Sinclair Broadcast (SBGI) 10-K 26 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 19, 2016	Jun. 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-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 1,936.4
Class A Common Stock
Entity Listings
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		68,787,031
Class B Common Stock
Entity Listings
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,928,357

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 149,972	$ 17,682
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,495 and $4,246, respectively		424,608	383,503
Current portion of program contract costs		91,466	88,198
Income taxes receivable		823	3,314
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		26,903	27,842
Deferred barter costs		7,991	5,626
Total current assets		701,763	526,165
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion		18,996	38,531
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net		717,137	752,538
RESTRICTED CASH		3,725	0
GOODWILL		1,931,093	1,964,553
BROADCAST LICENSES		132,465	135,075
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		1,751,570	1,818,263
OTHER ASSETS		175,566	175,203
Total assets	[1]	5,432,315	5,410,328
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		251,313	260,848
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		164,184	113,116
Current portion of notes payable and capital leases payable to affiliates		3,166	2,625
Current portion of program contracts payable		108,260	104,922
Deferred barter revenues		8,080	5,806
Total current liabilities		535,003	487,317
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		3,669,160	3,754,822
Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion		17,850	16,309
Program contracts payable, less current portion		56,921	60,605
Deferred tax liabilities		585,072	608,932
Other long-term liabilities		68,631	77,000
Total liabilities		$ 4,932,637	$ 5,004,985
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Additional paid-in capital		$ 962,726	$ 979,202
Accumulated deficit		(437,029)	(545,820)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(834)	(6,455)
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		525,810	427,882
Noncontrolling interests		(26,132)	(22,539)
Total equity		499,678	405,343
Total liabilities and equity		5,432,315	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]	(a) Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $152.4 million and $163.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $35.6 million and $30.0 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$ 4,495	$ 4,246
Total assets of variable interest entities (in dollars)	152,400	163,300
Total liabilities of variable interest entities (in dollars)	$ 35,600	$ 30,000
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	68,792,483	69,578,899
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	68,792,483	69,578,899
Class B Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	140,000,000	140,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	25,928,357	25,928,357
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	25,928,357	25,928,357

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
REVENUES:
Media revenues	$ 2,011,946	$ 1,784,641	$ 1,219,091
Revenues realized from station barter arrangements	111,337	122,262	88,680
Other non-media revenues	95,853	69,655	55,360
Total revenues	2,219,136	1,976,558	1,363,131
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Media production expenses	733,199	578,687	386,646
Media selling, general and administrative expenses	431,728	372,220	251,294
Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements	93,204	107,716	77,349
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	124,619	106,629	80,925
Other non-media expenses	71,803	55,615	45,005
Depreciation of property and equipment	103,433	103,291	70,554
Corporate general and administrative expenses	64,246	62,495	53,126
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets	161,454	125,496	70,820
Research and development	12,436	6,918	0
Loss (gain) on asset dispositions	278	(37,160)	3,392
Total operating expenses	1,796,400	1,481,907	1,039,111
Operating income	422,736	494,651	324,020
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs	(191,447)	(174,862)	(162,937)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	0	(14,553)	(58,421)
Income from equity and cost method investments	964	2,313	621
Other income, net	1,540	4,998	2,225
Total other expense	(188,943)	(182,104)	(218,512)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	233,793	312,547	105,508
INCOME TAX PROVISION	(57,694)	(97,432)	(41,249)
Income from continuing operations	176,099	215,115	64,259
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Income from discontinued operations	0	0	11,558
NET INCOME	176,099	215,115	75,817
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(4,575)	(2,836)	(2,349)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	$ 171,524	$ 212,279	$ 73,468
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.66	$ 0.63	$ 0.6
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP:
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	1.81	2.19	0.66
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	1.81	2.19	0.79
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	1.79	2.17	0.66
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.79	$ 2.17	$ 0.78
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	95,003	97,114	93,207
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	95,728	97,819	93,845
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 171,524	$ 212,279	$ 61,910
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	11,558
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	$ 171,524	$ 212,279	$ 73,468

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 176,099	$ 215,115	$ 75,817
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes	190	173	(392)
Adjustments to pension obligations, net of taxes	621	(3,814)	2,571
Pension settlement	4,810	0	0
Unrealized gain on investments, net of taxes	0	285	261
Comprehensive income	181,720	211,759	78,257
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(4,575)	(2,836)	(2,349)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 177,145	$ 208,923	$ 75,908

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS 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, 2012	$ (100,053)	$ 600,928	$ (713,697)	$ (4,993)	$ 16,897		$ 523		$ 289
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012							52,332,012		28,933,859
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(56,767)		(56,767)
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	472,913	472,733					$ 180
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs (in shares)							18,000,000
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock							$ 29		$ (29)
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock (in shares)							2,905,502		(2,905,502)
Redemption of 3% Convertible Debentures, net of taxes	8,602	8,599					$ 3
Redemption of 3% Convertible Debentures, net of taxes (in shares)							338,632
4.875% Convertible Debentures converted into Class A Common Stock, net of taxes	10,235	10,229					$ 6
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)							569,423
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	5,100	5,100
Tax benefit on share based awards	521	521
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(10,256)				(10,256)
Issuance of subsidiary share awards	344				344
Class A Common Stock sold by variable interest entity, net of taxes	7,008	7,008
Other comprehensive income	2,440			2,440
Net income	75,817		73,468		2,349
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 on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(61,103)		(61,103)
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock							$ 1		$ (1)
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock (in shares)							100,000		(100,000)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(133,157)	(133,109)					$ (48)
Repurchase of Class A Common Stock (in shares)							(4,876,121)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)							209,451
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	11,512	11,510					$ 2
Tax benefit on share based awards	1,365	1,365
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(6,936)				(6,936)
Deconsolidation of variable interest entity	(23,801)	4,518		(546)	(27,773)
Other comprehensive income	(3,356)			(3,356)
Net income	215,115		212,279		2,836
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 on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(62,733)		(62,733)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	$ (28,800)	(28,812)					$ (11)
Repurchase of Class A Common Stock (in shares)	(1,100,000)						(1,107,887)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)							321,471
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	$ 11,627	11,624					$ 3
Tax benefit on share based awards	712	712
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(9,918)				(9,918)
Issuance of subsidiary share awards	1,750				1,750
Other comprehensive income	5,621			5,621
Net income	176,099		171,524		4,575
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 499,678	$ 962,726	$ (437,029)	$ (834)	$ (26,132)		$ 688		$ 259
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015						68,792,483	68,792,483	25,928,357	25,928,357

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQU7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
4.875% Notes
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.875%	4.875%		4.875%
3.0% Notes
Interest rate (as a percent)		3.00%	3.00%

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 176,099	$ 215,115	$ 75,817
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment	103,433	103,291	70,554
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	161,454	125,496	70,820
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	124,619	106,629	80,925
Loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash portion	0	4,605	33,049
Stock-based compensation	18,315	14,296	10,573
Deferred tax (benefit) provision	(28,446)	(818)	22,518
Loss (gain) on the sale of assets	278	(37,160)	3,392
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Increase in accounts receivable	(38,666)	(44,253)	(90,635)
Net change in net income taxes payable/receivable	3,203	8,253	(4,937)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets	(3,474)	(2,215)	8,295
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(18,134)	53,312	7,954
Payments on program contracts payable	(109,057)	(93,682)	(90,080)
Original debt issuance discount paid	0	(3,583)	(23,766)
Real estate held for development and sale	(2,674)	(20,683)	(10,768)
Other, net	13,745	1,851	(3,134)
Net cash flows from operating activities	400,695	430,454	160,577
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(91,421)	(81,458)	(43,388)
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired	(17,011)	(1,485,039)	(1,006,144)
Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets	23,650	176,675	49,738
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(39,185)	(27,701)	(23,721)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	(3,725)	11,616	(11,522)
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(44,715)	(8,104)	(10,767)
Proceeds from termination of life insurance policies	0	17,042	0
Investment in marketable securities	0	(925)	(11,604)
Distributions from cost method investees	21,749	3,869	5,258
Other, net	(653)	(3,331)	909
Net cash flow used in investing activities	(151,311)	(1,397,356)	(1,051,241)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	382,887	1,500,720	2,278,293
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(395,147)	(582,764)	(1,509,760)
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock	0	0	472,913
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(28,823)	(133,157)	0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(62,733)	(61,103)	(56,767)
Payments for deferred financing costs	(3,847)	(16,590)	(27,724)
Noncontrolling interests distributions	(9,918)	(8,184)	(10,256)
Other, net	487	5,558	1,204
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	(117,094)	704,480	1,147,903
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	132,290	(262,422)	257,239
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	17,682	280,104	22,865
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$ 149,972	$ 17,682	$ 280,104

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMAR

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:	NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: Nature of Operations Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is a diversified television broadcasting company that owns or provides certain programming, operating or sales services to television stations pursuant to broadcasting licenses that are granted by the Federal Communication Commission (the FCC or Commission). We owned and provided programming and operating services pursuant to local marketing agreements (LMAs) or provided or were provided sales services pursuant to outsourcing agreements (JSAs and SSAs) to 163 stations in 79 markets which broadcast 444 channels, as of December 31, 2015 . For the purpose of this report, these 163 stations and 444 channels are referred to as “our” stations and channels. 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 interest 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 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we have concluded that 37 of these licensees are VIEs, respectively. 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 12. Related Person Transactions for more information about the arrangements with Cunningham. The net revenues of the stations which we consolidate were $284.4 million , $286.3 million and $235.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , 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 11. 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 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 490 $ 491 Accounts receivable 21,719 19,521 Current portion of program contract costs 13,287 9,544 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 331 297 Total current asset 35,827 29,853 PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion 4,541 6,922 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 7,609 9,716 GOODWILL 787 787 BROADCAST LICENSES 17,599 16,935 DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net 79,086 96,732 OTHER ASSETS 6,924 2,376 Total assets $ 152,373 $ 163,321 LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,240 $ 1,365 Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing 3,687 3,659 Current portion of program contracts payable 12,627 9,714 Total current liabilities 17,554 14,738 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion 24,594 28,640 Program contracts payable, less current portion 13,679 10,161 Other long term liabilities 8,067 8,739 Total liabilities $ 63,894 $ 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 total payments made under these LMAs as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , which are excluded from liabilities above, were $37.6 million and $34.4 million , respectively. The total capital lease liabilities, net of capital lease assets, excluded from the above were $4.5 million and $4.3 million , respectively for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Also excluded from the amounts above are liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options with certain VIEs totaling $72.5 million and $78.1 million as of December 31, 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $18.1 million and $22.7 million , respectively, are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. See Other Assets below for more information related to our equity and cost method investments. 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 $7.7 million , $2.2 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, related to these investments. 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. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (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, 2015. 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 year ended December 31, 2015. See Note 2. Acquisitions for more information. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements. In November 2015, FASB issued guidance requiring all deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any related valuation allowance, to be classified as noncurrent on the classified statement of financial position. We early adopted the guidance and applied the change in accounting as of December 31, 2015 with retrospective application to prior periods. As such, within our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, we reclassified $6.7 million of deferred tax liabilities from current to long-term. The change in accounting principle does not have an impact on our statements of operations or cash flows. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash During 2015, we entered into certain definitive agreements to purchase certain stations discussed in under Pending Acquisitions in Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies , which required certain deposits to be made in escrow accounts. As of December 31, 2015 , we had $3.7 million restricted cash classified as noncurrent related to the amounts held in escrow for these acquisitions. Accounts Receivable Management regularly reviews accounts receivable and determines an appropriate estimate for the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the impact of economic conditions on the merchant’s ability to pay, past collection experience and such other factors which, in management’s judgment, deserve current recognition. In turn, a provision is charged against earnings in order to maintain the appropriate allowance level. A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ 4,246 $ 3,379 $ 3,091 Charged to expense 1,292 2,186 1,802 Net write-offs (1,043 ) (1,319 ) (1,514 ) Balance at end of period $ 4,495 $ 4,246 $ 3,379 Programming We have agreements with distributors for the rights to television programming over contract periods, which generally run from one to seven years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms that are generally equal to or shorter than the contract period. Pursuant to accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry, an asset and a liability for the rights acquired and obligations incurred under a license agreement are reported on the balance sheet where the cost of each program is known or reasonably determinable, the program material has been accepted by the licensee in accordance with the conditions of the license agreement and the program is available for its first showing or telecast. The portion of program contracts which becomes payable within one year is reflected as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The rights to this programming are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. With the exception of one and two -year contracts, amortization of program contract costs is computed using an accelerated method. Program contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis for one and two-year contracts. Program contract costs estimated by management to be amortized in the succeeding year are classified as current assets. Payments of program contract liabilities are typically made on a scheduled basis and are not affected by adjustments for amortization or estimated net realizable value. Estimated net realizable values are based on management’s expectation of future advertising revenues, net of sales commissions, to be generated by the program material. We perform a net realizable value calculation quarterly for each of our program contract costs in accordance with the accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry. We utilize sales information to estimate the future revenue of each commitment and measure that amount against the commitment. If the estimated future revenue is less than the amount of the commitment, a loss is recorded in amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments in the consolidated statements of operations. Barter Arrangements Certain program contracts provide for the exchange of advertising airtime in lieu of cash payments for the rights to such programming. The revenues realized from station barter arrangements are recorded as the programs are aired at the estimated fair value of the advertising airtime given in exchange for the program rights. Program service arrangements are accounted for as station barter arrangements, however, network affiliation programming is excluded from these calculations. Revenues are recorded as revenues realized from station barter arrangements and the corresponding expenses are recorded as expenses recognized from station barter arrangements. We broadcast certain customers’ advertising in exchange for equipment, merchandise and services. The estimated fair value of the equipment, merchandise or services received is recorded as deferred barter costs and the corresponding obligation to broadcast advertising is recorded as deferred barter revenues. The deferred barter costs are expensed or capitalized as they are used, consumed or received and are included in station production expenses and station selling, general and administrative expenses, as applicable. Deferred barter revenues are recognized as the related advertising is aired and are recorded in revenues realized from station barter arrangements. Other Assets Other assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 Equity and cost method investments $ 116,031 $ 107,847 Unamortized costs related to debt issuances 3,663 5,274 Other 55,872 62,082 Total other assets $ 175,566 $ 175,203 We have equity and cost method investments primarily in private equity investments and real estate ventures. In the event that one or more of our investments are significant, we are required to disclose summarized financial information. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , none of our investments were significant individually or in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our unfunded commitments related to private equity investment funds totaled $22.1 million and $15.6 million , respectively. When factors indicate that there may be a decrease in value of an equity or cost method investment, we assess whether a loss in value has occurred related to the investment. If that loss is deemed to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded accordingly. For any investments that indicate a potential impairment, we estimate the fair values of those investments using discounted cash flow models, unrelated third party valuations or industry comparables, based on the various facts available to us. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded a $6.0 million impairment charge related to one real estate investment. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we there were no impairment charges recorded. For the year ended December 31, 2013 , we recorded impairments of $0.6 million related to two of our investments. The impairments are recorded in the income (loss) from equity and cost method investments in our consolidated statement of operations. Unamortized costs related to debt issuances represents direct costs related to our revolving credit facility and is amortized to interest expense over the term of the debt using the effective interest method. As discussed in Recent Accounting Pronouncements in this note above, unamortized costs related to our other debt issuances is recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt recorded as liability. Previously capitalized debt financing costs are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if we determine that there has been a substantial modification of the related debt. Impairment of Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets We assess annually, in the fourth quarter, whether goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. Additionally, impairment assessments may be performed on an interim basis when events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment potentially exists. We aggregate our stations by market for purposes of our goodwill and broadcast licenses impairment testing. We believe that our markets are most representative of our broadcast reporting units because segment management views, manages and evaluates our stations on a market basis. Furthermore, in our markets, where we operate or provide services to more than one station, certain costs of operating the stations are shared including the use of buildings and equipment, the sales force and administrative personnel. In our assessment of goodwill for impairment we first determine, based upon a qualitative assessment, whether it is more likely than not a reporting unit has been impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment, for each reporting unit, we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting unit as well as industry and macroeconomic factors. The reporting unit specific factors that we consider include current and forecasted financial performance, the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments, and any changes to the reporting units’ carrying amounts since the most recent impairment tests. We also consider whether there were any significant changes in the regulatory environment and business climate of the industry, and whether there were any negative pressures on growth rates and discount rates. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, we will apply the quantitative two-step method. In the first step, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including quoted market prices, observed earnings/cash flow multiples paid for comparable television stations and discounted cash flow models. Our discounted cash flow model is based on our judgment of future market conditions within each designated market area based on our internal forecast of future performance, as well as discount rates that are based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. If the net book value of the reporting unit were to exceed the fair value, we would then perform the second step of the impairment test, which requires allocation of the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, with any residual fair value being allocated to goodwill to determine the implied fair value. An impairment charge will be recognized only when the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is less than its carrying amount. For our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangibles, broadcast licenses, we apply a qualitative assessment to assess whether it is more likely than not that broadcast licenses of a market are impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment, for each market, we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the market as well as industry and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of our broadcast license assets. The market specific factors that we consider include recent market projections from both independent and internal sources for advertising revenue and operating costs, estimated normal market share and capital expenditures, as well as the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. We also consider whether there were any significant changes in the regulatory environment and business climate of the industry, and whether there were any negative pressures on growth rates and discount rates. When evaluating our broadcast licenses for impairment, the qualitative assessment is done at the market level because the broadcast licenses within the market are complementary and together enhance the single broadcast license of each station. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that one of our broadcast licenses is impaired, we will perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the aggregate fair value of the broadcast licenses in the market to the respective carrying values. We apply the income approach, using a Greenfield method, to estimate the fair values of the broadcast licenses. The income approach method involves a discounted cash flow model that incorporates several variables, including, but not limited to, market revenues and long term growth projections, estimated market share for the typical participant without a network affiliation and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type. The model also assumes outlays for capital expenditures, future terminal values, an effective tax rate assumption and a discount rate based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. If the carrying amount of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value. We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment and continue to evaluate them as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets by measuring the carrying amount of the assets against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with them. At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows of certain long-lived assets are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of such assets, the assets are tested for impairment by comparing their estimated fair value to the carrying value. We typically estimate fair value using discounted cash flow models and appraisals. See Note 6. Goodwill, Broadcast Licenses and Other Intangible Assets , for more information. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Compensation and employee health insurance $ 65,364 $ 56,871 Interest 32,788 33,347 Deferred revenue 24,837 27,037 Programming related obligations 54,381 70,344 Other accruals relating to operating expenses 73,943 73,249 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 251,313 $ 260,848 We expense these activities when incurred. Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. 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. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial amount of our available state net operating loss 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. Future changes in operating and/or taxable income or other changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the ability to realize our deferred tax assets which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions and we record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits when such tax positions do not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold. Significant judgment is required in determining whether a tax position meets the “more-likely-than-not” threshold, and it is based on a variety of facts and circumstances, including interpretation of the relevant federal and state income tax codes, regulations, case law and other authoritative pronouncements. Based on this analysis, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, liabilities are adjusted as necessary. The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for what we have provided. See Note 10. Income Taxes , for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits. Supplemental Information — Statements of Cash Flows During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we had the following cash transactions (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes paid related to continuing operations $ 106,979 $ 100,986 $ 26,037 Income tax refunds received related to continuing operations $ 196 $ 1,407 $ 4,414 Interest paid $ 182,425 $ 157,349 $ 147,083 Non-cash transactions related to capital lease obligations were $2.8 million and $10.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , and 2013 , respectively. There were no non-cash transactions related to capital lease obligations for the year ended December 31, 2014. The non-cash conversion of the 4.875% Notes into Class A Common Stock was $8.6 million , net of taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 . Revenue Recognition Total revenues include: (i) cash and barter advertising revenues, net of agency commissions; (ii) retransmission consent fees; (iii) network compensation; (iv) other media revenues and (v) revenues from our other businesses. Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period during which advertisements are placed. Some of our retransmission consent agreements contain both advertising and retransmission consent elements. We have determined that these 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 significant revenues are recognized as services are provided. 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 year ended December 31, 2015 , we have purchased approximately 1.1 million shares for $28.8 million . As of December 31, 2015 , the total remaining authorization was $105.5 million . Advertising Expenses Promotional advertising expenses are recorded in the period when incurred and are included in station production and other operating division expenses. Total advertising expenses from continuing operations, net of advertising co-op credits, were $23.9 million , $21.3 million an

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS: During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we acquired certain assets related to a total of 88 television stations in 49 markets, in the aggregate, for an aggregate purchase price of $2,466.6 million plus working capital of $55.7 million , which is comprised of 1 station in 1 market in 2015 for a purchase price of $15.5 million ; 22 stations in 15 markets in 2014 for an aggregate purchase price of $1,434.5 million plus working capital of $47.3 million ; and 65 stations in 33 markets in 2013 for a purchase price $1,016.6 million less working capital of $8.4 million . All of these acquisitions provide expansion into additional markets and increases value based on the synergies we can achieve. The following summarizes the material acquisition activity during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 : 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. See Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing . 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 and Discontinued Operations 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. We financed the purchase price with cash on hand and borrowing under our revolving credit facility. Simultaneously, we sold to Media General, our television stations in Tampa, FL and Colorado Springs, CO. See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations 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 of 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. 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. 2013 Acquisitions Barrington. Effective November 22, 2013, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC (Barrington) for $370.0 million , less working capital of $2.3 million , which related to twenty-four stations in the following fifteen markets: Flint/Saginaw/Bay City/Midland, MI; Toledo, OH; Columbia, SC; Syracuse, NY; Harlingen/Weslaco/Brownsville/McAllen, TX; Colorado Springs, CO; Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC; Peoria/Bloomington, IL; Traverse City/Cadillac, MI; Amarillo, TX; Columbia/Jefferson City, MO; Albany, GA; Quincy, IL/Hannibal, MO/Keokuk, IA; Marquette, MI; and Ottumwa, IA/Kirksville, MO. Concurrent with the purchase, we entered into certain agreements with third parties to provide certain operational services to five of the stations. The purchase price includes $7.5 million paid by third parties for the license related assets these certain stations. We financed the purchase price with borrowings under our bank credit facility. Fisher. Effective August 8, 2013, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding common stock of Fisher. We paid $373.2 million to the shareholders of the Fisher common stock, representing $41.0 per common share. We financed the total purchase price with cash on hand. Fisher owned and/or operated twenty-two television stations in the following eight markets: Seattle-Tacoma, WA; Portland, OR; Spokane, WA; Boise, ID; Eugene, OR; Yakima/Pasco/Richland/Kennewick, WA; Bakersfield, CA; and Idaho Falls/Pocatello, ID. Also included in the purchase were the assets of four radio stations in the Seattle/Tacoma, WA market. Other 2013 Acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we acquired nineteen other television stations in the following eight markets: Baltimore, MD; Fresno / Visalia, CA; Omaha, NE; Portland, ME; El Paso, TX; Johnstown / Altoona, PA; Reno, NV; Sioux City, IA; and Wheeling, WV / Steubenville, OH. The purchase price of $272.7 million plus working capital of $10.8 million includes $0.7 million paid by certain VIEs for the license assets of certain of these stations owned by VIEs that we consolidate. 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 8,352 86,714 Broadcast licenses 675 — 13,700 225 14,600 Definite-lived intangible assets 125,925 70,375 564,100 87,915 848,315 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 77,266 499,543 96,935 822,237 Goodwill 57,398 41,024 535,694 25,501 659,617 Total $ 205,891 $ 118,290 $ 1,035,237 $ 122,436 $ 1,481,854 Fisher Barrington Other Total 2013 acquisitions Cash $ 13,531 $ — $ — $ 13,531 Accounts receivable 29,485 — 8,226 37,711 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 19,133 681 5,217 25,031 Program contract costs 11,427 4,011 6,050 21,488 Property and equipment 73,968 73,621 67,034 214,623 Broadcast licenses 29,771 719 4,395 34,885 Definite-lived intangible assets 166,034 220,253 169,438 555,725 Other assets 9,284 — 1,394 10,678 Assets held for sale 6,339 — — 6,339 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (20,127 ) (2,725 ) (3,926 ) (26,778 ) Program contracts payable (10,977 ) (3,813 ) (6,331 ) (21,121 ) Deferred tax liability (74,177 ) — (2,304 ) (76,481 ) Other long term liabilities (23,384 ) (65 ) (10,550 ) (33,999 ) Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired 230,307 292,682 238,643 761,632 Goodwill 143,942 75,004 45,538 264,484 Less: fair value of non-controlling interest (1,053 ) — — (1,053 ) Total $ 373,196 $ 367,686 $ 284,181 $ 1,025,063 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. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we made certain 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 $3.4 million , an increase to definite-lived intangible assets of $58.3 million , and a decrease to goodwill of $42.2 million , as well as a corresponding decrease to depreciation of $0.7 million and a decrease to amortization of $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 . The 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 15 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 27,575 $ 486,175 Customer relationships 45,500 25,600 207,200 44,800 323,100 Other intangible assets 23,500 — — 15,540 39,040 Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired $ 125,925 $ 70,375 $ 564,100 $ 87,915 $ 848,315 Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes $ 57,398 $ 41,024 $ — $ 25,501 $ 123,923 Fisher Barrington Other Total 2013 acquisitions Network affiliations $ 117,499 $ 103,245 $ 99,805 $ 320,549 Customer relationships 18,110 41,939 19,992 80,041 Other intangible assets 30,425 75,069 49,641 155,135 Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired $ 166,034 $ 220,253 $ 169,438 $ 555,725 Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes $ 10,765 $ 75,004 111,208 $ 196,977 The following tables summarize the results of the acquired operations included in the financial statements of the Company beginning on the acquisition date of each acquisition as listing above (in thousands): Revenues 2015 2014 2013 MEG Stations $ 69,275 $ 2,299 $ — KSNV 32,471 5,972 — Allbritton 231,300 106,258 — Barrington 154,279 173,013 16,927 Fisher 183,667 184,534 79,078 Other stations acquired in: 2014 42,470 9,172 — 2013 140,208 139,521 52,440 Total net broadcast revenues $ 853,670 $ 620,769 $ 148,445 Operating Income 2015 2014 2013 MEG Stations $ 15,246 $ 1,010 $ — KSNV 7,206 2,108 — Allbritton 39,550 26,914 — Barrington 24,435 34,875 4,096 Fisher 27,086 26,940 19,019 Other stations acquired in: 2014 8,451 1,569 — 2013 23,068 26,487 12,007 Total operating income $ 145,042 $ 119,903 $ 35,122 In connection with the 2014 and 2013 acquisitions, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , we incurred a total of $5.7 million , and $2.8 million , respectively, 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, assuming that the 2014 and 2013 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 the 2014 and 2013 acquisitions presented under Other above, as they were deemed not material both individually and in the aggregate (in thousands, except per share data): (Unaudited) 2014 2013 Total revenues $ 2,150,124 $ 1,838,167 Net Income $ 189,174 $ 41,323 Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 186,338 $ 38,974 Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 1.92 $ 0.42 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 1.90 $ 0.42 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 and net income exclude the results of the stations acquired in 2014 or 2013 that were subsequently sold, as discussed in above and in Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations .

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCO

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS: Discontinued Operations The operating results of our television stations in Lansing, MI (WLAJ-TV), which was sold effective March 1, 2013 for $14.4 million , and Providence, RI (WLWC-TV), which was sold effective April 1, 2013 for $13.8 million , are not included in our consolidated results of operations from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 and were classified as discontinued operations. Total revenues and income before taxes for WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV, which are included in discontinued operations for the year ending December 31, 2013, were $0.6 million and $1.6 million , and $0.2 million and $0.4 million , respectively. The resulting gain on the sale of these stations in 2013 was negligible. In 2014, the FASB issued new guidance that changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of and represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. We early adopted this new guidance in 2014. If this guidance were effective for the above discontinued operations, then the sale of those television stations would not have met the criteria under the new guidance. We recognized an $11.2 million income tax benefit during the year ended December 31, 2013, attributable to the adjustment of certain liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to discontinued operations. See Note 10. Income Taxes for further information. Dispositions related to station acquisitions As discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions , we completed the acquisition of certain broadcast assets from Media General. Simultaneously, in December 2014, we sold to Media General the broadcast assets of WTTA in Tampa, FL and KXRM/KXTU in Colorado Springs, CO for $93.1 million less working capital of $0.6 million . For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a $39.0 million gain on sale related to WTTA. Concurrent with the acquisition of the Allbritton companies discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions , due to FCC multiple ownership rules, we sold WHTM 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 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 12. Related Person Transactions for further discussion. Concurrent with the Barrington acquisition, due to FCC multiple ownership rules, we sold our station, WSYT (FOX), and assigned its LMA with WNYS (MNT), in Syracuse, NY to a third party for $15.0 million , and recognized a loss on sale of $3.3 million . We also sold our station, WYZZ (FOX) in Peoria, IL, which receives non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services from Nexstar Broadcasting pursuant to certain outsourcing agreements, to Cunningham for $22.0 million . This sale was accounted for as a transaction between parties under common control. See Note 12. Related Person Transactions for further discussion. Concurrent with the Fisher acquisition discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions , a third party that performed certain services pursuant to an outsourcing agreement to the station that we acquired, KIDK and KXPI in Idaho Falls, ID, exercised an existing purchase option to purchase the broadcast assets of the two stations for $6.3 million , which closed in November 2013. The assets of these stations were classified as assets held for sale in the Fisher purchase price allocation. See Note 2. Acquisitions for further discussion. The dispositions of the above assets did not meet the criteria for classification as discontinued operations, therefore the results of operations are included in continuing operations in our consolidated statements of operations. Assets Held for Sale As of December 31, 2014, we classified the assets and liabilities of Triangle Sign & Service, LLC (Triangle) as held for sale, however 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 December 31, 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.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS: In June 1996, our Board of Directors adopted, upon approval of the shareholders by proxy, the 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). The purpose of the LTIP is to reward key individuals for making major contributions to our success and the success of our subsidiaries and to attract and retain the services of qualified and capable employees. Under the LTIP, we have issued restricted stock awards (RSAs), stock grants to our non-employee directors, stock-settled appreciation rights (SARs) and stock options. A total of 14,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are reserved for awards under this plan. As of December 31, 2015 , 7,753,059 shares (including forfeited shares) were available for future grants. Additionally, we have the following arrangements that involve stock-based compensation: employer matching contributions (the Match) for participants in our 401(k) plan, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), and subsidiary stock awards. Stock-based compensation expense has no effect on our consolidated cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we recorded stock-based compensation of $18.0 million , $13.9 million and $10.6 million , respectively. Below is a summary of the key terms and methods of valuation of our stock-based compensation awards: RSAs. RSAs issued in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 have certain restrictions that lapse over two years at 50% and 50% , respectively. As the restrictions lapse, the Class A Common Stock may be freely traded on the open market. Unvested RSAs are entitled to dividends. The fair value assumes the closing value of the stock on the measurement date. The following is a summary of changes in unvested restricted stock: RSAs Weighted-Average Unvested shares at December 31, 2014 229,700 $ 18.71 2015 Activity: Granted 101,050 24.93 Vested (192,850 ) 16.89 Forfeited — — Unvested shares at December 31, 2015 137,900 25.81 For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we recorded compensation expense of $5.3 million , $3.2 million and $2.7 million , respectively. The majority of the unrecognized compensation expense of $1.1 million as of December 31, 2015 will be recognized in 2016. During 2015 , RSAs increased the weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of determining dilutive earnings per share. Stock Grants to Non-Employee Directors. In addition to directors fees paid, on the date of each of our annual meetings of shareholders, each non-employee director receives a grant of unrestricted shares of Class A Common Stock. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we issued 20,000 shares, 12,000 shares and 31,250 shares, respectively. We recorded expense of $0.6 million , $0.4 million and $0.8 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, which was based on the average share price of the stock on the date of grant. Additionally, these shares are included in the total shares outstanding, which results in a dilutive effect on our basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share. SARs. During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 310,000 , 200,000 and 500,000 SARs were granted with base values per share of $24.93 , $27.86 and $14.21 , respectively, to our President and Chief Executive Officer. The SARs have a 10 -year term and vest immediately. The base value of each SAR is equal the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on the grant date. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we recorded compensation expense equal to the estimated fair value at the grant date, of $2.6 million , $2.6 million and $3.2 million , respectively. We valued the SARs using the Black-Scholes model and the following assumptions: 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 1.3 % 1.5 % 0.9 % Expected years until exercise 5 years 5 years 5 years Expected volatility 47 % 65 % 73 % Annual dividend yield 2.7 % 2.2 % 4.3 % The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for U.S. Treasury zero coupon separate trading of registered interest and principal securities, commonly known as STRIPS, that approximate the expected life of the options. The expected volatility is based on our historical stock prices over a period equal to the expected life of the options. The annual dividend yield is based on the annual dividend per share divided by the share price on the grant date. The following is a summary of the 2015 activity: SARs Weighted- Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1,600,000 $ 15.08 2015 Activity: Granted 310,000 24.93 Exercised — — Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2015 1,910,000 16.68 The aggregate intrinsic value of the 1,910,000 outstanding as of December 31, 2015 was $30.3 million , and the outstanding SARs have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.41 years as of December 31, 2015 . During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , outstanding SARs increased the weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of determining dilutive earnings per share. Options. Effective April 1, 2014, we entered into an employment agreement with our Chief Financial Officer, to grant annually on each December 31, an option to purchase 125,000 shares of Class A Common Stock beginning December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2021. Upon grant, the stock options are immediately exercisable. The maximum aggregate intrinsic value that can be earned under the arrangement cannot exceed $20 million . The stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the stock on the date of grant and have a 10 year contractual life. Options Weighted- Outstanding at December 31, 2014 125,000 $ 27.36 2015 Activity: Granted 125,000 32.54 Exercised — — Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015 250,000 29.95 Since the stock options are fully vested upon grant and requisite service must be satisfied to receive the award, we estimate the fair value of each of the options to be issued in the future and recognize the compensation expense over the period until the actual grant date. The fair value of each award is remeasured each period until the actual grant with the ultimate cumulative expense equaling the grant date fair value of the award. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we recorded $0.8 million and $1.5 million of stock-based compensation expense related to this arrangement, respectively, based on estimated fair values of each of the options, of which $0.8 million and $1.1 million were attributable to the options granted on December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We value the stock options using the Black-Scholes pricing model. We used the following inputs to the model to value the options granted on December 31, 2015 and 2014, which have an exercise price of $32.54 and $27.36 per share, respectively: 2015 2014 Risk-free interest rate 1.9 % 1.8 % Expected years to exercise 5 years 5 years Expected volatility 42.1 % 47.6 % Annual dividend yield 2.0 % 2.3 % The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve, in effect at the time of grant, for U.S. Treasury STRIPS that approximate the expected life of the options. The expected volatility is based on our historical stock prices over a period equal to the expected life of the options. The annual dividend yield is based on the annual dividend per share divided by the share price on the grant date. Match. The Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (the 401(k) Plan) is available as a benefit for our eligible employees. Contributions made to the 401(k) Plan include an employee elected salary reduction amount, the Match and an additional discretionary amount determined each year by the Board of Directors. The Match and any additional discretionary contributions may be made using our Class A Common Stock if the Board of Directors so chooses. Typically, we make the Match using our Class A Common Stock. The value of the Match is based on the level of elective deferrals into the 401(k) Plan. The amount of shares of our Class A Common Stock used to make the Match is determined using the closing price on or about March 1 of each year for the previous calendar year’s Match. The Match is discretionary and is equal to a maximum of 50% of elective deferrals by eligible employees, capped at 4% of the employee’s total cash compensation. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we recorded $6.2 million , $5.2 million and $3.1 million , respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to the Match. A total of 3,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are reserved for matches under the plan. As of December 31, 2015 , 598,739 shares were available for future grants. ESPP. The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase Class A Common Stock at 85% of the lesser of the fair value of the common stock as of the first day of the quarter and as of the last day of that quarter, subject to certain limits as defined in the ESPP. The stock-based compensation expense recorded related to the ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $0.7 million , $0.7 million and $0.3 million , respectively. A total of 2,200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are reserved for awards under the plan. As of December 31, 2015 , 132,383 shares were available for future grants. Subsidiary Stock Awards . From time to time, we grant subsidiary stock awards to employees. The subsidiary stock is typically in the form of a membership interest in a consolidated limited liability company, not traded on a public exchange and valued based on the estimated fair value of the subsidiary. Fair value is typically estimated using discounted cash flow models and/or appraisals. These stock awards vest immediately. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we recorded compensation expense of $1.8 million , $0.2 million and $0.3 million , respectively, related to these awards which increase noncontrolling interest equity. These awards have no effect on the shares used in our basic and diluted earnings per share.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is generally computed under the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Buildings and improvements 10 - 30 years Station equipment 5 - 10 years Office furniture and equipment 5 - 10 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of 10 - 30 years or lease term Automotive equipment 3 - 5 years Property and equipment under capital leases Lease term Acquired property and equipment as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions , is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives. Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Land and improvements $ 60,678 $ 55,269 Real estate held for development and sale 91,106 113,514 Buildings and improvements 210,597 192,478 Station equipment 667,454 684,176 Office furniture and equipment 85,411 70,402 Leasehold improvements 22,693 19,091 Automotive equipment 47,402 37,726 Capital leased assets 84,474 81,625 Construction in progress 34,666 18,774 1,304,481 1,273,055 Less: accumulated depreciation (587,344 ) (520,517 ) $ 717,137 $ 752,538 Capital leased assets are related to building, tower and equipment leases. Depreciation related to capital leases is included in depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of operations. We added a $2.8 million capital lease in the quarter ended December 31, 2015. We recorded capital lease depreciation expense of $3.9 million , $3.7 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AN

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 $1,931.1 million and $1,964.6 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations was as follows (in thousands): Broadcast Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2013 Goodwill $ 1,790,167 $ 3,488 $ 1,793,655 Accumulated impairment losses (413,573 ) — (413,573 ) 1,376,594 3,488 1,380,082 Acquisition of television stations (a) 701,854 — 701,854 Sale of broadcast assets (d) (26,731 ) — (26,731 ) Deconsolidation of variable interest entities (b) (21,357 ) — (21,357 ) Measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions (66,320 ) — (66,320 ) Assets held for sale (e) — (2,975 ) (2,975 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 (c) Goodwill (a) 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 (a) 5,802 — 5,802 Measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions (42,237 ) — (42,237 ) Change in assets held for sale (e) — 2,975 2,975 Balance at December 31, 2015 (c) Goodwill 2,341,178 3,488 2,344,666 Accumulated impairment losses (413,573 ) — (413,573 ) $ 1,927,605 $ 3,488 $ 1,931,093 _______________________________________________________ (a) In 2015 and 2014 , we acquired goodwill as a result of acquisitions as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions . (b) In 2014, we deconsolidated certain variable interest entities and the amounts relate to WYZZ in Peoria, IL and WTAT in Charleston, SC, as discussed in Variable Interest Entities within Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . (c) Approximately $0.8 million of goodwill relates to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . (d) Amounts relate to the 2014 sale of WTTA in Tampa, FL and KXRM/KXTU in Colorado Springs, CO. See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations for further discussion on the sale of these stations. (e) We concluded that the assets of Triangle were no longer classified as assets held for sale. See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations for further discussion. We did not have any indicators of impairment in any interim period in 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 , and therefore did not perform interim impairment tests for goodwill during those periods. We performed our annual impairment tests for goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2015 and 2014 and as a result of our qualitative assessment we concluded based on our qualitative assessment of goodwill that it was more likely than not that the fair values of the reporting units would sufficiently exceed their carrying values and it was unnecessary to perform the quantitative two-step method. The qualitative factors for our reporting units reviewed during our annual assessments, indicated stable or improving margins and favorable or stable forecasted economic conditions including stable discount rates and comparable or improving business multiples. Additionally, the results of prior quantitative assessments supported significant excess fair value over carrying value of our reporting units. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the carrying amount of our broadcast licenses related to continuing operations was as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Beginning balance 135,075 101,029 Acquisition of television stations (a) 992 18,027 Sale of broadcast assets (175 ) (45 ) Impairment charge — (3,240 ) Measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions (3,427 ) 19,355 Deconsolidation of variable interest entities (b) — (51 ) Ending balance (c) 132,465 135,075 _______________________________________________________ (a) In 2015 and 2014 , we acquired broadcast licenses as a result of acquisitions as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions . (b) In 2014, we deconsolidated certain variable interest entities and the amounts relate to WYZZ in Peoria, IL and WTAT in Charleston, SC, as discussed in Variable Interest Entities within Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . (c) Approximately $17.6 million and $16.9 million of broadcast licenses relate to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We did not have any indicators of impairment for broadcast licenses in any interim period in 2015, and therefore did not perform interim impairment tests during those periods. We performed our annual impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangibles in the fourth quarter of 2015 and as a result of our qualitative and quantitative assessments we recorded no impairment. We performed our annual impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangibles in the fourth quarter of 2014 and as a result of our qualitative and/or quantitative assessments we recorded $3.2 million in impairment, included with amortization of $113.4 million within the consolidated statement of operations, related to broadcast licenses with a carrying value of $21.1 million , compared to their estimated fair value of $17.9 million , as a result of a decrease in the projected future market revenues related to our radio broadcast licenses in Seattle, WA. The key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our broadcast licenses consisted primarily of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value inputs), including discount rates, estimated market revenues, normalized market share, normalized profit margin, and estimated start-up costs. The qualitative factors for our broadcast licenses indicated an increase in market revenues, stable market shares and stable cost factors. The revenue, expense and growth rates used in determining the fair value of our broadcast licenses remained constant or increased slightly from 2014 to 2015. The growth rates are based on market studies, industry knowledge and historical performance. The discount rates used to determine the fair value of our broadcast licenses did not change significantly over the last three years. The discount rate is based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles related to continuing operations (in thousands): As of December 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Network affiliation (a) 1,378,425 (343,729 ) 1,034,696 Customer Relationships (a) 806,727 (225,176 ) 581,551 Other (b) 193,594 (58,271 ) 135,323 Total 2,378,746 (627,176 ) 1,751,570 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 December 31, 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 is primarily due to the purchase of additional alarm monitoring contracts of $39.2 million , partially offset by measurement period adjustments as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions . Definite-lived intangible assets and other assets subject to amortization are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives which generally range from 5 to 25 years. The total weighted average useful life of all definite-lived intangible assets and other assets subject to amortization acquired as a result of the acquisitions discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions is 14 years. The amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible and other assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $161.5 million , $125.5 million and $70.8 million , respectively. We analyze specific definite-lived intangibles for impairment when events occur that may impact their value in accordance with the respective accounting guidance for long-lived assets. There were no impairment charges recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The following table shows the estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years (in thousands): For the year ended December 31, 2016 152,011 For the year ended December 31, 2017 149,683 For the year ended December 31, 2018 148,350 For the year ended December 31, 2019 148,201 For the year ended December 31, 2020 147,890 Thereafter 1,005,435 1,751,570

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BA

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING:	NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING: Bank Credit Agreement We have a syndicated credit facility which includes both revolving credit and issued term loans (Bank Credit Agreement). During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Bank Credit Agreement has been restated and amended several times to provide incremental financing to the acquisitions as discussed under Note 2. Acquisitions . As of December 31, 2015 , $1,676.7 million , net of $12.9 million and $3.6 million deferred financing costs and debt discounts, respectively, of aggregate borrowings were outstanding under the Bank Credit Agreement, which consists of the following: Term Loan A. As of December 31, 2015 , $312.1 million of term loans maturing in April 2018 which bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% (Term Loan A) were outstanding, net of $1.5 million in deferred financing costs. On July 31, 2014, the most recent amendment to the Bank Credit Agreement, $327.7 million of Term Loan A was converted into revolving commitments. As of December 31, 2014 , $348.1 million of Term Loan A was outstanding. Term Loan B. As of December 31, 2015 , $1,364.6 million of term loans, net of $11.4 million deferred financing costs and debt discounts of $3.6 million , were outstanding. On April 30, 2015, we amended and restated our bank credit agreement to raise an additional $350.0 million of incremental term loan B commitments. Including the incremental borrowings, these term loans consist of 1) $650.0 million original principal maturing in April 2020, bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% with a 0.75% floor and 2) $750.0 million amended principal maturing July 2021, bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% with a 0.75% LIBOR floor. As of December 31, 2014 , $1,035.9 million of Term Loan B, net of debt discounts of $4.0 million , was outstanding. Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our total commitments under the revolving credit facility (Revolver) were $485.2 million . The Revolver matures in April 2018 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% . We incur a commitment fee on undrawn capacity of 0.5% . On July 31, 2014, $327.7 million of Term Loan A was converted into revolving commitments. As of December 31, 2015 , there were no outstanding borrowings and $2.3 million of letters of credit were issued under the Revolver. The remaining borrowing capacity under the Revolver was $482.9 million and $144.1 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Interest expense related to the Bank Credit Agreement, including the Revolver, in our consolidated statements of operations was $53.8 million , $38.7 million and $27.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Included in these amounts were amortization of debt refinancing costs of $2.2 million , $3.8 million and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 respectively, in accordance with debt modification accounting guidance that applied to the amendments. Additionally, we capitalized $3.6 million , $3.8 million and $14.9 million as deferred financing costs, during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Deferred financing costs are classified within our notes payable and commercial bank financing within our consolidated balance sheet, except for deferred financing costs related to our Revolver as discussed in Other Assets within Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . The weighted average effective interest rate of the Term Loan B for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was 3.54% and 3.30% , respectively. The weighted average effective interest rate of the Term Loan A for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was 2.47% and 2.38% , respectively. The weighted average effective interest rate of the Revolver for the year ended December 31, 2015 was 2.38% . Our Bank Credit Agreement, as well as indentures governing our outstanding notes as described below, contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness with certain exceptions, pay dividends (See Note 9. Common Stock ), incur liens, engage in mergers or consolidations, make acquisitions, investments or disposals and engage in activities with affiliates. In addition, under the Bank Credit Agreement, we are required to maintain a ratio of First Lien Indebtedness of 4.0 times EBITDA. As of December 31, 2015 , we were in compliance with all financial ratios and covenants. Our Bank Credit Agreement also contains certain cross-default provisions with certain material third-party licensees, defined as any party that owns the license assets of one or more television stations for which we provided services pursuant to LMAs and/or other outsourcing agreements and those stations provide 20% or more of our aggregate broadcast cash flows. A default by a material third-party licensee under our agreements with such parties, including a default caused by insolvency, would cause an event of default under our Bank Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2015 , there were no material third party licensees as defined in our Bank Credit Agreement. Substantially all of our stock in our wholly-owned subsidiaries has been pledged as security for the Bank Credit Agreement. 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 On July 23, 2014, we issued $550.0 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.625% per annum and mature on August 1, 2024 (the 5.625% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated July 23, 2014 (the 5.625% Indenture). The 5.625% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1, commencing on February 1, 2015. Prior to August 1, 2019, we may redeem the 5.625% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.625% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 5.625% Indenture. In addition, on or prior to August 1, 2019, we may redeem up to 35% of the 5.625% Notes, using proceeds of certain equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or have certain changes of control, the holders of the 5.625% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. The proceeds from the offering of the 5.625% Notes, together with borrowings under our Bank Credit Agreement and cash on hand, were used to finance the acquisition of the Allbritton companies effective August 1, 2014. Concurrent with entering into the 5.625% Indenture in July 2013, we also entered into a registration rights agreement requiring us to file a registration statement covering an offer to exchange of the 5.625% Notes for registered securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) which we completed in April 2015. Interest expense was $30.9 million and $13.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Interest expense for 2015 includes $0.5 million in amortization of deferred financing costs. The weighted average effective interest rate for the 5.625% Notes was 5.830% for the year ended December 31, 2015 . 6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021 On October 11, 2013, we issued $350.0 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 6.375% per annum and mature on November 1, 2021 (the 6.375% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated October 11, 2013 (the 6.375% Indenture). The 6.375% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1, commencing on May 1, 2014. Prior to November 1, 2016, we may redeem the 6.375% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 6.375% Indenture. In addition, on or prior to November 1, 2016, we may redeem up to 35% of the 6.375% Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, holders of the 6.375% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the Notes. The proceeds from the offering of the 6.375% Notes were used to partially fund the redemption of the 9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, Due 2017 (the 9.25% Notes), as discussed further below. Interest expense was $22.3 million , $22.4 million and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Interest expense for 2015 includes $0.6 million in amortization of deferred financing costs. The weighted average effective interest rate for the 6.375% Notes was 6.590% for the year ended December 31, 2015 . 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 On April 2, 2013, we issued $600.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum and mature on April 1, 2021 (the 5.375% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated April 2, 2013 (the 5.375% Indenture). The 5.375% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2013. Prior to April 1, 2016, we may redeem the 5.375% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100 % of the principal amount of the 5.375% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 5.375% Indenture. Beginning on April 1, 2016, we may redeem some or all of the 5.375% Notes at any time or from time to time at a redemption price set forth in the 5.375% Indenture. In addition, on or prior to April 1, 2016, we may redeem up to 35% of the 5.375% Notes using proceeds of certain equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, holders of the 5.375% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the Notes. The net proceeds from the offering of the 5.375% Notes were used to pay down outstanding indebtedness under our bank credit facility. Interest expense was $32.3 million for both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and $24.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 . Interest expense for 2015 includes $0.9 million in amortization of deferred financing costs. The weighted average effective interest rate for the 5.375% Notes was 5.580% for the year ended December 31, 2015 . 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022 On October 12, 2012, we issued $500.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 6.125% per annum and mature on October 1, 2022 (the 6.125% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated October 12, 2012 (the 2012 Indenture). The 6.125% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1, commencing on April 1, 2013. Prior to October 1, 2017, we may redeem the 6.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6.125% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 2012 Indenture. Beginning on October 1, 2017, we may redeem some or all of the 6.125% Notes at any time or from time to time at a redemption price set forth in the 2012 Indenture. In addition, on or prior to October 1, 2015, we could have redeemed up to 35% of the 6.125% Notes using proceeds of certain equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, holders of the 6.125% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the Notes. The net proceeds from the offering of the 6.125% Notes were used to pay down outstanding indebtedness under the revolving credit facility under our Bank Credit Agreement and fund certain acquisitions as described under Note 2. Acquisitions , and for general corporate purposes. Interest expense was $30.6 million for both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and $30.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 . Interest expense for 2015 includes $0.7 million in amortization of deferred financing costs. The weighted average effective interest rate for the 6.125% Notes was 6.310% for the year ended December 31, 2015 . 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018 Effective October 15, 2014, we redeemed all of the outstanding 8.375% Senior Notes due 2018, representing $237.5 million aggregate principal amount of Notes as of October 15, 2014. Upon the redemption, along with the principal, we paid the accrued and unpaid interest and a make whole premium of $9.9 million , for a total of $257.4 million paid to note holders. We recorded a loss on extinguishment of $14.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 related to this redemption. Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs was $16.0 million and $20.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. 9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, Due 2017 Effective October 12, 2013, we redeemed all of the outstanding 9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, representing $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount. Upon the redemption, along with the principal, we paid the accrued and unpaid interest and a make whole premium of $25.4 million , for a total of $546.1 million paid to noteholders. We recorded a loss on extinguishment of $43.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 related to this redemption, which included the write-off of the unamortized deferred financing costs of $9.5 million and debt discount of $8.2 million . Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs was $37.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 . 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2018 and 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes, Due 2027 In September 2013, 100% of the outstanding 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes, due in 2018 (the 4.875% Notes), representing aggregate principal of $5.7 million , were converted into 388,632 shares of Class A Common Stock, as permitted under the indenture, resulting in an increase in additional paid-in capital of $8.6 million , net of income taxes. In October 2013, 100% of the outstanding 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes, due in 2027 (the 3.0% Notes), representing aggregate principal of $5.4 million , were converted and settled fully in cash of $10.5 million , as permitted under the indenture. As the original terms of the indenture included a cash conversion feature, the effective settlement of the liability and equity components were accounted for separately. The redemption of the liability component results in a $1.0 million gain on extinguishment, and the redemption of the equity component was recorded as a $5.1 million reduction in additional paid-in capital, net of taxes. Debt of other non-media subsidiaries Debt of our consolidated subsidiaries related to our non-media private equity investment and real estate ventures is non-recourse to us. Interest was paid on this debt at rates typically ranging from LIBOR plus 2.5% to a fixed 6.50% during 2015 . During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , interest expense on this debt was $3.8 million , $3.1 million and $3.2 million , respectively. Debt of variable interest entities Our consolidated VIEs have $26.3 million , net of $0.4 million deferred financing costs, in outstanding debt for which the proceeds were used to purchase the license assets of certain stations. See Variable Interest Entities under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 2. Acquisitions for more information. The credit agreements and term loans of these VIEs each bear interest of LIBOR plus 2.50% . We have jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the debt of the VIEs, as a primary obligor, including the payment of all unpaid principal of and interest on the loans. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the interest expense relating to the debt of our VIEs which was jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed was $1.7 million , $2.2 million and $1.2 million , respectively. Summary Notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan A $ 313,620 $ 348,073 Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B 1,379,626 1,039,876 Revolving credit facility — 338,000 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 350,000 350,000 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 600,000 600,000 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022 500,000 500,000 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 550,000 550,000 Debt of variable interest entities 26,682 30,167 Debt of other non-media subsidiaries 120,969 118,822 Capital leases 34,774 38,836 Total outstanding principal 3,875,671 3,913,774 Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B (3,618 ) (3,992 ) Less: Deferred financing costs (38,709 ) (41,844 ) Less: Current portion (164,184 ) (113,116 ) Net carrying value of long-term debt $ 3,669,160 $ 3,754,822 Indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2015 matures as follows (in thousands): Notes and Bank Agreement Capital Leases Total 2016 $ 162,445 $ 4,792 $ 167,237 2017 79,101 4,819 83,920 2018 243,105 4,846 247,951 2019 14,545 4,957 19,502 2020 615,440 4,704 620,144 2021 and thereafter 2,726,261 33,089 2,759,350 Total minimum payments 3,840,897 57,207 3,898,104 Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B (3,618 ) — (3,618 ) Less: Deferred financing cost (38,709 ) — (38,709 ) Less: Amount representing future interest — (22,433 ) (22,433 ) Net carrying value of debt $ 3,798,570 $ 34,774 $ 3,833,344 As of December 31, 2015 , we had 28 capital leases with non-affiliates; including 24 broadcast tower leases and four other non-media equipment leases. All of our tower leases will expire within the next 16 years and the equipment leases expire within the next 4 years. Most of our leases have 5 - 10 year renewal options and it is expected that these leases will be renewed or replaced within the normal course of business. For information related to our affiliate notes and capital leases, see Note 12. Related Person Transactions .

PROGRAM CONTRACTS

PROGRAM CONTRACTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
PROGRAM CONTRACTS:
PROGRAM CONTRACTS:	PROGRAM CONTRACTS: Future payments required under program contracts as of December 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 108,260 2017 22,946 2018 14,270 2019 9,850 2020 7,562 2021 and thereafter 2,293 Total 165,181 Less: Current portion 108,260 Long-term portion of program contracts payable $ 56,921 Each future period’s film liability includes contractual amounts owed, however, what is contractually owed does not necessarily reflect what we are expected to pay during that period. While we are contractually bound to make the payments reflected in the table during the indicated periods, industry protocol typically enables us to make film payments on a three months lag. Included in the current portion amounts are payments due in arrears of $26.6 million . In addition, we have entered into non-cancelable commitments for future program rights aggregating to $139.6 million as of December 31, 2015 .

COMMON STOCK

COMMON STOCK	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
COMMON STOCK:	COMMON STOCK: Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share, except for votes relating to “going private” and certain other transactions. Substantially all of the Class B Common Stock is held by David D. Smith, Frederick G. Smith, J. Duncan Smith and Robert E. Smith who entered into a stockholders’ agreement pursuant to which they have agreed to vote for each other as candidates for election to our board of directors until December 31, 2025. The Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock vote together as a single class, except as otherwise may be required by Maryland law, on all matters presented for a vote. Holders of Class B Common Stock may at any time convert their shares into the same number of shares of Class A Common Stock. During 2015 , no Class B Common Stock shares were converted into Class A Common Stock shares. During 2014 , 100,000 Class B Common Stock shares were converted into Class A Common Stock shares. Our Bank Credit Agreement and some of our subordinated debt instruments have restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. Under our Bank Credit Agreement, in certain circumstances, we may make unrestricted cash payments as long as our first lien indebtedness ratio does not exceed 3.75 to 1.00. Once our first lien indebtedness ratio exceeds 3.75 to 1.00, we have the ability to make up to $200.0 million in unrestricted annual cash payments including but not limited to dividends, of which $50.0 million may carry over to the next year, as long as we are in compliance with our first lien indebtedness ratio under the Bank Credit Agreement of 4.00 to 1.00. In addition, we have an aggregate basket of up to $250.0 million , as long as we are in compliance with our first lien indebtedness ratio of 4.00 to 1.00, and an aggregate basket of $50.0 million , as long as no Event of Default has occurred. Under the indentures governing the 6.125% Notes, 5.375% Notes, 6.375% Notes and 5.625% Notes, we are restricted from paying dividends on our common stock unless certain specified conditions are satisfied, including that: • no event of default then exists under each indenture or certain other specified agreements relating to our indebtedness; and • after taking into account the dividends payment, we are within certain restricted payment requirements contained in each indenture. In addition, under certain of our debt instruments, the payment of dividends is not permissible during a default thereunder. In April 2013, we commenced a public offering of 18.0 million shares of Class A common stock. The offering was priced at $27.25 per share on May 1, 2013 and closed on May 7, 2013. The net proceeds of $472.9 million were used to fund 2013 acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. During 2014 , our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share in the months of February and April, which were paid in March and June. In August and November our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.165 per share, which were paid in September and December. Total dividend payments for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $0.63 per share. During 2015 , our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.165 per share in the months of February, May, August and November, which were paid in March, June, September and December, respectively. Total dividend payments for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $0.66 per share. In February 2016, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.165 per share. Future dividends on our common shares, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on several factors including our results of operations, cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, covenant restrictions and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem relevant. The Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock holders have the same rights related to dividends. 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. During 2015 , we repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares of Class A Common Stock for approximately $28.8 million on the open market including transaction costs. As of December 31, 2015 , the total remaining authorization was $105.5 million .

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES:	INCOME TAXES: The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Provision for income taxes - continuing operations $ 57,694 $ 97,432 $ 41,249 Benefit for income taxes - discontinued operations — — (10,806 ) $ 57,694 $ 97,432 $ 30,443 Current: Federal $ 80,420 $ 92,609 $ 16,229 State 5,720 5,641 (8,305 ) 86,140 98,250 7,924 Deferred: Federal (26,637 ) 3,170 20,214 State (1,809 ) (3,988 ) 2,305 (28,446 ) (818 ) 22,519 $ 57,694 $ 97,432 $ 30,443 The following is a reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision from continuing operations: 2015 2014 2013 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Adjustments: State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (1) 0.6 % (0.1 )% 8.3 % Non-deductible items (2) 1.2 % 3.4 % 1.4 % Domestic Production Activities Deduction (3.9 )% (3.2 )% (3.8 )% Effect of consolidated VIEs (3) 1.4 % 0.8 % 3.7 % Change in state tax laws and rates (0.3 )% (0.1 )% (5.5 )% Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (4) (1.9 )% (3.4 )% 0.8 % Basis in stock of subsidiaries (5) (5.5 )% — % — % Federal R&D Credit (1.1 )% — % — % Other (0.3 )% (0.9 )% 0.1 % Effective income tax rate 25.2 % 31.5 % 40.0 % _______________________________________________________ (1) Included in state income taxes are deferred income tax effects related to certain acquisitions and/or intercompany mergers. (2) Included in 2014 is the current income taxes related to the taxable gain on sale of WHTM’s assets in Harrisburg, PA, which we acquired with the stock purchase of the Allbritton Companies in the same year. There was no book gain on this sale. Since a deferred tax liability was not established for the excess of book basis over tax basis of goodwill, a deferred tax benefit does not offset the current tax expense. (3) Certain of our consolidated VIEs incur expenses that are not attributable to non-controlling interests because we absorb certain related losses of the VIEs. These expenses are not tax-deductible by us, and since these VIEs are treated as pass-through entities for income tax purposes, deferred income tax benefits are not recognized. (4) During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we recorded a $5.7 million and $10.8 million benefit, respectively, related to the release of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. See table below which summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits. (5) During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded a $12.6 million benefit related to the realization of a capital loss upon the sale of the stock of a subsidiary. Temporary differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities give rise to deferred taxes. Total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Deferred Tax Assets: Net operating and capital losses: Federal $ 14,884 $ 2,384 State 65,822 67,430 Goodwill and intangible assets 33,979 44,175 Other 37,812 27,677 152,497 141,666 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (58,333 ) (58,896 ) Total deferred tax assets $ 94,164 $ 82,770 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Goodwill and intangible assets $ (561,812 ) $ (543,628 ) Property & equipment, net (76,106 ) (72,819 ) Contingent interest obligations (30,575 ) (40,941 ) Other (10,743 ) (34,314 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (679,236 ) (691,702 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (585,072 ) $ (608,932 ) Our remaining federal and state capital and net operating losses will expire during various years from 2016 to 2035, and some of them are subject to annual limitations under the Internal Revenue Code Section 382 and similar state provisions. As discussed in Income taxes under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , we establish valuation allowances in accordance with the guidance related to accounting for income taxes. As of December 31, 2015 , a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial portion of our available state net operating loss 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. Although realization is not assured for the remaining deferred tax assets, we believe it is more likely than not that they will be realized in the future. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we decreased our valuation allowance by $0.6 million to $58.3 million . The reduction in valuation allowance was primarily due to changes in estimates of apportionment for certain states. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we increased our valuation allowance by $7.8 million to $58.9 million . The change in valuation allowance was primarily due to intercompany mergers, effective December 31, 2014, which we expect will decrease the utilization of the state NOL carryforwards. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we decreased our valuation allowance by $8.3 million from $59.4 million . The reduction in valuation allowance was primarily due to a law change in a state tax jurisdiction, effective for years beginning after December 31, 2014, which we expect will significantly increase the forecasted future taxable income attributable to that state and result in utilization of the state NOL carryforwards. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we had $3.3 million and $7.1 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, respectively. Of this total, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , $2.6 and $6.4 million from respective continuing operations (net of federal effect on state tax issues) represent the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rates. The following table summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1, $ 7,138 $ 16,883 $ 25,965 Additions (reductions) related to prior year tax positions 1,458 — (8,928 ) Additions related to current year tax positions 472 1,450 693 Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (1,517 ) (2,910 ) (847 ) Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations (4,294 ) (8,285 ) — Balance at December 31, $ 3,257 $ 7,138 $ 16,883 In addition, we recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. We recognized $0.2 million , $0.7 million , and $1.2 million of income tax expense for interest related to uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. As previously discussed under Discontinued Operations within Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations , during the year ended December 31, 2013, we reduced our liability for unrecognized tax benefits by $11.2 million related to discontinued operations. During the third quarter of 2013, we concluded that it was more likely than not that a previously unrecognized state tax position would be sustained upon review of the state tax authority, based on new information obtained during the period, resulting in a reduction in the liability of $6.1 million . The remaining $5.1 million reduction in the second quarter of 2013 was the result of application of limits under an available state administrative practice exception. We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. All of our 2012 and subsequent federal and state tax returns remain subject to examination by various tax authorities. Some of our pre-2012 federal and state tax returns may also be subject to examination. We do not anticipate the resolution of these matters will result in a material change to our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we believe it is reasonably possible that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to continuing operations could be reduced by up to $1.0 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.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 none of our pending and threatened matters are material. Various parties have filed petitions to deny our applications or applications of licensees that we provide services to under LMAs 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. Operating Leases We have entered into operating leases for certain property and equipment under terms ranging from one to 44 years. The rent expense from continuing operations under these leases, as well as certain leases under month-to-month arrangements, for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was approximately $21.7 million , $19.4 million and $10.3 million , respectively. Future minimum payments under the leases are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 18,944 2017 15,909 2018 12,542 2019 11,716 2020 10,648 2021 and thereafter 33,144 $ 102,903 Changes in the Rules on Television Ownership Certain of our stations have entered into what have commonly been referred to as local marketing agreements or LMAs. One typical type of LMA is a programming agreement between two separately owned television stations serving the same market, whereby the licensee of one station programs substantial portions of the broadcast day and sells advertising time during such programming segments on the other licensee’s station subject to the latter licensee’s ultimate editorial and other controls. We believe these arrangements allow us to reduce our operating expenses and enhance profitability. In 1999, the FCC established a new local television ownership rule. LMAs fell under this rule, however, the rule grandfathered LMAs that were entered into prior to November 5, 1996, and permitted the applicable stations to continue operations pursuant to the LMAs until the conclusion of the FCC’s 2004 biennial review. The FCC stated it would conduct a case-by-case review of grandfathered LMAs and assess the appropriateness of extending the grandfathering periods. The FCC did not initiate any review of grandfathered LMAs in 2004 or as part of its subsequent quadrennial reviews. We do not know when, or if, the FCC will conduct any such review of grandfathered LMAs. For LMAs executed on or after November 5, 1996, the FCC required compliance with the 1999 local television ownership rule by August 6, 2001. We challenged the 1999 rules in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (D.C. Circuit), resulting in the exclusion of post-November 5, 1996 LMAs from the 1999 rules. In 2002, the D.C. Circuit ruled that the 1999 local television ownership rule was arbitrary and capricious and remanded the rule to the FCC. Currently, three of our LMAs are grandfathered under the local television ownership rule because they were entered into prior to November 5, 1996 and we believe that the remainder are subject to the stay imposed by the D.C. Circuit. If the FCC were to eliminate the grandfathering of these three LMAs, or the D.C. Circuit were to lift its stay, we would have to terminate or modify these LMAs. In connection with our acquisition of the Allbritton station in Charleston, the FCC has taken the position that the stay granted by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals allowing the continuation of an LMA between us and Cunningham relating to WTAT-TV in that market was no longer effective. In response to this, we terminated our LMA with WTAT-TV, effective on the acquisition of the Allbritton Companies, and other financial relationships between us and WTAT-TV were severed (other than a short-term transition services agreement, a sublease of tower space and a lease of certain transmission facilities). Cunningham purchased the non-license assets of WTAT-TV for $14.0 million . In 2003, the FCC revised its ownership rules, including the local television ownership rule. The effective date of the 2003 ownership rules was stayed by the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the rules were remanded to the FCC. Because the effective date of the 2003 ownership rules had been stayed and, in connection with the adoption of those rules, the FCC concluded the 1999 rules could not be justified as necessary in the public interest, we took the position that an issue exists regarding whether the FCC has any current legal right to enforce any rules prohibiting the acquisition of television stations. Several parties, including us, filed petitions with the Supreme Court of the United States seeking review of the Third Circuit decision, but the Supreme Court denied the petitions in June 2005. On November 15, 1999, we entered into a plan and agreement of merger to acquire through merger WMYA-TV in Anderson, South Carolina from Cunningham, but that transaction was denied by the FCC. In light of the change in the 2003 ownership rules, we filed a petition for reconsideration with the FCC and amended our application to acquire the license of WMYA-TV. We also filed applications in November 2003 to acquire the license assets of, at the time, the remaining five Cunningham stations: WRGT-TV, Dayton, Ohio; WTAT-TV, Charleston, South Carolina; WVAH-TV, Charleston, West Virginia; WNUV-TV, Baltimore, Maryland; and WTTE-TV, Columbus, Ohio. The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition (‘‘Rainbow/PUSH’’) filed a petition to deny these five applications and to revoke all of our licenses on the grounds that such acquisition would violate the local television ownership rules. The FCC dismissed our applications in light of the stay of the 2003 ownership rules and also denied the Rainbow/PUSH petition. Rainbow/PUSH filed a petition for reconsideration of that denial and we filed an application for review of the dismissal. In 2005, we filed a petition with the U. S. Court of Appeals for the D. C. Circuit requesting that the Court direct the FCC to take final action on our applications, but that petition was dismissed. On January 6, 2006, we submitted a motion to the FCC requesting that it take final action on our applications. Both the applications and the associated petition to deny are still pending. We believe the Rainbow/PUSH petition is without merit. On February 8, 2008, we filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit requesting that the Court direct the FCC to take final action on these applications and cease its use of the 1999 local television ownership rule that it re-adopted as the permanent rule in 2008. In July 2008, the D.C. Circuit transferred the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and we filed a petition with the D.C. Circuit challenging that decision, which was denied. We also filed with the Ninth Circuit a motion to transfer that case back to the D.C. Circuit. In November 2008, the Ninth Circuit consolidated our petition seeking final FCC action on our applications with the petitions challenging the FCC’s current ownership rules and transferred the proceedings to the Third Circuit. In December 2008, we agreed voluntarily with the parties to the proceeding to dismiss the petition seeking final FCC action on the applications. 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. We cannot predict the outcome of that appeal. Among other things, the new JSA rule could limit our future ability to create duopolies or other two-station operations in certain markets. Under the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization (STELAR), Congress extended the period of time for parties to preexisting JSAs to come into compliance with the new rules, until December 19, 2016. On December 18, 2015, Congress passed and the President signed Public Law No. 114-113, which included a provision that grandfathered preexisting JSAs, effective as of March 31, 2014, for a 10 year period, or until October 1, 2025. We cannot predict whether we will be able to terminate or restructure such arrangements prior to October 1, 2025, on terms that are as advantageous to us as the current arrangements. The revenues of these JSA arrangements we earned during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $46.8 million and $48.8 million , respectively. In its Order approving the Allbritton transaction, the FCC expressed concerns regarding an LMA that had existed between Sinclair and Cunningham in the Charleston market, and that it believed Sinclair apparently violated the local TV ownership rule with respect to its continued operation of that LMA. The same agreement that governs the Charleston LMA also governs LMAs between Sinclair and Cunningham in three other markets. The existence of the Charleston LMA was repeatedly disclosed to the Commission over many years, during which Sinclair relied on a June 20, 2001, Stay Order issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which specifically stated that “the time for Sinclair to come into compliance with the Commission’s ‘ eight voices standard’ is hereby stayed pending further order of the court.” No further order has been issued by the Court with respect to that stay. Sinclair has submitted a memorandum of counsel to the FCC with regard to the LMA and its reliance on the Court’s Stay Order. We cannot predict what steps, if any, the FCC will take in the future with respect to the now terminated Charleston LMA. In connection with the Allbritton acquisition, we agreed to surrender for cancellation the FCC licenses of WMMP, Charleston, SC, WCFT, Tuscaloosa, AL, and WJSU, Anniston, AL, all ABC affiliates, by September 29, 2014 and to terminate the Charleston LMA. In August 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell the license and related assets of WMMP to Howard Stirk Holdings II, LLC for $0.05 million , subject to the approval of the FCC, and other customary closing conditions. In September 2014, we entered into two other agreements to sell the licenses and related assets of WCFT and WJSU to Howard Stirk Holdings II LLC for $0.05 million per station, subject to the approval of the FCC, and other customary closing conditions. The FCC applications requested waiver or an extension of the September 29, 2014 deadline. The FCC granted the WCFT, WJSU and WMMP assignment applications on December 4, 2014. We sold the license and related assets to a third party on February 27, 2015. Subsequent, to the sale we retained the ABC network affiliation service agreements. If we are required to terminate or modify our LMAs or JSAs, our business could be affected in the following ways: Losses on investments . In some cases, we own the non-license assets used by the stations we operate under LMAs and JSAs. If certain of these arrangements are no longer permitted, we could be forced to sell these assets, restructure our agreements or find another use for them. If this happens, the market for such assets may not be as good as when we purchased them and, therefore, we cannot be certain of a favorable return on our original investments. Termination penalties . If the FCC requires us to modify or terminate existing LMAs or JSAs before the terms of the agreements expire, or under certain circumstances, we elect not to extend the terms of the agreements, we may be forced to pay termination penalties under the terms of some of our agreements. Any such termination penalties could be material. Pending Acquisitions In October 2015, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire KUQI (FOX), KTOV-LP (MNT) and KXPX-LP (Retro TV) in Corpus Christi, Texas from High Maintenance, LLC for $9.3 million . We completed the acquisition in January 2016. The acquisition was funded with cash on hand. In October 2015, we entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the broadcast assets of WBST (CBS) in South Bend-Elkhart, Indiana, owned by Schurz Communications, Inc., and to sell the broadcast assets of WLUC (NBC and FOX) in Marquette, Michigan to Gray Television, Inc. We completed the station swap in February 2016. In October, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire KFXL (FOX) and KHGI, KHGI-LD, KWNB and KWNB-LD (ABC), in Lincoln, Nebraska for $31.3 million , subject to customary closing conditions. We expect to fund the acquisition with cash on hand in early 2016. In January 2016, we entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the stock of Tennis Channel for $350.0 million . The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company expects to fund the purchase price at closing, through cash on hand and a draw on the Company's revolving line of credit.

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 entities owned by the controlling shareholders. Lease payments made to these entities were $5.1 million for both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 . In September 2015, we were granted authority by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate an experimental facility in the 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. Capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Capital lease for building, interest at 8.54% $ 3,508 $ 4,972 Capital leases for building, interest at 7.93% 679 932 Capital leases for building, interest at 8.11% 7,432 7,843 Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 8.0% 2,749 390 Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 9.0% 1,958 — Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 10.5% 4,690 4,797 21,016 18,934 Less: Current portion (3,166 ) (2,625 ) $ 17,850 $ 16,309 Capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships as of December 31, 2015 mature as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 5,070 2017 5,061 2018 2,868 2019 2,978 2020 3,093 2021 and thereafter 10,172 Total minimum payments due 29,242 Less: Amount representing interest (8,226 ) $ 21,016 Charter Aircraft. From time to time, we charter aircraft owned by certain controlling shareholders. We incurred expenses of $1.4 million , $1.5 million and $0.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation As of December 31, 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 parent 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 Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , during the third quarter of 2014, we deconsolidated Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation as we determined it was no longer a variable interest entity. 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 December 31, 2015 , certain of our stations provide programming, sales and managerial services pursuant to LMAs for 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 provisions 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 , of which a portion of this fee will be credited toward the purchase price to the extent of the annual 6% increase to the purchase price. 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 the Cunningham LMA Stations was approximately $53.6 million as of December 31, 2015. We made payments to Cunningham under our LMAs with these stations of $8.8 million , $10.8 million and $9.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , Cunningham LMA Stations provided us with approximately $101.8 million , $103.5 million , and $107.6 million , respectively, of total revenue. In November 2013, concurrent with our acquisition, of the Barrington stations discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions , Cunningham acquired the license related assets of WBSF-TV and WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV, which was funded by bank debt, for which we have provided a guarantee. 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. Under these arrangements, we earned $5.8 million , $6.0 million and $0.6 million from the services we perform for these stations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , our consolidated revenues include $7.7 million , $7.8 million and $0.7 million related to these stations, respectively. Also, concurrent with the Barrington acquisition, we also sold our station, WYZZ (FOX) in Peoria, IL, which currently receives non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services from Nexstar Broadcasting pursuant to an outsourcing agreement, to Cunningham for $22.0 million . In July 2014, concurrent with the Allbritton acquisition we terminated the LMA with WTAT (FOX) in Charleston, SC and sold to Cunningham the non-license assets related to this station. Although we have no continuing involvement in the operations of these stations, because we had consolidated Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (the parent company) up until September 2014 (see Variable Interest Entities under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies ), the assets of WYZZ were not derecognized and the transaction were accounted for as transactions between consolidated entities, and the resulting gains on sale were not recognized. Upon deconsolidation of Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation, the difference between proceeds received for the sale of WYZZ and WTAT and the carrying values of the net assets, which was previously eliminated in consolidation, was reflected as an increase to additional paid in capital in the consolidated balance sheet. During October 2013, we purchased the outstanding membership interests of KDBC-TV (CBS) in El Paso, TX from Cunningham for $21.2 million , plus a working capital adjustment of $0.2 million . See Other Acquisitions within Note 2. Acquisitions , for further information. During January 2016, Cunningham entered into a promissory note to borrow $19.5 million from us. The note bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.0% per annum (the 5.0% Notes), which is payable quarterly, commencing March 31, 2016. The note matures in January 2021, with additional one year renewal periods upon our approval. Cunningham may redeem the 5.0% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the terms of the loan agreement. 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 $0.4 million for both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 . We paid $1.1 million for vehicles and related vehicle services from Atlantic Automotive during the year ended December 31, 2013. No payments for vehicles or vehicles related services from Atlantic Automotive during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Additionally, Atlantic Automotive leases office space owned by one of our consolidated real estate ventures in Towson, MD. Atlantic Automotive paid $1.2 million in rent during the year ended December 31, 2015 , and $1.0 million in rent during both years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 . 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 $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 , and $0.5 million for both the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 . Additionally, there is also one lease for a restaurant in a building owned by one of our real estate ventures in Towson, MD. Total rent received under this lease was $0.3 million for both the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 . Payments for services provided by these three restaurants to us was less than $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Thomas & Libowitz, P.A. Thomas & Libowitz P.A. (Thomas & Libowitz), is a law firm founded by Steven A. Thomas, which provides legal services to us on an ongoing basis. Steven A. Thomas is the son of Basil A. Thomas, a former member of our Board of Directors, who resigned during 2013. We paid fees of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 .

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Income (Numerator) Income from continuing operations $ 176,099 $ 215,115 $ 64,259 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests included in continuing operations (4,575 ) (2,836 ) (2,349 ) Numerator for diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations available to common shareholders 171,524 212,279 61,910 Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes — — 11,558 Numerator for diluted earnings available to common shareholders $ 171,524 $ 212,279 $ 73,468 Shares (Denominator) Weighted-average common shares outstanding 95,003 97,114 93,207 Dilutive effect of outstanding stock settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and stock options 725 705 638 Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 95,728 97,819 93,845 Potentially dilutive securities which would have an anti-dilutive effect were 0.1 million , 0.3 million , and zero shares for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The net earnings per share amounts are the same for Class A and Class B Common Stock because the holders of each class are legally entitled to equal per share distributions whether through dividends or in liquidation.

SEGMENT DATA

SEGMENT DATA	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT DATA	SEGMENT DATA: We measure segment performance based on operating income (loss). Excluding discontinued operations, our broadcast segment includes stations in 79 markets located throughout the continental United States. The operating results of stations classified as discontinued operations as disclosed in Note 3. Dispositions of Assets and Discontinued Operations are not included in our consolidated results of continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. Other primarily consist of original networks and content, digital and internet solutions, technical services and other non-media investments. All of our businesses included in Other 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 and Corporate are not reportable segments but are included for reconciliation purposes. We had approximately $226.2 million and $172.3 million of intercompany loans between broadcast, other and corporate as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We had $23.1 million , $20.7 million , and $20.0 million in intercompany interest expense related to intercompany loans between the broadcast, other and corporate for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. All other intercompany transactions are immaterial. Financial information for our operating segments is included in the following tables for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): For the year ended December 31, 2015 Broadcast Other Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 2,118,021 $ 101,115 $ — $ 2,219,136 Depreciation of property and equipment 99,616 2,753 1,064 103,433 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 152,049 9,405 — 161,454 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 124,619 — — 124,619 General and administrative overhead expenses 55,848 2,952 5,446 64,246 Research and development — 12,436 — 12,436 Operating income (loss) 451,015 (21,800 ) (6,479 ) 422,736 Interest expense — 4,955 186,492 191,447 Income from equity and cost method investments — 964 — 964 Goodwill 1,927,705 3,388 — 1,931,093 Assets 4,838,531 415,278 178,506 5,432,315 Capital expenditures 74,902 8,909 7,610 91,421 For the year ended December 31, 2014 Broadcast Other Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 1,904,776 $ 71,782 $ — $ 1,976,558 Depreciation of property and equipment 99,823 2,350 1,118 103,291 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 118,654 6,842 — 125,496 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 106,629 — — 106,629 General and administrative overhead expenses 55,837 1,315 5,343 62,495 Research and development — 6,918 — 6,918 Operating income (loss) 511,783 (10,671 ) (6,461 ) 494,651 Interest expense — 4,042 170,820 174,862 Income from equity and cost method investments — 2,313 — 2,313 Goodwill 1,964,041 512 — 1,964,553 Assets 4,940,870 355,832 113,626 5,410,328 Capital expenditures 78,865 2,593 — 81,458 For the year ended December 31, 2013 Broadcast Other Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 1,306,187 $ 56,944 $ — $ 1,363,131 Depreciation of property and equipment 67,320 1,891 1,343 70,554 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 65,786 5,034 — 70,820 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 80,925 — — 80,925 General and administrative overhead expenses 47,272 1,350 4,504 53,126 Operating income (loss) 329,312 555 (5,847 ) 324,020 Interest expense — 3,251 159,686 162,937 Income from equity and cost method investments — 621 — 621

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Level 2: 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 $ 350,000 $ 367,325 $ 350,000 $ 355,800 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 500,000 512,500 500,000 503,475 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 550,000 539,000 550,000 532,813 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 600,000 605,658 600,000 595,068 Term Loan A 313,620 308,916 348,073 341,982 Term Loan B 1,376,007 1,365,461 1,035,883 1,029,997 Revolving credit facility — — 338,000 338,000 Debt of variable interest entities 26,682 26,682 30,167 30,167 Debt of other non-media related subsidiaries 120,969 120,969 118,822 118,822

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIA

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2015 , our consolidated total debt of $3,854.4 million included $3,730.0 million of debt related to STG and its subsidiaries of which SBG guaranteed $3,678.2 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 comprehensive income, 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 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 115,771 $ 235 $ 33,966 $ — $ 149,972 Accounts and other receivables — 1,775 390,142 33,949 (1,258 ) 424,608 Other current assets 3,648 5,172 99,118 23,278 (4,033 ) 127,183 Total current assets 3,648 122,718 489,495 91,193 (5,291 ) 701,763 Property and equipment, net 2,884 20,336 559,042 143,667 (8,792 ) 717,137 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 497,262 3,430,434 4,179 — (3,931,875 ) — Other long-term assets 52,128 673,915 110,507 140,910 (779,173 ) 198,287 Goodwill — — 1,926,814 4,279 — 1,931,093 Broadcast licenses — — 114,841 17,624 — 132,465 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,602,454 206,975 (57,859 ) 1,751,570 Total assets $ 555,922 $ 4,247,403 $ 4,807,332 $ 604,648 $ (4,782,990 ) $ 5,432,315 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 104 $ 49,428 $ 179,156 $ 27,462 $ (4,837 ) $ 251,313 Current portion of long-term debt — 57,640 1,611 106,358 (1,425 ) 164,184 Current portion of affiliate long-term debt 1,651 — 1,311 456 (252 ) 3,166 Other current liabilities — — 103,627 12,713 — 116,340 Total current liabilities 1,755 107,068 285,705 146,989 (6,514 ) 535,003 Long-term debt — 3,594,218 32,743 42,199 — 3,669,160 Affiliate long-term debt 1,857 — 14,240 366,042 (364,289 ) 17,850 Other liabilities 26,500 28,866 1,060,211 171,102 (576,055 ) 710,624 Total liabilities 30,112 3,730,152 1,392,899 726,332 (946,858 ) 4,932,637 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity 525,810 517,251 3,414,433 (91,703 ) (3,839,981 ) 525,810 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — (29,981 ) 3,849 (26,132 ) Total liabilities and equity $ 555,922 $ 4,247,403 $ 4,807,332 $ 604,648 $ (4,782,990 ) $ 5,432,315 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 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 ) — Other long-term assets 65,988 555,877 134,454 128,247 (670,832 ) 213,734 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 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 — — 100,979 9,749 110,728 Total current liabilities 2,534 89,036 304,565 105,909 (14,727 ) 487,317 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 36,979 28,856 1,010,101 169,935 (499,334 ) 746,537 Total liabilities 43,021 3,756,178 1,361,806 677,943 (833,963 ) 5,004,985 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity 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 $ 470,903 $ 4,175,022 $ 4,948,078 $ 556,584 $ (4,740,259 ) $ 5,410,328 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Net revenue $ — $ — $ 2,076,851 $ 221,633 $ (79,348 ) $ 2,219,136 Media production expenses — — 725,037 82,450 (74,288 ) 733,199 Selling, general and administrative 4,441 58,543 418,885 14,272 (167 ) 495,974 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 1,065 3,779 433,690 131,373 (2,680 ) 567,227 Total operating expenses 5,506 62,322 1,577,612 228,095 (77,135 ) 1,796,400 Operating (loss) income (5,506 ) (62,322 ) 499,239 (6,462 ) (2,213 ) 422,736 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 170,104 343,183 195 — (513,482 ) — Interest expense (382 ) (180,166 ) (4,658 ) (30,022 ) 23,781 (191,447 ) Other income (expense) 4,765 (151 ) 269 (2,379 ) — 2,504 Total other income (expense) 174,487 162,866 (4,194 ) (32,401 ) (489,701 ) (188,943 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 2,543 81,626 (146,331 ) 4,468 — (57,694 ) Net income (loss) 171,524 182,170 348,714 (34,395 ) (491,914 ) 176,099 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (4,914 ) 339 (4,575 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 171,524 $ 182,170 $ 348,714 $ (39,309 ) $ (491,575 ) $ 171,524 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 181,720 $ 187,791 $ 351,760 $ (39,309 ) $ (500,242 ) $ 181,720 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Net revenue $ — $ — $ 1,870,408 $ 192,616 $ (86,466 ) $ 1,976,558 Media production expenses — 76 573,725 86,266 (81,380 ) 578,687 Selling, general and administrative 4,320 57,799 359,880 14,795 (2,079 ) 434,715 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 1,068 5,425 367,514 96,265 (1,767 ) 468,505 Total operating expenses 5,388 63,300 1,301,119 197,326 (85,226 ) 1,481,907 Operating (loss) income (5,388 ) (63,300 ) 569,289 (4,710 ) (1,240 ) 494,651 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 211,782 373,228 (201 ) — (584,809 ) — Interest expense (573 ) (163,347 ) (4,869 ) (27,364 ) 21,291 (174,862 ) Other income (expense) 4,377 (14,651 ) 998 2,024 10 (7,242 ) Total other income (expense) 215,586 195,230 (4,072 ) (25,340 ) (563,508 ) (182,104 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 2,081 83,897 (185,193 ) 1,783 — (97,432 ) Net income (loss) 212,279 215,827 380,024 (28,267 ) (564,748 ) 215,115 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (2,836 ) — (2,836 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 212,279 $ 215,827 $ 380,024 $ (31,103 ) $ (564,748 ) $ 212,279 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 211,759 $ 213,284 $ 378,926 $ (27,982 ) $ (564,228 ) $ 211,759 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Net revenue $ — $ — $ 1,296,736 $ 123,017 $ (56,622 ) $ 1,363,131 Media production expenses 15 357 391,410 52,492 (57,628 ) 386,646 Selling, general and administrative 3,733 48,363 241,548 10,694 82 304,420 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 1,307 3,105 275,889 68,215 (471 ) 348,045 Total operating expenses 5,055 51,825 908,847 131,401 (58,017 ) 1,039,111 Operating (loss) income (5,055 ) (51,825 ) 387,889 (8,384 ) 1,395 324,020 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 97,138 309,388 1,009 — (407,535 ) — Interest expense (1,083 ) (152,174 ) (4,965 ) (25,624 ) 20,909 (162,937 ) Other income (expense) 4,633 (59,033 ) 245 5,361 (6,781 ) (55,575 ) Total other income (expense) 100,688 98,181 (3,711 ) (20,263 ) (393,407 ) (218,512 ) Income tax benefit (provision) (22,165 ) 47,645 (73,266 ) 2,637 3,900 (41,249 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — 11,063 495 — — 11,558 Net income (loss) 73,468 105,064 311,407 (26,010 ) (388,112 ) 75,817 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (2,349 ) — (2,349 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 73,468 $ 105,064 $ 311,407 $ (28,359 ) $ (388,112 ) $ 73,468 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 78,257 $ 107,243 $ 311,407 $ (28,098 ) $ (390,552 ) $ 78,257 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (3,759 ) $ (133,595 ) $ 530,768 $ (16,864 ) $ 24,145 400,695 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (6,605 ) (84,079 ) (2,586 ) 1,849 (91,421 ) Payments for acquisition of television stations — — (17,011 ) — — (17,011 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (39,185 ) — (39,185 ) Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets — — 23,650 — — 23,650 Investments in equity and cost method investees — (8,998 ) (27 ) (35,690 ) — (44,715 ) Other, net 4,598 (5,447 ) 575 17,645 — 17,371 Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 4,598 (21,050 ) (76,892 ) (59,816 ) 1,849 (151,311 ) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 349,562 — 33,325 — 382,887 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases (528 ) (382,691 ) (1,286 ) (10,642 ) — (395,147 ) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (62,733 ) — — — — (62,733 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (28,823 ) — — — — (28,823 ) Payments for deferred financing cost — (3,604 ) — (243 ) — (3,847 ) Noncontrolling interests distributions — — — (9,918 ) — (9,918 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 89,319 303,755 (452,897 ) 85,953 (26,130 ) — Other, net 1,926 — (1,207 ) (368 ) 136 487 Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities (839 ) 267,022 (455,390 ) 98,107 (25,994 ) (117,094 ) NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 112,377 (1,514 ) 21,427 — 132,290 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 3,394 1,749 12,539 — 17,682 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 115,771 $ 235 $ 33,966 $ — $ 149,972 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (26,528 ) $ (147,940 ) $ 628,103 $ (35,694 ) $ 12,513 $ 430,454 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (8,864 ) (71,152 ) (2,722 ) 1,280 (81,458 ) Payments for acquisition of television stations — — (1,485,039 ) — — (1,485,039 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (27,701 ) — (27,701 ) Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets — — 176,675 — — 176,675 Decrease in restricted cash — 11,525 91 — — 11,616 Investments in equity and cost method investees — — — (8,104 ) — (8,104 ) Proceeds from insurance settlement — 17,042 — — — 17,042 Other, net 1,000 — 392 (1,779 ) — (387 ) Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 1,000 19,703 (1,379,033 ) (40,306 ) 1,280 (1,397,356 ) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 1,466,500 507 33,713 — 1,500,720 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases (556 ) (574,584 ) (1,028 ) (6,596 ) — (582,764 ) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (61,103 ) — — — — (61,103 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (133,157 ) — — — — (133,157 ) Payments for deferred financing costs — (16,590 ) — — — (16,590 ) Noncontrolling interest distributions — — — (8,184 ) — (8,184 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 218,081 (981,669 ) 725,678 51,703 (13,793 ) — Other, net 2,263 — (1,072 ) 4,367 — 5,558 Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities 25,528 (106,343 ) 724,085 75,003 (13,793 ) 704,480 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — (234,580 ) (26,845 ) (997 ) — (262,422 ) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 237,974 28,594 13,536 — 280,104 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 3,394 $ 1,749 $ 12,539 $ — $ 17,682 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (37,107 ) $ (264,925 ) $ 444,680 $ (40,414 ) $ 58,343 $ 160,577 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (2,700 ) (35,659 ) (5,029 ) — (43,388 ) Payments for acquisition of television stations — — (998,664 ) (50,480 ) 43,000 (1,006,144 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (23,721 ) — (23,721 ) Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets — — 71,738 21,000 (43,000 ) 49,738 Decrease in restricted cash — (11,522 ) — — — (11,522 ) Investments in equity and cost method investees — — — (10,767 ) — (10,767 ) Other, net 1,648 — 50 3,773 (10,908 ) (5,437 ) Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 1,648 (14,222 ) (962,535 ) (65,224 ) (10,908 ) (1,051,241 ) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 2,189,753 — 88,540 — 2,278,293 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases (482 ) (1,473,898 ) (1,069 ) (34,311 ) — (1,509,760 ) Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock 472,913 — — — — 472,913 Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (56,767 ) — — — — (56,767 ) Payments for deferred financing costs — (27,724 ) — — — (27,724 ) Noncontrolling interest distributions — — — (10,256 ) — (10,256 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables (371,331 ) (178,240 ) 548,139 59,765 (58,333 ) — Other, net (8,874 ) — (820 ) — 10,898 1,204 Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities 35,459 509,891 546,250 103,738 (47,435 ) 1,147,903 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 230,744 28,395 (1,900 ) — 257,239 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 7,230 199 15,436 — 22,865 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 237,974 $ 28,594 $ 13,536 $ — $ 280,104

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED): (in thousands, except per share data) For the Quarter Ended 3/31/2015 6/30/2015 9/30/2015 12/31/2015 Total revenues, net $ 504,775 $ 554,167 $ 548,404 $ 611,790 Operating income $ 84,547 $ 114,340 $ 99,606 $ 124,243 Net income $ 24,836 $ 46,399 $ 44,034 $ 60,830 Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 24,282 $ 45,787 $ 43,255 $ 58,200 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.26 $ 0.48 $ 0.46 $ 0.62 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.25 $ 0.48 $ 0.45 $ 0.61 For the Quarter Ended 3/31/2014 6/30/2014 9/30/2014 12/31/2014 Total revenues, net $ 412,648 $ 455,136 $ 494,956 $ 613,818 Operating income $ 81,000 $ 103,039 $ 101,663 $ 208,949 Net income $ 27,657 $ 41,601 $ 48,768 $ 97,089 Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 27,158 $ 41,335 $ 48,341 $ 95,445 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.27 $ 0.43 $ 0.50 $ 0.99 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.27 $ 0.42 $ 0.49 $ 0.98

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM26

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is a diversified television broadcasting company that owns or provides certain programming, operating or sales services to television stations pursuant to broadcasting licenses that are granted by the Federal Communication Commission (the FCC or Commission). We owned and provided programming and operating services pursuant to local marketing agreements (LMAs) or provided or were provided sales services pursuant to outsourcing agreements (JSAs and SSAs) to 163 stations in 79 markets which broadcast 444 channels, as of December 31, 2015 . For the purpose of this report, these 163 stations and 444 channels are referred to as “our” stations and channels.
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 interest 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we have concluded that 37 of these licensees are VIEs, respectively. 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 12. Related Person Transactions for more information about the arrangements with Cunningham. The net revenues of the stations which we consolidate were $284.4 million , $286.3 million and $235.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , 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 11. 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.
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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (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, 2015. 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 year ended December 31, 2015. See Note 2. Acquisitions for more information. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements. In November 2015, FASB issued guidance requiring all deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any related valuation allowance, to be classified as noncurrent on the classified statement of financial position. We early adopted the guidance and applied the change in accounting as of December 31, 2015 with retrospective application to prior periods. As such, within our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014, we reclassified $6.7 million of deferred tax liabilities from current to long-term.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash During 2015, we entered into certain definitive agreements to purchase certain stations discussed in under Pending Acquisitions in Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies , which required certain deposits to be made in escrow accounts.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Management regularly reviews accounts receivable and determines an appropriate estimate for the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the impact of economic conditions on the merchant’s ability to pay, past collection experience and such other factors which, in management’s judgment, deserve current recognition. In turn, a provision is charged against earnings in order to maintain the appropriate allowance level.
Programming	Programming We have agreements with distributors for the rights to television programming over contract periods, which generally run from one to seven years. Contract payments are made in installments over terms that are generally equal to or shorter than the contract period. Pursuant to accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry, an asset and a liability for the rights acquired and obligations incurred under a license agreement are reported on the balance sheet where the cost of each program is known or reasonably determinable, the program material has been accepted by the licensee in accordance with the conditions of the license agreement and the program is available for its first showing or telecast. The portion of program contracts which becomes payable within one year is reflected as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The rights to this programming are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. With the exception of one and two -year contracts, amortization of program contract costs is computed using an accelerated method. Program contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis for one and two-year contracts. Program contract costs estimated by management to be amortized in the succeeding year are classified as current assets. Payments of program contract liabilities are typically made on a scheduled basis and are not affected by adjustments for amortization or estimated net realizable value. Estimated net realizable values are based on management’s expectation of future advertising revenues, net of sales commissions, to be generated by the program material. We perform a net realizable value calculation quarterly for each of our program contract costs in accordance with the accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry. We utilize sales information to estimate the future revenue of each commitment and measure that amount against the commitment. If the estimated future revenue is less than the amount of the commitment, a loss is recorded in amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments in the consolidated statements of operations.
Barter Arrangements	Barter Arrangements Certain program contracts provide for the exchange of advertising airtime in lieu of cash payments for the rights to such programming. The revenues realized from station barter arrangements are recorded as the programs are aired at the estimated fair value of the advertising airtime given in exchange for the program rights. Program service arrangements are accounted for as station barter arrangements, however, network affiliation programming is excluded from these calculations. Revenues are recorded as revenues realized from station barter arrangements and the corresponding expenses are recorded as expenses recognized from station barter arrangements. We broadcast certain customers’ advertising in exchange for equipment, merchandise and services. The estimated fair value of the equipment, merchandise or services received is recorded as deferred barter costs and the corresponding obligation to broadcast advertising is recorded as deferred barter revenues. The deferred barter costs are expensed or capitalized as they are used, consumed or received and are included in station production expenses and station selling, general and administrative expenses, as applicable. Deferred barter revenues are recognized as the related advertising is aired and are recorded in revenues realized from station barter arrangements.
Other Assets	We have equity and cost method investments primarily in private equity investments and real estate ventures. In the event that one or more of our investments are significant, we are required to disclose summarized financial information. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , none of our investments were significant individually or in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , our unfunded commitments related to private equity investment funds totaled $22.1 million and $15.6 million , respectively. When factors indicate that there may be a decrease in value of an equity or cost method investment, we assess whether a loss in value has occurred related to the investment. If that loss is deemed to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded accordingly. For any investments that indicate a potential impairment, we estimate the fair values of those investments using discounted cash flow models, unrelated third party valuations or industry comparables, based on the various facts available to us. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded a $6.0 million impairment charge related to one real estate investment. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we there were no impairment charges recorded. For the year ended December 31, 2013 , we recorded impairments of $0.6 million related to two of our investments. The impairments are recorded in the income (loss) from equity and cost method investments in our consolidated statement of operations. Unamortized costs related to debt issuances represents direct costs related to our revolving credit facility and is amortized to interest expense over the term of the debt using the effective interest method. As discussed in Recent Accounting Pronouncements in this note above, unamortized costs related to our other debt issuances is recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt recorded as liability. Previously capitalized debt financing costs are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if we determine that there has been a substantial modification of the related debt.
Impairment of Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets We assess annually, in the fourth quarter, whether goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. Additionally, impairment assessments may be performed on an interim basis when events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment potentially exists. We aggregate our stations by market for purposes of our goodwill and broadcast licenses impairment testing. We believe that our markets are most representative of our broadcast reporting units because segment management views, manages and evaluates our stations on a market basis. Furthermore, in our markets, where we operate or provide services to more than one station, certain costs of operating the stations are shared including the use of buildings and equipment, the sales force and administrative personnel. In our assessment of goodwill for impairment we first determine, based upon a qualitative assessment, whether it is more likely than not a reporting unit has been impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment, for each reporting unit, we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting unit as well as industry and macroeconomic factors. The reporting unit specific factors that we consider include current and forecasted financial performance, the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments, and any changes to the reporting units’ carrying amounts since the most recent impairment tests. We also consider whether there were any significant changes in the regulatory environment and business climate of the industry, and whether there were any negative pressures on growth rates and discount rates. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, we will apply the quantitative two-step method. In the first step, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including quoted market prices, observed earnings/cash flow multiples paid for comparable television stations and discounted cash flow models. Our discounted cash flow model is based on our judgment of future market conditions within each designated market area based on our internal forecast of future performance, as well as discount rates that are based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. If the net book value of the reporting unit were to exceed the fair value, we would then perform the second step of the impairment test, which requires allocation of the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, with any residual fair value being allocated to goodwill to determine the implied fair value. An impairment charge will be recognized only when the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is less than its carrying amount. For our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangibles, broadcast licenses, we apply a qualitative assessment to assess whether it is more likely than not that broadcast licenses of a market are impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment, for each market, we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the market as well as industry and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of our broadcast license assets. The market specific factors that we consider include recent market projections from both independent and internal sources for advertising revenue and operating costs, estimated normal market share and capital expenditures, as well as the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. We also consider whether there were any significant changes in the regulatory environment and business climate of the industry, and whether there were any negative pressures on growth rates and discount rates. When evaluating our broadcast licenses for impairment, the qualitative assessment is done at the market level because the broadcast licenses within the market are complementary and together enhance the single broadcast license of each station. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that one of our broadcast licenses is impaired, we will perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the aggregate fair value of the broadcast licenses in the market to the respective carrying values. We apply the income approach, using a Greenfield method, to estimate the fair values of the broadcast licenses. The income approach method involves a discounted cash flow model that incorporates several variables, including, but not limited to, market revenues and long term growth projections, estimated market share for the typical participant without a network affiliation and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type. The model also assumes outlays for capital expenditures, future terminal values, an effective tax rate assumption and a discount rate based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. If the carrying amount of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value. We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment and continue to evaluate them as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets by measuring the carrying amount of the assets against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with them. At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows of certain long-lived assets are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of such assets, the assets are tested for impairment by comparing their estimated fair value to the carrying value. We typically estimate fair value using discounted cash flow models and appraisals. See Note 6. Goodwill, Broadcast Licenses and Other Intangible Assets , for more information.
Accrued Liabilities	We expense these activities when incurred.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. 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. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial amount of our available state net operating loss 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. Future changes in operating and/or taxable income or other changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the ability to realize our deferred tax assets which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions and we record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits when such tax positions do not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold. Significant judgment is required in determining whether a tax position meets the “more-likely-than-not” threshold, and it is based on a variety of facts and circumstances, including interpretation of the relevant federal and state income tax codes, regulations, case law and other authoritative pronouncements. Based on this analysis, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, liabilities are adjusted as necessary. The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for what we have provided. See Note 10. Income Taxes , for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits.
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 media revenues and (v) revenues from our other businesses. Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period during which advertisements are placed. Some of our retransmission consent agreements contain both advertising and retransmission consent elements. We have determined that these 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 significant revenues are recognized as services are provided.
Advertising Expenses	Advertising Expenses Promotional advertising expenses are recorded in the period when incurred and are included in station production and other operating division expenses.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments Financial instruments, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , consisted of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and notes payable. The carrying amounts approximate fair value for each of these financial instruments, except for the notes payable. See Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing , for additional information regarding the fair value of notes payable.
Post-retirement Benefits	Post-retirement Benefits During the fourth quarter of 2015, we fully settled the benefit obligation of our pension plan. We relieved our benefit obligation via lump sum distributions and/or the purchase of annuity contracts. Upon settlement we recorded $9.3 million of pension expense, including the recognition of $8.0 million of unamortized actuarial loses which was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, and $4.6 million of pension liability, representing the underfunded status of our defined pension plan, which was included within other long-term liabilities within our consolidated balance sheet. In connection with the acquisition of Fisher Communications, Inc. (Fisher) in 2013 (see Note 2. Acquisitions ), we assumed a nonqualified noncontributory supplemental retirement program (Fisher SERP) that was originally established for former executives of Fisher. No new participants have been admitted to this program since 2001 and the benefits of active participants were frozen in 2005. The program participants do not include any active employees. The Fisher SERP required continued employment or disability through the date of expected retirement, unless involuntarily terminated. While the nonqualified plan is unfunded, Fisher had made investments in annuity contracts and life insurance policies on the lives of certain individual participants to assist in future payment of retirement benefits. The carrying value of the annuity contracts and life insurance policies was $2.2 million and $2.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which was included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2015 , the estimated projected benefit obligation was $22.4 million , of which $1.8 million is included in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet and the $20.6 million is included in other long-term liabilities. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , we made $1.5 million and $2.1 million in benefit payments, recognized $0.9 million and $1.0 million of periodic pension expense, reported in other expenses in the consolidated statement of operations, and $1.0 million of actuarial gains and $3.2 million of actuarial losses through other comprehensive income, respectively. At December 31, 2015 , the projected benefit obligation was measured using a 4.11% discount rate compared to a discount rate of 3.69% for the year ended December 31, 2014 . We estimated its discount rate, in consultation with our independent actuaries, based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high quality bonds for which the timing and amount of cash outflows approximate the estimated payouts of the plan.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM27

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 490 $ 491 Accounts receivable 21,719 19,521 Current portion of program contract costs 13,287 9,544 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 331 297 Total current asset 35,827 29,853 PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion 4,541 6,922 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 7,609 9,716 GOODWILL 787 787 BROADCAST LICENSES 17,599 16,935 DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net 79,086 96,732 OTHER ASSETS 6,924 2,376 Total assets $ 152,373 $ 163,321 LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,240 $ 1,365 Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing 3,687 3,659 Current portion of program contracts payable 12,627 9,714 Total current liabilities 17,554 14,738 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion 24,594 28,640 Program contracts payable, less current portion 13,679 10,161 Other long term liabilities 8,067 8,739 Total liabilities $ 63,894 $ 62,278
Schedule of rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts	A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ 4,246 $ 3,379 $ 3,091 Charged to expense 1,292 2,186 1,802 Net write-offs (1,043 ) (1,319 ) (1,514 ) Balance at end of period $ 4,495 $ 4,246 $ 3,379
Schedule of other assets	Other assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 Equity and cost method investments $ 116,031 $ 107,847 Unamortized costs related to debt issuances 3,663 5,274 Other 55,872 62,082 Total other assets $ 175,566 $ 175,203
Schedule of accrued liabilities	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Compensation and employee health insurance $ 65,364 $ 56,871 Interest 32,788 33,347 Deferred revenue 24,837 27,037 Programming related obligations 54,381 70,344 Other accruals relating to operating expenses 73,943 73,249 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 251,313 $ 260,848
Schedule of cash transactions	During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we had the following cash transactions (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes paid related to continuing operations $ 106,979 $ 100,986 $ 26,037 Income tax refunds received related to continuing operations $ 196 $ 1,407 $ 4,414 Interest paid $ 182,425 $ 157,349 $ 147,083
Schedule of benefits expected to be paid to participants under the Fisher SERP	We estimate that benefits expected to be paid to participants under the Fisher SERP as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2016 $ 1,791 2017 1,717 2018 1,649 2019 1,587 2020 1,535 Next 5 years 7,089

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 8,352 86,714 Broadcast licenses 675 — 13,700 225 14,600 Definite-lived intangible assets 125,925 70,375 564,100 87,915 848,315 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 77,266 499,543 96,935 822,237 Goodwill 57,398 41,024 535,694 25,501 659,617 Total $ 205,891 $ 118,290 $ 1,035,237 $ 122,436 $ 1,481,854 Fisher Barrington Other Total 2013 acquisitions Cash $ 13,531 $ — $ — $ 13,531 Accounts receivable 29,485 — 8,226 37,711 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 19,133 681 5,217 25,031 Program contract costs 11,427 4,011 6,050 21,488 Property and equipment 73,968 73,621 67,034 214,623 Broadcast licenses 29,771 719 4,395 34,885 Definite-lived intangible assets 166,034 220,253 169,438 555,725 Other assets 9,284 — 1,394 10,678 Assets held for sale 6,339 — — 6,339 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (20,127 ) (2,725 ) (3,926 ) (26,778 ) Program contracts payable (10,977 ) (3,813 ) (6,331 ) (21,121 ) Deferred tax liability (74,177 ) — (2,304 ) (76,481 ) Other long term liabilities (23,384 ) (65 ) (10,550 ) (33,999 ) Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired 230,307 292,682 238,643 761,632 Goodwill 143,942 75,004 45,538 264,484 Less: fair value of non-controlling interest (1,053 ) — — (1,053 ) Total $ 373,196 $ 367,686 $ 284,181 $ 1,025,063
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 27,575 $ 486,175 Customer relationships 45,500 25,600 207,200 44,800 323,100 Other intangible assets 23,500 — — 15,540 39,040 Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired $ 125,925 $ 70,375 $ 564,100 $ 87,915 $ 848,315 Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes $ 57,398 $ 41,024 $ — $ 25,501 $ 123,923 Fisher Barrington Other Total 2013 acquisitions Network affiliations $ 117,499 $ 103,245 $ 99,805 $ 320,549 Customer relationships 18,110 41,939 19,992 80,041 Other intangible assets 30,425 75,069 49,641 155,135 Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired $ 166,034 $ 220,253 $ 169,438 $ 555,725 Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes $ 10,765 $ 75,004 111,208 $ 196,977
Schedule of acquired operations included in the financial statements	The following tables summarize the results of the acquired operations included in the financial statements of the Company beginning on the acquisition date of each acquisition as listing above (in thousands): Revenues 2015 2014 2013 MEG Stations $ 69,275 $ 2,299 $ — KSNV 32,471 5,972 — Allbritton 231,300 106,258 — Barrington 154,279 173,013 16,927 Fisher 183,667 184,534 79,078 Other stations acquired in: 2014 42,470 9,172 — 2013 140,208 139,521 52,440 Total net broadcast revenues $ 853,670 $ 620,769 $ 148,445 Operating Income 2015 2014 2013 MEG Stations $ 15,246 $ 1,010 $ — KSNV 7,206 2,108 — Allbritton 39,550 26,914 — Barrington 24,435 34,875 4,096 Fisher 27,086 26,940 19,019 Other stations acquired in: 2014 8,451 1,569 — 2013 23,068 26,487 12,007 Total operating income $ 145,042 $ 119,903 $ 35,122
Schedule of unaudited pro forma results of operations	The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations, assuming that the 2014 and 2013 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 the 2014 and 2013 acquisitions presented under Other above, as they were deemed not material both individually and in the aggregate (in thousands, except per share data): (Unaudited) 2014 2013 Total revenues $ 2,150,124 $ 1,838,167 Net Income $ 189,174 $ 41,323 Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 186,338 $ 38,974 Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 1.92 $ 0.42 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 1.90 $ 0.42

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DIS29

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN30

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in unvested restricted stock	The following is a summary of changes in unvested restricted stock: RSAs Weighted-Average Unvested shares at December 31, 2014 229,700 $ 18.71 2015 Activity: Granted 101,050 24.93 Vested (192,850 ) 16.89 Forfeited — — Unvested shares at December 31, 2015 137,900 25.81
Schedule of assumptions used to estimate the value of SARs	We valued the SARs using the Black-Scholes model and the following assumptions: 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 1.3 % 1.5 % 0.9 % Expected years until exercise 5 years 5 years 5 years Expected volatility 47 % 65 % 73 % Annual dividend yield 2.7 % 2.2 % 4.3 %
Summary of SARS Activity	The following is a summary of the 2015 activity: SARs Weighted- Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1,600,000 $ 15.08 2015 Activity: Granted 310,000 24.93 Exercised — — Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2015 1,910,000 16.68 The stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the stock on the date of grant and have a 10 year contractual life. Options Weighted- Outstanding at December 31, 2014 125,000 $ 27.36 2015 Activity: Granted 125,000 32.54 Exercised — — Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015 250,000 29.95
Schedule of assumptions used to estimate the value of stock options under ESPP	We used the following inputs to the model to value the options granted on December 31, 2015 and 2014, which have an exercise price of $32.54 and $27.36 per share, respectively: 2015 2014 Risk-free interest rate 1.9 % 1.8 % Expected years to exercise 5 years 5 years Expected volatility 42.1 % 47.6 % Annual dividend yield 2.0 % 2.3 %

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of estimated useful lives	Depreciation is generally computed under the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Buildings and improvements 10 - 30 years Station equipment 5 - 10 years Office furniture and equipment 5 - 10 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of 10 - 30 years or lease term Automotive equipment 3 - 5 years Property and equipment under capital leases Lease term
Schedule of property and equipment stated at cost less accumulated depreciation	Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Land and improvements $ 60,678 $ 55,269 Real estate held for development and sale 91,106 113,514 Buildings and improvements 210,597 192,478 Station equipment 667,454 684,176 Office furniture and equipment 85,411 70,402 Leasehold improvements 22,693 19,091 Automotive equipment 47,402 37,726 Capital leased assets 84,474 81,625 Construction in progress 34,666 18,774 1,304,481 1,273,055 Less: accumulated depreciation (587,344 ) (520,517 ) $ 717,137 $ 752,538

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES 32

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2013 Goodwill $ 1,790,167 $ 3,488 $ 1,793,655 Accumulated impairment losses (413,573 ) — (413,573 ) 1,376,594 3,488 1,380,082 Acquisition of television stations (a) 701,854 — 701,854 Sale of broadcast assets (d) (26,731 ) — (26,731 ) Deconsolidation of variable interest entities (b) (21,357 ) — (21,357 ) Measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions (66,320 ) — (66,320 ) Assets held for sale (e) — (2,975 ) (2,975 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 (c) Goodwill (a) 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 (a) 5,802 — 5,802 Measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions (42,237 ) — (42,237 ) Change in assets held for sale (e) — 2,975 2,975 Balance at December 31, 2015 (c) Goodwill 2,341,178 3,488 2,344,666 Accumulated impairment losses (413,573 ) — (413,573 ) $ 1,927,605 $ 3,488 $ 1,931,093 _______________________________________________________ (a) In 2015 and 2014 , we acquired goodwill as a result of acquisitions as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions . (b) In 2014, we deconsolidated certain variable interest entities and the amounts relate to WYZZ in Peoria, IL and WTAT in Charleston, SC, as discussed in Variable Interest Entities within Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . (c) Approximately $0.8 million of goodwill relates to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . (d) Amounts relate to the 2014 sale of WTTA in Tampa, FL and KXRM/KXTU in Colorado Springs, CO. See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations for further discussion on the sale of these stations. (e) We concluded that the assets of Triangle were no longer classified as assets held for sale. See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations for further discussion.
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the carrying amount of our broadcast licenses related to continuing operations was as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Beginning balance 135,075 101,029 Acquisition of television stations (a) 992 18,027 Sale of broadcast assets (175 ) (45 ) Impairment charge — (3,240 ) Measurement period adjustments related to 2014 acquisitions (3,427 ) 19,355 Deconsolidation of variable interest entities (b) — (51 ) Ending balance (c) 132,465 135,075 _______________________________________________________ (a) In 2015 and 2014 , we acquired broadcast licenses as a result of acquisitions as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions . (b) In 2014, we deconsolidated certain variable interest entities and the amounts relate to WYZZ in Peoria, IL and WTAT in Charleston, SC, as discussed in Variable Interest Entities within Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . (c) Approximately $17.6 million and $16.9 million of broadcast licenses relate to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization	The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles related to continuing operations (in thousands): As of December 31, 2015 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Network affiliation (a) 1,378,425 (343,729 ) 1,034,696 Customer Relationships (a) 806,727 (225,176 ) 581,551 Other (b) 193,594 (58,271 ) 135,323 Total 2,378,746 (627,176 ) 1,751,570 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 December 31, 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 is primarily due to the purchase of additional alarm monitoring contracts of $39.2 million
Schedule of estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets	The following table shows the estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years (in thousands): For the year ended December 31, 2016 152,011 For the year ended December 31, 2017 149,683 For the year ended December 31, 2018 148,350 For the year ended December 31, 2019 148,201 For the year ended December 31, 2020 147,890 Thereafter 1,005,435 1,751,570

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 33

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement	Notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan A $ 313,620 $ 348,073 Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B 1,379,626 1,039,876 Revolving credit facility — 338,000 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 350,000 350,000 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 600,000 600,000 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022 500,000 500,000 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 550,000 550,000 Debt of variable interest entities 26,682 30,167 Debt of other non-media subsidiaries 120,969 118,822 Capital leases 34,774 38,836 Total outstanding principal 3,875,671 3,913,774 Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B (3,618 ) (3,992 ) Less: Deferred financing costs (38,709 ) (41,844 ) Less: Current portion (164,184 ) (113,116 ) Net carrying value of long-term debt $ 3,669,160 $ 3,754,822 Capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Capital lease for building, interest at 8.54% $ 3,508 $ 4,972 Capital leases for building, interest at 7.93% 679 932 Capital leases for building, interest at 8.11% 7,432 7,843 Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 8.0% 2,749 390 Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 9.0% 1,958 — Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 10.5% 4,690 4,797 21,016 18,934 Less: Current portion (3,166 ) (2,625 ) $ 17,850 $ 16,309
Schedule of maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement	Indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2015 matures as follows (in thousands): Notes and Bank Agreement Capital Leases Total 2016 $ 162,445 $ 4,792 $ 167,237 2017 79,101 4,819 83,920 2018 243,105 4,846 247,951 2019 14,545 4,957 19,502 2020 615,440 4,704 620,144 2021 and thereafter 2,726,261 33,089 2,759,350 Total minimum payments 3,840,897 57,207 3,898,104 Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B (3,618 ) — (3,618 ) Less: Deferred financing cost (38,709 ) — (38,709 ) Less: Amount representing future interest — (22,433 ) (22,433 ) Net carrying value of debt $ 3,798,570 $ 34,774 $ 3,833,344 Capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships as of December 31, 2015 mature as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 5,070 2017 5,061 2018 2,868 2019 2,978 2020 3,093 2021 and thereafter 10,172 Total minimum payments due 29,242 Less: Amount representing interest (8,226 ) $ 21,016

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Tables)

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
PROGRAM CONTRACTS:
Schedule of future payments required under program contracts	Future payments required under program contracts as of December 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 108,260 2017 22,946 2018 14,270 2019 9,850 2020 7,562 2021 and thereafter 2,293 Total 165,181 Less: Current portion 108,260 Long-term portion of program contracts payable $ 56,921

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of provision (benefit) for income taxes	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Provision for income taxes - continuing operations $ 57,694 $ 97,432 $ 41,249 Benefit for income taxes - discontinued operations — — (10,806 ) $ 57,694 $ 97,432 $ 30,443 Current: Federal $ 80,420 $ 92,609 $ 16,229 State 5,720 5,641 (8,305 ) 86,140 98,250 7,924 Deferred: Federal (26,637 ) 3,170 20,214 State (1,809 ) (3,988 ) 2,305 (28,446 ) (818 ) 22,519 $ 57,694 $ 97,432 $ 30,443
Schedule of reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision from continuing operations	The following is a reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision from continuing operations: 2015 2014 2013 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Adjustments: State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (1) 0.6 % (0.1 )% 8.3 % Non-deductible items (2) 1.2 % 3.4 % 1.4 % Domestic Production Activities Deduction (3.9 )% (3.2 )% (3.8 )% Effect of consolidated VIEs (3) 1.4 % 0.8 % 3.7 % Change in state tax laws and rates (0.3 )% (0.1 )% (5.5 )% Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (4) (1.9 )% (3.4 )% 0.8 % Basis in stock of subsidiaries (5) (5.5 )% — % — % Federal R&D Credit (1.1 )% — % — % Other (0.3 )% (0.9 )% 0.1 % Effective income tax rate 25.2 % 31.5 % 40.0 % _______________________________________________________ (1) Included in state income taxes are deferred income tax effects related to certain acquisitions and/or intercompany mergers. (2) Included in 2014 is the current income taxes related to the taxable gain on sale of WHTM’s assets in Harrisburg, PA, which we acquired with the stock purchase of the Allbritton Companies in the same year. There was no book gain on this sale. Since a deferred tax liability was not established for the excess of book basis over tax basis of goodwill, a deferred tax benefit does not offset the current tax expense. (3) Certain of our consolidated VIEs incur expenses that are not attributable to non-controlling interests because we absorb certain related losses of the VIEs. These expenses are not tax-deductible by us, and since these VIEs are treated as pass-through entities for income tax purposes, deferred income tax benefits are not recognized. (4) During the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we recorded a $5.7 million and $10.8 million benefit, respectively, related to the release of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. See table below which summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits. (5) During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded a $12.6 million benefit related to the realization of a capital loss upon the sale of the stock of a subsidiary.
Schedule of total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities	Total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Deferred Tax Assets: Net operating and capital losses: Federal $ 14,884 $ 2,384 State 65,822 67,430 Goodwill and intangible assets 33,979 44,175 Other 37,812 27,677 152,497 141,666 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (58,333 ) (58,896 ) Total deferred tax assets $ 94,164 $ 82,770 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Goodwill and intangible assets $ (561,812 ) $ (543,628 ) Property & equipment, net (76,106 ) (72,819 ) Contingent interest obligations (30,575 ) (40,941 ) Other (10,743 ) (34,314 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (679,236 ) (691,702 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (585,072 ) $ (608,932 )
Schedule of activity related to accrued unrecognized tax benefits	The following table summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1, $ 7,138 $ 16,883 $ 25,965 Additions (reductions) related to prior year tax positions 1,458 — (8,928 ) Additions related to current year tax positions 472 1,450 693 Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (1,517 ) (2,910 ) (847 ) Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations (4,294 ) (8,285 ) — Balance at December 31, $ 3,257 $ 7,138 $ 16,883

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of future minimum payments under the leases	Future minimum payments under the leases are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 18,944 2017 15,909 2018 12,542 2019 11,716 2020 10,648 2021 and thereafter 33,144 $ 102,903

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS (Ta

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related person transactions
Schedule of capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships	Notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan A $ 313,620 $ 348,073 Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B 1,379,626 1,039,876 Revolving credit facility — 338,000 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 350,000 350,000 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 600,000 600,000 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022 500,000 500,000 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 550,000 550,000 Debt of variable interest entities 26,682 30,167 Debt of other non-media subsidiaries 120,969 118,822 Capital leases 34,774 38,836 Total outstanding principal 3,875,671 3,913,774 Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B (3,618 ) (3,992 ) Less: Deferred financing costs (38,709 ) (41,844 ) Less: Current portion (164,184 ) (113,116 ) Net carrying value of long-term debt $ 3,669,160 $ 3,754,822 Capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Capital lease for building, interest at 8.54% $ 3,508 $ 4,972 Capital leases for building, interest at 7.93% 679 932 Capital leases for building, interest at 8.11% 7,432 7,843 Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 8.0% 2,749 390 Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 9.0% 1,958 — Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 10.5% 4,690 4,797 21,016 18,934 Less: Current portion (3,166 ) (2,625 ) $ 17,850 $ 16,309
Schedule of capital leases maturity payable to related to the aforementioned relationships	Indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2015 matures as follows (in thousands): Notes and Bank Agreement Capital Leases Total 2016 $ 162,445 $ 4,792 $ 167,237 2017 79,101 4,819 83,920 2018 243,105 4,846 247,951 2019 14,545 4,957 19,502 2020 615,440 4,704 620,144 2021 and thereafter 2,726,261 33,089 2,759,350 Total minimum payments 3,840,897 57,207 3,898,104 Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B (3,618 ) — (3,618 ) Less: Deferred financing cost (38,709 ) — (38,709 ) Less: Amount representing future interest — (22,433 ) (22,433 ) Net carrying value of debt $ 3,798,570 $ 34,774 $ 3,833,344 Capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships as of December 31, 2015 mature as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 5,070 2017 5,061 2018 2,868 2019 2,978 2020 3,093 2021 and thereafter 10,172 Total minimum payments due 29,242 Less: Amount representing interest (8,226 ) $ 21,016

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Income (Numerator) Income from continuing operations $ 176,099 $ 215,115 $ 64,259 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests included in continuing operations (4,575 ) (2,836 ) (2,349 ) Numerator for diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations available to common shareholders 171,524 212,279 61,910 Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes — — 11,558 Numerator for diluted earnings available to common shareholders $ 171,524 $ 212,279 $ 73,468 Shares (Denominator) Weighted-average common shares outstanding 95,003 97,114 93,207 Dilutive effect of outstanding stock settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and stock options 725 705 638 Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 95,728 97,819 93,845

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment financial information	Financial information for our operating segments is included in the following tables for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): For the year ended December 31, 2015 Broadcast Other Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 2,118,021 $ 101,115 $ — $ 2,219,136 Depreciation of property and equipment 99,616 2,753 1,064 103,433 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 152,049 9,405 — 161,454 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 124,619 — — 124,619 General and administrative overhead expenses 55,848 2,952 5,446 64,246 Research and development — 12,436 — 12,436 Operating income (loss) 451,015 (21,800 ) (6,479 ) 422,736 Interest expense — 4,955 186,492 191,447 Income from equity and cost method investments — 964 — 964 Goodwill 1,927,705 3,388 — 1,931,093 Assets 4,838,531 415,278 178,506 5,432,315 Capital expenditures 74,902 8,909 7,610 91,421 For the year ended December 31, 2014 Broadcast Other Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 1,904,776 $ 71,782 $ — $ 1,976,558 Depreciation of property and equipment 99,823 2,350 1,118 103,291 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 118,654 6,842 — 125,496 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 106,629 — — 106,629 General and administrative overhead expenses 55,837 1,315 5,343 62,495 Research and development — 6,918 — 6,918 Operating income (loss) 511,783 (10,671 ) (6,461 ) 494,651 Interest expense — 4,042 170,820 174,862 Income from equity and cost method investments — 2,313 — 2,313 Goodwill 1,964,041 512 — 1,964,553 Assets 4,940,870 355,832 113,626 5,410,328 Capital expenditures 78,865 2,593 — 81,458 For the year ended December 31, 2013 Broadcast Other Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 1,306,187 $ 56,944 $ — $ 1,363,131 Depreciation of property and equipment 67,320 1,891 1,343 70,554 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 65,786 5,034 — 70,820 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 80,925 — — 80,925 General and administrative overhead expenses 47,272 1,350 4,504 53,126 Operating income (loss) 329,312 555 (5,847 ) 324,020 Interest expense — 3,251 159,686 162,937 Income from equity and cost method investments — 621 — 621

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Level 2: 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 $ 350,000 $ 367,325 $ 350,000 $ 355,800 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 500,000 512,500 500,000 503,475 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 550,000 539,000 550,000 532,813 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 600,000 605,658 600,000 595,068 Term Loan A 313,620 308,916 348,073 341,982 Term Loan B 1,376,007 1,365,461 1,035,883 1,029,997 Revolving credit facility — — 338,000 338,000 Debt of variable interest entities 26,682 26,682 30,167 30,167 Debt of other non-media related subsidiaries 120,969 120,969 118,822 118,822

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANC41

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheet	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 115,771 $ 235 $ 33,966 $ — $ 149,972 Accounts and other receivables — 1,775 390,142 33,949 (1,258 ) 424,608 Other current assets 3,648 5,172 99,118 23,278 (4,033 ) 127,183 Total current assets 3,648 122,718 489,495 91,193 (5,291 ) 701,763 Property and equipment, net 2,884 20,336 559,042 143,667 (8,792 ) 717,137 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 497,262 3,430,434 4,179 — (3,931,875 ) — Other long-term assets 52,128 673,915 110,507 140,910 (779,173 ) 198,287 Goodwill — — 1,926,814 4,279 — 1,931,093 Broadcast licenses — — 114,841 17,624 — 132,465 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,602,454 206,975 (57,859 ) 1,751,570 Total assets $ 555,922 $ 4,247,403 $ 4,807,332 $ 604,648 $ (4,782,990 ) $ 5,432,315 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 104 $ 49,428 $ 179,156 $ 27,462 $ (4,837 ) $ 251,313 Current portion of long-term debt — 57,640 1,611 106,358 (1,425 ) 164,184 Current portion of affiliate long-term debt 1,651 — 1,311 456 (252 ) 3,166 Other current liabilities — — 103,627 12,713 — 116,340 Total current liabilities 1,755 107,068 285,705 146,989 (6,514 ) 535,003 Long-term debt — 3,594,218 32,743 42,199 — 3,669,160 Affiliate long-term debt 1,857 — 14,240 366,042 (364,289 ) 17,850 Other liabilities 26,500 28,866 1,060,211 171,102 (576,055 ) 710,624 Total liabilities 30,112 3,730,152 1,392,899 726,332 (946,858 ) 4,932,637 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity 525,810 517,251 3,414,433 (91,703 ) (3,839,981 ) 525,810 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — (29,981 ) 3,849 (26,132 ) Total liabilities and equity $ 555,922 $ 4,247,403 $ 4,807,332 $ 604,648 $ (4,782,990 ) $ 5,432,315 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 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 ) — Other long-term assets 65,988 555,877 134,454 128,247 (670,832 ) 213,734 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 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 — — 100,979 9,749 110,728 Total current liabilities 2,534 89,036 304,565 105,909 (14,727 ) 487,317 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 36,979 28,856 1,010,101 169,935 (499,334 ) 746,537 Total liabilities 43,021 3,756,178 1,361,806 677,943 (833,963 ) 5,004,985 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity 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 $ 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 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Net revenue $ — $ — $ 2,076,851 $ 221,633 $ (79,348 ) $ 2,219,136 Media production expenses — — 725,037 82,450 (74,288 ) 733,199 Selling, general and administrative 4,441 58,543 418,885 14,272 (167 ) 495,974 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 1,065 3,779 433,690 131,373 (2,680 ) 567,227 Total operating expenses 5,506 62,322 1,577,612 228,095 (77,135 ) 1,796,400 Operating (loss) income (5,506 ) (62,322 ) 499,239 (6,462 ) (2,213 ) 422,736 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 170,104 343,183 195 — (513,482 ) — Interest expense (382 ) (180,166 ) (4,658 ) (30,022 ) 23,781 (191,447 ) Other income (expense) 4,765 (151 ) 269 (2,379 ) — 2,504 Total other income (expense) 174,487 162,866 (4,194 ) (32,401 ) (489,701 ) (188,943 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 2,543 81,626 (146,331 ) 4,468 — (57,694 ) Net income (loss) 171,524 182,170 348,714 (34,395 ) (491,914 ) 176,099 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (4,914 ) 339 (4,575 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 171,524 $ 182,170 $ 348,714 $ (39,309 ) $ (491,575 ) $ 171,524 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 181,720 $ 187,791 $ 351,760 $ (39,309 ) $ (500,242 ) $ 181,720 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Net revenue $ — $ — $ 1,870,408 $ 192,616 $ (86,466 ) $ 1,976,558 Media production expenses — 76 573,725 86,266 (81,380 ) 578,687 Selling, general and administrative 4,320 57,799 359,880 14,795 (2,079 ) 434,715 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 1,068 5,425 367,514 96,265 (1,767 ) 468,505 Total operating expenses 5,388 63,300 1,301,119 197,326 (85,226 ) 1,481,907 Operating (loss) income (5,388 ) (63,300 ) 569,289 (4,710 ) (1,240 ) 494,651 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 211,782 373,228 (201 ) — (584,809 ) — Interest expense (573 ) (163,347 ) (4,869 ) (27,364 ) 21,291 (174,862 ) Other income (expense) 4,377 (14,651 ) 998 2,024 10 (7,242 ) Total other income (expense) 215,586 195,230 (4,072 ) (25,340 ) (563,508 ) (182,104 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 2,081 83,897 (185,193 ) 1,783 — (97,432 ) Net income (loss) 212,279 215,827 380,024 (28,267 ) (564,748 ) 215,115 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (2,836 ) — (2,836 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 212,279 $ 215,827 $ 380,024 $ (31,103 ) $ (564,748 ) $ 212,279 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 211,759 $ 213,284 $ 378,926 $ (27,982 ) $ (564,228 ) $ 211,759 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Net revenue $ — $ — $ 1,296,736 $ 123,017 $ (56,622 ) $ 1,363,131 Media production expenses 15 357 391,410 52,492 (57,628 ) 386,646 Selling, general and administrative 3,733 48,363 241,548 10,694 82 304,420 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 1,307 3,105 275,889 68,215 (471 ) 348,045 Total operating expenses 5,055 51,825 908,847 131,401 (58,017 ) 1,039,111 Operating (loss) income (5,055 ) (51,825 ) 387,889 (8,384 ) 1,395 324,020 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 97,138 309,388 1,009 — (407,535 ) — Interest expense (1,083 ) (152,174 ) (4,965 ) (25,624 ) 20,909 (162,937 ) Other income (expense) 4,633 (59,033 ) 245 5,361 (6,781 ) (55,575 ) Total other income (expense) 100,688 98,181 (3,711 ) (20,263 ) (393,407 ) (218,512 ) Income tax benefit (provision) (22,165 ) 47,645 (73,266 ) 2,637 3,900 (41,249 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax — 11,063 495 — — 11,558 Net income (loss) 73,468 105,064 311,407 (26,010 ) (388,112 ) 75,817 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (2,349 ) — (2,349 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 73,468 $ 105,064 $ 311,407 $ (28,359 ) $ (388,112 ) $ 73,468 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 78,257 $ 107,243 $ 311,407 $ (28,098 ) $ (390,552 ) $ 78,257
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (3,759 ) $ (133,595 ) $ 530,768 $ (16,864 ) $ 24,145 400,695 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (6,605 ) (84,079 ) (2,586 ) 1,849 (91,421 ) Payments for acquisition of television stations — — (17,011 ) — — (17,011 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (39,185 ) — (39,185 ) Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets — — 23,650 — — 23,650 Investments in equity and cost method investees — (8,998 ) (27 ) (35,690 ) — (44,715 ) Other, net 4,598 (5,447 ) 575 17,645 — 17,371 Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 4,598 (21,050 ) (76,892 ) (59,816 ) 1,849 (151,311 ) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 349,562 — 33,325 — 382,887 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases (528 ) (382,691 ) (1,286 ) (10,642 ) — (395,147 ) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (62,733 ) — — — — (62,733 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (28,823 ) — — — — (28,823 ) Payments for deferred financing cost — (3,604 ) — (243 ) — (3,847 ) Noncontrolling interests distributions — — — (9,918 ) — (9,918 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 89,319 303,755 (452,897 ) 85,953 (26,130 ) — Other, net 1,926 — (1,207 ) (368 ) 136 487 Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities (839 ) 267,022 (455,390 ) 98,107 (25,994 ) (117,094 ) NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 112,377 (1,514 ) 21,427 — 132,290 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 3,394 1,749 12,539 — 17,682 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 115,771 $ 235 $ 33,966 $ — $ 149,972 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (26,528 ) $ (147,940 ) $ 628,103 $ (35,694 ) $ 12,513 $ 430,454 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (8,864 ) (71,152 ) (2,722 ) 1,280 (81,458 ) Payments for acquisition of television stations — — (1,485,039 ) — — (1,485,039 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (27,701 ) — (27,701 ) Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets — — 176,675 — — 176,675 Decrease in restricted cash — 11,525 91 — — 11,616 Investments in equity and cost method investees — — — (8,104 ) — (8,104 ) Proceeds from insurance settlement — 17,042 — — — 17,042 Other, net 1,000 — 392 (1,779 ) — (387 ) Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 1,000 19,703 (1,379,033 ) (40,306 ) 1,280 (1,397,356 ) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 1,466,500 507 33,713 — 1,500,720 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases (556 ) (574,584 ) (1,028 ) (6,596 ) — (582,764 ) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (61,103 ) — — — — (61,103 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (133,157 ) — — — — (133,157 ) Payments for deferred financing costs — (16,590 ) — — — (16,590 ) Noncontrolling interest distributions — — — (8,184 ) — (8,184 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 218,081 (981,669 ) 725,678 51,703 (13,793 ) — Other, net 2,263 — (1,072 ) 4,367 — 5,558 Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities 25,528 (106,343 ) 724,085 75,003 (13,793 ) 704,480 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — (234,580 ) (26,845 ) (997 ) — (262,422 ) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 237,974 28,594 13,536 — 280,104 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 3,394 $ 1,749 $ 12,539 $ — $ 17,682

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI42

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of the quarterly financial information (unaudited)	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED): (in thousands, except per share data) For the Quarter Ended 3/31/2015 6/30/2015 9/30/2015 12/31/2015 Total revenues, net $ 504,775 $ 554,167 $ 548,404 $ 611,790 Operating income $ 84,547 $ 114,340 $ 99,606 $ 124,243 Net income $ 24,836 $ 46,399 $ 44,034 $ 60,830 Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 24,282 $ 45,787 $ 43,255 $ 58,200 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.26 $ 0.48 $ 0.46 $ 0.62 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.25 $ 0.48 $ 0.45 $ 0.61 For the Quarter Ended 3/31/2014 6/30/2014 9/30/2014 12/31/2014 Total revenues, net $ 412,648 $ 455,136 $ 494,956 $ 613,818 Operating income $ 81,000 $ 103,039 $ 101,663 $ 208,949 Net income $ 27,657 $ 41,601 $ 48,768 $ 97,089 Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 27,158 $ 41,335 $ 48,341 $ 95,445 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.27 $ 0.43 $ 0.50 $ 0.99 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.27 $ 0.42 $ 0.49 $ 0.98

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM43

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015channelstationmarket
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of television stations | station	163
Number of markets | market	79
Number of channels | channel	444

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM44

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Variable Interest Entities, Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)license	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)license	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Variable Interest Entities
Revenue	$ 611,790	$ 548,404	$ 554,167	$ 504,775	$ 613,818	$ 494,956	$ 455,136	$ 412,648	$ 2,219,136	$ 1,976,558	$ 1,363,131
Income (loss) from equity and cost method investments									964	2,313	621
Decrease in other assets, notes payable, capital leases, and commercial bank financing					41,800					41,800
Eliminations
Variable Interest Entities
Revenue									(79,348)	(86,466)	(56,622)
Consolidated VIEs | Eliminations
Variable Interest Entities
Liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options	72,500				78,100				72,500	78,100
Consolidated VIEs | Cunningham | Eliminations
Variable Interest Entities
Total payments made under the LMA excluded from liabilities	37,600				34,400				37,600	34,400
Total capital leased assets excluded from VIE consolidation	4,500				4,300				$ 4,500	$ 4,300
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated
Variable Interest Entities
VIE licenses | license									37	37
Revenue									$ 284,400	$ 286,300	235,800
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated | Minimum
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities Outsourcing Agreement Initial Term									5 years
VIEs which are not primary beneficiary
Variable Interest Entities
Carrying amount	$ 18,100				$ 22,700				$ 18,100	22,700
Income (loss) from equity and cost method investments									$ 7,700	$ 2,200	$ 2,100

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM45

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Variable Interest Entities Balance Sheet Disclosure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 149,972	$ 17,682	$ 280,104	$ 22,865
Accounts receivable		424,608	383,503
Current portion of program contract costs		91,466	88,198
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		26,903	27,842
Total current assets		701,763	526,165
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion		18,996	38,531
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net		717,137	752,538
GOODWILL		1,931,093	1,964,553	$ 1,380,082
BROADCAST LICENSES		132,465	135,075
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		1,751,570	1,818,263
OTHER ASSETS		175,566	175,203
Total assets	[1]	5,432,315	5,410,328
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		251,313	260,848
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		164,184	113,116
Current portion of program contracts payable		108,260	104,922
Total current liabilities		535,003	487,317
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		3,669,160	3,754,822
Program contracts payable, less current portion		56,921	60,605
Other long-term liabilities		68,631	77,000
Total liabilities		4,932,637	5,004,985
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		490	491
Accounts receivable		21,719	19,521
Current portion of program contract costs		13,287	9,544
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		331	297
Total current assets		35,827	29,853
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion		4,541	6,922
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net		7,609	9,716
GOODWILL		787	787
BROADCAST LICENSES		17,599	16,935
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		79,086	96,732
OTHER ASSETS		6,924	2,376
Total assets		152,373	163,321
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		1,240	1,365
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		3,687	3,659
Current portion of program contracts payable		12,627	9,714
Total current liabilities		17,554	14,738
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		24,594	28,640
Program contracts payable, less current portion		13,679	10,161
Other long-term liabilities		8,067	8,739
Total liabilities		$ 63,894	$ 62,278
[1]	(a) Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $152.4 million and $163.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $35.6 million and $30.0 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM46

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Restricted Cash and Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance at beginning of period	$ 4,246	$ 3,379	$ 3,091
Charged to expense	1,292	2,186	1,802
Net write-offs	(1,043)	(1,319)	(1,514)
Balance at end of period	4,495	4,246	$ 3,379
Newport
Acquisitions
Restricted cash classified as noncurrent	$ 3,700
Adjustments for New Accounting Principle, Early Adoption
Acquisitions
Reclassification of deferred tax assets and liabilities		$ 6,700

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM47

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Programming and Other Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)investment
Other Assets
Unamortized costs related to debt issuances	$ 38,709	$ 41,844
Total other assets	175,566	175,203
Unfunded commitments related to private equity investment funds	22,100	15,600
Impairment on investments	$ 6,000	0	$ 600
Number of investments on which impairment recorded | investment			2
Minimum
Programming
Contract period	1 year
Maximum
Programming
Contract period	7 years
Programming Contracts with One Year Period
Programming
Period of program contracts amortized on straight-line basis	1 year
Programming Contracts with Two Year Periods
Programming
Period of program contracts amortized on straight-line basis	2 years
Other Assets
Other Assets
Equity and cost method investments	$ 116,031	107,847
Unamortized costs related to debt issuances	3,663	5,274
Other	55,872	62,082
Total other assets	$ 175,566	$ 175,203

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM48

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Accrued Liabilities and Post-retirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Compensation and employee health insurance	$ 65,364	$ 56,871
Interest	32,788	33,347
Deferred revenue	24,837	27,037
Programming related obligations	54,381	70,344
Other accruals relating to operating expenses	73,943	73,249
Total accrued liabilities	$ 251,313	$ 260,848

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM49

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Supplemental Information - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Information - Statements of Cash Flows
Income taxes paid related to continuing operations		$ 106,979	$ 100,986	$ 26,037
Income tax refunds received related to continuing operations		196	1,407	4,414
Interest paid		182,425	157,349	147,083
Non- cash transactions
Non-cash transactions related to capital lease obligations	$ 2,800	$ 2,800	$ 0	$ 10,400
4.875% Notes
Non- cash transactions
Interest rate (as a percent)			4.875%	4.875%	4.875%
4.875% Notes | Class A Common Stock
Non- cash transactions
Non-cash conversion, net of tax			$ 8,600

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM50

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Share Repurchase Program and Advertising Expense (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 20, 2014	Oct. 28, 1999
Share Repurchase Program
Share repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 150,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Number of shares repurchased	1.1
Value of shares repurchased	$ 28,800,000	$ 133,157,000
Total remaining authorization amount	105,500,000
Advertising Expenses
Total advertising expenses	$ 23,900,000	$ 21,300,000	$ 15,400,000

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM51

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Postretirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Post-retirement Benefits
Pension expense	$ 9,300
Unamortized actuarial loss	8,000
Liability related to underfunded status of defined benefit pension plan	4,600	$ 4,600
Future expected benefits payment
2,016	1,791	1,791
2,017	1,717	1,717
2,018	1,649	1,649
2,019	1,587	1,587
2,020	1,535	1,535
Next 5 years	7,089	7,089
Fisher SERP | Fisher
Post-retirement Benefits
Carrying value of annuity contracts and life insurance policies	2,200	2,200	$ 2,400
Estimated projected benefit obligation	$ 22,400	22,400
Benefit payments		1,500	2,100
Periodic pension expense		900	1,000
Actuarial gain		$ 1,000	$ (3,200)
Discount rate for projected benefit obligation (as a percent)	4.11%	4.11%	3.69%
Fisher SERP | Fisher | Accrued expenses
Post-retirement Benefits
Estimated projected benefit obligation	$ 1,800	$ 1,800
Fisher SERP | Fisher | Other long-term liabilities
Post-retirement Benefits
Estimated projected benefit obligation	$ 20,600	$ 20,600

ACQUISITIONS - Additional Infor

ACQUISITIONS - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Dec. 19, 2014USD ($)stationmarket	Nov. 01, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2014USD ($)stationmarket	Nov. 22, 2013USD ($)stationmarket	Aug. 08, 2013USD ($)stationmarket$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)stationmarket	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)stationmarket	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)stationmarket	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)stationmarket
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station						163			163
Number of markets | market						79			79
Total Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station						88			88
Number of markets | market						49			49
Cash paid									$ 2,466,600
Working capital adjustment						$ 55,700			$ 55,700
2014 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station						1			1
Number of markets | market						1			1
Cash paid						$ 15,500
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 in 2014
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station						8			8
Number of markets | market						4			4
Cash paid						$ 123,500
Working capital adjustment						$ 1,100			$ 1,100
2013 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station							22
Number of markets | market							15
Cash paid							$ 1,434,500
Working capital adjustment							$ 47,300
Noncontrolling interests related to the license assets								$ 1,053
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station				24
Number of markets | market				15
Cash paid				$ 370,000
Working capital adjustment				$ 2,300
Number of stations to which sales services were provided | station				5
Noncontrolling interests related to the license assets				$ 7,500				0
Fisher
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station					22
Number of markets | market					8	8			8
Cash paid					$ 373,200
Noncontrolling interests related to the license assets								$ 1,053
Cash paid for acquisition (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 41
Number of radio stations | station					4
Other Acquisitions in 2013
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station								19
Number of markets | market								8
Cash paid								$ 272,700
Working capital adjustment								10,800
Noncontrolling interests related to the license assets								0
Other Acquisitions in 2013 | Consolidated VIEs
Acquisitions
Working capital adjustment								$ 700
2012 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Number of television stations | station								65
Number of markets | market								33
Cash paid								$ 1,016,600
Working capital adjustment								$ 8,400

ACQUISITIONS - Fair Value of A

ACQUISITIONS - Fair Value of Acquired Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 22, 2013
Acquisitions
GOODWILL	$ 1,931,093	$ 1,964,553	$ 1,380,082
Fisher
Acquisitions
Cash			13,531
Accounts receivable			29,485
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			19,133
Program contract costs			11,427
Property and equipment			73,968
Broadcast licenses			29,771
Definite-lived intangible assets			166,034
Other assets			9,284
Assets held for sale			6,339
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			(20,127)
Program contracts payable			(10,977)
Deferred tax liability			(74,177)
Other long term liabilities			(23,384)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired			230,307
GOODWILL			143,942
Less: fair value of non-controlling interest			(1,053)
Total			373,196
MEG Stations
Acquisitions
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
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
Acquisitions
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		70,375
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		77,266
GOODWILL		41,024
Total		118,290
Allbritton
Acquisitions
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
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 Acquisitions in 2014
Acquisitions
Accounts receivable		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		79
Program contract costs		2,561
Property and equipment		8,352
Broadcast licenses		225
Definite-lived intangible assets		87,915
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		96,935
GOODWILL		25,501
Total		122,436
2014 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Accounts receivable		38,542
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		20,512
Program contract costs		6,201
Property and equipment		86,714
Broadcast licenses		14,600
Definite-lived intangible assets		848,315
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		822,237
GOODWILL		659,617
Total		$ 1,481,854
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC
Acquisitions
Cash			0
Accounts receivable			0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			681
Program contract costs			4,011
Property and equipment			73,621
Broadcast licenses			719
Definite-lived intangible assets			220,253
Other assets			0
Assets held for sale			0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			(2,725)
Program contracts payable			(3,813)
Deferred tax liability			0
Other long term liabilities			(65)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired			292,682
GOODWILL			75,004
Less: fair value of non-controlling interest			0	$ (7,500)
Total			367,686
Other Acquisitions in 2013
Acquisitions
Cash			0
Accounts receivable			8,226
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			5,217
Program contract costs			6,050
Property and equipment			67,034
Broadcast licenses			4,395
Definite-lived intangible assets			169,438
Other assets			1,394
Assets held for sale			0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			(3,926)
Program contracts payable			(6,331)
Deferred tax liability			(2,304)
Other long term liabilities			(10,550)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired			238,643
GOODWILL			45,538
Less: fair value of non-controlling interest			0
Total			284,181
2013 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Cash			13,531
Accounts receivable			37,711
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			25,031
Program contract costs			21,488
Property and equipment			214,623
Broadcast licenses			34,885
Definite-lived intangible assets			555,725
Other assets			10,678
Assets held for sale			6,339
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			(26,778)
Program contracts payable			(21,121)
Deferred tax liability			(76,481)
Other long term liabilities			(33,999)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired			761,632
GOODWILL			264,484
Less: fair value of non-controlling interest			(1,053)
Total			$ 1,025,063

ACQUISITIONS - Amounts Allocate

ACQUISITIONS - Amounts Allocated to Definite-lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Property and equipment, net	$ 717,137	$ 752,538
Broadcast licenses	132,465	135,075
Depreciation of property and equipment	$ (103,433)	(103,291)	$ (70,554)
Network affiliations
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Amortization period	15 years
Other intangible assets | Minimum
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Weighted-average useful life subject to amortization acquired	14 years
Other intangible assets | Maximum
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Weighted-average useful life subject to amortization acquired	15 years
2014 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		848,315
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes		123,923
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Depreciation of property and equipment	$ 700
2014 Acquisitions | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		486,175
2014 Acquisitions | Customer relationships
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		323,100
2014 Acquisitions | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		39,040
MEG Stations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		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		45,500
MEG Stations | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		23,500
KSNV
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		70,375
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes		41,024
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		25,600
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
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 in 2014
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		87,915
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes		25,501
Other Acquisitions in 2014 | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		27,575
Other Acquisitions in 2014 | Customer relationships
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		44,800
Other Acquisitions in 2014 | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		$ 15,540
2013 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			555,725
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes			196,977
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Property and equipment, net	12,500
Broadcast licenses	3,400
Increase to noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	58,300
Decrease to goodwill	42,200
Increase to depreciation and amortization	$ 700
2013 Acquisitions | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			320,549
2013 Acquisitions | Customer relationships
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			80,041
2013 Acquisitions | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			155,135
Fisher
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			166,034
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes			10,765
Fisher | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			117,499
Fisher | Customer relationships
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			18,110
Fisher | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			30,425
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			220,253
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes			75,004
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			103,245
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | Customer relationships
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			41,939
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | Customer relationships | Minimum
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Amortization period	10 years
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | Customer relationships | Maximum
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Amortization period	15 years
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			75,069
Other Acquisitions in 2013
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			169,438
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes			111,208
Other Acquisitions in 2013 | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			99,805
Other Acquisitions in 2013 | Customer relationships
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			19,992
Other Acquisitions in 2013 | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			$ 49,641

ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Result

ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Results (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions
Operating income	$ 124,243	$ 99,606	$ 114,340	$ 84,547	$ 208,949	$ 101,663	$ 103,039	$ 81,000	$ 422,736	$ 494,651	$ 324,020
Costs incurred in corporate, general and administrative expenses										5,700	2,800
Pro Forma Information
Total revenues										2,150,124	1,838,167
Net Income										189,174	41,323
Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group										$ 186,338	$ 38,974
Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)										$ 1.92	$ 0.42
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)										$ 1.90	$ 0.42
Total Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									853,670	$ 620,769	$ 148,445
Operating income									145,042	119,903	35,122
MEG Stations
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									69,275	2,299	0
Operating income									15,246	1,010	0
KSNV
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									32,471	5,972	0
Operating income									7,206	2,108	0
Allbritton
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									231,300	106,258	0
Operating income									39,550	26,914	0
Fisher
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									183,667	184,534	79,078
Operating income									27,086	26,940	19,019
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									154,279	173,013	16,927
Operating income									24,435	34,875	4,096
Other Acquisitions in 2013
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									42,470	9,172	0
Operating income									8,451	1,569	0
Other Acquisitions in 2012
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									140,208	139,521	52,440
Operating income									$ 23,068	$ 26,487	$ 12,007

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DIS56

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands

Dec. 19, 2014USD ($)

Nov. 22, 2013USD ($)

Nov. 30, 2013USD ($)station

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2013USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)

Aug. 01, 2014USD ($)

Apr. 01, 2013USD ($)

Mar. 01, 2013USD ($)

Discontinued Operations

Total revenues, net

$ 611,790

$ 548,404

$ 554,167

$ 504,775

$ 613,818

$ 494,956

$ 455,136

$ 412,648

$ 2,219,136

$ 1,976,558

$ 1,363,131

Adjustment of certain liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits

$ 5,100

11,200

Allbritton

Discontinued Operations

Working capital adjustment

$ 50,100

Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC

Discontinued Operations

Working capital adjustment

$ 2,300

Cunningham | Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC

Discontinued Operations

Sale of station

22,000

Third-Party | Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | LMA

Discontinued Operations

Price of assets sold

15,000

Gain (loss) on sale

$ (3,300)

WLAJ-TV

Discontinued Operations

Price of assets sold to an unrelated third party receivable in cash

$ 14,400

Total revenues, net

600

Total income before taxes

200

WLWC-TV

Discontinued Operations

Price of assets sold to an unrelated third party receivable in cash

$ 13,800

Total revenues, net

1,600

Total income before taxes

$ 400

WTTA & KXRM and KXTU | MEG Stations

Discontinued Operations

Price of assets sold

$ 93,100

Working capital adjustment

600

WTTA | MEG Stations

Discontinued Operations

Gain (loss) on sale

$ 39,000

WHTM | MEG Stations | Allbritton

Discontinued Operations

Price of assets sold

83,400

Working capital adjustment

$ 200

WTAT | Cunningham | Allbritton

Discontinued Operations

Price of assets sold

$ 14,000

KIDK and KXPI | Third-Party | Fisher

Discontinued Operations

Price of assets sold

$ 6,300

Number of stations whose license assets were sold | station

2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN57

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS: (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Based Compensation Plans
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense				$ 18	$ 13.9	$ 10.6
Employee Stock
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Number of shares reserved for award	2,200,000			2,200,000
Compensation expense				$ 0.7	0.7	0.3
Number of shares available for future grant	132,383			132,383
Employee Stock | Maximum
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Percentage of the fair market value of common stock as of the first day of the quarter or on last day of the quarter				85.00%
RSAs
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense				$ 5.3	3.2	2.7
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 1.1			$ 1.1
Unrestricted shares granted (in shares)				101,050
RSAs issued in 2014 | LTIP
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Vesting period				2 years
Percentage of restriction to be lapsed in year one from grant date				50.00%
Percentage of restriction to be lapsed in year two from grant date				50.00%
RSAs issued in 2013 | LTIP
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Vesting period				2 years
Percentage of restriction to be lapsed in year one from grant date				50.00%
Percentage of restriction to be lapsed in year two from grant date				50.00%
RSAs issued in 2012 | LTIP
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Vesting period				2 years
Percentage of restriction to be lapsed in year one from grant date				50.00%
Percentage of restriction to be lapsed in year two from grant date				50.00%
Stock Grants | Non Employee Director
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense				$ 0.6	$ 0.4	$ 0.8
Unrestricted shares granted (in shares)				20,000	12,000	31,250
SARs
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
SAR's granted (in shares)				310,000
SAR's outstanding (in shares)	1,910,000	1,600,000		1,910,000	1,600,000
SAR's outstanding intrinsic value	$ 30.3			$ 30.3
SAR's remaining contractual life				6 years 4 months 27 days
SARs | LTIP | President and Chief Executive Officer
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense				$ 2.6	$ 2.6	$ 3.2
SAR's granted (in shares)				310,000	200,000	500,000
SAR's granted	$ 24.93	$ 27.86		$ 24.93	$ 27.86	$ 14.21
SAR's vesting period				10 years
Stock Options
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$ 0.8	$ 1.1		$ 0.8	$ 1.5
Number of options to be granted annually			125,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of options			$ 20
Weighted average remaining contractual life of options			10 years
Exercise price of options	$ 32.54	$ 27.36		$ 32.54	$ 27.36
401 (K) Plan
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Maximum match as a percentage of elective deferrals by eligible employees				50.00%
Maximum match as a percentage of employee's total cash compensation				4.00%
Compensation expense relating to match				$ 6.2	$ 5.2	$ 3.1
Number of shares reserved for matches	3,000,000			3,000,000
Number of shares available for future grants	598,739			598,739
Subsidiary Stock Awards
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense				$ 1.8	$ 0.2	$ 0.3
Class A Common Stock | LTIP
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Number of shares reserved for award	14,000,000			14,000,000
Number of shares (including forfeited shares) available for future grants	7,753,059			7,753,059

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Changes in Unvested Restricted Stock (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
RSAs
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	0
Weighted-Average Price
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0
RSAs
RSAs
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) | shares	229,700
Unrestricted shares granted (in shares) | shares	101,050
Vested (in shares) | shares	(192,850)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) | shares	137,900
Weighted-Average Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 18.71
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	24.93
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	16.89
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 25.81

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN59

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - SAR's Value Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Options
Assumptions used in valuation
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.90%	1.80%
Expected years to exercise	5 years	5 years
Expected volatility (as a percent)	42.10%	47.60%
Annual dividend yield (as a percent)	2.00%	2.30%
SARs
Assumptions used in valuation
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.30%	1.50%	0.90%
Expected years to exercise	5 years	5 years	5 years
Expected volatility (as a percent)	47.00%	65.00%	73.00%
Annual dividend yield (as a percent)	2.70%	2.20%	4.30%

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN60

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Summary of 2015 Activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Stock Grants and SARs
Exercised (in shares) | shares	0
SARs
Stock Grants and SARs
Outstanding at the beginning of the year (in shares) | shares	1,600,000
Granted (in shares) | shares	310,000
Outstanding at the end of the year (in shares) | shares	1,910,000
Weighted-Average Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 15.08
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	24.93
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0
Outstanding at the end of the year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 16.68

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN61

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Changes in Stock Options (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding, beginning balance | shares	125,000
Granted | shares	125,000
Exercised | shares	0
Options outstanding, ending balance | shares	250,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options outstanding, weighted average price, beginning balance | $ / shares	$ 27.36
Options granted, weighted average price | $ / shares	32.54
Options exercised, weighted average price | $ / shares	0
Options outstanding, weighted average price, ending balance | $ / shares	$ 29.95

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN62

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Inputs to Model the Value of Options Granted (Details) - Stock Options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assumptions used in valuation
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.90%	1.80%
Expected years to exercise	5 years	5 years
Expected volatility (as a percent)	42.10%	47.60%
Annual dividend yield (as a percent)	2.00%	2.30%

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,304,481	$ 1,304,481	$ 1,273,055
Less: accumulated depreciation	(587,344)	(587,344)	(520,517)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	717,137	717,137	752,538
Capital lease additions	2,800	2,800	0	$ 10,400
Capital lease depreciation expense		3,900	3,700	$ 4,000
Land and improvements
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	60,678	60,678	55,269
Real estate held for development and sale
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	91,106	91,106	113,514
Buildings and improvements
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	210,597	$ 210,597	192,478
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		10 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		30 years
Station equipment
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	667,454	$ 667,454	684,176
Station equipment | Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		5 years
Station equipment | Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		10 years
Office furniture and equipment
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	85,411	$ 85,411	70,402
Office furniture and equipment | Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		5 years
Office furniture and equipment | Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		10 years
Leasehold improvements
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	22,693	$ 22,693	19,091
Leasehold improvements | Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		10 years
Leasehold improvements | Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		30 years
Automotive equipment
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	47,402	$ 47,402	37,726
Automotive equipment | Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		3 years
Automotive equipment | Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		5 years
Capital leased assets
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	84,474	$ 84,474	81,625
Capital leased assets | Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		0 years
Capital leased assets | Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives		0 years
Construction in progress
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 34,666	$ 34,666	$ 18,774

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES 64

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Change in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill	$ 2,378,126	$ 1,793,655
Accumulated impairment losses	(413,573)	(413,573)	$ (413,573)
Goodwill, net	1,931,093	1,964,553	1,380,082
Acquisition of television stations	5,802	701,854
Sale of broadcast assets		(26,731)
Deconsolidation of variable interest entities		(21,357)
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions	(42,237)	(66,320)
Goodwill Held for Sale	(2,975)	(2,975)
Goodwill	2,344,666	2,378,126
VIEs which are not primary beneficiary
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill, net	800
Broadcast
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill	2,377,613	1,790,167
Accumulated impairment losses	(413,573)	(413,573)	(413,573)
Goodwill, net	1,927,605	1,964,040	1,376,594
Acquisition of television stations	5,802	701,854
Sale of broadcast assets		(26,731)
Deconsolidation of variable interest entities		(21,357)
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions	(42,237)	(66,320)
Goodwill Held for Sale	0	0
Goodwill	2,341,178	2,377,613
Other operating divisions segment
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill	513	3,488
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0	0
Goodwill, net	3,488	513	$ 3,488
Acquisition of television stations	0	0
Sale of broadcast assets		0
Deconsolidation of variable interest entities		0
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions	0	0
Goodwill Held for Sale	(2,975)	(2,975)
Goodwill	$ 3,488	$ 513

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES 65

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Broadcast Licenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Sale of broadcast assets		$ (23,650)	$ (176,675)	$ (49,738)
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions		(42,237)	(66,320)
Broadcast licenses	$ 132,465	132,465	135,075
Broadcast licenses
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Beginning balance		135,075	101,029
Acquisition of television stations		992	18,027
Sale of broadcast assets		(175)	(45)
Impairment charge	(3,240)	0	(3,200)
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions		(3,427)	19,355
Deconsolidation of variable interest entities		0	(51)
Ending balance	132,465	132,465	135,075	$ 101,029
Broadcast licenses	$ 17,600	$ 17,600	$ 16,900

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES 66

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Amortized intangible assets:
Impairment charges for definite-lived intangibles		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets		161,454,000	125,496,000	70,820,000
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets		$ 161,500,000	125,500,000	$ 70,800,000
Weighted-average useful life subject to amortization acquired		14 years
Amortized intangible assets: | Minimum
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortization period		5 years
Amortized intangible assets: | Maximum
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortization period		25 years
Broadcast licenses
Amortized intangible assets:
Impairment charge	$ 3,240,000	$ 0	3,200,000
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets			113,400,000
Carrying value of broadcast licenses			21,100,000
Fair value of broadcast licenses			$ 17,900,000

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES 67

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Definite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,378,746,000	$ 2,320,526,000
Accumulated Amortization	(627,176,000)	(502,263,000)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,751,570,000	1,818,263,000
Impairment charges for definite-lived intangibles	0	0	$ 0
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,751,570,000	1,818,263,000
Network affiliations
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	1,378,425,000	1,396,792,000
Accumulated Amortization	(343,729,000)	(257,526,000)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,034,696,000	1,139,266,000
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,034,696,000	1,139,266,000
Customer Relationships
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	806,727,000	749,292,000
Accumulated Amortization	(225,176,000)	(177,453,000)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	581,551,000	571,839,000
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	581,551,000	571,839,000
Other intangible assets
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	193,594,000	174,442,000
Accumulated Amortization	(58,271,000)	(67,284,000)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	135,323,000	107,158,000
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	135,323,000	$ 107,158,000
Alarm monitoring contract
Amortized intangible assets:
Assets acquired in acquisition	39,200,000
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortized intangible assets:
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,751,570,000
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
For the year ended December 31, 2016	152,011,000
For the year ended December 31, 2017	149,683,000
For the year ended December 31, 2018	148,350,000
For the year ended December 31, 2019	148,201,000
For the year ended December 31, 2020	147,890,000
Thereafter	1,005,435,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 1,751,570,000

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 68

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING (Details)	Oct. 15, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 23, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013USD ($)	Oct. 12, 2013USD ($)	Oct. 11, 2013USD ($)	Apr. 09, 2013USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2013USD ($)	Oct. 12, 2012USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)lease	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs												$ 41,844,000		$ 38,709,000	$ 41,844,000
Unamortized debt discount														3,618,000
Redemption price														395,147,000	582,764,000	$ 1,509,760,000
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt														$ 0	$ 14,553,000	58,421,000
Redemption of the equity component change in additional paid-in capital, net of taxes																(8,602,000)
Convertible Debentures converted into Class A Common Stock, net of taxes																10,235,000
Operating segments
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of capital leases | lease														4
Capital leased assets | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of renewal options														5 years
Capital leased assets | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of renewal options														10 years
Tower leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital leases, term														16 years
equipment lease
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital leases, term														4 years
Broadcast
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of capital leases | lease														28
Broadcast | Tower leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of capital leases | lease														24
Period on or prior to November 1, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price of the debt instrument (as a percent) (up to)						100.00%
Term Loan A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)												2.38%		2.47%	2.38%
Term Loan B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt discount												$ 4,000,000		$ 3,600,000	$ 4,000,000
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)												3.30%		3.54%	3.30%
Revolving line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)														2.38%
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest and amortization expense														$ 30,900,000	$ 13,600,000
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)														5.83%
Amount of debt issued			$ 550,000,000
Percentage of par value at which debt was issued			100.00%
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)			5.625%											5.625%
Amortization of financing costs														$ 500,000
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 | Period prior to August 1, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of par value at which debt was issued			100.00%
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 | Period prior to August 1, 2019 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price of the debt instrument (as a percent) (up to)			35.00%
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest and amortization expense														$ 22,300,000	$ 22,400,000	4,900,000
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)														6.59%
Amount of debt issued						$ 350,000,000
Percentage of par value at which debt was issued						100.00%
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)						6.375%						6.375%		6.375%	6.375%
Amortization of financing costs															$ 600,000
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021 | Period on or prior to November 1, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of the principal amount of the debt instrument which the entity may redeem with the proceeds from certain equity offerings						35.00%
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest and amortization expense														$ 32,300,000	$ 32,300,000	24,100,000
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)														5.58%
Amount of debt issued								$ 600,000,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)								5.375%				5.375%		5.375%	5.375%
Amortization of financing costs															$ 900,000
Purchase price in tender offers commenced as a percentage of face value								100.00%
Percent of outstanding debt converted								100
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 | Period on or prior to April 1, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of the principal amount of the debt instrument which the entity may redeem with the proceeds from certain equity offerings								35.00%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest and amortization expense														$ 30,600,000	$ 30,600,000	30,500,000
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)														6.31%
Amount of debt issued									$ 500,000,000
Percentage of par value at which debt was issued					100.00%
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)					6.125%				6.125%			6.125%		6.125%	6.125%
Amortization of financing costs														$ 700,000
Purchase price in tender offers commenced as a percentage of face value									100.00%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022 | Period prior to August 1, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum percentage of the principal amount of the debt instrument which the entity may redeem with the proceeds from certain equity offerings									35.00%
8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest and amortization expense															$ 16,000,000	$ 20,300,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)	8.375%
Face amount of debt redeemed	$ 237,500,000
Accrued and unpaid interest and make-whole premium	9,900,000
Redemption price	$ 257,400,000
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt												$ 14,600,000
9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest and amortization expense															$ 37,300,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)					9.25%
Face amount of debt redeemed					$ 500,000,000
Accrued and unpaid interest and make-whole premium					25,400,000
Redemption price					$ 546,100,000
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt													$ 43,100,000
Write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs													9,500,000
Write-off of unamortized debt discount													$ 8,200,000
4.875% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)											4.875%	4.875%	4.875%		4.875%	4.875%
Face amount of debt redeemed											$ 5,700,000
Redemption of the equity component change in additional paid-in capital, net of taxes											$ 8,600,000
Redemption Convertible Debentures, net of taxes (in shares) | shares											388,632
3.0% Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding loan amount				$ 5,400,000						$ 5,400,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)				3.00%						3.00%			3.00%			3.00%
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt										$ (1,000,000)
Redemption of the equity component change in additional paid-in capital, net of taxes										5,100,000
Convertible Debentures converted into Class A Common Stock, net of taxes										10,500,000
Other operating divisions debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest and amortization expense														3,800,000	$ 3,100,000	$ 3,200,000
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)												6.50%			6.50%
Other operating divisions debt | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis															LIBOR
Interest rate margin (as a percent)															2.50%
Debt of variable interest entities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs														400,000
Outstanding loan amount														$ 26,300,000
Variable rate basis														LIBOR
Interest rate margin (as a percent)														2.50%
Interest and amortization expense														$ 1,700,000	$ 2,200,000	1,200,000
Bank Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate borrowings outstanding														1,676,700,000
Deferred financing costs														12,900,000
Unamortized debt discount														3,600,000
Interest and amortization expense														53,800,000	38,700,000	27,300,000
Debt refinancing costs														2,200,000	3,800,000	2,400,000
Deferred financing costs related to amendment												$ 3,800,000	$ 14,900,000	$ 3,600,000	3,800,000	$ 14,900,000
Threshold percentage of aggregate broadcast cash flows used for defining material third-party licensees														20.00%
Bank Credit Agreement | Term Loan A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs														$ 1,500,000
Outstanding loan amount												348,100,000		312,100,000	348,100,000
Bank Credit Agreement | Term Loan A | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis							LIBOR
Interest rate margin (as a percent)							2.25%
Bank Credit Agreement | Term Loan B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs														11,400,000
Outstanding loan amount												1,035,900,000		1,364,600,000	1,035,900,000
Debt instrument face amount				$ 650,000,000			$ 750,000,000			$ 650,000,000
Bank Credit Agreement | Term Loan B | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)		2.75%		2.25%
LIBOR floor (as a percent)		0.75%		0.75%
Bank Credit Agreement | Incremental Term B Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount																	$ 350,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Term Loan A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face amount																	$ 327,700,000
Amount of debt converted into revolving commitments		$ 327,700,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate borrowings outstanding												485,200,000		$ 485,200,000	485,200,000
Undrawn commitments fees (as a percent)														0.50%
Remaining borrowing capacity												$ 144,100,000		$ 482,900,000	$ 144,100,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving line of credit | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis							LIBOR
Interest rate margin (as a percent)							2.25%
Revolving Credit Facility | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate borrowings outstanding														$ 2,300,000

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 69

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Schedule of Notes Payable, Capital Leases and Bank Credit Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross amount of debt	$ 3,875,671	$ 3,913,774
Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B	(3,618)
Less: Deferred financing cost	(38,709)	(41,844)
Less: Current portion	(164,184)	(113,116)
Long-term debt	3,669,160	3,754,822
Term Loan A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross amount of debt	313,620	348,073
Term Loan B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross amount of debt	1,379,626	1,039,876
Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B	(3,600)	(4,000)
Revolving line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross amount of debt	0	338,000
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross amount of debt	350,000	350,000
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross amount of debt	600,000	600,000
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross amount of debt	500,000	500,000
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross amount of debt	550,000	550,000
Debt of variable interest entities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross amount of debt	26,682	30,167
Other operating divisions debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross amount of debt	120,969	118,822
Capital Leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross amount of debt	34,774	38,836
Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B	0
Less: Deferred financing cost	0
Notes and Bank Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B	(3,618)
Less: Deferred financing cost	(38,709)
Notes and Bank Credit Agreement | Term Loan B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B	$ (3,618)	$ (3,992)

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 70

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Schedule of Indebtedness Under Notes Payable, Capital Leases and the Bank Credit Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	$ 167,237
2,017	83,920
2,018	247,951
2,019	19,502
2,020	620,144
2021 and thereafter	2,759,350
Total minimum payments	3,898,104
Less: Discount	(3,618)
Less: Deferred financing cost	(38,709)	$ (41,844)
Less: Amount representing future interest	(22,433)
Net carrying value of debt	3,833,344
Capital Leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	4,792
2,017	4,819
2,018	4,846
2,019	4,957
2,020	4,704
2021 and thereafter	33,089
Total minimum payments	57,207
Less: Discount	0
Less: Deferred financing cost	0
Less: Amount representing future interest	(22,433)
Net carrying value of debt	34,774
Notes and Bank Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016	162,445
2,017	79,101
2,018	243,105
2,019	14,545
2,020	615,440
2021 and thereafter	2,726,261
Total minimum payments	3,840,897
Less: Discount	(3,618)
Less: Deferred financing cost	(38,709)
Less: Amount representing future interest	0
Net carrying value of debt	$ 3,798,570

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Details)

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Future payments required under program contracts
2,016	$ 108,260
2,017	22,946
2,018	14,270
2,019	9,850
2,020	7,562
2021 and thereafter	2,293
Total	165,181
Less: Current portion	108,260	$ 104,922
Long-term portion of program contracts payable	$ 56,921	$ 60,605
Lag period for film payments	3 months
Program contract payments due in arrears	$ 26,600
Non-cancelable commitments for future program rights	$ 139,600

COMMON STOCK (Details)

COMMON STOCK (Details)	May. 07, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Feb. 29, 2016$ / shares	Nov. 30, 2015$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2015$ / shares	Apr. 30, 2015$ / shares	Feb. 28, 2015$ / shares	Nov. 30, 2014$ / shares	Aug. 31, 2014$ / shares	Apr. 30, 2014$ / shares	Feb. 28, 2014$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)vote$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 20, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 11, 2013	Apr. 02, 2013	Oct. 12, 2012	Oct. 28, 1999USD ($)
Common Stock
Net proceeds from public offering											$ 0	$ 0	$ 472,913,000
Quarterly dividend declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.165	$ 0.165	$ 0.165	$ 0.165	$ 0.165	$ 0.165	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.66	$ 0.63	$ 0.6
Share repurchase program, authorized amount														$ 150,000,000					$ 150,000,000
Dividend paid (in dollars per share) | $ / shares												$ 0.63
Number of shares repurchased | shares											1,100,000
Value of shares repurchased											$ 28,800,000	$ 133,157,000
Total remaining authorization amount											$ 105,500,000
Bank Credit Agreement
Common Stock
Unrestricted Cash First Lien Indebtedness Ratio											4
Amount of unrestricted annual cash payments (up to)											$ 200,000,000
Amount of unrestricted annual cash payments to be carry over to next year											50,000,000
Additional aggregate basket (up to)											250,000,000
Aggregate basket as long as no Event											$ 50,000,000
Bank Credit Agreement | Maximum
Common Stock
Unrestricted Cash First Lien Indebtedness Ratio											3.75
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
Common Stock
Interest rate (as a percent)											6.125%	6.125%			6.125%			6.125%
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
Common Stock
Interest rate (as a percent)											5.375%	5.375%					5.375%
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
Common Stock
Interest rate (as a percent)											6.375%	6.375%				6.375%
5.625% Senior Notes, due
Common Stock
Interest rate (as a percent)												5.625%
Subsequent Event
Common Stock
Quarterly dividend declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.165
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock
Number of votes holders of common stock are entitled for each share held | vote											1
Shares sold public offering (in shares) | shares	18,000,000
Offering price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 27.25
Net proceeds from public offering	$ 472,900,000
Class B Common Stock
Common Stock
Number of votes holders of common stock are entitled for each share held | vote											10
Number of Class B shares converted into Class A Common stock | shares											0	100,000

INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Prov

INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes - continuing operations	$ 57,694	$ 97,432	$ 41,249
Income from discontinued operations, income tax benefit	0	0	(10,806)
Income tax expense (benefit)	57,694	97,432	30,443
Current:
Federal	80,420	92,609	16,229
State	5,720	5,641	(8,305)
Current income tax expense (benefit)	86,140	98,250	7,924
Deferred:
Federal	(26,637)	3,170	20,214
State	(1,809)	(3,988)	2,305
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(28,446)	(818)	22,519
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 57,694	$ 97,432	$ 30,443

INCOME TAXES - Federal Tax Rate

INCOME TAXES - Federal Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision from continuing operations
Federal statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (as a percent)	0.60%	(0.10%)	8.30%
Non-deductible items (as a percent)	1.20%	3.40%	1.40%
Domestic Production Activities Deduction (as a percent)	(3.90%)	(3.20%)	(3.80%)
Effect of consolidated VIEs (as a percent)	1.40%	0.80%	3.70%
Change in state tax laws and rates (as a percent)	(0.30%)	(0.10%)	(5.50%)
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (as a percent)	(1.90%)	(3.40%)	0.80%
Basis in stock subsidiaries (as a percent)	(5.50%)	0.00%	0.00%
Federal R&D Credit	(1.10%)	(0.00%)	(0.00%)
Other (as a percent)	(0.30%)	(0.90%)	0.10%
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	25.20%	31.50%	40.00%
Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations	$ 5.7	$ 10.8
Tax benefit realized, sale of stock of subsidiary	$ 12.6

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Taxes T

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Taxes Temporary Difference (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net operating and capital losses:
Federal	$ 14,884	$ 2,384
State	65,822	67,430
Goodwill and intangible assets	33,979	44,175
Other	37,812	27,677
Deferred tax assets, Gross	152,497	141,666
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	58,333	58,896	$ 59,400
Total deferred tax assets	94,164	82,770
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Goodwill and intangible assets	(561,812)	(543,628)
Property & equipment, net	(76,106)	(72,819)
Contingent interest obligations	(30,575)	(40,941)
Other	(10,743)	(34,314)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(679,236)	(691,702)
Net tax liabilities	(585,072)	(608,932)
Valuation allowance
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	600	(7,800)	8,300
Unrecognized tax benefits
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	3,257	7,138	$ 16,883	$ 25,965
Unrecognized tax benefits that would favorably affect entity's effective tax rates from continuing operations, if recognized	$ 2,600	$ 6,400

INCOME TAXES - Unrecognized Tax

INCOME TAXES - Unrecognized Tax Benefit Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period			$ 7,138	$ 16,883	$ 25,965
Reductions related to prior year tax positions	$ 6,100		1,458	0	(8,928)
Increases related to current year tax positions			472	1,450	693
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities			(1,517)	(2,910)	(847)
Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations			(4,294)	(8,285)	0
Balance at the end of the period			3,257	7,138	16,883
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits			200	$ 700	1,200
Reduction in liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to continuing operations		$ 5,100			$ 11,200
Maximum expected reduction in liability over next twelve months for unrecognized tax benefits related to continuing operations due to statue of limitations			$ 1,000

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Leases
Rent expense from continuing operations under leases	$ 21,700	$ 19,400	$ 10,300
Future minimum payments under the leases
2,016	18,944
2,017	15,909
2,018	12,542
2,019	11,716
2,020	10,648
2021 and thereafter	33,144
Total	$ 102,903
Minimum
Operating Leases
Operating leases term	1 year
Maximum
Operating Leases
Operating leases term	44 years

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES78

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Network Affiliation Agreements (Details) $ in Thousands

Aug. 01, 2014USD ($)market

Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)

Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)agreement

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)market

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)stationmarketagreement

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)

Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)

Mar. 12, 2014station

Aug. 08, 2013market

Nov. 30, 2003stationapplication

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Number of television stations in the same market entering into an agreement | station

2

Percentage of ad time to be considered an owner

15.00%

Revenue

$ 611,790

$ 548,404

$ 554,167

$ 504,775

$ 613,818

$ 494,956

$ 455,136

$ 412,648

$ 2,219,136

$ 1,976,558

$ 1,363,131

Number of markets | market

79

79

LMA

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Number of separately owned television stations having programming agreement | station

2

Number of stations that programs substantial portions of the broadcast day and sells advertising time to programming segments | station

1

Number of LMA agreements grandfathered | agreement

3

JSA

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Revenue

$ 46,800

$ 48,800

Allbritton

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Number of markets | market

7

Fisher

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Number of markets | market

8

8

8

KUQI, KTOV-LP, and KXPX-LP

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Consideration transferred

$ 9,300

KFXL, KHGI-LD, KWNB, and KWNB-LD

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Consideration transferred

$ 31,250

Tennis Channel | Subsequent Event

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Consideration transferred

$ 350,000

Cunningham

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Number of television stations remaining to be acquired | station

5

Number of applications pending to acquire license assets of stations | application

5

Number of markets | market

3

3

Cunningham | Allbritton | WTAT

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Consideration transferred

$ 14,000

Price of assets sold

$ 14,000

Howard Stirk Holdings | WMMP

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Price of assets sold

$ 50

Howard Stirk Holdings | WCFT

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Price of assets sold

$ 50

$ 50

Number of agreements | agreement

2

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - T

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Transactions With Controlling Shareholders (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Leased assets or facilities | Entities owned by the controlling shareholders
Related person transactions
Amount paid	$ 5.1	$ 5.1	$ 5.2
Charter Aircraft [Member] | Controlling shareholders
Related person transactions
Aircraft expense	$ 1.4	$ 1.5	$ 0.9

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS_ (D

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related person transactions
Less: Current portion	$ (3,166)	$ (2,625)
Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion	17,850	16,309
Capital leases payable maturity
2,016	167,237
2,017	83,920
2,018	247,951
2,019	19,502
2,020	620,144
2021 and thereafter	2,759,350
Total minimum payments	3,898,104
Affiliates
Related person transactions
Amount obligated to be paid	21,016	18,934
Less: Current portion	(3,166)	(2,625)
Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion	17,850	16,309
Capital leases payable maturity
2,016	5,070
2,017	5,061
2,018	2,868
2,019	2,978
2,020	3,093
2021 and thereafter	10,172
Total minimum payments	29,242
Interest and amortization expense	(8,226)
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 21,016	18,934
Affiliates | Capital leases for building, interest at 8.54%
Related person transactions
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.54%
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 3,508	4,972
Capital leases payable maturity
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 3,508	4,972
Affiliates | Capital leases for building, interest at 7.93%
Related person transactions
Interest rate (as a percent)	7.93%
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 679	932
Capital leases payable maturity
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 679	932
Affiliates | Capital leases for building, interest at 8.11%
Related person transactions
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.11%
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 7,432	7,843
Capital leases payable maturity
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 7,432	7,843
Affiliates | Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 8.0%
Related person transactions
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.00%
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 2,749	390
Capital leases payable maturity
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 2,749	390
Affiliates | Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 9.0%
Related person transactions
Interest rate (as a percent)	9.00%
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 1,958	0
Capital leases payable maturity
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 1,958	0
Affiliates | Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 10.5%
Related person transactions
Interest rate (as a percent)	10.50%
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 4,690	4,797
Capital leases payable maturity
Amount obligated to be paid	$ 4,690	$ 4,797

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - C

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)stationrenewal	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)
Related person transactions
Right to acquire capital stock or assets of individual subsidiaries (as a percent)			100.00%									100.00%
Revenue			$ 611,790	$ 548,404	$ 554,167	$ 504,775	$ 613,818	$ 494,956	$ 455,136	$ 412,648		$ 2,219,136	$ 1,976,558	$ 1,363,131
Cunningham
Related person transactions
Price for which nonvoting stock was purchased									$ 2,000		$ 1,700
Percentage of the total capital stock held in the related party, none of which have voting rights			100.00%									100.00%
Annual increase in aggregate purchase price (as a percent)																	6.00%
Sale of station		$ 22,000
Cost of acquiring interest																$ 21,200
Working capital adjustment																$ 200
Cunningham | Subsequent Event
Related person transactions
Promissory note receivable	$ 19,500
Loan receivable, interest rate	5.00%
LMA | Cunningham
Related person transactions
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%
Amount paid		$ (4,700)
Remaining purchase price			$ 53,600									$ 53,600
Payments to related party												8,800	10,800	9,800
Amount received												101,800	103,500	107,600
Minimum | LMA | Cunningham
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
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | Cunningham
Related person transactions
Revenue												7,700	7,800	700
Amount received												$ 5,800	$ 6,000	$ 600

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - A

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Atlantic Automotive Corporation (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)leasereal_estate_venturerestaurant	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Thomas And Libowitz P A
Related person transactions
Amount paid			$ 1.6
Advertising time | Atlantic Automotive
Related person transactions
Amount received	$ 0.4	$ 0.4	0.2
Vehicles and related vehicle services | Atlantic Automotive
Related person transactions
Amount paid	0	0	1.1
Leased assets or facilities | Atlantic Automotive
Related person transactions
Amount received	$ 1.2	1	1
Number of real estate ventures | real_estate_venture	1
Real estate ventures in Baltimore, MD | Leased assets or facilities | Chief Executive Officer
Related person transactions
Amount received	$ 0.6	0.5	0.5
Amount paid	$ 0.1
Number of real estate ventures | real_estate_venture	1
Number of ground lease properties | lease	1
Number of restaurants owned by a related party | restaurant	3
Real Estate Ventures In Towson M D | Leased assets or facilities | Chief Executive Officer
Related person transactions
Amount received	$ 0.3	$ 0.3	$ 0.2

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income (Numerator)
Income from continuing operations	$ 60,830	$ 44,034	$ 46,399	$ 24,836	$ 97,089	$ 48,768	$ 41,601	$ 27,657	$ 176,099	$ 215,115	$ 64,259
Net income loss attributable to noncontrolling interests included in continuing operations									(4,575)	(2,836)	(2,349)
Numerator for diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations available to common shareholders									171,524	212,279	61,910
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes									0	0	11,558
Numerator for diluted earnings available to common shareholders									$ 171,524	$ 212,279	$ 73,468
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)									95,003,000	97,114,000	93,207,000
Dilutive effect of stock settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and outstanding stock options (in shares)									725,000	705,000	638,000
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)									95,728,000	97,819,000	93,845,000
Additional Disclosures
Antidilutive dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)									100,000	300,000	0

SEGMENT DATA - Segment Financia

SEGMENT DATA - Segment Financial Information (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)market	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)market	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Segment data
Number of markets | market		79								79
Intercompany loans		$ 226,200				$ 172,300				$ 226,200	$ 172,300
Intercompany interest expense										23,100	20,700	$ 20,000
Revenue		611,790	$ 548,404	$ 554,167	$ 504,775	613,818	$ 494,956	$ 455,136	$ 412,648	2,219,136	1,976,558	1,363,131
Depreciation of property and equipment										103,433	103,291	70,554
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										161,454	125,496	70,820
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments										124,619	106,629	80,925
General and administrative overhead expenses										64,246	62,495	53,126
Research and development										12,436	6,918	0
Operating income (loss)		124,243	$ 99,606	$ 114,340	$ 84,547	208,949	$ 101,663	$ 103,039	$ 81,000	422,736	494,651	324,020
Interest expense										191,447	174,862	162,937
Income (loss) from equity and cost method investments										964	2,313	621
Goodwill		1,931,093				1,964,553				1,931,093	1,964,553	1,380,082
Assets	[1]	5,432,315				5,410,328				5,432,315	5,410,328
Capital expenditures										91,421	81,458	43,388
Broadcast
Segment data
Goodwill		1,927,605				1,964,040				1,927,605	1,964,040	1,376,594
Other operating divisions segment
Segment data
Goodwill		3,488				513				3,488	513	3,488
Operating segments | Broadcast
Segment data
Revenue										2,118,021	1,904,776	1,306,187
Depreciation of property and equipment										99,616	99,823	67,320
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										152,049	118,654	65,786
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments										124,619	106,629	80,925
General and administrative overhead expenses										55,848	55,837	47,272
Research and development										0	0
Operating income (loss)										451,015	511,783	329,312
Interest expense										0	0	0
Income (loss) from equity and cost method investments											0	0
Goodwill		1,927,705				1,964,041				1,927,705	1,964,041
Assets		4,838,531				4,940,870				4,838,531	4,940,870
Capital expenditures										74,902	78,865
Operating segments | Other operating divisions segment
Segment data
Revenue										101,115	71,782	56,944
Depreciation of property and equipment										2,753	2,350	1,891
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										9,405	6,842	5,034
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments										0	0	0
General and administrative overhead expenses										2,952	1,315	1,350
Research and development										12,436	6,918
Operating income (loss)										(21,800)	(10,671)	555
Interest expense										4,955	4,042	3,251
Income (loss) from equity and cost method investments										964	2,313	621
Goodwill		3,388				512				3,388	512
Assets		415,278				355,832				415,278	355,832
Capital expenditures										8,909	2,593
Corporate
Segment data
Revenue										0	0	0
Depreciation of property and equipment										1,064	1,118	1,343
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										0	0	0
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments										0	0	0
General and administrative overhead expenses										5,446	5,343	4,504
Research and development										0	0
Operating income (loss)										(6,479)	(6,461)	(5,847)
Interest expense										186,492	170,820	159,686
Income (loss) from equity and cost method investments										0	0	$ 0
Goodwill		0				0				0	0
Assets		$ 178,506				$ 113,626				178,506	113,626
Capital expenditures										$ 7,610	$ 0
[1]	(a) Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $152.4 million and $163.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $35.6 million and $30.0 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 23, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 11, 2013	Apr. 02, 2013	Oct. 12, 2012
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%	6.375%			6.375%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%	6.125%		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%				5.375%
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Revolving Credit Facility
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 0	$ 338,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	350,000	350,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	500,000	500,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	550,000	550,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	600,000	600,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Term Loan A
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	313,620	348,073
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Term Loan B
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	1,376,007	1,035,883
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Debt of variable interest entities
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	26,682	30,167
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Other operating divisions debt
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	120,969	118,822
Level 2 | Fair Value | Revolving Credit Facility
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	0	338,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | 6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	367,325	355,800
Level 2 | Fair Value | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	512,500	503,475
Level 2 | Fair Value | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	539,000	532,813
Level 2 | Fair Value | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	605,658	595,068
Level 2 | Fair Value | Term Loan A
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	308,916	341,982
Level 2 | Fair Value | Term Loan B
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	1,365,461	1,029,997
Level 2 | Fair Value | Debt of variable interest entities
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	26,682	30,167
Level 2 | Fair Value | Other operating divisions debt
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 120,969	$ 118,822

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANC86

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 23, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 11, 2013	Apr. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 12, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Consolidated total debt		$ 3,854,400
Cash		149,972	$ 17,682		$ 280,104				$ 22,865
Accounts and other receivables		424,608	383,503
Other current assets		127,183	124,980
Total current assets		701,763	526,165
Property and equipment, net		717,137	752,538
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Other long-term assets		198,287	213,734
GOODWILL		1,931,093	1,964,553		1,380,082
BROADCAST LICENSES		132,465	135,075
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		1,751,570	1,818,263
Total assets	[1]	5,432,315	5,410,328
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		251,313	260,848
Current portion of long-term debt		164,184	113,116
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		3,166	2,625
Other current liabilities		116,340	110,728
Total current liabilities		535,003	487,317
Long-term debt		3,669,160	3,754,822
Affiliate long-term debt		17,850	16,309
Other liabilities		710,624	746,537
Total liabilities		4,932,637	5,004,985
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		525,810	427,882
Noncontrolling interests		(26,132)	(22,539)
Total liabilities and equity		5,432,315	5,410,328
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Amount of debt guaranteed by parent		3,730,000
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Amount of debt guaranteed by parent		3,678,200
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		115,771	3,394		237,974				7,230
Accounts and other receivables		1,775	164
Other current assets		5,172	12,996
Total current assets		122,718	16,554
Property and equipment, net		20,336	17,554
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		3,430,434	3,585,037
Other long-term assets		673,915	555,877
GOODWILL		0	0
BROADCAST LICENSES		0	0
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		0	0
Total assets		4,247,403	4,175,022
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		49,428	46,083
Current portion of long-term debt		57,640	42,953
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		0	0
Other current liabilities		0	0
Total current liabilities		107,068	89,036
Long-term debt		3,594,218	3,638,286
Affiliate long-term debt		0	0
Other liabilities		28,866	28,856
Total liabilities		3,730,152	3,756,178
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		517,251	418,844
Noncontrolling interests		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		4,247,403	4,175,022
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		235	1,749		28,594				199
Accounts and other receivables		390,142	359,486
Other current assets		99,118	98,751
Total current assets		489,495	459,986
Property and equipment, net		559,042	569,372
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		4,179	3,978
Other long-term assets		110,507	134,454
GOODWILL		1,926,814	1,963,254
BROADCAST LICENSES		114,841	118,115
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		1,602,454	1,698,919
Total assets		4,807,332	4,948,078
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		179,156	201,102
Current portion of long-term debt		1,611	1,302
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		1,311	1,182
Other current liabilities		103,627	100,979
Total current liabilities		285,705	304,565
Long-term debt		32,743	34,338
Affiliate long-term debt		14,240	12,802
Other liabilities		1,060,211	1,010,101
Total liabilities		1,392,899	1,361,806
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		3,414,433	3,586,272
Noncontrolling interests		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		4,807,332	4,948,078
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		3,648	5,741
Total current assets		3,648	5,741
Property and equipment, net		2,884	3,949
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		497,262	395,225
Other long-term assets		52,128	65,988
GOODWILL		0	0
BROADCAST LICENSES		0	0
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		0	0
Total assets		555,922	470,903
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		104	541
Current portion of long-term debt		0	529
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		1,651	1,464
Other current liabilities		0	0
Total current liabilities		1,755	2,534
Long-term debt		0	0
Affiliate long-term debt		1,857	3,508
Other liabilities		26,500	36,979
Total liabilities		30,112	43,021
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		525,810	427,882
Noncontrolling interests		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		555,922	470,903
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		33,966	12,539		13,536				15,436
Accounts and other receivables		33,949	25,111
Other current assets		23,278	19,225
Total current assets		91,193	56,875
Property and equipment, net		143,667	168,762
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Other long-term assets		140,910	128,247
GOODWILL		4,279	1,299
BROADCAST LICENSES		17,624	16,960
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		206,975	184,441
Total assets		604,648	556,584
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		27,462	26,802
Current portion of long-term debt		106,358	68,332
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		456	1,026
Other current liabilities		12,713	9,749
Total current liabilities		146,989	105,909
Long-term debt		42,199	82,198
Affiliate long-term debt		366,042	319,901
Other liabilities		171,102	169,935
Total liabilities		726,332	677,943
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		(91,703)	(94,632)
Noncontrolling interests		(29,981)	(26,727)
Total liabilities and equity		604,648	556,584
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		0	0		$ 0				$ 0
Accounts and other receivables		(1,258)	(1,258)
Other current assets		(4,033)	(11,733)
Total current assets		(5,291)	(12,991)
Property and equipment, net		(8,792)	(7,099)
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		(3,931,875)	(3,984,240)
Other long-term assets		(779,173)	(670,832)
GOODWILL		0	0
BROADCAST LICENSES		0	0
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		(57,859)	(65,097)
Total assets		(4,782,990)	(4,740,259)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(4,837)	(13,680)
Current portion of long-term debt		(1,425)	0
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		(252)	$ (1,047)
Other current liabilities		0
Total current liabilities		(6,514)	$ (14,727)
Long-term debt		0	0
Affiliate long-term debt		(364,289)	(319,902)
Other liabilities		(576,055)	(499,334)
Total liabilities		(946,858)	(833,963)
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		(3,839,981)	(3,910,484)
Noncontrolling interests		3,849	4,188
Total liabilities and equity		$ (4,782,990)	$ (4,740,259)
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.375%	5.375%					5.375%
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.375%
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.375%
5.625% Senior Notes, due
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.625%
5.625% Senior Notes, due | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.625%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.125%	6.125%			6.125%				6.125%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022 | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.125%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022 | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.125%
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.375%	6.375%				6.375%
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021 | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.375%
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021 | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.375%
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.625%		5.625%
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.625%
[1]	(a) Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $152.4 million and $163.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $35.6 million and $30.0 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANC87

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Revenue	$ 611,790	$ 548,404	$ 554,167	$ 504,775	$ 613,818	$ 494,956	$ 455,136	$ 412,648	$ 2,219,136	$ 1,976,558	$ 1,363,131
Media production expenses									733,199	578,687	386,646
Selling, general and administrative									495,974	434,715	304,420
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									567,227	468,505	348,045
Total operating expenses									1,796,400	1,481,907	1,039,111
Operating income	124,243	99,606	114,340	84,547	208,949	101,663	103,039	81,000	422,736	494,651	324,020
Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Interest expense									(191,447)	(174,862)	(162,937)
Other income (expense)									2,504	(7,242)	(55,575)
Total other expense									(188,943)	(182,104)	(218,512)
Income tax benefit (provision)									(57,694)	(97,432)	(41,249)
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes									0	0	11,558
NET INCOME									176,099	215,115	75,817
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests									(4,575)	(2,836)	(2,349)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	$ 58,200	$ 43,255	$ 45,787	$ 24,282	$ 95,445	$ 48,341	$ 41,335	$ 27,158	171,524	212,279	73,468
Comprehensive income									181,720	211,759	78,257
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Revenue									0	0	0
Media production expenses									0	0	15
Selling, general and administrative									4,441	4,320	3,733
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									1,065	1,068	1,307
Total operating expenses									5,506	5,388	5,055
Operating income									(5,506)	(5,388)	(5,055)
Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries									170,104	211,782	97,138
Interest expense									(382)	(573)	(1,083)
Other income (expense)									4,765	4,377	4,633
Total other expense									174,487	215,586	100,688
Income tax benefit (provision)									2,543	2,081	(22,165)
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes											0
NET INCOME									171,524	212,279	73,468
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP									171,524	212,279	73,468
Comprehensive income									181,720	211,759	78,257
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Revenue									0	0	0
Media production expenses									0	76	357
Selling, general and administrative									58,543	57,799	48,363
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									3,779	5,425	3,105
Total operating expenses									62,322	63,300	51,825
Operating income									(62,322)	(63,300)	(51,825)
Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries									343,183	373,228	309,388
Interest expense									(180,166)	(163,347)	(152,174)
Other income (expense)									(151)	(14,651)	(59,033)
Total other expense									162,866	195,230	98,181
Income tax benefit (provision)									81,626	83,897	47,645
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes											11,063
NET INCOME									182,170	215,827	105,064
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP									182,170	215,827	105,064
Comprehensive income									187,791	213,284	107,243
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Revenue									221,633	192,616	123,017
Media production expenses									82,450	86,266	52,492
Selling, general and administrative									14,272	14,795	10,694
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									131,373	96,265	68,215
Total operating expenses									228,095	197,326	131,401
Operating income									(6,462)	(4,710)	(8,384)
Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Interest expense									(30,022)	(27,364)	(25,624)
Other income (expense)									(2,379)	2,024	5,361
Total other expense									(32,401)	(25,340)	(20,263)
Income tax benefit (provision)									4,468	1,783	2,637
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes											0
NET INCOME									(34,395)	(28,267)	(26,010)
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests									(4,914)	(2,836)	(2,349)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP									(39,309)	(31,103)	(28,359)
Comprehensive income									(39,309)	(27,982)	(28,098)
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Revenue									2,076,851	1,870,408	1,296,736
Media production expenses									725,037	573,725	391,410
Selling, general and administrative									418,885	359,880	241,548
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									433,690	367,514	275,889
Total operating expenses									1,577,612	1,301,119	908,847
Operating income									499,239	569,289	387,889
Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries									195	(201)	1,009
Interest expense									(4,658)	(4,869)	(4,965)
Other income (expense)									269	998	245
Total other expense									(4,194)	(4,072)	(3,711)
Income tax benefit (provision)									(146,331)	(185,193)	(73,266)
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes											495
NET INCOME									348,714	380,024	311,407
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP									348,714	380,024	311,407
Comprehensive income									351,760	378,926	311,407
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Revenue									(79,348)	(86,466)	(56,622)
Media production expenses									(74,288)	(81,380)	(57,628)
Selling, general and administrative									(167)	(2,079)	82
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									(2,680)	(1,767)	(471)
Total operating expenses									(77,135)	(85,226)	(58,017)
Operating income									(2,213)	(1,240)	1,395
Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries									(513,482)	(584,809)	(407,535)
Interest expense									23,781	21,291	20,909
Other income (expense)									0	10	(6,781)
Total other expense									(489,701)	(563,508)	(393,407)
Income tax benefit (provision)									0	0	3,900
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes											0
NET INCOME									(491,914)	(564,748)	(388,112)
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests									339	0	0
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP									(491,575)	(564,748)	(388,112)
Comprehensive income									$ (500,242)	$ (564,228)	$ (390,552)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANC88

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$ 400,695	$ 430,454	$ 160,577
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(91,421)	(81,458)	(43,388)
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired	(17,011)	(1,485,039)	(1,006,144)
Payments to Acquire Alarm Monitoring Contracts	(39,185)	(27,701)	(23,721)
Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets	23,650	176,675	49,738
Decrease in restricted cash	(3,725)	11,616	(11,522)
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(44,715)	(8,104)	(10,767)
Proceeds from insurance settlement		17,042
Other, net	17,371	(387)	(5,437)
Net cash flow used in investing activities	(151,311)	(1,397,356)	(1,051,241)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	382,887	1,500,720	2,278,293
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(395,147)	(582,764)	(1,509,760)
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock	0	0	472,913
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	(62,733)	(61,103)	(56,767)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(28,823)	(133,157)	0
Payments for deferred financing costs	(3,847)	(16,590)	(27,724)
Noncontrolling interests distributions	(9,918)	(8,184)	(10,256)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	0	0	0
Other, net	487	5,558	1,204
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	(117,094)	704,480	1,147,903
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	132,290	(262,422)	257,239
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	17,682	280,104	22,865
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	149,972	17,682	280,104
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(3,759)	(26,528)	(37,107)
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	0	0	0
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Payments to Acquire Alarm Monitoring Contracts	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets	0	0	0
Decrease in restricted cash		0	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	0	0	0
Proceeds from insurance settlement		0
Other, net	4,598	1,000	1,648
Net cash flow used in investing activities	4,598	1,000	1,648
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	0	0	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(528)	(556)	(482)
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock			472,913
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	(62,733)	(61,103)	(56,767)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(28,823)	(133,157)
Payments for deferred financing costs	0	0	0
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	89,319	218,081	(371,331)
Other, net	1,926	2,263	(8,874)
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	(839)	25,528	35,459
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	0	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	0	0	0
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(133,595)	(147,940)	(264,925)
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(6,605)	(8,864)	(2,700)
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Payments to Acquire Alarm Monitoring Contracts	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets	0	0	0
Decrease in restricted cash		11,525	(11,522)
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(8,998)	0	0
Proceeds from insurance settlement		17,042
Other, net	(5,447)	0	0
Net cash flow used in investing activities	(21,050)	19,703	(14,222)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	349,562	1,466,500	2,189,753
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(382,691)	(574,584)	(1,473,898)
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock			0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	0	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Payments for deferred financing costs	(3,604)	(16,590)	(27,724)
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	303,755	(981,669)	(178,240)
Other, net	0	0	0
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	267,022	(106,343)	509,891
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	112,377	(234,580)	230,744
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	3,394	237,974	7,230
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	115,771	3,394	237,974
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	530,768	628,103	444,680
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(84,079)	(71,152)	(35,659)
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired	(17,011)	(1,485,039)	(998,664)
Payments to Acquire Alarm Monitoring Contracts	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets	23,650	176,675	71,738
Decrease in restricted cash		91	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(27)	0	0
Proceeds from insurance settlement		0
Other, net	575	392	50
Net cash flow used in investing activities	(76,892)	(1,379,033)	(962,535)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	0	507	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(1,286)	(1,028)	(1,069)
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock			0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	0	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Payments for deferred financing costs	0	0	0
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(452,897)	725,678	548,139
Other, net	(1,207)	(1,072)	(820)
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	(455,390)	724,085	546,250
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(1,514)	(26,845)	28,395
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	1,749	28,594	199
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	235	1,749	28,594
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(16,864)	(35,694)	(40,414)
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(2,586)	(2,722)	(5,029)
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired	0	0	(50,480)
Payments to Acquire Alarm Monitoring Contracts	(39,185)	(27,701)	(23,721)
Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets	0	0	21,000
Decrease in restricted cash		0	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(35,690)	(8,104)	(10,767)
Proceeds from insurance settlement		0
Other, net	17,645	(1,779)	3,773
Net cash flow used in investing activities	(59,816)	(40,306)	(65,224)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	33,325	33,713	88,540
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(10,642)	(6,596)	(34,311)
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock			0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	0	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Payments for deferred financing costs	(243)	0	0
Noncontrolling interests distributions	(9,918)	(8,184)	(10,256)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	85,953	51,703	59,765
Other, net	(368)	4,367	0
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	98,107	75,003	103,738
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	21,427	(997)	(1,900)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	12,539	13,536	15,436
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	33,966	12,539	13,536
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	24,145	12,513	58,343
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	1,849	1,280	0
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired	0	0	43,000
Payments to Acquire Alarm Monitoring Contracts	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets	0	0	(43,000)
Decrease in restricted cash		0	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	0	0	0
Proceeds from insurance settlement		0
Other, net	0	0	(10,908)
Net cash flow used in investing activities	1,849	1,280	(10,908)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	0	0	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock			0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	0	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Payments for deferred financing costs	0	0	0
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(26,130)	(13,793)	(58,333)
Other, net	136	0	10,898
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	(25,994)	(13,793)	(47,435)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	0	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI89

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues, net	$ 611,790	$ 548,404	$ 554,167	$ 504,775	$ 613,818	$ 494,956	$ 455,136	$ 412,648	$ 2,219,136	$ 1,976,558	$ 1,363,131
Operating income	124,243	99,606	114,340	84,547	208,949	101,663	103,039	81,000	422,736	494,651	324,020
Income from continuing operations	60,830	44,034	46,399	24,836	97,089	48,768	41,601	27,657	176,099	215,115	64,259
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 58,200	$ 43,255	$ 45,787	$ 24,282	$ 95,445	$ 48,341	$ 41,335	$ 27,158	$ 171,524	$ 212,279	$ 73,468
Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)	$ 0.62	$ 0.46	$ 0.48	$ 0.26	$ 0.99	$ 0.50	$ 0.43	$ 0.27	$ 1.81	$ 2.19	$ 0.66
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)	$ 0.61	$ 0.45	$ 0.48	$ 0.25	$ 0.98	$ 0.49	$ 0.42	$ 0.27	$ 1.79	$ 2.17	$ 0.66