72,193 ) 93,100 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - (1,563 ) - (1,563 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Nexstar 72,193 98,325 19,344 (26,132 ) (72,193 ) 91,537 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Nexstar $ 72,193 $ 98,325 $ 19,344 $ (26,132 ) $ (72,193 ) $ 91,537
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Cash flows from operating activities $ - $ 709,446 $ 4,810 $ 22,611 $ - $ 736,867 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment - (93,181 ) (4,044 ) (9,021 ) - (106,246 ) Spectrum repack reimbursements - 23,933 2,818 2,630 - 29,381 Deposits and payments for acquisitions - (103,976 ) - - - (103,976 ) Other investing activities - 5,322 - 5 - 5,327 Net cash used in investing activities - (167,902 ) (1,226 ) (6,386 ) - (175,514 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt - 194,000 - 57,387 - 251,387 Repayments of long-term debt - (590,247 ) (2,310 ) (60,454 ) - (653,011 ) Common stock dividends paid (68,629 ) - - - - (68,629 ) Purchase of treasury stock (50,524 ) - - - - (50,524 ) Inter-company payments 118,121 (118,121 ) - - - - Other financing activities 1,032 (12,371 ) - 226 - (11,113 ) Net cash used in financing activities - (526,739 ) (2,310 ) (2,841 ) - (531,890 ) Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - 14,805 1,274 13,384 - 29,463 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period - 90,860 9,524 15,268 - 115,652 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ - $ 105,665 $ 10,798 $ 28,652 $ - $ 145,115 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Cash flows from operating activities $ - $ 82,532 $ 4,692 $ 21,867 $ - $ 109,091 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment - (62,056 ) (700 ) (9,705 ) - (72,461 ) Deposits and payments for acquisitions - (2,974,454 ) (800 ) - - (2,975,254 ) Proceeds from sale of a station - 481,946 - - - 481,946 Proceeds received to relinquish spectrum 478,608 478,608 Other investing activities - 20,374 100 402 - 20,876 Net cash used in investing activities - (2,055,582 ) (1,400 ) (9,303 ) - (2,066,285 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt - 3,249,575 230,609 53,797 - 3,533,981 Repayments of long-term debt - (1,640,088 ) (227,051 ) (55,190 ) - (1,922,329 ) Premium paid on debt extinguishment - (18,050 ) - - - (18,050 ) Payments for debt financing costs - (48,235 ) (3,804 ) - - (52,039 ) Purchase of noncontrolling interests - (66,901 ) - - - (66,901 ) Payments for contingent consideration - (258,647 ) - (956 ) - (259,603 ) Common stock dividends paid (55,892 ) - - - - (55,892 ) Purchase of treasury stock (99,008 ) - - - - (99,008 ) Inter-company payments 150,844 (150,844 ) - - - - Other financing activities 4,056 (6,529 ) - (319 ) - (2,792 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - 1,060,281 (246 ) (2,668 ) - 1,057,367 Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - (912,769 ) 3,046 9,896 - (899,827 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period - 1,003,629 6,478 5,372 - 1,015,479 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ - $ 90,860 $ 9,524 $ 15,268 $ - $ 115,652 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Nexstar Non- Consolidated Nexstar Broadcasting Mission Guarantors Eliminations Company Cash flows from operating activities $ - $ 274,472 $ 5,370 $ 4,411 $ - $ 284,253 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment - (28,326 ) (241 ) (3,303 ) - (31,870 ) Deposits and payments for acquisitions - (103,970 ) - - - (103,970 ) Other investing activities - 718 - - - 718 Net cash used in investing activities - (131,578 ) (241 ) (3,303 ) - (135,122 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt - 958,000 - - - 958,000 Repayments of long-term debt - (73,155 ) (2,335 ) (4,650 ) - (80,140 ) Common stock dividends paid (29,445 ) - - - - (29,445 ) Payments for debt financing costs - (20,024 ) (683 ) - - (20,707 ) Inter-company payments 28,220 (28,220 ) - - - - Other financing activities 1,225 (3,358 ) - (2,643 ) - (4,776 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - 833,243 (3,018 ) (7,293 ) - 822,932 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - 976,137 2,111 (6,185 ) - 972,063 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period - 27,492 4,367 11,557 - 43,416 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ - $ 1,003,629 $ 6,478 $ 5,372 $ - $ 1,015,479

Unaudited Quarterly Data (Table

Unaudited Quarterly Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Data	Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2018 2018 2018 2018 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net revenue $ 615,336 $ 660,323 $ 693,015 798,022 Income from operations 117,616 174,494 192,893 272,776 Income before income taxes 64,845 119,870 135,071 213,159 Net income attributable to Nexstar 48,122 87,732 100,514 153,109 Basic net income per common share $ 1.04 $ 1.92 $ 2.21 $ 3.36 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 46,075 45,631 45,552 45,619 Diluted net income per common share $ 1.01 $ 1.86 $ 2.12 $ 3.22 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 47,685 47,147 47,338 47,482 Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2017 2017 2017 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net revenue $ 540,317 $ 626,115 $ 611,870 $ 653,664 Income from operations 107,520 135,529 125,916 136,660 (Loss) income before income taxes (997 ) 80,777 74,085 87,519 Net income attributable to Nexstar 6,049 43,992 46,475 378,481 Basic net income per common share $ 0.14 $ 0.94 $ 1.01 $ 8.27 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 44,200 46,931 46,107 45,754 Diluted net income per common share $ 0.13 $ 0.91 $ 0.98 $ 8.03 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 45,419 48,195 47,452 47,149

Valuation and Qualifying Acco_2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Rollforward Additions Balance at Charged to Balance at Beginning Costs and End of of Period Expenses Deductions (1) Period Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 13,358 $ 10,707 $ (10,907 ) $ 13,158 Year Ended December 31, 2017 5,805 10,263 (2,710 ) 13,358 Year Ended December 31, 2016 5,369 4,160 (3,724 ) 5,805 (1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Organization and Business Ope_2

Organization and Business Operations (Details) Viewer in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018ViewerTelevisionStationMarket
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of full power television stations owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services	174
Number of markets in which the Company's stations broadcast | Market	100
Approximate number of viewers | Viewer	42.7
Approximate number of viewers (in hundredths)	38.80%
Number of full power television stations owned or operated by independent third parties	39

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Consolidated VIEs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 145,115	$ 115,652
Accounts receivable, net		547,285	562,943
Spectrum asset		52,002	305,764
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		22,673	71,859
Other current assets		22,673	71,859
Total current assets		767,075	1,056,218
Property and equipment, net		731,538	734,138
Goodwill		2,167,954	2,142,846	$ 473,304
FCC licenses		1,778,268	1,767,638	$ 542,524
Other intangible assets, net		1,491,923	1,581,626
Other noncurrent assets, net		125,272	199,181
Total assets	[1]	7,062,030	7,481,647
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt		96,093	92,808
Interest payable		32,047	39,563
Liability to surrender spectrum asset		52,002	314,087
Other current liabilities		12,352	17,169
Total current liabilities		404,172	670,703
Debt		3,884,910	4,269,652
Other noncurrent liabilities		270,084	340,541
Total liabilities	[1]	5,193,046	5,900,337
Non Guarantor VIEs [Member]
Current assets:
Spectrum asset			26,695
Other current assets		20,898	22,038
Total current assets		20,898	48,733
Property and equipment, net		10,994	7,517
Goodwill		121,600	130,362
FCC licenses		157,658	151,808
Other intangible assets, net		75,513	81,916
Other noncurrent assets, net		3,652	6,543
Total assets		390,315	426,879
Current liabilities:
Liability to surrender spectrum asset			27,347
Other current liabilities		17,594	24,146
Total current liabilities		17,594	51,493
Noncurrent liabilities		27,542	30,339
Total liabilities		45,136	81,832
Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		19,060	17,180
Accounts receivable, net		22,725	24,407
Spectrum asset			26,695
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,423	6,762
Total current assets		46,208	75,044
Property and equipment, net		30,861	25,971
Goodwill		154,787	163,549
FCC licenses		157,658	151,808
Other intangible assets, net		89,225	97,757
Other noncurrent assets, net		8,073	9,443
Total assets		486,812	523,572
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt		54,616	56,565
Interest payable		345	994
Liability to surrender spectrum asset			27,347
Other current liabilities		17,594	24,146
Total current liabilities		72,555	109,052
Debt		243,717	245,523
Other noncurrent liabilities		27,542	30,594
Total liabilities		$ 343,814	$ 385,169
[1]	The consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include certain assets held by consolidated VIEs of $390.3 million and $426.9 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of Nexstar. The consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $45.1 million and $81.8 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of Nexstar. See Note 2 for additional information.

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	Nov. 01, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 15, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 16, 2018ReportingUnit	Jan. 15, 2018ReportingUnit	Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)ReportingUnitSegmentshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 17, 2017	Jul. 27, 2016	Jan. 29, 2015USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Net revenue							$ 798,022,000	$ 693,015,000	$ 660,323,000	$ 615,336,000	$ 653,664,000	$ 611,870,000	$ 626,115,000	$ 540,317,000	$ 2,766,696,000	$ 2,431,966,000	$ 1,103,190,000
Trade expenses															16,500,000	14,500,000	10,800,000
Performance obligations related to contract liabilities							2,300,000								2,300,000			$ 5,400,000
Contract liabilities recognized as revenue										$ 5,400,000
Advertising Expense															$ 8,200,000	$ 9,200,000	$ 4,000,000
Stock options and restricted stock units with potentially dilutive effect (in shares) | shares															21	153	351
Number of reportable segments | Segment															1
Proceeds from long-term debt															$ 251,387,000	$ 3,533,981,000	$ 958,000,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets															97,000	1,169,000	(6,972,000)
Other noncurrent assets															$ 1,602,000	516,000	244,000
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt																4,433,981,000	58,000,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets																22,825,000	$ (28,628,000)
Withdrawal of interest previously deposited in escrow																5,063,000
Other noncurrent assets																$ (278,000)
All Other Segments [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of reporting units | ReportingUnit				4	3										4
Network Affiliation Agreements [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Network affiliation agreements useful life															15 years	15 years	15 years
ASU 2017-07 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Service cost															$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Net periodic benefit, excluding service costs																13,100,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt																(900,000,000)	900,000,000
Interest income from escrow deposit																	1,100,000
Restricted escrow account											927,800,000					927,800,000	927,800,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets																(21,656,000)	21,656,000
Withdrawal of interest previously deposited in escrow																(5,063,000)
Other noncurrent assets																(1,080,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets																21,600,000	21,700,000
Withdrawal of interest previously deposited in escrow																5,100,000	(5,100,000)
Other noncurrent assets																1,100,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] | Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt																	0
Trade Revenue [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Net revenue															16,842,000	14,200,000	11,000,000
Barter Revenue [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Net revenue															41,900,000	42,500,000	34,700,000
Expense															41,900,000	42,500,000	$ 34,700,000
Total current assets							8,700,000				9,700,000				8,700,000	9,700,000
Total current liabilities							8,700,000				9,700,000				8,700,000	9,700,000
Noncurrent barter assets							8,100,000				12,500,000				8,100,000	12,500,000
Noncurrent barter liabilities							$ 8,100,000				$ 12,500,000				$ 8,100,000	$ 12,500,000
6.125% Due 2022 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest rate							6.125%								6.125%
6.125% Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt financing																					$ 275,000,000
Interest rate							6.125%				6.125%				6.125%	6.125%					6.125%
5.875% Due 2022 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest rate							5.875%								5.875%
5.875% Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest rate							5.875%				5.875%				5.875%	5.875%			5.875%
5.625 % Due 2024 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest rate							5.625%								5.625%
5.625 % Due 2024 [Member] | Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest rate							5.625%				5.625%				5.625%	5.625%				5.625%
5.625 % Due 2024 [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest rate											5.625%					5.625%	5.625%
Pre-funded interest on notes																	$ 26,700,000
Interest payment																$ 25,900,000
5.625 % Due 2024 [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt																$ 900,000,000
5.625 % Due 2024 [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member] | Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest rate						5.625%
Proceeds from long-term debt						$ 900,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Expected increase in total assets and total liabilities, percentage															2.00%
KHII [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities acquired		$ 6,500,000
Acquisition date		Nov. 1, 2018
KHII [Member] | Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Acquisition date		Nov. 1, 2018
WHDF [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities acquired			$ 3,000,000
Acquisition date			Jul. 15, 2018
WHDF [Member] | Non-Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Acquisition date			Jul. 15, 2018
Definitive Merger Agreement [Member] | Tribune [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Outstanding equity acquired, price per share | $ / shares	$ 46.50
Purchase price of entities acquired	$ 6,400,000,000
Acquisition date	Nov. 30, 2018
Definitive Merger Agreement [Member] | Tribune [Member] | Commercial Banks [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt financing	$ 6,400,000,000

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information 1 (Details) - Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2019-01-01 $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized as revenue	$ 2.3
Contract liabilities expected to be recognized as revenue, period	3 months

Summary of Significant Accoun_7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares shares 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 And Diluted Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	45,619	45,552	45,631	46,075	45,754	46,107	46,931	44,200	45,718	45,754	30,687
Dilutive effect of equity incentive plan instruments									1,694	1,395	977
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	47,482	47,338	47,147	47,685	47,149	47,452	48,195	45,419	47,412	47,149	31,664

Summary of Significant Accoun_8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Consolidating Cash Flow Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition		$ (4,044)
Other noncash credits, net	$ (2,432)	(3,491)	$ (1,612)
Accounts receivable	30,874	(56,669)	(27,290)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	97	1,169	(6,972)
Other noncurrent assets	1,602	516	244
Net cash provided by operating activities	736,867	109,091	284,253
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds received from corporate-owned life insurance policies	983	850
Net cash used in investing activities	(175,514)	(2,066,285)	(135,122)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	251,387	3,533,981	958,000
Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition		(259,603)	(2,000)
Net cash provided by financing activities	(531,890)	1,057,367	822,932
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	29,463	(899,827)	972,063
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	115,652	1,015,479	43,416
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	145,115	115,652	1,015,479
Supplemental information:
Interest paid	$ 218,746	239,558	78,261
ASU 2016-15 [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition		(4,044)
Accounts receivable		(850)
Net cash provided by operating activities		(4,894)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds received from corporate-owned life insurance policies		850
Net cash used in investing activities		850
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition		4,044
Net cash provided by financing activities		4,044
ASU 2016-18 [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Income from escrow deposit			1,080
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(21,656)	21,656
Other noncurrent assets		(1,080)
Net cash provided by operating activities		(22,736)	22,736
Cash flows from investing activities:
Withdrawal of interest previously deposited in escrow		(5,063)
Prepaid interest deposited in escrow			5,063
Net cash used in investing activities		(5,063)	5,063
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		(900,000)	900,000
Net cash provided by financing activities		(900,000)	900,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(927,799)	927,799
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		927,799
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period			927,799
Supplemental information:
Interest paid		25,875	(21,656)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt directly deposited into escrow			(900,000)
Previously Reported [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Other noncash credits, net		(1,617)
Accounts receivable		(55,819)
Income from escrow deposit			(1,080)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		22,825	(28,628)
Other noncurrent assets		(278)
Net cash provided by operating activities		136,721	261,517
Cash flows from investing activities:
Withdrawal of interest previously deposited in escrow		5,063
Prepaid interest deposited in escrow			(5,063)
Net cash used in investing activities		(2,062,072)	(140,185)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		4,433,981	58,000
Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition		(263,647)
Net cash provided by financing activities		1,953,323	(77,068)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		27,972	44,264
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		87,680
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period			87,680
Supplemental information:
Interest paid		213,683	99,917
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt directly deposited into escrow			900,000
Previously Reported [Member] | ASU 2016-18 [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		21,600	21,700
Other noncurrent assets		1,100
Cash flows from investing activities:
Withdrawal of interest previously deposited in escrow		5,100	$ (5,100)
Reclassifications [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Other noncash credits, net		(1,874)
Other noncurrent assets		$ 1,874

Acquisitions and Dispositions -

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Merger Agreement with Tribune - Additional Information (Details) - Definitive Merger Agreement [Member] - Tribune [Member]	Nov. 30, 2018USD ($)TelevisionStation$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition date	Nov. 30, 2018
Outstanding equity acquired, price per share | $ / shares	$ 46.50
Purchase price of entities acquired	$ 6,400,000,000
Additional cash consideration if transaction not closed by August 31, 2019 | $ / shares	0.30
Acquisition related costs		$ 2,500,000	$ 1,200,000
Termination fee payable by Tribune upon termination	$ 135,000,000
Maximum reimbursement amount payable by Nexstar upon termination	$ 15,000,000
Number of local television stations | TelevisionStation	42
Maximum [Member] | Commercial Banks [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt financing to consumate the merger and refinancing of indebtedness of Tribune and related transactions	$ 6,400,000,000

Acquisitions and Dispositions_2

Acquisitions and Dispositions - LKQD - Additional Information (Details) - LKQD [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 27, 2018	Jan. 16, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition date		Jan. 16, 2018
Total Consideration		$ 97
Cash paid in business acquisition	$ 3		$ 94
Maximum Earnout payment		$ 35
Reversed previous estimated accrual				$ 1.9
Acquisition related costs					$ 0.4
Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets		3 years
Decreases in estimated fair value of accounts receivable					1.2
Goodwill, fair value adjustments					$ 1.3
Revenue since the date of acquisition						$ 34.2
Operating income (loss) since the date of acquisition						$ 12.9

Acquisitions and Dispositions_3

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($)

Nov. 01, 2018

Aug. 01, 2018

Jul. 15, 2018

Apr. 27, 2018

Oct. 02, 2017

Mar. 31, 2017

Jan. 31, 2017

Jan. 17, 2017

Jan. 04, 2016

Jan. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2018

Jan. 16, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Aug. 02, 2016

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill

$ 2,167,954,000

$ 2,142,846,000

$ 473,304,000

Consolidated VIEs [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill

$ 154,787,000

$ 163,549,000

LKQD [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 11,167,000

Accounts receivable

24,712,000

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

13,000

Property and equipment

210,000

Other intangible assets

45,320,000

Goodwill

42,475,000

Total assets acquired and consolidated

123,897,000

Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses

(18,816,000)

Less: Taxes payable

(1,065,000)

Less: Deferred tax liabilities

(6,984,000)

Net assets acquired and consolidated

$ 97,032,000

Total paid at first closing

$ 3,000,000

$ 94,000,000

WHDF [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

$ 66,000

Property and equipment

1,539,000

Other intangible assets

246,000

Other noncurrent assets

26,000

FCC licenses

379,000

Total assets acquired and consolidated

2,942,000

Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses

(30,000)

Net assets acquired and consolidated

2,912,000

Total paid at first closing

$ 700,000

2,300,000

WHDF [Member] | Network Affiliation Agreements [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Other intangible assets

$ 686,000

KRBK [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Accounts receivable

$ 2,091,000

Broadcast rights

73,000

Property and equipment

3,894,000

Other intangible assets

119,000

Other noncurrent assets

7,000

FCC licenses

4,401,000

Goodwill

2,544,000

Total assets acquired and consolidated

18,848,000

Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses

(1,281,000)

Less: Noncontrolling interests in consolidated VIEs

(15,600,000)

Net assets acquired and consolidated

17,567,000

Deposit on second closing

13,100,000

Total paid at first closing

2,500,000

15,100,000

KRBK [Member] | Network Affiliation Agreements [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Other intangible assets

$ 5,719,000

KHII [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Less: Noncontrolling interests in consolidated VIEs

(6,500)

KHII [Member] | Consolidated VIEs [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Property and equipment

400,000

FCC licenses

5,850,000

Total assets acquired and consolidated

6,500,000

KHII [Member] | Network Affiliation Agreements [Member] | Consolidated VIEs [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Other intangible assets

$ 250,000

Media General [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 63,850,000

Accounts receivable

301,604,000

Spectrum asset

465,582,000

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

35,973,000

Property and equipment

482,144,000

Other noncurrent assets

36,104,000

FCC licenses

1,242,847,000

Goodwill

1,701,097,000

Total assets acquired and consolidated

5,753,484,000

Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses

(187,721,000)

Less: Taxes payable

(10,854,000)

Less: Interest payable

(12,794,000)

Less: Debt

(434,269,000)

Less: Deferred tax liabilities

(957,779,000)

Less: Other noncurrent liabilities

(227,378,000)

Less: Noncontrolling interests in consolidated VIEs

(7,600,000)

Net assets acquired and consolidated

3,915,089,000

Total paid at first closing

1,376,108,000

Media General [Member] | Network Affiliation Agreements [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Other intangible assets

1,323,200,000

Media General [Member] | Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Other intangible assets

$ 101,083,000

WVMH [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Accounts receivable

$ 438,000

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

114,000

Property and equipment

18,362,000

Goodwill

35,000

Total assets acquired and consolidated

22,351,000

Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses

(623,000)

Less: Other noncurrent liabilities

(307,000)

Net assets acquired and consolidated

21,421,000

Deposit on second closing

43,543,000

Total paid at first closing

$ 66,900,000

64,964,000

WVMH [Member] | Consolidated VIEs [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Broadcast rights

$ 527,000

Property and equipment

3,489,000

FCC licenses

41,230,000

Goodwill

28,588,000

Total assets acquired and consolidated

109,221,000

Less: Broadcast rights payable

(527,000)

Net assets acquired and consolidated

108,694,000

WVMH [Member] | Network Affiliation Agreements [Member] | Consolidated VIEs [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Other intangible assets

$ 35,387,000

WVMH [Member] | Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Other intangible assets

$ 3,402,000

Parker [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

FCC licenses

$ 1,539,000

Goodwill

698,000

Total assets acquired and consolidated

4,000,000

Total paid at first closing

800,000

Parker [Member] | Network Affiliation Agreements [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Other intangible assets

1,743,000

Parker [Member] | Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Other intangible assets

$ 20,000

WLWC [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Broadcast rights

$ 1,599,000

Property and equipment

1,158,000

Goodwill

0

Total assets acquired and consolidated

5,659,000

Less: Broadcast rights payable

(1,599,000)

Net assets acquired and consolidated

4,060,000

Total paid at first closing

4,100,000

WLWC [Member] | Network Affiliation Agreements [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Other intangible assets

2,517,000

WLWC [Member] | Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Other intangible assets

$ 385,000

Acquisitions and Dispositions_4

Acquisitions and Dispositions - WHDF - Additional Information (Details) - WHDF [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 01, 2018	Jul. 15, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition date		Jul. 15, 2018
Total Consideration		$ 3
Cash paid in business acquisition	$ 0.7	$ 2.3
Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets		3 years

Acquisitions and Dispositions_5

Acquisitions and Dispositions - KRBK - Additional Information (Details) - KRBK [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 01, 2018	Aug. 01, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total Consideration		$ 17.6
Acquisition date		Aug. 1, 2018
Cash paid in business acquisition	$ 2.5	$ 15.1
Deposit for second closing		13.1
Noncontrolling interest		$ 15.6
Utilization of deposit previously paid	$ 13.1
Network affiliation agreements useful life		15 years
Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets		1 year

Acquisitions and Dispositions_6

Acquisitions and Dispositions - KHII - Additional Information (Details) - KHII [Member] - USD ($)	Jan. 28, 2019	Nov. 01, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition date		Nov. 1, 2018
Advance payment towards purchase price		$ 100,000
Total Consideration		6,500,000
Noncontrolling interest		$ 6,500
Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid in business acquisition	$ 6,400,000

Acquisitions and Dispositions_7

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Media General - Additional Information (Details)	Aug. 28, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 21, 2017USD ($)TelevisionStation	Apr. 13, 2017TelevisionStation	Jan. 17, 2017USD ($)TelevisionStationMarket$ / shares	Nov. 30, 2017TelevisionStation	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)TelevisionStationMarket$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)TelevisionStationMarket$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of markets in which the Company's stations broadcast | Market						100									100
Number of full power television stations whose assets are sold | TelevisionStation				12
Number of markets in which full power television stations are sold | Market				12
Gain (Loss) on sale of business																$ 57,716,000
Number of stations owned | TelevisionStation		11	11
Number of stations went off the air | TelevisionStation					1
Number of ceased broadcasting channels | TelevisionStation						8									8
Number of stations to move to very high frequency channels | TelevisionStation						2									2
Initial payments of CVR to holders																259,603,000	$ 2,000,000
Consolidation of remaining assets in non-controlling interests															$ 6,500,000	7,600,000	108,694,000
Revenue included in consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income						$ 798,022,000	$ 693,015,000	$ 660,323,000	$ 615,336,000	$ 653,664,000	$ 611,870,000	$ 626,115,000	$ 540,317,000		2,766,696,000	2,431,966,000	1,103,190,000
Operating income (loss)						$ 272,776,000	$ 192,893,000	$ 174,494,000	$ 117,616,000	$ 136,660,000	$ 125,916,000	$ 135,529,000	$ 107,520,000		$ 757,779,000	$ 505,625,000	$ 287,308,000
5.875% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 400,000,000
Interest rate				5.875%
Term Loan A [Member] | Shield Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 24,800,000
Network Affiliation Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Network affiliation agreements useful life															15 years	15 years	15 years
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock, par value | $ / shares						$ 0.01				$ 0.01				$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Media General Divestitures [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of full power television stations whose assets are sold | TelevisionStation				7
Number of markets in which full power television stations are sold | Market				7
Selling price of entities sold				$ 427,600,000
Gain (Loss) on sale of business				$ (4,700,000)
Nexstar Divestitures [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of full power television stations whose assets are sold | TelevisionStation				5
Selling price of entities sold				$ 114,400,000
Gain (Loss) on sale of business				$ 62,400,000
Media General [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Merger effective date				Jan. 17, 2017
Number of full power television stations owned, operated or serviced | TelevisionStation				78
Number of markets in which the Company's stations broadcast | Market				48
Outstanding equity acquired, price per share | $ / shares				$ 10.55
Estimated acquisition date fair value of spectrum asset				$ 465,582,000
Estimated fair value of contingent value rights				271,000,000
Gross proceeds to surrender of spectrum auction		$ 478,600,000
Initial payments of CVR to holders	$ 258,600,000
Remaining amounts payable to CVR holders						$ 12,400									$ 12,400
Carryover of tax basis in goodwill, deductible for tax purposes				159,000,000
Carryover of tax basis in property and equipment, deductible for tax purposes				247,800,000
Long-term debt				434,269,000
Change in estimated fair value of spectrum asset increased				24,000,000
Decrease in accounts receivable due to changes in estimate of collectability of accounts receivable				23,400,000
Increase in goodwill due to changes in estimate of fair value assumptions				32,800,000
Increase in deferred tax liabilities due to changes in estimate of fair value assumptions				7,400,000
Decrease in income tax payable due to changes in estimate of fair value assumptions				6,500,000
Revenue included in consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income														$ 1,412,000,000
Operating income (loss)														$ 300,400,000
Acquisition related costs																$ 52,400,000	$ 8,400,000
Media General [Member] | Property and Equipment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Measurement period adjustments, increase (decrease) in acquired intangible assets				(1,800,000)
Media General [Member] | Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consolidation of remaining assets in non-controlling interests				7,600,000
Media General [Member] | FCC licenses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Carryover of tax basis in intangible assets, deductible for tax purposes				294,300,000
Measurement period adjustments, increase (decrease) in acquired intangible assets				$ (255,300,000)
Media General [Member] | Network Affiliation Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Network affiliation agreements useful life				15 years
Carryover of tax basis in intangible assets, deductible for tax purposes				$ 31,700,000
Measurement period adjustments, increase (decrease) in acquired intangible assets				$ 254,500,000
Media General [Member] | Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets				19 years
Carryover of tax basis in intangible assets, deductible for tax purposes				$ 40,400,000
Measurement period adjustments, increase (decrease) in acquired intangible assets				$ (25,100,000)
Media General [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of shares issued for each share outstanding				12.49%
Common stock, par value | $ / shares				$ 0.01

Acquisitions and Dispositions_8

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Components of Total Consideration Paid, Payable or Issued Upon Closing of Merger (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Repayment of Media General debt, including premium and accrued interest		$ 653,011	$ 1,922,329	$ 80,140
Media General [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash Consideration	$ 1,376,108
Nexstar Common Stock issued (15,670,094 shares)	995,835
Reissued Nexstar Common Stock from treasury (560,316 shares)	35,608
Stock option replacement awards (228,438 options)	10,702
Contingent consideration liability (CVR)	271,008
Total Consideration	4,347,396
Media General [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Repayment of Media General debt, including premium and accrued interest	$ 1,658,135

Acquisitions and Dispositions_9

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Components of Total Consideration Paid, Payable or Issued Upon Closing of Merger (Parenthetical) (Details) - Media General [Member]	Jan. 17, 2017shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued in business acquisition	15,670,094
Stock issued during period, shares, treasury stock Reissued	560,316
Stock option replacement awards, number of stock options	228,438

Acquisitions and Disposition_10

Acquisitions and Dispositions - WVMH - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 02, 2016	Jan. 04, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 16, 2015USD ($)TelevisionStation	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue included in consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income					$ 798,022	$ 693,015	$ 660,323	$ 615,336	$ 653,664	$ 611,870	$ 626,115	$ 540,317	$ 2,766,696	$ 2,431,966	$ 1,103,190
Operating income (loss)					$ 272,776	$ 192,893	$ 174,494	$ 117,616	$ 136,660	$ 125,916	$ 135,529	$ 107,520	$ 757,779	505,625	287,308
WVMH [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition date				Nov. 16, 2015
Purchase price of entities to be acquired				$ 130,000
Cash paid in business acquisition	$ 66,900		$ 64,964
Deposits and payments for acquisitions				$ 6,500
Revenue included in consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income														51,300
Operating income (loss)														11,500
Acquisition related costs														$ 0	$ 0
WVMH [Member] | Consolidated VIEs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Network affiliation agreements useful life		15 years
WVMH [Member] | Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets			3 years
WVMH [Member] | CBS Affiliation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of television stations to be acquired | TelevisionStation				3
WVMH [Member] | NBC Affiliation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of television stations to be acquired | TelevisionStation				1

Acquisitions and Disposition_11

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Parker - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Jun. 13, 2014	May 27, 2014
KFQX [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities to be acquired			$ 4
Deposits and payments for acquisitions		$ 3.2
Parker [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid in business acquisition	$ 0.8
Network affiliation agreements useful life			15 years

Acquisitions and Disposition_12

Acquisitions and Dispositions - WLWC-TV - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 2,167,954,000	$ 2,142,846,000	$ 473,304,000
WLWC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition date	Oct. 2, 2017
Cash paid in business acquisition	$ 4,100,000
Goodwill	$ 0
Network affiliation agreements useful life	15 years

Acquisitions and Disposition_13

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Reiten - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 01, 2016USD ($)TelevisionStation	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue included in consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income			$ 798,022	$ 693,015	$ 660,323	$ 615,336	$ 653,664	$ 611,870	$ 626,115	$ 540,317		$ 2,766,696	$ 2,431,966	$ 1,103,190
Operating income (loss)			$ 272,776	$ 192,893	$ 174,494	$ 117,616	$ 136,660	$ 125,916	$ 135,529	$ 107,520		$ 757,779	$ 505,625	287,308
Reiten [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition date	Feb. 1, 2016
Number of television stations acquired | TelevisionStation	4
Purchase price of entities acquired	$ 44,000
Deposit paid upon signing an agreement to acquire a business		$ 2,200
Acquisition related costs														$ 100
Revenue included in consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income											$ 11,100
Operating income (loss)											$ 1,000

Acquisitions and Disposition_14

Acquisitions and Dispositions - KCWI - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 14, 2016	Oct. 24, 2014	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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue included in consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income			$ 798,022,000	$ 693,015,000	$ 660,323,000	$ 615,336,000	$ 653,664,000	$ 611,870,000	$ 626,115,000	$ 540,317,000		$ 2,766,696,000	$ 2,431,966,000	$ 1,103,190,000
Operating income (loss)			$ 272,776,000	$ 192,893,000	$ 174,494,000	$ 117,616,000	$ 136,660,000	$ 125,916,000	$ 135,529,000	$ 107,520,000		$ 757,779,000	$ 505,625,000	287,308,000
KCWI [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities acquired	$ 3,900,000
Deposits and payments for acquisitions		$ 200,000
Acquisition related costs														$ 0
Acquisition date	Mar. 14, 2016
Revenue included in consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income											$ 3,100,000
Operating income (loss)											$ 2,700,000

Acquisitions and Disposition_15

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Unaudited Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net revenue	$ 2,484,214	$ 2,457,492
Income before income taxes	288,279	124,966
Net income	503,871	49,318
Net income attributable to Nexstar	$ 503,541	$ 46,547
Net income per common share attributable to Nexstar - basic	$ 10.84	$ 0.99
Net income per common share attributable to Nexstar - diluted	$ 10.52	$ 0.97

Property and Equipment - Schedu

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,170,380	$ 1,093,520
Less: accumulated depreciation	(438,842)	(359,382)
Property and equipment, net	731,538	734,138
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 231,270	$ 225,183
Estimated useful life	39 years	39 years
Land [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 126,926	$ 127,625
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	27,573	29,114
Studio and transmission equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 555,389	$ 539,788
Studio and transmission equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years	5 years
Studio and transmission equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	15 years	15 years
Computer equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 97,180	$ 96,487
Computer equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years	3 years
Computer equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years	5 years
Furniture And Fixtures
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 18,720	$ 18,876
Estimated useful life	7 years	7 years
Vehicles [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 38,398	$ 35,211
Estimated useful life	5 years	5 years
Construction in progress [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 74,924	$ 21,236

Property and Equipment - Additi

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Capital lease	$ 5.8	$ 5.8
Studio and transmission equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Capital lease	$ 5.2	$ 5.2

Intangible Assets and Goodwil_2

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 2,223,962	$ 2,164,259
Accumulated Amortization	(732,039)	(582,633)
Net	$ 1,491,923	$ 1,581,626
Network Affiliation Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	15 years	15 years	15 years
Gross	$ 1,977,825	$ 1,971,170
Accumulated Amortization	(575,860)	(461,345)
Net	1,401,965	1,509,825
Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	246,137	193,089
Accumulated Amortization	(156,179)	(121,288)
Net	$ 89,958	$ 71,801
Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	1 year	1 year
Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	20 years	20 years

Intangible Assets and Goodwil_3

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Additional Information (Details)	Jan. 16, 2018ReportingUnit	Jan. 15, 2018ReportingUnit	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)ReportingUnit	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Assets impairment charge				$ 8,500,000
Goodwill impairment charges					$ 19,911,000	$ 11,517,000	$ 15,262,000
Goodwill			$ 2,167,954,000	2,142,846,000	$ 2,167,954,000	2,142,846,000	$ 473,304,000
Broadcast [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of business reporting units | ReportingUnit					1
Goodwill			$ 2,125,479,000	2,122,935,000	$ 2,125,479,000	2,122,935,000
All Other Segments [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of business reporting units | ReportingUnit	4	3			4
Terminal growth rate			2.50%
Goodwill				19,900,000		$ 19,900,000
All Other Segments [Member] | Three Digital Reporting Units [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 0		$ 0
All Other Segments [Member] | One Digital Reporting Unit [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 42,100,000		$ 42,100,000
All Other Segments [Member] | Measurement Input Discount Rate [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Discount rate			0.150		0.150
All Other Segments [Member] | Quantitative Impairment Test Failed [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges			$ 19,900,000	$ 11,500,000
All Other Segments [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Compound annual growth rate			4.40%
Initial year operating profit margin			1.10%
Operating profit margin			6.30%
Income tax rate			21.00%
Revenue multiplier adjusted for forecasted operating performance			0.2
All Other Segments [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Compound annual growth rate			5.00%
Initial year operating profit margin			5.90%
Operating profit margin			13.70%
Income tax rate			28.70%
Revenue multiplier adjusted for forecasted operating performance			0.4

Intangible Assets and Goodwil_4

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Estimated Amortization Expense of Definite-Lived Intangibles Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense Current And Five Succeeding Fiscal Years [Abstract]
2,019	$ 140,793
2,020	130,335
2,021	119,559
2,022	114,147
2,023	112,954
Thereafter	874,135
Net	$ 1,491,923	$ 1,581,626

Intangible Assets and Goodwil_5

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Goodwill and FCC Licenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross	$ 2,257,774	$ 2,212,755	$ 534,557
Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment	(89,820)	(69,909)	(61,253)
Goodwill, Net	2,167,954	2,142,846	473,304
Goodwill Acquisitions, Gross	45,019	1,701,719
Goodwill Acquisitions, Accumulated Impairment	(19,911)	(11,517)	(15,262)
Goodwill Acquisitions and Consolidations of VIEs, Net	45,019	1,701,719
Goodwill Nexstar Divestitures, Gross		(22,823)
Goodwill Nexstar Divestitures, Accumulated Impairment		2,861
Goodwill Nexstar Divestitures, Net		(19,962)
Goodwill Deconsolidations of a VIEs, Gross		(698)
Goodwill Deconsolidations of a VIEs, Net		(698)
FCC Licenses [Abstract]
FCC Licenses, Gross	1,825,678	1,815,048	591,945
FCC Licenses, Accumulated Impairment	(47,410)	(47,410)	(49,421)
FCC Licenses, Net	1,778,268	1,767,638	$ 542,524
FCC Licenses Acquisitions, Gross	10,630	1,244,386
FCC Licenses Acquisitions and Consolidations of VIEs, Net	$ 10,630	1,244,386
FCC Licenses Divestitures, Gross		(19,744)
FCC Licenses Nexstar Divestitures, Accumulated Impairment		2,011
FCC Licenses Nexstar Divestitures, Net		(17,733)
FCC Licenses Deconsolidations of a VIEs, Gross		(1,539)
FCC Licenses Deconsolidations of a VIEs, Net		$ (1,539)

Accrued Expenses - Accrued Expe

Accrued Expenses - Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Compensation and related taxes	$ 44,269	$ 44,775
Network affiliation fees	21,916	68,197
Other	77,665	62,968
Accrued expenses	$ 143,850	$ 175,940

Debt - Long Term Debt (Details)

Debt - Long Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt	$ 3,981,003	$ 4,362,460
Less: current portion	(96,093)	(92,808)
Debt, noncurrent	3,884,910	4,269,652
Notes Payable to Banks [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt	2,407,490	2,791,875
Revolving loans [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt	5,628	3,000
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 6.125% Due 2022 [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt	273,444	273,008
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.875% Due 2022 [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt	406,233	408,102
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.625 % Due 2024 [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt	$ 888,208	$ 886,475

Debt - Long Term Debt (Parenthe

Debt - Long Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 17, 2017	Jul. 27, 2016	Jan. 29, 2015
6.125% Due 2022 [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Interest rate	6.125%
5.875% Due 2022 [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Interest rate	5.875%
5.625 % Due 2024 [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Interest rate	5.625%
Notes Payable to Banks [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt financing costs and discount	$ 37,679	$ 57,547
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 6.125% Due 2022 [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt financing costs and discount	$ 1,556	$ 1,992
Interest rate	6.125%	6.125%			6.125%
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.875% Due 2022 [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt financing costs and discount	$ 6,233	$ 8,102
Interest rate	5.875%	5.875%	5.875%
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.625 % Due 2024 [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt financing costs and discount	$ 11,792	$ 13,525
Interest rate	5.625%	5.625%		5.625%

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)

Oct. 26, 2018

Oct. 25, 2018

Jul. 27, 2018

Jun. 28, 2018

Jan. 16, 2018

Jan. 17, 2017

Jul. 27, 2016

Jun. 30, 2018

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Nov. 30, 2018

Dec. 31, 2015

Jan. 29, 2015

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayment of debt

$ 653,011,000

$ 1,922,329,000

$ 80,140,000

Loss on extinguishment of debt

12,120,000

34,882,000

Committed financing

$ 6,400,000,000

Debt

3,981,003,000

4,362,460,000

Proceeds from long-term debt, net of debt discounts

$ 251,387,000

$ 3,533,981,000

$ 958,000,000

5.875% Due 2022 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate

5.875%

5.625 % Due 2024 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate

5.625%

6.125% Due 2022 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate

6.125%

Marshall Broadcasting Group Inc [Member] | Term Loan A and Revolving Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate during the period

4.52%

3.56%

Marshall Broadcasting Group Inc [Member] | Term Loans A [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayment of debt

$ 5,600,000

$ 48,800,000

$ 1,800,000

Debt instrument maturity date

Dec. 1, 2019

Debt

$ 45,400,000

$ 49,600,000

Proceeds from long-term debt, net of debt discounts

51,800,000

Shield Media, LLC [Member] | Term Loans A [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayment of debt

1,200,000

Debt instrument maturity date

Oct. 26, 2023

Jul. 19, 2022

Basis points

0.25%

Debt

$ 22,600,000

$ 23,800,000

Interest rate during the period

4.27%

3.56%

Revolving Loans [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt

$ 5,628,000

$ 3,000,000

Available borrowing capacity

166,400,000

Revolving Loans [Member] | Marshall Broadcasting Group Inc [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Borrowing from revolving credit facility

$ 5,600,000

Repayment of debt

$ 3,000,000

Debt

$ 5,600,000

3,000,000

Commitment fees

0.50%

Available borrowing capacity

$ 0

0

Revolving Loans [Member] | Mission Broadcasting Inc

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Oct. 26, 2023

Jul. 19, 2022

Debt

$ 0

$ 0

Interest rate during the period

4.27%

3.56%

Revolving Loans [Member] | Nexstar [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayment of debt

$ 44,000,000

Debt

$ 0

$ 0

Interest rate during the period

4.27%

3.56%

Commitment fees

0.50%

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Mission Broadcasting Inc

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis points

0.25%

Loss on extinguishment of debt

$ 500,000

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Nexstar [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis points

0.25%

Loss on extinguishment of debt

$ 11,600,000

Maximum consolidated first lien net leverage ratio

425.00%

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Nexstar [Member] | Term Loan A and Revolving Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Oct. 26, 2023

Jul. 19, 2022

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Nexstar [Member] | Term Loan B [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayment of debt

$ 150,000,000

$ 360,000,000

Debt instrument maturity date

Jan. 17, 2024

Basis points

0.25%

Debt

$ 1,289,000,000

$ 1,782,000

Interest rate during the period

4.77%

4.06%

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Nexstar [Member] | Term Loans A [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayment of debt

$ 36,200,000

Borrowings from credit facility

$ 150,000,000

Debt

$ 825,100,000

$ 711,000,000

Interest rate during the period

4.27%

3.56%

Term Loan B [Member] | Mission Broadcasting Inc

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayment of debt

$ 2,300,000

Debt

$ 224,600,000

$ 225,700,000

Interest rate during the period

4.77%

4.06%

Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.875% Due 2022 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Nov. 15, 2022

Debt

$ 406,233,000

$ 408,102,000

Long-term debt

$ 400,000,000

Interest rate

5.875%

5.875%

5.875%

Maturity year

2,022

Frequency of periodic principal payments

semiannually

Redemption price as a percentage of debt principal that can be redeemed through equity offerings

105.875%

Redemption price of a debt as percentage of par value upon occurrence of change of control. (in hundredths)

101.00%

Minimum debt holders that may declare debt due and payable upon default

25.00%

Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.875% Due 2022 [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Minimum outstanding balance after debts redeemed through equity offerings

$ 200,000,000

Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.875% Due 2022 [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Number of days to redeem debt through equity offerings

90 days

Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.875% Due 2022 [Member] | Nexstar [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Ownership percentage in subsidiary

100.00%

Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.625 % Due 2024 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Aug. 1, 2024

Debt

$ 888,208,000

$ 886,475,000

Interest rate

5.625%

5.625%

5.625%

Frequency of periodic principal payments

semiannually

Redemption price as a percentage of debt principal that can be redeemed through equity offerings

105.625%

Redemption price of a debt as percentage of par value upon occurrence of change of control. (in hundredths)

101.00%

Minimum debt holders that may declare debt due and payable upon default

25.00%

Proceeds from previously issued of debt instrument

$ 900,000,000

Redemption price as percentage of debt principal amount that can be redeemed at any time prior to a specified date

100.00%

Aggregate principal amount of debt that can be redeemed through equity offerings

40.00%

Debt finance costs

$ 15,700,000

Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.625 % Due 2024 [Member] | Nexstar [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Ownership percentage in subsidiary

100.00%

Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 6.125% Due 2022 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt instrument maturity date

Feb. 15, 2022

Debt

$ 273,444,000

$ 273,008,000

Interest rate

6.125%

6.125%

6.125%

Redemption price as a percentage of debt principal that can be redeemed through equity offerings

106.125%

Redemption price of a debt as percentage of par value upon occurrence of change of control. (in hundredths)

101.00%

Minimum debt holders that may declare debt due and payable upon default

25.00%

Aggregate principal amount of debt that can be redeemed through equity offerings

40.00%

Debt finance costs

$ 3,000,000

Debt instrument principal amount

$ 275,000,000

Frequency of periodic interest payments

semiannually

LKQD [Member] | Revolving Loans [Member] | Nexstar [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Borrowing from revolving credit facility

$ 44,000,000

Debt - Fair Value of Debt (Deta

Debt - Fair Value of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Payable to Banks [Member] | Term Loans [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Debt	[1]	$ 2,407,490	$ 2,791,875
Notes Payable to Banks [Member] | Term Loans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Debt	[1]	2,389,439	2,852,199
Revolving loans [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Debt	[1]	5,628	3,000
Revolving loans [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Debt	[1]	5,528	2,985
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 6.125% Due 2022 [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Debt	[2]	273,444	273,008
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 6.125% Due 2022 [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Debt	[2]	275,688	284,625
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.875% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Debt	[2]	406,233	408,102
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.875% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Debt	[2]	397,000	415,500
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.625 % Due 2024 [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Debt	[2]	888,208	886,475
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 5.625 % Due 2024 [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Debt	[2]	$ 837,000	$ 925,875
[1]	The fair value of senior secured credit facilities is computed based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. These fair value measurements are considered Level 3, as significant inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable in the market.
[2]	The fair value of Nexstar’s fixed rate debt is estimated based on bid prices obtained from an investment banking firm that regularly makes a market for these financial instruments. These fair value measurements are considered Level 2, as quoted market prices are available for low volume trading of these securities.

Debt - Maturities of Debt (Deta

Debt - Maturities of Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Debt Maturities [Abstract]
2,019	$ 96,093
2,020	44,910
2,021	61,961
2,022	762,536
2,023	624,616
Thereafter	2,435,681
Debt	$ 4,025,797

Retirement and Postretirement_3

Retirement and Postretirement Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other postretirement benefit plans changes in funded status amortization term				5 years
Retirement savings plans Nexstar [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions by employer				$ 8,500,000	$ 4,200,000	$ 1,600,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit credit			$ 5,600,000
OPEB [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated amortization of net loss in 2019				46,000
Prior service cost recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income				0
Transition obligation recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income				0
Net periodic benefit credit	$ 717,000			$ 814,000
Net periodic benefit costs, discount rate				3.42%	3.80%
LIN’s Supplemental Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit costs, discount rate				2.30%
LIN’s Supplemental Retirement Plan [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit costs, discount rate		4.00%	3.20%
Minimum [Member] | U.S. Large Cap Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				3.00%
Minimum [Member] | U.S. Small/Mid Cap Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				0.00%
Minimum [Member] | International/Global Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Other Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				50.00%
Minimum [Member] | Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				0.00%
Maximum [Member] | U.S. Large Cap Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				23.00%
Maximum [Member] | U.S. Small/Mid Cap Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				13.00%
Maximum [Member] | International/Global Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				19.00%
Maximum [Member] | Other Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				17.00%
Maximum [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				70.00%
Maximum [Member] | Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations range				10.00%
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	57,600,000			$ 49,200,000	$ 57,600,000
Net Asset Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 323,800,000			$ 281,700,000	$ 323,800,000

Retirement and Postretirement_4

Retirement and Postretirement Plans - Schedule of Reconciliation of Changes in Plans Benefit Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of period		$ 562,197	$ 460,862	[1],[2]
Interest cost		14,981	13,965
Plan settlements	[3]	(40,235)
Divestiture transfer	[4]	(60,032)
Actuarial (gain) loss		11,301	(21,568)
Benefit payments		(27,350)	(29,559)
Benefit obligation at end of period	[1],[2]	460,862	423,700
OPEB [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of period		22,601	23,374	[1],[2]
Service cost		22	16
Interest cost		695	689
Participant contributions		48	20
Actuarial (gain) loss		1,431	(1,362)
Benefit payments		(1,423)	(1,328)
Benefit obligation at end of period	[1],[2]	$ 23,374	$ 21,409
[1]	As of December 31, 2018, the pension benefit obligation includes $371.8 million that is substantially funded by plan assets. These plan assets cover approximately 89% of the benefit obligation.
[2]	Unless required, the Company’s policy is to fund benefits under the supplemental executive retirement, ERISA Excess, and all postretirement benefits plans as claims and premiums are paid. As of December 31, 2018, the benefit obligation related to the supplemental executive retirement and ERISA Excess plans included in the preceding table was approximately $51.9 million.
[3]	In December 2017, the Company offered terminated vested participants of the legacy Media General Retirement Plan an opportunity to receive a lump sum payout in settlement of their retirement plan liability.  Approximately one third of the roughly 2,200 participants elected to do so, resulting in $39.0 million in payouts from plan assets.  The Company recognized an immediate gain of $1.2 million in 2017 related to this settlement and included it as an offset against pension expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
[4]	Upon the consummation of the Media General transaction, approximately $60 million of the benefit obligation related to the Company's retirement plan was transferred to Graham Media Group, Inc., as part of the Media General Divestitures discussed in Note 3.

Retirement and Postretirement_5

Retirement and Postretirement Plans - Schedule of Reconciliation of Changes in Plans Benefit Obligations (Parenthetical) (Details) $ in Millions	11 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Participant	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Payouts from plan assets	$ 39
Gain from plan assets settlement	$ 1.2
Pension benefit obligation funded by plan assets		$ 371.8
Percentage of benefit obligation included in funded by plan assets		89.00%
Supplemental Executive Retirement and ERISA Excess Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation of retirement plans		$ 51.9
Media General [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of participants | Participant	2,200
Media General Divestitures [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation related to retirement plan transferred to Graham Media Group, Inc.	$ 60

Retirement and Postretirement_6

Retirement and Postretirement Plans - Schedule of Plans' Benefit Obligations Determined Using Assumptions (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.12%	3.49%
OPEB [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.06%	3.47%
Compensation increase rate	2.00%	3.00%

Retirement and Postretirement_7

Retirement and Postretirement Plans - Schedule of Reconciliation of Changes in Fair Value of Plans' Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan settlements	$ (39,000)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	394,526	$ 381,455
Actual return on plan assets	49,853	(25,108)
Employer contributions	4,661	4,126
Plan settlements	(40,235)
Benefit payments	(27,350)	(29,559)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	381,455	330,914
OPEB [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	1,375	1,308
Participant contributions	48	20
Benefit payments	$ (1,423)	$ (1,328)

Retirement and Postretirement_8

Retirement and Postretirement Plans - Schedule of Asset Allocation for Funded Retirement Plan and Range Asset Category (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets at Year End		100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets at Year End		35.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset Allocation	40.00%
Fixed Income Securities/Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets at Year End		64.00%
Fixed Income Securities/Cash [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset Allocation	60.00%
Other {Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets at Year End		1.00%

Retirement and Postretirement_9

Retirement and Postretirement Plans - Schedule of Funded Status of Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits [Member]
Amounts recorded in the balance sheet:
Current liabilities	$ (4,091)	$ (3,714)
Noncurrent liabilities	(88,695)	(75,693)
Funded status	(92,786)	(79,407)
OPEB [Member]
Amounts recorded in the balance sheet:
Current liabilities	(1,883)	(1,882)
Noncurrent liabilities	(19,526)	(21,492)
Funded status	$ (21,409)	$ (23,374)

Retirement and Postretiremen_10

Retirement and Postretirement Plans - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial gain (loss)	$ 9,733	$ (29,074)
December 31, 2017	9,733	(19,341)
OPEB [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial gain (loss)	(1,433)	1,471
December 31, 2017	$ (1,433)	$ 38

Retirement and Postretiremen_11

Retirement and Postretirement Plans - Schedule of Expected Plan Contributions (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Employer Contributions
2019 to participant benefits	$ 4,091
Expected Benefit Payments
2,019	30,520
2,020	30,169
2,021	29,901
2,022	29,579
2,023	29,470
2024-2028	141,763
OPEB [Member]
Employer Contributions
2019 to participant benefits	1,883
Expected Benefit Payments
2,019	1,883
2,020	1,877
2,021	1,865
2,022	1,838
2,023	1,815
2024-2028	$ 8,013

Retirement and Postretiremen_12

Retirement and Postretirement Plans - Summary of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) for Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement gain recognized	$ (1,200)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	14,981	$ 13,965
Expected return on plan assets	(27,658)	(25,534)
Settlement gain recognized	(1,160)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	(13,837)	(11,569)
OPEB [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	22	16
Interest cost	695	689
Amortization of net loss		109
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$ 717	$ 814

Retirement and Postretiremen_13

Retirement and Postretirement Plans - Schedule of Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Costs (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.49%	3.87%
Expected return on plan assets	7.00%	7.25%
OPEB [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.42%	3.80%
Compensation increase rate	2.00%	3.00%

Common Stock - Additional Infor

Common Stock - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 25, 2019$ / shares	Jan. 17, 2017shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)VotingRight$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares	Apr. 26, 2018USD ($)
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of treasury stock | $			$ 50,524	$ 99,008
Treasury Stock [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of treasury stock, shares			751,920	1,689,132
Purchase of treasury stock | $			$ 50,524	$ 99,008
Shares reissued in connection with stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units			411,752	680,511	116,821
Common stock shares issued				560,316
Subsequent Event [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividend declaration date	Jan. 25, 2019
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock voting rights | VotingRight			1
Annual cash dividend declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 1.50	$ 1.20	$ 0.96
Authorization of share repurchase | $						$ 200,000
Authorization of share repurchase, remaining available amount | $			$ 201,900
Common stock shares issued				15,670,094
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Media General [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock shares issued		15,670,094
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Treasury Stock [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of treasury stock | $			$ 50,500	$ 99,000
Shares reissued in connection with stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units			411,752	680,511	116,821
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Treasury Stock [Member] | Media General [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock shares issued		560,316
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividend declaration date	Jan. 25, 2019
Annual cash dividend declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.45
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock voting rights | VotingRight			10
Class C Common Stock [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock voting rights | VotingRight			0

Stock-Based Compensation Plan_2

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 31,260	$ 24,068	$ 11,390
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$ 65,100
Unrecognized compensation cost reorganization period	2 years 5 months 4 days
Shares available for future grants	853,813
2015 Plan [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future grants	836,063
2015 Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Available for Grant, Equity Incentive Plans Shares Approved (in shares)	2,500,000
2012 Plan [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future grants	17,750
2012 Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Available for Grant, Equity Incentive Plans Shares Approved (in shares)	1,500,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	0	228,438	0
Outstanding Options at end of the period (in shares)	1,809,268	1,960,459
Share based payment award expiration period	10 years
Number of options that can be exercised within six months grant date (in shares)	0
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 5,000	$ 34,100	$ 2,300
Aggregate fair value of options vested	$ 6,600	$ 17,600	$ 9,000
Common stock market price at the end of reporting period (in dollars per share)	$ 78.64
Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payment award vesting period	5 years
Cancellation period for unexercised vested options	180 days
Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payment award vesting period	4 years
Cancellation period for unexercised vested options	30 days
Time Based Restricted Stock Units
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units unvested	1,256,375	1,090,125
Time Based Restricted Stock Units | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payment award vesting period	5 years
Time Based Restricted Stock Units | Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payment award vesting period	2 years
Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units unvested	167,500	50,000
Share-based payment award vesting period	3 years

Assumptions used in Calculating

Assumptions used in Calculating Fair Value of Options Granted (Details) - Stock Options [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yields	1.90%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share	$ 46.85
Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	32.40%
Risk-free interest rates	0.50%
Expected life	2 months 12 days
Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	47.70%
Risk-free interest rates	2.20%
Expected life	7 years

Summary of Stock Option Activit

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, beginning of period	$ 102,625	$ 107,273
Outstanding Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	101,049
Outstanding Options Fully vested and expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 102,625
Non-vested Options, Shares [Roll Forward]
Non-vested Shares, beginning of the period (in shares)	256,875
Non-vested Shares, Vested (in shares)	(206,875)
Non-vested Shares, end of the period (in shares)	50,000	256,875
Non-vested Shares, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Non-vested shares, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 31.75
Non-vested shares Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	31.82
Non-vested shares, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 31.45	$ 31.75
Outstanding Options Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 18 days	5 years 21 days
Outstanding Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years
Outstanding Options Fully vested and expected to vest Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 18 days
Outstanding Options, Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding as of December 31, 2017	1,960,459
Options Exercised (in shares)	(141,660)
Options Forfeited/cancelled (in shares)	(9,531)
Outstanding Options at end of the period (in shares)	1,809,268	1,960,459
Outstanding Options Exercisable as of December 31, 2018 (in shares)	1,759,268
Outstanding Options Fully vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2018 (in shares)	1,809,268
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 23.48
Options Exercised Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	42.66
Options Forfeited/cancelled Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	35.19
Outstanding Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price, end of period (in dollars per share)	21.92	$ 23.48
Outstanding Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	21.20
Outstanding Options Fully vested and expected to vest Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 21.92

Summary of Restricted Stock Uni

Summary of Restricted Stock Units (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Time Based Restricted Stock Units
Unvested, Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested Shares, beginning of period (in shares) | shares	1,090,125
Unvested Shares, Awarded (in shares) | shares	525,000
Unvested Shares, Vested (in shares) | shares	(310,125)
Unvested Shares , Forfeited/cancelled (in shares) | shares	(48,625)
Unvested Shares, end of period (in shares) | shares	1,256,375
Unvested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, beginning of the period | $ / shares	$ 63.09
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Awarded | $ / shares	64.42
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	61.89
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Forfeited/cancelled | $ / shares	63.96
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, ending of the period | $ / shares	$ 63.91
Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit
Unvested, Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested Shares, beginning of period (in shares) | shares	50,000
Unvested Shares, Awarded (in shares) | shares	142,500
Unvested Shares, Vested (in shares) | shares	(25,000)
Unvested Shares, end of period (in shares) | shares	167,500
Unvested, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, beginning of the period | $ / shares	$ 45.24
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Awarded | $ / shares	67.13
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	45.24
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, ending of the period | $ / shares	$ 63.86

Income Taxes - Schedule of Comp

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal	$ 102,516	$ 190,743	$ 12,054
State	29,761	38,499	10,927
Current tax (benefit) expense	132,277	229,242	22,981
Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
Federal	7,997	(438,281)	53,094
State	4,406	(24,904)	1,497
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	12,403	(463,185)	54,591
Income tax (benefit) expense	$ 144,680	$ (233,943)	$ 77,572

Income Taxes - Schedule of Reco

Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Effective income tax expense reconciliation [Abstract]
Federal income tax at the statutory rate	$ 111,915	$ 84,476	$ 59,735
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit	27,123	10,676	7,697
Nondeductible compensation	2,858	6,375	709
Nontaxable proceeds on station divestiture		(9,146)
Nondeductible earnout payments			1,415
Nondeductible acquisition costs		3,901	12
Nondeductible meals and entertainment	2,047	1,546	504
Nondeductible goodwill impairment	1,532	3,577	5,276
Domestic production activities deduction		(11,178)
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation	(750)	(8,106)
Disposition of nondeductible goodwill		3,279
Impact of federal tax rate reduction		(322,193)
Change in beginning of year valuation allowance	1,430	1,635
Other	(1,475)	1,215	2,224
Income tax (benefit) expense	$ 144,680	$ (233,943)	$ 77,572

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax rate	21.00%	35.00%
Percentage of effect for immediate expensing on costs of qualified property due to impact of U.S. tax rate	100.00%
Description for percentage of effect for immediate expensing on costs of qualified property due to impact of U.S. tax rate	The Act also provides for immediate expensing of 100% of the costs of qualified property that are incurred and placed in service during the period from September 27, 2017 to December 31, 2022. Beginning January 1, 2023, the immediate expensing provision is phased down by 20% per year until it is completely phased out as of January 1, 2027.
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	$ 3,071	$ 2,155
Valuation allowance, deferred tax asset, increase (decrease), amount	1,400
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	12,542	$ 23,258	$ 3,677	$ 3,677
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	148,600
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 301,800
January 1, 2023 to January 1, 2027 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Percentage of effect for immediate expensing provision phase down per year	20.00%

Income Taxes - Schedule of Co_2

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Tax Asset Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 46,189	$ 51,802
Compensation	14,085	15,574
Rent	1,916	2,173
Pension	30,679	28,033
Other	13,270	12,732
Total deferred tax assets	106,139	110,314
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(3,071)	(2,155)
Total deferred tax assets	103,068	108,159
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(72,703)	(72,423)
Other intangible assets	(291,673)	(312,460)
Goodwill	(37,455)	(31,062)
FCC licenses	(318,562)	(305,293)
Other	(13,070)	(4,854)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(733,463)	(726,092)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (630,395)	$ (617,933)

Income Taxes - Schedule of Re_2

Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Gross Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Uncertain tax position liability at the beginning of the year	$ 23,258	$ 3,677
Increases resulting from merger transaction	432	22,605
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period	45	1,847
Increases related to tax positions taken during prior periods	1,497
Decreases related to tax positions taken during prior periods	(12,496)	(2,440)
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities		(806)
Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations	(194)	(1,625)
Uncertain tax position liability at the end of the year	$ 12,542	$ 23,258

FCC Regulatory Matters - Additi

FCC Regulatory Matters - Additional Information (Details)	Feb. 06, 2019USD ($)	Jul. 21, 2017USD ($)TelevisionStation	Apr. 13, 2017TelevisionStation	Nov. 30, 2017TelevisionStation	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)TelevisionStation	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
FCC Regulatory Matters [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of US television household reach						39.00%
Percentage reach of ultra high frequency station						50.00%
Effective date of reinstating the ultra high frequency discount						Jun. 15, 2017
Date of abolishing the UHF discount						Aug. 24, 2016
Number of stations owned | TelevisionStation		11	11
Number of stations to move to very high frequency channels | TelevisionStation						2
Number of stations went off the air | TelevisionStation				1
Number of remaining stations owned before ceased | TelevisionStation						10
Number of ceased broadcasting channels | TelevisionStation						8
Asset and (liability) surrender value | $						$ 314,100,000
Maximum amount allocated by Congress for reimbursement of repack costs industry-wide | $						2,750,000,000
Amount of reimbursement for repack cost allocated to television broadcaster relocation fund | $						1,000,000,000
Capital expenditures related to station repack | $						26,800,000	$ 2,600,000
Capital Expenditures related to station repack reimbursed | $					$ 0	$ 29,400,000	$ 0
Subsequent Event [Member]
FCC Regulatory Matters [Line Items]
Excess over maximum amount allocated by Congress for reimbursement of repack costs industry-wide | $	$ 1,900,000,000
Consolidated VIEs [Member]
FCC Regulatory Matters [Line Items]
Number of full power stations repacked | TelevisionStation						17
Media General [Member]
FCC Regulatory Matters [Line Items]
Gross proceeds to surrender of spectrum auction | $		$ 478,600,000
Derecognition of spectrum asset to surrender spectrum | $					34,600,000
Derecognition of spectrum liability to surrender spectrum | $					$ 34,600,000
Nexstar [Member]
FCC Regulatory Matters [Line Items]
Number of stations owned | TelevisionStation			10
Number of stations owned | TelevisionStation				1
Number of full power stations repacked | TelevisionStation						61

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details)	Nov. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	Jul. 30, 2018Complaint	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Station	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Operating Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense			$ 22,800,000	$ 24,600,000	$ 12,700,000
Collective Bargaining Agreements [Abstract]
Number of stations covered under collective bargaining agreements | Station			14
Clay, Massey & Associates, PC [Member]
Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract]
Loss contingency lawsuit filing date		July 30, 2018
Number of antitrust class action complaint | Complaint		15
Northern District of Illinois [Member] | Clay, Massey & Associates, PC [Member]
Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract]
Number of antitrust class action complaint | Complaint		10
Southern District of New York [Member] | Clay, Massey & Associates, PC [Member]
Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract]
Number of antitrust class action complaint | Complaint		3
District of Maryland [Member] | Clay, Massey & Associates, PC [Member]
Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract]
Number of antitrust class action complaint | Complaint		2
Number of antitrust class action, consumer protection statutes and unjust enrichment complaints | Complaint		1
Nexstar [Member] | Financial Guarantee of Mission Debt [Member]
Guarantees of Mission, Marshall and Shield Debt [Abstract]
Maximum commitment under senior secured credit facility			$ 227,600,000
Commitment under senior secured credit facility at carrying value			$ 224,600,000
Line of credit facility maturity period			2024-01
Nexstar [Member] | Financial Guarantee of Marshall Debt [Member]
Guarantees of Mission, Marshall and Shield Debt [Abstract]
Commitment under senior secured credit facility at carrying value			$ 51,100,000
Line of credit facility maturity period			2019-12
Nexstar [Member] | Financial Guarantee Shield Debt [Member]
Guarantees of Mission, Marshall and Shield Debt [Abstract]
Commitment under senior secured credit facility at carrying value			$ 22,600,000
Line of credit facility maturity period			2023-10
Definitive Merger Agreement [Member] | Tribune [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Acquisition agreement date	Nov. 30, 2018
Outstanding equity acquired, price per share | $ / shares	$ 46.50
Purchase price of entities acquired	$ 6,400,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Commercial Banks [Member] | Definitive Merger Agreement [Member] | Tribune [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Debt financing	$ 6,400,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Payments for Un-booked Broadcast Rights (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Broadcast Rights Commitments [Abstract]
2,019	$ 46,118
2,020	35,731
2,021	20,090
2,022	12,740
2,023	78
Future minimum payments for licence agreements, total	$ 114,757

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Operating Leases [Abstract]
2,019	$ 22,179
2,020	19,841
2,021	16,794
2,022	13,573
2,023	11,108
Thereafter	37,577
Operating leases future minimum payments due, total	$ 121,072

Commitments and Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Capital Leases [Abstract]
2,019	$ 1,766
2,020	1,795
2,021	1,843
2,022	1,803
2,023	1,818
Thereafter	15,202
Capital leases future minimum payments due, total	24,227
Less: Amount representing interest	7,323
Present value of future lease payments	$ 16,904

Segment Data - Summary of Segme

Segment Data - Summary of Segment Financial Information (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
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue		$ 798,022	$ 693,015	$ 660,323	$ 615,336	$ 653,664	$ 611,870	$ 626,115	$ 540,317	$ 2,766,696	$ 2,431,966	$ 1,103,190
Depreciation										109,789	100,658	51,300
Amortization of intangible assets										149,406	159,500	46,572
Income (loss) from operations		272,776	$ 192,893	$ 174,494	$ 117,616	136,660	$ 125,916	$ 135,529	$ 107,520	757,779	505,625	287,308
Goodwill		2,167,954				2,142,846				2,167,954	2,142,846	473,304
Assets	[1]	7,062,030				7,481,647				7,062,030	7,481,647
Broadcast [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue										2,612,531	2,306,404	1,040,704
Depreciation										89,312	85,913	44,313
Amortization of intangible assets										126,850	147,328	33,079
Income (loss) from operations										918,401	694,967	372,496
Goodwill		2,125,479				2,122,935				2,125,479	2,122,935
Assets		6,622,604				6,723,685				6,622,604	6,723,685
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue										154,165	125,562	62,486
Depreciation										20,477	14,745	6,987
Amortization of intangible assets										22,556	12,172	13,493
Income (loss) from operations										(160,622)	(189,342)	$ (85,188)
Goodwill		42,475				19,911				42,475	19,911
Assets		$ 439,426				$ 757,962				$ 439,426	$ 757,962
[1]	The consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include certain assets held by consolidated VIEs of $390.3 million and $426.9 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of Nexstar. The consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $45.1 million and $81.8 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of Nexstar. See Note 2 for additional information.

Segment Data - Summary of Disag

Segment Data - Summary of Disaggregation of Revenue (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
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 798,022	$ 693,015	$ 660,323	$ 615,336	$ 653,664	$ 611,870	$ 626,115	$ 540,317	$ 2,766,696	$ 2,431,966	$ 1,103,190
Broadcast [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									2,612,531	2,306,404	1,040,704
Other [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									154,165	125,562	62,486
Local [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									797,709	805,360	344,356
Local [Member] | Broadcast [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									797,709	805,360	344,356
National [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									292,211	302,657	122,319
National [Member] | Broadcast [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									292,211	302,657	122,319
Political [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									251,209	26,865	92,262
Political [Member] | Broadcast [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									251,209	26,865	92,262
Retransmission Compensation {Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									1,121,081	995,790	394,038
Retransmission Compensation {Member] | Broadcast [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									1,121,081	995,790	394,038
Digital [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									261,159	226,752	98,375
Digital [Member] | Broadcast [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									107,054	101,286	35,944
Digital [Member] | Other [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									154,105	125,466	62,431
Other [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									26,485	17,861	6,148
Other [Member] | Broadcast [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									26,425	17,765	6,093
Other [Member] | Other [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									60	96	55
Trade Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									16,842	14,200	11,000
Trade Revenue [Member] | Broadcast [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue									$ 16,842
Trade and Barter Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue										56,681	45,692
Trade and Barter Revenue [Member] | Broadcast [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenue										$ 56,681	$ 45,692

Segment Data - Additional Infor

Segment Data - Additional Information (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
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 798,022	$ 693,015	$ 660,323	$ 615,336	$ 653,664	$ 611,870	$ 626,115	$ 540,317	$ 2,766,696	$ 2,431,966	$ 1,103,190
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Barter Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue										42,500	34,700
Expense										$ 42,500	$ 34,700

Condensed Consolidating Finan_3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018
5.625 % Due 2024 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.625%
6.125% Due 2022 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.125%
5.875% Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%

Condensed Consolidating Finan_4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 145,115	$ 115,652
Accounts receivable, net		547,285	562,943
Spectrum asset		52,002	305,764
Other current assets		22,673	71,859
Total current assets		767,075	1,056,218
Property and equipment, net		731,538	734,138
Goodwill		2,167,954	2,142,846	$ 473,304
FCC licenses		1,778,268	1,767,638	$ 542,524
Other intangible assets, net		1,491,923	1,581,626
Other noncurrent assets		125,272	199,181
Total assets	[1]	7,062,030	7,481,647
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt		96,093	92,808
Accounts payable		67,828	31,136
Liability to surrender spectrum asset		52,002	314,087
Other current liabilities		188,249	232,672
Total current liabilities		404,172	670,703
Debt		3,884,910	4,269,652
Deferred tax liabilities		633,880	619,441
Other noncurrent liabilities		270,084	340,541
Total liabilities	[1]	5,193,046	5,900,337
Total Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)		1,852,774	1,570,614
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated variable interest entities		16,210	10,696
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		7,062,030	7,481,647
Eliminations [Member]
Current assets:
Amounts due from consolidated entities		(166,508)	(148,340)
Total current assets		(166,508)	(148,340)
Investments in subsidiaries		(1,228,489)	(726,651)
Amounts due from consolidated entities		(782,365)	(970,207)
Property and equipment, net		(72)	(75)
Total assets		(2,177,434)	(1,845,273)
Current liabilities:
Amounts due to consolidated entities		(166,508)	(148,340)
Total current liabilities		(166,508)	(148,340)
Amounts due to consolidated entities		(782,576)	(970,418)
Total liabilities		(949,084)	(1,118,758)
Total Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)		(1,228,350)	(726,515)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		(2,177,434)	(1,845,273)
Nexstar [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Current assets:
Investments in subsidiaries		1,119,605	617,297
Amounts due from consolidated entities		782,365	970,207
Total assets		1,901,970	1,587,504
Current liabilities:
Other current liabilities		299
Total current liabilities		299
Deferred tax liabilities		62
Total liabilities		361
Total Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)		1,901,609	1,587,504
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		1,901,970	1,587,504
Nexstar Broadcasting [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		105,665	90,860
Accounts receivable, net		466,270	484,096
Amounts due from consolidated entities		88,987	55,417
Spectrum asset		52,002	279,069
Other current assets		17,420	64,256
Total current assets		730,344	973,698
Investments in subsidiaries		108,884	109,354
Property and equipment, net		696,910	697,898
Goodwill		1,970,692	1,959,386
FCC licenses		1,620,610	1,615,830
Other intangible assets, net		1,365,159	1,476,297
Other noncurrent assets		116,660	189,303
Total assets		6,609,259	7,021,766
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt		41,477	36,243
Accounts payable		47,574	24,293
Liability to surrender spectrum asset		52,002	286,740
Other current liabilities		155,023	192,827
Total current liabilities		296,076	540,103
Debt		3,641,193	4,024,129
Amounts due to consolidated entities		559,057	714,408
Deferred tax liabilities		624,869	613,227
Other noncurrent liabilities		255,228	322,572
Total liabilities		5,376,423	6,214,439
Total Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)		1,232,836	807,327
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		6,609,259	7,021,766
Mission [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		10,798	9,524
Accounts receivable, net		12,857	14,717
Amounts due from consolidated entities		77,521	92,923
Other current assets		1,655	2,070
Total current assets		102,831	119,234
Property and equipment, net		19,867	18,454
Goodwill		33,187	33,187
FCC licenses		43,102	43,102
Other intangible assets, net		13,712	15,841
Other noncurrent assets		4,421	2,645
Total assets		217,120	232,463
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt		2,285	2,314
Accounts payable		2,357	1,090
Other current liabilities		4,441	13,310
Total current liabilities		9,083	16,714
Debt		222,354	223,428
Other noncurrent liabilities		6,820	7,626
Total liabilities		238,257	247,768
Total Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)		(21,137)	(15,305)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		217,120	232,463
Non-Guarantors [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		28,652	15,268
Accounts receivable, net		68,158	64,130
Spectrum asset			26,695
Other current assets		3,598	5,533
Total current assets		100,408	111,626
Property and equipment, net		14,833	17,861
Goodwill		164,075	150,273
FCC licenses		114,556	108,706
Other intangible assets, net		113,052	89,488
Other noncurrent assets		4,191	7,233
Total assets		511,115	485,187
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt		52,331	54,251
Accounts payable		17,897	5,753
Amounts due to consolidated entities		166,508	148,340
Liability to surrender spectrum asset			27,347
Other current liabilities		28,486	26,535
Total current liabilities		265,222	262,226
Debt		21,363	22,095
Amounts due to consolidated entities		223,519	256,010
Deferred tax liabilities		8,949	6,214
Other noncurrent liabilities		8,036	10,343
Total liabilities		527,089	556,888
Total Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)		(32,184)	(82,397)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated variable interest entities		16,210	10,696
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$ 511,115	$ 485,187
[1]	The consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include certain assets held by consolidated VIEs of $390.3 million and $426.9 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of Nexstar. The consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $45.1 million and $81.8 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of Nexstar. See Note 2 for additional information.

Condensed Consolidating Finan_5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (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
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net revenue	$ 798,022	$ 693,015	$ 660,323	$ 615,336	$ 653,664	$ 611,870	$ 626,115	$ 540,317	$ 2,766,696	$ 2,431,966	$ 1,103,190
Operating expenses (income):
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									1,117,917	993,405	381,997
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									579,933	605,106	263,606
Amortization of broadcast rights									61,342	105,403	57,145
Amortization of intangible assets									149,406	159,500	46,572
Depreciation									109,789	100,658	51,300
Goodwill and intangible assets impairment									19,911	19,985	15,262
Goodwill impairment charges									19,911	11,517	15,262
Gain on disposal of stations, net										(57,716)
Reimbursement from the FCC related to station repack									(29,381)
Total operating expenses									2,008,917	1,926,341	815,882
Income from operations	272,776	192,893	174,494	117,616	136,660	125,916	135,529	107,520	757,779	505,625	287,308
Interest expense, net									(220,994)	(241,195)	(116,081)
Loss on extinguishment of debt									(12,120)	(34,882)
Pension and other postretirement plans credit, net									10,755	13,120
Other expenses									(2,475)	(1,284)	(555)
Income (loss) before income taxes	213,159	135,071	119,870	64,845	87,519	74,085	80,777	(997)	532,945	241,384	170,672
Income tax (expense) benefit									(144,680)	233,943	(77,572)
Net income (loss)									388,265	475,327	93,100
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests									1,212	(330)	(1,563)
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.	$ 153,109	$ 100,514	$ 87,732	$ 48,122	$ 378,481	$ 46,475	$ 43,992	$ 6,049	389,477	474,997	91,537
Net income (loss)									388,265	475,327	93,100
Other comprehensive income:
Change in unrecognized amounts included in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax benefit (expense) of $7,147 in 2018 and ($2,160) in 2017									(20,456)	6,140
Total comprehensive income									367,809	481,467	93,100
Total comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests									1,212	(330)	(1,563)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									369,021	481,137	91,537
Eliminations [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net revenue									(237,379)	(146,286)	(89,308)
Revenue between consolidated entities									(237,379)	(146,286)	(89,308)
Operating expenses (income):
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									(6,383)	(3,711)	(214)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									(62,257)	(24,799)	(5,525)
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities									(168,739)	(117,776)	(83,569)
Total operating expenses									(237,379)	(146,286)	(89,308)
Equity in income of subsidiaries									(408,006)	(471,363)	(72,193)
Income (loss) before income taxes									(408,006)	(471,363)	(72,193)
Net income (loss)									(408,006)	(471,363)	(72,193)
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									(408,006)	(471,363)	(72,193)
Net income (loss)									(408,006)	(471,363)	(72,193)
Other comprehensive income:
Total comprehensive income									(408,006)	(471,363)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									(408,006)	(471,363)	(72,193)
Net Broadcast Revenue (Including Trade) [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net revenue									2,766,696	2,431,966	1,103,190
Nexstar [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net revenue									31,758
Revenue between consolidated entities									31,758
Operating expenses (income):
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									37,568
Total operating expenses									37,568
Income from operations									(5,810)
Equity in income of subsidiaries									408,006	471,363	72,193
Income (loss) before income taxes									402,196	471,363	72,193
Income tax (expense) benefit									(1,231)
Net income (loss)									400,965	471,363	72,193
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									400,965	471,363	72,193
Net income (loss)									400,965	471,363	72,193
Other comprehensive income:
Total comprehensive income									400,965	471,363
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									400,965	471,363	72,193
Nexstar Broadcasting [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net revenue									2,587,037	2,231,764	973,769
Revenue between consolidated entities									91,257	71,434	34,436
Operating expenses (income):
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									890,378	793,606	284,866
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									559,024	582,314	246,698
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities									77,482	51,859	49,202
Amortization of broadcast rights									57,022	92,888	47,990
Amortization of intangible assets									118,068	137,808	27,394
Depreciation									99,526	91,791	45,173
Goodwill impairment charges											186
Gain on disposal of stations, net										(57,716)
Reimbursement from the FCC related to station repack									(23,933)
Total operating expenses									1,777,567	1,692,550	701,509
Income from operations									809,470	539,214	272,260
Interest expense, net									(206,267)	(226,853)	(104,231)
Loss on extinguishment of debt									(11,647)	(32,523)
Pension and other postretirement plans credit, net									10,755	13,120
Other expenses									(2,475)	(1,284)	(555)
Income (loss) before income taxes									599,836	291,674	167,474
Income tax (expense) benefit									(153,871)	219,460	(69,149)
Net income (loss)									445,965	511,134	98,325
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									445,965	511,134	98,325
Net income (loss)									445,965	511,134	98,325
Other comprehensive income:
Change in unrecognized amounts included in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax benefit (expense) of $7,147 in 2018 and ($2,160) in 2017									(20,456)	6,140
Total comprehensive income									425,509	517,274
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									425,509	517,274	98,325
Nexstar Broadcasting [Member] | Net Broadcast Revenue (Including Trade) [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net revenue									2,495,780	2,160,330	939,333
Mission [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net revenue									109,224	107,172	104,332
Revenue between consolidated entities									39,997	36,580	42,930
Operating expenses (income):
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									40,861	35,820	30,278
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									4,965	4,168	3,611
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities									55,650	35,500	18,000
Amortization of broadcast rights									1,584	5,645	5,567
Amortization of intangible assets									2,129	2,422	2,544
Depreciation									3,171	2,342	2,400
Reimbursement from the FCC related to station repack									(2,818)
Total operating expenses									105,542	85,897	62,400
Income from operations									3,682	21,275	41,932
Interest expense, net									(11,101)	(10,135)	(10,251)
Loss on extinguishment of debt									(452)	(2,133)
Income (loss) before income taxes									(7,871)	9,007	31,681
Income tax (expense) benefit									2,042	(3,400)	(12,337)
Net income (loss)									(5,829)	5,607	19,344
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									(5,829)	5,607	19,344
Net income (loss)									(5,829)	5,607	19,344
Other comprehensive income:
Total comprehensive income									(5,829)	5,607
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									(5,829)	5,607	19,344
Mission [Member] | Net Broadcast Revenue (Including Trade) [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net revenue									69,227	70,592	61,402
Non-Guarantors [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net revenue									276,056	239,316	114,397
Revenue between consolidated entities									74,367	38,272	11,942
Operating expenses (income):
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									193,061	167,690	67,067
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization									40,633	43,423	18,822
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities									35,607	30,417	16,367
Amortization of broadcast rights									2,736	6,870	3,588
Amortization of intangible assets									29,209	19,270	16,634
Depreciation									7,092	6,525	3,727
Goodwill and intangible assets impairment									19,911	19,985
Goodwill impairment charges											15,076
Reimbursement from the FCC related to station repack									(2,630)
Total operating expenses									325,619	294,180	141,281
Income from operations									(49,563)	(54,864)	(26,884)
Interest expense, net									(3,626)	(4,207)	(1,599)
Loss on extinguishment of debt									(21)	(226)
Income (loss) before income taxes									(53,210)	(59,297)	(28,483)
Income tax (expense) benefit									8,380	17,883	3,914
Net income (loss)									(44,830)	(41,414)	(24,569)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests									1,212	(330)	(1,563)
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									(43,618)	(41,744)	(26,132)
Net income (loss)									(44,830)	(41,414)	(24,569)
Other comprehensive income:
Total comprehensive income									(44,830)	(41,414)
Total comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests									1,212	(330)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.									(43,618)	(41,744)	(26,132)
Non-Guarantors [Member] | Net Broadcast Revenue (Including Trade) [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net revenue									$ 201,689	$ 201,044	$ 102,455

Condensed Consolidating Finan_6

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Change in unrecognized amounts included in pension and postretirement obligations, tax	$ 7,147	$ (2,160)

Condensed Consolidating Finan_7

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities	$ 736,867	$ 109,091	$ 284,253
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(106,246)	(72,461)	(31,870)
Spectrum repack reimbursements	29,381
Deposits and payments for acquisitions	(103,976)	(2,975,254)	(103,970)
Proceeds from sale of stations		481,946
Proceeds received to relinquish spectrum asset		478,608
Other investing activities	5,327	20,876	718
Net cash used in investing activities	(175,514)	(2,066,285)	(135,122)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	251,387	3,533,981	958,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(653,011)	(1,922,329)	(80,140)
Premium paid on debt extinguishment		(18,050)
Payments for debt financing costs	(1,056)	(52,039)	(20,707)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(2,468)	(66,901)	(100)
Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition		(259,603)	(2,000)
Common stock dividends paid	(68,629)	(55,892)	(29,445)
Purchase of treasury stock	(50,524)	(99,008)
Other financing activities	(11,113)	(2,792)	(4,776)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(531,890)	1,057,367	822,932
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	29,463	(899,827)	972,063
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	115,652	1,015,479	43,416
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	145,115	115,652	1,015,479
Nexstar [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common stock dividends paid	(68,629)	(55,892)	(29,445)
Purchase of treasury stock	(50,524)	(99,008)
Inter-company payments	118,121	150,844	28,220
Other financing activities	1,032	4,056	1,225
Nexstar Broadcasting [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities	709,446	82,532	274,472
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(93,181)	(62,056)	(28,326)
Spectrum repack reimbursements	23,933
Deposits and payments for acquisitions	(103,976)	(2,974,454)	(103,970)
Proceeds from sale of stations		481,946
Proceeds received to relinquish spectrum asset		478,608
Other investing activities	5,322	20,374	718
Net cash used in investing activities	(167,902)	(2,055,582)	(131,578)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	194,000	3,249,575	958,000
Repayments of long-term debt	(590,247)	(1,640,088)	(73,155)
Premium paid on debt extinguishment		(18,050)
Payments for debt financing costs		(48,235)	(20,024)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests		(66,901)
Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition		(258,647)
Inter-company payments	(118,121)	(150,844)	(28,220)
Other financing activities	(12,371)	(6,529)	(3,358)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(526,739)	1,060,281	833,243
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	14,805	(912,769)	976,137
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	90,860	1,003,629	27,492
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	105,665	90,860	1,003,629
Mission [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities	4,810	4,692	5,370
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(4,044)	(700)	(241)
Spectrum repack reimbursements	2,818
Deposits and payments for acquisitions		(800)
Other investing activities		100
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,226)	(1,400)	(241)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		230,609
Repayments of long-term debt	(2,310)	(227,051)	(2,335)
Payments for debt financing costs		(3,804)	(683)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(2,310)	(246)	(3,018)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	1,274	3,046	2,111
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	9,524	6,478	4,367
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	10,798	9,524	6,478
Non-Guarantors [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities	22,611	21,867	4,411
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(9,021)	(9,705)	(3,303)
Spectrum repack reimbursements	2,630
Other investing activities	5	402
Net cash used in investing activities	(6,386)	(9,303)	(3,303)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	57,387	53,797
Repayments of long-term debt	(60,454)	(55,190)	(4,650)
Payments for contingent consideration in connection with an acquisition		(956)
Other financing activities	226	(319)	(2,643)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(2,841)	(2,668)	(7,293)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	13,384	9,896	(6,185)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	15,268	5,372	11,557
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$ 28,652	$ 15,268	$ 5,372

Unaudited Quarterly Data - Unau

Unaudited Quarterly Data - Unaudited Quarterly Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ 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
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net revenue	$ 798,022	$ 693,015	$ 660,323	$ 615,336	$ 653,664	$ 611,870	$ 626,115	$ 540,317	$ 2,766,696	$ 2,431,966	$ 1,103,190
Income (loss) from operations	272,776	192,893	174,494	117,616	136,660	125,916	135,529	107,520	757,779	505,625	287,308
(Loss) income before income taxes	213,159	135,071	119,870	64,845	87,519	74,085	80,777	(997)	532,945	241,384	170,672
Net income attributable to Nexstar	$ 153,109	$ 100,514	$ 87,732	$ 48,122	$ 378,481	$ 46,475	$ 43,992	$ 6,049	$ 389,477	$ 474,997	$ 91,537
Basic net income per common share	$ 3.36	$ 2.21	$ 1.92	$ 1.04	$ 8.27	$ 1.01	$ 0.94	$ 0.14	$ 8.52	$ 10.38	$ 2.98
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	45,619	45,552	45,631	46,075	45,754	46,107	46,931	44,200	45,718	45,754	30,687
Diluted net income per common share	$ 3.22	$ 2.12	$ 1.86	$ 1.01	$ 8.03	$ 0.98	$ 0.91	$ 0.13	$ 8.21	$ 10.07	$ 2.89
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	47,482	47,338	47,147	47,685	47,149	47,452	48,195	45,419	47,412	47,149	31,664

Valuation and Qualifying Acco_3

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		$ 13,358	$ 5,805	$ 5,369
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses		10,707	10,263	4,160
Deductions	[1]	(10,907)	(2,710)	(3,724)
Balance at End of Period		$ 13,158	$ 13,358	$ 5,805
[1]	Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 28, 2019	Jan. 25, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends, date declared		Jan. 25, 2019
Subsequent Event [Member] | KHII [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash paid in business acquisition	$ 6.4
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share			$ 1.50	$ 1.20	$ 0.96
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.45
Dividends, date declared		Jan. 25, 2019
Dividends, paid date		Feb. 22, 2019
Dividends, date of record		Feb. 8, 2019