TEGNA (TGNA) 10-Q 7 Nov 19 2019 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 31, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-6961
Entity Registrant Name	TEGNA INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	16-0442930
Entity Address, Address Line One	8350 Broad Street, Suite 2000,
Entity Address, City or Town	Tysons,
Entity Address, State or Province	VA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	22102-5151
City Area Code	(703)
Local Phone Number	873-6600
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	TGNA
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		216,903,652
Entity Central Index Key	0000039899
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 9,194	$ 135,862
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $5,269 and $3,090, respectively	521,118	425,404
Other receivables	29,234	20,967
Syndicated programming rights	63,263	35,252
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	25,522	17,737
Total current assets	648,331	635,222
Property and equipment
Cost	986,263	858,170
Less accumulated depreciation	(515,436)	(482,955)
Net property and equipment	470,827	375,215
Intangible and other assets
Goodwill	2,874,063	2,596,863
Indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	2,672,683	1,526,077
Right-of-use assets for operating leases	90,406	0
Investments and other assets	145,927	143,465
Total intangible and other assets	5,783,079	4,266,405
Total assets	6,902,237	5,276,842
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	63,097	83,226
Accrued liabilities
Compensation	38,658	52,726
Interest	56,570	37,458
Contracts payable for programming rights	129,989	112,059
Other	71,352	49,211
Dividends payable	15,173	15,154
Income taxes payable	0	19,383
Total current liabilities	374,839	369,217
Noncurrent liabilities
Income taxes	9,227	13,624
Deferred income tax liability	513,995	396,847
Long-term debt	4,180,938	2,944,466
Pension liabilities	128,517	139,375
Operating lease liabilities	101,348	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	71,677	72,389
Total noncurrent liabilities	5,005,702	3,566,701
Total liabilities	5,380,541	3,935,918
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock of $1 par value per share, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 324,418,632 shares issued	324,419	324,419
Additional paid-in capital	252,224	301,352
Retained earnings	6,586,321	6,429,512
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(133,359)	(136,511)
Treasury stock at cost, 107,603,811 shares and 108,660,002 shares, respectively	(5,507,909)	(5,577,848)
Total equity	1,521,696	1,340,924
Total liabilities and equity	$ 6,902,237	$ 5,276,842

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 5,269	$ 3,090
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares)	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, issued shares (in shares)	324,418,632	324,418,632
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	107,603,811	108,660,002

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues		$ 551,857	$ 538,976	$ 1,605,542	$ 1,565,146
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues	[1]	306,474	271,156	873,078	793,943
Business units - Selling, general and administrative expenses		78,439	76,639	223,845	229,193
Corporate - General and administrative expenses		29,792	17,593	60,363	41,522
Depreciation		15,381	14,262	44,831	41,594
Amortization of intangible assets		15,018	8,047	32,530	22,791
Spectrum repacking reimbursements and other		(80)	(3,005)	(11,399)	(9,331)
Total		445,024	384,692	1,223,248	1,119,712
Operating income		106,833	154,284	382,294	445,434
Non-operating income (expense):
Equity (loss) income in unconsolidated investments, net		(491)	771	10,922	15,080
Interest expense		(52,454)	(48,226)	(145,166)	(145,055)
Other non-operating items, net		(463)	(214)	6,962	(13,005)
Total		(53,408)	(47,669)	(127,282)	(142,980)
Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, before Tax		53,425	106,615	255,012	302,454
Provision for income taxes		5,079	13,789	52,732	61,929
Net Income from continuing operations		48,346	92,826	202,280	240,525
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		0	4,325	0	4,325
Net income		$ 48,346	$ 97,151	$ 202,280	$ 244,850
Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)		$ 0.22	$ 0.43	$ 0.93	$ 1.11
Earnings from discontinued operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)		0	0.02	0	0.02
Net income per share – basic (in dollars per share)		0.22	0.45	0.93	1.13
Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)		0.22	0.43	0.93	1.11
Earnings from discontinued operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)		0	0.02	0	0.02
Net income per share – diluted (in dollars per share)		$ 0.22	$ 0.45	$ 0.93	$ 1.13
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic shares (in shares)		217,315	216,015	217,040	216,210
Diluted shares (in shares)		218,310	216,348	217,808	216,617
[1]	Cost of revenues exclude charges for depreciation and amortization expense, which are shown separately above.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 48,346	$ 97,151	$ 202,280	$ 244,850
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(318)	(31)	(775)	551
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	1,431	1,276	4,293	3,827
Pension lump-sum payment charges	0	1,198	686	7,498
Other comprehensive income, before tax	1,113	2,443	4,204	11,876
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income	(278)	(615)	(1,052)	(3,021)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	835	1,828	3,152	8,855
Comprehensive income	$ 49,181	$ 98,979	$ 205,432	$ 253,705

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 202,280	$ 244,850
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	77,361	64,385
Stock-based compensation	13,887	12,292
Company stock 401(k) contribution	6,486	0
Gains on assets	(11,728)	(6,991)
Equity income from unconsolidated investments, net	(10,922)	(15,080)
Pension contributions, net of expense	(5,543)	(39,932)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions	(57,236)	73,136
Net cash flow from operating activities	214,585	332,660
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(51,231)	(35,281)
Reimbursements from spectrum repacking	13,975	5,057
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(1,507,483)	(328,433)
Payments for investments	(4,041)	(11,309)
Proceeds from investments	4,020	1,224
Proceeds from sale of assets	21,733	16,335
Net cash flow used for investing activities	(1,523,027)	(352,407)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facilities, net	223,000	72,000
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes	1,100,000	0
Debt repayments	(75,000)	(95,985)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(20,276)	(5,269)
Dividends paid	(45,451)	(45,219)
Repurchases of common stock	0	(5,831)
Other, net	(499)	(4,224)
Net cash flow provided by (used for) financing activities	1,181,774	(84,528)
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(126,668)	(104,275)
Balance of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	135,862	128,041
Balance of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$ 9,194	$ 23,766

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Treasury stock
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 995,041	$ 324,419	$ 382,127	$ 6,062,995	$ (106,923)	$ (5,667,577)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	244,850			244,850
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	8,855				8,855
Comprehensive income	253,705
Dividends declared	(45,191)			(45,191)
Treasury stock acquired	(5,831)					(5,831)
Stock-based awards activity	(2,289)		(89,921)			87,632
Stock-based compensation	12,292		12,292
Other activity	1,580		1,580
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	1,205,583	324,419	306,078	6,283,775	(122,913)	(5,585,776)
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2018	1,116,911	324,419	304,066	6,201,694	(124,741)	(5,588,527)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	97,151			97,151
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,828				1,828
Comprehensive income	98,979
Dividends declared	(15,070)			(15,070)
Stock-based awards activity	126		(2,625)			2,751
Stock-based compensation	4,325		4,325
Other activity	312		312
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	1,205,583	324,419	306,078	6,283,775	(122,913)	(5,585,776)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,340,924	324,419	301,352	6,429,512	(136,511)	(5,577,848)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	202,280			202,280
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	3,152				3,152
Comprehensive income	205,432
Dividends declared	(45,471)			(45,471)
Company stock 401(k) contribution	6,486		(15,053)			21,539
Stock-based awards activity	(499)		(48,899)			48,400
Stock-based compensation	13,887		13,887
Other activity	937		937
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	1,521,696	324,419	252,224	6,586,321	(133,359)	(5,507,909)
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019	1,479,742	324,419	256,024	6,553,149	(134,194)	(5,519,656)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	48,346			48,346
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	835				835
Comprehensive income	49,181
Dividends declared	(15,174)			(15,174)
Company stock 401(k) contribution	3,242		(7,794)			11,036
Stock-based awards activity	(52)		(763)			711
Stock-based compensation	4,445		4,445
Other activity	312		312
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 1,521,696	$ 324,419	$ 252,224	$ 6,586,321	$ (133,359)	$ (5,507,909)

Consolidated Statements of Eq_2

Consolidated Statements of Equity Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.21	$ 0.21

Accounting policies

Accounting policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting policies	Accounting policies Basis of presentation: Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial reporting, the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes which are normally included in the Form 10-K and annual report to shareholders. In our opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our (or TEGNA’s) audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, business combinations, fair value measurements, post-retirement benefit plans, income taxes including deferred taxes, and contingencies. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries we control and variable interest entities (VIEs) if we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all intercompany balances, transactions, and profits in consolidation. Investments in entities over which we have significant influence, but do not have control, are accounted for under the equity method. Our share of net earnings and losses from these ventures is included in Equity (loss) income in unconsolidated investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We operate one operating and reportable segment, which primarily consists of our 62 television stations operating in 51 markets, offering high-quality television programming and digital content. Our reportable segment determination is based on our management and internal reporting structure, the nature of products and services we offer, and the financial information that is evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision maker. Accounting guidance adopted in 2019: In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to leases which require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with previous GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily depends on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike previous GAAP–which requires only capital leases (renamed finance leases under the new guidance) to be recognized on the balance sheet–the new guidance requires both finance and operating leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. This update requires the lessee to recognize a lease liability equal to the present value of the lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term for all leases longer than 12 months. We adopted the guidance on January 1, 2019. The FASB provided companies with the option to apply the requirements of the guidance in the period of adoption, with no restatement of prior periods. We utilized this adoption method. We also elected an accounting policy allowed by the guidance to not account for lease and non-lease components separately. Additionally, in adopting the guidance, we utilized the package of practical expedients permitted by the FASB, which among other things, allowed us to carry forward our historical lease classification. Lastly, as permitted by the guidance, we elected a policy to not record leases with an original lease term of twelve months or less on the balance sheet. Adoption of the guidance resulted in recording of new right-of-use asset and lease liability balances of $73.8 million and $91.8 million , respectively, as of the adoption date. The difference between right-of-use lease asset and lease liability balances was primarily due to previously accrued rent expense relating to periods prior to January 1, 2019. The new guidance did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, Cash Flows or Equity. See Note 7 for additional information. In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for implementation costs incurred in cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts. The new guidance requires a customer in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset related to the service contract. The guidance can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We adopted the new guidance on a prospective basis beginning in the second quarter of 2019. There was no material impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of adopting this guidance. New accounting guidance not yet adopted: In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance changes the way credit losses on accounts receivable are estimated. Under current GAAP, credit losses on accounts receivable are recognized once it is probable that such losses will occur. Under the new guidance, we will be required to estimate credit losses based on the expected amount of future collections which may result in earlier recognition of doubtful accounts. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2020 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effect this new guidance, specifically as it relates to our allowance for accounts receivable, which we don’t anticipate having a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosure as of the adoption date. In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance that changes disclosures related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The guidance removes disclosures that are no longer economically relevant, clarifies certain existing disclosure requirements and adds some new disclosures. The most relevant elimination for us is the annual disclosure of the amount of gain/loss and prior service cost/credit amortization expected in the following year. Additions most relevant to us include disclosing narrative explanations of the drivers for significant changes in plan obligations or assets, and disclosure for cost of living adjustments for certain participants of our TEGNA retirement plan. We plan to adopt the new guidance beginning in 2020 and it will be applied on a retrospective basis. In March 2019, the FASB issued new guidance related to the accounting for episodic television series. The most significant aspect of this new guidance that is applicable to us relates to the level at which our capitalized programming assets are monitored for impairment. Under the new guidance these assets will be monitored at the film group level which is the lowest level at which independently identifiable cash flows are identifiable. We plan to adopt the new guidance beginning in the first quarter of 2020 and it will be adopted prospectively. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as of the adoption date. Revenue recognition: Revenue is recognized upon the transfer of control of promised services to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Amounts received from customers in advance of providing services to our customers are recorded as deferred revenue. The primary sources of our revenues are: 1) advertising & marketing services revenues, which include local and national non-political television advertising, digital marketing services (including Premion), and advertising on the stations’ websites and tablet and mobile products; 2) subscription revenues, reflecting fees paid by satellite, cable, OTT (companies that deliver video content to consumers over the Internet) and telecommunications providers to carry our television signals on their systems; 3) political advertising revenues, which are driven by even year election cycles at the local and national level (e.g. 2020, 2018) and particularly in the second half of those years; and 4) other services, such as production of programming and advertising material. Revenue earned by these sources in the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 and 2018 are shown below (amounts in thousands): Quarter ended Sept. 30, Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Advertising & Marketing Services $ 297,333 $ 264,852 $ 851,304 $ 829,638 Subscription 240,735 207,463 718,472 622,382 Political 8,131 60,410 14,064 93,725 Other 5,658 6,251 21,702 19,401 Total revenues $ 551,857 $ 538,976 $ 1,605,542 $ 1,565,146

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Nexstar Stations On September 19, 2019 we completed our previously announced acquisition of 11 local television stations in eight markets, including eight Big Four affiliates, from Nexstar Media Group (the Nexstar Stations). These stations were divested by Nexstar Media Group in connection with its acquisition of Tribune Media Company. The television stations acquired are listed in the table below: Market Station Affiliation Hartford-New Haven, CT WTIC/WCCT FOX/CW Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA WPMT FOX Memphis, TN WATN/WLMT ABC/CW Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA WNEP ABC Des Moines-Ames, IA WOI/KCWI ABC/CW Huntsville-Decatur-Florence, AL WZDX FOX Davenport, IA and Rock Island-Moline, IL WQAD ABC Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR KFSM CBS The estimated purchase price for the Nexstar Stations is approximately $769.1 million which includes a base purchase price of $740.0 million and estimated working capital of $29.1 million . The transaction was structured as an asset purchase and financed through the use of a portion of the $1.1 billion of Senior Notes issued on September 13, 2019 and borrowing under our revolving credit facility (see Note 5). The acquisition of the Nexstar Stations adds complementary markets to our existing portfolio of top network affiliates, including four affiliates in presidential election battleground states. Dispatch Stations On August 8, 2019 we completed the previously announced acquisition of Dispatch Broadcast Group’s two top-rated television stations and two radio stations (the Dispatch Stations). Through this acquisition we purchased WTHR, the NBC affiliate station in Indianapolis, IN, WBNS, the CBS affiliate in Columbus, OH and WBNS Radio (97.1 FM and 1460 AM) in Columbus, OH. The estimated purchase price for the Dispatch Stations is approximately $553.7 million which consists of a base purchase price of $535.0 million and estimated working capital and cash acquired of $18.7 million . The transaction was structured as a stock purchase and financed through available cash and borrowing under our revolving credit facility. The acquisition of the Dispatch Stations expands our portfolio of top-rated big four affiliates in large markets. Justice and Quest Multicast Networks On June 18, 2019, we completed the acquisition of the remaining approximately 85% interest that we did not previously own in the multicast networks Justice Network and Quest from Cooper Media. Justice and Quest are two leading multicast networks that offer unique ad-supported programming. Justice Network’s content is focused on true-crime genre, while Quest features factual-entertainment programs such as science, history, and adventure-reality series. Cash paid for this acquisition was $77.2 million (which included $4.7 million for estimated working capital paid at closing), funded through available cash and borrowing under our revolving credit facility. As a result of acquiring the remaining ownership of the networks, we recognized a $7.3 million gain due to the write-up of our prior investment in the Justice Network and Quest multicast networks to its fair value at the time of the acquisition. This gain was recorded in Other non-operating items, net within the Consolidated Statement of Income. Gray Stations On January 2, 2019, we completed our acquisition of WTOL, the CBS affiliate in Toledo, OH, and KWES, the NBC affiliate in Midland-Odessa, TX from Gray Television, Inc (the Gray Stations). The final purchase price was approximately $109.9 million , which includes working capital of approximately $4.9 million which was funded through the use of available cash and borrowing under our revolving credit facility. WTOL and KWES are strong local media brands in key markets, and they further expand our station portfolio of top 4 affiliates. We refer to these four acquisitions collectively as the “Recent Acquisitions”. The following table summarizes the estimated preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the Recent Acquisitions (in thousands): Nexstar Stations Dispatch Stations Justice & Quest Gray Stations Total Cash $ — $ 2,363 $ — $ — $ 2,363 Accounts receivable 35,459 26,680 8,501 5,553 76,193 Prepaid and other current assets 4,760 6,165 6,987 988 18,900 Property and equipment 47,339 40,856 369 11,757 100,321 Goodwill 84,252 158,077 23,413 11,458 277,200 FCC licenses 415,225 298,974 — 53,378 767,577 Retransmission agreements 76,894 55,366 — 12,253 144,513 Network affiliation agreements 115,340 83,048 — 16,105 214,493 Right-of-use assets for operating leases 19,064 362 — 252 19,678 Other intangible assets — — 52,553 — 52,553 Other noncurrent assets 2,015 — 5,252 18 7,285 Total assets acquired $ 800,348 $ 671,891 $ 97,075 $ 111,762 $ 1,681,076 Accounts Payable 719 953 725 1 2,398 Accrued liabilities 10,086 8,917 3,973 1,606 24,582 Deferred income tax liability — 108,132 (471 ) — 107,661 Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent 17,271 233 — 235 17,739 Other noncurrent liabilities 3,155 — 2,700 — 5,855 Total liabilities assumed $ 31,231 $ 118,235 $ 6,927 $ 1,842 $ 158,235 Net assets acquired $ 769,117 $ 553,656 $ 90,148 $ 109,920 $ 1,522,841 Less: cash acquired $ — $ (2,363 ) $ — $ — $ (2,363 ) Less: fair value of existing ownership — — (12,995 ) — (12,995 ) Cash paid for acquisitions $ 769,117 $ 551,293 $ 77,153 $ 109,920 $ 1,507,483 The fair value of the assets and liabilities identified in the table above are based on preliminary valuations. As such, our estimates are subject to change as additional information is obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition dates. The purchase price allocation of each acquisition remains under evaluation as of the end of the third quarter of 2019. The primary areas which are being assessed relate to the fair value of intangible assets and working capital adjustments with some of the respective sellers. Retransmission agreement intangible assets are amortized over periods of between five and six years while network affiliation agreements are amortized over 15 years . Other intangible assets primarily represent the fair value of distribution agreements held by Justice and Quest which will be amortized over a period of seven years . The weighted average amortization periods for each of the Recent Acquisitions are currently estimated to be: Nexstar Stations ( 10.8 years ), Dispatch Stations ( 10.8 years ), Justice and Quest ( 6.9 years ) and Gray Stations ( 11.1 years ). Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from the acquisition that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce, as well as future synergies that we expect to generate. The goodwill, the FCC licenses and other intangible assets recognized from the Nexstar Stations, Justice & Quest and Gray Stations transactions are expected to be substantially all deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill and all other intangible assets from the Dispatch Stations are not expected to be tax deductible. Our Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2019 include the results of the Recent Acquisitions since their respective acquisition dates as shown in the table below (in thousands): Quarter ended Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 Sept. 30, 2019 Revenue $ 45,867 $ 65,308 Operating Income $ 5,486 $ 7,696 Acquisition-related costs incurred in connection with the Recent Acquisitions for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $20.0 million and $29.1 million , respectively, which have been recorded in the Corporate - General and administrative expenses, line item within the Consolidated Statements of Income. Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Financial Information The following table sets forth certain pro forma financial information for the quarter and nine-months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 giving effect to the Recent Acquisitions as if they were all completed on January 1, 2018 (in thousands): Quarter ended Sept. 30, Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Revenue $ 605,908 $ 644,893 $ 1,841,373 $ 1,865,893 Net income $ 42,277 $ 97,290 $ 185,528 $ 234,626 Information for the acquisitions has been presented on a consolidated basis as the information is not material individually for any of the acquisitions. The unaudited historical results have been adjusted for business combination accounting effects, including depreciation and amortization charges from acquired intangible assets, interest on the new debt and related tax effects. The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of what our results would have been had we completed the acquisitions on January 1, 2018, nor are they reflective of our expected results of operations for any future periods. For example, revenues and net income amounts below do not include any adjustments for expected synergies.

Goodwill and other intangible a

Goodwill and other intangible assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Sept. 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 Gross Accumulated Amortization Gross Accumulated Amortization Goodwill $ 2,874,063 $ — $ 2,596,863 $ — Indefinite-lived intangibles: Television and radio station FCC licenses 2,151,764 — 1,384,186 — Amortizable intangible assets: Retransmission agreements 266,106 (95,469 ) 121,594 (79,274 ) Network affiliation agreements 324,883 (42,928 ) 110,390 (30,802 ) Other 81,418 (13,091 ) 28,865 (8,882 ) Total indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets $ 2,824,171 $ (151,488 ) $ 1,645,035 $ (118,958 )

Investments and other assets

Investments and other assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Investments and other assets	Investments and other assets Our investments and other assets consisted of the following as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Sept. 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 Cash value life insurance $ 51,714 $ 50,452 Equity method investments 12,233 22,960 Other equity investments 27,377 24,497 Deferred debt issuance costs 11,680 9,350 Other long-term assets 42,923 36,206 Total $ 145,927 $ 143,465 Cash value life insurance: We are the beneficiary of life insurance policies on the lives of certain employees/retirees, which are recorded at their cash surrender value as determined by the insurance carrier. These policies are utilized as a partial funding source for deferred compensation and other non-qualified employee retirement plans. Gains and losses on these investments are included in Other non-operating items, net within our Consolidated Statement of Income and were not material for all periods presented. Equity method investments : We hold several strategic equity method investments. Our largest equity method investment is our ownership in CareerBuilder, of which we own approximately 17% (or approximately 10% on a fully-diluted basis), which has an investment balance of $9.6 million and $12.4 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Our ownership stake provides us with two seats on CareerBuilder’s board of directors. As a result, we concluded that we have significant influence over CareerBuilder and therefore account for our interest using the equity method of accounting. In the first quarter of 2019, we sold our investment in Captivate, which had been accounted for as an equity method investment, for $16.2 million , which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $12.2 million (after-tax gain of $9.2 million ). This gain was recorded in Equity (loss) income in unconsolidated investments, net within the Consolidated Statement of Income and Statement of Cash Flows. Other equity investments : Represent investments in non-public businesses that do not have readily determinable pricing, and for which we do not have control or do not exert significant influence. These investments are recorded at cost less impairments, if any, plus or minus changes in observable prices for those investments. In the second quarter of 2019, we recognized a $1.6 million gain due to one of these investments having an observable price increase. This gain was recorded in the Other non-operating items, net line item in our Consolidated Statements of Income. No

Long-term debt

Long-term debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	Long-term debt Our long-term debt is summarized below (in thousands): Sept. 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020 1 $ 30,000 $ 60,000 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through September 2020 1 120,000 165,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019 1 320,000 320,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020 1 600,000 600,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021 350,000 350,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023 650,000 650,000 Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring August 2024 273,000 50,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024 325,000 325,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027 200,000 200,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027 240,000 240,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.00% due September 2029 1,100,000 — Total principal long-term debt 4,208,000 2,960,000 Debt issuance costs (29,204 ) (15,458 ) Unamortized premiums and discounts, net 2,142 (76 ) Total long-term debt $ 4,180,938 $ 2,944,466 1 We have the intent and ability to refinance the principal payments due within the next 12 months on a long-term basis through our revolving credit facility. As such, all debt presented in the table above is classified as long-term on our September 30, 2019 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. On August 15, 2019, we entered into an amendment of our Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement. Under the amended terms, the $1.51 billion of revolving credit commitments and letter of credit commitments have been extended until August 15, 2024. The amendment also increased our permitted total leverage ratio as follows: Period Leverage Ratio July 1, 2019 - September 30, 2020 5.50 to 1.00 October 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021 5.25 to 1.00 April 1, 2021 - September 30, 2021 5.00 to 1.00 October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022 4.75 to 1.00 October 1, 2022 and thereafter 4.50 to 1.00 The amendment also increases the amount of unrestricted cash that we are allowed to offset debt by in our leverage ratio calculation to $500.0 million . On September 13, 2019, we completed a private placement offering of $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes bearing an interest rate of 5.00% which are due in September 2029. The net proceeds were used to finance the acquisition of the Nexstar Stations and to pay down borrowing under the revolving credit agreement. As of September 30, 2019, we had unused borrowing capacity of $1.22 billion under our revolving credit facility. On October 15, 2019 we repaid the remaining $320.0 million of our unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% which had become due. Additionally, on October 18, 2019 we repaid $290.0 million of our $600.0 million unsecured notes bearing fixed interest at 5.125% which are due in July 2020. Both repayments were made by utilizing our revolving credit facility, which had an unused borrowing capacity of $618.2 million

Retirement plans

Retirement plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement plans	Retirement plans Our principal defined benefit pension plan is the TEGNA Retirement Plan (TRP). The disclosure table below includes the pension expenses of the TRP and the TEGNA Supplemental Retirement Plan (SERP). The total net pension obligations, including both current and non-current liabilities, as of September 30, 2019, were $136.4 million , of which $7.9 million is recorded as a current obligation within accrued liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Pension costs, which primarily include costs for the qualified TRP and the non-qualified SERP, are presented in the following table (in thousands): Quarter ended Sept. 30, Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 2 $ 3 $ 6 $ 9 Interest cost on benefit obligation 5,761 5,721 17,284 15,945 Expected return on plan assets (6,580 ) (8,218 ) (19,740 ) (23,148 ) Amortization of prior service cost 23 42 68 126 Amortization of actuarial loss 1,521 1,271 4,562 3,814 Pension payment timing related charge — 1,198 686 7,498 Expense for company-sponsored retirement plans $ 727 $ 17 $ 2,866 $ 4,244 Benefits no longer accrue for substantially all TRP and SERP participants as a result of amendments to the plans in the past years and as such we no longer incur a significant amount of the service cost component of pension expense. All other components of our pension expense presented above are included within the Other non-operating items, net line item of the Consolidated Statements of Income. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we made cash contributions of $2.4 million and $11.1 million to the TRP and benefit payments to participants of the SERP of $6.0 million and $32.9 million , respectively. Based on actuarial projections, we expect to make additional cash payments of $3.6 million in fourth quarter of 2019 on account of these benefit plans (comprised of payments of $1.5 million to the TRP and $2.1 million SERP participants). We incurred pension payment timing related charges of $0.7 million and $7.5 million in the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively, as a result of lump sum SERP payments made to certain former employees. These charges were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost.

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases We adopted the FASB’s new lease accounting guidance on January 1, 2019. We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at the agreement’s inception. As permitted under the lease accounting standards adoption guidance, arrangements prior to the adoption date retained their previous determination as to whether or not an arrangement contained a lease. Arrangements entered into subsequent to the adoption date of the new guidance have been analyzed to determine if a lease exists depending on whether there was an identified underlying asset that we control. Our portfolio of leases primarily consists of leases for the use of corporate offices, station facilities, equipment and for antenna/transmitter sites. Our lease portfolio consists entirely of operating leases, with most of our leases having remaining terms ranging 1 to 15 years . Operating lease balances are included in our right-of-use assets for operating leases, other accrued liabilities and operating lease liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Lease liabilities are calculated as of the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments to be made over the term of the lease. Our lease agreements often contain lease and non-lease components (e.g., common-area maintenance or other executory costs). We include the non-lease payments in the calculation of our lease liabilities to the extent they are either fixed or included within the fixed base rental payments. Some of our leases include variable lease components (e.g., rent increases based on the consumer price index) and variable non-lease components, which are expensed as they are incurred. Such variable costs are not material. As our lease agreements do not include an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of future payments, which is determined using our credit rating and information available as of the lease commencement date. The operating lease right-of-use assets as of the lease commencement date are calculated based on the amount of the operating lease liability, less any lease incentives. Some of our lease agreements include options to renew for additional terms or provide us with the ability terminate the lease early. In determining the term of the lease, we consider whether or not we are reasonably certain to exercise these options. Lease expense for fixed lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The following table presents lease related assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Assets Right-of-use assets for operating leases $ 90,406 Liabilities Operating lease liabilities (current) 1 9,174 Operating lease liabilities (non-current) 101,348 Total operating lease liabilities $ 110,522 (1) Current operating lease liabilities are included within the other accrued liabilities line item of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of September 30, 2019, the weighted-average remaining lease term for our lease portfolio was 10.5 years and the weighted average discount rate used to calculate the present value of our lease liabilities was 5.4% . For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we recognized lease expense of $9.6 million and $13.7 million , respectively. Lease expense for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were $3.3 million and $4.9 million , respectively. In addition, we made cash payments for operating leases of $2.5 million and $7.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, which are included in cash flows from operating activities on Statement of Cash Flows. The table below reconciles future lease payments for each of the next five years and remaining years thereafter, in aggregate, to the lease liabilities recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Future Period Cash Payments Remaining in 2019 $ 3,424 2020 15,194 2021 16,570 2022 15,575 2023 14,411 Thereafter 88,759 Total lease payments 153,933 Less: amount of lease payments representing interest 43,411 Present value of lease liabilities $ 110,522 As of December 31, 2018, operating lease commitments under lessee arrangements were $10.4 million , $9.9 million , $11.7 million , $10.9 million , and $10.3 million for the years 2019 through 2023, respectively, and $73.9 million

Accumulated other comprehensive

Accumulated other comprehensive loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Accumulated other comprehensive loss The following table summarizes the components of, and the changes in, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL), net of tax (in thousands): Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Quarters Ended: Balance at June 30, 2019 $ (134,233 ) $ 39 $ (134,194 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — (238 ) (238 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,073 — 1,073 Total other comprehensive income 1,073 (238 ) 835 Balance at Sept. 30, 2019 $ (133,160 ) $ (199 ) $ (133,359 ) Balance at June 30, 2018 $ (125,288 ) $ 547 $ (124,741 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — (23 ) (23 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,851 — 1,851 Total other comprehensive income 1,851 (23 ) 1,828 Balance at Sept. 30, 2018 $ (123,437 ) $ 524 $ (122,913 ) Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Nine Months Ended: Balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ (136,893 ) $ 382 $ (136,511 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — (581 ) (581 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 3,733 — 3,733 Total other comprehensive income 3,733 (581 ) 3,152 Balance at Sept. 30, 2019 $ (133,160 ) $ (199 ) $ (133,359 ) Balance at Dec. 31, 2017 $ (107,037 ) $ 114 $ (106,923 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — 410 410 Amounts reclassified from AOCL 8,445 — 8,445 Other comprehensive income 8,445 410 8,855 Reclassification of stranded tax effects to retained earnings (24,845 ) — (24,845 ) Balance at Sept. 30, 2018 $ (123,437 ) $ 524 $ (122,913 ) Reclassifications from AOCL to the Consolidated Statements of Income are comprised of pension and other post-retirement components. Pension and other post retirement reclassifications are related to the amortization of prior service costs, amortization of actuarial losses, and pension payment timing related charges related to our SERP plan. Amounts reclassified out of AOCL are summarized below (in thousands): Quarter ended Sept. 30, Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Amortization of prior service credit, net $ (120 ) $ (101 ) $ (360 ) $ (302 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,551 1,376 4,653 4,129 Pension payment timing related charges — 1,198 686 7,498 Total reclassifications, before tax 1,431 2,473 4,979 11,325 Income tax effect (358 ) (622 ) (1,246 ) (2,880 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 1,073 $ 1,851 $ 3,733 $ 8,445

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share Our earnings per share (basic and diluted) are presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts): Quarter ended Sept. 30, Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Net income from continuing operations $ 48,346 $ 92,826 $ 202,280 $ 240,525 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — 4,325 — 4,325 Net income $ 48,346 $ 97,151 $ 202,280 $ 244,850 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 217,315 216,015 217,040 216,210 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock units 607 167 420 116 Performance share units 364 — 312 72 Stock options 24 166 36 219 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 218,310 216,348 217,808 216,617 Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic $ 0.22 $ 0.43 $ 0.93 $ 1.11 Earnings from discontinued operations per share - basic — 0.02 — 0.02 Net income per share - basic $ 0.22 $ 0.45 $ 0.93 $ 1.13 Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted $ 0.22 $ 0.43 $ 0.93 $ 1.11 Earnings from discontinued operations per share - diluted — 0.02 — 0.02 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.22 $ 0.45 $ 0.93 $ 1.13 Our calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the impact of the assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock units, performance share units, and the exercise of outstanding stock options based on the treasury stock method when dilutive. The diluted earnings per share amounts exclude the effects of approximately 12,000 and 28,000 stock awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and 189,000 and 235,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as their inclusion would be accretive to earnings per share.

Fair value measurement

Fair value measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurement	Fair value measurement We measure and record in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements certain assets and liabilities at fair value. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between market data (observable inputs) and our own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels: Level 1 - Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 - Unobservable inputs developed using our own estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that a market participant would use. In the second quarter of 2019, we recognized a $1.6 million gain on one of our investments due to an observable price increase, which represents a Level 2 input (see Note 4 for further discussion). This gain was recorded in the Other non-operating items, net line item in our Consolidated Statements of Income. No other gains or losses were recorded on our investments due to observable price changes in 2019, or during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Prior to the closing of our acquisition in the multicast networks Justice Network and Quest we held an approximately 15% ownership interest. Upon completion of the step acquisition, we recognized a gain of $7.3 million in Other non-operating items, net within the Consolidated Statement of Income, for the remeasurement of our previously held ownership interest to fair value, which was $8.0 million . The fair value was determined using an income approach which was based on significant inputs not observable in the market, and thus represented a Level 3 fair value measurement. We additionally hold other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and debt. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximated their fair values. The fair value of our total debt, based on the bid and ask quotes for the related debt (Level 2), totaled $4.32 billion at September 30, 2019, and $2.96 billion at December 31, 2018.

Supplemental cash flow informat

Supplemental cash flow information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information	Supplemental cash flow information The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, as reported on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, to cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, as reported on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands): Sept. 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 Sept. 30, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,194 $ 135,862 $ 23,766 $ 98,801 Restricted cash equivalents included in: Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — — 29,240 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 9,194 $ 135,862 $ 23,766 $ 128,041 Our restricted cash equivalents consisted of highly liquid investments that were held within a rabbi trust and were used to pay our deferred compensation and SERP obligations. The following table provides additional information about cash flows related to income taxes and interest (in thousands): Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds $ 73,457 $ 51,325 Cash paid for interest $ 117,913 $ 121,616 The timing of tax payments reflects the federal income tax payment due dates (no payments made in the first quarter; two payments made in the second quarter; and one payment will be made in each of the third and fourth quarter). The 2019 amount is primarily comprised of net tax payments of $17.7 million made during third quarter and $56.2 million of net payments made in the second quarter. In 2018, we made net tax payments of $14.3 million during third quarter and $39.8 million

Other matters

Other matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Other matters	Other matters Commitments, contingencies and other matters In the third quarter of 2018, certain national media outlets reported the existence of a confidential investigation by the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division (DOJ) into the local television advertising sales practices of station owners. On November 13 and December 13, 2018, DOJ and seven broadcasters settled a DOJ complaint alleging the exchange of competitively sensitive information in the broadcast television industry. On June 17, 2019, we and four other broadcasters entered into a substantially identical agreement with DOJ. The settlement contains no finding of wrongdoing or liability and carries no penalty. It prohibits us and the other settling entities from sharing certain confidential business information, or using such information pertaining to other broadcasters, except under limited circumstances. The settlement also requires the settling parties to make certain enhancements to their antitrust compliance programs; to continue to cooperate with the DOJ’s investigation and to permit DOJ to verify compliance. We do not expect the costs of compliance to be material. Since the national media reports, numerous putative class action lawsuits were filed against owners of television stations (the Advertising Cases) in different jurisdictions. Plaintiffs are a class consisting of all persons and entities in the United States who paid for all or a portion of advertisement time on local TV provided by the defendants. The Advertising Cases assert antitrust and other claims and seek monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, costs and interest, as well as injunctions against the allegedly wrongful conduct. These cases have been consolidated into a single proceeding in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, captioned Clay, Massey & Associates, P.C. v. Gray Television, Inc. et. al., filed on July 30, 2018. At the court’s direction, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on April 3, 2019, that superseded the original complaints. Although we were named as a defendant in sixteen of the original complaints, the amended complaint did not name TEGNA as a defendant. After TEGNA and four other broadcasters entered into consent decrees with the Department of Justice in June 2019, the plaintiffs sought leave from the court to further amend the complaint to add TEGNA and the other settling broadcasters to the proceeding. The court granted the plaintiffs’ motion, and the plaintiffs filed the second amended complaint on September 9, 2019. On October 8, 2019, the defendants jointly filed a motion to dismiss the matter. We deny any violation of law, believe that the claims asserted in the Advertising Cases are without merit, and intend to defend ourselves vigorously against them. We, along with a number of our subsidiaries, also are defendants in other judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to our business. We do not believe that any material liability will be imposed as a result of any of the foregoing matters. FCC Broadcast Spectrum Program In April 2017, the FCC announced the completion of a voluntary incentive auction to reallocate certain spectrum currently occupied by television broadcast stations to mobile wireless broadband services, along with a related “repacking” of the television spectrum for remaining television stations. The FCC has notified us that 17 (which includes four of our recently acquired stations) of our existing stations will be repacked to new channels. Based on our transition planning to date, we do not expect the repacking to have any material effect on the geographic areas or populations served by our repacked full-power stations’ over-the-air signals. If the repacking did have such an effect, our television stations moving channels could have smaller service areas and/or experience additional interference. The legislation authorizing the incentive auction and repacking established a $1.75 billion fund for reimbursement of costs incurred by stations required to change channels in the repacking. Subsequent legislation enacted on March 23, 2018, appropriated an additional $1 billion for the repacking fund, of which up to $750 million may be made available to repacked full power and Class A television stations and multichannel video programming distributors. Other funds are earmarked to assist affected low power television stations, television translator stations, and FM radio stations, as well as for consumer education efforts. The repacking process is scheduled to occur over a 39 -month period, divided into ten phases, ending mid-year 2020. Our full power stations have been assigned to phases two through nine, and a majority of our remaining capital expenditures in connection with the repack will occur in 2019. To date, we have incurred approximately $27.8 million in capital expenditures for the spectrum repack project (of which $10.2 million was paid during the first nine months of 2019). We have received FCC reimbursements of approximately $21.4 million through September 30, 2019. The reimbursements were recorded as a contra operating expense within our Spectrum repacking reimbursements and other line item on our Consolidated Statement of Income and reported as an investing inflow on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Each repacked full power commercial television station, including each of our 17 repacked stations, has been allocated a reimbursement amount equal to approximately 92.5% of the station’s estimated repacking costs, as verified by the FCC’s fund administrator. Although we expect the FCC to make additional allocations from the fund, it is not guaranteed that the FCC will approve all reimbursement requests necessary to completely reimburse each repacked station for all amounts incurred in connection with the repack. Related Party Transactions We have an equity and debt investment in MadHive, Inc. (MadHive) which is a related party of TEGNA. In addition to our investment, we also have a commercial agreement with MadHive where they support our Premion business in acquiring and delivering over-the-top ad impressions. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2019, we incurred expenses of $5.8 million and $21.6 million , respectively, as a result of the commercial agreement with MadHive. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2018, we incurred $1.6 million of expenses under the commercial agreement. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 we had accounts payable and accrued liabilities associated with the commercial agreement of $2.8 million and $1.6 million , respectively. Reduction in Force Programs In 2018, we initiated reduction in force programs at our corporate headquarters and our Digital Marketing Services (DMS) business unit, which resulted in a total severance charge of $7.3 million which was recorded within the Cost of Revenues, Business Units - Selling and Administrative, and Corporate - General and Administrative Costs within the Consolidated Statement of Income in the third quarter of 2018. The corporate headquarters reductions were part of our ongoing consolidations of our corporate structure following our strategic transformation into a pure play broadcast company. The reduction in force at our DMS unit is a result of a rebranding of our service offerings and unification of our sales strategy to better serve our customers. A majority of the employees impacted by these reductions will receive lump sum severance payments. As of the end of the third quarter of 2019, we have a remaining accrual of approximately $2.8 million related to these actions, substantially all of which will be paid throughout the remainder of the year.

Accounting policies (Policies)

Accounting policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation: Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial reporting, the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes which are normally included in the Form 10-K and annual report to shareholders. In our opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our (or TEGNA’s) audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Use of estimates	The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, business combinations, fair value measurements, post-retirement benefit plans, income taxes including deferred taxes, and contingencies.
Consolidation	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries we control and variable interest entities (VIEs) if we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all intercompany balances, transactions, and profits in consolidation. Investments in entities over which we have significant influence, but do not have control, are accounted for under the equity method. Our share of net earnings and losses from these ventures is included in Equity (loss) income in unconsolidated investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Recent accounting standards	Accounting guidance adopted in 2019: In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to leases which require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with previous GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily depends on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike previous GAAP–which requires only capital leases (renamed finance leases under the new guidance) to be recognized on the balance sheet–the new guidance requires both finance and operating leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. This update requires the lessee to recognize a lease liability equal to the present value of the lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term for all leases longer than 12 months. We adopted the guidance on January 1, 2019. The FASB provided companies with the option to apply the requirements of the guidance in the period of adoption, with no restatement of prior periods. We utilized this adoption method. We also elected an accounting policy allowed by the guidance to not account for lease and non-lease components separately. Additionally, in adopting the guidance, we utilized the package of practical expedients permitted by the FASB, which among other things, allowed us to carry forward our historical lease classification. Lastly, as permitted by the guidance, we elected a policy to not record leases with an original lease term of twelve months or less on the balance sheet. Adoption of the guidance resulted in recording of new right-of-use asset and lease liability balances of $73.8 million and $91.8 million , respectively, as of the adoption date. The difference between right-of-use lease asset and lease liability balances was primarily due to previously accrued rent expense relating to periods prior to January 1, 2019. The new guidance did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, Cash Flows or Equity. See Note 7 for additional information. In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for implementation costs incurred in cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts. The new guidance requires a customer in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset related to the service contract. The guidance can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We adopted the new guidance on a prospective basis beginning in the second quarter of 2019. There was no material impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of adopting this guidance. New accounting guidance not yet adopted: In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance changes the way credit losses on accounts receivable are estimated. Under current GAAP, credit losses on accounts receivable are recognized once it is probable that such losses will occur. Under the new guidance, we will be required to estimate credit losses based on the expected amount of future collections which may result in earlier recognition of doubtful accounts. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2020 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effect this new guidance, specifically as it relates to our allowance for accounts receivable, which we don’t anticipate having a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosure as of the adoption date. In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance that changes disclosures related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The guidance removes disclosures that are no longer economically relevant, clarifies certain existing disclosure requirements and adds some new disclosures. The most relevant elimination for us is the annual disclosure of the amount of gain/loss and prior service cost/credit amortization expected in the following year. Additions most relevant to us include disclosing narrative explanations of the drivers for significant changes in plan obligations or assets, and disclosure for cost of living adjustments for certain participants of our TEGNA retirement plan. We plan to adopt the new guidance beginning in 2020 and it will be applied on a retrospective basis. In March 2019, the FASB issued new guidance related to the accounting for episodic television series. The most significant aspect of this new guidance that is applicable to us relates to the level at which our capitalized programming assets are monitored for impairment. Under the new guidance these assets will be monitored at the film group level which is the lowest level at which independently identifiable cash flows are identifiable. We plan to adopt the new guidance beginning in the first quarter of 2020 and it will be adopted prospectively. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as of the adoption date. Revenue recognition: Revenue is recognized upon the transfer of control of promised services to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Amounts received from customers in advance of providing services to our customers are recorded as deferred revenue.

Accounting policies (Tables)

Accounting policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Revenue earned by these sources in the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 and 2018 are shown below (amounts in thousands): Quarter ended Sept. 30, Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Advertising & Marketing Services $ 297,333 $ 264,852 $ 851,304 $ 829,638 Subscription 240,735 207,463 718,472 622,382 Political 8,131 60,410 14,064 93,725 Other 5,658 6,251 21,702 19,401 Total revenues $ 551,857 $ 538,976 $ 1,605,542 $ 1,565,146

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Television Stations Acquired	The television stations acquired are listed in the table below: Market Station Affiliation Hartford-New Haven, CT WTIC/WCCT FOX/CW Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA WPMT FOX Memphis, TN WATN/WLMT ABC/CW Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA WNEP ABC Des Moines-Ames, IA WOI/KCWI ABC/CW Huntsville-Decatur-Florence, AL WZDX FOX Davenport, IA and Rock Island-Moline, IL WQAD ABC Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR KFSM CBS
Summary of Estimated Preliminary Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the Recent Acquisitions (in thousands): Nexstar Stations Dispatch Stations Justice & Quest Gray Stations Total Cash $ — $ 2,363 $ — $ — $ 2,363 Accounts receivable 35,459 26,680 8,501 5,553 76,193 Prepaid and other current assets 4,760 6,165 6,987 988 18,900 Property and equipment 47,339 40,856 369 11,757 100,321 Goodwill 84,252 158,077 23,413 11,458 277,200 FCC licenses 415,225 298,974 — 53,378 767,577 Retransmission agreements 76,894 55,366 — 12,253 144,513 Network affiliation agreements 115,340 83,048 — 16,105 214,493 Right-of-use assets for operating leases 19,064 362 — 252 19,678 Other intangible assets — — 52,553 — 52,553 Other noncurrent assets 2,015 — 5,252 18 7,285 Total assets acquired $ 800,348 $ 671,891 $ 97,075 $ 111,762 $ 1,681,076 Accounts Payable 719 953 725 1 2,398 Accrued liabilities 10,086 8,917 3,973 1,606 24,582 Deferred income tax liability — 108,132 (471 ) — 107,661 Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent 17,271 233 — 235 17,739 Other noncurrent liabilities 3,155 — 2,700 — 5,855 Total liabilities assumed $ 31,231 $ 118,235 $ 6,927 $ 1,842 $ 158,235 Net assets acquired $ 769,117 $ 553,656 $ 90,148 $ 109,920 $ 1,522,841 Less: cash acquired $ — $ (2,363 ) $ — $ — $ (2,363 ) Less: fair value of existing ownership — — (12,995 ) — (12,995 ) Cash paid for acquisitions $ 769,117 $ 551,293 $ 77,153 $ 109,920 $ 1,507,483
Schedule of Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information	Our Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2019 include the results of the Recent Acquisitions since their respective acquisition dates as shown in the table below (in thousands): Quarter ended Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 Sept. 30, 2019 Revenue $ 45,867 $ 65,308 Operating Income $ 5,486 $ 7,696 The following table sets forth certain pro forma financial information for the quarter and nine-months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 giving effect to the Recent Acquisitions as if they were all completed on January 1, 2018 (in thousands): Quarter ended Sept. 30, Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Revenue $ 605,908 $ 644,893 $ 1,841,373 $ 1,865,893 Net income $ 42,277 $ 97,290 $ 185,528 $ 234,626

Goodwill and other intangible_2

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Sept. 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 Gross Accumulated Amortization Gross Accumulated Amortization Goodwill $ 2,874,063 $ — $ 2,596,863 $ — Indefinite-lived intangibles: Television and radio station FCC licenses 2,151,764 — 1,384,186 — Amortizable intangible assets: Retransmission agreements 266,106 (95,469 ) 121,594 (79,274 ) Network affiliation agreements 324,883 (42,928 ) 110,390 (30,802 ) Other 81,418 (13,091 ) 28,865 (8,882 ) Total indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets $ 2,824,171 $ (151,488 ) $ 1,645,035 $ (118,958 )

Investments and other assets (T

Investments and other assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets	Our investments and other assets consisted of the following as of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Sept. 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 Cash value life insurance $ 51,714 $ 50,452 Equity method investments 12,233 22,960 Other equity investments 27,377 24,497 Deferred debt issuance costs 11,680 9,350 Other long-term assets 42,923 36,206 Total $ 145,927 $ 143,465

Long-term debt (Tables)

Long-term debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary Long-Term Debt	Our long-term debt is summarized below (in thousands): Sept. 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020 1 $ 30,000 $ 60,000 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through September 2020 1 120,000 165,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019 1 320,000 320,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020 1 600,000 600,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021 350,000 350,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023 650,000 650,000 Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring August 2024 273,000 50,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024 325,000 325,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027 200,000 200,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027 240,000 240,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.00% due September 2029 1,100,000 — Total principal long-term debt 4,208,000 2,960,000 Debt issuance costs (29,204 ) (15,458 ) Unamortized premiums and discounts, net 2,142 (76 ) Total long-term debt $ 4,180,938 $ 2,944,466 1 We have the intent and ability to refinance the principal payments due within the next 12 months on a long-term basis through our revolving credit facility. As such, all debt presented in the table above is classified as long-term on our September 30, 2019 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Schedule Of Leverage Ratios	The amendment also increased our permitted total leverage ratio as follows: Period Leverage Ratio July 1, 2019 - September 30, 2020 5.50 to 1.00 October 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021 5.25 to 1.00 April 1, 2021 - September 30, 2021 5.00 to 1.00 October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022 4.75 to 1.00 October 1, 2022 and thereafter 4.50 to 1.00

Retirement plans (Tables)

Retirement plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit Costs	Pension costs, which primarily include costs for the qualified TRP and the non-qualified SERP, are presented in the following table (in thousands): Quarter ended Sept. 30, Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 2 $ 3 $ 6 $ 9 Interest cost on benefit obligation 5,761 5,721 17,284 15,945 Expected return on plan assets (6,580 ) (8,218 ) (19,740 ) (23,148 ) Amortization of prior service cost 23 42 68 126 Amortization of actuarial loss 1,521 1,271 4,562 3,814 Pension payment timing related charge — 1,198 686 7,498 Expense for company-sponsored retirement plans $ 727 $ 17 $ 2,866 $ 4,244

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Leases, Assets and Liabilities	The following table presents lease related assets and liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Assets Right-of-use assets for operating leases $ 90,406 Liabilities Operating lease liabilities (current) 1 9,174 Operating lease liabilities (non-current) 101,348 Total operating lease liabilities $ 110,522 (1) Current operating lease liabilities are included within the other accrued liabilities line item of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Future Rent Payments on Lease Liabilities	The table below reconciles future lease payments for each of the next five years and remaining years thereafter, in aggregate, to the lease liabilities recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Future Period Cash Payments Remaining in 2019 $ 3,424 2020 15,194 2021 16,570 2022 15,575 2023 14,411 Thereafter 88,759 Total lease payments 153,933 Less: amount of lease payments representing interest 43,411 Present value of lease liabilities $ 110,522

Accumulated other comprehensi_2

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the components of, and the changes in, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL), net of tax (in thousands): Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Quarters Ended: Balance at June 30, 2019 $ (134,233 ) $ 39 $ (134,194 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — (238 ) (238 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,073 — 1,073 Total other comprehensive income 1,073 (238 ) 835 Balance at Sept. 30, 2019 $ (133,160 ) $ (199 ) $ (133,359 ) Balance at June 30, 2018 $ (125,288 ) $ 547 $ (124,741 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — (23 ) (23 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,851 — 1,851 Total other comprehensive income 1,851 (23 ) 1,828 Balance at Sept. 30, 2018 $ (123,437 ) $ 524 $ (122,913 ) Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Nine Months Ended: Balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ (136,893 ) $ 382 $ (136,511 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — (581 ) (581 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCL 3,733 — 3,733 Total other comprehensive income 3,733 (581 ) 3,152 Balance at Sept. 30, 2019 $ (133,160 ) $ (199 ) $ (133,359 ) Balance at Dec. 31, 2017 $ (107,037 ) $ 114 $ (106,923 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — 410 410 Amounts reclassified from AOCL 8,445 — 8,445 Other comprehensive income 8,445 410 8,855 Reclassification of stranded tax effects to retained earnings (24,845 ) — (24,845 ) Balance at Sept. 30, 2018 $ (123,437 ) $ 524 $ (122,913 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Amounts reclassified out of AOCL are summarized below (in thousands): Quarter ended Sept. 30, Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Amortization of prior service credit, net $ (120 ) $ (101 ) $ (360 ) $ (302 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,551 1,376 4,653 4,129 Pension payment timing related charges — 1,198 686 7,498 Total reclassifications, before tax 1,431 2,473 4,979 11,325 Income tax effect (358 ) (622 ) (1,246 ) (2,880 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 1,073 $ 1,851 $ 3,733 $ 8,445

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	Our earnings per share (basic and diluted) are presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts): Quarter ended Sept. 30, Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Net income from continuing operations $ 48,346 $ 92,826 $ 202,280 $ 240,525 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — 4,325 — 4,325 Net income $ 48,346 $ 97,151 $ 202,280 $ 244,850 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 217,315 216,015 217,040 216,210 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock units 607 167 420 116 Performance share units 364 — 312 72 Stock options 24 166 36 219 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 218,310 216,348 217,808 216,617 Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic $ 0.22 $ 0.43 $ 0.93 $ 1.11 Earnings from discontinued operations per share - basic — 0.02 — 0.02 Net income per share - basic $ 0.22 $ 0.45 $ 0.93 $ 1.13 Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted $ 0.22 $ 0.43 $ 0.93 $ 1.11 Earnings from discontinued operations per share - diluted — 0.02 — 0.02 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.22 $ 0.45 $ 0.93 $ 1.13

Supplemental cash flow inform_2

Supplemental cash flow information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	The following table provides additional information about cash flows related to income taxes and interest (in thousands): Nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019 2018 Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds $ 73,457 $ 51,325 Cash paid for interest $ 117,913 $ 121,616 The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, as reported on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, to cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, as reported on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (in thousands): Sept. 30, 2019 Dec. 31, 2018 Sept. 30, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,194 $ 135,862 $ 23,766 $ 98,801 Restricted cash equivalents included in: Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — — 29,240 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 9,194 $ 135,862 $ 23,766 $ 128,041

Accounting policies - Narrative

Accounting policies - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)segmentmarketstation	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | segment	1
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Number of television stations | station	62
Number of markets In which entity operates | market	51
Right-of-use asset | $	$ 90,406	$ 73,800	$ 0
Lease liability | $	$ 110,522	$ 91,800

Accounting policies - Revenue (

Accounting policies - Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 551,857	$ 538,976	$ 1,605,542	$ 1,565,146
Advertising & Marketing Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	297,333	264,852	851,304	829,638
Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	240,735	207,463	718,472	622,382
Political
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	8,131	60,410	14,064	93,725
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 5,658	$ 6,251	$ 21,702	$ 19,401

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 19, 2019USD ($)affiliatestation	Aug. 08, 2019USD ($)radio_stationstation	Jun. 18, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 13, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Senior Notes issued					$ 4,208,000	$ 4,208,000		$ 2,960,000
Network affiliation agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life, intangible assets (in years)						15 years
Nexstar Media Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of stations acquired | station	11
Number of affiliates acquired | affiliate	8
Initial purchase price	$ 769,100
Base purchase price	740,000
Working capital adjustment	$ 29,100
Number affiliates acquired in election battleground states | affiliate	4
Weighted average useful life, intangible assets (in years)						10 years 9 months 18 days
Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of stations acquired | station		2
Number of ratio stations acquired | radio_station		2
Initial purchase price		$ 553,700
Base purchase price		535,000
Working capital adjustment		$ 18,700
Weighted average useful life, intangible assets (in years)						10 years 9 months 18 days
Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Initial purchase price			$ 77,200
Working capital adjustment			$ 4,700
Ownership interest (as a percent)			85.00%
Gain recognized due to write-up of prior investment			$ 7,300
Weighted average useful life, intangible assets (in years)						6 years 10 months 24 days
Justice & Quest | Distribution agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life, intangible assets (in years)						7 years
Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Initial purchase price				$ 109,900
Working capital adjustment				$ 4,900
Weighted average useful life, intangible assets (in years)						11 years 1 month 6 days
Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs					20,000	$ 29,100
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.00% due September 2029
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Senior Notes issued					$ 1,100,000	$ 1,100,000	$ 1,100,000	$ 0
Minimum | Retransmission agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life, intangible assets (in years)						5 years
Maximum | Retransmission agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life, intangible assets (in years)						6 years

Acquisitions - Summary of Estim

Acquisitions - Summary of Estimated Preliminary Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 19, 2019	Aug. 08, 2019	Jun. 18, 2019	Jan. 02, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill					$ 2,874,063		$ 2,596,863
Cash paid for acquisitions					1,507,483	$ 328,433
Nexstar Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash	$ 0
Accounts receivable	35,459
Prepaid and other current assets	4,760
Property and equipment	47,339
Right-of-use assets for operating leases	19,064
Goodwill	84,252
Other noncurrent assets	2,015
Total assets acquired	800,348
Accounts Payable	719
Accrued liabilities	10,086
Deferred income tax liability	0
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent	17,271
Other noncurrent liabilities	3,155
Total liabilities assumed	31,231
Net assets acquired	769,117
Less: cash acquired	0
Less: fair value of existing ownership	0
Cash paid for acquisitions	769,117
Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash		$ 2,363
Accounts receivable		26,680
Prepaid and other current assets		6,165
Property and equipment		40,856
Right-of-use assets for operating leases		362
Goodwill		158,077
Other noncurrent assets		0
Total assets acquired		671,891
Accounts Payable		953
Accrued liabilities		8,917
Deferred income tax liability		108,132
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent		233
Other noncurrent liabilities		0
Total liabilities assumed		118,235
Net assets acquired		553,656
Less: cash acquired		(2,363)
Less: fair value of existing ownership		0
Cash paid for acquisitions		551,293
Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash			$ 0
Accounts receivable			8,501
Prepaid and other current assets			6,987
Property and equipment			369
Right-of-use assets for operating leases			0
Goodwill			23,413
Other noncurrent assets			5,252
Total assets acquired			97,075
Accounts Payable			725
Accrued liabilities			3,973
Deferred income tax liability			(471)
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent			0
Other noncurrent liabilities			2,700
Total liabilities assumed			6,927
Net assets acquired			90,148
Less: cash acquired			0
Less: fair value of existing ownership			(12,995)		(8,000)
Cash paid for acquisitions			77,153
Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash				$ 0
Accounts receivable				5,553
Prepaid and other current assets				988
Property and equipment				11,757
Right-of-use assets for operating leases				252
Goodwill				11,458
Other noncurrent assets				18
Total assets acquired				111,762
Accounts Payable				1
Accrued liabilities				1,606
Deferred income tax liability				0
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent				235
Other noncurrent liabilities				0
Total liabilities assumed				1,842
Net assets acquired				109,920
Less: cash acquired				0
Less: fair value of existing ownership				0
Cash paid for acquisitions				109,920
Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash					2,363
Accounts receivable					76,193
Prepaid and other current assets					18,900
Property and equipment					100,321
Right-of-use assets for operating leases					19,678
Goodwill					277,200
Other noncurrent assets					7,285
Total assets acquired					1,681,076
Accounts Payable					2,398
Accrued liabilities					24,582
Deferred income tax liability					107,661
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent					17,739
Other noncurrent liabilities					5,855
Total liabilities assumed					158,235
Net assets acquired					1,522,841
Less: cash acquired					(2,363)
Less: fair value of existing ownership					(12,995)
Cash paid for acquisitions					1,507,483
Retransmission agreements | Nexstar Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	76,894
Retransmission agreements | Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		55,366
Retransmission agreements | Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired			0
Retransmission agreements | Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired				12,253
Retransmission agreements | Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					144,513
Network affiliation agreements | Nexstar Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	115,340
Network affiliation agreements | Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		83,048
Network affiliation agreements | Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired			0
Network affiliation agreements | Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired				16,105
Network affiliation agreements | Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					214,493
Other intangible assets | Nexstar Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	0
Other intangible assets | Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		0
Other intangible assets | Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired			52,553
Other intangible assets | Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired				0
Other intangible assets | Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					52,553
FCC licenses | Nexstar Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	$ 415,225
FCC licenses | Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		$ 298,974
FCC licenses | Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired			$ 0
FCC licenses | Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired				$ 53,378
FCC licenses | Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					$ 767,577

Acquisitions - Statement of Inc

Acquisitions - Statement of Income for Recent Acquisitions (Details) - Recent Acquisitions - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 45,867	$ 65,308
Operating Income	$ 5,486	$ 7,696

Acquisitions - Schedule of Unau

Acquisitions - Schedule of Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 605,908	$ 644,893	$ 1,841,373	$ 1,865,893
Net income	$ 42,277	$ 97,290	$ 185,528	$ 234,626

Goodwill and other intangible_3

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross	$ 2,874,063	$ 2,596,863
Total indefinite-live and amortizable intangible assets	2,824,171	1,645,035
Goodwill, accumulated amortization	0	0
Total indefinite-live and amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(151,488)	(118,958)
Retransmission agreements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets, gross	266,106	121,594
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(95,469)	(79,274)
Network affiliation agreements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets, gross	324,883	110,390
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(42,928)	(30,802)
Other
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets, gross	81,418	28,865
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(13,091)	(8,882)
Television and radio station FCC licenses
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles, gross	$ 2,151,764	$ 1,384,186

Investments and other assets -

Investments and other assets - Components of Investments and Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Cash value life insurance	$ 51,714	$ 50,452
Equity method investments	12,233	22,960
Other equity investments	27,377	24,497
Deferred debt issuance costs	11,680	9,350
Other long-term assets	42,923	36,206
Total	$ 145,927	$ 143,465

Investments and other assets _2

Investments and other assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment balance				$ 12,233,000	$ 22,960,000
Gain on other equity investments	$ 1,600,000		$ 0	$ 0
CareerBuilder
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment retained after disposal, ownership interest (as a percent)				17.00%
Equity method investment retained after disposal, fully diluted ownership interest (as a percent)				10.00%
Investment balance				$ 9,600,000	$ 12,400,000
Captivate
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment		$ 16,200,000
Pre-tax gain on sale of equity method investment		12,200,000
After-tax gain on sale of equity method investment		$ 9,200,000

Long-term debt - Schedule of Lo

Long-term debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 13, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 4,208,000		$ 2,960,000
Debt issuance costs	(29,204)		(15,458)
Unamortized premiums and discounts, net	2,142		(76)
Total long-term debt	4,180,938		2,944,466
Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	30,000		60,000
Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through September 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	120,000		165,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 320,000		320,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 600,000		600,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 350,000		350,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.875%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 650,000		650,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring August 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 273,000		50,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 325,000		325,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.50%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 200,000		200,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.75%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 240,000		240,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.25%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.00% due September 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 1,100,000	$ 1,100,000	$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%

Long-term debt - Narrative (Det

Long-term debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 18, 2019	Oct. 15, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 19, 2019	Sep. 13, 2019	Aug. 15, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unrestricted cash included as part of the total leverage ratio (not to exceed)			$ 500,000,000
Senior Notes issued			4,208,000,000				$ 2,960,000,000
Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amended revolving credit commitments and letter of credit commitments						$ 1,510,000,000
Unused borrowing capacity			1,220,000,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes issued			$ 320,000,000				320,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			5.125%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes issued			$ 600,000,000				600,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			5.125%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.00% due September 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes issued			$ 1,100,000,000		$ 1,100,000,000		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			5.00%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.00% due September 2029 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of unsecured notes					$ 1,100,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)					5.00%
Subsequent Event | Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement | Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused borrowing capacity				$ 618,200,000
Subsequent Event | Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of unsecured debt		$ 320,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		5.125%
Subsequent Event | Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of unsecured debt	$ 290,000,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%

Long-term debt - Schedule of To

Long-term debt - Schedule of Total Leverage Ratios (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
July 1, 2019 - September 30, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio	5.50
October 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio	5.25
April 1, 2021 - September 30, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio	5
Octboer 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio	4.75
October 1, 2022 and thereafter
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio	4.50

Retirement plans - Narrative (D

Retirement plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension payment timing related charges	$ 0	$ 1,198	$ 686	$ 7,498
TRP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total net pension obligations	136,400		136,400
Cash contributions			2,400	11,100
SERP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash contributions			6,000	$ 32,900
Accrued liabilities | TRP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total net pension obligations	$ 7,900		$ 7,900
Forecast
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Additional cash payments					$ 3,600
Forecast | TRP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Additional cash payments					1,500
Forecast | SERP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Additional cash payments					$ 2,100

Retirement plans - Benefit Cost

Retirement plans - Benefit Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Service cost-benefits earned during the period	$ 2	$ 3	$ 6	$ 9
Interest cost on benefit obligation	5,761	5,721	17,284	15,945
Expected return on plan assets	(6,580)	(8,218)	(19,740)	(23,148)
Amortization of prior service cost	23	42	68	126
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,521	1,271	4,562	3,814
Pension payment timing related charge	0	1,198	686	7,498
Expense for company-sponsored retirement plans	$ 727	$ 17	$ 2,866	$ 4,244

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Weighted-average remaining lease term for lease portfolio	10 years 6 months		10 years 6 months
Weighted average discount rate	5.40%		5.40%
Lease expense	$ 3.3	$ 4.9	$ 9.6	$ 13.7
Cash payments for operating leases	$ 2.5		$ 7.6
Operating lease commitments, 2019					$ 10.4
Operating lease commitments, 2020					9.9
Operating lease commitments, 2021					11.7
Operating lease commitments, 2022					10.9
Operating lease commitments, 2023					10.3
Operating lease commitments, thereafter					$ 73.9
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	1 year		1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	15 years		15 years

Leases - Lease Related Assets a

Leases - Lease Related Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Right-of-use assets for operating leases	$ 90,406	$ 73,800	$ 0
Liabilities
Operating lease liabilities (current)	9,174
Operating lease liabilities (non-current)	101,348		$ 0
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 110,522	$ 91,800

Leases - Future Rent Payments (

Leases - Future Rent Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Remaining in 2019	$ 3,424
2020	15,194
2021	16,570
2022	15,575
2023	14,411
Thereafter	88,759
Total lease payments	153,933
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest	43,411
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 110,522	$ 91,800

Accumulated other comprehensi_3

Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,479,742	$ 1,116,911	$ 1,340,924	$ 995,041
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,073	1,851	3,733	8,445
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	835	1,828	3,152	8,855
Ending balance	1,521,696	1,205,583	1,521,696	1,205,583
Retirement Plans
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(134,233)	(125,288)	(136,893)	(107,037)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0	0	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,073	1,851	3,733	8,445
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,073	1,851	3,733	8,445
Reclassification of stranded tax effects to retained earnings				(24,845)
Ending balance	(133,160)	(123,437)	(133,160)	(123,437)
Foreign Currency Translation
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	39	547	382	114
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(238)	(23)	(581)	410
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(238)	(23)	(581)	410
Reclassification of stranded tax effects to retained earnings				0
Ending balance	(199)	524	(199)	524
Total
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(134,194)	(124,741)	(136,511)	(106,923)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(238)	(23)	(581)	410
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,073	1,851	3,733	8,445
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	835	1,828	3,152	8,855
Reclassification of stranded tax effects to retained earnings				(24,845)
Ending balance	$ (133,359)	$ (122,913)	$ (133,359)	$ (122,913)

Accumulated other comprehensi_4

Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	$ 1,431	$ 2,473	$ 4,979	$ 11,325
Income tax effect	(358)	(622)	(1,246)	(2,880)
Total reclassifications, net of tax	1,073	1,851	3,733	8,445
Amortization of prior service credit, net
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	(120)	(101)	(360)	(302)
Amortization of actuarial loss
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	1,551	1,376	4,653	4,129
Pension payment timing related charges
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	$ 0	$ (1,198)	$ 686	$ (7,498)

Earnings per share - Schedule o

Earnings per share - Schedule of Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income from continuing operations	$ 48,346	$ 92,826	$ 202,280	$ 240,525
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	4,325	0	4,325
Net income	$ 48,346	$ 97,151	$ 202,280	$ 244,850
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	217,315	216,015	217,040	216,210
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	218,310	216,348	217,808	216,617
Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.43	$ 0.93	$ 1.11
Earnings from discontinued operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)	0	0.02	0	0.02
Net income per share – basic (in dollars per share)	0.22	0.45	0.93	1.13
Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	0.22	0.43	0.93	1.11
Earnings from discontinued operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	0	0.02	0	0.02
Net income per share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.45	$ 0.93	$ 1.13
Restricted stock units
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Dilutive securities (in shares)	607	167	420	116
Performance share units
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Dilutive securities (in shares)	364	0	312	72
Stock options
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Dilutive securities (in shares)	24	166	36	219

Earnings per share - Narrative

Earnings per share - Narrative (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding excluded from diluted earnings per share (in shares)	12,000	189,000	28,000	235,000

Fair value measurement (Details

Fair value measurement (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 18, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Gain on other equity investments		$ 1,600,000	$ 0	$ 0
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of total long-term debt				$ 4,320,000,000	$ 2,960,000,000
Justice & Quest
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Ownership interest, prior to closing of acquisition (as a percent)				15.00%
Gain on step acquisition for remeasurement				$ 7,300,000
Fair value of previously held ownership interest	$ 12,995,000			$ 8,000,000

Supplemental cash flow inform_3

Supplemental cash flow information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)payment	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 9,194		$ 23,766		$ 9,194	$ 23,766	$ 135,862	$ 98,801
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	9,194		23,766		9,194	23,766	135,862	128,041
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds					73,457	51,325
Cash paid for interest					$ 117,913	121,616
Net tax payments	17,700	$ 56,200	14,300	$ 39,800
Number of payments due in the first quarter | payment					0
Number of payments due in the second quarter | payment					2
Number of payments due in the third quarter | payment					1
Number of payments due in the fourth quarter | payment					1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Restricted cash equivalents	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 29,240

Other matters (Details)

Other matters (Details)	Jun. 17, 2019defendant	Dec. 13, 2018defendant	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)stationphase	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 06, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 23, 2018USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Authorized reimbursement amount			$ 1,750,000,000
Authorized reimbursement amount, repacking fund										$ 1,000,000,000
Authorized reimbursement amount, repacking fund, full power, class a stations and multichannel distributors										$ 750,000,000
Repacking period			39 months
Number of repacking phases | phase			10
Capital expenditures incurred						$ 10,200,000
FCC reimbursements received						21,400,000
Number of stations assigned new channels | station			17
Amounts reimbursed as a percentage of total costs			92.50%
Severance charges					$ 7,300,000	2,800,000
Expenses incurred with related party							$ 1,600,000
Settled litigation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of other broadcasters settling DOJ complaint (defendant) | defendant	4	7
Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Capital expenditures incurred								$ 27,800,000
Equity And Debt Investment | Affiliated Entity
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Expenses incurred with related party				$ 5,800,000	$ 1,600,000	21,600,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities with related party				$ 2,800,000		$ 2,800,000			$ 1,600,000

Uncategorized Items - tgna-2019

Label	Element	Value
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (3,724,000)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	21,121,000
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (24,845,000)