Gray Television (GTN) 10-Q 4 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	May 01, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	GRAY TELEVISION INC
Entity Central Index Key	43,196
Trading Symbol	gtn
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		6,404,862
Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		66,284,493

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Cash		$ 23,541	$ 325,189
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,622 and $3,163, respectively		156,756	146,811
Prepaid taxes		14,981	14,641
Prepaid and other current assets		7,114	5,109
Total current assets		212,155	505,485
Property and equipment, net		339,984	326,093
Broadcast licenses		1,492,379	1,340,305
Goodwill		571,708	485,318
Other intangible assets, net		70,784	56,250
Deferred tax asset		31,975	30,826
Investment in broadcasting and technology companies		16,599	16,599
Other		29,928	22,455
Total assets (1)	[1]	2,765,512	2,783,331
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Accounts payable		3,409	5,257
Employee compensation and benefits		20,603	31,367
Accrued interest		24,694	32,453
Other accrued expenses		8,393	13,802
Federal and state income taxes		3,280	2,916
Deferred revenue		3,523	4,706
Current portion of long-term debt		5,564
Total current liabilities		92,550	119,407
Long-term debt, less current portion		1,748,716	1,756,747
Program broadcast obligations, less current portion		4,534	4,995
Deferred income taxes		380,892	373,837
Accrued pension costs		33,338	34,047
Other		1,431	1,437
Total liabilities		2,261,461	2,290,470
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock		658,909	658,135
Accumulated deficit		(89,753)	(101,365)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax benefit		(17,645)	(17,645)
Stockholders' equity before treasury stock		573,845	560,889
Treasury stock at cost, common stock, 5,213,038 shares and 5,135,406 shares, respectively		(45,562)	(44,688)
Total stockholders’ equity		504,051	492,861
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		2,765,512	2,783,331
Common Class A [Member]
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock		22,334	21,764
Treasury stock at cost, common stock, 5,213,038 shares and 5,135,406 shares, respectively		(24,232)	(23,340)
Syndicated Program Film Rights, Current [Member]
Assets:
Current portion of program broadcast rights, net		9,763	13,735
Network Programming Obligations, Current [Member]
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Accrued network programming fees		12,985	14,982
Syndicated Program Film Obliagtions, Current [Member]
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Accrued network programming fees		$ 10,099	$ 13,924
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2017 included total assets of $149.8 million of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). These assets can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE.

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ / shares in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	71,537,997	71,229,497
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 3,622	$ 3,163
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	5,213,038	5,135,406
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	15,000,000	15,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	8,272,213	8,073,993
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	1,750,692	1,669,131

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenue (less agency commissions)	$ 203,461	$ 173,723
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization and loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net:
Broadcast	133,471	108,568
Corporate and administrative	7,709	15,678
Depreciation	12,629	11,126
Amortization of intangible assets	5,567	3,888
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net	527	(1,648)
Operating expenses	159,903	137,612
Operating income	43,558	36,111
Other income (expense):
Miscellaneous income, net	7	569
Interest expense	(23,191)	(21,275)
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	(2,540)
Income before income taxes	17,834	15,405
Income tax expense	7,329	6,415
Net income	$ 10,505	$ 8,990
Basic per share information:
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ 0.13
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	71,877	71,791
Diluted per share information:
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 0.14	$ 0.12
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	72,519	72,582
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2017 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]Common Class A [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]Common Class A [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	8,073,993	71,229,497		(1,669,131)	(5,135,406)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 21,764	$ 658,135	$ (101,365)	$ (23,340)	$ (44,688)	$ (17,645)	$ 492,861
Adoption of ASU 2016-09 excess tax benefit for stock-based compensation at Dec. 31, 2016			1,107				1,107
Net income			10,505				10,505
401(k) plan		$ 7					7
401(k) plan (in shares)		557
2007 Long Term Incentive Plan -restricted stock (in shares)	198,220	307,943		(81,561)	(77,632)
2007 Long Term Incentive Plan -restricted stock				$ (892)	$ (874)		(1,766)
Share-based compensation	$ 570	$ 767					1,338
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2017	8,272,213	71,537,997		(1,750,692)	(5,213,038)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 22,334	$ 658,909	$ (89,753)	$ (24,232)	$ (45,562)	$ (17,645)	$ 504,051

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Operating activities
Net income	$ 10,505	$ 8,990
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	12,629	11,126
Amortization of Intangible Assets	5,567	3,888
Amortization of deferred loan costs	1,151	1,071
Net amortization of original issue discount and premium related to long-term debt	(153)	(216)
Amortization of restricted stock and stock option awards	1,338	1,284
Loss from early extinguishment of debt	2,540
Amortization of program broadcast rights	5,222	4,396
Payments on program broadcast obligations	(5,119)	(3,977)
Common stock contributed to 401(k) plan	7	6
Deferred income taxes	7,329	5,887
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net	527	(1,648)
Other	(768)	(505)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(9,873)	3,245
Prepaid taxes	(339)
Prepaid and other current assets	(1,911)	895
Accounts payable	(1,847)	1,329
Employee compensation, benefits and pension cost	(10,840)	(8,655)
Other current liabilities	(8,738)	(10,273)
Accrued interest	(7,758)	12,709
Income taxes payable	48	160
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(483)	29,712
Investing activities
Acquisitions of television businesses and licenses	(277,907)	(427,448)
Proceeds from sale of television station		11,200
Purchases of property and equipment	(3,977)	(5,931)
Proceeds from asset sales	50	1,850
Other	(11,559)	167
Net cash used in investing activities	(293,393)	(420,162)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt	556,438	425,000
Repayments of borrowings on long-term debt	(557,829)	(1,063)
Deferred and other loan costs	(4,614)	(8,699)
Payments for taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards	(1,767)	(1,452)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(7,772)	413,786
Net (decrease) increase in cash	(301,648)	23,336
Cash at beginning of period	325,189	97,318
Cash at end of period	$ 23,541	$ 120,654

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Gray Television, Inc. (and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as the context otherwise provides,“Gray,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our”) as of December 31, 2016, December 31, 2016, March 31, 2017 March 31, 2017 2016, 10 10 one 10 December 31, 2016 “2016 10 three March 31, 2017 may December 31, 2017. Overview We are a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that owns and/or operates television stations and leading digital assets in markets throughout the United States. As of March 31, 2017, 54 200 100 March 31, 2017, 10.1% Cyclicality and Seasonality Broadcast advertising revenues are generally highest in the second fourth fourth Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Our actual results could differ materially from these estimates. The most significant estimates we make relate to our allowance for doubtful accounts in receivables, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, amortization of program broadcast rights and intangible assets, pension costs, income taxes, employee medical insurance claims, useful lives of property and equipment and contingencies. Variable Interest Entit y We consolidate a VIE when we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. On January 17, 2017, two $269.9 $106.0 may Based on the terms of our agreements with GME, the significance of the Media General Acquisition’s broadcast licenses, the terms of our option with GME and our loan to GME, we have determined that GME is a VIE of Gray. We believe we are the primary beneficiary of GME because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities that significantly impact the economic performance of GME through the services we provide, and our obligation to absorb losses and earn returns that would be considered significant to GME. As a result, we included the assets, liabilities and results of operations of GME in our consolidated financial statements beginning January 17, 2017, The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of GME included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2017 March 31, 2017 Assets: Broadcast licenses $ 149,846 Total assets $ 149,846 Liabilities: Current liabilities: Accrued liability for option exercise $ 43,846 Note payable 106,000 Total current liabilities 149,846 Total liabilities $ 149,846 The terms of the Option provide for the acquisition of the license assets of GME at an exercise price that was less than the carrying value of such assets as of March 31, 2017. may $106.0 million representing our loan to GME, and an accrued liability of $43.9 representing the fair value of the Option, as of March 31, 2017, Earnings Per Share We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of our common shares and Class A common shares outstanding during the relevant period. The weighted-average number of shares outstanding does not include restricted shares. These shares, although classified as issued and outstanding, are considered contingently returnable until the restrictions lapse and, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are not included in the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest. Diluted earnings per share is computed by including all potentially dilutive shares, including restricted shares and shares underlying stock options, in the denominator of the diluted weighted-average shares outstanding calculation, unless their inclusion would be antidilutive. The following table reconciles basic weighted-average shares outstanding to diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three March 31, 2017 2016 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Weighted-average shares outstanding-basic 71,877 71,791 Common stock equivalents for stock options and restricted stock 642 791 Weighted-average shares outstanding-diluted 72,519 72,582 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Our accumulated other comprehensive loss balances as of March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, Our comprehensive income for the three March 31, 2017 2016 three March 31, 2017 2016. Pro perty and Equipme nt Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method. Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to operations as incurred; major replacements and betterments are capitalized. The cost of any assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts at the time of disposition, and any resulting profit or loss is reflected in income or expense for the period. In the three March 31, 2017, $23.1 three March 31, 2017 The following table lists the components of property and equipment by major category (dollars in thousands): Estimated March 31, December 31, Useful Lives 2017 2016 (in years) Property and equipment: Land $ 48,421 $ 44,611 Buildings and improvements 145,077 139,078 7 to 40 Equipment 487,667 471,798 3 to 20 681,165 655,487 Accumulated depreciation (341,181 ) (329,394 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 339,984 $ 326,093 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Our allowance for doubtful accounts is equal to a portion of our receivable balances that are 120 may 120 Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, 2014 09, 606). 2014 09 August 2015, 2015 14, 606): Deferral of the Effective Date 2015 14 2014 09 one December 15, 2017, December 15, 2016. April 2016, 2016 10, 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing 2014 09 May 2016, 2016 12, 606): Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients December 2016, 2016 20, 606): Technical Corrections and Improvements In January 2016, 2016 01, 825 10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities 2016 01 December 15, 2017, In February 2016, 2016 02, 842). 2016 02 840, Leases December 15, 2018. $13.2 In August 2016, 2016 15, 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments 2016 15 eight eight December 15, 2017, In January 2017, 2017 01, 805) Clarifying the Definition of a Business 2017 01 December 15, 2017, In January 2017, 2017 04, 350) Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment 2017 04 2 2 December 15, 2019, In March 2017, 2017 07, 715) Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost 2017 07 December 15, 2017, Adoption of Accounting Standards and Reclassifications In November 2015, 2015 17, 740) Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes 2015 17 In March 2016, 2016 09, 718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. 2016 09 January 1, 2017, $1.1 2017, Certain amounts in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Note 2 - Acquisitions

Note 2 - Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]	2 . Acquisitions On January 13, 2017, $8.0 As described above, on January 17, 2017, $269.9 We refer to the acquisitions completed through March 31, 2017, “2017 2017 Acquisition Fairbanks Media General Total Current assets $ 122 $ 666 $ 788 Property and equipment 2,650 20,471 23,121 Goodwill 471 85,919 86,390 Broadcast licenses 2,228 149,846 152,074 Other intangible assets 2,702 13,398 16,100 Other non-current assets 71 282 353 Current liabilities (140 ) (695 ) (835 ) Other long-term liabilities (84 ) - (84 ) Total $ 8,020 $ 269,887 $ 277,907 Amounts in the table above are based upon management’s preliminary estimates of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. The fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates. Property and equipment are being depreciated over their estimated useful lives ranging from three 40 Other intangible assets represent primarily the estimated fair values of retransmission agreements of $13.8 $1.5 5.0 13.4 Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce, as well as future synergies that we expect to generate from each acquisition. We have preliminarily recorded $86.4 2017 Our consolidated results of operations for the three March 31, 2017 2017 $10.9 $2.8 2017 $0.6 three March 31, 2017,

Note 3 - Long-term Debt

Note 3 - Long-term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	3 . Long-term Debt As of March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, ong-term debt primarily consisted of obligations under our 2017 2014 5.125% 2024 “2024 ”) and our 5.875% 2026 “2026 ”), as follows (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Long-term debt including current portion: 2014 Senior Credit Facility $ - $ 556,438 2017 Senior Credit Facility 555,046 - 2024 Notes 525,000 525,000 2026 Notes 700,000 700,000 Total outstanding principal 1,780,046 1,781,438 Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2014 Senior Credit Facility - (12,158 ) Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2017 Senior Credit Facility (13,609 ) - Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2024 Notes (7,493 ) (7,742 ) Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2026 Notes (10,308 ) (10,588 ) Unamortized premium - 2026 Notes 5,644 5,797 Less current portion (5,564 ) - Net carrying value $ 1,748,716 $ 1,756,747 Borrowing availability under Revolving Credit Facility $ 100,000 $ 60,000 On February 7, 2017, “2017 March 31, 2017, 2017 $655.0 $555.0 million term loan facility (the “2017 $100.0 “2017 2017 “2014 Prior to the entry in to the 2017 2014 2014 December 31, 2016 $556.4 December 31, 2016, 2014 3.9%. The 2017 September 30, 2017 2.50% 1.50% 2017 5.25 1.00, 2.25% 1.25% 5.25 1.00, March 31, 2017, 2017 3.3%. 2017 $1.4 Borrowings under the 2017 1.50% 2.00% 0.50% 1.00%, first 2017 0.50% 1.00%. 2017 may 0.375% 0.50% The 2017 February 7, 2022, 2017 February 7, 2024. As a result of entering into the 2017 approximately $2.5 first 2017, $4.6 2017 Subsequent to March 31, 2017, 2017 “2017 2017 “2017 2017 10 As of March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, $525.0 2024 The interest rate and yield on the 2024 5.125%. 2024 October 15, 2024. April 15 October 15 April 15, 2017. On June 14, 2016, $500.0 2026 2026 September 14, 2016, $200.0 2026 2026 2026 103.0%, $206.0 June 14, 2016. March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, $700.0 2026 2026 5.875%. 2026 5.875% 5.398%, 2026 2026 2026 July 15, 2026. January 15 July 15 Collateral, Covenants and Restrictions Our obligations under the 2017 2017 2017 2024 2026 2024 2026 March 31, 2017, The 2017 first 2026 2024 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, Maturities Aggregate minimum principal maturities on long-term debt as of March 31, 2017 Minimum Principal Maturities Year 2017 Senior Credit Facility (1) 2024 Notes 2026 Notes Total 2017 $ 4,173 $ - $ - $ 4,173 2018 5,564 - - 5,564 2019 5,564 - - 5,564 2020 5,564 - - 5,564 2021 5,564 - - 5,564 Thereafter 528,617 525,000 700,000 1,753,617 Total $ 555,046 $ 525,000 $ 700,000 $ 1,780,046 (1) On April 3, 2017, $85.0 2017 2017 $640.0 $1.6 June 30, 2017. Interest Payments For all of our interest bearing obligations, we made interest payments of approximately $29.9 $7.7 three March 31, 2017 2016, three March 31, 2017 2016.

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurement

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	4. For purposes of determining a fair value measurement, we utilize market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable. We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized into a hierarchy that gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (“Level 1”) 3”). 2 1 2”). Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments The estimated fair value of other financial instruments is determined using market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Interpreting market data to develop fair value estimates involves considerable judgment. The use of different market assumptions or methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we could realize in a current market exchange, or the value that ultimately will be realized upon maturity or disposition. The carrying amounts of the following instruments approximate fair value due to their short term to maturity: (i) accounts receivable, (ii) prepaid and other current assets, (iii) accounts payable, (iv) accrued employee compensation and benefits, (v) accrued interest, (vi) other accrued expenses, (vii) acquisition-related liabilities and (viii) deferred revenue. The carrying amount of our long-term debt was $1.7 $1.8 billion, respectively, and the fair value was $1.8 $1.8 billion, respectively, as of March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016. third March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, 2

Note 5 - Retirement Plans

Note 5 - Retirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	5. The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit pension plan for the three March 31, 2017 2016, Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Interest cost $ 807 $ 1,184 Expected return on plan assets (976 ) (1,297 ) Loss amortization 84 153 Net periodic benefit cost $ (85 ) $ 40 During the three March 31, 2017, $0.6 2017, $1.7 During the three March 31, 2017, $1.9 2017, $5.9

Note 6 - Stock-based Compensati

Note 6 - Stock-based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	6. We recognize compensation expense for stock-based payment awards made to our employees and directors, including stock options and restricted shares under our 2007 “2007 three March 31, 2017 2016 2007 three March 31, 2017 2016 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Stock-based compensation expense, gross $ 1,337 $ 1,284 Income tax benefit at our statutory rate associated with stock-based compensation (521 ) (501 ) Stock-based compensation expense, net $ 816 $ 783 2007 Long T erm Incentive Plan The 2007 During the three March 31, 2017, ● 307,943 102,648 January 31, 2018 2019; 102,647 January 31, 2020. ● 198,220 66,073 January 31, 2018 2019 66,074 January 31, 2020. During the three March 31, 2016, ● 218,452 shares of restricted common stock to certain employees, of which 72,816 January 31, 2017; 72,816 January 31, 2018; 72,820 January 31, 2019. ● 166,677 shares of restricted Class A common stock to an employee, of which 55,559 January 31, 2017 55,559 January 31, 2018 2019. ● 19,048 shares of restricted common stock and 51,935 January 31, 2017. A summary of restricted common stock and Class A common stock activities for the three March 31, 2017 2016 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 March 31, 2016 Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Number Grant Date Number Grant Date of Fair Value of Fair Value Shares Per Share Shares Per Share Restricted common stock: Outstanding - beginning of period 396,033 $ 12.06 337,506 $ 9.57 Granted 307,943 $ 10.40 237,500 $ 12.88 Vested (200,291 ) $ 11.82 (178,973 ) $ 8.46 Outstanding - end of period 503,685 $ 11.14 396,033 $ 12.06 Restricted Class A common stock: Outstanding - beginning of period 415,082 $ 10.15 374,693 $ 9.46 Granted 198,220 $ 10.60 218,612 $ 11.25 Vested (227,526 ) $ 10.00 (178,223 ) $ 10.04 Outstanding - end of period 385,776 $ 10.47 415,082 $ 10.15 At March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, 274,746 $1.99 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, $3.4 March 31, 2017.

Note 7 - Commitments and Contin

Note 7 - Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	7 . Commitments and Contingencies From time to time, we are or may one Please refer to Note 10

Note 8 - Goodwill and Intangibl

Note 8 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	8. During the three March 31, 2017, 2 three March 31, 2017 Net Balance at Net Balance at December 31, March 31, 2016 Additions Dispositions Impairments Amortization 2017 Goodwill $ 485,318 $ 86,390 $ - $ - $ - $ 571,708 Broadcast licenses 1,340,305 152,074 - - - 1,492,379 Finite-lived intangible assets 56,250 20,101 - - (5,567 ) 70,784 Total intangible assets net of accumulated amortization $ 1,881,873 $ 258,565 $ - $ - $ (5,567 ) $ 2,134,871 As of March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016, As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Accumulated Accumulated Gross Amortization Net Gross Amortization Net Intangible assets not currently subject to amortization: Broadcast licenses $ 1,546,078 $ (53,699 ) $ 1,492,379 $ 1,394,004 $ (53,699 ) $ 1,340,305 Goodwill 571,708 - 571,708 485,318 - 485,318 $ 2,117,786 $ (53,699 ) $ 2,064,087 $ 1,879,322 $ (53,699 ) $ 1,825,623 Intangible assets subject to amortization: Network affiliation agreements $ 5,264 $ (1,612 ) $ 3,652 1,264 $ (1,264 ) $ - Other finite-lived intangible assets 121,892 (54,760 ) 67,132 105,792 (49,542 ) 56,250 $ 127,156 $ (56,372 ) $ 70,784 $ 107,056 $ (50,806 ) $ 56,250 Total intangibles $ 2,244,942 $ (110,071 ) $ 2,134,871 $ 1,986,378 $ (104,505 ) $ 1,881,873 Amortization expense for the three March 31, 2017 2016 $5.6 $3.9 five 2018, $14.5 2019, $12.0 2020, $9.0 2021, $5.3 2022, $3.1 may Impairment of goodwill and broadcast license s Our intangible assets are primarily comprised of broadcast licenses. There were no triggering events that required a test of our goodwill or intangible assets for impairment during the three March 31, 2017 2016.

Note 9 - Income Taxes

Note 9 - Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	9 . Income Taxes For the three March 31, 2017 2016, Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Income tax expense $ 7,329 $ 6,415 Effective income tax rate 41.1% 41.6% We estimate our differences between taxable income or loss and recorded income or loss on an annual basis. Our tax provision for each quarter is based upon these full year projections, which are revised each reporting period. These projections incorporate estimates of permanent differences between U.S. GAAP income or loss and taxable income or loss, state income taxes and adjustments to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits to adjust our statutory Federal income tax rate of 35.0% three March 31, 2017, 35.0% 41.1% 4.4%, 1.9%, 0.2%. three March 31, 2016, 35.0% 41.6% 4.3%, 1.0% 1.6%, 0.3%.

Note 10 - Subsequent Events

Note 10 - Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	10 . Subsequent Events Subsequent Acquisitions On May 13, 2016, 169) $26.5 June 1, 2016, May 31, 2016, $16.5 May 1, 2017, $10.0 On February 15, 2017, 156) 161) $85.0 April 1, 2017, $68.0 April 3, 2017. May 1, 2017, The preliminary fair value estimates of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and resulting goodwill of these acquisitions that we anticipate recording in our condensed consolidated financial statements are summarized as follows (in thousands): Acquisition Clarksburg Diversified Total Property and equipment $ 3,000 $ 13,500 $ 16,500 Goodwill 3,000 30,000 33,000 Broadcast licenses 20,000 27,500 47,500 Other intangible assets 500 14,000 14,500 Total $ 26,500 $ 85,000 $ 111,500 Amounts in the table above are based upon management’s preliminary estimates of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. The fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates. Property and equipment are being depreciated over their estimated useful lives ranging from three 40 Amounts related to other intangible assets represent primarily the estimated fair values of retransmission agreements and favorable income leases. These intangible assets will be amortized over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce, as well as future synergies that we expect to generate from each acquisition. We have preliminarily determined that $33.0 million of goodwill will be recorded. The use of different estimates or assumptions could result in materially different allocations. The goodwill recognized related to these acquisitions is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Incremental Term Loan Under 2017 On April 3, 2017, $85.0 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 $1.6 June 30, 2017. $0.4 Results of FCC Spectrum Auction On February 6, 2017, $90.8 The anticipated proceeds reflect the FCC’s acceptance of one We anticipate that the auction proceeds will be received in the second third 2017. Pending Acquisition On May 4, 2017, 97) $29.0 third 2017 2017

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cyclicality and Seasonality Broadcast advertising revenues are generally highest in the second fourth fourth
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Our actual results could differ materially from these estimates. The most significant estimates we make relate to our allowance for doubtful accounts in receivables, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, amortization of program broadcast rights and intangible assets, pension costs, income taxes, employee medical insurance claims, useful lives of property and equipment and contingencies.
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Variable Interest Entit y We consolidate a VIE when we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. On January 17, 2017, two $269.9 $106.0 may Based on the terms of our agreements with GME, the significance of the Media General Acquisition’s broadcast licenses, the terms of our option with GME and our loan to GME, we have determined that GME is a VIE of Gray. We believe we are the primary beneficiary of GME because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities that significantly impact the economic performance of GME through the services we provide, and our obligation to absorb losses and earn returns that would be considered significant to GME. As a result, we included the assets, liabilities and results of operations of GME in our consolidated financial statements beginning January 17, 2017, The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of GME included in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2017 March 31, 2017 Assets: Broadcast licenses $ 149,846 Total assets $ 149,846 Liabilities: Current liabilities: Accrued liability for option exercise $ 43,846 Note payable 106,000 Total current liabilities 149,846 Total liabilities $ 149,846 The terms of the Option provide for the acquisition of the license assets of GME at an exercise price that was less than the carrying value of such assets as of March 31, 2017. may $106.0 million representing our loan to GME, and an accrued liability of $43.9 representing the fair value of the Option, as of March 31, 2017,
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings Per Share We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of our common shares and Class A common shares outstanding during the relevant period. The weighted-average number of shares outstanding does not include restricted shares. These shares, although classified as issued and outstanding, are considered contingently returnable until the restrictions lapse and, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are not included in the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares vest. Diluted earnings per share is computed by including all potentially dilutive shares, including restricted shares and shares underlying stock options, in the denominator of the diluted weighted-average shares outstanding calculation, unless their inclusion would be antidilutive. The following table reconciles basic weighted-average shares outstanding to diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the three March 31, 2017 2016 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Weighted-average shares outstanding-basic 71,877 71,791 Common stock equivalents for stock options and restricted stock 642 791 Weighted-average shares outstanding-diluted 72,519 72,582
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Our accumulated other comprehensive loss balances as of March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, Our comprehensive income for the three March 31, 2017 2016 three March 31, 2017 2016.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Pro perty and Equipme nt Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method. Maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are charged to operations as incurred; major replacements and betterments are capitalized. The cost of any assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts at the time of disposition, and any resulting profit or loss is reflected in income or expense for the period. In the three March 31, 2017, $23.1 three March 31, 2017 The following table lists the components of property and equipment by major category (dollars in thousands): Estimated March 31, December 31, Useful Lives 2017 2016 (in years) Property and equipment: Land $ 48,421 $ 44,611 Buildings and improvements 145,077 139,078 7 to 40 Equipment 487,667 471,798 3 to 20 681,165 655,487 Accumulated depreciation (341,181 ) (329,394 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 339,984 $ 326,093
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Our allowance for doubtful accounts is equal to a portion of our receivable balances that are 120 may 120
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, 2014 09, 606). 2014 09 August 2015, 2015 14, 606): Deferral of the Effective Date 2015 14 2014 09 one December 15, 2017, December 15, 2016. April 2016, 2016 10, 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing 2014 09 May 2016, 2016 12, 606): Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients December 2016, 2016 20, 606): Technical Corrections and Improvements In January 2016, 2016 01, 825 10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities 2016 01 December 15, 2017, In February 2016, 2016 02, 842). 2016 02 840, Leases December 15, 2018. $13.2 In August 2016, 2016 15, 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments 2016 15 eight eight December 15, 2017, In January 2017, 2017 01, 805) Clarifying the Definition of a Business 2017 01 December 15, 2017, In January 2017, 2017 04, 350) Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment 2017 04 2 2 December 15, 2019, In March 2017, 2017 07, 715) Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost 2017 07 December 15, 2017, Adoption of Accounting Standards and Reclassifications In November 2015, 2015 17, 740) Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes 2015 17 In March 2016, 2016 09, 718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. 2016 09 January 1, 2017, $1.1 2017, Certain amounts in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	March 31, 2017 Assets: Broadcast licenses $ 149,846 Total assets $ 149,846 Liabilities: Current liabilities: Accrued liability for option exercise $ 43,846 Note payable 106,000 Total current liabilities 149,846 Total liabilities $ 149,846
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Weighted-average shares outstanding-basic 71,877 71,791 Common stock equivalents for stock options and restricted stock 642 791 Weighted-average shares outstanding-diluted 72,519 72,582
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Estimated March 31, December 31, Useful Lives 2017 2016 (in years) Property and equipment: Land $ 48,421 $ 44,611 Buildings and improvements 145,077 139,078 7 to 40 Equipment 487,667 471,798 3 to 20 681,165 655,487 Accumulated depreciation (341,181 ) (329,394 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 339,984 $ 326,093

Note 2 - Acquisitions (Tables)

Note 2 - Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Acquisition Clarksburg Diversified Total Property and equipment $ 3,000 $ 13,500 $ 16,500 Goodwill 3,000 30,000 33,000 Broadcast licenses 20,000 27,500 47,500 Other intangible assets 500 14,000 14,500 Total $ 26,500 $ 85,000 $ 111,500
2017 Acquisitions [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Acquisition Fairbanks Media General Total Current assets $ 122 $ 666 $ 788 Property and equipment 2,650 20,471 23,121 Goodwill 471 85,919 86,390 Broadcast licenses 2,228 149,846 152,074 Other intangible assets 2,702 13,398 16,100 Other non-current assets 71 282 353 Current liabilities (140 ) (695 ) (835 ) Other long-term liabilities (84 ) - (84 ) Total $ 8,020 $ 269,887 $ 277,907

Note 3 - Long-term Debt (Tables

Note 3 - Long-term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 Long-term debt including current portion: 2014 Senior Credit Facility $ - $ 556,438 2017 Senior Credit Facility 555,046 - 2024 Notes 525,000 525,000 2026 Notes 700,000 700,000 Total outstanding principal 1,780,046 1,781,438 Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2014 Senior Credit Facility - (12,158 ) Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2017 Senior Credit Facility (13,609 ) - Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2024 Notes (7,493 ) (7,742 ) Unamortized deferred loan costs - 2026 Notes (10,308 ) (10,588 ) Unamortized premium - 2026 Notes 5,644 5,797 Less current portion (5,564 ) - Net carrying value $ 1,748,716 $ 1,756,747 Borrowing availability under Revolving Credit Facility $ 100,000 $ 60,000
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Minimum Principal Maturities Year 2017 Senior Credit Facility (1) 2024 Notes 2026 Notes Total 2017 $ 4,173 $ - $ - $ 4,173 2018 5,564 - - 5,564 2019 5,564 - - 5,564 2020 5,564 - - 5,564 2021 5,564 - - 5,564 Thereafter 528,617 525,000 700,000 1,753,617 Total $ 555,046 $ 525,000 $ 700,000 $ 1,780,046

Note 5 - Retirement Plans (Tabl

Note 5 - Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Interest cost $ 807 $ 1,184 Expected return on plan assets (976 ) (1,297 ) Loss amortization 84 153 Net periodic benefit cost $ (85 ) $ 40

Note 6 - Stock-based Compensa22

Note 6 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Stock-based compensation expense, gross $ 1,337 $ 1,284 Income tax benefit at our statutory rate associated with stock-based compensation (521 ) (501 ) Stock-based compensation expense, net $ 816 $ 783
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 March 31, 2016 Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Number Grant Date Number Grant Date of Fair Value of Fair Value Shares Per Share Shares Per Share Restricted common stock: Outstanding - beginning of period 396,033 $ 12.06 337,506 $ 9.57 Granted 307,943 $ 10.40 237,500 $ 12.88 Vested (200,291 ) $ 11.82 (178,973 ) $ 8.46 Outstanding - end of period 503,685 $ 11.14 396,033 $ 12.06 Restricted Class A common stock: Outstanding - beginning of period 415,082 $ 10.15 374,693 $ 9.46 Granted 198,220 $ 10.60 218,612 $ 11.25 Vested (227,526 ) $ 10.00 (178,223 ) $ 10.04 Outstanding - end of period 385,776 $ 10.47 415,082 $ 10.15

Note 8 - Goodwill and Intangi23

Note 8 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Changes in Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	Net Balance at Net Balance at December 31, March 31, 2016 Additions Dispositions Impairments Amortization 2017 Goodwill $ 485,318 $ 86,390 $ - $ - $ - $ 571,708 Broadcast licenses 1,340,305 152,074 - - - 1,492,379 Finite-lived intangible assets 56,250 20,101 - - (5,567 ) 70,784 Total intangible assets net of accumulated amortization $ 1,881,873 $ 258,565 $ - $ - $ (5,567 ) $ 2,134,871
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Accumulated Accumulated Gross Amortization Net Gross Amortization Net Intangible assets not currently subject to amortization: Broadcast licenses $ 1,546,078 $ (53,699 ) $ 1,492,379 $ 1,394,004 $ (53,699 ) $ 1,340,305 Goodwill 571,708 - 571,708 485,318 - 485,318 $ 2,117,786 $ (53,699 ) $ 2,064,087 $ 1,879,322 $ (53,699 ) $ 1,825,623 Intangible assets subject to amortization: Network affiliation agreements $ 5,264 $ (1,612 ) $ 3,652 1,264 $ (1,264 ) $ - Other finite-lived intangible assets 121,892 (54,760 ) 67,132 105,792 (49,542 ) 56,250 $ 127,156 $ (56,372 ) $ 70,784 $ 107,056 $ (50,806 ) $ 56,250 Total intangibles $ 2,244,942 $ (110,071 ) $ 2,134,871 $ 1,986,378 $ (104,505 ) $ 1,881,873

Note 9 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 9 - Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Income tax expense $ 7,329 $ 6,415 Effective income tax rate 41.1% 41.6%

Note 10 - Subsequent Events (Ta

Note 10 - Subsequent Events (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Acquisition Clarksburg Diversified Total Property and equipment $ 3,000 $ 13,500 $ 16,500 Goodwill 3,000 30,000 33,000 Broadcast licenses 20,000 27,500 47,500 Other intangible assets 500 14,000 14,500 Total $ 26,500 $ 85,000 $ 111,500

Note 1 - Basis of Presentatio26

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 17, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accrued Liabilities, Current		$ 8,393			$ 13,802
Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions		$ 23,100
Period for Creating Allowance for Doubtful Accounts		120 days
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption					1,107
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption					$ 1,107
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption				$ 1,100
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement Effect, Right of Use Assets			$ 13,200
New Accounting Pronouncement Effect, Lease Obligation Liability			$ 13,200
GME [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount	$ 106,000
Notes Payable, Current	106,000	$ 106,000
Accrued Liabilities, Current	43,900	$ 43,846
Green Bay Acquisition and Davenport Acquisition [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 269,900

Note 1 - Basis of Presentatio27

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation - Variable Interst Entity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Jan. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Broadcast licenses		$ 1,492,379		$ 1,340,305
Total assets (1)	[1]	2,765,512		2,783,331
Current liabilities:
Other accrued expenses		8,393		13,802
Total current liabilities		92,550		119,407
Total liabilities		2,261,461		$ 2,290,470
GME [Member]
Assets:
Broadcast licenses		149,846
Total assets (1)		149,846
Current liabilities:
Other accrued expenses		43,846	$ 43,900
Note payable		106,000	$ 106,000
Total current liabilities		149,846
Total liabilities		$ 149,846
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of March 31, 2017 included total assets of $149.8 million of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). These assets can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE.

Note 1 - Basis of Presentatio28

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation - Reconciliation of Basic to Diluted Weighted-average Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Weighted-average shares outstanding-basic (in shares)	71,877	71,791
Common stock equivalents for stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	642	791
Weighted-average shares outstanding-diluted (in shares)	72,519	72,582

Note 1 - Basis of Presentatio29

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property and equipment, gross	$ 681,165	$ 655,487
Accumulated depreciation	(341,181)	(329,394)
Total property and equipment, net	339,984	326,093
Land [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	48,421	44,611
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 145,077	139,078
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Estimated useful lives (Year)	7 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Estimated useful lives (Year)	40 years
Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 487,667	$ 471,798
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Estimated useful lives (Year)	3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Estimated useful lives (Year)	20 years

Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details

Note 2 - Acquisitions (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Jan. 17, 2017	Jan. 13, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill			$ 571,708,000	$ 485,318,000
Fairbanks Acquistion [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross		$ 8,000,000
Goodwill			471,000
Green Bay Acquisition and Davenport Acquisition [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 269,900,000
Goodwill			85,919,000
2017 Acquisitions [Member]
Goodwill	86,400,000		86,390,000
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual			10,900,000
Business Acquisition, Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Changes in Accounting and Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax			2,800,000
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs			$ 600,000
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Retransmission Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 13,800,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Income Leases [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 1.50
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	13 years 146 days
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			3 years
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			40 years

Note 2 - Acquisitions - Fair Va

Note 2 - Acquisitions - Fair Value of Assets Acquired, Liabilities Assumed, and Goodwill from Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Jan. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill	$ 571,708,000		$ 485,318,000
Fairbanks Acquistion [Member]
Current assets	122,000
Property and equipment	2,650,000
Goodwill	471,000
Broadcast licenses	2,228,000
Other intangible assets	2,702,000
Other non-current assets	71,000
Current liabilities	(140,000)
Other long-term liabilities	(84,000)
Total	8,020,000
Green Bay Acquisition and Davenport Acquisition [Member]
Current assets	666,000
Property and equipment	20,471,000
Goodwill	85,919,000
Broadcast licenses	149,846,000
Other intangible assets	13,398,000
Other non-current assets	282,000
Current liabilities	(695,000)
Other long-term liabilities
Total	269,887,000
2017 Acquisitions [Member]
Current assets	788,000
Property and equipment	23,121,000
Goodwill	86,390,000	$ 86,400,000
Broadcast licenses	152,074,000
Other intangible assets	16,100,000
Other non-current assets	353,000
Current liabilities	(835,000)
Other long-term liabilities	(84,000)
Total	$ 277,907,000

Note 3 - Long-term Debt (Detail

Note 3 - Long-term Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 03, 2017	Feb. 07, 2017	Sep. 14, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 14, 2016
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 1,780,046
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt				(2,540)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt				556,438		425,000
Interest Paid				29,900		7,700
Interest Costs Capitalized				0		$ 0
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 655,000
Long-term Debt, Gross				555,046	[1]
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt				(2,500)
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross				$ 4,600
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 100,000
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.375%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.50%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread Used to Define Base Rate		1.00%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.50%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.00%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.50%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.00%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread Used to Define Base Rate		0.50%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | The 2017 Term Loan [Member]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 555,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				3.30%
Debt Instrument, Quarterly Principal Payment		$ 1,400
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | The 2017 Term Loan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 640,000
Debt Instrument, Quarterly Principal Payment	1,600
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross	400
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$ 85,000
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | The 2017 Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.50%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate if Leverage Ratio is Less Than or Equal to 5.25		2.25%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | The 2017 Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.50%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate if Leverage Ratio is Less Than or Equal to 5.25		1.25%
2014 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt, Gross							$ 556,438
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage							3.90%
2024 Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 525,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				5.125%			5.125%
Unsecured Debt				$ 525,000			$ 525,000
2026 Notes [Member]
Long-term Debt, Gross				$ 700,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				5.875%
Unsecured Debt				$ 700,000			$ 700,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$ 500,000
The Additional 2026 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				5.875%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 200,000
Debt Instrument, Issueing Price, Percentage			103.00%
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			$ 206,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage				5.398%
[1]	On April 3, 2017, we borrowed $85.0 million under the terms of the 2017 Incremental Term Loan. Accordingly the balance outstanding under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility increased to $640.0 million and the quarterly principal payments will increase to $1.6 million beginning on June 30, 2017.

Note 3 - Long-term Debt - Long-

Note 3 - Long-term Debt - Long-term Debt Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Senior Credit Facility	$ 1,780,046
Total outstanding principal	1,780,046		$ 1,781,438
Less current portion	(5,564)
Net carrying value	1,748,716		1,756,747
Borrowing availability under Revolving Credit Facility	100,000		60,000
2014 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Senior Credit Facility			556,438
Unamortized deferred loan costs			(12,158)
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Senior Credit Facility	555,046	[1]
Unamortized deferred loan costs	(13,609)
2024 Notes [Member]
Senior Credit Facility	525,000
Unsecured Debt	525,000		525,000
Unamortized deferred loan costs	(7,493)		(7,742)
2026 Notes [Member]
Senior Credit Facility	700,000
Unsecured Debt	700,000		700,000
Unamortized deferred loan costs	(10,308)		(10,588)
Unamortized premium	$ 5,644		$ 5,797
[1]	On April 3, 2017, we borrowed $85.0 million under the terms of the 2017 Incremental Term Loan. Accordingly the balance outstanding under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility increased to $640.0 million and the quarterly principal payments will increase to $1.6 million beginning on June 30, 2017.

Note 3 - Long-term Debt - Aggre

Note 3 - Long-term Debt - Aggregate Minimum Principal Maturities on Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
2,017		$ 4,173
2,018		5,564
2,019		5,564
2,020		5,564
2,021		5,564
Thereafter		1,753,617
Total		1,780,046
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
2,017	[1]	4,173
2,018	[1]	5,564
2,019	[1]	5,564
2,020	[1]	5,564
2,021	[1]	5,564
Thereafter	[1]	528,617
Total		555,046	[1]
2024 Notes [Member]
2,017
2,018
2,019
2,020
2,021
Thereafter		525,000
Total		525,000
2026 Notes [Member]
2,017
2,018
2,019
2,020
2,021
Thereafter		700,000
Total		$ 700,000
[1]	On April 3, 2017, we borrowed $85.0 million under the terms of the 2017 Incremental Term Loan. Accordingly the balance outstanding under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility increased to $640.0 million and the quarterly principal payments will increase to $1.6 million beginning on June 30, 2017.

Note 4 - Fair Value Measureme35

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurement (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term Debt	$ 1.7	$ 1.8
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 1.8	$ 1.8

Note 5 - Retirement Plans (Deta

Note 5 - Retirement Plans (Details Textual) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	$ 0.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Remainder of Fiscal Year	1.7
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	1.9
Defined Contribution Plan, Expected Contributions In Next Twelve Months	$ 5.9

Note 5 - Retirement Plans - Com

Note 5 - Retirement Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Pension Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Interest cost	$ 807	$ 1,184
Expected return on plan assets	(976)	(1,297)
Loss amortization	84	153
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (85)	$ 40

Note 6 - Stock-based Compensa38

Note 6 - Stock-based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	274,746		274,746
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 1.99		$ 1.99
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 3.4
Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	0		0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	307,943	237,500
Restricted Stock [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	198,220	218,612
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	307,943	218,452
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	198,220	166,677
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One, Vesting January 31, 2018 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	102,648
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One, Vesting January 31, 2018 [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	66,073
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three, Vesting January 31, 2020 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	102,647
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three, Vesting January 31, 2020 [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	66,074
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One, Vesting January 31, 2017 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		72,816
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One, Vesting January 31, 2017 [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		55,559
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two, Vesting January 31, 2018 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		72,816
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two, Vesting January 31, 2018 [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		55,559
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three, Vesting January 31, 2019 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		72,820
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three, Vesting January 31, 2019 [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		55,559
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two, Vesting January 31, 2019 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	102,648
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two, Vesting January 31, 2019 [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	66,073
Restricted Stock [Member] | Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		19,048
Restricted Stock [Member] | Director [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		51,935

Note 6 - Stock-based Compensa39

Note 6 - Stock-based Compensation - Stock-based Compensation Expense and Related Income Tax Benefit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Stock-based compensation expense, gross	$ 1,337	$ 1,284
Income tax benefit at our statutory rate associated with stock-based compensation	(521)	(501)
Stock-based compensation expense, net	$ 816	$ 783

Note 6 - Stock-based Compensa40

Note 6 - Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Common Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Outstanding - beginning of period (in shares)	396,033	337,506
Outstanding - beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 12.06	$ 9.57
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	307,943	237,500
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 10.40	$ 12.88
Vested (in shares)	(200,291)	(178,973)
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 11.82	$ 8.46
Outstanding - end of period (in shares)	503,685	396,033
Outstanding - end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 11.14	$ 12.06
Common Class A [Member]
Outstanding - beginning of period (in shares)	415,082	374,693
Outstanding - beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 10.15	$ 9.46
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	198,220	218,612
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 10.60	$ 11.25
Vested (in shares)	(227,526)	(178,223)
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 10	$ 10.04
Outstanding - end of period (in shares)	385,776	415,082
Outstanding - end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 10.47	$ 10.15

Note 8 - Goodwill and Intangi41

Note 8 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 5,567	$ 3,888
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	14,500
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	12,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	9,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	5,300
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Six	3,100
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0	0
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 0	$ 0

Note 8 - Goodwill and Intangi42

Note 8 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill	$ 485,318
Goodwill	86,390
Goodwill
Goodwill	571,708
Broadcast licenses	1,340,305
Broadcast licenses	1,492,379
Finite-lived intangible assets	56,250
Finite-lived intangible assets	20,101
Finite-lived intangible assets	(5,567)	$ (3,888)
Finite-lived intangible assets	70,784
Total intangible assets net of accumulated amortization	1,881,873
Total intangible assets net of accumulated amortization	258,565
Total intangible assets net of accumulated amortization
Total intangible assets net of accumulated amortization	2,134,871
Broadcast Licenses [Member]
Broadcast licenses	1,340,305
Broadcast licenses	152,074
Broadcast licenses
Broadcast licenses	$ 1,492,379

Note 8 - Goodwill and Intangi43

Note 8 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets and Related Accumulated Amortization (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Amortization	$ (110,071,000)	$ (104,505,000)
Net	1,492,379,000	1,340,305,000
Net	571,708,000	485,318,000
Gross	2,244,942,000	1,986,378,000
Net	2,134,871,000	1,881,873,000
Net	2,134,871,000	1,881,873,000
Network Affiliate [Member]
Accumulated Amortization	(1,612,000)	(1,264,000)
Gross	5,264,000	1,264,000
Net	3,652
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Accumulated Amortization	(54,760,000)	(49,542,000)
Gross	121,892,000	105,792,000
Net	67,132,000	56,250,000
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization [Member]
Accumulated Amortization	(56,372,000)	(50,806,000)
Gross	127,156,000	107,056,000
Net	70,784,000	56,250,000
Broadcast Licenses [Member]
Gross	1,546,078,000	1,394,004,000
Accumulated Amortization	(53,699,000)	(53,699,000)
Net	1,492,379,000	1,340,305,000
Goodwill Not Amortizable [Member]
Gross	571,708,000	485,318,000
Net	571,708,000	485,318,000
Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization [Member]
Accumulated Amortization	(53,699,000)	(53,699,000)
Gross	2,117,786,000	1,879,322,000
Net	$ 2,064,087,000	$ 1,825,623,000

Note 9 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 9 - Income Taxes (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	41.10%	41.60%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent	4.40%	4.30%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent	1.90%	1.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Percent	(0.20%)	1.60%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, State and Local, Percent		(0.30%)

Note 9 - Income Taxes - Reconci

Note 9 - Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Income tax expense	$ 7,329	$ 6,415
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	41.10%	41.60%

Note 10 - Subsequent Events (De

Note 10 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

May 01, 2017

Apr. 03, 2017

May 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2017

May 01, 2017

Mar. 31, 2017

Mar. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2017

May 01, 2017

Jun. 30, 2017

Feb. 07, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Goodwill

$ 571,708

$ 485,318

Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt

556,438

$ 425,000

Scenario, Forecast [Member] | FCC [Member]

Proceeds from Reverse Auction for Broadcast Spectrum

$ 90,800

The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Issuance Costs, Gross

$ 4,600

The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | The 2017 Term Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument, Quarterly Principal Payment

$ 1,400

The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | The 2017 Term Loan [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Debt Instrument, Quarterly Principal Payment

$ 1,600

Subsequent Event [Member]

Goodwill

$ 33,000

$ 33,000

$ 33,000

Subsequent Event [Member] | The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | The 2017 Term Loan [Member]

Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt

$ 85,000

Debt Instrument, Quarterly Principal Payment

1,600

Debt Issuance Costs, Gross

400

Subsequent Event [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life

3 years

Subsequent Event [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life

40 years

Clarksburg Acquisition [Member]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 16,500

Clarksburg Acquisition [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred

26,500

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 10,000

Goodwill

3,000

3,000

3,000

Bangor Acquisition and Gainesville Acquisition [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred

85,000

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 68,000

Goodwill

$ 30,000

$ 30,000

$ 30,000

Burlington and Plattsburg Acquisition [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 29,000

Note 10 - Subsequent Events - P

Note 10 - Subsequent Events - Preliminary Assets Acquired, Liabilities Assumed, and Goodwill from 2017 Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill		$ 571,708	$ 485,318
Subsequent Event [Member]
Property and equipment	$ 16,500
Goodwill	33,000
Broadcast licenses	47,500
Other intangible assets	14,500
Total	111,500
Clarksburg Acquisition [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Property and equipment	3,000
Goodwill	3,000
Broadcast licenses	20,000
Other intangible assets	500
Total	26,500
Bangor Acquisition and Gainesville Acquisition [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Property and equipment	13,500
Goodwill	30,000
Broadcast licenses	27,500
Other intangible assets	14,000
Total	$ 85,000