The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) 10-Q 10 May 19 2019 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	E.W. SCRIPPS Co
Entity Central Index Key	0000832428
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Common stock, Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	68,853,457
Voting common stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	11,932,722

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 14,402	$ 107,114
Accounts receivable (less allowances— $4,815 and $4,371)	277,528	281,330
Programming	51,120	34,432
FCC repack receivable	23,762	19,242
Miscellaneous	30,687	28,899
Total current assets	397,499	471,017
Investments	7,276	7,162
Property and equipment	254,935	237,927
Right-of-use assets	43,608	0
Goodwill	852,362	834,013
Other intangible assets	495,440	478,953
Programming (less current portion)	95,947	75,333
Deferred income taxes	9,857	9,141
Miscellaneous	16,992	16,515
Total Assets	2,173,916	2,130,061
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	32,230	26,919
Unearned revenue	8,120	11,459
Current portion of long-term debt	3,000	3,000
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	22,529	44,929
Programming liability	60,043	40,301
Miscellaneous	42,913	46,112
Other current liabilities	29,081	25,339
Total current liabilities	197,916	198,059
Long-term debt (less current portion)	685,317	685,764
Deferred income taxes	22,061	25,531
Operating lease liabilities	37,294	0
Other liabilities (less current portion)	313,955	294,542
Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par — authorized: 25,000,000 shares; none outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 68,853,457 and 68,736,867 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	808	807
Additional paid-in capital	1,108,585	1,106,984
Accumulated deficit	(97,083)	(86,229)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(94,937)	(95,397)
Total equity	917,373	926,165
Total Liabilities and Equity	2,173,916	2,130,061
Common stock, Class A
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 68,853,457 and 68,736,867 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	689	688
Voting common stock
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 68,853,457 and 68,736,867 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	$ 119	$ 119

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 4,815	$ 4,371
Preferred stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, Class A
Common stock, shares authorized	240,000,000	240,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	68,853,457	68,736,867
Common stock, shares outstanding	68,853,457	68,736,867
Voting common stock
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,932,722	11,932,722
Common stock, shares outstanding	11,932,722	11,932,722

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues		$ 292,163	$ 254,191
Costs and Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits		110,203	98,489
Programming		97,995	83,363
Other expenses		61,442	53,023
Acquisition and related integration costs		3,480	0
Restructuring costs		938	3,807
Total costs and expenses		274,058	238,682
Depreciation, Amortization, and (Gains) Losses:
Depreciation		8,975	8,099
Amortization of intangible assets		8,817	7,321
(Gains) losses, net on disposal of property and equipment		173	717
Net depreciation, amortization, and (gains) losses		17,965	16,137
Operating income (loss)		140	(628)
Interest expense		(8,916)	(8,759)
Defined benefit pension plan expense		(1,572)	(1,388)
Miscellaneous, net		(800)	167
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes		(11,148)	(10,608)
Benefit for income taxes		(4,334)	(2,031)
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax		(6,814)	(8,577)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		0	(18,504)
Net loss		(6,814)	(27,081)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		0	(632)
Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company		$ (6,814)	$ (26,449)
Net loss per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Loss from continuing operations		$ (0.08)	$ (0.10)
Loss from discontinued operations		0	(0.23)
Net loss per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	[1]	(0.08)	(0.33)
Net loss per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Loss from continuing operations		(0.08)	(0.10)
Loss from discontinued operations		0	(0.23)
Loss per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	[1]	$ (0.08)	$ (0.33)
Advertising
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues		$ 174,241	$ 169,137
Retransmission and carriage
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues		87,283	71,060
Other
Operating Revenues:
Total operating revenues		$ 30,639	$ 13,994
[1]	Net income (loss) per share amounts may not foot since each is calculated independently.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (6,814)	$ (27,081)
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $155 and $248	460	740
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(6,354)	(26,341)
Less comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	632
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ (6,354)	$ (25,709)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, tax amount	$ 155	$ 248

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	$ (6,814)	$ (27,081)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(18,504)
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax	(6,814)	(8,577)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	17,792	15,420
(Gain)/loss on sale of property and equipment	173	717
Programming assets and liabilities	(1,133)	(4,947)
Deferred income taxes	(4,341)	(2,209)
Stock and deferred compensation plans	7,352	4,658
Pension expense, net of contributions	(408)	(1,581)
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	(25,776)	(2,258)
Miscellaneous, net	(37)	101
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities from continuing operations	(13,192)	1,324
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations	0	3,691
Net operating activities	(13,192)	5,015
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	55,199	0
Acquisition of intangible assets	(404)	0
Additions to property and equipment	(13,440)	(11,362)
Purchase of investments	(115)	(117)
Proceeds from FCC repack	1,520	0
Miscellaneous, net	1	192
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	(67,637)	(11,287)
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations	0	(320)
Net investing activities	(67,637)	(11,607)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	30,000	0
Payments on long-term debt	(30,750)	(750)
Dividends paid	(4,040)	(4,125)
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	(584)	(4,409)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	234
Tax payments related to shares withheld for RSU vesting	(3,649)	(1,868)
Miscellaneous, net	(2,862)	(804)
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations	(11,885)	(11,722)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	2	0
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(92,712)	(18,314)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Beginning of year	107,114	148,699
End of period	14,402	130,385
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	3,356	3,016
Income taxes paid	50	178
Non-cash investing information
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	$ 1,465	$ 158

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI)	Noncontrolling Interest
Equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017			$ 816	$ 1,129,020	$ (90,061)	$ (102,922)
Equity, Noncontrolling Interest, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017							$ 632
Total Equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 937,485
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)		(26,341)			(26,449)	740	(632)
Cash dividend: declared and paid - $0.05 per share		(4,125)			(4,125)
Repurchase Class A Common shares: 180,541 in 2019 and 285,201 in 2018		(4,409)	(3)	(4,406)	0
Compensation plans: 297,131 net shares issued in 2019 and 340,774 in 2018	[1]	2,078	4	2,074
Equity, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018			817	1,126,688	(120,635)	(102,182)
Equity, Noncontrolling Interest, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018							0
Total Equity, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2018		904,688
Equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018			807	1,106,984	(86,229)	(95,397)
Equity, Noncontrolling Interest, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018							0
Total Equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018		926,165
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income (loss)		(6,354)			(6,814)	460	0
Cash dividend: declared and paid - $0.05 per share		(4,040)			(4,040)
Repurchase Class A Common shares: 180,541 in 2019 and 285,201 in 2018		(584)	(2)	(582)	0
Compensation plans: 297,131 net shares issued in 2019 and 340,774 in 2018	[1]	2,186	3	2,183
Equity, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019			$ 808	$ 1,108,585	$ (97,083)	$ (94,937)
Equity, Noncontrolling Interest, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019							$ 0
Total Equity, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019		$ 917,373
[1]	Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested RSUs of $3,649 in 2019 and $1,868 in 2018.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares issued on compensation plans	297,131	340,774
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	180,541	285,201
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs	$ 3,649	$ 1,868
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.05	$ 0.05
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.05	$ 0.05

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies As used in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms “Scripps,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” may, depending on the context, refer to The E.W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies, or to all of them taken as a whole. Basis of Presentation — The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made. Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full year. Additionally, certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media enterprise, serving audiences and businesses through a portfolio of local and national media brands. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via digital platforms, including the Internet, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: Local Media, National Media and Other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Use of Estimates — Preparing financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of accounting principles that reflect the economic substance of the underlying transactions and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions. Our financial statements include estimates and assumptions used in accounting for our defined benefit pension plans; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the fair value of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite lived assets; the liability for uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets; the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; and self-insured risks. While we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, actual results could differ from those estimated at the time of preparation of the financial statements. Nature of Products and Services — The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue. Core Advertising — Core advertising is comprised of sales to local and national customers. The advertising includes a combination of broadcast air time, as well as digital advertising. Pricing of advertising time is based on audience size and share, the demographic of our audiences and the demand for our limited inventory of commercial time. Advertising time is sold through a combination of local sales staff and national sales representative firms. Digital revenues are primarily generated from the sale of advertising to local and national customers on our local television websites, smartphone apps, tablet apps and other platforms. Political Advertising — Political advertising is generally sold through our Washington D.C. sales office. Advertising is sold to presidential, gubernatorial, Senate and House of Representative candidates, as well as for state and local issues. It is also sold to political action groups (PACs) or other advocacy groups. Retransmission Revenues — We earn revenue from retransmission consent agreements with multi-channel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) in our markets. The MVPDs are cable operators and satellite carriers who pay us to offer our programming to their customers. We also receive fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as YouTubeTV, DirectTV Now and Sony Vue. The fees we receive are typically based on the number of subscribers in our local market and the contracted rate per subscriber. Other Products and Services — We derive revenue from sponsorships and community events through our Local Media segment. Our National Media segment offers subscription services for access to premium content to its customers. Our Triton business earns revenue from monthly fees charged to audio publishers for converting their content into digital audio streams and inserting digital advertising into those audio streams and providing statistical measurement information about their listening audience. Our podcast business acts as a sales and marketing representative and earns commission for its work. Refer to Note 13 . Segment Information for further information, including revenue by significant product and service offering. Revenue Recognition — Revenue is measured based on the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for promised goods or services provided to customers, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers. Advertising — Advertising revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, over time primarily as ads are aired or impressions are delivered and any contracted audience guarantees are met. We apply the practical expedient to recognize revenue at the amount we have the right to invoice, which corresponds directly to the value a customer has received relative to our performance. For advertising sold based on audience guarantees, audience deficiency may result in an obligation to deliver additional advertisements to the customer. To the extent that we do not satisfy contracted audience ratings, we record deferred revenue until such time that the audience guarantee has been satisfied. Retransmission — Retransmission revenues are considered licenses of functional intellectual property and are recognized at the point in time the content is transferred to the customer. MVPDs report their subscriber numbers to us generally on a 30- to 90-day lag. Prior to receiving the MVPD reporting, we record revenue based on estimates of the number of subscribers, utilizing historical levels and trends of subscribers for each MVPD. Other — Revenues generated by our Triton business are recognized on a ratable basis over the contract term as the monthly service is provided to the customer. Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations — As of March 31, 2019 , we had an aggregate transaction price of $60.2 million allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations related to contracts within our Triton business. We expect to recognize revenue on 91% of these remaining performance obligations over the next 24 months and the remainder thereafter. We did not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations on any other contracts with customers because they are either (i) contracts with an original expected term of one year or less, (ii) contracts for which the sales- or usage-based royalty exception was applied, or (iii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed. Contract Balances — Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, or unearned revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing. Payment terms may vary by contract type, although our terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 90 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to receive financing from our customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. We determine the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience and other currently available evidence. The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $4.8 million at March 31, 2019 and $4.4 million at December 31, 2018 . We record unearned revenue when cash payments are received in advance of our performance. We generally require amounts payable under advertising contracts with political advertising customers to be paid in advance. Unearned revenue totaled $8.1 million at March 31, 2019 and is expected to be recognized within revenue over the next 12 months. Unearned revenue totaled $11.5 million at December 31, 2018 . We recorded $2.7 million of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2019 that was included in unearned revenue at December 31, 2018 . Leases — We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, other current liabilities and operating lease liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit rate is not readily determinable for most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate when determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any payments made at or before commencement and is reduced by any lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs) and unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors. Share-based compensation costs totaled $5.8 million and $3.4 million for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our RSUs, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and, therefore, exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities. The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2019 2018 Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share) Loss from continuing operations, net of tax $ (6,814 ) $ (8,577 ) Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — 632 Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company $ (6,814 ) $ (7,945 ) Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 80,673 81,554 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock units — — Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 80,673 81,554 Anti-dilutive securities (1) 1,404 1,677 (1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we incurred a net loss and the inclusion of RSUs and stock options would have been anti-dilutive, and accordingly the diluted EPS calculation for the period excludes those common share equivalents.

Recently Adopted Standards and

Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards Recently Adopted Accounting Standards — In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance on the accounting for leases. Under this guidance, lessees are required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases at the commencement date. In July 2018, the FASB approved amendments to create an optional transition method. The amendments provided an option to implement the new leasing standard through a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the period of adoption without having to restate the comparative periods presented. We adopted the standard on January 1, 2019 using this optional transition method that does not restate the comparative prior periods. The new guidance provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We elected the transition package of three practical expedients permitted within the standard, which eliminates the requirements to reassess prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient, which permits the use of hindsight when determining lease term and impairment of right-of-use assets. We have utilized the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components. Further, we elected a short-term lease exception policy, permitting us to not apply the recognition requirements of this standard to short-term leases (i.e. leases with terms of 12 months or less). Implementation of the standard resulted in the recognition of $46.6 million of right-of-use assets and $50.3 million of lease liabilities, which included the impact of prepaid and deferred rent and lease incentives, on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. No cumulative-effect adjustment was recognized as the amount was not material, and adoption of the standard had no impact on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In March 2019, the FASB issued new guidance to align the accounting for the costs of producing films and episodic television series in response to changes in production and distribution models in the media and entertainment industry. The new guidance amends the capitalization, amortization, impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements for entities that produce and own content, and also aligns the impairment guidance for licensed content to the owned content fair value model. This guidance applies to broadcasters and entities that produce and distribute films and episodic television series through both traditional mediums and digital mediums. It is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the timing of adoption. In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance to address a customer's accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement ("CCA") that is a service contract. The new guidance aligns the accounting for costs incurred to implement a CCA that is a service arrangement with the guidance on capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the timing of adoption. In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance to add, remove and clarify annual disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020 with early adoption permitted, and it should be applied on a retrospective basis. We believe the main impact of this guidance will be to no longer disclose the amount in accumulated other comprehensive income that is expected to be recognized as part of net periodic benefit cost over the next year. Additionally, we will have to add a narrative description for any significant gains and losses affecting the benefit obligation for the period. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our disclosures as well as the timing of adoption. In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace today’s “incurred loss” model, which generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses in a manner similar to current practice, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance. The guidance is effective in 2020 with early adoption permitted in 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the timing of adoption.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Raycom Effective January 1, 2019 , we acquired television stations owned by Raycom Media — Waco, Texas ABC affiliate KXXV/KRHD and Tallahassee, Florida ABC affiliate WTXL — for $55 million in cash. These stations were being divested as part of Gray Television's acquisition of Raycom Media. From the acquisition date of January 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019 , revenues from the Raycom stations were $5.6 million . The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the television assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date. (in thousands) Property and equipment $ 11,721 Operating lease right-of-use assets 296 Goodwill 18,349 Other intangible assets 24,900 Operating lease liabilities (296 ) Net purchase price $ 54,970 Of the $24.9 million allocated to intangible assets, $6.8 million was for FCC licenses which we determined to have an indefinite life and therefore are not amortized. The remaining balance of $18.1 million was allocated to television network affiliation relationships and advertiser relationships with estimated amortization periods of 5 - 20 years. The goodwill of $18.3 million arising from the transaction consists largely of synergies, economies of scale and other benefits of a larger broadcast footprint. We allocated the goodwill to our Local Media segment. We treated the transaction as an asset acquisition for income tax purposes resulting in a step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. Triton On November 30, 2018, we acquired Triton Digital Canada, Inc. ("Triton") for total cash consideration of $160 million . Assets acquired in the transaction included approximately $10.5 million of cash. The transaction was funded with cash on hand at time of closing. Triton is a leading global digital audio infrastructure and audience measurement services company. Triton's infrastructure and ad-serving solutions deliver live and on-demand audio streams and insert advertisements into those streams. Triton's data and measurement service is recognized as the currency by which publishers sell digital audio advertising. The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the Triton assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date. (in thousands) Cash $ 10,515 Accounts receivable 8,879 Other current assets 679 Property and equipment 705 Goodwill 83,876 Other intangible assets 75,000 Accounts payable (1,881 ) Accrued expenses (2,964 ) Other current liabilities (19 ) Deferred tax liability (14,577 ) Net purchase price $ 160,213 Of the $75 million allocated to intangible assets, $39 million was assigned to various developed technologies for audience measurement, content delivery and advertising with lives ranging from 8 - 12 years, $31 million was assigned to customer relationships with a life of 12 years and $5 million was assigned to trade names with a life of 10 years. The goodwill of $84 million arises from being able to capitalize on the growth of the streaming audio industry and further improve our position in the global digital audio marketplace. The goodwill is allocated to our National Media segment. The transaction is accounted for as a stock acquisition which applies carryover tax basis to the assets and liabilities acquired. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. Pro forma results of operations Individually or in the aggregate, the impact of the Raycom and Triton acquisitions is not material to prior year results of operations and therefore no pro forma information has been provided. Pending Acquisitions On October 27, 2018, we entered into a definitive agreement with Cordillera Communications, LLC to acquire 15 television stations, serving 10 markets, for $521 million in cash. The purchase was subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions and closed on May 1, 2019 . We financed the acquisition with a $765 million term loan B, of which $240 million of the proceeds were segregated for financing a portion of the transaction with Nexstar Media Group, Inc. ("Nexstar"). The term loan B matures in 2026 with interest payable at rates based on LIBOR, plus a fixed margin of 2.75% . The term loan B also requires annual principal payments of $7.7 million . On March 20, 2019, we entered into a definitive agreement with Nexstar to acquire eight broadcast television stations from the Nexstar transaction with Tribune Media Company ("Tribune") for consideration of $580 million . The purchase price and other related costs associated with the transaction are expected to be financed from the incremental term loan B proceeds and unsecured debt. Additionally, the capacity for our revolving credit facility will be increased to $210 million upon closing. The transaction, pending regulatory and other approvals, is expected to close at the same time as the Nexstar-Tribune merger.

Asset Write-Downs and Other Cha

Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits	Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits Loss from continuing operations includes the following: 2019 - Acquisition and related integration costs of $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2019 reflect professional service costs incurred to integrate Triton and the Raycom and Cordillera stations, as well as costs incurred for the pending Nexstar acquisition. 2018 - First quarter of 2018 operating results include $3.8 million of severance and outside consulting fees associated with our previously announced restructuring.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We file a consolidated federal income tax return, consolidated unitary tax returns in certain states and other separate state income tax returns for our subsidiary companies. The income tax provision for interim periods is generally determined based upon the expected effective income tax rate for the full year and the tax rate applicable to certain discrete transactions in the interim period. To determine the annual effective income tax rate, we must estimate both the total income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which that income (loss) is subject to tax. The actual effective income tax rate for the full year may differ from these estimates if income (loss) before income tax is greater than or less than what was estimated or if the allocation of income (loss) to jurisdictions in which it is taxed is different from the estimated allocations. We review and adjust our estimated effective income tax rate for the full year each quarter based upon our most recent estimates of income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which we expect that income will be taxed. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was 39% and 19% , respectively. Other differences between our effective income tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate are the impact of state taxes, foreign taxes, non-deductible expenses, changes in reserves for uncertain tax positions and excess tax benefits or expense on share-based compensation ( $0.6 million benefit and $0.7 million expense in 2019 and 2018, respectively). Deferred tax assets totaled $9.9 million at March 31, 2019 , which includes the tax effect of state net operating loss carryforwards. We recognize state net operating loss carryforwards as deferred tax assets, subject to valuation allowances. At each balance sheet date, we estimate the amount of carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to expiration of the carryforward period. The tax effect of the carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to their expiration is included in the valuation allowance.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash At December 31, 2018 , our cash and cash equivalents included $5.1 million held in a restricted cash account on deposit with our insurance carrier. This account served as collateral, in place of an irrevocable stand-by letter of credit, to provide financial assurance that we will fulfill our obligations with respect to cash requirements associated with our workers' compensation self-insurance. This cash was to remain on deposit with the carrier until all claims have been paid or we provide a letter of credit in lieu of the cash deposit. At March 31, 2019 , no deposits were held in a restricted cash account as we provided a letter of credit in lieu of the cash deposit.

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases We have operating leases for office space, data centers and certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 20 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. Operating lease costs recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 totaled $3.4 million , including short-term lease costs of $0.1 million . Other information related to our operating leases was as follows: (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate) As of Balance Sheet Information Right-of-use assets $ 43,608 Other current liabilities 10,262 Operating lease liabilities 37,294 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 7 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 6.5 % (in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Supplemental Cash Flows Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 3,471 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations — Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of March 31, 2019 were as follows: (in thousands) Operating Leases Remainder of 2019 $ 12,897 2020 9,514 2021 7,076 2022 6,623 2023 6,690 Thereafter 16,428 Total future minimum lease payments 59,228 Less: Imputed interest (11,672 ) Total $ 47,556 Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of December 31, 2018 (1) were as follows: (in thousands) Operating Leases 2019 $ 11,197 2020 9,195 2021 6,545 2022 6,352 2023 11,412 Thereafter 15,311 Total future minimum lease payments $ 60,012 (1) Amounts included for comparability and accounted for in accordance with ASC 840, "Leases".

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill consisted of the following: (in thousands) Local Media National Media Total Gross balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 708,133 $ 393,197 $ 1,101,330 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914 ) (50,403 ) (267,317 ) Net balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 491,219 $ 342,794 $ 834,013 Gross balance as of March 31, 2019 $ 726,482 $ 393,197 $ 1,119,679 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914 ) (50,403 ) (267,317 ) Net balance as of March 31, 2019 $ 509,568 $ 342,794 $ 852,362 Other intangible assets consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Amortizable intangible assets: Carrying amount: Television network affiliation relationships $ 265,844 $ 248,444 Customer lists and advertiser relationships 101,200 100,500 Other 88,797 88,393 Total carrying amount 455,841 437,337 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (65,333 ) (62,020 ) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (39,216 ) (36,380 ) Other (19,867 ) (17,199 ) Total accumulated amortization (124,416 ) (115,599 ) Net amortizable intangible assets 331,425 321,738 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 164,015 157,215 Total other intangible assets $ 495,440 $ 478,953 Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $26.7 million for the remainder of 2019 , $34.3 million in 2020 , $31.8 million in 2021 , $28.6 million in 2022 , $23.6 million in 2023 , $23.0 million in 2024 and $163.4 million in later years.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Variable rate credit facility $ — $ — Senior unsecured notes 400,000 400,000 Term loan B 295,500 296,250 Total outstanding principal 695,500 696,250 Less: Debt issuance costs (7,183 ) (7,486 ) Less: Current portion (3,000 ) (3,000 ) Net carrying value of long-term debt $ 685,317 $ 685,764 Fair value of long-term debt * $ 669,387 $ 662,844 * Fair value of the Senior Notes is estimated based on quoted private market transactions and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the term loan B is based on observable estimates provided by third party financial professionals, and as such, is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Senior Unsecured Notes Our $400 million senior unsecured notes ("the Senior Notes") bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and mature on May 15, 2025 . Interest is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year. Prior to May 15, 2020, we may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time, or from time to time, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium, as set forth in the Senior Notes indenture. In addition, on or prior to May 15, 2020 , we may redeem up to 40% of the Senior Notes, using proceeds of equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or have a change of control, the holders of the Senior Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The Senior Notes are also guaranteed by us and the majority of our subsidiaries. The Senior Notes contain covenants with which we must comply that are typical for borrowing transactions of this nature. We incurred approximately $7.0 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, which are being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes. Term Loan B Our $300 million term loan B matures in October 2024. We amended the term loan B on April 4, 2018, reducing the interest rate by 25 basis points . Following the amendment, interest is payable on term loan B at a rate based on LIBOR, plus a fixed margin of 2.00% . Interest will reduce to a rate of LIBOR plus a fixed margin of 1.75% if the company’s total net leverage, as defined by the amended agreement, is below 2.75 . Term loan B requires annual principal payments of $3 million . Our Financing Agreement also includes a provision that in certain circumstances we must use a portion of excess cash flow to repay debt. As of March 31, 2019 , we were not required to make any additional principal payments for excess cash flow. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the interest rate on the term loan B was 4.50% and 4.34% , respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on the term loan B was 4.50% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 . Revolving Credit Facility We have a $150 million revolving credit facility ("Revolving Credit Facility") that expires in April 2022. Interest is payable on the Revolving Credit Facility at rates based on LIBOR, plus a margin based on our leverage ratio, ranging from 1.75% to 2.50% . The Revolving Credit Facility includes maintaining a net leverage ratio when we have outstanding borrowings on the facility, as well as other restrictions on payments (dividends and share repurchases). Additionally, we can make acquisitions as long as the pro forma net leverage ratio is less than 5.5 to 1.0 . We granted the lenders pledges of our equity interests in our subsidiaries and security interests in substantially all other personal property including cash, accounts receivables, and equipment. Commitment fees of 0.30% to 0.50% per annum, based on our leverage ratio, of the total unused commitment are payable under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $6.0 million and $0.1 million , respectively.

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities Other liabilities consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Employee compensation and benefits $ 21,616 $ 19,775 Deferred FCC repack income 26,601 20,620 Programming liability 57,040 43,825 Liability for pension benefits 197,380 198,444 Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 816 811 Other 10,502 11,067 Other liabilities (less current portion) $ 313,955 $ 294,542

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2019 2018 Accounts receivable $ 4,031 $ 9,166 Other current assets (4,812 ) (3,508 ) Accounts payable 4,539 4,251 Accrued employee compensation and benefits (22,399 ) (13,516 ) Other accrued liabilities 335 1,412 Unearned revenue (3,339 ) (169 ) Other, net (4,131 ) 106 Total $ (25,776 ) $ (2,258 )

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans We sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERPs"). The accrual for future benefits has been frozen in our defined benefit pension plans and SERPs. We sponsor a defined contribution plan covering substantially all non-union and certain union employees. We match a portion of employees' voluntary contributions to this plan. The components of the employee benefit plans expense consisted of the following: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2019 2018 Interest cost $ 5,800 $ 5,925 Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses (5,058 ) (5,732 ) Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost 572 921 Total for defined benefit pension plans 1,314 1,114 Multi-employer plans 41 47 SERPs 258 274 Defined contribution plan 2,995 2,793 Net periodic benefit cost 4,608 4,228 Allocated to discontinued operations — (203 ) Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations $ 4,608 $ 4,025 We contributed $0.3 million to fund current benefit payments for our SERPs and $1.7 million for our defined benefit pension plans during the three months ended March 31, 2019 . During the remainder of 2019 , we anticipate contributing an additional $1.0 million to fund the SERPs' benefit payments and an additional $16.9 million to fund our qualified defined benefit pension plans.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information We determine our business segments based upon our management and internal reporting structures, as well as the basis that our chief operating decision maker makes resource allocation decisions. We report our financial performance based on the following segments: Local Media, National Media, Other. Our Local Media segment includes our local broadcast stations and their related digital operations. It is comprised of seventeen ABC affiliates, five NBC affiliates, two FOX affiliates and two CBS affiliates. We also have two MyTV affiliates, one CW affiliate, two independent stations and four Azteca America Spanish-language affiliates. Our Local Media segment earns revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to local, national and political advertisers and retransmission fees received from cable operators, telecommunications companies and satellite carriers. We also receive retransmission fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as YouTubeTV, DirectTV Now and Sony Vue. Our National Media segment includes our collection of national brands. Our national brands include Katz, Stitcher and its advertising network Midroll Media (Midroll), Newsy, Triton and other national brands. These operations earn revenue primarily through the sale of advertising. We allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses, including information technology, certain employee benefits and shared services, to our business segments. The allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from an arms-length amount. Our chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of our business segments and makes decisions about the allocation of resources to our business segments using a measure called segment profit. Segment profit excludes interest, defined benefit pension plan expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information regarding our business segments is as follows: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2019 2018 Segment operating revenues: Local Media $ 203,387 $ 192,059 National Media 87,317 60,721 Other 1,459 1,411 Total operating revenues $ 292,163 $ 254,191 Segment profit (loss): Local Media $ 34,173 $ 31,619 National Media 4,941 2,035 Other (433 ) (251 ) Shared services and corporate (16,158 ) (14,087 ) Acquisition and related integration costs (3,480 ) — Restructuring costs (938 ) (3,807 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets (17,792 ) (15,420 ) Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment (173 ) (717 ) Interest expense (8,916 ) (8,759 ) Defined benefit pension plan expense (1,572 ) (1,388 ) Miscellaneous, net (800 ) 167 Loss from continuing operations before income taxes $ (11,148 ) $ (10,608 ) Depreciation: Local Media $ 7,591 $ 7,556 National Media 1,004 96 Other 38 38 Shared services and corporate 342 409 Total depreciation $ 8,975 $ 8,099 Amortization of intangible assets: Local Media $ 3,958 $ 3,705 National Media 4,521 3,278 Shared services and corporate 338 338 Total amortization of intangible assets $ 8,817 $ 7,321 Additions to property and equipment: Local Media $ 9,480 $ 9,500 National Media 4,290 1,674 Other 31 — Shared services and corporate 411 60 Total additions to property and equipment $ 14,212 $ 11,234 A disaggregation of the principal activities from which we generate revenue is as follows: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2019 2018 Operating revenues: Core advertising $ 173,361 $ 166,553 Political 880 2,584 Retransmission and carriage 87,283 71,060 Other 30,639 13,994 Total operating revenues $ 292,163 $ 254,191

Capital Stock

Capital Stock	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Capital Stock Capital Stock — We have two classes of common shares, Common Voting shares and Class A Common shares. The Class A Common shares are only entitled to vote on the election of the greater of three or one-third of the directors and other matters as required by Ohio law. Share Repurchase Plan — Shares may be repurchased from time to time at management's discretion. In November 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares. The authorization currently expires on March 1, 2020. Shares can be repurchased under the authorization via open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, including accelerated stock repurchase transactions, block trades, or pursuant to trades intending to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As part of the share repurchase plan, the Company entered into an Accelerated Share Repurchase ("ASR") agreement with JP Morgan to repurchase $25 million of the Company’s common stock. Under the ASR agreement, the Company paid $25 million to JP Morgan and received an initial delivery of 1.3 million shares in the third quarter of 2018, which represented 80% of the total shares the Company expected to receive based on the market price at the time of the initial delivery. The transaction was accounted for as an equity transaction. The par value of shares received was recorded as a reduction to common stock with the remainder recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital or retained earnings. Upon initial receipt of the shares, there was an immediate reduction in the weighted average common shares calculation for basic and diluted earnings per share. Upon final settlement of the ASR agreement in February 2019, the Company received additional deliveries totaling 147,164 shares of its common stock based on a weighted average cost per share of $ 16.70 over the term of the ASR agreement. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 , we repurchased $0.6 million of shares at prices ranging from $15.54 to $18.72 per share. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , we repurchased $4.4 million of shares at prices ranging from $13.29 to $16.86 per share. At March 31, 2019 , $49.7 million remained under this authorization.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCI, were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2018 $ (95,365 ) $ (32 ) $ (95,397 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $155 (a) 460 — 460 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 460 — 460 Ending balance, March 31, 2019 $ (94,905 ) $ (32 ) $ (94,937 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2017 $ (102,955 ) $ 33 $ (102,922 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $248 (a) 740 — 740 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 740 — 740 Ending balance, March 31, 2018 $ (102,215 ) $ 33 $ (102,182 ) (a) Actuarial gain (loss) is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling Interest	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling Interest A noncontrolling owner holds a 30% interest in our venture to develop, produce and air our lifestyle daytime talk show.

Assets Held for Sale and Discon

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations Radio Divestiture In the fourth quarter of 2017, we began the process to divest our radio business. Our radio business consisted of 34 radio stations in eight markets. We closed on the sale of our Tulsa radio stations on October 1, 2018, closed on the sales of our Milwaukee, Knoxville, Omaha, Springfield and Wichita radio stations on November 1, 2018 and closed on the sales of our Boise and Tucson radio stations on December 12, 2018. Operating results of our discontinued radio operations were as follows: (in thousands) Three months ended March 31, 2018 Operating revenues $ 13,299 Total costs and expenses (11,516 ) Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (20,000 ) Other, net (148 ) Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (18,365 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 139 Net loss from discontinued operations $ (18,504 ) During the first quarter of 2018 , we recorded $20 million of non-cash impairment charges to write-down the goodwill of our radio business to fair value.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation — The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made. Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full year. Additionally, certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation.
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media enterprise, serving audiences and businesses through a portfolio of local and national media brands. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via digital platforms, including the Internet, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: Local Media, National Media and Other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates — Preparing financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of accounting principles that reflect the economic substance of the underlying transactions and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions. Our financial statements include estimates and assumptions used in accounting for our defined benefit pension plans; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the fair value of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite lived assets; the liability for uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets; the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; and self-insured risks. While we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, actual results could differ from those estimated at the time of preparation of the financial statements.
Nature of Products and Services	Nature of Products and Services — The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue. Core Advertising — Core advertising is comprised of sales to local and national customers. The advertising includes a combination of broadcast air time, as well as digital advertising. Pricing of advertising time is based on audience size and share, the demographic of our audiences and the demand for our limited inventory of commercial time. Advertising time is sold through a combination of local sales staff and national sales representative firms. Digital revenues are primarily generated from the sale of advertising to local and national customers on our local television websites, smartphone apps, tablet apps and other platforms. Political Advertising — Political advertising is generally sold through our Washington D.C. sales office. Advertising is sold to presidential, gubernatorial, Senate and House of Representative candidates, as well as for state and local issues. It is also sold to political action groups (PACs) or other advocacy groups. Retransmission Revenues — We earn revenue from retransmission consent agreements with multi-channel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) in our markets. The MVPDs are cable operators and satellite carriers who pay us to offer our programming to their customers. We also receive fees from over-the-top virtual MVPDs such as YouTubeTV, DirectTV Now and Sony Vue. The fees we receive are typically based on the number of subscribers in our local market and the contracted rate per subscriber. Other Products and Services — We derive revenue from sponsorships and community events through our Local Media segment. Our National Media segment offers subscription services for access to premium content to its customers. Our Triton business earns revenue from monthly fees charged to audio publishers for converting their content into digital audio streams and inserting digital advertising into those audio streams and providing statistical measurement information about their listening audience. Our podcast business acts as a sales and marketing representative and earns commission for its work. Refer to Note 13 . Segment Information for further information, including revenue by significant product and service offering.
Revenue Recognition and Contract Balances	Contract Balances — Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, or unearned revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to invoicing. Payment terms may vary by contract type, although our terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 90 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to receive financing from our customers. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. We determine the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience and other currently available evidence. The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $4.8 million at March 31, 2019 and $4.4 million at December 31, 2018 . We record unearned revenue when cash payments are received in advance of our performance. We generally require amounts payable under advertising contracts with political advertising customers to be paid in advance. Unearned revenue totaled $8.1 million at March 31, 2019 and is expected to be recognized within revenue over the next 12 months. Unearned revenue totaled $11.5 million at December 31, 2018 . Revenue Recognition — Revenue is measured based on the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for promised goods or services provided to customers, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers. Advertising — Advertising revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, over time primarily as ads are aired or impressions are delivered and any contracted audience guarantees are met. We apply the practical expedient to recognize revenue at the amount we have the right to invoice, which corresponds directly to the value a customer has received relative to our performance. For advertising sold based on audience guarantees, audience deficiency may result in an obligation to deliver additional advertisements to the customer. To the extent that we do not satisfy contracted audience ratings, we record deferred revenue until such time that the audience guarantee has been satisfied. Retransmission — Retransmission revenues are considered licenses of functional intellectual property and are recognized at the point in time the content is transferred to the customer. MVPDs report their subscriber numbers to us generally on a 30- to 90-day lag. Prior to receiving the MVPD reporting, we record revenue based on estimates of the number of subscribers, utilizing historical levels and trends of subscribers for each MVPD. Other — Revenues generated by our Triton business are recognized on a ratable basis over the contract term as the monthly service is provided to the customer.
Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations	Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations — As of March 31, 2019 , we had an aggregate transaction price of $60.2 million allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations related to contracts within our Triton business. We expect to recognize revenue on 91% of these remaining performance obligations over the next 24 months and the remainder thereafter. We did not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations on any other contracts with customers because they are either (i) contracts with an original expected term of one year or less, (ii) contracts for which the sales- or usage-based royalty exception was applied, or (iii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.
Leases	Leases — We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, other current liabilities and operating lease liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit rate is not readily determinable for most of our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate when determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any payments made at or before commencement and is reduced by any lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs) and unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors. Share-based compensation costs totaled $5.8 million and $3.4 million for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018 , respectively.
Earnings Per Share (EPS)	Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our RSUs, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and, therefore, exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Components of basic and diluted weighted-average shares	The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2019 2018 Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share) Loss from continuing operations, net of tax $ (6,814 ) $ (8,577 ) Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — 632 Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company $ (6,814 ) $ (7,945 ) Denominator Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 80,673 81,554 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock units — — Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 80,673 81,554 Anti-dilutive securities (1) 1,404 1,677 (1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Preliminary Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the Triton assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date. (in thousands) Cash $ 10,515 Accounts receivable 8,879 Other current assets 679 Property and equipment 705 Goodwill 83,876 Other intangible assets 75,000 Accounts payable (1,881 ) Accrued expenses (2,964 ) Other current liabilities (19 ) Deferred tax liability (14,577 ) Net purchase price $ 160,213 The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the television assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date. (in thousands) Property and equipment $ 11,721 Operating lease right-of-use assets 296 Goodwill 18,349 Other intangible assets 24,900 Operating lease liabilities (296 ) Net purchase price $ 54,970

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Information Related to Operating Leases	Other information related to our operating leases was as follows: (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate) As of Balance Sheet Information Right-of-use assets $ 43,608 Other current liabilities 10,262 Operating lease liabilities 37,294 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 7 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 6.5 %
Schedule of Lease Cost Information	(in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Supplemental Cash Flows Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 3,471 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations —
Schedule of Minimum Lease Payments Under Non-Cancellable Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of March 31, 2019 were as follows: (in thousands) Operating Leases Remainder of 2019 $ 12,897 2020 9,514 2021 7,076 2022 6,623 2023 6,690 Thereafter 16,428 Total future minimum lease payments 59,228 Less: Imputed interest (11,672 ) Total $ 47,556
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments Prior to 842	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of December 31, 2018 (1) were as follows: (in thousands) Operating Leases 2019 $ 11,197 2020 9,195 2021 6,545 2022 6,352 2023 11,412 Thereafter 15,311 Total future minimum lease payments $ 60,012 (1) Amounts included for comparability and accounted for in accordance with ASC 840, "Leases".

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Goodwill consisted of the following: (in thousands) Local Media National Media Total Gross balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 708,133 $ 393,197 $ 1,101,330 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914 ) (50,403 ) (267,317 ) Net balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 491,219 $ 342,794 $ 834,013 Gross balance as of March 31, 2019 $ 726,482 $ 393,197 $ 1,119,679 Accumulated impairment losses (216,914 ) (50,403 ) (267,317 ) Net balance as of March 31, 2019 $ 509,568 $ 342,794 $ 852,362
Summary of other finite-lived intangible assets	Other intangible assets consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Amortizable intangible assets: Carrying amount: Television network affiliation relationships $ 265,844 $ 248,444 Customer lists and advertiser relationships 101,200 100,500 Other 88,797 88,393 Total carrying amount 455,841 437,337 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (65,333 ) (62,020 ) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (39,216 ) (36,380 ) Other (19,867 ) (17,199 ) Total accumulated amortization (124,416 ) (115,599 ) Net amortizable intangible assets 331,425 321,738 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 164,015 157,215 Total other intangible assets $ 495,440 $ 478,953
Summary of other indefinite-lived intangible assets	Other intangible assets consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Amortizable intangible assets: Carrying amount: Television network affiliation relationships $ 265,844 $ 248,444 Customer lists and advertiser relationships 101,200 100,500 Other 88,797 88,393 Total carrying amount 455,841 437,337 Accumulated amortization: Television network affiliation relationships (65,333 ) (62,020 ) Customer lists and advertiser relationships (39,216 ) (36,380 ) Other (19,867 ) (17,199 ) Total accumulated amortization (124,416 ) (115,599 ) Net amortizable intangible assets 331,425 321,738 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses 164,015 157,215 Total other intangible assets $ 495,440 $ 478,953

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Long-term debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Variable rate credit facility $ — $ — Senior unsecured notes 400,000 400,000 Term loan B 295,500 296,250 Total outstanding principal 695,500 696,250 Less: Debt issuance costs (7,183 ) (7,486 ) Less: Current portion (3,000 ) (3,000 ) Net carrying value of long-term debt $ 685,317 $ 685,764 Fair value of long-term debt * $ 669,387 $ 662,844 * Fair value of the Senior Notes is estimated based on quoted private market transactions and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the term loan B is based on observable estimates provided by third party financial professionals, and as such, is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other liabilities	Other liabilities consisted of the following: (in thousands) As of As of Employee compensation and benefits $ 21,616 $ 19,775 Deferred FCC repack income 26,601 20,620 Programming liability 57,040 43,825 Liability for pension benefits 197,380 198,444 Liabilities for uncertain tax positions 816 811 Other 10,502 11,067 Other liabilities (less current portion) $ 313,955 $ 294,542

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Change in certain working capital accounts	The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2019 2018 Accounts receivable $ 4,031 $ 9,166 Other current assets (4,812 ) (3,508 ) Accounts payable 4,539 4,251 Accrued employee compensation and benefits (22,399 ) (13,516 ) Other accrued liabilities 335 1,412 Unearned revenue (3,339 ) (169 ) Other, net (4,131 ) 106 Total $ (25,776 ) $ (2,258 )

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of benefit expense	The components of the employee benefit plans expense consisted of the following: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2019 2018 Interest cost $ 5,800 $ 5,925 Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses (5,058 ) (5,732 ) Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost 572 921 Total for defined benefit pension plans 1,314 1,114 Multi-employer plans 41 47 SERPs 258 274 Defined contribution plan 2,995 2,793 Net periodic benefit cost 4,608 4,228 Allocated to discontinued operations — (203 ) Net periodic benefit cost — continuing operations $ 4,608 $ 4,025

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information regarding business segments	Information regarding our business segments is as follows: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2019 2018 Segment operating revenues: Local Media $ 203,387 $ 192,059 National Media 87,317 60,721 Other 1,459 1,411 Total operating revenues $ 292,163 $ 254,191 Segment profit (loss): Local Media $ 34,173 $ 31,619 National Media 4,941 2,035 Other (433 ) (251 ) Shared services and corporate (16,158 ) (14,087 ) Acquisition and related integration costs (3,480 ) — Restructuring costs (938 ) (3,807 ) Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets (17,792 ) (15,420 ) Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment (173 ) (717 ) Interest expense (8,916 ) (8,759 ) Defined benefit pension plan expense (1,572 ) (1,388 ) Miscellaneous, net (800 ) 167 Loss from continuing operations before income taxes $ (11,148 ) $ (10,608 ) Depreciation: Local Media $ 7,591 $ 7,556 National Media 1,004 96 Other 38 38 Shared services and corporate 342 409 Total depreciation $ 8,975 $ 8,099 Amortization of intangible assets: Local Media $ 3,958 $ 3,705 National Media 4,521 3,278 Shared services and corporate 338 338 Total amortization of intangible assets $ 8,817 $ 7,321 Additions to property and equipment: Local Media $ 9,480 $ 9,500 National Media 4,290 1,674 Other 31 — Shared services and corporate 411 60 Total additions to property and equipment $ 14,212 $ 11,234
Disaggregation of Principal Revenue Generating Activities	A disaggregation of the principal activities from which we generate revenue is as follows: Three Months Ended (in thousands) 2019 2018 Operating revenues: Core advertising $ 173,361 $ 166,553 Political 880 2,584 Retransmission and carriage 87,283 71,060 Other 30,639 13,994 Total operating revenues $ 292,163 $ 254,191

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCI, were as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2018 $ (95,365 ) $ (32 ) $ (95,397 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $155 (a) 460 — 460 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 460 — 460 Ending balance, March 31, 2019 $ (94,905 ) $ (32 ) $ (94,937 ) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 (in thousands) Defined Benefit Pension Items Other Total Beginning balance, December 31, 2017 $ (102,955 ) $ 33 $ (102,922 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications — — — Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax of $248 (a) 740 — 740 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 740 — 740 Ending balance, March 31, 2018 $ (102,215 ) $ 33 $ (102,182 ) (a) Actuarial gain (loss) is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations

Assets Held for Sale and Disc_2

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of discontinued operations	Operating results of our discontinued radio operations were as follows: (in thousands) Three months ended March 31, 2018 Operating revenues $ 13,299 Total costs and expenses (11,516 ) Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (20,000 ) Other, net (148 ) Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (18,365 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 139 Net loss from discontinued operations $ (18,504 )

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Unsatisfied performance obligation	$ 60,200
Amount of remaining performance obligation	91.00%
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 4,815		$ 4,371
Unearned revenue	8,120		$ 11,459
Prior year unearned revenue recognized in period	2,700
Share-based compensation costs	$ 5,800	$ 3,400

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax	$ (6,814)	$ (8,577)
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(632)
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ (6,814)	$ (7,945)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	80,673	81,554
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock units	0	0
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	80,673	81,554
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,404	1,677

Recently Adopted Standards an_2

Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Right-of-use assets	$ 43,608	$ 46,600	$ 0
Total	$ 47,556	$ 50,300

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details)	May 01, 2019USD ($)television_station	Mar. 20, 2019USD ($)television_station	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets					$ 30,687,000	$ 28,899,000
Property and equipment					254,935,000	237,927,000
Right-of-use assets			$ 46,600,000		43,608,000	0
Operating lease liabilities					(37,294,000)	0
Goodwill					852,362,000	834,013,000
Accounts payable					(32,230,000)	(26,919,000)
Accrued expenses					(42,913,000)	(46,112,000)
Other current liabilities					(29,081,000)	(25,339,000)
Deferred tax liability					(22,061,000)	(25,531,000)
Raycom Media, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price			55,000,000
Revenue of acquiree since acquisition date					5,600,000
Property and equipment			11,721,000
Right-of-use assets			296,000
Other intangible assets			24,900,000
Operating lease liabilities			(296,000)
Goodwill			18,349,000
Net purchase price			54,970,000
Triton Digital Canada, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price				$ 160,000,000
Cash				10,515,000
Accounts receivable				8,879,000
Other current assets				679,000
Property and equipment				705,000
Other intangible assets				75,000,000
Goodwill				83,876,000
Accounts payable				(1,881,000)
Accrued expenses				(2,964,000)
Other current liabilities				(19,000)
Deferred tax liability				(14,577,000)
Net purchase price				$ 160,213,000
Cordillera Communications, LLC | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price	$ 521,000,000
Number of businesses acquired | television_station	15
Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, purchase price		$ 580,000,000
Number of businesses acquired | television_station		8
Retransmission Agreements, Television Network Affiliate Relationships, Advertiser Relationships | Raycom Media, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets			$ 18,100,000
Retransmission Agreements, Television Network Affiliate Relationships, Advertiser Relationships | Raycom Media, Inc. | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period			5 years
Retransmission Agreements, Television Network Affiliate Relationships, Advertiser Relationships | Raycom Media, Inc. | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period			20 years
Trade Names | Triton Digital Canada, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period				10 years
Other intangible assets				$ 5,000,000
Developed Technology Rights | Triton Digital Canada, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets				$ 39,000,000
Developed Technology Rights | Triton Digital Canada, Inc. | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period				8 years
Developed Technology Rights | Triton Digital Canada, Inc. | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period				12 years
Customer Relationships | Triton Digital Canada, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period				12 years
Other intangible assets				$ 31,000,000
Licensing Agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses					$ 164,015,000	$ 157,215,000
Licensing Agreements | Raycom Media, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses			$ 6,800,000
Term Loan B, Maturing 2026 | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Annual payments of principal	$ 7,700,000
Term Loan B, Maturing 2026 | Cordillera Communications, LLC | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt face value	765,000,000
Term Loan B, Maturing 2026 | Nexstar Media Group, Inc. | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 240,000,000
LIBOR | Term Loan B, Maturing 2026 | Subsequent Event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range	2.75%
Revolving credit facility | Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility		$ 210,000,000

Asset Write-Downs and Other C_2

Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Acquisition and related integration costs	$ 3,480	$ 0
Restructuring costs	$ 938	$ 3,807

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	39.00%	19.00%
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation	$ 600
Excess tax expense on share-based compensation		$ 700
Deferred tax assets	$ 9,857		$ 9,141

Restricted Cash (Details)

Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, current	$ 0	$ 5.1

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Option to extend leases	5 years
Option to terminate leases	1 year
Operating lease costs	$ 3.4
Short-term lease costs	$ 0.1
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease terms	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease terms	20 years

Leases - Information Related to

Leases - Information Related to Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Right-of-use assets	$ 43,608	$ 46,600	$ 0
Other current liabilities	10,262
Operating lease liabilities	$ 37,294		$ 0
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	7 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate	6.50%

Leases - Lease Cost Information

Leases - Lease Cost Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$ 3,471
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$ 0

Leases - Minimum Lease Payments

Leases - Minimum Lease Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Remainder of 2019	$ 12,897
2020	9,514
2021	7,076
2022	6,623
2023	6,690
Thereafter	16,428
Total future minimum lease payments	59,228
Less: Imputed interest	(11,672)
Total	$ 47,556	$ 50,300

Leases - Future Minimum Lease P

Leases - Future Minimum Lease Payments Prior to 842 (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2019	$ 11,197
2020	9,195
2021	6,545
2022	6,352
2023	11,412
Thereafter	15,311
Total future minimum lease payments	$ 60,012

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance		$ 1,101,330
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance		(267,317)
Goodwill net, beginning balance		834,013
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	$ 1,119,679
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(267,317)
Goodwill net, ending balance	852,362
Local Media
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance		708,133
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance		(216,914)
Goodwill net, beginning balance		491,219
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	726,482
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(216,914)
Goodwill net, ending balance	509,568
National Media
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance		393,197
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance		(50,403)
Goodwill net, beginning balance		$ 342,794
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	393,197
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(50,403)
Goodwill net, ending balance	$ 342,794

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of other intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	$ 455,841	$ 437,337
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(124,416)	(115,599)
Net amortizable intangible assets	331,425	321,738
Total other intangible assets	495,440	478,953
Indefinite-lived intangible assets - FCC licenses
Accumulated amortization:
Indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	164,015	157,215
Television network affiliation relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	265,844	248,444
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(65,333)	(62,020)
Customer lists and advertiser relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	101,200	100,500
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	(39,216)	(36,380)
Other
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	88,797	88,393
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	$ (19,867)	$ (17,199)

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 26.7
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year One	34.3
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	31.8
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	28.6
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	23.6
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	23
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	$ 163.4

Long-Term Debt - Components of

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		$ 695,500	$ 696,250
Less: Debt issuance costs		(7,183)	(7,486)
Less: Current portion		(3,000)	(3,000)
Long-term debt (less current portion)		685,317	685,764
Fair value of long-term debt	[1]	669,387	662,844
Senior unsecured notes
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		400,000	400,000
Term Loan B, Maturing 2024
Components of Long-term debt
Total outstanding principal		$ 295,500	$ 296,250
[1]	Fair value of the Senior Notes is estimated based on quoted private market transactions and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the term loan B is based on observable estimates provided by third party financial professionals, and as such, is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Det

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details)	Apr. 04, 2018	Oct. 02, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs				$ 7,183,000	$ 7,486,000
Senior 5.125% Unsecured Notes, Due 2025 | Senior unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face value			$ 400,000,000
Debt stated rate			5.125%
Debt issuance costs			$ 7,000,000
Senior 5.125% Unsecured Notes, Due 2025 | Senior unsecured notes | Redemption Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price			100.00%
Senior 5.125% Unsecured Notes, Due 2025 | Senior unsecured notes | Redemption Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt redemption price			40.00%
Term Loan B, Maturing 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face value		$ 300,000,000
Interest rate reduction	25.00%
Net leverage ratio requirement		2.75
Variable interest rate				4.50%	4.34%
Weighted average interest rate				4.50%
Unsecured subordinated notes payable periodic payment		$ 3,000,000
Term Loan B, Maturing 2024 | Minimum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range		2.00%
Term Loan B, Maturing 2024 | Maximum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range		1.75%
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit and term loan agreement			$ 150,000,000
Net leverage ratio requirement				5.5
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility				0.30%
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Minimum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range			1.75%
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility				0.50%
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Revolving credit facility | Maximum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR plus margin range			2.50%
Amended and restated revolving credit facility | Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding				$ 6,000,000	$ 100,000

Other Liabilities (Details)

Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other liabilities
Employee compensation and benefits	$ 21,616	$ 19,775
Deferred FCC repack income	26,601	20,620
Programming liability	57,040	43,825
Liability for pension benefits	197,380	198,444
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	816	811
Other	10,502	11,067
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$ 313,955	$ 294,542

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Other Changes in Certain Working Capital Accounts, Net
Accounts receivable	$ 4,031	$ 9,166
Other current assets	(4,812)	(3,508)
Accounts payable	4,539	4,251
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	(22,399)	(13,516)
Other accrued liabilities	335	1,412
Unearned revenue	(3,339)	(169)
Other, net	(4,131)	106
Total	$ (25,776)	$ (2,258)

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 4,608	$ 4,228
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense, Discontinued Operations	0	203
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense, Continuing Operations	4,608	4,025
Defined contribution plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	2,995	2,793
Multi-employer plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	41	47
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Interest cost	5,800	5,925
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(5,058)	(5,732)
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost	572	921
Total for defined benefit pension plans	1,314	1,114
SERPs
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 258	$ 274

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrat

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
SERPs
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan	$ 0.3
Estimated future contributions	1
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan	1.7
Estimated future contributions	$ 16.9

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details) - Local Media	Mar. 31, 2019affiliate
ABC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	17
NBC affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	5
FOX affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
CBS affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
My TV Affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
CW affiliate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	1
Independent station
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	2
Azteca America affiliates
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of affiliates	4

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	$ 292,163	$ 254,191
Segment profit (loss)	140	(628)
Acquisition and related integration costs	(3,480)	0
Restructuring costs	(938)	(3,807)
Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets	(17,792)	(15,420)
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property and equipment	(173)	(717)
Interest expense	(8,916)	(8,759)
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(1,572)	(1,388)
Miscellaneous, net	(800)	167
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(11,148)	(10,608)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	8,975	8,099
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets	8,817	7,321
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment	14,212	11,234
Local Media
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	203,387	192,059
Segment profit (loss)	34,173	31,619
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	7,591	7,556
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets	3,958	3,705
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment	9,480	9,500
National Media
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	87,317	60,721
Segment profit (loss)	4,941	2,035
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	1,004	96
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets	4,521	3,278
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment	4,290	1,674
Other
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	1,459	1,411
Segment profit (loss)	(433)	(251)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	38	38
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment	31	0
Shared services and corporate
Information regarding business segments
Segment profit (loss)	(16,158)	(14,087)
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	342	409
Amortization of intangible assets:
Total amortization of intangible assets	338	338
Additions to property and equipment:
Total additions to property and equipment	$ 411	$ 60

Segment Information - Disaggreg

Segment Information - Disaggregation of Revenue Generating Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 292,163	$ 254,191
Core advertising
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	173,361	166,553
Political
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	880	2,584
Retransmission and carriage
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	87,283	71,060
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenues	$ 30,639	$ 13,994

Capital Stock (Details)

Capital Stock (Details)	Feb. 25, 2019$ / sharesshares	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)directorcommon_share$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Classes of common shares | common_share			2
Accelerated share repurchase program, agreement to repurchase		$ 25,000,000
Accelerated share repurchases, payment				$ 25,000,000		$ 25,000,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares | shares	147,164			1,300,000
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share | $ / shares	$ 16.70
Accelerated Share Repurchase Program, Amount Of Shares Repurchased, Percent						80.00%
Stock repurchased during period, value			$ 584,000		$ 4,409,000
Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Minimum number of directors up for election to entitle shareholders to vote | director			0.3333
Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Minimum number of directors up for election to entitle shareholders to vote | director			3
Common stock, Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$ 100,000,000
Stock repurchased during period, value			$ 600,000		$ 4,400,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized amount			$ 49,700,000
Common stock, Class A | Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 15.54		$ 13.29
Common stock, Class A | Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 18.72		$ 16.86

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (95,397)	$ (102,922)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	460	740
Net current-period other comprehensive income	460	740
Ending balance	(94,937)	(102,182)
Defined Benefit Pension Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	155	248
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(95,365)	(102,955)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	460	740
Net current-period other comprehensive income	460	740
Ending balance	(94,905)	(102,215)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other Category
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(32)	33
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income	0	0
Ending balance	$ (32)	$ 33

Noncontrolling Interest (Detail

Noncontrolling Interest (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Ownership in joint venture by noncontrolling owners	30.00%

Assets Held for Sale and Disc_3

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details) - Radio Segment - Disposed of by sale $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018radio_station
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of radio stations | radio_station		34
Impairment of goodwill | $	$ 20,000

Assets Held for Sale and Disc_4

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Details) - Radio Segment - Disposed of by sale $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 13,299
Total costs and expenses	(11,516)
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	(20,000)
Other, net	(148)
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes	(18,365)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	139
Net loss from discontinued operations	$ (18,504)