Sinclair Broadcast (SBGI) 10-Q 6 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 30, 2015
Entity Listings
Entity Registrant Name	SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	912,752
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Class A Common Stock
Entity Listings
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		68,792,483
Class B Common Stock
Entity Listings
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,928,357

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 119,389	$ 17,682
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,575 and $4,246, respectively		387,110	383,503
Current portion of program contract costs		120,598	88,198
Income taxes receivable		0	3,314
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		35,951	27,842
Deferred barter costs		9,201	5,626
Total current assets		672,249	526,165
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion		23,533	38,531
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net		746,662	752,538
GOODWILL		1,951,428	1,964,553
BROADCAST LICENSES		133,174	135,075
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		1,763,693	1,818,263
OTHER ASSETS		189,708	175,203
Total assets	[1]	5,480,447	5,410,328
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable		6,683	12,248
Accrued liabilities		265,787	248,600
Income taxes payable		3,295	0
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		67,222	113,116
Current portion of notes and capital leases payable to affiliates		3,036	2,625
Current portion of program contracts payable		130,337	104,922
Deferred barter revenues		8,871	5,806
Deferred tax liabilities		6,689	6,689
Total current liabilities		491,920	494,006
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		3,804,877	3,754,822
Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion		15,870	16,309
Program contracts payable, less current portion		60,313	60,605
Deferred tax liabilities		583,613	602,243
Other long-term liabilities		72,593	77,000
Total liabilities		$ 5,029,186	$ 5,004,985
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Additional paid-in capital		$ 961,709	$ 979,202
Accumulated deficit		(479,600)	(545,820)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(6,277)	(6,455)
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		476,779	427,882
Noncontrolling interests		(25,518)	(22,539)
Total equity		451,261	405,343
Total liabilities and equity		5,480,447	5,410,328
Class A Common Stock
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common Stock		688	696
Class B Common Stock
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common Stock		$ 259	$ 259
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $162.3 million and $163.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $39.6 million and $30.0 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 4,575	$ 4,246
Total assets of variable interest entities	162,300	163,300
Total liabilities of variable interest entities	$ 39,600	$ 30,000
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	68,762,925	69,578,899
Common Stock, shares outstanding	68,762,925	69,578,899
Class B Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	140,000,000	140,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	25,928,357	25,928,357
Common Stock, shares outstanding	25,928,357	25,928,357

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
REVENUES:
Station broadcast revenues, net of agency commissions	$ 497,353	$ 448,056	$ 1,463,854	$ 1,226,088
Revenues realized from station barter arrangements	28,618	28,482	79,950	85,843
Other operating divisions revenues	22,433	18,418	63,542	50,809
Total revenues	548,404	494,956	1,607,346	1,362,740
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Station production expenses	186,449	150,263	538,552	411,605
Station selling, general and administrative expenses	105,196	97,303	309,884	261,823
Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements	23,105	24,764	66,898	75,769
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	29,841	28,622	90,014	76,137
Other operating divisions expenses	17,705	14,919	50,194	41,697
Depreciation of property and equipment	25,476	25,342	75,938	74,972
Corporate general and administrative expenses	16,209	15,218	46,379	46,873
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	40,014	34,478	119,439	84,195
Research and development expenses	4,803	2,384	11,555	3,967
Total operating expenses	448,798	393,293	1,308,853	1,077,038
Operating income	99,606	101,663	298,493	285,702
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs	(48,566)	(47,950)	(142,878)	(127,609)
Income from equity and cost method investments	252	1,928	5,405	2,768
Other income, net	(48)	651	1,220	2,583
Total other expense, net	(48,362)	(45,371)	(136,253)	(122,258)
Income before income taxes	51,244	56,292	162,240	163,444
INCOME TAX PROVISION	(7,210)	(7,524)	(46,971)	(45,418)
NET INCOME	44,034	48,768	115,269	118,026
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(779)	(427)	(1,945)	(1,192)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	$ 43,255	$ 48,341	$ 113,324	$ 116,834
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.165	$ 0.165	$ 0.495	$ 0.465
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP:
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	0.46	0.50	1.19	1.20
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.45	$ 0.49	$ 1.18	$ 1.19
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	95,002	97,154	95,146	97,712
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	95,692	97,896	95,837	98,414

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 44,034	$ 48,768	$ 115,269	$ 118,026
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes	10	41	178	121
Unrealized gain(loss) on investments, net of taxes	0	(319)	0	285
Comprehensive income	44,044	48,490	115,447	118,432
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(779)	(427)	(1,945)	(1,192)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 43,265	$ 48,063	$ 113,502	$ 117,240

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUIT

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests	Class A Common Stock	Class A Common StockCommon Stock	Class B Common Stock	Class B Common StockCommon Stock
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 405,704	$ 1,094,918	$ (696,996)	$ (2,553)	$ 9,334		$ 741		$ 260
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013							74,145,569		26,028,357
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(45,322)		(45,322)
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock (in shares)							50,000		(50,000)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(108,476)	(108,438)					$ (38)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock (in shares)							(3,914,506)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	9,552	9,550					$ 2
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)							185,590
Tax benefit on share based awards	1,399	1,399
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3,046)				(3,046)
Deconsolidation of variable interest equity	(23,800)	4,518		(546)	(27,772)
Other comprehensive income	406			406
Net income	118,026		116,834		1,192
BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2014	354,443	1,001,947	(625,484)	(2,693)	(20,292)		$ 705		$ 260
BALANCE (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014							70,466,653		25,978,357
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2014	405,343	979,202	(545,820)	(6,455)	(22,539)		$ 696		$ 259
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014						69,578,899	69,578,899	25,928,357	25,928,357
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(47,104)		(47,104)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	$ (28,823)	(28,812)					$ (11)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock (in shares)	(1,100,000)						(1,107,887)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	$ 10,619	10,616					$ 3
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)							291,911
Tax benefit on share based awards	703	703
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(6,655)				(6,655)
Other comprehensive income	178			178
Issuance of subsidiary stock awards	1,731				1,731
Net income	115,269		113,324		1,945
BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 451,261	$ 961,709	$ (479,600)	$ (6,277)	$ (25,518)		$ 688		$ 259
BALANCE (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015						68,762,925	68,762,923	25,928,357	25,928,357

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Net income	$ 115,269	$ 118,026
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment	75,938	74,972
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets	119,439	84,195
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	90,014	76,137
Stock-based compensation expense	14,778	11,433
Deferred tax benefit	(19,623)	(23,214)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Decrease in accounts receivable	563	17,376
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets	(11,643)	(13,570)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	5,895	76,381
Net change in net income taxes payable/receivable	5,623	21,569
Payments on program contracts payable	(82,594)	(69,505)
Real estate held for development and sale	(5,540)	(12,645)
Other, net	3,369	(2,758)
Net cash flows from operating activities	311,488	358,397
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(72,476)	(58,151)
Payments for acquisition of television stations	(15,514)	(1,071,428)
Payments for acquisition of assets in other operating divisions	0	(8,273)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(31,340)	(15,647)
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets	23,650	83,200
Increase in restricted cash	0	(92,583)
Distributions from equity and cost method investees	9,972	3,044
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(43,068)	(7,958)
Proceeds from termination of life insurance policies	0	17,042
Other, net	1,243	3,892
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(127,533)	(1,146,862)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	379,481	1,061,490
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(375,104)	(286,417)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(47,104)	(45,322)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(28,823)	(108,438)
Payments for deferred financing cost	(3,847)	(15,010)
Noncontrolling interests distributions	(6,655)	(4,294)
Other, net	(196)	5,702
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(82,248)	607,711
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	101,707	(180,754)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	17,682	280,104
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$ 119,389	$ 99,350

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary. Noncontrolling interests represents a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Interim Financial Statements The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, such financial statements have been presented on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of equity (deficit) and consolidated statements of cash flows for these periods as adjusted for the adoption of recent accounting pronouncements discussed below. As permitted under the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures normally included with audited consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC. The consolidated statements of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of operations for an entire year. Variable Interest Entities In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. The assets of each of our consolidated VIEs can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE. All the liabilities are non-recourse to us except for certain debt of VIEs which we guarantee. Third-party station licensees. Certain of our stations provide services to other station owners within the same respective market, such as LMAs, where we provide programming, sales, operational and administrative services, and JSAs and SSAs, where we provide non-programming, sales, operational and administrative services. In certain cases, we have also entered into purchase agreements or options to purchase, the license related assets of the licensee. We typically own the majority of the non-license assets of the stations and in some cases where the licensee acquired the license assets concurrent with our acquisition of the non-license assets of the station, we have provided guarantees to the bank for the licensee’s acquisition financing. The terms of the agreements vary, but generally have initial terms of over five years with several optional renewal terms. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we have concluded that 37 of these licensees are VIEs. Based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in the stations, we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and because we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs. Several of these VIEs are owned by a related party, Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham). See Note 8. Related Party Transactions for more information about the arrangements with Cunningham. The net revenues of the stations which we consolidate were $71.0 million and $68.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The net revenues of the stations which we consolidate were $207.6 million and $207.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fees paid between us and the licensees pursuant to these arrangements are eliminated in consolidation. See Changes in the Rules of Television Ownership and Joint Sale Agreements within Note 6. Commitments and Contingencies for discussion of recent changes in FCC rules related to JSAs. Up until third quarter of 2014, we had consolidated Cunningham (parent entity), in addition to their stations that we perform services for, as we had previously determined that it was a VIE because it had insufficient equity at risk. As of September 30, 2014, we concluded that Cunningham was no longer a VIE given its significant equity at risk in assets that we have no involvement with, and deconsolidated this entity, along with WTAT and WYZZ, stations that Cunningham acquired from us in July 2014 and November 2013, respectively, with which we have no continuing involvement. As a result of the deconsolidation, we recorded the difference between the proceeds received from Cunningham for the sale of WTAT and WYZZ to additional paid in capital in the consolidated balance sheet, as well as reflected the noncontrolling interest deficit of the remaining Cunningham VIEs which represents their significant cumulative distributions made to Cunningham (parent entity) that were previously eliminated in consolidation. As of the dates indicated, the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented (in thousands): September 30, December 31, ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 490 $ 491 Accounts receivable 19,952 19,521 Current portion of program contract costs 16,776 9,544 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 395 297 Total current assets 37,613 29,853 PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion 5,544 6,922 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 8,238 9,716 GOODWILL 787 787 BROADCAST LICENSES 16,935 16,935 DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net 86,274 96,732 OTHER ASSETS 6,924 2,376 Total assets $ 162,315 $ 163,321 LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $ 26 $ 68 Accrued liabilities 1,277 1,297 Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing 3,680 3,659 Current portion of program contracts payable 15,904 9,714 Total current liabilities 20,887 14,738 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion 25,458 28,640 Program contracts payable, less current portion 12,757 10,161 Long term liabilities 9,652 8,739 Total liabilities $ 68,754 $ 62,278 The amounts above represent the consolidated assets and liabilities of the VIEs described above, for which we are the primary beneficiary, and have been aggregated as they all relate to our broadcast business. Excluded from the amounts above are payments made to Cunningham under the LMA which are treated as a prepayment of the purchase price of the stations and capital leases between us and Cunningham which are eliminated in consolidation. The cumulative payments made under these LMAs that were treated as a prepayment of purchase price as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , which are excluded from liabilities above, were $36.8 million and $34.4 million , respectively. The total capital lease liabilities, net of capital lease assets, excluded from the above were $4.6 million for September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . Also excluded from the amounts above are liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options with certain VIEs totaling $76.1 million and $78.1 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, as these amounts are eliminated in consolidation. The risk and reward characteristics of the VIEs are similar. Other investments. We have investments in other real estate ventures and investment companies which are considered VIEs. However, we do not participate in the management of these entities including the day-to-day operating decisions or other decisions which would allow us to control the entity, and therefore, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. We account for these entities using the equity or cost method of accounting. The carrying amounts of our investments in these VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $18.9 million and $22.7 million , respectively, which are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Our maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value of our investments. The income and loss related to these investments are recorded in income from equity and cost method investments in the consolidated statement of operations. We recorded income of $0.7 million and $6.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , and income of $2.2 million and $3.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively, related to these investments. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue recognition for revenue from contracts with customers. This guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. The new standard was to be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB decided to defer the effective date by one year to the annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017, however, early adoption as of the original effective date will be permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on disclosure of uncertainties about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new standard is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the current consolidation guidance on the determination of whether an entity is a variable interest entity. This new standard is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is allowed, including in any interim period. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance related to the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet. The guidance requires costs paid to third parties that are directly attributable to issuing a debt instrument to be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt as opposed to an asset. The new standard is effective for the annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted, and is required to be applied retrospectively. We applied the change in accounting as of June 30, 2015 with retrospective application to prior periods. As such, within our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, we have decreased the amounts previously reported as other assets and notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion by $41.8 million . The change in accounting principle does not have an impact on our statements of operations or cash flows. In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the recognition of measurement period adjustments in connection with business combinations. The new standard eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments and now requires the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment, including the impact on prior periods, be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. The new standard also requires an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes, the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustments had been recognized as of the acquisition date. We have early adopted this guidance effective September 30, 2015. We made certain immaterial measurement period adjustments related to prior period acquisitions during the three months ended September 30, 2015. See Note 2. Acquisitions for more information. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue Recognition Total revenues include: (i) cash and barter advertising revenues, net of agency commissions; (ii) retransmission consent fees; (iii) network compensation; (iv) other broadcast revenues and (v) revenues from our other operating divisions. Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period during which time spots are aired. Our retransmission consent agreements contain both advertising and retransmission consent elements. We have determined that our retransmission consent agreements are revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. Advertising and retransmission consent deliverables sold under our agreements are separated into different units of accounting at fair value. Revenue applicable to the advertising element of the arrangement is recognized similar to the advertising revenue policy noted above. Revenue applicable to the retransmission consent element of the arrangement is recognized over the life of the agreement. Network compensation revenue is recognized over the term of the contract. All other revenues are recognized as services are provided. Post-retirement Benefits We are required to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of our pension plan in our consolidated financial statements. The pension liability, representing the underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plan, was $4.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, which is included within other long-term liabilities within our consolidated balance sheet. We have received regulatory approval to fully settle the benefit obligations and terminate the plan in the fourth quarter of 2015. The accounting for the full settlement of the plan obligations is expected to be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015, when we are fully relieved of our benefit obligation via lump sum distributions and/or the purchase of annuity contracts. Upon final settlement, we expect to record $5.8 million of pension expense, which includes the recognition of $3.4 million of unamortized actuarial losses currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Income Taxes Our income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes. The tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is based on the estimated effective tax rate applicable for the full year after taking into account discrete tax items and the effects of the noncontrolling interests. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis. A valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial portion of our available state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards, based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary book/tax basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income. Our effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was less than the statutory rate primarily due to 1) a reduction in liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $5.7 million , in the third quarter, as a result of statute of limitations expiration and 2) a $3.3 million adjustment to the income tax provision upon finalization of the 2014 federal income tax return, primarily related to greater than originally projected available income tax deductions and credits. Our effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was less than the statutory rate primarily due to a reduction in liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $11.0 million , in the third quarter, as a result of statute of limitations expiration. We believe it is reasonably possible that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to continuing operations could be reduced by up to $1.3 million , in the next twelve months, as a result of expected statute of limitations expirations, the application of limits under available state administrative practice exceptions, and the resolution of examination issues and settlements with federal and certain state tax authorities. During the three months ended December 31, 2015, we expect to record a deferred tax benefit of approximately $13 million related to the realization of capital losses upon the sale of stock of a subsidiary during the fourth quarter of 2015. Share Repurchase Program On October 28, 1999, we announced a $150.0 million share repurchase program, which was renewed on February 6, 2008. On March 20, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. There is no expiration date and currently, management has no plans to terminate this program. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we have purchased approximately 1.1 million shares for $28.8 million . For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , we purchased 0.8 million shares for $21.0 million . As of September 30, 2015 , the total remaining authorization was $105.5 million . Reclassificiations Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year's presentation.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS: During 2015, we acquired one television station in Chattanooga, TN for a cash purchase price of $15.5 million , which was financed with cash on hand. During 2014, we acquired a total of 21 stations in 15 markets for a purchase price of $1,434.5 million plus working capital of $47.2 million . All of these acquisitions provide expansion into additional markets and increases value based on the synergies we are achieving. 2014 Acquisitions Allbritton. Effective August 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding common stock of Perpetual Corporation and equity interest of Charleston Television, LLC (together the “Allbritton Companies”) for $985.0 million plus working capital of $50.1 million . The Allbritton Companies owned and operated nine television stations in the following seven markets, all of which were affiliated with ABC: Washington, DC; Birmingham, AL; Harrisburg, PA; Little Rock / Pine Bluff, AR; Tulsa, OK; Roanoke / Lynchburg, VA; and Charleston, SC. Also included in the purchase was NewsChannel 8, a 24 -hour cable/satellite news network covering the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. We financed the total purchase price with proceeds from the issuance of 5.625% senior unsecured notes, a draw on our amended bank credit agreement, and cash on hand. In connection with the acquisition, we sold the acquired assets related to the Harrisburg, PA station effective September 1, 2014. See Note 3. Disposition of Assets for further discussion. MEG Stations. Effective December 19, 2014, we completed the acquisition of four television stations in three markets from Media General, Inc. (MEG Stations) for a purchase price of $207.5 million less working capital of $1.6 million . The acquired stations are located in the following markets: Providence, RI / New Bedford, MA; Green Bay / Appleton, WI; and Savannah, GA. Simultaneously, we sold to Media General, our television stations in Tampa, FL and Colorado Springs, CO. See Note 3. Disposition of Assets for further discussion. We financed the purchase price, net of the proceeds received from the sale of those stations, with borrowings under our revolving credit facility. KSNV. Effective November 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of KSNV (NBC) in Las Vegas, NV from Intermountain West Communications Company (Intermountain West) for $118.5 million less working capital of $0.2 million . In conjunction with the purchase, we assumed the rights under the affiliation agreement with NBC and swapped our KVMY call letters for the KSNV call letters with Intermountain West. We financed the total purchase price with cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Other 2014 Acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2014 , we acquired certain assets related to eight other television stations in the following four markets: Wilkes Barre / Scranton, PA; Tallahassee, FL; Gainesville, FL; and Macon, GA. The purchase price for these stations was $123.5 million less working capital of $1.1 million which was financed with cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. The following tables summarize the allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including the net assets of consolidated VIEs (in thousands): MEG Stations KSNV Allbritton Other Total 2014 acquisitions Accounts receivable $ — $ — $ 38,542 $ — $ 38,542 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 476 67 19,890 79 20,512 Program contract costs 1,954 482 1,204 2,561 6,201 Property and equipment 23,462 8,300 46,600 8,400 86,762 Broadcast licenses 675 — 13,700 125 14,500 Definite-lived intangible assets 125,925 62,700 564,100 71,025 823,750 Other assets — — 20,352 1,500 21,852 Assets held for sale — — 83,200 — 83,200 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (2,085 ) (277 ) (8,351 ) (1,143 ) (11,856 ) Program contracts payable (1,914 ) (481 ) (1,140 ) (2,554 ) (6,089 ) Deferred tax liability — — (261,291 ) — (261,291 ) Other long term liabilities — (1,200 ) (17,263 ) — (18,463 ) Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired 148,493 69,591 499,543 79,993 797,620 Goodwill 57,398 48,699 535,694 42,443 684,234 Total $ 205,891 $ 118,290 $ 1,035,237 $ 122,436 $ 1,481,854 The allocations presented above are based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. In estimating the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates. The purchase prices have been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on estimated fair values. The allocations related to the MEG Stations , KSNV , and Other acquisitions are preliminary pending a final determination of the fair values of the assets and liabilities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we made certain immaterial measurement period adjustments to the initial purchase accounting for the acquisitions in 2014, resulting in reclassifications between certain noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, including a decrease to property and equipment of approximately $12.5 million , a decrease to broadcast licenses of $3.5 million , an increase to definite-lived intangible assets of $33.7 million , and a decrease to goodwill of $17.6 million , as well as a corresponding decrease to depreciation of $0.6 million and an increase to amortization of $0.3 million , respectively. These intangible assets will be amortized over the estimated remaining useful lives of 15 years for network affiliations and 10 - 15 years for the customer relationships. Acquired property and equipment will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and noncontractual relationships, as well as expected future synergies. Other intangible assets will be amortized over the respective weighted average useful lives ranging from 14 to 16 years. The following tables summarize the amounts allocated to definite-lived intangible assets representing the estimated fair values and estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes (in thousands): MEG Stations KSNV Allbritton Other Total 2014 acquisitions Network affiliations $ 56,925 $ 44,775 $ 356,900 $ 42,625 $ 501,225 Customer relationships 46,500 17,925 207,200 27,400 299,025 Other intangible assets 22,500 — — 1,000 23,500 Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired $ 125,925 $ 62,700 $ 564,100 $ 71,025 $ 823,750 Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes $ 57,398 $ 48,699 $ — $ 42,443 $ 148,540 In connection with the acquisitions, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 , we incurred a total of $4.4 million , of costs primarily related to legal and other professional services, which we expensed as incurred and classified as corporate general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Pro Forma Information The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , assuming that the above acquisitions, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisitions, occurred at the beginning of the year preceding the year of acquisition. The pro forma results exclude acquisitions presented under Other above, as they were deemed not material both individually and in the aggregate (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended 2014 2014 Total revenues $ 526,587 $ 1,527,507 Net Income $ 37,081 $ 97,909 Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 36,654 $ 96,717 Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 0.38 $ 0.99 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 0.37 $ 0.98 This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and is not indicative of what our results would have been had we operated the businesses since the beginning of the annual period presented because the pro forma results do not reflect expected synergies. The pro forma adjustments reflect depreciation expense, amortization of intangibles and amortization of program contract costs related to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions, and exclusion of nonrecurring financing and transaction related costs. Depreciation and amortization expense are higher than amounts recorded in the historical financial statements of the acquirees due to the fair value adjustments recorded for long-lived tangibles and intangible assets in purchase accounting. The pro forma revenues exclude the revenues of WHTM-TV (ABC) in Harrisburg/Lancaster/York, PA, WTTA-TV (MNT) in Tampa, FL, and KXRM/KXTU (FOX) in Colorado Springs, CO which were sold in connection with the above acquisitions.

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISPOSITION OF ASSETS	DISPOSITION OF ASSETS: Dispositions Related to Station Acquisitions As discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions , in December 2014, we completed the acquisition of certain broadcast assets from Media General. Simultaneously, we sold to Media General the broadcast assets of WTTA (MNT) in Tampa, FL and KXRM/KXTU (FOX) in Colorado Springs, CO for $93.1 million less working capital of $0.6 million . Concurrent with the acquisition of the Allbritton companies discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions , due to FCC multiple ownership rules, we sold WHTM (ABC) in Harrisburg/Lancaster/York, PA to Media General in September 2014 for $83.4 million , less working capital of $0.2 million and the non-license assets of WTAT (FOX) in Charleston, SC to Cunningham for $14.0 million , effective August 1, 2014. WHTM was acquired from the Allbritton companies and assets of WHTM were classified as assets held for sale in the Allbritton purchase price allocation. We did not recognize a gain or loss on this transaction. Prior to the sale of WTAT, we operated the station under an LMA and purchase agreement with Cunningham. This sale was accounted for as a transaction between parties under common control. See Note 8. Related Party Transactions for further discussion. Assets Held for Sale In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) guidance on reporting assets held for sale, we reported our assets and liabilities related to Triangle Sign & Service, LLC (Triangle) as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 . It is no longer our intent to divest of Triangle and therefore the assets and liabilities are not classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2015 . The results of operations related to Triangle are included within the results of continuing operations as the criteria for classification as discontinued operations was not met. As of December 31, 2014 , the major classes of assets and liabilities of the asset group accounted for as held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet which are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets , Other Assets , and Accrued liabilities , respectively, are shown below (in thousands): December 31, 2014 Assets: Accounts receivable $ 5,101 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,403 Total current assets held for sale 6,504 Property and equipment (a) 1,036 Goodwill 2,975 Definite-lived intangible assets 2,962 Total noncurrent assets held for sale $ 6,973 Total assets held for sale $ 13,477 Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1,096 Accrued liabilities 1,360 Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing 21 Total liabilities held for sale $ 2,477 (a) Excluded from the above is $1.8 million in held for sale assets as of December 31, 2014 related to certain real estate assets within our broadcast segment. Due to the this amount being immaterial to the consolidated financial statements, the amount is classified in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENCES AN

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENCES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: Goodwill, which arises from the purchase price exceeding the assigned value of the net assets of an acquired business, represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible elements being acquired. Goodwill totaled $1,951.4 million and $1,964.6 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. The change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations was as follows (in thousands): Broadcast Other Operating Divisions Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2014 Goodwill $ 2,377,613 $ 513 $ 2,378,126 Accumulated impairment losses (413,573 ) — (413,573 ) 1,964,040 513 1,964,553 Acquisition of television stations 1,514 — 1,514 Measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions (17,614 ) — (17,614 ) Change in assets held for sale (a) — 2,975 2,975 Balance at September 30, 2015 Goodwill 2,361,513 3,488 2,365,001 Accumulated impairment losses (413,573 ) — (413,573 ) $ 1,947,940 $ 3,488 $ 1,951,428 (a) During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we concluded that the assets of Triangle were no longer classified as assets held for sale. See Note 3. Disposition of Assets for further discussion. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the carrying amount of our broadcast licenses was as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2015 Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 135,075 Acquisition of television stations 1,684 Sale of broadcast assets (75 ) Measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions (3,510 ) Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 133,174 The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles (in thousands): As of September 30, 2015 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Network affiliation (a) $ 1,400,316 $ (325,111 ) $ 1,075,205 Customer relationships (a) 759,818 (212,292 ) 547,526 Other (b) 218,680 (77,718 ) 140,962 Total $ 2,378,814 $ (615,121 ) $ 1,763,693 As of December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Network affiliation (a) $ 1,396,792 $ (257,526 ) $ 1,139,266 Customer relationships (a) 749,292 (177,453 ) 571,839 Other (b) 174,442 (67,284 ) 107,158 Total $ 2,320,526 $ (502,263 ) $ 1,818,263 (a) Changes between the gross carrying value from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 , relate to the acquisition of stations in 2015 and measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions . (b) The increase in other intangible assets includes $31.3 million in additions from other operating divisions in 2015, and measurement period adjustments as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions . We did not have any indicators of impairment for goodwill, broadcast licenses, definite-lived intangibles, or other long-lived assets in any interim period during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 .

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BA

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCINGS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING	NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING: As of September 30, 2015 , we had $321.1 million and $1,367.4 million outstanding under our term loan A and term loan B, net of $1.7 million and $15.8 million deferred financing costs and debt discounts, respectively. As discussed under Recent Accounting Pronouncements in Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , we early adopted the FASB issued guidance related to the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet. The guidance requires costs paid to third parties that are directly attributable to issuing a debt instrument to be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt as opposed to an asset. Effective April 30, 2015, we entered into an amendment and restatement of our bank credit agreement. Pursuant to the Amendment, we raised an additional $350.0 million of incremental term loan B commitments, which mature in July 2021 and bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% with a 0.75% LIBOR floor. The incremental term loan B borrowings were issued under substantially the same terms as the existing term loan B agreement. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, from the amendment of term loan B were used to pay down the outstanding balance under our revolving credit facility, and for general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2015 , we had $482.9 million borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. We incurred $3.6 million of financing costs in connection with the amendment which are presented net of the carrying value of the debt in the consolidated balance sheet.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: Litigation We are a party to lawsuits and claims from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Actions currently pending are in various stages and no material judgments or decisions have been rendered by hearing boards or courts in connection with such actions. After reviewing developments to date with legal counsel, our management is of the opinion that the outcome of our pending and threatened matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows. Various parties have filed petitions to deny our applications or our LMA partners’ applications for the following stations’ license renewals: WXLV-TV, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; WMYV-TV, Greensboro, North Carolina; WLFL-TV, Raleigh / Durham, North Carolina; WRDC-TV, Raleigh / Durham, North Carolina; WLOS-TV, Asheville, North Carolina; WCIV-TV, Charleston, South Carolina (formerly WMMP-TV); WMYA-TV, Anderson, South Carolina; WICS-TV Springfield, Illinois; WBFF-TV, Baltimore, Maryland; WTTE-TV, Columbus, Ohio; WRGT-TV, Dayton, Ohio; WVAH-TV, Charleston / Huntington, West Virginia; WCGV-TV, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and WTTO-TV in Birmingham, AL. The FCC is in the process of considering the renewal applications and we believe the petitions have no merit. Changes in the Rules of Television Ownership and Joint Sale Agreements On March 12, 2014, the FCC issued a public notice on the processing of broadcast television applications proposing sharing arrangements and contingent interests. The public notice indicated that the FCC will closely scrutinize any broadcast assignment or transfer application that proposes that two or more stations in the same market will enter into an agreement to share facilities, employees and/or services or to jointly acquire programming or sell advertising including through a JSA, LMA or similar agreement and enter into an option, right of first refusal, put /call arrangement or other similar contingent interest, or a loan guarantee. We cannot now predict what actions the FCC may require in connection with the processing of applications for FCC consent to future transactions. In addition, on April 15, 2014, the FCC issued an order amending its multiple ownership rules to provide that, where two television stations are located in the same market, and a party with an attributable interest in one station sells more than 15% of the ad time per week of the other station, the party selling such ad time shall be treated as if it had an attributable ownership interest in the second station. The imputed ownership interest would be evaluated to determine whether it complies with the FCC’s ownership rules that limit the number of stations in which parties may hold attributable interests. The amended rule also requires that every JSA contain certain certifications that the licensee maintains ultimate control of the station subject to such contract, that such JSAs be filed with the Commission and made available for public review, and that JSAs that existed on the effective date of the new rule have two years to be terminated, amended or otherwise come into compliance with the new rules. The new rule is the subject of an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Under the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization (STELAR), which became law on December 4, 2014, Congress extended the period of time for parties to preexisting JSAs to come into compliance with the new rules for an additional six months, until December 19, 2016. A bill has been introduced into Congress proposing to permanently grandfather preexisting JSAs, but we cannot predict its likelihood of enactment. We cannot predict the outcome of that appeal. Among other things, the new JSA rule could limit our ability to create duopolies or other two-station operations in certain markets. We are currently evaluating whether to seek one or more waivers of the new rules, or to modify or terminate our current JSAs. We cannot predict whether we will be able to terminate or restructure such arrangements on terms that are as advantageous to us as the current arrangements. The revenues of these JSA arrangements we earned were $11.5 million and $11.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and $34.2 million and $33.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table reconciles income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in our computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 Income (Numerator) Net Income $ 44,034 $ 48,768 $ 115,269 $ 118,026 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (779 ) (427 ) (1,945 ) (1,192 ) Numerator for diluted earnings per common share available to common shareholders $ 43,255 $ 48,341 $ 113,324 $ 116,834 Shares (Denominator) Weighted-average common shares outstanding 95,002 97,154 95,146 97,712 Dilutive effect of stock-settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and outstanding stock options 690 742 691 702 Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 95,692 97,896 95,837 98,414 There were 0.2 million anti-dilutive shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , and no anti-dilutive shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 .

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS Transactions with our controlling shareholders David, Frederick, J. Duncan and Robert Smith (collectively, the controlling shareholders) are brothers and hold substantially all of the Class B Common Stock and some of our Class A Common Stock. We engaged in the following transactions with them and/or entities in which they have substantial interests. Leases. Certain assets used by us and our operating subsidiaries are leased from Cunningham Communications Inc., Keyser Investment Group, Gerstell Development Limited Partnership and Beaver Dam, LLC (entities owned by the controlling shareholders). Lease payments made to these entities were $1.3 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , and $3.9 million and $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. In September 2015, we were granted authority by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate an experimental facility in Washington D.C. and Baltimore markets to implement a Single Frequency Network (SFN) using the base elements of the new ATSC 3.0 transmission standard. In conjunction with this experimental facility, Cunningham Communications, Inc. will be providing tower space without charge. Charter Aircraft. We lease aircraft owned by certain controlling shareholders. We incurred expenses of $0.4 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , and $1.0 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation As of September 30, 2015 , Cunningham was the owner-operator and FCC licensee of WNUV-TV Baltimore, Maryland; WRGT-TV Dayton, Ohio; WVAH-TV Charleston, West Virginia; WMYA-TV Anderson, South Carolina; WTTE-TV Columbus, Ohio; WDBB-TV Birmingham, Alabama; WBSF-TV Flint, Michigan; and WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV Traverse City/Cadillac, Michigan (collectively, the Cunningham Stations), as well as WTAT-TV Charleston, South Carolina, and WYZZ Peoria/Bloomington, IL. During the first quarter of 2013, the estate of Carolyn C. Smith, a mother of our controlling shareholders, distributed all of the non-voting stock owned by the estate to our controlling shareholders, and a portion was repurchased by Cunningham for $1.7 million in the aggregate. During the second quarter of 2014, Cunningham purchased the remaining amount of non-voting stock from the controlling shareholders for an aggregate purchase price of $2.0 million . The estate of Mrs. Smith currently owns all of the voting stock. The sale of the voting stock by the estate to an unrelated party is pending approval of the FCC. We also had options from the trusts, which granted us the right to acquire, subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations, 100% of the voting and nonvoting stock of Cunningham, up until September 30, 2014, when these options were terminated. As discussed under Variable Interest Entities in Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , during the third quarter of 2014, we deconsolidated Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation as we determined it was no longer a VIE. We continue to consolidate certain of its subsidiaries with which we continue to have variable interests through various arrangements related to the Cunningham Stations discussed further below. As of September 30, 2015 , certain of our stations provide programming, sales and managerial services pursuant to LMAs to six of the Cunningham stations: WNUV-TV, WRGT-TV, WVAH-TV, WMYA-TV, WTTE-TV, and WDBB-TV (collectively, the Cunningham LMA Stations). Each of these LMAs has a current term that expires on July 1, 2016 and there are three additional 5 - year renewal terms remaining with final expiration on July 1, 2031. We also executed purchase agreements to acquire the license related assets of these stations from Cunningham, which grant us the right to acquire, and grant Cunningham the right to require us to acquire, subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations, 100% of the capital stock or the assets of these individual subsidiaries of Cunningham. Our applications to acquire these license related assets are pending FCC approval. The LMA and purchase agreement with WTAT-TV was terminated concurrent with Cunningham’s purchase of the non-license assets of this station from us for $14.0 million effective August 1, 2014. We no longer have any continuing involvement in the operations of this station. Pursuant to the terms of the LMAs, options and other agreements, beginning on January 1, 2013, we were obligated to pay Cunningham an annual LMA fee for the television stations equal to the greater of (i) 3% of each station’s annual net broadcast revenue and (ii) $5.0 million . The aggregate purchase price of the television stations, which was originally $78.5 million pursuant to certain acquisition or merger agreements subject to 6% annual increases, was decreased by each payment made by us to Cunningham, through 2012, of $29.1 million in the aggregate. Additionally, we reimburse these Cunningham LMA Stations for 100% of their operating costs. In July 2014, concurrent with the termination of the LMA with WTAT-TV, the total LMA fee for the remaining Cunningham LMA Stations was reduced by $4.7 million to remove the fee associated with WTAT-TV. The remaining aggregate purchase price of these stations, excluding WTAT-TV, as of September 30, 2015 was approximately $53.6 million . We made payments to Cunningham under our LMAs with these stations of $2.1 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $7.8 million and $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , Cunningham LMA Stations provided us with approximately $23.8 million and $26.0 million , respectively, and approximately $69.1 million and $82.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, of total revenue. Cunningham owns the license related assets of WBSF-TV and WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV. We provide certain non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services to these stations pursuant to certain outsourcing agreements. The agreements with WBSF-TV and WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV expire in November 2021 and August 2023, respectively, and each has renewal provisions for successive eight year periods. Additionally, we have provided a guarantee on the bank debt of these licensees of $2.8 million as of September 30, 2015 . Under these arrangements, we earned $1.5 million and $0.9 million from the services we performed for these stations for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $4.2 million and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As we consolidate the licensees as VIEs, the amounts we earn under the arrangements are eliminated in consolidation and the gross revenues of the stations are reported within our consolidated statement of operations. Our consolidated revenues related to these stations include $2.0 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $5.7 million and $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Atlantic Automotive Corporation We sold advertising time to and purchased vehicles and related vehicle services from Atlantic Automotive Corporation (Atlantic Automotive), a holding company that owns automobile dealerships and an automobile leasing company. David D. Smith, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has a controlling interest in, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Atlantic Automotive. We received payments for advertising totaling $0.1 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , and $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Additionally, in August 2011, Atlantic Automotive entered into an office lease agreement with Towson City Center, LLC (Towson City Center), a subsidiary of one of our real estate ventures. Atlantic Automotive paid $0.3 million in rent during the both three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , and $0.9 million and $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Leased property by real estate ventures Certain of our real estate ventures have entered into leases with entities owned by David Smith to lease restaurant space. There are leases for three restaurants in a building owned by one of our consolidated real estate ventures in Baltimore, MD. Total rent received under these leases was $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , and $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. There is also one lease for a restaurant in a building owned by one of our real estate ventures, accounted for under the equity method, in Towson, MD. This investment received $0.1 million in rent pursuant to the lease for both the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , and $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Payments for services provided by these three restaurants to us was less than $0.1 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 .

SEGMENT DATA

SEGMENT DATA	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT DATA	SEGMENT DATA We measure segment performance based on operating income (loss). Our broadcast segment includes stations in 79 markets located throughout the continental United States. Our other operating divisions primarily consist of sign design and fabrication; regional security alarm operating and bulk acquisitions; manufacturing and service of broadcast antennas; service of broadcast transmitters; real estate ventures; and other private equity investments. All of our other operating divisions are located within the United States. Corporate costs primarily include our costs to operate as a public company and to operate our corporate headquarters location. Other Operating Divisions and Corporate are not reportable segments but are included for reconciliation purposes. We had approximately $226.0 million and $172.3 million of intercompany loans between the broadcast segment, other operating divisions and corporate as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We had $6.1 million and $5.3 million in intercompany interest expense related to intercompany loans between the broadcast segment, other operating divisions and corporate for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We had $16.9 million and $15.3 million in intercompany interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. All other intercompany transactions are immaterial. Segment financial information is included in the following tables for the periods presented (in thousands): For the three months ended September 30, 2015 Broadcast Other Operating Divisions Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 525,970 $ 22,434 $ — $ 548,404 Depreciation of property and equipment 24,531 666 279 25,476 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 37,601 2,413 — 40,014 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 29,841 — — 29,841 General and administrative overhead expenses 13,880 943 1,386 16,209 Operating income (loss) 105,353 720 (6,467 ) 99,606 Interest expense — 1,305 47,261 48,566 Income from equity and cost method investments — 252 — 252 Assets 4,918,943 399,546 161,958 5,480,447 For the three months ended September 30, 2014 Broadcast Other Operating Divisions Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 476,538 $ 18,418 $ — $ 494,956 Depreciation of property and equipment 24,516 559 267 25,342 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 32,724 1,754 — 34,478 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 28,622 — — 28,622 General and administrative overhead expenses 13,790 68 1,360 15,218 Operating income (loss) 104,776 897 (4,010 ) 101,663 Interest expense — 1,036 46,914 47,950 Income from equity and cost method investments — 1,928 — 1,928 For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 Broadcast Other Operating Divisions Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 1,543,804 $ 63,542 $ — $ 1,607,346 Depreciation of property and equipment 73,056 2,045 837 75,938 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 112,724 6,715 — 119,439 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 90,014 — — 90,014 General and administrative overhead expenses 40,036 2,468 3,875 46,379 Operating income (loss) 312,726 2,105 (16,338 ) 298,493 Interest expense — 3,541 139,337 142,878 Income from equity and cost method investments — 5,405 — 5,405 For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 Broadcast Other Operating Divisions Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 1,311,931 $ 50,809 $ — $ 1,362,740 Depreciation of property and equipment 72,455 1,716 801 74,972 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 79,238 4,957 — 84,195 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 76,137 — — 76,137 General and administrative overhead expenses 41,189 736 4,948 46,873 Operating income (loss) 293,942 1,476 (9,716 ) 285,702 Interest expense — 2,986 124,623 127,609 Income from equity and cost method investments — 2,768 — 2,768

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: Accounting guidance provides for valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). A fair value hierarchy using three broad levels prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The following is a brief description of those three levels: • Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. • Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions. The carrying value and fair value of our notes and debentures for the periods presented (in thousands): As of September 30, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Level 2: 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 $ 350,000 $ 351,792 $ 350,000 $ 355,800 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 500,000 500,510 500,000 503,475 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 550,000 511,500 550,000 532,813 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 600,000 576,066 600,000 595,068 Term Loan A 322,808 320,387 348,073 341,982 Term Loan B 1,379,299 1,365,467 1,035,883 1,029,997 Revolving credit facility — — 338,000 338,000 Debt of variable interest entities 27,553 27,553 30,167 30,167 Debt of other operating divisions 147,773 147,773 118,822 118,822

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCI

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Sinclair Television Group, Inc. (STG), a wholly-owned subsidiary and the television operating subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (SBG), is the primary obligor under the Bank Credit Agreement, the 5.375% Notes, the 5.625% Notes, 6.125% Notes, and 6.375% Notes. Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of September 30, 2015 , were obligations or securities of SBG and not obligations or securities of STG. SBG is a guarantor under the Bank Credit Agreement, the 5.375% Notes, 5.625% Notes, 6.125% Notes, and 6.375% Notes. As of September 30, 2015 , our consolidated total debt, net of deferred financing costs and debt discounts, of $3,891.0 million included $3,739.6 million related to STG and its subsidiaries of which SBG guaranteed $3,689.8 million . SBG, KDSM, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBG, and STG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (guarantor subsidiaries), have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, subject to certain customary automatic release provisions, all of STG’s obligations. Those guarantees are joint and several. There are certain contractual restrictions on the ability of SBG, STG or KDSM, LLC to obtain funds from their subsidiaries in the form of dividends or loans. The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows of SBG, STG, KDSM, LLC and the guarantor subsidiaries, the direct and indirect non-guarantor subsidiaries of SBG and the eliminations necessary to arrive at our information on a consolidated basis. These statements are presented in accordance with the disclosure requirements under SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash $ — $ 97,996 $ 259 $ 21,134 $ — $ 119,389 Accounts and other receivables — — 358,831 30,119 (1,840 ) 387,110 Other current assets 3,389 4,427 133,404 29,021 (4,491 ) 165,750 Total current assets 3,389 102,423 492,494 80,274 (6,331 ) 672,249 Property and equipment, net 3,168 21,815 558,045 171,961 (8,327 ) 746,662 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 445,261 3,448,508 4,179 — (3,897,948 ) — Goodwill — — 1,947,153 4,275 — 1,951,428 Broadcast licenses — — 116,239 16,935 — 133,174 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,618,218 206,671 (61,196 ) 1,763,693 Other long-term assets 57,036 641,820 113,984 155,148 (754,747 ) 213,241 Total assets $ 508,854 $ 4,214,566 $ 4,850,312 $ 635,264 $ (4,728,549 ) $ 5,480,447 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 165 $ 56,461 $ 192,444 $ 28,131 $ (4,731 ) $ 272,470 Current portion of long-term debt 55 55,344 1,525 10,298 — 67,222 Current portion of affiliate long-term debt 1,603 — 1,238 1,320 (1,125 ) 3,036 Other current liabilities 1,208 — 133,383 16,086 (1,485 ) 149,192 Total current liabilities 3,031 111,805 328,590 55,835 (7,341 ) 491,920 Long-term debt — 3,607,345 33,179 164,353 — 3,804,877 Affiliate long-term debt 2,284 — 11,779 360,036 (358,229 ) 15,870 Other liabilities 26,760 30,122 1,043,471 173,657 (557,491 ) 716,519 Total liabilities 32,075 3,749,272 1,417,019 753,881 (923,061 ) 5,029,186 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit) 476,779 465,294 3,433,293 (88,965 ) (3,809,622 ) 476,779 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — (29,652 ) 4,134 (25,518 ) Total liabilities and equity (deficit) $ 508,854 $ 4,214,566 $ 4,850,312 $ 635,264 $ (4,728,549 ) $ 5,480,447 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 (in thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash $ — $ 3,394 $ 1,749 $ 12,539 $ — $ 17,682 Accounts and other receivables — 164 359,486 25,111 (1,258 ) 383,503 Other current assets 5,741 12,996 98,751 19,225 (11,733 ) 124,980 Total current assets 5,741 16,554 459,986 56,875 (12,991 ) 526,165 Property and equipment, net 3,949 17,554 569,372 168,762 (7,099 ) 752,538 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 395,225 3,585,037 3,978 — (3,984,240 ) — Goodwill — — 1,963,254 1,299 — 1,964,553 Broadcast Licenses — — 118,115 16,960 — 135,075 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,698,919 184,441 (65,097 ) 1,818,263 Other long-term assets 65,988 555,877 134,454 128,247 (670,832 ) 213,734 Total assets $ 470,903 $ 4,175,022 $ 4,948,078 $ 556,584 $ (4,740,259 ) $ 5,410,328 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 541 $ 46,083 $ 201,102 $ 26,802 $ (13,680 ) $ 260,848 Current portion of long-term debt 529 42,953 1,302 68,332 — 113,116 Current portion of affiliate long-term debt 1,464 — 1,182 1,026 (1,047 ) 2,625 Other current liabilities 1,208 — 107,867 9,749 (1,407 ) 117,417 Total current liabilities 3,742 89,036 311,453 105,909 (16,134 ) 494,006 Long-term debt — 3,638,286 34,338 82,198 — 3,754,822 Affiliate long-term debt 3,508 — 12,802 319,901 (319,902 ) 16,309 Other liabilities 35,771 28,856 1,003,213 169,935 (497,927 ) 739,848 Total liabilities 43,021 3,756,178 1,361,806 677,943 (833,963 ) 5,004,985 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit) 427,882 418,844 3,586,272 (94,632 ) (3,910,484 ) 427,882 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — (26,727 ) 4,188 (22,539 ) Total liabilities and equity (deficit) $ 470,903 $ 4,175,022 $ 4,948,078 $ 556,584 $ (4,740,259 ) $ 5,410,328 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ — $ 515,097 $ 53,845 $ (20,538 ) $ 548,404 Program and production — — 185,371 19,548 (18,470 ) 186,449 Selling, general and administrative 930 14,386 102,730 3,392 (33 ) 121,405 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 266 1,040 105,681 35,487 (1,530 ) 140,944 Total operating expenses 1,196 15,426 393,782 58,427 (20,033 ) 448,798 Operating (loss) income (1,196 ) (15,426 ) 121,315 (4,582 ) (505 ) 99,606 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 43,480 88,687 100 — (132,267 ) — Interest expense (93 ) (45,784 ) (1,140 ) (7,721 ) 6,172 (48,566 ) Other income (expense) 957 (407 ) 3 (349 ) — 204 Total other income (expense) 44,344 42,496 (1,037 ) (8,070 ) (126,095 ) (48,362 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 107 20,235 (30,126 ) 2,574 — (7,210 ) Net income (loss) 43,255 47,305 90,152 (10,078 ) (126,600 ) 44,034 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (799 ) 20 (779 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 43,255 $ 47,305 $ 90,152 $ (10,877 ) $ (126,580 ) $ 43,255 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 44,044 $ 47,315 $ 90,152 $ (10,078 ) $ (127,389 ) $ 44,044 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ — $ 466,786 $ 47,747 $ (19,577 ) $ 494,956 Program and production — 84 149,488 19,095 (18,404 ) 150,263 Selling, general and administrative 1,129 13,474 94,829 3,589 (500 ) 112,521 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 267 1,187 103,969 25,393 (307 ) 130,509 Total operating expenses 1,396 14,745 348,286 48,077 (19,211 ) 393,293 Operating (loss) income (1,396 ) (14,745 ) 118,500 (330 ) (366 ) 101,663 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 47,744 84,122 — — (131,866 ) — Interest expense (138 ) (44,986 ) (1,209 ) (7,119 ) 5,502 (47,950 ) Other income (expense) 2,449 (100 ) 5 248 (23 ) 2,579 Total other income (expense) 50,055 39,036 (1,204 ) (6,871 ) (126,387 ) (45,371 ) Income tax benefit (provision) (318 ) 21,961 (31,678 ) 2,511 — (7,524 ) Net income (loss) 48,341 46,252 85,618 (4,690 ) (126,753 ) 48,768 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (447 ) 20 (427 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 48,341 $ 46,252 $ 85,618 $ (5,137 ) $ (126,733 ) $ 48,341 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 48,490 $ 46,293 $ 85,618 $ (5,456 ) $ (126,455 ) $ 48,490 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ — $ 1,514,173 $ 153,757 $ (60,584 ) $ 1,607,346 Program and production — — 535,098 59,947 (56,493 ) 538,552 Selling, general and administrative 3,432 40,598 302,656 9,715 (138 ) 356,263 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 799 2,624 317,240 95,873 (2,498 ) 414,038 Total operating expenses 4,231 43,222 1,154,994 165,535 (59,129 ) 1,308,853 Operating (loss) income (4,231 ) (43,222 ) 359,179 (11,778 ) (1,455 ) 298,493 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 114,176 238,635 — — (352,811 ) — Interest expense (301 ) (134,626 ) (3,481 ) (21,898 ) 17,428 (142,878 ) Other income (expense) 3,250 (116 ) 269 3,222 — 6,625 Total other income (expense) 117,125 103,893 (3,212 ) (18,676 ) (335,383 ) (136,253 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 430 60,435 (113,403 ) 5,567 — (46,971 ) Net income (loss) 113,324 121,106 242,564 (24,887 ) (336,838 ) 115,269 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (1,999 ) 54 (1,945 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 113,324 $ 121,106 $ 242,564 $ (26,886 ) $ (336,784 ) $ 113,324 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 115,447 $ 121,132 $ 242,713 $ (24,885 ) $ (338,960 ) $ 115,447 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ — $ 1,287,200 $ 136,701 $ (61,161 ) $ 1,362,740 Program and production — 274 409,661 58,998 (57,328 ) 411,605 Selling, general and administrative 3,169 42,019 255,655 9,500 (1,647 ) 308,696 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 801 3,432 284,248 69,358 (1,102 ) 356,737 Total operating expenses 3,970 45,725 949,564 137,856 (60,077 ) 1,077,038 Operating (loss) income (3,970 ) (45,725 ) 337,636 (1,155 ) (1,084 ) 285,702 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 117,093 221,774 — — (338,867 ) — Interest expense (446 ) (118,816 ) (3,675 ) (20,646 ) 15,974 (127,609 ) Other income (expense) 4,036 282 563 533 (63 ) 5,351 Total other income (expense) 120,683 103,240 (3,112 ) (20,113 ) (322,956 ) (122,258 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 121 58,437 (108,411 ) 4,435 — (45,418 ) Net income (loss) 116,834 115,952 226,113 (16,833 ) (324,040 ) 118,026 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (1,245 ) 53 (1,192 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 116,834 $ 115,952 $ 226,113 $ (18,078 ) $ (323,987 ) $ 116,834 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 118,432 $ 116,073 $ 226,113 $ (17,793 ) $ (324,393 ) $ 118,432 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (8,709 ) $ (66,929 ) $ 390,101 $ (21,156 ) $ 18,181 $ 311,488 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (7,687 ) (64,693 ) (1,603 ) 1,507 (72,476 ) Payments for acquisition of television stations — — (15,514 ) — — (15,514 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (31,340 ) — (31,340 ) Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets — — 23,650 — — 23,650 Investments in equity and cost method investees — (7,486 ) (27 ) (35,555 ) — (43,068 ) Other, net 3,776 539 530 6,370 — 11,215 Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 3,776 (14,634 ) (56,054 ) (62,128 ) 1,507 (127,533 ) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 349,559 — 29,922 — 379,481 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases (473 ) (370,011 ) (937 ) (3,683 ) — (375,104 ) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (47,104 ) — — — — (47,104 ) Payments for deferred financing cost — (3,604 ) — (243 ) — (3,847 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (28,823 ) — — — — (28,823 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 82,410 200,108 (335,447 ) 72,757 (19,828 ) — Noncontrolling interests distributions — — — (6,655 ) — (6,655 ) Other, net (1,077 ) 113 847 (219 ) 140 (196 ) Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities 4,933 176,165 (335,537 ) 91,879 (19,688 ) (82,248 ) NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 94,602 (1,490 ) 8,595 — 101,707 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 3,394 1,749 12,539 — 17,682 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 97,996 $ 259 $ 21,134 $ — $ 119,389 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (27,282 ) $ (77,257 ) $ 426,702 $ 22,125 $ 14,109 $ 358,397 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (8,482 ) (47,961 ) (1,708 ) — (58,151 ) Payments for acquisition of television stations — — (1,071,428 ) — — (1,071,428 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (15,647 ) — (15,647 ) Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets — — 83,200 — — 83,200 Decrease in restricted cash — (9,600 ) (82,983 ) — — (92,583 ) Investments in equity and cost method investees — — — (7,958 ) — (7,958 ) Payments for acquisition of assets in other operating divisions — — — (8,273 ) — (8,273 ) Proceeds from termination of life insurance policies — 17,042 — — — 17,042 Other, net 1,000 — 5,000 936 — 6,936 Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 1,000 (1,040 ) (1,114,172 ) (32,650 ) — (1,146,862 ) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 1,040,796 — 20,694 — 1,061,490 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases (408 ) (280,121 ) (743 ) (5,145 ) — (286,417 ) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (45,322 ) — — — — (45,322 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (108,438 ) — — — — (108,438 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 178,331 (821,116 ) 663,350 (6,456 ) (14,109 ) — Other, net 2,119 (15,010 ) (784 ) 73 — (13,602 ) Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities 26,282 (75,451 ) 661,823 9,166 (14,109 ) 607,711 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — (153,748 ) (25,647 ) (1,359 ) — (180,754 ) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 237,974 28,594 13,536 — 280,104 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 84,226 $ 2,947 $ 12,177 $ — $ 99,350

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN19

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary. Noncontrolling interests represents a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. The assets of each of our consolidated VIEs can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE. All the liabilities are non-recourse to us except for certain debt of VIEs which we guarantee. Third-party station licensees. Certain of our stations provide services to other station owners within the same respective market, such as LMAs, where we provide programming, sales, operational and administrative services, and JSAs and SSAs, where we provide non-programming, sales, operational and administrative services. In certain cases, we have also entered into purchase agreements or options to purchase, the license related assets of the licensee. We typically own the majority of the non-license assets of the stations and in some cases where the licensee acquired the license assets concurrent with our acquisition of the non-license assets of the station, we have provided guarantees to the bank for the licensee’s acquisition financing. The terms of the agreements vary, but generally have initial terms of over five years with several optional renewal terms. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we have concluded that 37 of these licensees are VIEs. Based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in the stations, we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and because we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs. Several of these VIEs are owned by a related party, Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham). See Note 8. Related Party Transactions for more information about the arrangements with Cunningham. The net revenues of the stations which we consolidate were $71.0 million and $68.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The net revenues of the stations which we consolidate were $207.6 million and $207.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fees paid between us and the licensees pursuant to these arrangements are eliminated in consolidation. See Changes in the Rules of Television Ownership and Joint Sale Agreements within Note 6. Commitments and Contingencies for discussion of recent changes in FCC rules related to JSAs. Up until third quarter of 2014, we had consolidated Cunningham (parent entity), in addition to their stations that we perform services for, as we had previously determined that it was a VIE because it had insufficient equity at risk. As of September 30, 2014, we concluded that Cunningham was no longer a VIE given its significant equity at risk in assets that we have no involvement with, and deconsolidated this entity, along with WTAT and WYZZ, stations that Cunningham acquired from us in July 2014 and November 2013, respectively, with which we have no continuing involvement. As a result of the deconsolidation, we recorded the difference between the proceeds received from Cunningham for the sale of WTAT and WYZZ to additional paid in capital in the consolidated balance sheet, as well as reflected the noncontrolling interest deficit of the remaining Cunningham VIEs which represents their significant cumulative distributions made to Cunningham (parent entity) that were previously eliminated in consolidation. As of the dates indicated, the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented (in thousands): September 30, December 31, ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 490 $ 491 Accounts receivable 19,952 19,521 Current portion of program contract costs 16,776 9,544 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 395 297 Total current assets 37,613 29,853 PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion 5,544 6,922 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 8,238 9,716 GOODWILL 787 787 BROADCAST LICENSES 16,935 16,935 DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net 86,274 96,732 OTHER ASSETS 6,924 2,376 Total assets $ 162,315 $ 163,321 LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $ 26 $ 68 Accrued liabilities 1,277 1,297 Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing 3,680 3,659 Current portion of program contracts payable 15,904 9,714 Total current liabilities 20,887 14,738 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion 25,458 28,640 Program contracts payable, less current portion 12,757 10,161 Long term liabilities 9,652 8,739 Total liabilities $ 68,754 $ 62,278 The amounts above represent the consolidated assets and liabilities of the VIEs described above, for which we are the primary beneficiary, and have been aggregated as they all relate to our broadcast business. Excluded from the amounts above are payments made to Cunningham under the LMA which are treated as a prepayment of the purchase price of the stations and capital leases between us and Cunningham which are eliminated in consolidation. The cumulative payments made under these LMAs that were treated as a prepayment of purchase price as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , which are excluded from liabilities above, were $36.8 million and $34.4 million , respectively. The total capital lease liabilities, net of capital lease assets, excluded from the above were $4.6 million for September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . Also excluded from the amounts above are liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options with certain VIEs totaling $76.1 million and $78.1 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, as these amounts are eliminated in consolidation. The risk and reward characteristics of the VIEs are similar. Other investments. We have investments in other real estate ventures and investment companies which are considered VIEs. However, we do not participate in the management of these entities including the day-to-day operating decisions or other decisions which would allow us to control the entity, and therefore, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. We account for these entities using the equity or cost method of accounting.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue recognition for revenue from contracts with customers. This guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. The new standard was to be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB decided to defer the effective date by one year to the annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017, however, early adoption as of the original effective date will be permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on disclosure of uncertainties about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new standard is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the current consolidation guidance on the determination of whether an entity is a variable interest entity. This new standard is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is allowed, including in any interim period. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance related to the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet. The guidance requires costs paid to third parties that are directly attributable to issuing a debt instrument to be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt as opposed to an asset. The new standard is effective for the annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted, and is required to be applied retrospectively. We applied the change in accounting as of June 30, 2015 with retrospective application to prior periods. As such, within our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, we have decreased the amounts previously reported as other assets and notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion by $41.8 million . The change in accounting principle does not have an impact on our statements of operations or cash flows. In September 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the recognition of measurement period adjustments in connection with business combinations. The new standard eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments and now requires the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment, including the impact on prior periods, be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. The new standard also requires an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes, the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustments had been recognized as of the acquisition date. We have early adopted this guidance effective September 30, 2015. We made certain immaterial measurement period adjustments related to prior period acquisitions during the three months ended September 30, 2015. See Note 2. Acquisitions for more information. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Total revenues include: (i) cash and barter advertising revenues, net of agency commissions; (ii) retransmission consent fees; (iii) network compensation; (iv) other broadcast revenues and (v) revenues from our other operating divisions. Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period during which time spots are aired. Our retransmission consent agreements contain both advertising and retransmission consent elements. We have determined that our retransmission consent agreements are revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. Advertising and retransmission consent deliverables sold under our agreements are separated into different units of accounting at fair value. Revenue applicable to the advertising element of the arrangement is recognized similar to the advertising revenue policy noted above. Revenue applicable to the retransmission consent element of the arrangement is recognized over the life of the agreement. Network compensation revenue is recognized over the term of the contract. All other revenues are recognized as services are provided.
Post-retirement Benefits	Post-retirement Benefits We are required to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of our pension plan in our consolidated financial statements. The pension liability, representing the underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plan, was $4.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, which is included within other long-term liabilities within our consolidated balance sheet. We have received regulatory approval to fully settle the benefit obligations and terminate the plan in the fourth quarter of 2015. The accounting for the full settlement of the plan obligations is expected to be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015, when we are fully relieved of our benefit obligation via lump sum distributions and/or the purchase of annuity contracts. Upon final settlement, we expect to record $5.8 million of pension expense, which includes the recognition of $3.4 million of unamortized actuarial losses currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Our income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes. The tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is based on the estimated effective tax rate applicable for the full year after taking into account discrete tax items and the effects of the noncontrolling interests. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis. A valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial portion of our available state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards, based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary book/tax basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income.
Share Repurchase Program	Share Repurchase Program On October 28, 1999, we announced a $150.0 million share repurchase program, which was renewed on February 6, 2008. On March 20, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. There is no expiration date and currently, management has no plans to terminate this program. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we have purchased approximately 1.1 million shares for $28.8 million . For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , we purchased 0.8 million shares for $21.0 million . As of September 30, 2015 , the total remaining authorization was $105.5 million .
Reclassifications	Reclassificiations Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year's presentation.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN20

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of VIEs	As of the dates indicated, the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented (in thousands): September 30, December 31, ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 490 $ 491 Accounts receivable 19,952 19,521 Current portion of program contract costs 16,776 9,544 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 395 297 Total current assets 37,613 29,853 PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion 5,544 6,922 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 8,238 9,716 GOODWILL 787 787 BROADCAST LICENSES 16,935 16,935 DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net 86,274 96,732 OTHER ASSETS 6,924 2,376 Total assets $ 162,315 $ 163,321 LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $ 26 $ 68 Accrued liabilities 1,277 1,297 Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing 3,680 3,659 Current portion of program contracts payable 15,904 9,714 Total current liabilities 20,887 14,738 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion 25,458 28,640 Program contracts payable, less current portion 12,757 10,161 Long term liabilities 9,652 8,739 Total liabilities $ 68,754 $ 62,278

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of allocated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed	The following tables summarize the allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including the net assets of consolidated VIEs (in thousands): MEG Stations KSNV Allbritton Other Total 2014 acquisitions Accounts receivable $ — $ — $ 38,542 $ — $ 38,542 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 476 67 19,890 79 20,512 Program contract costs 1,954 482 1,204 2,561 6,201 Property and equipment 23,462 8,300 46,600 8,400 86,762 Broadcast licenses 675 — 13,700 125 14,500 Definite-lived intangible assets 125,925 62,700 564,100 71,025 823,750 Other assets — — 20,352 1,500 21,852 Assets held for sale — — 83,200 — 83,200 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (2,085 ) (277 ) (8,351 ) (1,143 ) (11,856 ) Program contracts payable (1,914 ) (481 ) (1,140 ) (2,554 ) (6,089 ) Deferred tax liability — — (261,291 ) — (261,291 ) Other long term liabilities — (1,200 ) (17,263 ) — (18,463 ) Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired 148,493 69,591 499,543 79,993 797,620 Goodwill 57,398 48,699 535,694 42,443 684,234 Total $ 205,891 $ 118,290 $ 1,035,237 $ 122,436 $ 1,481,854
Schedule of allocated to definite-lived intangible assets	The following tables summarize the amounts allocated to definite-lived intangible assets representing the estimated fair values and estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes (in thousands): MEG Stations KSNV Allbritton Other Total 2014 acquisitions Network affiliations $ 56,925 $ 44,775 $ 356,900 $ 42,625 $ 501,225 Customer relationships 46,500 17,925 207,200 27,400 299,025 Other intangible assets 22,500 — — 1,000 23,500 Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired $ 125,925 $ 62,700 $ 564,100 $ 71,025 $ 823,750 Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes $ 57,398 $ 48,699 $ — $ 42,443 $ 148,540
Schedule of unaudited pro forma results of operations	The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , assuming that the above acquisitions, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisitions, occurred at the beginning of the year preceding the year of acquisition. The pro forma results exclude acquisitions presented under Other above, as they were deemed not material both individually and in the aggregate (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended 2014 2014 Total revenues $ 526,587 $ 1,527,507 Net Income $ 37,081 $ 97,909 Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 36,654 $ 96,717 Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 0.38 $ 0.99 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 0.37 $ 0.98

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS (Tables)

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2014 , the major classes of assets and liabilities of the asset group accounted for as held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet which are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets , Other Assets , and Accrued liabilities , respectively, are shown below (in thousands): December 31, 2014 Assets: Accounts receivable $ 5,101 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,403 Total current assets held for sale 6,504 Property and equipment (a) 1,036 Goodwill 2,975 Definite-lived intangible assets 2,962 Total noncurrent assets held for sale $ 6,973 Total assets held for sale $ 13,477 Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1,096 Accrued liabilities 1,360 Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing 21 Total liabilities held for sale $ 2,477 (a) Excluded from the above is $1.8 million in held for sale assets as of December 31, 2014 related to certain real estate assets within our broadcast segment. Due to the this amount being immaterial to the consolidated financial statements, the amount is classified in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENCES 23

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENCES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations was as follows (in thousands): Broadcast Other Operating Divisions Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2014 Goodwill $ 2,377,613 $ 513 $ 2,378,126 Accumulated impairment losses (413,573 ) — (413,573 ) 1,964,040 513 1,964,553 Acquisition of television stations 1,514 — 1,514 Measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions (17,614 ) — (17,614 ) Change in assets held for sale (a) — 2,975 2,975 Balance at September 30, 2015 Goodwill 2,361,513 3,488 2,365,001 Accumulated impairment losses (413,573 ) — (413,573 ) $ 1,947,940 $ 3,488 $ 1,951,428 (a) During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we concluded that the assets of Triangle were no longer classified as assets held for sale. See Note 3. Disposition of Assets for further discussion.
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the carrying amount of our broadcast licenses was as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2015 Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 135,075 Acquisition of television stations 1,684 Sale of broadcast assets (75 ) Measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions (3,510 ) Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 133,174
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization	The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles (in thousands): As of September 30, 2015 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Network affiliation (a) $ 1,400,316 $ (325,111 ) $ 1,075,205 Customer relationships (a) 759,818 (212,292 ) 547,526 Other (b) 218,680 (77,718 ) 140,962 Total $ 2,378,814 $ (615,121 ) $ 1,763,693 As of December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Network affiliation (a) $ 1,396,792 $ (257,526 ) $ 1,139,266 Customer relationships (a) 749,292 (177,453 ) 571,839 Other (b) 174,442 (67,284 ) 107,158 Total $ 2,320,526 $ (502,263 ) $ 1,818,263 (a) Changes between the gross carrying value from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015 , relate to the acquisition of stations in 2015 and measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions . (b) The increase in other intangible assets includes $31.3 million in additions from other operating divisions in 2015, and measurement period adjustments as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions .

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of reconciliation of income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in computation of diluted earnings per share	The following table reconciles income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in our computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2015 2014 2015 2014 Income (Numerator) Net Income $ 44,034 $ 48,768 $ 115,269 $ 118,026 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (779 ) (427 ) (1,945 ) (1,192 ) Numerator for diluted earnings per common share available to common shareholders $ 43,255 $ 48,341 $ 113,324 $ 116,834 Shares (Denominator) Weighted-average common shares outstanding 95,002 97,154 95,146 97,712 Dilutive effect of stock-settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and outstanding stock options 690 742 691 702 Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 95,692 97,896 95,837 98,414

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment financial information	Segment financial information is included in the following tables for the periods presented (in thousands): For the three months ended September 30, 2015 Broadcast Other Operating Divisions Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 525,970 $ 22,434 $ — $ 548,404 Depreciation of property and equipment 24,531 666 279 25,476 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 37,601 2,413 — 40,014 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 29,841 — — 29,841 General and administrative overhead expenses 13,880 943 1,386 16,209 Operating income (loss) 105,353 720 (6,467 ) 99,606 Interest expense — 1,305 47,261 48,566 Income from equity and cost method investments — 252 — 252 Assets 4,918,943 399,546 161,958 5,480,447 For the three months ended September 30, 2014 Broadcast Other Operating Divisions Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 476,538 $ 18,418 $ — $ 494,956 Depreciation of property and equipment 24,516 559 267 25,342 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 32,724 1,754 — 34,478 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 28,622 — — 28,622 General and administrative overhead expenses 13,790 68 1,360 15,218 Operating income (loss) 104,776 897 (4,010 ) 101,663 Interest expense — 1,036 46,914 47,950 Income from equity and cost method investments — 1,928 — 1,928 For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 Broadcast Other Operating Divisions Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 1,543,804 $ 63,542 $ — $ 1,607,346 Depreciation of property and equipment 73,056 2,045 837 75,938 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 112,724 6,715 — 119,439 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 90,014 — — 90,014 General and administrative overhead expenses 40,036 2,468 3,875 46,379 Operating income (loss) 312,726 2,105 (16,338 ) 298,493 Interest expense — 3,541 139,337 142,878 Income from equity and cost method investments — 5,405 — 5,405 For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 Broadcast Other Operating Divisions Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 1,311,931 $ 50,809 $ — $ 1,362,740 Depreciation of property and equipment 72,455 1,716 801 74,972 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 79,238 4,957 — 84,195 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 76,137 — — 76,137 General and administrative overhead expenses 41,189 736 4,948 46,873 Operating income (loss) 293,942 1,476 (9,716 ) 285,702 Interest expense — 2,986 124,623 127,609 Income from equity and cost method investments — 2,768 — 2,768

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS_ (Table

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of carrying value and fair value of notes and debentures	The carrying value and fair value of our notes and debentures for the periods presented (in thousands): As of September 30, 2015 As of December 31, 2014 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Level 2: 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 $ 350,000 $ 351,792 $ 350,000 $ 355,800 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 500,000 500,510 500,000 503,475 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 550,000 511,500 550,000 532,813 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 600,000 576,066 600,000 595,068 Term Loan A 322,808 320,387 348,073 341,982 Term Loan B 1,379,299 1,365,467 1,035,883 1,029,997 Revolving credit facility — — 338,000 338,000 Debt of variable interest entities 27,553 27,553 30,167 30,167 Debt of other operating divisions 147,773 147,773 118,822 118,822

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN27

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheet	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash $ — $ 97,996 $ 259 $ 21,134 $ — $ 119,389 Accounts and other receivables — — 358,831 30,119 (1,840 ) 387,110 Other current assets 3,389 4,427 133,404 29,021 (4,491 ) 165,750 Total current assets 3,389 102,423 492,494 80,274 (6,331 ) 672,249 Property and equipment, net 3,168 21,815 558,045 171,961 (8,327 ) 746,662 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 445,261 3,448,508 4,179 — (3,897,948 ) — Goodwill — — 1,947,153 4,275 — 1,951,428 Broadcast licenses — — 116,239 16,935 — 133,174 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,618,218 206,671 (61,196 ) 1,763,693 Other long-term assets 57,036 641,820 113,984 155,148 (754,747 ) 213,241 Total assets $ 508,854 $ 4,214,566 $ 4,850,312 $ 635,264 $ (4,728,549 ) $ 5,480,447 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 165 $ 56,461 $ 192,444 $ 28,131 $ (4,731 ) $ 272,470 Current portion of long-term debt 55 55,344 1,525 10,298 — 67,222 Current portion of affiliate long-term debt 1,603 — 1,238 1,320 (1,125 ) 3,036 Other current liabilities 1,208 — 133,383 16,086 (1,485 ) 149,192 Total current liabilities 3,031 111,805 328,590 55,835 (7,341 ) 491,920 Long-term debt — 3,607,345 33,179 164,353 — 3,804,877 Affiliate long-term debt 2,284 — 11,779 360,036 (358,229 ) 15,870 Other liabilities 26,760 30,122 1,043,471 173,657 (557,491 ) 716,519 Total liabilities 32,075 3,749,272 1,417,019 753,881 (923,061 ) 5,029,186 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit) 476,779 465,294 3,433,293 (88,965 ) (3,809,622 ) 476,779 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — (29,652 ) 4,134 (25,518 ) Total liabilities and equity (deficit) $ 508,854 $ 4,214,566 $ 4,850,312 $ 635,264 $ (4,728,549 ) $ 5,480,447 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 (in thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash $ — $ 3,394 $ 1,749 $ 12,539 $ — $ 17,682 Accounts and other receivables — 164 359,486 25,111 (1,258 ) 383,503 Other current assets 5,741 12,996 98,751 19,225 (11,733 ) 124,980 Total current assets 5,741 16,554 459,986 56,875 (12,991 ) 526,165 Property and equipment, net 3,949 17,554 569,372 168,762 (7,099 ) 752,538 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 395,225 3,585,037 3,978 — (3,984,240 ) — Goodwill — — 1,963,254 1,299 — 1,964,553 Broadcast Licenses — — 118,115 16,960 — 135,075 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,698,919 184,441 (65,097 ) 1,818,263 Other long-term assets 65,988 555,877 134,454 128,247 (670,832 ) 213,734 Total assets $ 470,903 $ 4,175,022 $ 4,948,078 $ 556,584 $ (4,740,259 ) $ 5,410,328 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 541 $ 46,083 $ 201,102 $ 26,802 $ (13,680 ) $ 260,848 Current portion of long-term debt 529 42,953 1,302 68,332 — 113,116 Current portion of affiliate long-term debt 1,464 — 1,182 1,026 (1,047 ) 2,625 Other current liabilities 1,208 — 107,867 9,749 (1,407 ) 117,417 Total current liabilities 3,742 89,036 311,453 105,909 (16,134 ) 494,006 Long-term debt — 3,638,286 34,338 82,198 — 3,754,822 Affiliate long-term debt 3,508 — 12,802 319,901 (319,902 ) 16,309 Other liabilities 35,771 28,856 1,003,213 169,935 (497,927 ) 739,848 Total liabilities 43,021 3,756,178 1,361,806 677,943 (833,963 ) 5,004,985 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit) 427,882 418,844 3,586,272 (94,632 ) (3,910,484 ) 427,882 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — (26,727 ) 4,188 (22,539 ) Total liabilities and equity (deficit) $ 470,903 $ 4,175,022 $ 4,948,078 $ 556,584 $ (4,740,259 ) $ 5,410,328
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ — $ 515,097 $ 53,845 $ (20,538 ) $ 548,404 Program and production — — 185,371 19,548 (18,470 ) 186,449 Selling, general and administrative 930 14,386 102,730 3,392 (33 ) 121,405 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 266 1,040 105,681 35,487 (1,530 ) 140,944 Total operating expenses 1,196 15,426 393,782 58,427 (20,033 ) 448,798 Operating (loss) income (1,196 ) (15,426 ) 121,315 (4,582 ) (505 ) 99,606 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 43,480 88,687 100 — (132,267 ) — Interest expense (93 ) (45,784 ) (1,140 ) (7,721 ) 6,172 (48,566 ) Other income (expense) 957 (407 ) 3 (349 ) — 204 Total other income (expense) 44,344 42,496 (1,037 ) (8,070 ) (126,095 ) (48,362 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 107 20,235 (30,126 ) 2,574 — (7,210 ) Net income (loss) 43,255 47,305 90,152 (10,078 ) (126,600 ) 44,034 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (799 ) 20 (779 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 43,255 $ 47,305 $ 90,152 $ (10,877 ) $ (126,580 ) $ 43,255 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 44,044 $ 47,315 $ 90,152 $ (10,078 ) $ (127,389 ) $ 44,044 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ — $ 466,786 $ 47,747 $ (19,577 ) $ 494,956 Program and production — 84 149,488 19,095 (18,404 ) 150,263 Selling, general and administrative 1,129 13,474 94,829 3,589 (500 ) 112,521 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 267 1,187 103,969 25,393 (307 ) 130,509 Total operating expenses 1,396 14,745 348,286 48,077 (19,211 ) 393,293 Operating (loss) income (1,396 ) (14,745 ) 118,500 (330 ) (366 ) 101,663 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 47,744 84,122 — — (131,866 ) — Interest expense (138 ) (44,986 ) (1,209 ) (7,119 ) 5,502 (47,950 ) Other income (expense) 2,449 (100 ) 5 248 (23 ) 2,579 Total other income (expense) 50,055 39,036 (1,204 ) (6,871 ) (126,387 ) (45,371 ) Income tax benefit (provision) (318 ) 21,961 (31,678 ) 2,511 — (7,524 ) Net income (loss) 48,341 46,252 85,618 (4,690 ) (126,753 ) 48,768 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (447 ) 20 (427 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 48,341 $ 46,252 $ 85,618 $ (5,137 ) $ (126,733 ) $ 48,341 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 48,490 $ 46,293 $ 85,618 $ (5,456 ) $ (126,455 ) $ 48,490 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ — $ 1,514,173 $ 153,757 $ (60,584 ) $ 1,607,346 Program and production — — 535,098 59,947 (56,493 ) 538,552 Selling, general and administrative 3,432 40,598 302,656 9,715 (138 ) 356,263 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 799 2,624 317,240 95,873 (2,498 ) 414,038 Total operating expenses 4,231 43,222 1,154,994 165,535 (59,129 ) 1,308,853 Operating (loss) income (4,231 ) (43,222 ) 359,179 (11,778 ) (1,455 ) 298,493 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 114,176 238,635 — — (352,811 ) — Interest expense (301 ) (134,626 ) (3,481 ) (21,898 ) 17,428 (142,878 ) Other income (expense) 3,250 (116 ) 269 3,222 — 6,625 Total other income (expense) 117,125 103,893 (3,212 ) (18,676 ) (335,383 ) (136,253 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 430 60,435 (113,403 ) 5,567 — (46,971 ) Net income (loss) 113,324 121,106 242,564 (24,887 ) (336,838 ) 115,269 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (1,999 ) 54 (1,945 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 113,324 $ 121,106 $ 242,564 $ (26,886 ) $ (336,784 ) $ 113,324 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 115,447 $ 121,132 $ 242,713 $ (24,885 ) $ (338,960 ) $ 115,447 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ — $ 1,287,200 $ 136,701 $ (61,161 ) $ 1,362,740 Program and production — 274 409,661 58,998 (57,328 ) 411,605 Selling, general and administrative 3,169 42,019 255,655 9,500 (1,647 ) 308,696 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 801 3,432 284,248 69,358 (1,102 ) 356,737 Total operating expenses 3,970 45,725 949,564 137,856 (60,077 ) 1,077,038 Operating (loss) income (3,970 ) (45,725 ) 337,636 (1,155 ) (1,084 ) 285,702 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 117,093 221,774 — — (338,867 ) — Interest expense (446 ) (118,816 ) (3,675 ) (20,646 ) 15,974 (127,609 ) Other income (expense) 4,036 282 563 533 (63 ) 5,351 Total other income (expense) 120,683 103,240 (3,112 ) (20,113 ) (322,956 ) (122,258 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 121 58,437 (108,411 ) 4,435 — (45,418 ) Net income (loss) 116,834 115,952 226,113 (16,833 ) (324,040 ) 118,026 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (1,245 ) 53 (1,192 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 116,834 $ 115,952 $ 226,113 $ (18,078 ) $ (323,987 ) $ 116,834 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 118,432 $ 116,073 $ 226,113 $ (17,793 ) $ (324,393 ) $ 118,432
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (8,709 ) $ (66,929 ) $ 390,101 $ (21,156 ) $ 18,181 $ 311,488 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (7,687 ) (64,693 ) (1,603 ) 1,507 (72,476 ) Payments for acquisition of television stations — — (15,514 ) — — (15,514 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (31,340 ) — (31,340 ) Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets — — 23,650 — — 23,650 Investments in equity and cost method investees — (7,486 ) (27 ) (35,555 ) — (43,068 ) Other, net 3,776 539 530 6,370 — 11,215 Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 3,776 (14,634 ) (56,054 ) (62,128 ) 1,507 (127,533 ) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 349,559 — 29,922 — 379,481 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases (473 ) (370,011 ) (937 ) (3,683 ) — (375,104 ) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (47,104 ) — — — — (47,104 ) Payments for deferred financing cost — (3,604 ) — (243 ) — (3,847 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (28,823 ) — — — — (28,823 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 82,410 200,108 (335,447 ) 72,757 (19,828 ) — Noncontrolling interests distributions — — — (6,655 ) — (6,655 ) Other, net (1,077 ) 113 847 (219 ) 140 (196 ) Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities 4,933 176,165 (335,537 ) 91,879 (19,688 ) (82,248 ) NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 94,602 (1,490 ) 8,595 — 101,707 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 3,394 1,749 12,539 — 17,682 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 97,996 $ 259 $ 21,134 $ — $ 119,389 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 (in thousands) (unaudited) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (27,282 ) $ (77,257 ) $ 426,702 $ 22,125 $ 14,109 $ 358,397 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (8,482 ) (47,961 ) (1,708 ) — (58,151 ) Payments for acquisition of television stations — — (1,071,428 ) — — (1,071,428 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (15,647 ) — (15,647 ) Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets — — 83,200 — — 83,200 Decrease in restricted cash — (9,600 ) (82,983 ) — — (92,583 ) Investments in equity and cost method investees — — — (7,958 ) — (7,958 ) Payments for acquisition of assets in other operating divisions — — — (8,273 ) — (8,273 ) Proceeds from termination of life insurance policies — 17,042 — — — 17,042 Other, net 1,000 — 5,000 936 — 6,936 Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 1,000 (1,040 ) (1,114,172 ) (32,650 ) — (1,146,862 ) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 1,040,796 — 20,694 — 1,061,490 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases (408 ) (280,121 ) (743 ) (5,145 ) — (286,417 ) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (45,322 ) — — — — (45,322 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (108,438 ) — — — — (108,438 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 178,331 (821,116 ) 663,350 (6,456 ) (14,109 ) — Other, net 2,119 (15,010 ) (784 ) 73 — (13,602 ) Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities 26,282 (75,451 ) 661,823 9,166 (14,109 ) 607,711 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — (153,748 ) (25,647 ) (1,359 ) — (180,754 ) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 237,974 28,594 13,536 — 280,104 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 84,226 $ 2,947 $ 12,177 $ — $ 99,350

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN28

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)licenseshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)license	Mar. 20, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 28, 1999USD ($)
Variable Interest Entities
Net revenues		$ 497,353,000	$ 448,056,000	$ 1,463,854,000	$ 1,226,088,000
Income from equity and cost method investments		252,000	1,928,000	5,405,000	2,768,000
Decrease in accounts payable							$ 41,800,000
Pension liability		4,700,000		4,700,000			$ 4,700,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Adjustment to income tax provision due to credits and deductions		3,300,000
Reduction on liability for unrecognized tax benefits		5,700,000	11,000,000
Expected deferred tax benefit from sale of stock to subsidiary		$ 13,000,000		$ 13,000,000
Share Repurchase Program
Share repurchase program, authorized amount								$ 150,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Number of shares repurchased | shares		800,000		1,100,000
Value of shares repurchased		$ 21,000,000		$ 28,823,000	108,476,000
Total remaining authorization amount		105,500,000		$ 105,500,000
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated
Variable Interest Entities
Initial term of certain outsourcing agreements				5 years
Number of licensees as VIEs | license				37			37
Net revenues		71,000,000	68,900,000	$ 207,600,000	207,200,000
Consolidated VIEs | Eliminations
Variable Interest Entities
Liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options		76,100,000		76,100,000			$ 78,100,000
Consolidated VIEs | Eliminations | Cunningham
Variable Interest Entities
Total payments made under the LMA excluded from liabilities		36,800,000		36,800,000			34,400,000
Total capital leased liabilities excluded from VIE consolidation		4,600,000		4,600,000			4,600,000
VIEs which are not primary beneficiary
Variable Interest Entities
Carrying amount		18,900,000		18,900,000			$ 22,700,000
Income from equity and cost method investments		$ 700,000	$ 2,200,000	$ 6,500,000	$ 3,100,000
Forecast
Variable Interest Entities
Pension expense	$ 5,800,000
Actuarial losses recorded in other comprehensive income	$ 3,400,000
Maximum | Forecast
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Reduction on liability for unrecognized tax benefits						$ 1,300,000

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN29

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 119,389	$ 17,682	$ 99,350	$ 280,104
Accounts receivable		387,110	383,503
Current portion of program contract costs		120,598	88,198
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		35,951	27,842
Total current assets		672,249	526,165
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion		23,533	38,531
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net		746,662	752,538
GOODWILL		1,951,428	1,964,553
BROADCAST LICENSES		133,174	135,075
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		1,763,693	1,818,263
OTHER ASSETS		189,708	175,203
Total assets	[1]	5,480,447	5,410,328
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable		6,683	12,248
Accrued liabilities		265,787	248,600
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		67,222	113,116
Current portion of program contracts payable		130,337	104,922
Total current liabilities		491,920	494,006
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		3,804,877	3,754,822
Program contracts payable, less current portion		60,313	60,605
Total liabilities		5,029,186	5,004,985
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		490	491
Accounts receivable		19,952	19,521
Current portion of program contract costs		16,776	9,544
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		395	297
Total current assets		37,613	29,853
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion		5,544	6,922
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net		8,238	9,716
GOODWILL		787	787
BROADCAST LICENSES		16,935	16,935
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		86,274	96,732
OTHER ASSETS		6,924	2,376
Total assets		162,315	163,321
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable		26	68
Accrued liabilities		1,277	1,297
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		3,680	3,659
Current portion of program contracts payable		15,904	9,714
Total current liabilities		20,887	14,738
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		25,458	28,640
Program contracts payable, less current portion		12,757	10,161
Long term liabilities		9,652	8,739
Total liabilities		$ 68,754	$ 62,278
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $162.3 million and $163.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $39.6 million and $30.0 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

ACQUISITIONS - Additional Infor

ACQUISITIONS - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 19, 2014USD ($)stationmarket	Nov. 01, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2014USD ($)stationmarket	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)station	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)station	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)stationmarket
Acquisitions
Depreciation				$ (25,476)	$ (25,342)	$ (75,938)	$ (74,972)
Costs incurred in corporate, general and administrative expenses							$ 4,400
2015 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station				1		1
Cash paid						$ 15,500
2014 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station								21
Number of markets | market								15
Cash paid								$ 1,434,500
Working capital adjustment								$ 47,200
Property and equipment						12,500
Decrease Broadcast licenses						3,500
Increase finite-lived intangible assets						33,700
Decrease Goodwill						17,600
Depreciation						600
Amortization						$ 300
Allbritton
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station			9
Number of markets | market			7
Cash paid			$ 985,000
Working capital adjustment			$ 50,100
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.625%
MEG Stations
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station	4
Number of markets | market	3
Cash paid	$ 207,500
Working capital adjustment	$ 1,600
KSNV
Acquisitions
Cash paid		$ 118,500
Working capital adjustment		$ 200
Other
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station								8
Number of markets | market								4
Cash paid								$ 123,500
Working capital adjustment								$ 1,100
Network affiliations | Barrington Broadcasting Company L L C
Acquisitions
Amortization period						15 years
Decaying advertiser base | Barrington Broadcasting Company L L C | Minimum
Acquisitions
Amortization period						10 years
Decaying advertiser base | Barrington Broadcasting Company L L C | Maximum
Acquisitions
Amortization period						15 years
Other intangible assets | Minimum
Acquisitions
Weighted-average useful life subject to amortization acquired						14 years
Other intangible assets | Maximum
Acquisitions
Weighted-average useful life subject to amortization acquired						16 years

ACQUISITIONS - Fair Value of A

ACQUISITIONS - Fair Value of Acquired Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Goodwill	$ 1,951,428	$ 1,964,553
MEG Stations
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Accounts receivable		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		476
Program contract costs		1,954
Property and equipment		23,462
Broadcast licenses		675
Definite-lived intangible assets	125,925	125,925
Other assets		0
Assets held for sale		0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(2,085)
Program contracts payable		(1,914)
Deferred tax liability		0
Other long term liabilities		0
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		148,493
Goodwill		57,398
Total		205,891
KSNV
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Accounts receivable		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		67
Program contract costs		482
Property and equipment		8,300
Broadcast licenses		0
Definite-lived intangible assets	62,700	62,700
Other assets		0
Assets held for sale		0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(277)
Program contracts payable		(481)
Deferred tax liability		0
Other long term liabilities		(1,200)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		69,591
Goodwill		48,699
Total		118,290
Allbritton
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Accounts receivable		38,542
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		19,890
Program contract costs		1,204
Property and equipment		46,600
Broadcast licenses		13,700
Definite-lived intangible assets	564,100	564,100
Other assets		20,352
Assets held for sale		83,200
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(8,351)
Program contracts payable		(1,140)
Deferred tax liability		(261,291)
Other long term liabilities		(17,263)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		499,543
Goodwill		535,694
Total		1,035,237
Other
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Accounts receivable		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		79
Program contract costs		2,561
Property and equipment		8,400
Broadcast licenses		125
Definite-lived intangible assets	71,025	71,025
Other assets		1,500
Assets held for sale		0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(1,143)
Program contracts payable		(2,554)
Deferred tax liability		0
Other long term liabilities		0
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		79,993
Goodwill		42,443
Total		122,436
2014 Acquisitions
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Accounts receivable		38,542
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		20,512
Program contract costs		6,201
Property and equipment		86,762
Broadcast licenses		14,500
Definite-lived intangible assets	$ 823,750	823,750
Other assets		21,852
Assets held for sale		83,200
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(11,856)
Program contracts payable		(6,089)
Deferred tax liability		(261,291)
Other long term liabilities		(18,463)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		797,620
Goodwill		684,234
Total		$ 1,481,854

ACQUISITIONS - Fair Value Alloc

ACQUISITIONS - Fair Value Allocation of Assets and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
MEG Stations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 125,925	$ 125,925
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes	57,398
MEG Stations | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	56,925
MEG Stations | Customer relationships
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	46,500
MEG Stations | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	22,500
KSNV
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	62,700	62,700
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes	48,699
KSNV | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	44,775
KSNV | Customer relationships
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	17,925
KSNV | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	0
Allbritton
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	564,100	564,100
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes	0
Allbritton | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	356,900
Allbritton | Customer relationships
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	207,200
Allbritton | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	0
Other
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	71,025	71,025
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes	42,443
Other | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	42,625
Other | Customer relationships
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	27,400
Other | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	1,000
2014 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	823,750	$ 823,750
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes	148,540
2014 Acquisitions | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	501,225
2014 Acquisitions | Customer relationships
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	299,025
2014 Acquisitions | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 23,500

ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Result

ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Pro Forma Information
Total revenues	$ 526,587	$ 1,527,507
Net Income	37,081	97,909
Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 36,654	$ 96,717
Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 0.38	$ 0.99
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 0.37	$ 0.98

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS -Addition

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS -Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014
Allbritton
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Working capital adjustment			$ 50.1
MEG Stations | WTTA & KXRM And KXTU
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Price of assets sold	$ 93.1
Working capital adjustment	$ 0.6
MEG Stations | Allbritton | WHTM
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Price of assets sold		$ 83.4
Working capital adjustment		$ 0.2
Cunningham | Allbritton | WTAT
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Price of assets sold			$ 14

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS - Assets

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS - Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Accounts receivable		$ 5,101
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,403
Total current assets held for sale		6,504
Property and equipment		1,036
Goodwill	$ 2,975	2,975
Definite-lived intangible assets		2,962
Total noncurrent assets held for sale		6,973
Total assets held for sale		13,477
Liabilities:
Accounts payable		1,096
Accrued liabilities		1,360
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		21
Total liabilities held for sale		2,477
Non License Broadcast Assets
Assets:
Property and equipment		$ 1,800

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENCES 36

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENCES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Change in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	$ 2,378,126
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	(413,573)
Goodwill, net	1,951,428	$ 1,964,553
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	1,514
Goodwill adjustment	(17,614)
Change is assets held for sale	2,975	2,975
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	2,365,001
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(413,573)
Other operating divisions segment
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	513
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net	3,488	513
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill adjustment	0
Change is assets held for sale	2,975
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	3,488
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Broadcast
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross, beginning balance	2,377,613
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	(413,573)
Goodwill, net	1,947,940	$ 1,964,040
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	1,514
Goodwill adjustment	(17,614)
Change is assets held for sale	0
Goodwill, gross, ending balance	2,361,513
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	$ (413,573)

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENCES 37

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENCES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Broadcast Licenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Sale of broadcast assets	$ (23,650)	$ (83,200)
Measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions	17,614
Broadcast Rights
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Broadcast licenses, beginning balance	135,075
Acquisition of television stations	1,684
Sale of broadcast assets	(75)
Measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions	(3,510)
Broadcast licenses, ending balance	$ 133,174

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENCES 38

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENCES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Definite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 2,378,814	$ 2,320,526
Accumulated Amortization	(615,121)	(502,263)
Net finite-lived intangible assets	1,763,693	1,818,263
Network affiliations
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	1,400,316	1,396,792
Accumulated Amortization	(325,111)	(257,526)
Net finite-lived intangible assets	1,075,205	1,139,266
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	759,818	749,292
Accumulated Amortization	(212,292)	(177,453)
Net finite-lived intangible assets	547,526	571,839
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	218,680	174,442
Accumulated Amortization	(77,718)	(67,284)
Net finite-lived intangible assets	140,962	$ 107,158
Intangible asset additions	$ 31,300

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 39

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCINGS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Long-term debt outstanding		$ 3,891
Medium-term Notes [Member] | Term Loan A
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Long-term debt outstanding		321.1
Deferred finance costs and debt discounts		1.7
Medium-term Notes [Member] | Term Loan B
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Long-term debt outstanding		1,367.4
Deferred finance costs and debt discounts		15.8
Bank Credit Agreement | Term Loan B
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Additional debt commitment	$ 350
Financing costs		3.6
Bank Credit Agreement | Term Loan B | LIBOR
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.75%
LIBOR floor (as a percent)	0.75%
Bank Credit Agreement | Revolving credit facility
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Current borrowing capacity		$ 482.9

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)waiver	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)waiver	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 12, 2015station	Apr. 15, 2014station
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Number of television stations in the same market entering into an agreement | station					2
Number of television stations with attributable interest | station						1
Percentage of ad time to be considered an owner						15.00%
Number of waivers sought | waiver	1		1
Revenue	$ 548,404	$ 494,956	$ 1,607,346	$ 1,362,740
Joint Sales Agreements
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Revenue	$ 11,500	$ 11,700	$ 34,200	$ 33,800

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income (Numerator)
Net Income	$ 44,034	$ 48,768	$ 115,269	$ 118,026
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(779)	(427)	(1,945)	(1,192)
Numerator for diluted earnings per common share available to common shareholders	$ 43,255	$ 48,341	$ 113,324	$ 116,834
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	95,002	97,154	95,146	97,712
Dilutive effect of stock-settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and outstanding stock options	690	742	691	702
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	95,692	97,896	95,837	98,414
Additional Disclosures
Potentially antidilutive dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	200	0	200	0

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS (De

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)real_estate_venturerestaurant	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)renewalreal_estate_venturestationrestaurant	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)
Related person transactions
Revenue		$ 548,404	$ 494,956			$ 1,607,346	$ 1,362,740
Entities owned by the controlling shareholders | Lease Services
Related person transactions
Amount paid		1,300	1,300			3,900	4,100
Controlling shareholders | Maximum | Charter Aircraft
Related person transactions
Aircraft expense		$ 400	500			$ 1,000	1,000
Cunningham
Related person transactions
Price for which nonvoting stock was purchased				$ 2,000	$ 1,700
Right to acquire capital stock (as a percent)		100.00%				100.00%
Price of assets sold									$ 78,500
Annual increase in aggregate purchase price (as a percent)									6.00%
Remaining purchase price		$ 53,600				$ 53,600
Revenue		23,800	26,000			69,100	82,400
Cunningham | LMA
Related person transactions
Amount paid	$ 4,700	$ 2,100	1,200			$ 7,800	7,200
Right to acquire capital stock (as a percent)				100.00%
Number of stations to which programming, sales and managerial services were provided by the entity | station						6
Number of additional renewal terms | renewal						3
Agreement renewal period						5 years
Price of assets sold								$ 14,000
Operating costs reimbursement (as a percent)		100.00%				100.00%
Cunningham | Minimum | LMA
Related person transactions
Percentage of net broadcast revenue used to determine annual LMA fees required to be paid									3.00%
Amount used to determine annual LMA fees required to be paid									$ 5,000
Cunningham | Maximum
Related person transactions
Amount of purchase price reduction from quarterly installments										$ 29,100
Cunningham license related assets
Related person transactions
Agreement renewal period						8 years
Revenue		$ 2,000	2,100			$ 5,700	5,500
Amount received		1,500	900			4,200	2,800
Amount of guarantee on the bank debt		2,800				2,800
Atlantic Automotive | Lease Services
Related person transactions
Annual rent		300	300			900	800
Atlantic Automotive | Maximum | Advertising time
Related person transactions
Amount received		100	100			300	200
President and Chief Executive Officer | Lease Services
Related person transactions
Payments for services		$ 100	100			$ 100	100
President and Chief Executive Officer | Lease Services | Real estate ventures in Baltimore, MD
Related person transactions
Number of restaurants owned by a related party | restaurant		3				3
Number of real estate ventures | real_estate_venture		1				1
President and Chief Executive Officer | Lease Services | Real estate ventures in Towson, MD
Related person transactions
Annual rent		$ 100	100			$ 300	200
President and Chief Executive Officer | Maximum | Lease Services | Real estate ventures in Baltimore, MD
Related person transactions
Amount received		$ 200	$ 100			$ 500	$ 400

SEGMENT DATA - Additional Infor

SEGMENT DATA - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)market	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)market	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Segment data
Intercompany loans	$ 226	$ 172.3	$ 226	$ 172.3
Intercompany interest expense	$ 6.1	$ 5.3	$ 16.9	$ 15.3
Operating segments | Broadcast
Segment data
Number of markets | market	79		79

SEGMENT DATA - Segment Financia

SEGMENT DATA - Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment data
Revenue		$ 548,404	$ 494,956	$ 1,607,346	$ 1,362,740
Depreciation of property and equipment		25,476	25,342	75,938	74,972
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets		40,014	34,478	119,439	84,195
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments		29,841	28,622	90,014	76,137
General and administrative overhead expenses		16,209	15,218	46,379	46,873
Operating income (loss)		99,606	101,663	298,493	285,702
Interest expense		48,566	47,950	142,878	127,609
Income from equity and cost method investments		252	1,928	5,405	2,768
Assets	[1]	5,480,447		5,480,447		$ 5,410,328
Operating segments | Broadcast
Segment data
Revenue		525,970	476,538	1,543,804	1,311,931
Depreciation of property and equipment		24,531	24,516	73,056	72,455
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets		37,601	32,724	112,724	79,238
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments		29,841	28,622	90,014	76,137
General and administrative overhead expenses		13,880	13,790	40,036	41,189
Operating income (loss)		105,353	104,776	312,726	293,942
Interest expense		0	0	0	0
Income from equity and cost method investments		0	0	0	0
Assets		4,918,943		4,918,943
Operating segments | Other operating divisions segment
Segment data
Revenue		22,434	18,418	63,542	50,809
Depreciation of property and equipment		666	559	2,045	1,716
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets		2,413	1,754	6,715	4,957
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments		0	0	0	0
General and administrative overhead expenses		943	68	2,468	736
Operating income (loss)		720	897	2,105	1,476
Interest expense		1,305	1,036	3,541	2,986
Income from equity and cost method investments		252	1,928	5,405	2,768
Assets		399,546		399,546
Corporate
Segment data
Revenue		0	0	0	0
Depreciation of property and equipment		279	267	837	801
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets		0	0	0	0
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments		0	0	0	0
General and administrative overhead expenses		1,386	1,360	3,875	4,948
Operating income (loss)		(6,467)	(4,010)	(16,338)	(9,716)
Interest expense		47,261	46,914	139,337	124,623
Income from equity and cost method investments		0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Assets		$ 161,958		$ 161,958
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $162.3 million and $163.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $39.6 million and $30.0 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%	6.375%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%	6.125%
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.625%	5.625%
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%	5.375%
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Revolving credit facility
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	$ 0	$ 338,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	350,000	350,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	500,000	500,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	550,000	550,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	600,000	600,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Term Loan A
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	322,808	348,073
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Term Loan B
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	1,379,299	1,035,883
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Debt of variable interest entities
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	27,553	30,167
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Debt of other operating divisions
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	147,773	118,822
Level 2 | Fair Value | Revolving credit facility
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	0	338,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	351,792	355,800
Level 2 | Fair Value | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	500,510	503,475
Level 2 | Fair Value | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	511,500	532,813
Level 2 | Fair Value | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	576,066	595,068
Level 2 | Fair Value | Term Loan A
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	320,387	341,982
Level 2 | Fair Value | Term Loan B
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	1,365,467	1,029,997
Level 2 | Fair Value | Debt of variable interest entities
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	27,553	30,167
Level 2 | Fair Value | Debt of other operating divisions
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	$ 147,773	$ 118,822

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN46

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Total debt	$ 3,891
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%	5.375%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%	6.125%
6.375% Senior Notes due 2021
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%	6.375%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Amount of debt guaranteed by parent	$ 3,739.6
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.625%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 6.375% Senior Notes due 2021
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%
Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%
Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.625%
Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%
Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC | 6.375% Senior Notes due 2021
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Amount of debt guaranteed by parent	$ 3,689.8

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN47

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		$ 119,389	$ 17,682	$ 99,350	$ 280,104
Accounts and other receivables		387,110	383,503
Other current assets		165,750	124,980
Total current assets		672,249	526,165
Property and equipment, net		746,662	752,538
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Goodwill		1,951,428	1,964,553
Broadcast licenses		133,174	135,075
Definite-lived intangible assets		1,763,693	1,818,263
Other long-term assets		213,241	213,734
Total assets	[1]	5,480,447	5,410,328
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		272,470	260,848
Current portion of long-term debt		67,222	113,116
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		3,036	2,625
Other current liabilities		149,192	117,417
Total current liabilities		491,920	494,006
Long-term debt		3,804,877	3,754,822
Affiliate long-term debt		15,870	16,309
Other liabilities		716,519	739,848
Total liabilities		5,029,186	5,004,985
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		476,779	427,882
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		(25,518)	(22,539)
Total liabilities and equity		5,480,447	5,410,328
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		0	0	0	0
Accounts and other receivables		0	0
Other current assets		3,389	5,741
Total current assets		3,389	5,741
Property and equipment, net		3,168	3,949
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		445,261	395,225
Goodwill		0	0
Broadcast licenses		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Other long-term assets		57,036	65,988
Total assets		508,854	470,903
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		165	541
Current portion of long-term debt		55	529
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		1,603	1,464
Other current liabilities		1,208	1,208
Total current liabilities		3,031	3,742
Long-term debt		0	0
Affiliate long-term debt		2,284	3,508
Other liabilities		26,760	35,771
Total liabilities		32,075	43,021
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		476,779	427,882
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		508,854	470,903
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		97,996	3,394	84,226	237,974
Accounts and other receivables		0	164
Other current assets		4,427	12,996
Total current assets		102,423	16,554
Property and equipment, net		21,815	17,554
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		3,448,508	3,585,037
Goodwill		0	0
Broadcast licenses		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Other long-term assets		641,820	555,877
Total assets		4,214,566	4,175,022
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		56,461	46,083
Current portion of long-term debt		55,344	42,953
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		0	0
Other current liabilities		0	0
Total current liabilities		111,805	89,036
Long-term debt		3,607,345	3,638,286
Affiliate long-term debt		0	0
Other liabilities		30,122	28,856
Total liabilities		3,749,272	3,756,178
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		465,294	418,844
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		4,214,566	4,175,022
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		259	1,749	2,947	28,594
Accounts and other receivables		358,831	359,486
Other current assets		133,404	98,751
Total current assets		492,494	459,986
Property and equipment, net		558,045	569,372
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		4,179	3,978
Goodwill		1,947,153	1,963,254
Broadcast licenses		116,239	118,115
Definite-lived intangible assets		1,618,218	1,698,919
Other long-term assets		113,984	134,454
Total assets		4,850,312	4,948,078
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		192,444	201,102
Current portion of long-term debt		1,525	1,302
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		1,238	1,182
Other current liabilities		133,383	107,867
Total current liabilities		328,590	311,453
Long-term debt		33,179	34,338
Affiliate long-term debt		11,779	12,802
Other liabilities		1,043,471	1,003,213
Total liabilities		1,417,019	1,361,806
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		3,433,293	3,586,272
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		4,850,312	4,948,078
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		21,134	12,539	12,177	13,536
Accounts and other receivables		30,119	25,111
Other current assets		29,021	19,225
Total current assets		80,274	56,875
Property and equipment, net		171,961	168,762
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Goodwill		4,275	1,299
Broadcast licenses		16,935	16,960
Definite-lived intangible assets		206,671	184,441
Other long-term assets		155,148	128,247
Total assets		635,264	556,584
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		28,131	26,802
Current portion of long-term debt		10,298	68,332
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		1,320	1,026
Other current liabilities		16,086	9,749
Total current liabilities		55,835	105,909
Long-term debt		164,353	82,198
Affiliate long-term debt		360,036	319,901
Other liabilities		173,657	169,935
Total liabilities		753,881	677,943
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		(88,965)	(94,632)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		(29,652)	(26,727)
Total liabilities and equity		635,264	556,584
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Accounts and other receivables		(1,840)	(1,258)
Other current assets		(4,491)	(11,733)
Total current assets		(6,331)	(12,991)
Property and equipment, net		(8,327)	(7,099)
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		(3,897,948)	(3,984,240)
Goodwill		0	0
Broadcast licenses		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets		(61,196)	(65,097)
Other long-term assets		(754,747)	(670,832)
Total assets		(4,728,549)	(4,740,259)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(4,731)	(13,680)
Current portion of long-term debt		0	0
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		(1,125)	(1,047)
Other current liabilities		(1,485)	(1,407)
Total current liabilities		(7,341)	(16,134)
Long-term debt		0	0
Affiliate long-term debt		(358,229)	(319,902)
Other liabilities		(557,491)	(497,927)
Total liabilities		(923,061)	(833,963)
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		(3,809,622)	(3,910,484)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		4,134	4,188
Total liabilities and equity		$ (4,728,549)	$ (4,740,259)
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $162.3 million and $163.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $39.6 million and $30.0 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN48

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	$ 548,404	$ 494,956	$ 1,607,346	$ 1,362,740
Program and production	186,449	150,263	538,552	411,605
Selling, general and administrative	121,405	112,521	356,263	308,696
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	140,944	130,509	414,038	356,737
Total operating expenses	448,798	393,293	1,308,853	1,077,038
Operating income	99,606	101,663	298,493	285,702
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(48,566)	(47,950)	(142,878)	(127,609)
Other income (expense)	204	2,579	6,625	5,351
Total other expense, net	(48,362)	(45,371)	(136,253)	(122,258)
Income tax benefit (provision)	(7,210)	(7,524)	(46,971)	(45,418)
NET INCOME	44,034	48,768	115,269	118,026
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(779)	(427)	(1,945)	(1,192)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	43,255	48,341	113,324	116,834
Comprehensive income	44,044	48,490	115,447	118,432
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	0	0	0	0
Program and production	0	0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	930	1,129	3,432	3,169
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	266	267	799	801
Total operating expenses	1,196	1,396	4,231	3,970
Operating income	(1,196)	(1,396)	(4,231)	(3,970)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	43,480	47,744	114,176	117,093
Interest expense	(93)	(138)	(301)	(446)
Other income (expense)	957	2,449	3,250	4,036
Total other expense, net	44,344	50,055	117,125	120,683
Income tax benefit (provision)	107	(318)	430	121
NET INCOME	43,255	48,341	113,324	116,834
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	43,255	48,341	113,324	116,834
Comprehensive income	44,044	48,490	115,447	118,432
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	0	0	0	0
Program and production	0	84	0	274
Selling, general and administrative	14,386	13,474	40,598	42,019
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	1,040	1,187	2,624	3,432
Total operating expenses	15,426	14,745	43,222	45,725
Operating income	(15,426)	(14,745)	(43,222)	(45,725)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	88,687	84,122	238,635	221,774
Interest expense	(45,784)	(44,986)	(134,626)	(118,816)
Other income (expense)	(407)	(100)	(116)	282
Total other expense, net	42,496	39,036	103,893	103,240
Income tax benefit (provision)	20,235	21,961	60,435	58,437
NET INCOME	47,305	46,252	121,106	115,952
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	47,305	46,252	121,106	115,952
Comprehensive income	47,315	46,293	121,132	116,073
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	515,097	466,786	1,514,173	1,287,200
Program and production	185,371	149,488	535,098	409,661
Selling, general and administrative	102,730	94,829	302,656	255,655
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	105,681	103,969	317,240	284,248
Total operating expenses	393,782	348,286	1,154,994	949,564
Operating income	121,315	118,500	359,179	337,636
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	100	0	0	0
Interest expense	(1,140)	(1,209)	(3,481)	(3,675)
Other income (expense)	3	5	269	563
Total other expense, net	(1,037)	(1,204)	(3,212)	(3,112)
Income tax benefit (provision)	(30,126)	(31,678)	(113,403)	(108,411)
NET INCOME	90,152	85,618	242,564	226,113
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	90,152	85,618	242,564	226,113
Comprehensive income	90,152	85,618	242,713	226,113
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	53,845	47,747	153,757	136,701
Program and production	19,548	19,095	59,947	58,998
Selling, general and administrative	3,392	3,589	9,715	9,500
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	35,487	25,393	95,873	69,358
Total operating expenses	58,427	48,077	165,535	137,856
Operating income	(4,582)	(330)	(11,778)	(1,155)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(7,721)	(7,119)	(21,898)	(20,646)
Other income (expense)	(349)	248	3,222	533
Total other expense, net	(8,070)	(6,871)	(18,676)	(20,113)
Income tax benefit (provision)	2,574	2,511	5,567	4,435
NET INCOME	(10,078)	(4,690)	(24,887)	(16,833)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(799)	(447)	(1,999)	(1,245)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	(10,877)	(5,137)	(26,886)	(18,078)
Comprehensive income	(10,078)	(5,456)	(24,885)	(17,793)
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	(20,538)	(19,577)	(60,584)	(61,161)
Program and production	(18,470)	(18,404)	(56,493)	(57,328)
Selling, general and administrative	(33)	(500)	(138)	(1,647)
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	(1,530)	(307)	(2,498)	(1,102)
Total operating expenses	(20,033)	(19,211)	(59,129)	(60,077)
Operating income	(505)	(366)	(1,455)	(1,084)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	(132,267)	(131,866)	(352,811)	(338,867)
Interest expense	6,172	5,502	17,428	15,974
Other income (expense)	0	(23)	0	(63)
Total other expense, net	(126,095)	(126,387)	(335,383)	(322,956)
Income tax benefit (provision)	0	0	0	0
NET INCOME	(126,600)	(126,753)	(336,838)	(324,040)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	20	20	54	53
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	(126,580)	(126,733)	(336,784)	(323,987)
Comprehensive income	$ (127,389)	$ (126,455)	$ (338,960)	$ (324,393)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINAN49

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Statement of Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net cash flows from operating activities	$ 311,488	$ 358,397
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(72,476)	(58,151)
Payments for acquisition of television stations	(15,514)	(1,071,428)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(31,340)	(15,647)
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets	23,650	83,200
Decrease in restricted cash	0	(92,583)
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(43,068)	(7,958)
Payments for acquisition of assets in other operating divisions	0	(8,273)
Proceeds from termination of life insurance policies	0	17,042
Other, net	(11,215)	(6,936)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(127,533)	(1,146,862)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	379,481	1,061,490
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(375,104)	(286,417)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	(47,104)	(45,322)
Payments for deferred financing cost	(3,847)	(15,010)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(28,823)	(108,438)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	0	0
Noncontrolling interests distributions	(6,655)	(4,294)
Other, net	(196)	(13,602)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(82,248)	607,711
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	101,707	(180,754)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	17,682	280,104
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	119,389	99,350
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net cash flows from operating activities	(8,709)	(27,282)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	0	0
Payments for acquisition of television stations	0	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets	0	0
Decrease in restricted cash		0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	0	0
Payments for acquisition of assets in other operating divisions		0
Proceeds from termination of life insurance policies		0
Other, net	(3,776)	(1,000)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	3,776	1,000
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	0	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(473)	(408)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	(47,104)	(45,322)
Payments for deferred financing cost	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(28,823)	(108,438)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	82,410	178,331
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0
Other, net	(1,077)	2,119
Net cash flows used in financing activities	4,933	26,282
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	0	0
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net cash flows from operating activities	(66,929)	(77,257)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(7,687)	(8,482)
Payments for acquisition of television stations	0	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets	0	0
Decrease in restricted cash		(9,600)
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(7,486)	0
Payments for acquisition of assets in other operating divisions		0
Proceeds from termination of life insurance policies		17,042
Other, net	(539)	0
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(14,634)	(1,040)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	349,559	1,040,796
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(370,011)	(280,121)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	0	0
Payments for deferred financing cost	(3,604)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	200,108	(821,116)
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0
Other, net	113	(15,010)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	176,165	(75,451)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	94,602	(153,748)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	3,394	237,974
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	97,996	84,226
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net cash flows from operating activities	390,101	426,702
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(64,693)	(47,961)
Payments for acquisition of television stations	(15,514)	(1,071,428)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets	23,650	83,200
Decrease in restricted cash		(82,983)
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(27)	0
Payments for acquisition of assets in other operating divisions		0
Proceeds from termination of life insurance policies		0
Other, net	(530)	(5,000)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(56,054)	(1,114,172)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	0	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(937)	(743)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	0	0
Payments for deferred financing cost	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(335,447)	663,350
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0
Other, net	847	(784)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(335,537)	661,823
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(1,490)	(25,647)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	1,749	28,594
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	259	2,947
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net cash flows from operating activities	(21,156)	22,125
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(1,603)	(1,708)
Payments for acquisition of television stations	0	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(31,340)	(15,647)
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets	0	0
Decrease in restricted cash		0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(35,555)	(7,958)
Payments for acquisition of assets in other operating divisions		(8,273)
Proceeds from termination of life insurance policies		0
Other, net	(6,370)	(936)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(62,128)	(32,650)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	29,922	20,694
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(3,683)	(5,145)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	0	0
Payments for deferred financing cost	(243)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	72,757	(6,456)
Noncontrolling interests distributions	(6,655)
Other, net	(219)	73
Net cash flows used in financing activities	91,879	9,166
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	8,595	(1,359)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	12,539	13,536
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	21,134	12,177
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net cash flows from operating activities	18,181	14,109
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	1,507	0
Payments for acquisition of television stations	0	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets	0	0
Decrease in restricted cash		0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	0	0
Payments for acquisition of assets in other operating divisions		0
Proceeds from termination of life insurance policies		0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash flows used in investing activities	1,507	0
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	0	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	0	0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	0	0
Payments for deferred financing cost	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(19,828)	(14,109)
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0
Other, net	140	0
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(19,688)	(14,109)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$ 0	$ 0