Sinclair Broadcast (SBGI) 10-K 1 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 23, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
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, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
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			$ 2,526
Class A Common Stock
Entity Listings
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,670,684
Class B Common Stock
Entity Listings
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		76,079,830

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 681,326	$ 259,984
Restricted cash, current		313,110	200
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,590 and $2,124, respectively		566,464	513,954
Current portion of program contract costs		71,387	83,601
Income taxes receivable		28,150	5,500
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		54,310	41,849
Total current assets		1,714,747	905,088
Program contract costs, less current portion		3,202	8,919
Property and equipment, net		738,298	717,576
Restricted cash, less current portion		1,504	0
Goodwill		2,124,033	1,990,746
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net		159,371	156,306
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		1,801,670	1,944,403
Notes receivable from affiliates		0	19,500
Other assets		241,645	220,630
Total assets	[1]	6,784,470	5,963,168
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		370,403	328,545
Deferred spectrum auction proceeds		84,341	0
Income taxes payable		2,503	23,491
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		159,382	171,131
Current portion of notes payable and capital leases payable to affiliates		1,667	3,604
Current portion of program contracts payable		108,053	109,702
Total current liabilities		726,349	636,473
Long-term liabilities
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		3,875,116	4,014,932
Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion		12,485	14,181
Program contracts payable, less current portion		41,909	53,836
Deferred tax liabilities		515,236	609,317
Other long-term liabilities		79,009	76,493
Total liabilities	[1]	5,250,104	5,405,232
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 10)
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Additional paid-in capital		1,320,298	843,691
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)		248,845	(255,804)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,423)	(807)
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		1,568,738	587,983
Noncontrolling interests		(34,372)	(30,047)
Total equity		1,534,366	557,936
Total liabilities and equity		6,784,470	5,963,168
Total assets of variable interest entities		130,600	142,300
Total liabilities of variable interest entities		27,000	40,900
Class A Common Stock
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common Stock		761	646
Class B Common Stock
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common Stock		$ 257	$ 257
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $130.6 million and $142.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $27.0 million and $40.9 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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,590 and $2,124, respectively	$ 2,590	$ 2,124
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)	76,071,145	64,558,207
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	76,071,145	64,558,207
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)	25,670,684	25,670,684
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	25,670,684	25,670,684

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
REVENUES:
Media revenues	$ 2,543,876	$ 2,499,549	$ 2,011,946
Revenues realized from station barter arrangements	120,963	135,566	111,337
Other non-media revenues	69,279	101,834	95,853
Total revenues	2,734,118	2,736,949	2,219,136
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Media production expenses	1,063,074	953,089	733,199
Media selling, general and administrative expenses	533,537	501,589	431,728
Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements	98,973	116,954	93,204
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	115,523	127,880	124,619
Other non-media expenses	65,199	80,648	71,803
Depreciation of property and equipment	97,103	98,529	103,433
Corporate general and administrative expenses	113,253	73,556	64,246
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets	178,822	183,795	161,454
Research and development expenses	10,000	4,085	12,436
(Gain) loss on asset dispositions	(278,872)	(6,029)	278
Total operating expenses	1,996,612	2,134,096	1,796,400
Operating income	737,506	602,853	422,736
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs	(212,315)	(211,143)	(191,447)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	(1,404)	(23,699)	0
(Loss) income from equity and cost method investments	(13,919)	1,735	964
Other income, net	8,876	3,144	1,540
Total other expense	(218,762)	(229,963)	(188,943)
Income before income taxes	518,744	372,890	233,793
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (PROVISION)	75,360	(122,128)	(57,694)
NET INCOME	594,104	250,762	176,099
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(18,091)	(5,461)	(4,575)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	$ 576,013	$ 245,301	$ 171,524
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.71	$ 0.66
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP:
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	5.77	2.62	1.81
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 5.72	$ 2.60	$ 1.79
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	99,844	93,567	95,003
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	100,789	94,433	95,728

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 594,104	$ 250,762	$ 176,099
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes	0	0	190
Adjustments to pension obligations, net of taxes	(616)	27	621
Pension settlement	0	0	4,810
Comprehensive income	593,488	250,789	181,720
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(18,091)	(5,461)	(4,575)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 575,397	$ 245,328	$ 177,145

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Common StockClass A Common Stock	Common StockClass B Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014				69,578,899	25,928,357
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 405,343			$ 696	$ 259	$ 979,202	$ (545,820)	$ (6,455)	$ (22,539)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(62,733)						(62,733)
Repurchase of Class A Common Stock (in shares)				(1,107,887)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(28,823)			$ (11)		(28,812)
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			$ 3		11,624
Tax benefit on share based awards	712					712
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(9,918)								(9,918)
Issuance of subsidiary stock awards	1,750								1,750
Other comprehensive income	5,621							5,621
Net income	176,099						171,524		4,575
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015				68,792,483	25,928,357
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2015	499,678			$ 688	$ 259	962,726	(437,029)	(834)	(26,132)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting standard	2,264					431	1,833
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(65,909)						(65,909)
Repurchase of Class A Common Stock (in shares)				(4,892,461)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(136,283)			$ (48)		(136,235)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)				400,512
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	16,773			$ 4		16,769
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(10,722)								(10,722)
Issuance of subsidiary stock awards	1,346								1,346
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock (in shares)				257,673	(257,673)
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock	0			$ 2	$ (2)
Other comprehensive income	27							27
Net income	250,762						245,301		5,461
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		64,558,207	25,670,684	64,558,207	25,670,684
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2016	557,936			$ 646	$ 257	843,691	(255,804)	(807)	(30,047)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(71,364)						(71,364)
Repurchase of Class A Common Stock (in shares)				(997,300)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(30,287)			$ (10)		(30,277)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)				510,238
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	19,126			$ 5		19,121
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(22,416)								(22,416)
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs (in shares)				12,000,000
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	487,883			$ 120		487,763
Other comprehensive income	(616)							(616)
Net income	594,104						576,013		18,091
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		76,071,145	25,670,684	76,071,145	25,670,684
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,534,366			$ 761	$ 257	$ 1,320,298	$ 248,845	$ (1,423)	$ (34,372)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 594,104	$ 250,762	$ 176,099
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment	97,103	98,529	103,433
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	178,822	183,795	161,454
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	115,523	127,880	124,619
Loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash portion	1,404	3,875	0
Stock-based compensation	15,886	16,939	18,315
Deferred tax (benefit) provision	(159,462)	6,118	(28,446)
(Gain) loss on the sale of assets	(278,608)	(6,029)	278
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Increase in accounts receivable	(41,908)	(71,718)	(38,666)
Net change in net income taxes payable/receivable	(43,374)	18,814	3,203
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets	(9,409)	(969)	(3,474)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	34,857	60,086	(15,902)
Payments on program contracts payable	(111,470)	(111,506)	(109,057)
Other, net	37,636	15,190	11,071
Net cash flows from operating activities	431,104	591,766	402,927
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(83,812)	(94,465)	(91,421)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(271,273)	(425,857)	(17,011)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	192,634	16,396	23,650
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(5,682)	(40,206)	(39,185)
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(55,129)	(51,247)	(44,715)
Distributions from equity and cost method investees	12,918	6,786	21,749
Loans to affiliates	19,500	(19,500)	0
Other, net	(7,181)	2,090	(4,378)
Net cash flow used in investing activities	(198,025)	(606,003)	(151,311)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	166,797	1,024,912	382,887
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(336,501)	(671,215)	(395,147)
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock	487,883	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(30,287)	(136,283)	(28,823)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(71,364)	(65,909)	(62,733)
Payments for deferred financing costs	(731)	(15,681)	(3,847)
Noncontrolling interests distributions	(22,416)	(10,464)	(9,918)
Other, net	(5,118)	(1,111)	(1,745)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	188,263	124,249	(119,326)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	421,342	110,012	132,290
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year	259,984	149,972	17,682
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year	$ 681,326	$ 259,984	$ 149,972

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMAR

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 with national reach with a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations and digital platforms. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, and other original programming produced by us. We also distribute our original programming, and owned and operated network affiliates, on other third-party platforms. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties. We focus on offering marketing solutions to advertisers through our television and digital platforms and digital agency services. Outside of our media related businesses, we operate technical services companies focused on supply and maintenance of broadcast transmission systems as well as research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and we manage other non-media related investments. As of December 31, 2017 , our broadcast distribution platform is a single reportable segment for accounting purposes. It consists primarily of our broadcast television stations, which we own, provide programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements (LMAs), or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as joint sales agreements (JSAs) and shared services agreements (SSAs)) to 191 stations in 89 markets. These stations broadcast 601 channels as of December 31, 2017 . For the purpose of this report, these 191 stations and 601 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. Third-party station licensees. Certain of our stations provide services to other station owners within the same respective market through agreements, 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. Based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in the stations, we are the primary beneficiary when, 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 we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs. The fees paid between us and the licensees pursuant to these arrangements are eliminated in consolidation. Several of these VIEs are owned by a related party, Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham). See Note 11. Related Person Transactions for more information about the arrangements with Cunningham. See Changes in the Rules on Television Ownership under Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies for a discussion of recent changes in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules related to JSAs. 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, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands): 2017 2016 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Accounts receivable $ 19,566 $ 21,879 Other current assets 8,937 12,076 Total current asset 28,503 33,955 Program contract costs, less current portion 822 2,468 Property and equipment, net 6,215 2,996 Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets 15,064 16,475 Definite-lived intangible assets, net 74,442 79,509 Other assets 5,601 6,871 Total assets $ 130,647 $ 142,274 LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES: Other current liabilities $ 23,564 $ 18,992 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion 23,217 19,449 Program contracts payable, less current portion 11,213 14,353 Other long term liabilities 650 12,921 Total liabilities $ 58,644 $ 65,715 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 and certain outsourcing agreements 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 and certain JSAs as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , which are excluded from liabilities above, were $44.0 million and $40.8 million , respectively. The total capital lease liabilities, net of capital lease assets, excluded from the above were $4.5 million , for both years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Also excluded from the amounts above are liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options with certain VIEs totaling $116.5 million and $74.5 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, as these amounts are eliminated in consolidation. The risk and reward characteristics of the VIEs are similar. The assets of each of these 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. The risk and reward characteristics of the VIEs are similar. Other investments. We have several investments 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, 2017 and 2016 was $115.7 million and $117.0 million , respectively, and 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 a loss of $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 , and income of $2.5 million and $7.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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 standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Since Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 was issued, several additional ASUs have been issued and incorporated within ASC 606 to clarify various elements of the guidance. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on our station advertising or retransmission consent revenue. We have determined that, under the new standard, certain barter revenue and expense related to syndicated programming will no longer be recognized. These revenues and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were each $97.9 million , $114.4 million , and $93.2 million , respectfully. The adoption of this standard will also result in a number of incremental disclosures surrounding our revenue transactions and policies. We plan on adopting this guidance retrospectively during the first quarter of 2018. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclose of financial instruments. The new guidance requires entities to measure equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that resulted in consolidation of the investee) at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The new standard is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We plan on adopting this guidance during the first quarter of 2018. We do not expect the adoption will have a material impact on our financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to accounting for leases, which requires the assets and liabilities that arise from leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. Currently, only capital leases are recorded on the balance sheet. This update will require the lessee to recognize a lease liability equal to the present value of the lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term for all leases longer than 12 months. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election, by class of underlying asset, not to recognize lease assets and liabilities and recognize the lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The new standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments. The new standard includes eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice as to how cash receipts and cash payments are represented in the statement of cash flows. We will adopt this guidance retrospectively during the first quarter of 2018. In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the accounting for income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Currently the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity are prohibited until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This update requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. This new guidance requires that the statement of cash flows explain change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The new standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We plan on adopting this guidance retrospectively during the first quarter of 2018. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies the definition of a business with additional guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new standard should be applied prospectively and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance which eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. The new standard should be applied prospectively and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements. In May 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which relates to stock based compensation and clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The new standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this guidance during the second quarter of 2017. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements. 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. 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, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 is as follows (in thousands): 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 2,124 $ 4,495 $ 4,246 Charged to expense 2,837 1,974 1,292 Net write-offs (2,371 ) (4,345 ) (1,043 ) Balance at end of period $ 2,590 $ 2,124 $ 4,495 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. See Recent Accounting Pronouncements above for more information about guidance that will be adopted effective January 1, 2018. 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, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and the corresponding obligation to broadcast advertising is recorded as deferred barter revenues, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. 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, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): 2017 2016 Equity and cost method investments $ 184,255 $ 168,572 Unamortized costs related to debt issuances 3,399 4,936 Deferred compensation plan assets 20,494 9,906 Other 33,497 37,216 Total other assets $ 241,645 $ 220,630 We have equity and cost method investments primarily in private equity investments and real estate ventures. In the event one or more of our investments are significant, we are required to disclose summarized financial information. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , none of our investments were significant individually or in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , our unfunded commitments related to certain investments accounted for under the equity or cost method totaled $10.7 million and $13.5 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, 2017 , we recorded a $3.3 million impairment charge related to three real estate investments. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , there were $2.5 million of impairment charges recorded. 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 represent costs related to our revolving credit facility. Unamortized costs related to our other debt issuances is recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt recorded as liability. We amortize our deferred debt financing costs to interest expense over the term of the respective debt instruments using the effective interest method. Previously capitalized debt financing costs are recognized as a loss on extinguishment of debt if we determine that there has been an extinguishment of the related debt. Impairment of Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. Our goodwill has been allocated to, and is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or a component of an operating segment to the extent that the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by segment management. Components of an operating segment with similar economic characteristics are aggregated when testing goodwill for impairment. In the performance of our annual assessment of goodwill for impairment we have the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not a reporting unit has been impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting units as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, or if we elect not to perform the optional qualitative assessment, we will determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare to the net book value of the reporting unit. If the fair value is less than the net book value we will record an impairment to goodwill for the amount of the difference. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units utilizing a combination of a market based approach which considers earnings and cash flow multiples of comparable businesses and recent market transactions as well as an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis. Our discounted cash flow model is based on our judgment of future market conditions 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, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of our broadcast licenses and a trade name. For our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that these assets are impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the indefinite-lived intangible assets as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. 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 estimate the fair values of our broadcast licenses using the Greenfield method which is an income approach. This 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 5. Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets and Other Intangible Assets for more information. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 2017 2016 Compensation and employee health insurance $ 87,003 $ 78,682 Interest 42,794 41,979 Deferred revenue 41,287 25,692 Deferred barter revenue 8,235 6,040 Programming related obligations 89,728 76,962 Other accruals relating to operating expenses 101,356 99,190 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 370,403 $ 328,545 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, 2017 and 2016 , 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 9. Income Taxes , for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits. Pursuant to the guidance within SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118), as of December 31, 2017, the Company recognized the provisional effects of the enactment of the Tax Legislation for which measurement could be reasonably estimated. Although the Company continues to analyze certain aspects of the Tax Legislation and refine its assessment, the ultimate impact of the Tax Legislation may differ from these estimates due to its continued analysis or further regulatory guidance that may be issued as a result of the Tax Legislation. Pursuant to SAB 118, adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded by the Company as of December 31, 2017 that are identified within a subsequent measurement period of up to one year from the enactment date will be included as an adjustment to tax expense from continuing operations in the period the amounts are determined. See Note 9. Income Taxes , for the effects of this guidance. Supplemental Information — Statements of Cash Flows During 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we had the following cash transactions (in thousands): 2017 2016 2015 Income taxes paid $ 128,168 $ 108,347 $ 106,979 Income tax refunds $ 1,508 $ 12,193 $ 196 Interest paid $ 203,800 $ 191,117 $ 182,425 For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, non-cash investing activities include property and equipment purchases for $9.5 million and $5.9 million , respectively. Also, during 2017, we received proceeds for the Broadcast Incentive Auction which is classified as restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheet. See Broadcast Spectrum Auction under Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for further discussion. For the year ended December 31, 2015, non-cash transactions related to capital lease obligations were $2.8 million . Revenue Recognition Total revenues include: (i) station advertising revenue, net of agency commissions; (ii) barter advertising revenues; (iii) retransmission consent fees; (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 val

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS O

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS	ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS: During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we acquired certain businesses for an aggregate purchase price of $704.5 million plus working capital of $2.3 million . All of these acquisitions provide expansion of our businesses and increases value based on the synergies we can achieve. The following summarizes the material acquisition activity during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 : 2017 Acquisitions Bonten . On September 1, 2017, we acquired the stock of Bonten Media Group Holdings, Inc. (Bonten) and Cunningham acquired the membership interest of Esteem Broadcasting (Esteem) for an aggregate purchase price of $240.0 million plus a working capital adjustment, excluding cash acquired of $1.1 million accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. As a result of the transaction we added 14 television stations in 8 markets: Tri-Cities, TN/VA; Greensville/New Bern/Washington, NC; Chico/Redding, CA; Abilene/Sweetwater, TX; Missoula, MT; Butte/Bozeman, MT; San Angelo, TX; and Eureka, CA. Cunningham assumed the joint sales agreements under which we will provide services to 4 additional stations. The transaction was funded through cash on hand. The acquisition will expand our regional presence in several states where we already operate and help us bring improvements to small market stations. The following table summarizes the allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities (in thousands): Accounts receivable $ 14,665 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 633 Program contract costs 683 Property and equipment 27,295 Definite-lived intangible assets 161,936 Indefinite-lived intangible assets 425 Other assets 3,609 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (8,428 ) Program contracts payable (783 ) Deferred tax liability (66,158 ) Other long term liabilities (12,156 ) Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired 121,721 Goodwill 119,426 Total purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 241,147 The preliminary purchase price allocation presented above is based upon management’s estimate of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities using valuation techniques including income, cost, and market approaches. The fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates. The allocation is preliminary pending a final determination of the fair value of the assets and liabilities. During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, we made certain measurement period adjustments to the initial Bonten purchase price allocation resulting in reclassifications between certain non-current assets and liabilities, including an increase to property and equipment of $4.3 million , a increase to definite-lived intangible assets of $4.0 million , a decrease to indefinite-lived intangible assets of $7.9 million , and an increase to other long term liabilities of $8.7 million , and a increase to goodwill of $8.7 million . The definite-lived intangible assets of $161.9 million is comprised of network affiliations of $53.3 million and customer relationships of $108.6 million . These intangible assets will be amortized over a weighted average useful life of 15 and 14 years for network affiliations and customer relationships, respectively. 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, as well as expected future synergies. We expect that goodwill deductible for tax purposes will be approximately $5.6 million . Other 2017 Acquisitions. During 2017, we acquired certain media assets for an aggregate purchase price of $27.4 million , less working capital of $2.7 million . The transactions were funded with cash on hand. 2016 Acquisitions Tennis Channel. In March 2016, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Tennis Channel (Tennis), a cable network which includes coverage of the top 100 tennis tournaments and original professional sport and tennis lifestyle shows, for $350.0 million plus a working capital adjustment, excluding cash acquired, of $4.1 million accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. This was funded through cash on hand and a draw on the Bank Credit Agreement. The acquisition provides an expansion of our network business and increases value based on the synergies we can achieve. Tennis is reported within Other within Note 13. Segment Data . The following table summarizes the allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities of Tennis (in thousands): Accounts receivable $ 17,629 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 6,518 Property and equipment 5,964 Definite-lived intangible assets 272,686 Indefinite-lived intangible assets 23,400 Other assets 619 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (7,414 ) Capital leases (115 ) Deferred tax liability (16,991 ) Other long term liabilities (1,669 ) Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired 300,627 Goodwill 53,427 Total purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 354,054 The purchase price allocation presented above is based upon management’s estimate of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities using valuation techniques including income, cost, and market approaches. The fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates. The definite-lived intangible assets of $ 272.7 million related primarily to customer relationships, which represent existing advertiser relationships and contractual relationships with multi-channel video programming distributors (MVPDs) and will be amortized over a weighted average useful life of 15 years. 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, as well as expected future synergies. Goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. Other 2016 Acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we acquired certain television station related assets for an aggregate purchase price of $72.0 million less working capital of $0.1 million . We also exchanged certain broadcast assets which had a carrying value of $23.8 million with another broadcaster for no cash consideration, and recognized a gain on the derecognition of those broadcast assets of $4.4 million , respectively. 2015 Acquisition During the year ended December 31, 2015, we acquired one television station for a cash purchase price of $15.5 million , which was financed with cash on hand. Financial Results of Acquisitions The following tables summarize the results of the net media revenues and operating income (loss) included in the financial statements of the Company beginning on the acquisition date of each acquisition as listed below (in thousands): Revenues 2017 2016 2015 Bonten $ 30,907 $ — $ — Tennis Channel 132,584 84,040 — Other acquisitions in: 2017 11,108 — — 2016 66,698 49,186 — 2015 2,102 2,676 1,007 Total net media revenues $ 243,399 $ 135,902 $ 1,007 Operating Income (Loss) 2017 2016 2015 Bonten $ 7,448 $ — $ — Tennis Channel 19,420 (1,990 ) — Other acquisitions in: 2017 (89 ) — — 2016 18,392 18,311 — 2015 158 646 426 Total operating income $ 45,329 $ 16,967 $ 426 In connection with the 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 acquisitions, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we incurred $1.1 million , $1.4 million , and $0.5 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 Bonten and Tennis along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisition, occurred at the beginning of the year preceding the year of acquisition. The pro forma results exclude the acquisitions presented under Other 2017 Acquisitions, Other 2016 Acquisitions, and 2015 Acquisitions above, as they are not material both individually and in the aggregate. The 2015 period does not include the pro forma effects of the Bonten acquisitions, and as such will not provide comparability to the 2017 and 2016 pro forma periods presented in the following table (in thousands, except per data share): Unaudited 2017 2016 2015 Total revenues $ 2,790,793 $ 2,835,174 $ 2,310,392 Net Income $ 597,370 $ 253,374 $ 168,364 Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 579,279 $ 247,913 $ 163,789 Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 5.80 $ 2.65 $ 1.72 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 5.75 $ 2.63 $ 1.71 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. 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. Pending Acquisitions. In May 2017, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the stock of Tribune. Under the terms of the agreement, Tribune stockholders will receive $35.00 in cash and 0.23 shares of Sinclair Class A common stock for each share of Tribune Class A common stock and Class B common stock they own. As part of this acquisition we would assume or refinance the debt of Tribune. Tribune owns or operates 42 television stations in 33 markets, cable network WGN America, digital multicast network Antenna TV, minority stakes in the TV Food Network, ThisTV, and CareerBuilder, and a variety of real estate assets. Tribune’s stations consists of 14 FOX, 12 CW, 6 CBS, 3 ABC, 2 NBC, 3 MyNetworkTV affiliates, and 2 independent stations. In October 2017, Tribune shareholders held a meeting and voted to approve the merger agreement and bondholders consented to the assignment of the notes under the change of control. It is likely that we will need to divest of certain stations to comply with regulatory approval. In the event we have not been able to complete all necessary divestitures by the time of the merger closing, we have filed applications at the FCC to place the stations in a divestiture trust pending divestiture after closing. We expect the transaction will close in the second quarter of 2018, pending customary closing conditions, including antitrust clearance and approval by the FCC. We expect to fund the purchase price through a combination of cash on hand, fully committed debt financing, and by accessing the capital markets. In connection with this acquisition was have incurred $20.5 million of costs primarily related to legal and other professional services, which we expensed as incurred and classified as corporate general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 6. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for further discussion on debt financing. 2017 Dispositions Alarm Funding Sale. In March 2017, we sold Alarm Funding Associates LLC (Alarm) for $200.0 million less working capital and transaction costs of $5.0 million . We recognized a gain on the sale of Alarm of $53.0 million of which $12.3 million was attributable to noncontrolling interests which is included in the gain on asset dispositions and net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest, respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations. Broadcast Incentive Auction. Congress authorized the FCC to conduct so-called “incentive auctions” to auction and re-purpose broadcast television spectrum for mobile broadband use. Pursuant to the auction, television broadcasters submitted bids to receive compensation for relinquishing all or a portion of its rights in the television spectrum of their full-service and Class A stations. Low power stations were not eligible to participate in the auction and are not protected and therefore may be displaced or forced to go off the air as a result of the post-auction repacking process. On April 13, 2017, the FCC issued a public notice which announced the conclusion of the spectrum auction. In July 2017, we received $310.8 million of gross proceeds from the auction. These proceeds are reflected as restricted cash because we directed the FCC to deposit those proceeds into qualifying trust accounts. We are limited in our ability to access this cash for a period of time not to exceed a year. For the period ending December 31, 2017 we recognized a gain of $225.3 million which was included within (gain) loss on asset dispositions within our consolidated statements of operations. This gain relates to the auction proceeds associated with two markets where the underlying spectrum was vacated during the fourth quarter of 2017. In January 2018, we vacated the remaining spectrum sold in the broadcast incentive auction; as of December 31, 2017, we have a deferred spectrum proceeds liability of $84.3 million which we will recognize during the first quarter of 2018. The results of the auction are not expected to produce any material change in operations of the Company as there is no change in on air operations. In the repacking process associated with the auction, the FCC has reassigned some stations to new post-auction channels. We do not expect reassignment to new channels to have a material impact on our coverage. We have received notification from the FCC that 98 of our stations have been assigned to new channels. The legislation authorizing the incentive auction provides the FCC with a $1.75 billion fund to reimburse reasonable costs incurred by stations that are reassigned to new channels in the repack. We expect that the reimbursements from the fund will cover the majority of our expenses related to the repack. However, we cannot predict whether the fund will be sufficient to reimburse all of our expenses. The sufficiency of the fund is dependent upon a number of factors including the amounts to be reimbursed to other industry participants for repacking costs. During 2018, we expect total capital expenditures related to the spectrum repack to be $69.0 million .

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 , 6,487,654 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, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we recorded stock-based compensation of $18.5 million , $16.9 million , and $18.0 million , respectively. Below is a summary of the key terms and methods of valuation of our stock-based compensation awards: RSAs. RSAs issued in 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 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, and therefore, are included in weighted shares outstanding which results in a dilutive effect on basic and diluted earnings per share. 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, 2016 146,975 $ 29.18 2017 Activity: Granted 103,955 33.80 Vested (98,750 ) 28.09 Unvested shares at December 31, 2017 152,180 $ 33.04 For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we recorded compensation expense of $3.2 million , $2.8 million , and $5.3 million , respectively. The majority of the unrecognized compensation expense of $2.0 million as of December 31, 2017 will be recognized in 2018. 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. We issued 20,000 shares in 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 . We recorded expense of $0.7 million , $0.6 million , and $0.6 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , 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 per share. Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs). These awards entitle holders to the appreciation in our Class A Common Stock stock over the base value of each SAR over the term of the award. The SARs have 10 year term and vest immediately. The base value of each SAR is equal to the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we recorded compensation expense of $6.6 million , $4.0 million , and $2.6 million , respectively. The following is a summary of the 2017 activity: SARs Weighted- Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2016 2,310,000 $ 19.23 2017 Activity: Granted 500,000 35.70 Exercised (200,000 ) 15.78 Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2017 2,610,000 $ 22.65 The aggregate intrinsic value of the 2,610,000 outstanding as of December 31, 2017 was $38.6 million and the outstanding SARs have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.30 years as of December 31, 2017 . During 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , outstanding SARs increased the weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of determining dilutive earnings per share. Options. As of December 31, 2017, there were options outstanding to purchase 375,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. These options are fully vested and have a weighted average exercise price of $31.08 , a weighted average remaining contractual term of 8 years , and an aggregate intrinsic value of $2.5 million . There was no grant, exercise, or forfeiture activity during the year ended December 31, 2017 . During the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015, we recognized compensation expense of $0.4 million and $0.8 million , respectively. There was no expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2017 . Valuation of SARS and Options. Our SARs and stock options were valued using the Black-Scholes pricing model utilizing the following assumptions: 2017 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate 2.1 % 1.2% - 1.9% 1.3% - 1.9% Expected years to exercise 5 years 5 years 5 years Expected volatility 37.0 % 37.5% - 42.1% 42.1% - 47.0% Annual dividend yield 2.0 % 2.1 % 2.0% - 2.7% 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 award. The expected volatility is based on our historical stock prices over a period equal to the expected life of the award. The annual dividend yield is based on the annual dividend per share divided by the share price on the grant date. During 2017, 2016, and 2015, outstanding SARs and options increased the weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of determining dilutive earnings per share. 401(k) 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, and we match additional discretionary amount determined each year by the Board of Directors (the Match). 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 1st of each year for the previous calendar year’s Match. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we recorded $7.3 million , $6.9 million , and $6.2 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, 2017 , 242,951 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, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $1.0 million , $0.9 million , and $0.7 million , respectively. A total of 3,200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are reserved for awards under the plan. As of December 31, 2017 , 850,876 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 year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded no compensation expense related to these awards. For the years ended 2016 and 2015 , we recorded compensation expense of $1.3 million and $1.8 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, 2017
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 and Dispositions of Assets , 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, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 2017 2016 Land and improvements $ 77,487 $ 73,124 Real estate held for development and sale 87,056 90,087 Buildings and improvements 260,470 239,603 Station equipment 779,779 702,004 Office furniture and equipment 109,632 101,252 Leasehold improvements 25,120 24,762 Automotive equipment 63,513 56,507 Capital leased assets 53,005 84,516 Construction in progress 30,575 30,880 1,486,637 1,402,735 Less: accumulated depreciation (748,339 ) (685,159 ) $ 738,298 $ 717,576 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 recorded capital lease depreciation expense of $4.2 million for both of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 .

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTA

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS 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 $2,124.0 million and $1,990.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The change in the carrying amount of goodwill was as follows (in thousands): Broadcast Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,927,605 $ 3,488 $ 1,931,093 Acquisitions (a) 11,626 53,427 65,053 Measurement period adjustments related to prior year acquisitions 40 — 40 Disposition of assets (a) (5,440 ) — (5,440 ) 1,933,831 56,915 1,990,746 Acquisitions (a) 119,426 13,966 133,392 Measurement period adjustments related to prior year acquisitions 153 154 307 Disposition of assets (a) — (412 ) (412 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,053,410 $ 70,623 $ 2,124,033 (a) See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for discussion of acquisitions and divestitures made during 2017 and 2016 . (b) Approximately $0.8 million of goodwill relates to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . For our annual goodwill impairment tests in 2017 , 2016 , or 2015 , we concluded that it was more-likely-than-not that goodwill was not impaired for the reporting units in which we performed a qualitative assessment. The qualitative factors 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. We did not have any indicators of impairment in any interim period in 2017 , 2016 , or 2015 , and therefore did not perform interim impairment tests for goodwill during those periods. Our accumulated goodwill impairment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $413.6 million . As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the carrying amount of our indefinite-lived intangible assets was as follows (in thousands): Broadcast Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 132,465 $ — $ 132,465 Acquisitions (a) 2,406 23,400 25,806 Disposition of assets (a) (1,965 ) — (1,965 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 (b) 132,906 23,400 156,306 Acquisitions (a) 425 4,051 4,476 Disposition of assets (a) (1,411 ) — (1,411 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 (b) (c) $ 131,920 $ 27,451 $ 159,371 (a) See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for discussion of acquisitions and divestitures made during 2017 and 2016 . (b) Approximately $14.3 million and $15.7 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets relate to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. (c) Our indefinite-lived intangible assets in Broadcast relates to broadcast licenses and our indefinite-lived intangible assets in Other relates to trade names. We did not have any indicators of impairment for our indefinite-lived intangible assets in any interim period in 2017 or 2016 , and therefore did not perform interim impairment tests during those periods. We performed our annual impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangibles in 2017 and 2016 and as a result of our qualitative assessments, we recorded no impairment. The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles (in thousands): As of December 31, 2017 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Network affiliation (a) $ 1,451,663 $ (514,575 ) $ 937,088 Customer Relationships (a) 1,229,006 (373,966 ) 855,040 Other (a) 45,955 (36,413 ) 9,542 Total $ 2,726,624 $ (924,954 ) $ 1,801,670 As of December 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Network affiliation (a) $ 1,398,451 $ (427,484 ) $ 970,967 Customer Relationships (a) 1,102,591 (294,114 ) 808,477 Other (a) 243,253 (78,294 ) 164,959 Total $ 2,744,295 $ (799,892 ) $ 1,944,403 (a) Changes between the gross carrying value from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 , relate to acquisitions and dispositions in 2017 , as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets . 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 and Dispositions of Assets is 14 years. The amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible and other assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $178.8 million , $183.8 million , and $161.5 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, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 . 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, 2018 $ 174,398 For the year ended December 31, 2019 173,594 For the year ended December 31, 2020 173,061 For the year ended December 31, 2021 172,043 For the year ended December 31, 2022 168,297 Thereafter 940,277 $ 1,801,670

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BA

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING	NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING: Notes payable, capital leases, and commercial bank financing consisted of the following as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 2017 2016 Bank credit agreement: Term Loan A-1, due April 9, 2018 $ 117,370 $ 141,436 Term Loan A-2, due July 31, 2021 113,327 130,762 Term Loan B, due January 3, 2024 1,356,300 1,365,625 Senior unsecured notes: 5.375% Notes, due April 1, 2021 600,000 600,000 6.125% Notes, due October 1, 2022 500,000 500,000 5.625% Notes, due August 1, 2024 550,000 550,000 5.875% Notes, due March 15, 2026 350,000 350,000 5.125% Notes, due February 15, 2027 400,000 400,000 Debt of variable interest entities 29,614 23,198 Debt of other non-media subsidiaries 25,238 135,211 Capital leases 31,696 33,280 Total outstanding principal 4,073,545 4,229,512 Less: Deferred financing costs and discount (39,047 ) (43,449 ) Less: Current portion (159,382 ) (171,131 ) Net carrying value of long-term debt $ 3,875,116 $ 4,014,932 Indebtedness under the Bank Credit Agreement, notes payable, and capital leases as of December 31, 2017 matures as follows (in thousands): Notes and Bank Agreement Capital Leases Total 2018 $ 157,132 $ 5,010 $ 162,142 2019 35,576 5,116 40,692 2020 41,687 4,877 46,564 2021 681,927 4,875 686,802 2022 521,435 4,752 526,187 2023 and thereafter 2,604,092 23,646 2,627,738 Total minimum payments 4,041,849 48,276 4,090,125 Less: Deferred financing costs and discount (39,047 ) — (39,047 ) Less: Amount representing future interest — (16,580 ) (16,580 ) Net carrying value of debt $ 4,002,802 $ 31,696 $ 4,034,498 Interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations was $212.3 million , $211.1 million , and $191.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Interest expense included $7.7 million , $10.8 million , and $9.7 million in amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. The stated and weighted average effective interest rated on the above obligations are as follows: Weighted Average Effective Rate Stated Rate 2017 2016 Bank credit agreement: Term Loan A-1 LIBOR plus 2.25% 3.29% 2.74% Term Loan A-2 (a) LIBOR plus 2.25% 3.30% 2.82% Term Loan B LIBOR plus 2.25% 3.32% 3.53% Revolver (b) LIBOR plus 2.00% —% 2.98% Senior unsecured notes: 5.375% Notes 5.38% 5.58% 5.58% 6.125% Notes 6.13% 6.31% 6.31% 5.625% Notes 5.63% 5.83% 5.83% 5.875% Notes 5.88% 6.09% 6.09% 5.125% Notes 5.13% 5.33% 5.33% (a) LIBOR plus 2.0% if our first lien indebtedness ratio is less than 1.5 x. (b) As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had a $485.2 million revolving credit facility (Revolver). We incur a commitment fee on undrawn capacity of 0.25% or 0.50% if our first lien indebtedness ratio is less than or greater than 3.0 x, respectively. There were no outstanding borrowings and $0.8 million and $1.9 million letters of credit under the revolver as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. There were no outstanding borrowings under the revolver during the year ended December 31, 2017 . We capitalized $0.5 million , $2.0 million , and $3.6 million as deferred financing costs during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Deferred financing costs and original issuance discounts are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of an associated debt liability, except for deferred financing costs related to our Revolver which are presented within other assets as discussed in Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . 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, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the Bank Credit Agreement has been amended from time to time to provide incremental financing related to certain acquisitions discussed under Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets and to provide additional operational flexibility. On July 19, 2016, we entered into an amendment to extend the maturity of a portion of the term loan A facility and the Revolver to July 31, 2021. In connection with this amendment we incurred approximately $2.7 million of financing costs, of which $0.3 million was expensed and the remaining was capitalized as deferred financing costs. On January 3, 2017, we entered into an amendment to extend the maturity date of the Term Loan B from April 9, 2020 and July 31, 2021 to January 3, 2024. In connection with this extension we added additional operating flexibility, including a reduction in certain pricing terms related to Term Loan B and the Revolver and revisions to certain covenant ratio requirements. We incurred approximately $11.6 million of financing costs in connection with the amendment, of which $3.4 million related to an original issuance discount, $7.7 million was expensed, $0.5 million was capitalized as a deferred financing cost, and $1.4 million of unamortized deferred financing cost was written off. Our Bank Credit Agreement, as well as indentures governing our outstanding notes, contains covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness with certain exceptions, pay dividends, 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. See Note 8. Common Stock for further details. As of December 31, 2017 , 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, 2017 , 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. Senior Unsecured Notes Upon issuance, all of our senior unsecured notes were redeemable up to 35% . We may redeem 100% of the notes upon the date set forth in the indenture of each note. The price which may redeem the notes is set forth in the indenture of each note. Also, if we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, the holders of our notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the outstanding notes. Effective August 15, 2016, we redeemed all of the outstanding 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, representing $350.0 million in aggregate principal amount. Upon the redemption, along with the principal, we paid the accrued and unpaid interest and a make whole premium, for a total of $377.2 million paid to noteholders. We recorded a loss on extinguishment of $23.7 million in the third quarter of 2016 related to this redemption, which included the write-off of the unamortized deferred financing costs of $3.9 million and prepayment penalty of $19.8 million . Debt of variable interest entities The proceeds of the outstanding debt of our consolidated VIEs 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 for more information. 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. The credit agreements and term loans of these VIEs each bear interest of LIBOR plus 2.50% . The weighted average effective interest rate for the debt of variable interest entities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 3.59% and 3.31% , respectively. 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 3.6% to a fixed 6.5% during 2017 . The weighted average effective interest rate for the debt of other non-media subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 4.31% and 6.41% , respectively. Capital leases Our capital leases with non-affiliates related primarily to broadcast towers. All of our tower leases will expire within the next 15 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 11. Related Person Transactions . Commitment Letters and Incremental Term B Facility related to Tribune Acquisition In connection with the pending acquisition of Tribune discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets , we entered into financing commitment letters (Commitment Letters) with certain financial institutions for (i) a seven -year senior secured incremental term loan B facility of up to $3.747 billion (Incremental Term Loan B Facility) and (ii) a one -year senior unsecured term loan bridge facility of up to $785.0 million (Bridge Facility) and, together with the Incremental Term B Facility, collectively the (Facilities), convertible into a nine -year extended term loan, for purposes of financing a portion of the cash consideration payable under the terms of the agreement of the planned merger between the Company and Tribune (Merger Agreement) and to pay or redeem certain indebtedness of Tribune and its subsidiaries. The Commitment Letters also contemplate certain amendments to our existing credit agreement, as subsequently amended (Existing Credit Agreement) in connection with the Tribune Acquisition to permit the acquisition and to provide for the Incremental Term B Facility in accordance with the terms of the Existing Credit Agreement. The Commitment Letters also provide for the syndication of an incremental revolving credit loan facility commitment of up to $225.0 million (Incremental Revolving Commitments) to be provided in accordance with the terms of the Existing Credit Agreement. The provision of the Incremental Revolving Commitments is not a condition of the Incremental Term B Facility or the Bridge Facility. The Incremental Term Loan B Facility will be subject to representations, warranties and covenants that, subject to certain agreed modifications, will be substantially similar to those in the Existing Credit Agreement. The documentation for the Bridge Facility shall, except as otherwise agreed, be based on and consistent with the indenture governing our 5.125% Senior Notes due 2027, dated as of August 30, 2016, among STG and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the 5.125% Indenture), and shall in any case, except as expressly agreed, be no less favorable to us than the 5.125% Indenture. The funding of the Facilities is subject to our compliance with customary terms and conditions precedent as set forth in the Commitment Letters, including, among others, (i) the execution and delivery by us of definitive documentation consistent with the Commitment Letters and (ii) that the acquisition of Tribune shall have been, or substantially simultaneously with the funding under the Facilities shall be, consummated in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement without giving effect to any amendments or waivers that are material and adverse to the parties to the Commitment Letters. In December 2017, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Sinclair Television Group, Inc., secured the required financing as contemplated in the Commitment Letters for the financing of the Tribune acquisition, to be drawn at closing from issuance of $3.7 billion Term B loans, maturing in 2024 and priced at LIBOR plus 2.50% , under the Bank Credit Agreement, which will be amended at closing. The proceeds from the Term B Loans are expected to be used to purchase the outstanding shares of Tribune, refinance certain of Tribune's existing indebtedness, pay costs and expenses expected to be incurred in connection with the acquisition, and for general corporate purposes. We began to incur a ticking fee on undrawn amounts under the new term B loans beginning on January 12, 2018 of 1.25% for the first 30 days, 2.50% for the next 60 days, and LIBOR plus 2.50% thereafter. In June 2017, Tribune commenced a consent solicitation, seeking consents from the holders of Tribune notes to amend certain provisions of the indenture governing Tribune's 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 (Tribune notes), to (i) eliminate any requirement for Tribune to make a "Change of Control Offer," to holders of Tribune notes in connection with the transactions, (ii) clarify the treatment under the Tribune notes of the proposed structure of the transactions and to facilitate the integration of Tribune and its subsidiaries and the Tribune notes with and into the Company's debt capital structure, and (iii) eliminate the expense associated with producing and filing with the SEC separate financial reports for STG, a wholly-owned subsidiary and the television operating subsidiary of the Company, as successor issuer of the Tribune notes, if the Company or any other parent entity of the successor issuer of the Tribune notes, in its sole discretion, provides an unconditional guarantee of the payment obligations of the successor issuer under the Tribune notes. Tribune received the requisite consent from the holders of the Notes and executed a supplemental indenture to amend these provisions of the Tribune indenture. The Company paid a consent fee of $8.3 million to the consenting holders of the Notes.

PROGRAM CONTRACTS

PROGRAM CONTRACTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
PROGRAM CONTRACTS:
PROGRAM CONTRACTS	PROGRAM CONTRACTS: Future payments required under program contracts as of December 31, 2017 were as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 108,053 2019 16,040 2020 12,639 2021 8,885 2022 4,345 Total 149,962 Less: Current portion (108,053 ) Long-term portion of program contracts payable $ 41,909 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 month lag. Included in the current portion amount are payments due in arrears of $29.5 million . In addition, we have entered into non-cancelable commitments for future program rights aggregating to $130.5 million as of December 31, 2017 .

COMMON STOCK

COMMON STOCK	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 2017 , no Class B Common Stock shares were converted into Class A Common Stock shares. During 2016 , 257,673 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 4.25 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 4.25 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, 5.875% Notes, 5.375% Notes, 5.125% 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. On March 15 2017, we completed a public offering of 12.0 million shares of Class A common stock that was priced at $42.00 per share. The net proceeds of $487.9 million are intended to be used to fund future potential acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. During 2016 , our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.165 per share in the month of February which was paid in March and a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share in the months of May, August, and November, which were paid in June, September, and December, respectively. Total dividend payments for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $0.705 per share. During 2017 , our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 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, 2017 were $0.72 per share. In February 2018, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 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 March 20, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. On September 6, 2016 the Board of Directors approved 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, 2017 , we have repurchased approximately 1.0 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $30.3 million . As of December 31, 2017 , the total remaining repurchase authorization was $88.8 million .

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES: The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 (in thousands): 2017 2016 2015 Current provision for income taxes: Federal $ 77,477 $ 113,737 $ 80,420 State 6,625 2,273 5,720 84,102 116,010 86,140 Deferred (benefit) provision for income taxes: Federal (196,468 ) 8,555 (26,637 ) State 37,006 (2,437 ) (1,809 ) (159,462 ) 6,118 (28,446 ) (Benefit) provision for income taxes $ (75,360 ) $ 122,128 $ 57,694 The following is a reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision: 2017 2016 2015 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Adjustments: Federal tax reform (a) (54.3 )% — % — % State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (b) 5.0 % 0.2 % 0.6 % Non-deductible items 1.5 % 1.0 % 1.2 % Domestic production activities deduction (1.7 )% (3.4 )% (3.9 )% Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (c) 0.5 % 0.3 % (1.9 )% Basis in stock of subsidiaries (d) — % — % (5.5 )% Federal tax credits (e) (2.2 )% (0.4 )% (1.1 )% Other 1.1 % 0.6 % 0.8 % Effective income tax rate (15.1 )% 33.3 % 25.2 % (a) Our 2017 income tax provision includes a non-recurring benefit of $272.1 million to reflect the estimated effect of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform) enacted on December 22, 2017. (b) Included in state income taxes are deferred income tax effects related to certain acquisitions and/or intercompany mergers. (c) During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we recorded a $0.1 million , $1.0 million , and $5.7 million , respectively, benefit related to the release of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of expiration of the applicable statute of limitations and settlements with taxing authorities. See table below which summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits. (d) 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. (e) During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a benefit of $8.3 million related to investments in sustainability initiatives whose activities qualify for federal income tax credits. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 we recorded a $2.5 million , $1.6 million and $1.1 million , respectively, benefit related to federal income tax credits associated with research and development activities. 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, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands): 2017 2016 Deferred Tax Assets: Net operating and capital losses: Federal $ 34,861 $ 68,455 State 75,754 63,630 Goodwill and intangible assets 14,389 28,879 Other 33,462 44,873 158,466 205,837 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (62,865 ) (51,846 ) Total deferred tax assets $ 95,601 $ 153,991 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Goodwill and intangible assets $ (514,776 ) $ (650,139 ) Property & equipment, net (80,630 ) (80,950 ) Other (15,431 ) (32,219 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (610,837 ) (763,308 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (515,236 ) $ (609,317 ) Our remaining federal and state capital and net operating losses will expire during various years from 2018 to 2037, 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, 2017, 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, 2017 , we increased our valuation allowance by $11.1 million to $62.9 million . The increase in valuation allowance was primarily due to the impact of Tax Reform on the federal tax effect on certain state net operating loss carryforwards, for which a full valuation allowance is provided. During the year ended December 31, 2016 , we decreased our valuation allowance by $6.5 million to $51.8 million . The reduction in valuation allowance was primarily due to changes in estimates of apportionment and a tax rate reduction in certain states. 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 in certain states. The following table summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands): 2017 2016 2015 Balance at January 1, $ 4,739 $ 3,257 $ 7,138 Additions related to prior year tax positions 2,019 420 1,458 Additions related to current year tax positions 610 2,053 472 Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (131 ) — (1,517 ) Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations — (991 ) (4,294 ) Balance at December 31, $ 7,237 $ 4,739 $ 3,257 We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. Our 2013 through 2015 federal tax returns are currently under audit, and several of our subsidiaries are currently under state examinations for various years. Our 2014 and subsequent federal and state tax returns remain subject to examination by various tax authorities. Some of our pre-2014 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 $2.0 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, 2017
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. On December 21, 2017, the FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture proposing a $13.4 million fine for violations of the FCC's sponsorship identification rules by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. Based on a review of the current facts and circumstances, management has provided for what is believed to be a reasonable estimate of the loss exposure for this matter. We have responded to dispute the Commission's findings and the proposed fine; however, we cannot predict the outcome of any potential FCC action related to this matter. We do not believe that the ultimate outcome of this matter will have a material effect on the Company's financial statements. Operating Leases We have entered into operating leases for certain property and equipment under terms ranging from one to 40 years. The rent expense under these leases, as well as certain leases under month-to-month arrangements, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was approximately $28.7 million , $26.0 million , and $21.7 million , respectively. Future minimum payments under the leases are as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 25,115 2019 24,015 2020 21,209 2021 19,101 2022 17,856 2023 and thereafter 90,832 $ 198,128 Changes in the Rules on Television Ownership, Local Marketing Agreements, Joint Sales Agreements, Retransmission Consent Negotiations, and National Ownership Cap 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. Currently, all of our LMAs are grandfathered under the local television ownership rule because they were entered into prior to November 5, 1996. If the FCC were to eliminate the grandfathering of these LMAs, we would have to terminate or modify these LMAs. In February 2015, the FCC issued an order implementing certain statutorily required changes to its rules governing the duty to negotiate retransmission consent agreements in good faith. With these changes, a television broadcast station is prohibited from negotiating retransmission consent jointly with another television station in the same market unless the “stations are directly or indirectly under common de jure control permitted under the regulations of the Commission.” During a 2015 retransmission consent negotiation, a MVPD filed a complaint with the FCC accusing us of violating this rule. Although we reached agreement with the MVPD, the FCC initiated an investigation. In order to resolve the investigation and all other pending matters before the FCC's Media Bureau (including the grant of all outstanding renewals and dismissal or cancellation of all outstanding adversarial pleadings or forfeitures before the Media Bureau), the Company, on July 29, 2016, without any admission of liability, entered into a consent decree with the FCC pursuant to which the Company paid a settlement and agreed to be subject to ongoing compliance monitoring by the FCC for a period of 36 months . In September 2015, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in response to a Congressional directive in STELAR to examine the “totality of the circumstances test” for good-faith negotiations of retransmission consent. The proposed rulemaking seeks comment on new factors and evidence to consider in its evaluation of claims of bad faith negotiation, including service interruptions prior to a “marquee sports or entertainment event,” restrictions on online access to broadcast programming during negotiation impasses, broadcasters’ ability to offer bundles of broadcast signals with other broadcast stations or cable networks, and broadcasters’ ability to invoke the FCC’s exclusivity rules during service interruptions. On July 14, 2016, the FCC’s Chairman at the time announced that the FCC would not, at this time, proceed to adopt additional rules governing good faith negotiations of retransmission consent. No formal action has yet been taken on this Proposed Rulemaking, and we cannot predict if the full Commission will agree to terminate the Rulemaking without action. In August 2016, the FCC completed both its 2010 and 2014 quadrennial reviews of its media ownership rules and issued an order (Ownership Order) which left most of the existing multiple ownership rules intact, but amended the rules to provide for the attribution of JSAs 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 advertising time per week of the other station. JSAs exiting as of March 31, 2014, were grandfathered until October 1, 2025, at which point they would have to be terminated, amended or otherwise come into compliance with the JSA attribution rule. The revenues of these JSA arrangements we earned during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 were $63.2 million , $58.6 million , and $46.8 million , respectively. The subsequent Ownership Order on Reconsideration released eliminated the JSA attribution rule. A Petition for Review of the Order on Reconsideration, including the elimination of the JSA attribution rule, was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit is still pending. We cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding. If we are required to terminate or modify our LMA's or JSA's, our business could be adversely affected in several ways, including losses on investments and termination penalties. 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. On September 6, 2016, the FCC released the UHF Discount Order, eliminating the UHF discount. The UHF discount allowed television station owners to discount the coverage of UHF stations when calculating compliance with the FCC’s national ownership cap, which prohibits a single entity from owning television stations that reach, in total, more than 39% of all the television households in the nation. All but 34 of the stations we currently own and operate, or to which we provide programming services are UHF. On April 20, 2017, the FCC acted on a Petition for Reconsideration of the UHF Discount Order and adopted the UHF Discount Order on Reconsideration which reinstated the UHF discount, which became effective June 15, 2017 and is currently in effect. The UHF Discount Order on Reconsideration is currently the subject of a Petition for Review filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit which is still pending. On December 18, 2017, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to examine the national audience reach cap, including the UHF discount. We cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings. With the application of the UHF discount counting all our present stations we reach approximately 25% of U.S. households. With the pending Tribune transaction, absent divestitures, we would exceed the 39% cap, even with the application of the UHF discount. In the event we have not been able to complete all necessary divestitures by the time of the merger closing, we have filed applications at the FCC to place the stations in a divestiture trust pending divestiture after closing. Changes to the national ownership cap could limit our ability to make television station acquisitions.

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 . Capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships were $14.2 million , net of $4.9 million interest, and $17.8 million , net of $6.4 million interest, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The capital leases mature in periods through 2026, as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 2,834 2019 2,978 2020 3,093 2021 3,046 2022 2,441 2023 and thereafter 4,686 Total minimum payments due 19,078 Less: Amount representing interest (4,926 ) Capital leases payable 14,152 Less: Current portion (1,667 ) Capital leases payable, less current portion $ 12,485 Charter Aircraft. We lease aircraft owned by certain controlling shareholders. For all leases, we incurred expenses of $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $1.4 million for both the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation Cunningham owns a portfolio of television stations including: 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; WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV Traverse City/Cadillac, Michigan; and beginning in September 2017, WEMT-TV Tri-Cities, Tennessee, WYDO-TV Greenville, North Carolina, KBVU-TV Eureka, California, KCVU-TV Chico-Redding, California, WPFO-TV Portland, Maine, KENV-DT, Salt Lake City, Utah and KRNV-TV, Reno, Nevada (collectively, the Cunningham Stations). Certain of our stations provide services to these Cunningham Stations pursuant to LMAs or JSAs and SSAs. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , for further discussion of the scope of services provided under these types of arrangements. We have jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the $45.0 million of Cunningham debt, of which $11.9 million is consolidated through VIE arrangements. At December 31, 2017, the estate of Carolyn C. Smith, the mother of our controlling shareholders, owned all of the voting stock of the Cunningham Stations. The FCC approved the sale of the voting stock by the estate to an unrelated party and the transfer was completed in January 2018. All of the non-voting stock is owned by trusts for the benefit of the children of our controlling shareholders. We consolidate certain subsidiaries of Cunningham, with which we have variable interests through various arrangements related to the Cunningham Stations discussed further below. The services provided to WNUV-TV, WMYA-TV, WTTE-TV, WRGT-TV and WVAH-TV are governed by a master agreement which has a current term that expires on July 1, 2023 and there are two additional 5 -year renewal terms remaining with final expiration on July 1, 2033 . 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. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement we are obligated to pay Cunningham an annual fee for the television stations equal to the greater of (i) 3% of each station’s annual net broadcast revenue and (ii) $4.7 million . The aggregate purchase price of these television stations increases by 6% annually. A portion of the fee is required to be applied to the purchase price to the extent of the 6% increase. The remaining aggregate purchase price of these stations as of December 31, 2017 was approximately $53.6 million . Additionally, we provide services to WDBB-TV pursuant to an LMA, which expires April 22, 2025 , and a purchase option to acquire for $0.2 million . We paid Cunningham under these agreements, $9.1 million , $8.9 million , and $8.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. In September 2017, Cunningham acquired the membership interest of Esteem Broadcasting in connection with our acquisition of Bonten Media Group, as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets . As a result of the transaction, Cunningham assumed the joint sales agreement under which we will provide services to four stations; WEMT-TV, WYDO-TV, and KBVU-TV/KCVU-TV. The agreements with KBVU-TV/KCVU-TV, WBSF-TV, WEMT-TV, WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV, WPFO-TV, and WYDO-TV expire in December 2020, November 2021, May 2023, August 2023, December 2023, and August 2025, respectively, and each has renewal provisions for successive eight year periods. We earned $22.3 million , $5.4 million , and $5.8 million from the services we performed for these stations for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. As we consolidate the licensees as VIEs, the amounts we earn or pay under the arrangements are eliminated in consolidation and the gross revenues of the stations are reported within our consolidated statement of operations. Our consolidated revenues, related to the Cunningham Stations, include $124.8 million , $114.9 million , and $109.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. In December 2017, Cunningham repaid, in its entirety, a January 2016 promissory note to borrow $19.5 million from us which was included within notes receivable from affiliates on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. Interest income from the note receivable was $1.0 million for both years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . In April 2016, we entered into an agreement with Cunningham to provide master control equipment and provide master control services to a station in Johnstown, PA with which they have an LMA that expires in April 2019. Under the agreement, Cunningham paid us an initial fee of $0.7 million and pays us $0.2 million annually for master control services plus the cost to maintain and repair the equipment. Also, in August 2016, we entered into an agreement, expiring October 2021, with Cunningham to provide a news share service with their station in Johnstown, PA beginning in October 2016 for an annual fee of $1.0 million per year. Atlantic Automotive Corporation We sell advertising time to Atlantic Automotive Corporation (Atlantic Automotive), a holding company that owns automobile dealerships and an automobile leasing company. David D. Smith, our Executive Chairman, has a controlling interest in, and is a member of the Board of Directors of, Atlantic Automotive. We received payments for advertising totaling $0.6 million for both years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Additionally, Atlantic Automotive leased office space owned by one of our consolidated real estate ventures in Towson, Maryland. In May 2017, our consolidated real estate ventures sold their investment. See Leased property by real estate ventures below for a discussion on the sale of our consolidated real estate ventures' investment. Atlantic Automotive paid $0.4 million , $1.1 million , and $1.2 million in rent during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Leased property by real estate ventures Certain of our real estate ventures have entered into leases with entities owned by David Smith to lease space. There are leases for space in a building owned by one of our consolidated real estate ventures in Baltimore, MD. Total rent received under these leases was $0.5 million , $0.7 million , and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. One of our real estate ventures, accounted for under the equity method, owned a building in Towson, MD, which leased restaurant space to entities owned by David D. Smith until May 2017, when the property was sold to an unrelated party. Total restaurant rent received for this investment was less than $0.1 million , $0.4 million , and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 respectively. Payments for services provided by these leases to us was less than $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 . Other transactions with equity method investees In 2017, we made investments totaling $20.0 million in 120 Sports LLC, a multi-platform sports network branded as Stadium, which we account for under the equity method. We entered into a services agreement with the entity to provide certain linear distribution, engineering, advertising, traffic, sales, and promotional services. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , we did not receive any consideration pursuant to the services agreement.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 (in thousands): 2017 2016 2015 Income (Numerator) Net income $ 594,104 $ 250,762 $ 176,099 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (18,091 ) (5,461 ) (4,575 ) Numerator for diluted earnings available to common shareholders $ 576,013 $ 245,301 $ 171,524 Shares (Denominator) Weighted-average common shares outstanding 99,844 93,567 95,003 Dilutive effect of outstanding stock settled appreciation rights and stock options 945 866 725 Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 100,789 94,433 95,728 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. The following table shows the weighted-average stock-settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options (in thousands) that are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive. 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average stock-settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options excluded 450 556 131

SEGMENT DATA

SEGMENT DATA	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT DATA	SEGMENT DATA: We measure segment performance based on operating income (loss). Our broadcast segment, which is our only reportable segment, includes stations in 89 markets located throughout the continental United States. Other primarily consists 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 $159.8 million and $233.3 million of intercompany loans between broadcast, other and corporate as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We had $18.5 million , $24.4 million , and $23.1 million in intercompany interest expense related to intercompany loans between broadcast, other and corporate for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. All other intercompany transactions are immaterial. Financial information for our reportable segment is included in the following tables for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 (in thousands): For the year ended December 31, 2017 Broadcast Other Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 2,490,528 $ 243,590 $ — $ 2,734,118 Depreciation of property and equipment 88,751 7,368 984 97,103 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 155,640 23,182 — 178,822 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 115,523 — — 115,523 General and administrative overhead expenses 101,680 1,009 10,564 113,253 Research and development — 10,000 — 10,000 Operating income (loss) 724,110 24,943 (11,547 ) 737,506 Interest expense 5,285 1,835 205,195 212,315 Income from equity and cost method investments — (13,664 ) (255 ) (13,919 ) Goodwill 2,053,410 70,623 — 2,124,033 Assets 5,267,986 769,919 746,565 6,784,470 Capital expenditures 63,163 5,546 15,103 83,812 For the year ended December 31, 2016 Broadcast Other Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 2,530,510 $ 206,439 $ — $ 2,736,949 Depreciation of property and equipment 91,573 5,772 1,184 98,529 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 155,479 28,316 — 183,795 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 127,880 — — 127,880 General and administrative overhead expenses 67,035 2,459 4,062 73,556 Research and development — 4,085 — 4,085 Operating income (loss) 639,422 (31,258 ) (5,311 ) 602,853 Interest expense 5,641 6,371 199,131 211,143 Income from equity and cost method investments — 1,735 — 1,735 Goodwill 1,933,831 56,915 — 1,990,746 Assets 4,815,633 866,845 280,690 5,963,168 Capital expenditures 78,909 8,084 7,472 94,465 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

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands): 2017 2016 Face Value (a) Fair Value Face Value (a) Fair Value Level 2: 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 $ 500,000 $ 515,535 $ 500,000 $ 521,240 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 350,000 363,475 350,000 351,456 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 550,000 568,205 550,000 562,755 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 600,000 610,440 600,000 617,892 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 400,000 396,088 400,000 382,028 Term Loan A-1 117,370 117,370 141,436 141,082 Term Loan A-2 113,327 113,327 130,762 130,435 Term Loan B 1,356,300 1,357,995 1,365,625 1,364,841 Debt of variable interest entities 29,614 29,614 23,198 23,198 Debt of other non-media related subsidiaries 25,238 25,238 135,211 135,211 (a) Amounts are carried on our consolidated balance sheets net of debt discount and deferred financing costs, which are excluded in the above table, of $39.0 million and $43.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIA

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 5.875% Notes, 5.125% Notes, and until they were redeemed, the 6.375% Notes. Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of December 31, 2017 , 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, 5.875% Notes, 5.125% Notes, and until they were redeemed, the 6.375% Notes. As of December 31, 2017 , our consolidated total debt of $4,048.7 million included $4,022.8 million of debt related to STG and its subsidiaries of which SBG guaranteed $3,977.8 million . SBG, KDSM, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBG, and STG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (guarantor subsidiaries), have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, subject to certain customary automatic release provisions, all of STG’s obligations. Those guarantees are joint and several. There are certain contractual restrictions on the ability of SBG, STG or KDSM, LLC to obtain funds from their subsidiaries in the form of dividends or loans. The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and 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, 2017 (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 $ — $ 645,830 $ 12,273 $ 23,223 $ — $ 681,326 Restricted cash, current — — 311,110 2,000 — 313,110 Accounts and other receivables — — 530,273 36,191 — 566,464 Other current assets 3,034 5,758 145,637 9,687 (10,269 ) 153,847 Total current assets 3,034 651,588 999,293 71,101 (10,269 ) 1,714,747 Property and equipment, net 829 31,111 586,950 132,010 (12,602 ) 738,298 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 1,537,337 4,116,241 4,179 — (5,657,757 ) — Other long-term assets 31,757 770,312 104,363 208,367 (868,448 ) 246,351 Goodwill — — 2,120,166 3,867 — 2,124,033 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — — 145,073 14,298 — 159,371 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,781,045 77,944 (57,319 ) 1,801,670 Total assets $ 1,572,957 $ 5,569,252 $ 5,741,069 $ 507,587 $ (6,606,395 ) $ 6,784,470 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,100 $ 84,326 $ 261,266 $ 36,029 $ (12,318 ) $ 370,403 Current portion of long-term debt — 148,505 2,103 8,774 — 159,382 Current portion of affiliate long-term debt — — 1,342 871 (546 ) 1,667 Other current liabilities — — 180,616 14,281 — 194,897 Total current liabilities 1,100 232,831 445,327 59,955 (12,864 ) 726,349 Long-term debt — 3,799,987 28,493 46,636 — 3,875,116 Affiliate long-term debt — — 11,237 334,491 (333,243 ) 12,485 Other liabilities 3,119 38,282 1,141,266 187,569 (734,082 ) 636,154 Total liabilities 4,219 4,071,100 1,626,323 628,651 (1,080,189 ) 5,250,104 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity 1,568,738 1,498,152 4,114,746 (82,051 ) (5,530,847 ) 1,568,738 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — (39,013 ) 4,641 (34,372 ) Total liabilities and equity $ 1,572,957 $ 5,569,252 $ 5,741,069 $ 507,587 $ (6,606,395 ) $ 6,784,470 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 232,297 $ 10,675 $ 17,012 $ — $ 259,984 Accounts and other receivables — — 478,190 37,024 (1,260 ) 513,954 Other current assets 5,561 3,143 124,313 25,406 (27,273 ) 131,150 Total current assets 5,561 235,440 613,178 79,442 (28,533 ) 905,088 Property and equipment, net 1,820 17,925 570,289 131,326 (3,784 ) 717,576 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 551,250 3,614,605 4,179 — (4,170,034 ) — Other long-term assets 46,586 819,506 103,808 169,817 (890,668 ) 249,049 Goodwill — — 1,986,467 4,279 — 1,990,746 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — — 140,597 15,709 — 156,306 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,770,512 233,368 (59,477 ) 1,944,403 Total assets $ 605,217 $ 4,687,476 $ 5,189,030 $ 633,941 $ (5,152,496 ) $ 5,963,168 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 100 $ 69,118 $ 231,640 $ 48,860 $ (21,173 ) $ 328,545 Current portion of long-term debt — 55,501 1,851 113,779 — 171,131 Current portion of affiliate long-term debt 1,857 — 1,514 2,336 (2,103 ) 3,604 Other current liabilities — — 121,972 13,545 (2,324 ) 133,193 Total current liabilities 1,957 124,619 356,977 178,520 (25,600 ) 636,473 Long-term debt — 3,939,463 31,014 44,455 — 4,014,932 Affiliate long-term debt — — 12,663 396,957 (395,439 ) 14,181 Other liabilities 15,277 31,817 1,190,717 183,418 (681,583 ) 739,646 Total liabilities 17,234 4,095,899 1,591,371 803,350 (1,102,622 ) 5,405,232 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity 587,983 591,577 3,597,659 (134,991 ) (4,054,245 ) 587,983 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — (34,418 ) 4,371 (30,047 ) Total liabilities and equity $ 605,217 $ 4,687,476 $ 5,189,030 $ 633,941 $ (5,152,496 ) $ 5,963,168 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Net revenue $ — $ — $ 2,593,623 $ 221,377 $ (80,882 ) $ 2,734,118 Media production expenses — — 1,011,965 124,044 (72,935 ) 1,063,074 Selling, general and administrative 9,204 102,930 522,039 14,800 (2,183 ) 646,790 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 984 6,250 219,390 62,924 (2,800 ) 286,748 Total operating expenses 10,188 109,180 1,753,394 201,768 (77,918 ) 1,996,612 Operating (loss) income (10,188 ) (109,180 ) 840,229 19,609 (2,964 ) 737,506 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 579,954 793,620 (16 ) — (1,373,558 ) — Interest expense (88 ) (205,107 ) (4,586 ) (21,643 ) 19,109 (212,315 ) Other income (expense) 1,678 5,077 (5,790 ) (7,412 ) — (6,447 ) Total other income (expense) 581,544 593,590 (10,392 ) (29,055 ) (1,354,449 ) (218,762 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 4,657 100,473 (30,171 ) 401 — 75,360 Net income (loss) 576,013 584,883 799,666 (9,045 ) (1,357,413 ) 594,104 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (17,738 ) (353 ) (18,091 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 576,013 $ 584,883 $ 799,666 $ (26,783 ) $ (1,357,766 ) $ 576,013 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 593,488 $ 584,267 $ 799,666 $ (9,045 ) $ (1,374,888 ) $ 593,488 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Net revenue $ — $ — $ 2,579,284 $ 265,855 $ (108,190 ) $ 2,736,949 Media production expenses — — 918,200 135,511 (100,622 ) 953,089 Selling, general and administrative 4,062 70,503 489,882 10,804 (106 ) 575,145 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 1,064 7,331 465,680 133,810 (2,023 ) 605,862 Total operating expenses 5,126 77,834 1,873,762 280,125 (102,751 ) 2,134,096 Operating (loss) income (5,126 ) (77,834 ) 705,522 (14,270 ) (5,439 ) 602,853 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 244,580 463,598 220 — (708,398 ) — Interest expense (238 ) (198,893 ) (4,481 ) (32,521 ) 24,990 (211,143 ) Other income (expense) 3,613 (22,867 ) 715 (281 ) — (18,820 ) Total other income (expense) 247,955 241,838 (3,546 ) (32,802 ) (683,408 ) (229,963 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 2,472 99,148 (231,504 ) 7,756 — (122,128 ) Net income (loss) 245,301 263,152 470,472 (39,316 ) (688,847 ) 250,762 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (4,937 ) (524 ) (5,461 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 245,301 $ 263,152 $ 470,472 $ (44,253 ) $ (689,371 ) $ 245,301 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 250,789 $ 263,179 $ 470,472 $ (39,316 ) $ (694,335 ) $ 250,789 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 CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (8,659 ) $ (180,966 ) $ 599,761 $ 12,424 $ 8,544 431,104 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment (130 ) (14,973 ) (68,475 ) (2,930 ) 2,696 (83,812 ) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — (8,308 ) (262,965 ) — — (271,273 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (5,682 ) — (5,682 ) Proceeds from sale of assets — — — 192,634 — 192,634 Investments in equity and cost method investees (946 ) (720 ) (20,701 ) (32,762 ) — (55,129 ) Other, net 6,597 11,551 768 6,321 — 25,237 Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 5,521 (12,450 ) (351,373 ) 157,581 2,696 (198,025 ) CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 159,669 — 7,128 — 166,797 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — (213,919 ) (1,865 ) (120,717 ) — (336,501 ) Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock 487,883 — — — — 487,883 Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (71,364 ) — — — — (71,364 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (30,287 ) — — — — (30,287 ) Noncontrolling interests distributions — — — (22,416 ) — (22,416 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables (381,344 ) 660,911 (242,402 ) (25,605 ) (11,560 ) — Other, net (1,750 ) 288 (2,523 ) (2,184 ) 320 (5,849 ) Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities 3,138 606,949 (246,790 ) (163,794 ) (11,240 ) 188,263 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 413,533 1,598 6,211 — 421,342 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 232,297 10,675 17,012 — 259,984 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 645,830 $ 12,273 $ 23,223 $ — $ 681,326 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (11,784 ) $ (150,230 ) $ 721,991 $ 7,914 $ 23,875 $ 591,766 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (8,006 ) (82,450 ) (5,009 ) 1,000 (94,465 ) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — — (415,482 ) (10,375 ) — (425,857 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (40,206 ) — (40,206 ) Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets — — 7,263 9,133 — 16,396 Investments in equity and cost method investees (2,945 ) (15,620 ) (27 ) (32,655 ) — (51,247 ) Other, net 1,714 (21,395 ) 3,985 5,072 — (10,624 ) Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities (1,231 ) (45,021 ) (486,711 ) (74,040 ) 1,000 (606,003 ) CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 995,000 — 29,912 — 1,024,912 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — (650,422 ) (1,633 ) (19,160 ) — (671,215 ) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (65,909 ) — — — — (65,909 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (136,283 ) — — — — (136,283 ) Payments for deferred financing costs — (15,430 ) — (251 ) — (15,681 ) Noncontrolling interest distributions — — — (10,464 ) — (10,464 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 218,054 (17,778 ) (224,551 ) 49,403 (25,128 ) — Other, net (2,847 ) 407 1,344 (268 ) 253 (1,111 ) Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities 13,015 311,777 (224,840 ) 49,172 (24,875 ) 124,249 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 116,526 10,440 (16,954 ) — 110,012 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 115,771 235 33,966 — 149,972 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 232,297 $ 10,675 $ 17,012 $ — $ 259,984 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 ) $ (131,363 ) $ 530,768 $ (16,864 ) $ 24,145 $ 402,927 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (6,605 ) (84,079 ) (2,586 ) 1,849 (91,421 ) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — — (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 (USED IN) FROM 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 ) Repurchases of outstanding Class A Common Stock (28,823 ) — — — — (28,823 ) Payments for deferred financing costs — (3,604 ) — (243 ) — (3,847 ) Noncontrolling interest distributions — — — (9,918 ) — (9,918 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 89,319 303,755 (452,897 ) 85,953 (26,130 ) — Other, net 1,926 (2,232 ) (1,207 ) (368 ) 136 (1,745 ) Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities (839 ) 264,790 (455,390 ) 98,107 (25,994 ) (119,326 ) 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

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED): (In thousands, except per share data) For the Quarter Ended 3/31/2017 6/30/2017 9/30/2017 12/31/2017 (a) Total revenues, net $ 649,935 $ 679,290 $ 670,891 $ 734,002 Operating income $ 157,629 $ 118,849 $ 103,447 $ 357,581 Net income $ 70,703 $ 46,035 $ 32,566 $ 444,800 Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 57,202 $ 44,645 $ 30,637 $ 443,529 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.62 $ 0.43 $ 0.30 $ 4.36 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.61 $ 0.43 $ 0.30 $ 4.32 (a) During the three months ended December 31, 2017, we recognized a gain of $225.3 million for vacating spectrum in certain markets as discussed in Broadcast Spectrum Auction under Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets ; and a non-recurring benefit of $272.1 million to reflect the estimated effect of the Tax Reform as discussed in Note 9. Income Taxes . For the Quarter Ended 3/31/2016 6/30/2016 9/30/2016 12/31/2016 Total revenues, net $ 578,889 $ 666,534 $ 693,835 $ 797,691 Operating income $ 86,339 $ 129,074 $ 153,994 $ 233,446 Net income $ 25,629 $ 50,600 $ 52,033 $ 122,500 Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 24,140 $ 49,419 $ 50,845 $ 120,897 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.25 $ 0.52 $ 0.54 $ 1.34 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.25 $ 0.52 $ 0.54 $ 1.32

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM24

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is a diversified television broadcasting company with national reach with a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations and digital platforms. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, and other original programming produced by us. We also distribute our original programming, and owned and operated network affiliates, on other third-party platforms. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties. We focus on offering marketing solutions to advertisers through our television and digital platforms and digital agency services. Outside of our media related businesses, we operate technical services companies focused on supply and maintenance of broadcast transmission systems as well as research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and we manage other non-media related investments. As of December 31, 2017 , our broadcast distribution platform is a single reportable segment for accounting purposes. It consists primarily of our broadcast television stations, which we own, provide programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements (LMAs), or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as joint sales agreements (JSAs) and shared services agreements (SSAs)) to 191 stations in 89 markets. These stations broadcast 601 channels as of December 31, 2017 . For the purpose of this report, these 191 stations and 601 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	Other investments. We have several investments 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. 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. Third-party station licensees. Certain of our stations provide services to other station owners within the same respective market through agreements, 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. Based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in the stations, we are the primary beneficiary when, 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 we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs. The fees paid between us and the licensees pursuant to these arrangements are eliminated in consolidation. Several of these VIEs are owned by a related party, Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham).
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 standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Since Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 was issued, several additional ASUs have been issued and incorporated within ASC 606 to clarify various elements of the guidance. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on our station advertising or retransmission consent revenue. We have determined that, under the new standard, certain barter revenue and expense related to syndicated programming will no longer be recognized. These revenues and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were each $97.9 million , $114.4 million , and $93.2 million , respectfully. The adoption of this standard will also result in a number of incremental disclosures surrounding our revenue transactions and policies. We plan on adopting this guidance retrospectively during the first quarter of 2018. In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclose of financial instruments. The new guidance requires entities to measure equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that resulted in consolidation of the investee) at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The new standard is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We plan on adopting this guidance during the first quarter of 2018. We do not expect the adoption will have a material impact on our financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to accounting for leases, which requires the assets and liabilities that arise from leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. Currently, only capital leases are recorded on the balance sheet. This update will require the lessee to recognize a lease liability equal to the present value of the lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term for all leases longer than 12 months. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election, by class of underlying asset, not to recognize lease assets and liabilities and recognize the lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The new standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments. The new standard includes eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice as to how cash receipts and cash payments are represented in the statement of cash flows. We will adopt this guidance retrospectively during the first quarter of 2018. In October 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the accounting for income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Currently the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity are prohibited until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This update requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. This new guidance requires that the statement of cash flows explain change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The new standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We plan on adopting this guidance retrospectively during the first quarter of 2018. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies the definition of a business with additional guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new standard should be applied prospectively and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance which eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge. The new standard should be applied prospectively and is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements. In May 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which relates to stock based compensation and clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The new standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted this guidance during the second quarter of 2017. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
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.
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. See Recent Accounting Pronouncements above for more information about guidance that will be adopted effective January 1, 2018. 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, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and the corresponding obligation to broadcast advertising is recorded as deferred barter revenues, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. 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 one or more of our investments are significant, we are required to disclose summarized financial information. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , none of our investments were significant individually or in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , our unfunded commitments related to certain investments accounted for under the equity or cost method totaled $10.7 million and $13.5 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, 2017 , we recorded a $3.3 million impairment charge related to three real estate investments. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , there were $2.5 million of impairment charges recorded. 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 represent costs related to our revolving credit facility. Unamortized costs related to our other debt issuances is recorded as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt recorded as liability. We amortize our deferred debt financing costs to interest expense over the term of the respective debt instruments using the effective interest method. Previously capitalized debt financing costs are recognized as a loss on extinguishment of debt if we determine that there has been an extinguishment of the related debt.
Impairment of Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. Our goodwill has been allocated to, and is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or a component of an operating segment to the extent that the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by segment management. Components of an operating segment with similar economic characteristics are aggregated when testing goodwill for impairment. In the performance of our annual assessment of goodwill for impairment we have the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not a reporting unit has been impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting units as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, or if we elect not to perform the optional qualitative assessment, we will determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare to the net book value of the reporting unit. If the fair value is less than the net book value we will record an impairment to goodwill for the amount of the difference. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units utilizing a combination of a market based approach which considers earnings and cash flow multiples of comparable businesses and recent market transactions as well as an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis. Our discounted cash flow model is based on our judgment of future market conditions 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, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of our broadcast licenses and a trade name. For our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that these assets are impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the indefinite-lived intangible assets as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. 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 estimate the fair values of our broadcast licenses using the Greenfield method which is an income approach. This 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.
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, 2017 and 2016 , 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 9. Income Taxes , for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits. Pursuant to the guidance within SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118), as of December 31, 2017, the Company recognized the provisional effects of the enactment of the Tax Legislation for which measurement could be reasonably estimated. Although the Company continues to analyze certain aspects of the Tax Legislation and refine its assessment, the ultimate impact of the Tax Legislation may differ from these estimates due to its continued analysis or further regulatory guidance that may be issued as a result of the Tax Legislation. Pursuant to SAB 118, adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded by the Company as of December 31, 2017 that are identified within a subsequent measurement period of up to one year from the enactment date will be included as an adjustment to tax expense from continuing operations in the period the amounts are determined.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Total revenues include: (i) station advertising revenue, net of agency commissions; (ii) barter advertising revenues; (iii) retransmission consent fees; (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.
Advertising Expenses	Advertising Expenses Promotional advertising expenses are recorded in the period when incurred and are included in media production and other non-media expenses.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments Financial instruments, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , 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.
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 losses 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. We maintain a supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) which we inherited upon the acquisition of certain stations. As of December 31, 2017 , the estimated projected benefit obligation was $21.5 million , of which $1.7 million is included in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet and the $19.8 million is included in other long-term liabilities. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we made $1.8 million and $1.7 million in benefit payments, recognized $0.8 million and $0.9 million of periodic pension expense, reported in other expenses in the consolidated statement of operations, and $1.0 million and $0.1 million of actuarial gains through other comprehensive income, respectively. At December 31, 2017 , the projected benefit obligation was measured using a 3.46% discount rate compared to a discount rate of 3.89% for the year ended December 31, 2016 . We estimated the 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 SUMM25

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands): 2017 2016 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Accounts receivable $ 19,566 $ 21,879 Other current assets 8,937 12,076 Total current asset 28,503 33,955 Program contract costs, less current portion 822 2,468 Property and equipment, net 6,215 2,996 Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets 15,064 16,475 Definite-lived intangible assets, net 74,442 79,509 Other assets 5,601 6,871 Total assets $ 130,647 $ 142,274 LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES: Other current liabilities $ 23,564 $ 18,992 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion 23,217 19,449 Program contracts payable, less current portion 11,213 14,353 Other long term liabilities 650 12,921 Total liabilities $ 58,644 $ 65,715
Schedule of rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts	A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 is as follows (in thousands): 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 2,124 $ 4,495 $ 4,246 Charged to expense 2,837 1,974 1,292 Net write-offs (2,371 ) (4,345 ) (1,043 ) Balance at end of period $ 2,590 $ 2,124 $ 4,495
Schedule of other assets	Other assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): 2017 2016 Equity and cost method investments $ 184,255 $ 168,572 Unamortized costs related to debt issuances 3,399 4,936 Deferred compensation plan assets 20,494 9,906 Other 33,497 37,216 Total other assets $ 241,645 $ 220,630
Schedule of accrued liabilities	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 2017 2016 Compensation and employee health insurance $ 87,003 $ 78,682 Interest 42,794 41,979 Deferred revenue 41,287 25,692 Deferred barter revenue 8,235 6,040 Programming related obligations 89,728 76,962 Other accruals relating to operating expenses 101,356 99,190 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 370,403 $ 328,545
Schedule of cash transactions	During 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we had the following cash transactions (in thousands): 2017 2016 2015 Income taxes paid $ 128,168 $ 108,347 $ 106,979 Income tax refunds $ 1,508 $ 12,193 $ 196 Interest paid $ 203,800 $ 191,117 $ 182,425
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 SERP are as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2018 $ 1,714 2019 1,630 2020 1,561 2021 1,495 2022 1,364 Next 5 years 6,403

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS26

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of allocated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities of Tennis (in thousands): Accounts receivable $ 17,629 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 6,518 Property and equipment 5,964 Definite-lived intangible assets 272,686 Indefinite-lived intangible assets 23,400 Other assets 619 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (7,414 ) Capital leases (115 ) Deferred tax liability (16,991 ) Other long term liabilities (1,669 ) Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired 300,627 Goodwill 53,427 Total purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 354,054 The following table summarizes the allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities (in thousands): Accounts receivable $ 14,665 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 633 Program contract costs 683 Property and equipment 27,295 Definite-lived intangible assets 161,936 Indefinite-lived intangible assets 425 Other assets 3,609 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (8,428 ) Program contracts payable (783 ) Deferred tax liability (66,158 ) Other long term liabilities (12,156 ) Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired 121,721 Goodwill 119,426 Total purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 241,147
Schedule of acquired operations included in the financial statements	Financial Results of Acquisitions The following tables summarize the results of the net media revenues and operating income (loss) included in the financial statements of the Company beginning on the acquisition date of each acquisition as listed below (in thousands): Revenues 2017 2016 2015 Bonten $ 30,907 $ — $ — Tennis Channel 132,584 84,040 — Other acquisitions in: 2017 11,108 — — 2016 66,698 49,186 — 2015 2,102 2,676 1,007 Total net media revenues $ 243,399 $ 135,902 $ 1,007 Operating Income (Loss) 2017 2016 2015 Bonten $ 7,448 $ — $ — Tennis Channel 19,420 (1,990 ) — Other acquisitions in: 2017 (89 ) — — 2016 18,392 18,311 — 2015 158 646 426 Total operating income $ 45,329 $ 16,967 $ 426
Schedule of unaudited pro forma results of operations	The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations, assuming that Bonten and Tennis along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisition, occurred at the beginning of the year preceding the year of acquisition. The pro forma results exclude the acquisitions presented under Other 2017 Acquisitions, Other 2016 Acquisitions, and 2015 Acquisitions above, as they are not material both individually and in the aggregate. The 2015 period does not include the pro forma effects of the Bonten acquisitions, and as such will not provide comparability to the 2017 and 2016 pro forma periods presented in the following table (in thousands, except per data share): Unaudited 2017 2016 2015 Total revenues $ 2,790,793 $ 2,835,174 $ 2,310,392 Net Income $ 597,370 $ 253,374 $ 168,364 Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 579,279 $ 247,913 $ 163,789 Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 5.80 $ 2.65 $ 1.72 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 5.75 $ 2.63 $ 1.71

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2016 146,975 $ 29.18 2017 Activity: Granted 103,955 33.80 Vested (98,750 ) 28.09 Unvested shares at December 31, 2017 152,180 $ 33.04
Summary of SARS Activity	The following is a summary of the 2017 activity: SARs Weighted- Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2016 2,310,000 $ 19.23 2017 Activity: Granted 500,000 35.70 Exercised (200,000 ) 15.78 Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2017 2,610,000 $ 22.65
Schedule of assumptions used to estimate the value of stock options under ESPP	Our SARs and stock options were valued using the Black-Scholes pricing model utilizing the following assumptions: 2017 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate 2.1 % 1.2% - 1.9% 1.3% - 1.9% Expected years to exercise 5 years 5 years 5 years Expected volatility 37.0 % 37.5% - 42.1% 42.1% - 47.0% Annual dividend yield 2.0 % 2.1 % 2.0% - 2.7%

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 2017 2016 Land and improvements $ 77,487 $ 73,124 Real estate held for development and sale 87,056 90,087 Buildings and improvements 260,470 239,603 Station equipment 779,779 702,004 Office furniture and equipment 109,632 101,252 Leasehold improvements 25,120 24,762 Automotive equipment 63,513 56,507 Capital leased assets 53,005 84,516 Construction in progress 30,575 30,880 1,486,637 1,402,735 Less: accumulated depreciation (748,339 ) (685,159 ) $ 738,298 $ 717,576

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED IN29

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill was as follows (in thousands): Broadcast Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,927,605 $ 3,488 $ 1,931,093 Acquisitions (a) 11,626 53,427 65,053 Measurement period adjustments related to prior year acquisitions 40 — 40 Disposition of assets (a) (5,440 ) — (5,440 ) 1,933,831 56,915 1,990,746 Acquisitions (a) 119,426 13,966 133,392 Measurement period adjustments related to prior year acquisitions 153 154 307 Disposition of assets (a) — (412 ) (412 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 2,053,410 $ 70,623 $ 2,124,033 (a) See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for discussion of acquisitions and divestitures made during 2017 and 2016 . (b) Approximately $0.8 million of goodwill relates to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 .
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the carrying amount of our indefinite-lived intangible assets was as follows (in thousands): Broadcast Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 132,465 $ — $ 132,465 Acquisitions (a) 2,406 23,400 25,806 Disposition of assets (a) (1,965 ) — (1,965 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 (b) 132,906 23,400 156,306 Acquisitions (a) 425 4,051 4,476 Disposition of assets (a) (1,411 ) — (1,411 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 (b) (c) $ 131,920 $ 27,451 $ 159,371 (a) See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for discussion of acquisitions and divestitures made during 2017 and 2016 . (b) Approximately $14.3 million and $15.7 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets relate to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. (c) Our indefinite-lived intangible assets in Broadcast relates to broadcast licenses and our indefinite-lived intangible assets in Other relates to trade names.
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization	The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles (in thousands): As of December 31, 2017 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Network affiliation (a) $ 1,451,663 $ (514,575 ) $ 937,088 Customer Relationships (a) 1,229,006 (373,966 ) 855,040 Other (a) 45,955 (36,413 ) 9,542 Total $ 2,726,624 $ (924,954 ) $ 1,801,670 As of December 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Network affiliation (a) $ 1,398,451 $ (427,484 ) $ 970,967 Customer Relationships (a) 1,102,591 (294,114 ) 808,477 Other (a) 243,253 (78,294 ) 164,959 Total $ 2,744,295 $ (799,892 ) $ 1,944,403 (a) Changes between the gross carrying value from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 , relate to acquisitions and dispositions in 2017 , as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets .
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, 2018 $ 174,398 For the year ended December 31, 2019 173,594 For the year ended December 31, 2020 173,061 For the year ended December 31, 2021 172,043 For the year ended December 31, 2022 168,297 Thereafter 940,277 $ 1,801,670

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 30

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement	Notes payable, capital leases, and commercial bank financing consisted of the following as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 2017 2016 Bank credit agreement: Term Loan A-1, due April 9, 2018 $ 117,370 $ 141,436 Term Loan A-2, due July 31, 2021 113,327 130,762 Term Loan B, due January 3, 2024 1,356,300 1,365,625 Senior unsecured notes: 5.375% Notes, due April 1, 2021 600,000 600,000 6.125% Notes, due October 1, 2022 500,000 500,000 5.625% Notes, due August 1, 2024 550,000 550,000 5.875% Notes, due March 15, 2026 350,000 350,000 5.125% Notes, due February 15, 2027 400,000 400,000 Debt of variable interest entities 29,614 23,198 Debt of other non-media subsidiaries 25,238 135,211 Capital leases 31,696 33,280 Total outstanding principal 4,073,545 4,229,512 Less: Deferred financing costs and discount (39,047 ) (43,449 ) Less: Current portion (159,382 ) (171,131 ) Net carrying value of long-term debt $ 3,875,116 $ 4,014,932
Schedule of maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement	Indebtedness under the Bank Credit Agreement, notes payable, and capital leases as of December 31, 2017 matures as follows (in thousands): Notes and Bank Agreement Capital Leases Total 2018 $ 157,132 $ 5,010 $ 162,142 2019 35,576 5,116 40,692 2020 41,687 4,877 46,564 2021 681,927 4,875 686,802 2022 521,435 4,752 526,187 2023 and thereafter 2,604,092 23,646 2,627,738 Total minimum payments 4,041,849 48,276 4,090,125 Less: Deferred financing costs and discount (39,047 ) — (39,047 ) Less: Amount representing future interest — (16,580 ) (16,580 ) Net carrying value of debt $ 4,002,802 $ 31,696 $ 4,034,498
Schedule of debt	The stated and weighted average effective interest rated on the above obligations are as follows: Weighted Average Effective Rate Stated Rate 2017 2016 Bank credit agreement: Term Loan A-1 LIBOR plus 2.25% 3.29% 2.74% Term Loan A-2 (a) LIBOR plus 2.25% 3.30% 2.82% Term Loan B LIBOR plus 2.25% 3.32% 3.53% Revolver (b) LIBOR plus 2.00% —% 2.98% Senior unsecured notes: 5.375% Notes 5.38% 5.58% 5.58% 6.125% Notes 6.13% 6.31% 6.31% 5.625% Notes 5.63% 5.83% 5.83% 5.875% Notes 5.88% 6.09% 6.09% 5.125% Notes 5.13% 5.33% 5.33% (a) LIBOR plus 2.0% if our first lien indebtedness ratio is less than 1.5 x. (b) As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had a $485.2 million revolving credit facility (Revolver). We incur a commitment fee on undrawn capacity of 0.25% or 0.50% if our first lien indebtedness ratio is less than or greater than 3.0 x, respectively. There were no outstanding borrowings and $0.8 million and $1.9 million letters of credit under the revolver as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. There were no outstanding borrowings under the revolver during the year ended December 31, 2017 .

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Tables)

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
PROGRAM CONTRACTS:
Schedule of future payments required under program contracts	Future payments required under program contracts as of December 31, 2017 were as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 108,053 2019 16,040 2020 12,639 2021 8,885 2022 4,345 Total 149,962 Less: Current portion (108,053 ) Long-term portion of program contracts payable $ 41,909

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 (in thousands): 2017 2016 2015 Current provision for income taxes: Federal $ 77,477 $ 113,737 $ 80,420 State 6,625 2,273 5,720 84,102 116,010 86,140 Deferred (benefit) provision for income taxes: Federal (196,468 ) 8,555 (26,637 ) State 37,006 (2,437 ) (1,809 ) (159,462 ) 6,118 (28,446 ) (Benefit) provision for income taxes $ (75,360 ) $ 122,128 $ 57,694
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: 2017 2016 2015 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Adjustments: Federal tax reform (a) (54.3 )% — % — % State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (b) 5.0 % 0.2 % 0.6 % Non-deductible items 1.5 % 1.0 % 1.2 % Domestic production activities deduction (1.7 )% (3.4 )% (3.9 )% Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (c) 0.5 % 0.3 % (1.9 )% Basis in stock of subsidiaries (d) — % — % (5.5 )% Federal tax credits (e) (2.2 )% (0.4 )% (1.1 )% Other 1.1 % 0.6 % 0.8 % Effective income tax rate (15.1 )% 33.3 % 25.2 % (a) Our 2017 income tax provision includes a non-recurring benefit of $272.1 million to reflect the estimated effect of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Reform) enacted on December 22, 2017. (b) Included in state income taxes are deferred income tax effects related to certain acquisitions and/or intercompany mergers. (c) During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we recorded a $0.1 million , $1.0 million , and $5.7 million , respectively, benefit related to the release of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of expiration of the applicable statute of limitations and settlements with taxing authorities. See table below which summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits. (d) 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. (e) During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a benefit of $8.3 million related to investments in sustainability initiatives whose activities qualify for federal income tax credits. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 we recorded a $2.5 million , $1.6 million and $1.1 million , respectively, benefit related to federal income tax credits associated with research and development activities.
Schedule of total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities	Total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands): 2017 2016 Deferred Tax Assets: Net operating and capital losses: Federal $ 34,861 $ 68,455 State 75,754 63,630 Goodwill and intangible assets 14,389 28,879 Other 33,462 44,873 158,466 205,837 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (62,865 ) (51,846 ) Total deferred tax assets $ 95,601 $ 153,991 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Goodwill and intangible assets $ (514,776 ) $ (650,139 ) Property & equipment, net (80,630 ) (80,950 ) Other (15,431 ) (32,219 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (610,837 ) (763,308 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (515,236 ) $ (609,317 )
Schedule of activity related to accrued unrecognized tax benefits	The following table summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands): 2017 2016 2015 Balance at January 1, $ 4,739 $ 3,257 $ 7,138 Additions related to prior year tax positions 2,019 420 1,458 Additions related to current year tax positions 610 2,053 472 Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities (131 ) — (1,517 ) Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations — (991 ) (4,294 ) Balance at December 31, $ 7,237 $ 4,739 $ 3,257

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of future minimum payments under the leases	Future minimum payments under the leases are as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 25,115 2019 24,015 2020 21,209 2021 19,101 2022 17,856 2023 and thereafter 90,832 $ 198,128

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS (Ta

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]	The capital leases mature in periods through 2026, as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 2,834 2019 2,978 2020 3,093 2021 3,046 2022 2,441 2023 and thereafter 4,686 Total minimum payments due 19,078 Less: Amount representing interest (4,926 ) Capital leases payable 14,152 Less: Current portion (1,667 ) Capital leases payable, less current portion $ 12,485

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 (in thousands): 2017 2016 2015 Income (Numerator) Net income $ 594,104 $ 250,762 $ 176,099 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (18,091 ) (5,461 ) (4,575 ) Numerator for diluted earnings available to common shareholders $ 576,013 $ 245,301 $ 171,524 Shares (Denominator) Weighted-average common shares outstanding 99,844 93,567 95,003 Dilutive effect of outstanding stock settled appreciation rights and stock options 945 866 725 Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 100,789 94,433 95,728
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	The following table shows the weighted-average stock-settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options (in thousands) that are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive. 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average stock-settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options excluded 450 556 131

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment financial information	Financial information for our reportable segment is included in the following tables for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 (in thousands): For the year ended December 31, 2017 Broadcast Other Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 2,490,528 $ 243,590 $ — $ 2,734,118 Depreciation of property and equipment 88,751 7,368 984 97,103 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 155,640 23,182 — 178,822 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 115,523 — — 115,523 General and administrative overhead expenses 101,680 1,009 10,564 113,253 Research and development — 10,000 — 10,000 Operating income (loss) 724,110 24,943 (11,547 ) 737,506 Interest expense 5,285 1,835 205,195 212,315 Income from equity and cost method investments — (13,664 ) (255 ) (13,919 ) Goodwill 2,053,410 70,623 — 2,124,033 Assets 5,267,986 769,919 746,565 6,784,470 Capital expenditures 63,163 5,546 15,103 83,812 For the year ended December 31, 2016 Broadcast Other Corporate Consolidated Revenue $ 2,530,510 $ 206,439 $ — $ 2,736,949 Depreciation of property and equipment 91,573 5,772 1,184 98,529 Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 155,479 28,316 — 183,795 Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments 127,880 — — 127,880 General and administrative overhead expenses 67,035 2,459 4,062 73,556 Research and development — 4,085 — 4,085 Operating income (loss) 639,422 (31,258 ) (5,311 ) 602,853 Interest expense 5,641 6,371 199,131 211,143 Income from equity and cost method investments — 1,735 — 1,735 Goodwill 1,933,831 56,915 — 1,990,746 Assets 4,815,633 866,845 280,690 5,963,168 Capital expenditures 78,909 8,084 7,472 94,465 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

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands): 2017 2016 Face Value (a) Fair Value Face Value (a) Fair Value Level 2: 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 $ 500,000 $ 515,535 $ 500,000 $ 521,240 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 350,000 363,475 350,000 351,456 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 550,000 568,205 550,000 562,755 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 600,000 610,440 600,000 617,892 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 400,000 396,088 400,000 382,028 Term Loan A-1 117,370 117,370 141,436 141,082 Term Loan A-2 113,327 113,327 130,762 130,435 Term Loan B 1,356,300 1,357,995 1,365,625 1,364,841 Debt of variable interest entities 29,614 29,614 23,198 23,198 Debt of other non-media related subsidiaries 25,238 25,238 135,211 135,211 (a) Amounts are carried on our consolidated balance sheets net of debt discount and deferred financing costs, which are excluded in the above table, of $39.0 million and $43.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANC38

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheet	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 (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 $ — $ 645,830 $ 12,273 $ 23,223 $ — $ 681,326 Restricted cash, current — — 311,110 2,000 — 313,110 Accounts and other receivables — — 530,273 36,191 — 566,464 Other current assets 3,034 5,758 145,637 9,687 (10,269 ) 153,847 Total current assets 3,034 651,588 999,293 71,101 (10,269 ) 1,714,747 Property and equipment, net 829 31,111 586,950 132,010 (12,602 ) 738,298 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 1,537,337 4,116,241 4,179 — (5,657,757 ) — Other long-term assets 31,757 770,312 104,363 208,367 (868,448 ) 246,351 Goodwill — — 2,120,166 3,867 — 2,124,033 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — — 145,073 14,298 — 159,371 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,781,045 77,944 (57,319 ) 1,801,670 Total assets $ 1,572,957 $ 5,569,252 $ 5,741,069 $ 507,587 $ (6,606,395 ) $ 6,784,470 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,100 $ 84,326 $ 261,266 $ 36,029 $ (12,318 ) $ 370,403 Current portion of long-term debt — 148,505 2,103 8,774 — 159,382 Current portion of affiliate long-term debt — — 1,342 871 (546 ) 1,667 Other current liabilities — — 180,616 14,281 — 194,897 Total current liabilities 1,100 232,831 445,327 59,955 (12,864 ) 726,349 Long-term debt — 3,799,987 28,493 46,636 — 3,875,116 Affiliate long-term debt — — 11,237 334,491 (333,243 ) 12,485 Other liabilities 3,119 38,282 1,141,266 187,569 (734,082 ) 636,154 Total liabilities 4,219 4,071,100 1,626,323 628,651 (1,080,189 ) 5,250,104 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity 1,568,738 1,498,152 4,114,746 (82,051 ) (5,530,847 ) 1,568,738 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — (39,013 ) 4,641 (34,372 ) Total liabilities and equity $ 1,572,957 $ 5,569,252 $ 5,741,069 $ 507,587 $ (6,606,395 ) $ 6,784,470 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 232,297 $ 10,675 $ 17,012 $ — $ 259,984 Accounts and other receivables — — 478,190 37,024 (1,260 ) 513,954 Other current assets 5,561 3,143 124,313 25,406 (27,273 ) 131,150 Total current assets 5,561 235,440 613,178 79,442 (28,533 ) 905,088 Property and equipment, net 1,820 17,925 570,289 131,326 (3,784 ) 717,576 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 551,250 3,614,605 4,179 — (4,170,034 ) — Other long-term assets 46,586 819,506 103,808 169,817 (890,668 ) 249,049 Goodwill — — 1,986,467 4,279 — 1,990,746 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — — 140,597 15,709 — 156,306 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,770,512 233,368 (59,477 ) 1,944,403 Total assets $ 605,217 $ 4,687,476 $ 5,189,030 $ 633,941 $ (5,152,496 ) $ 5,963,168 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 100 $ 69,118 $ 231,640 $ 48,860 $ (21,173 ) $ 328,545 Current portion of long-term debt — 55,501 1,851 113,779 — 171,131 Current portion of affiliate long-term debt 1,857 — 1,514 2,336 (2,103 ) 3,604 Other current liabilities — — 121,972 13,545 (2,324 ) 133,193 Total current liabilities 1,957 124,619 356,977 178,520 (25,600 ) 636,473 Long-term debt — 3,939,463 31,014 44,455 — 4,014,932 Affiliate long-term debt — — 12,663 396,957 (395,439 ) 14,181 Other liabilities 15,277 31,817 1,190,717 183,418 (681,583 ) 739,646 Total liabilities 17,234 4,095,899 1,591,371 803,350 (1,102,622 ) 5,405,232 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity 587,983 591,577 3,597,659 (134,991 ) (4,054,245 ) 587,983 Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — (34,418 ) 4,371 (30,047 ) Total liabilities and equity $ 605,217 $ 4,687,476 $ 5,189,030 $ 633,941 $ (5,152,496 ) $ 5,963,168
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Net revenue $ — $ — $ 2,593,623 $ 221,377 $ (80,882 ) $ 2,734,118 Media production expenses — — 1,011,965 124,044 (72,935 ) 1,063,074 Selling, general and administrative 9,204 102,930 522,039 14,800 (2,183 ) 646,790 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 984 6,250 219,390 62,924 (2,800 ) 286,748 Total operating expenses 10,188 109,180 1,753,394 201,768 (77,918 ) 1,996,612 Operating (loss) income (10,188 ) (109,180 ) 840,229 19,609 (2,964 ) 737,506 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 579,954 793,620 (16 ) — (1,373,558 ) — Interest expense (88 ) (205,107 ) (4,586 ) (21,643 ) 19,109 (212,315 ) Other income (expense) 1,678 5,077 (5,790 ) (7,412 ) — (6,447 ) Total other income (expense) 581,544 593,590 (10,392 ) (29,055 ) (1,354,449 ) (218,762 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 4,657 100,473 (30,171 ) 401 — 75,360 Net income (loss) 576,013 584,883 799,666 (9,045 ) (1,357,413 ) 594,104 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (17,738 ) (353 ) (18,091 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 576,013 $ 584,883 $ 799,666 $ (26,783 ) $ (1,357,766 ) $ 576,013 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 593,488 $ 584,267 $ 799,666 $ (9,045 ) $ (1,374,888 ) $ 593,488 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 (In thousands) Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Television Group, Inc. Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Sinclair Consolidated Net revenue $ — $ — $ 2,579,284 $ 265,855 $ (108,190 ) $ 2,736,949 Media production expenses — — 918,200 135,511 (100,622 ) 953,089 Selling, general and administrative 4,062 70,503 489,882 10,804 (106 ) 575,145 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 1,064 7,331 465,680 133,810 (2,023 ) 605,862 Total operating expenses 5,126 77,834 1,873,762 280,125 (102,751 ) 2,134,096 Operating (loss) income (5,126 ) (77,834 ) 705,522 (14,270 ) (5,439 ) 602,853 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 244,580 463,598 220 — (708,398 ) — Interest expense (238 ) (198,893 ) (4,481 ) (32,521 ) 24,990 (211,143 ) Other income (expense) 3,613 (22,867 ) 715 (281 ) — (18,820 ) Total other income (expense) 247,955 241,838 (3,546 ) (32,802 ) (683,408 ) (229,963 ) Income tax benefit (provision) 2,472 99,148 (231,504 ) 7,756 — (122,128 ) Net income (loss) 245,301 263,152 470,472 (39,316 ) (688,847 ) 250,762 Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (4,937 ) (524 ) (5,461 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 245,301 $ 263,152 $ 470,472 $ (44,253 ) $ (689,371 ) $ 245,301 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 250,789 $ 263,179 $ 470,472 $ (39,316 ) $ (694,335 ) $ 250,789 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
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (8,659 ) $ (180,966 ) $ 599,761 $ 12,424 $ 8,544 431,104 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment (130 ) (14,973 ) (68,475 ) (2,930 ) 2,696 (83,812 ) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — (8,308 ) (262,965 ) — — (271,273 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (5,682 ) — (5,682 ) Proceeds from sale of assets — — — 192,634 — 192,634 Investments in equity and cost method investees (946 ) (720 ) (20,701 ) (32,762 ) — (55,129 ) Other, net 6,597 11,551 768 6,321 — 25,237 Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities 5,521 (12,450 ) (351,373 ) 157,581 2,696 (198,025 ) CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 159,669 — 7,128 — 166,797 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — (213,919 ) (1,865 ) (120,717 ) — (336,501 ) Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock 487,883 — — — — 487,883 Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (71,364 ) — — — — (71,364 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (30,287 ) — — — — (30,287 ) Noncontrolling interests distributions — — — (22,416 ) — (22,416 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables (381,344 ) 660,911 (242,402 ) (25,605 ) (11,560 ) — Other, net (1,750 ) 288 (2,523 ) (2,184 ) 320 (5,849 ) Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities 3,138 606,949 (246,790 ) (163,794 ) (11,240 ) 188,263 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 413,533 1,598 6,211 — 421,342 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 232,297 10,675 17,012 — 259,984 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 645,830 $ 12,273 $ 23,223 $ — $ 681,326 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 (In thousands) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (11,784 ) $ (150,230 ) $ 721,991 $ 7,914 $ 23,875 $ 591,766 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (8,006 ) (82,450 ) (5,009 ) 1,000 (94,465 ) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — — (415,482 ) (10,375 ) — (425,857 ) Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts — — — (40,206 ) — (40,206 ) Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets — — 7,263 9,133 — 16,396 Investments in equity and cost method investees (2,945 ) (15,620 ) (27 ) (32,655 ) — (51,247 ) Other, net 1,714 (21,395 ) 3,985 5,072 — (10,624 ) Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities (1,231 ) (45,021 ) (486,711 ) (74,040 ) 1,000 (606,003 ) CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — 995,000 — 29,912 — 1,024,912 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases — (650,422 ) (1,633 ) (19,160 ) — (671,215 ) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (65,909 ) — — — — (65,909 ) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (136,283 ) — — — — (136,283 ) Payments for deferred financing costs — (15,430 ) — (251 ) — (15,681 ) Noncontrolling interest distributions — — — (10,464 ) — (10,464 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 218,054 (17,778 ) (224,551 ) 49,403 (25,128 ) — Other, net (2,847 ) 407 1,344 (268 ) 253 (1,111 ) Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities 13,015 311,777 (224,840 ) 49,172 (24,875 ) 124,249 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — 116,526 10,440 (16,954 ) — 110,012 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period — 115,771 235 33,966 — 149,972 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period $ — $ 232,297 $ 10,675 $ 17,012 $ — $ 259,984 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 ) $ (131,363 ) $ 530,768 $ (16,864 ) $ 24,145 $ 402,927 CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (6,605 ) (84,079 ) (2,586 ) 1,849 (91,421 ) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — — (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 (USED IN) FROM 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 ) Repurchases of outstanding Class A Common Stock (28,823 ) — — — — (28,823 ) Payments for deferred financing costs — (3,604 ) — (243 ) — (3,847 ) Noncontrolling interest distributions — — — (9,918 ) — (9,918 ) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 89,319 303,755 (452,897 ) 85,953 (26,130 ) — Other, net 1,926 (2,232 ) (1,207 ) (368 ) 136 (1,745 ) Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities (839 ) 264,790 (455,390 ) 98,107 (25,994 ) (119,326 ) 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

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI39

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 3/31/2017 6/30/2017 9/30/2017 12/31/2017 (a) Total revenues, net $ 649,935 $ 679,290 $ 670,891 $ 734,002 Operating income $ 157,629 $ 118,849 $ 103,447 $ 357,581 Net income $ 70,703 $ 46,035 $ 32,566 $ 444,800 Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 57,202 $ 44,645 $ 30,637 $ 443,529 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.62 $ 0.43 $ 0.30 $ 4.36 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.61 $ 0.43 $ 0.30 $ 4.32 (a) During the three months ended December 31, 2017, we recognized a gain of $225.3 million for vacating spectrum in certain markets as discussed in Broadcast Spectrum Auction under Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets ; and a non-recurring benefit of $272.1 million to reflect the estimated effect of the Tax Reform as discussed in Note 9. Income Taxes . For the Quarter Ended 3/31/2016 6/30/2016 9/30/2016 12/31/2016 Total revenues, net $ 578,889 $ 666,534 $ 693,835 $ 797,691 Operating income $ 86,339 $ 129,074 $ 153,994 $ 233,446 Net income $ 25,629 $ 50,600 $ 52,033 $ 122,500 Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 24,140 $ 49,419 $ 50,845 $ 120,897 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.25 $ 0.52 $ 0.54 $ 1.34 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.25 $ 0.52 $ 0.54 $ 1.32

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM40

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Nature of Operations (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017channelstationmarket
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of television stations owned | station	191
Number of markets | market	89
Number of channels | channel	601

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM41

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Variable Interest Entities, Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entities
Income from equity and cost method investments	$ (13,919)	$ 1,735	$ 964
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated | Minimum
Variable Interest Entities
Outsourcing agreement initial term	5 years
Consolidated VIEs | Eliminations
Variable Interest Entities
Liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options	$ 116,500	74,500
Consolidated VIEs | Cunningham | Eliminations
Variable Interest Entities
Total payments made under the LMA excluded from liabilities	44,000	40,800
Total capital leased assets excluded from VIE consolidation	4,500	4,500
VIEs which are not primary beneficiary
Variable Interest Entities
Carrying amount of investments in VIEs	115,700	117,000
Income from equity and cost method investments	$ (5,300)	$ 2,500	$ 7,700

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM42

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Variable Interest Entities Balance Sheet Disclosure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CURRENT ASSETS:
Accounts receivable		$ 566,464	$ 513,954
Other current assets		54,310	41,849
Total current assets		1,714,747	905,088
Program contract costs, less current portion		3,202	8,919
Property and equipment, net		738,298	717,576
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		1,801,670	1,944,403
Other assets		241,645	220,630
Total assets	[1]	6,784,470	5,963,168
Current liabilities:
Other current liabilities		194,897	133,193
Long-term liabilities
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		3,875,116	4,014,932
Program contracts payable, less current portion		41,909	53,836
Other long-term liabilities		79,009	76,493
Total liabilities	[1]	5,250,104	5,405,232
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated
CURRENT ASSETS:
Accounts receivable		19,566	21,879
Other current assets		8,937	12,076
Total current assets		28,503	33,955
Program contract costs, less current portion		822	2,468
Property and equipment, net		6,215	2,996
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets		15,064	16,475
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		74,442	79,509
Other assets		5,601	6,871
Total assets		130,647	142,274
Current liabilities:
Other current liabilities		23,564	18,992
Long-term liabilities
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		23,217	19,449
Program contracts payable, less current portion		11,213	14,353
Other long-term liabilities		650	12,921
Total liabilities		$ 58,644	$ 65,715
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $130.6 million and $142.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $27.0 million and $40.9 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 SUMM43

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Advertising barter transactions, advertising barter revenues and expenses	$ 97.9	$ 114.4	$ 93.2

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM44

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance at beginning of period	$ 2,124	$ 4,495	$ 4,246
Charged to expense	2,837	1,974	1,292
Net write-offs	(2,371)	(4,345)	(1,043)
Balance at end of period	$ 2,590	$ 2,124	$ 4,495

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM45

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Programming (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM46

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Other Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)investment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Other Assets
Total other assets	$ 241,645	$ 220,630
Unfunded commitments related to private equity investment funds	10,700	13,500
Impairment on investments	$ 3,300	2,500
Number of real estate investments impaired | investment	3
Other Assets
Other Assets
Equity and cost method investments	$ 184,255	168,572
Unamortized costs related to debt issuances	3,399	4,936
Deferred compensation plan assets	20,494	9,906
Other	33,497	37,216
Total other assets	$ 241,645	$ 220,630

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM47

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Compensation and employee health insurance	$ 87,003	$ 78,682
Interest	42,794	41,979
Deferred revenue	41,287	25,692
Deferred barter revenue	8,235	6,040
Programming related obligations	89,728	76,962
Other accruals relating to operating expenses	101,356	99,190
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 370,403	$ 328,545

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM48

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Supplemental Information - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Income taxes paid	$ 128,168	$ 108,347	$ 106,979
Income tax refunds	1,508	12,193	196
Interest paid	203,800	191,117	182,425
Non- cash transactions
Non-cash transaction property and equipment	$ 9,500	$ 5,900
Non-cash transactions related to capital lease obligations			$ 2,800

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM49

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Advertising Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Total advertising expenses	$ 20.6	$ 18.5	$ 23.9

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM50

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Post-retirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Post-retirement Benefits
Pension expense	$ 9,300
Unamortized actuarial loss	8,000
Liability related to underfunded status of defined benefit pension plan	$ 4,600
Future expected benefits payment
2,018		$ 1,714
2,019		1,630
2,020		1,561
2,021		1,495
2,022		1,364
Next 5 years		6,403
Fisher SERP | Fisher
Post-retirement Benefits
Estimated projected benefit obligation		21,500
Benefit payments		1,800	$ 1,700
Periodic pension expense		800	900
Actuarial gain		$ 1,000	$ 100
Discount rate for projected benefit obligation (as a percent)		3.46%	3.89%
Fisher SERP | Fisher | Accrued expenses
Post-retirement Benefits
Estimated projected benefit obligation		$ 1,700
Fisher SERP | Fisher | Other long-term liabilities
Post-retirement Benefits
Estimated projected benefit obligation		$ 19,800

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS51

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

Sep. 01, 2017USD ($)stationmarket

Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)

Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)station

Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)stationmarket

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)stationmarket

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)station

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)stationmarket

May 31, 2017stationmarket$ / sharesshares

Acquisitions

Cash paid

$ 15,500

$ 704,500

Working capital adjustment

$ 2,300

Number of television stations owned | station

191

191

191

Number of markets | market

89

89

89

Increase to goodwill

$ 307

$ 40

Amortization period, weighted average useful life

14 years

Number of businesses acquired | station

1

Acquisition costs related to legal and other professioanl services

$ 1,100

1,400

$ 500

Broadcast incentive auction proceeds

$ 310,800

Gain (loss) recognized on sale

$ 225,300

225,300

Deferred spectrum auction proceeds

84,341

84,341

0

$ 84,341

Number of stations assigned new channels | station

98

Total legislation funds to reimburse stations

$ 1,750,000

Bonten

Acquisitions

Cash paid

$ 240,000

Working capital adjustment

$ 1,100

Number of television stations owned | station

14,000

Number of markets | market

8,000

Number of stations to which sales services were provided | station

4,000

Increase to property and equipment

4,300

Increase to definite-lived intangible assets

4,000

Decrease to indefinite-lived intangible assets

(7,900)

Increase to other long term liabilities

(8,700)

Increase to goodwill

$ 8,700

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 161,900

Goodwill, expected tax deductible amount

5,600

Other Acquisitions

Acquisitions

Cash paid

27,000

Working capital adjustment

2,700

Tennis Channel

Acquisitions

Cash paid

$ 350,000

Working capital adjustment

4,100

Other Acquisitions In 2016

Acquisitions

Cash paid

72,000

Working capital adjustment

100

Tribune Media Company

Acquisitions

Number of television stations owned | station

42,000,000

Number of markets | market

33,000,000

Acquisition costs related to legal and other professioanl services

$ 20,500

Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Disposals in 2016

Acquisitions

Value of consideration given, non-cash

23,800

Gain on sale of broadcast assets

$ 4,400

Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Alarm Funding Associates

Acquisitions

Sales agreement price

$ 200,000

Working capital and transaction costs from sale

5,000

Gain recognized on sale of broadcast assets

53,000

Gain (loss) on disposal, attributable to non-controlling interest

$ 12,300

Network affiliations | Bonten

Acquisitions

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

53,300

Other intangible assets | Bonten

Acquisitions

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 108,600

Network Affiliations and Other Intangible Assets | Bonten

Acquisitions

Amortization period, weighted average useful life

14 years

Customer relationships | Tennis Channel

Acquisitions

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 272,700

Amortization period, weighted average useful life

15 years

Tribune Media Company, Stockholders | Tribune Media Company

Acquisitions

Share price, consideration transferred (in dollars per share) | $ / shares

$ 35

Class A Common Stock | Tribune Media Company, Stockholders | Tribune Media Company

Acquisitions

Share conversion rate, consideration transferred (in shares) | shares

0.23

FOX | Tribune Media Company

Acquisitions

Number of television stations owned | station

14

CW | Tribune Media Company

Acquisitions

Number of television stations owned | station

12

CBS | Tribune Media Company

Acquisitions

Number of television stations owned | station

6

ABC | Tribune Media Company

Acquisitions

Number of television stations owned | station

3

NBC | Tribune Media Company

Acquisitions

Number of television stations owned | station

2

MyNetworkTV | Tribune Media Company

Acquisitions

Number of television stations owned | station

3

Independent Station | Tribune Media Company

Acquisitions

Number of television stations owned | station

2

Scenario, Forecast

Acquisitions

Total capital expenditure

$ 69,000

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS52

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS - Fair Value of Acquired Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquisitions
Goodwill	$ 2,124,033		$ 1,990,746		$ 1,931,093
Bonten
Acquisitions
Accounts receivable		$ 14,665
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		633
Program contract costs		683
Property and equipment		27,295
Definite-lived intangible assets		161,936
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		425
Other assets		3,609
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(8,428)
Program contracts payable		(783)
Deferred tax liability		(66,158)
Other long term liabilities		(12,156)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		121,721
Goodwill		119,426
Total		$ 241,147
Tennis Channel
Acquisitions
Accounts receivable				$ 17,629
Prepaid expenses and other current assets				6,518
Property and equipment				5,964
Definite-lived intangible assets				272,686
Indefinite-lived intangible assets				23,400
Other assets				619
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				(7,414)
Capital leases				(115)
Deferred tax liability				(16,991)
Other long term liabilities				(1,669)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired				300,627
Goodwill				53,427
Total				$ 354,054

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS53

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS - Acquired Operations Included in the Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquisitions
Media revenues									$ 2,543,876	$ 2,499,549	$ 2,011,946
Operating income (loss)	$ 357,581	$ 103,447	$ 118,849	$ 157,629	$ 233,446	$ 153,994	$ 129,074	$ 86,339	737,506	602,853	422,736
Bonten
Acquisitions
Media revenues									30,907	0	0
Operating income (loss)									7,448	0	0
Tennis Channel
Acquisitions
Media revenues									132,584	84,040	0
Operating income (loss)									19,420	(1,990)	0
Other Acquisitions In 2017
Acquisitions
Media revenues									11,108	0	0
Operating income (loss)									(89)	0	0
Other Acquisitions In 2016
Acquisitions
Media revenues									66,698	49,186	0
Operating income (loss)									18,392	18,311	0
Other Acquisitions in 2015
Acquisitions
Media revenues									2,102	2,676	1,007
Operating income (loss)									158	646	426
Total Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Media revenues									243,399	135,902	1,007
Operating income (loss)									$ 45,329	$ 16,967	$ 426

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS54

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS - Pro Forma Results (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pro Forma Information
Total revenues	$ 2,790,793	$ 2,835,174	$ 2,310,392
Net Income	597,370	253,374	168,364
Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 579,279	$ 247,913	$ 163,789
Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)	$ 5.80	$ 2.65	$ 1.72
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)	$ 5.75	$ 2.63	$ 1.71

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN55

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Options outstanding (in shares)	375,000
Weighted average exercise price of options (in dollars per share)	$ 31.08
Weighted average remaining contractual life of options	8 years
Aggregate intrinsic value of options	$ 2.5
Stock Based Compensation Plans
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$ 18.5	$ 16.9	$ 18
ESPP
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Number of shares reserved for award (in shares)	3,200,000
Compensation expense	$ 1	0.9	0.7
Number of shares available for future grant (in shares)	850,876
ESPP | 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	$ 3.2	2.8	5.3
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 2
Unrestricted shares granted (in shares)	103,955
Stock Grants | Non Employee Director
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$ 0.7	$ 0.6	$ 0.6
Unrestricted shares granted (in shares)	20,000	20,000	20,000
SARs
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$ 6.6	$ 4	$ 2.6
SARs term	10 years
SAR's outstanding (in shares)	2,610,000	2,310,000
SAR's outstanding intrinsic value	$ 38.6
SAR's remaining contractual life	6 years 110 days
Stock Options
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$ 0	$ 0.4	0.8
401 (K) Plan
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense relating to match	$ 7.3	6.9	6.2
Number of shares reserved for matches (in shares)	3,000,000
Number of shares available for future grants (in shares)	242,951
Subsidiary Stock Awards
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$ 0	$ 1.3	$ 1.8
Class A Common Stock | LTIP
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Number of shares reserved for award (in shares)	14,000,000
Number of shares (including forfeited shares) available for future grants	6,487,654
Award Date, 2017 | RSAs | 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%
Award Date, 2016 | RSAs | 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%
Award Date, 2015 | RSAs | 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-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN56

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Changes in Unvested Restricted Stock (Details) - RSAs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
RSAs
Unvested shares at the beginning of the period (in shares) | shares	146,975
Granted (in shares) | shares	103,955
Vested (in shares) | shares	(98,750)
Unvested shares at the end of the period (in shares) | shares	152,180
Weighted-Average Price
Unvested shares at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 29.18
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	33.80
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	28.09
Unvested shares at the end of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 33.04

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN57

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Summary of SAR Activity (Details) - SARs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Stock Grants and SARs
Outstanding at the beginning of the year (in shares) | shares	2,310,000
Granted (in shares) | shares	500,000
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(200,000)
Outstanding at the end of the year (in shares) | shares	2,610,000
Weighted-Average Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 19.23
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	35.70
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	15.78
Outstanding at the end of the year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 22.65

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN58

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Inputs to Model the Value of Options Granted (Details) - Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) And Employee Stock Option	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assumptions used in valuation
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	2.10%
Expected years to exercise	5 years	5 years	5 years
Expected volatility (as a percent)	37.00%
Annual dividend yield (as a percent)	2.00%	2.10%
Minimum
Assumptions used in valuation
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)		1.20%	1.30%
Expected volatility (as a percent)		37.50%	42.10%
Annual dividend yield (as a percent)			2.00%
Maximum
Assumptions used in valuation
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)		1.90%	1.90%
Expected volatility (as a percent)		42.10%	47.00%
Annual dividend yield (as a percent)			2.70%

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,486,637	$ 1,402,735
Less: accumulated depreciation	(748,339)	(685,159)
Total property and equipment, net	738,298	717,576
Capital lease depreciation expense	4,200	4,200	$ 3,900
Land and improvements
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	77,487	73,124
Real estate held for development and sale
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	87,056	90,087
Buildings and improvements
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 260,470	239,603
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	$ 779,779	702,004
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	$ 109,632	101,252
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	$ 25,120	24,762
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	$ 63,513	56,507
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	$ 53,005	84,516
Construction in progress
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 30,575	$ 30,880

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED IN60

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Change in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill, net	$ 1,990,746	$ 1,931,093
Acquisitions	133,392	65,053
Measurement period adjustments related to prior year acquisitions	307	40
Disposition of assets	(412)	(5,440)
Goodwill, net	2,124,033	1,990,746
VIEs which are not primary beneficiary
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill, net	800
Goodwill, net	800	800
Broadcast
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill, net	1,933,831	1,927,605
Acquisitions	119,426	11,626
Measurement period adjustments related to prior year acquisitions	153	40
Disposition of assets	0	(5,440)
Goodwill, net	2,053,410	1,933,831
Other
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill, net	56,915	3,488
Acquisitions	13,966	53,427
Measurement period adjustments related to prior year acquisitions	154	0
Disposition of assets	(412)	0
Goodwill, net	$ 70,623	$ 56,915

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED IN61

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Broadcast Licenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Beginning balance	$ 156,306	$ 132,465
Acquisitions	4,476	25,806
Disposition of assets	(1,411)	(1,965)
Ending balance	159,371	156,306
Consolidated VIEs
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Beginning balance	15,700
Ending balance	14,300	15,700
Broadcast
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Beginning balance	132,906	132,465
Acquisitions	425	2,406
Disposition of assets	(1,411)	(1,965)
Ending balance	131,920	132,906
Other
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Beginning balance	23,400	0
Acquisitions	4,051	23,400
Disposition of assets	0	0
Ending balance	$ 27,451	$ 23,400

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED IN62

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amortized intangible assets:
Goodwill	$ 2,124,033,000	$ 1,990,746,000	$ 1,931,093,000
Accumulated goodwill impairment	413,573,000	413,600,000
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	0	0
Amortization period, weighted average useful life	14 years
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	$ 178,822,000	183,795,000	$ 161,454,000
Minimum
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortization period	5 years
Maximum
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortization period	25 years
Broadcast licenses
Amortized intangible assets:
Impairment charge	$ 0	$ 0

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED IN63

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Definite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,726,624	$ 2,744,295
Accumulated Amortization	(924,954)	(799,892)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,801,670	1,944,403
Assets acquired in acquisition	4,476	25,806
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
For the year ended December 31, 2018	174,398
For the year ended December 31, 2019	173,594
For the year ended December 31, 2020	173,061
For the year ended December 31, 2021	172,043
For the year ended December 31, 2022	168,297
Thereafter	940,277
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,801,670	1,944,403
Network affiliations
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	1,451,663	1,398,451
Accumulated Amortization	(514,575)	(427,484)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	937,088	970,967
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	937,088	970,967
Customer relationships
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	1,229,006	1,102,591
Accumulated Amortization	(373,966)	(294,114)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	855,040	808,477
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	855,040	808,477
Other intangible assets
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	45,955	243,253
Accumulated Amortization	(36,413)	(78,294)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	9,542	164,959
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 9,542	$ 164,959

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 64

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Schedule of Notes Payable, Capital Leases and Commercial Bank Financing (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital leases	$ 31,696	$ 33,280
Total outstanding principal	4,073,545	4,229,512
Less: Deferred financing costs and discount	(39,047)	(43,449)
Less: Current portion	(159,382)	(171,131)
Long-term debt	3,875,116	4,014,932
Debt of variable interest entities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount	29,614	23,198
Debt of other non-media related subsidiaries
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount	25,238	135,211
Term Loan | Term Loan A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount	117,370	141,436
Term Loan | Term Loan A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount	113,327	130,762
Term Loan | Term Loan B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount	$ 1,356,300	$ 1,365,625
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%	5.375%
Outstanding debt amount	$ 600,000	$ 600,000
Senior Notes | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%	6.125%
Outstanding debt amount	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.625%
Outstanding debt amount	$ 550,000	$ 550,000
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%	5.875%
Outstanding debt amount	$ 350,000	$ 350,000
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%	5.125%	5.125%
Outstanding debt amount	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent redeemable	35.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent redeemable	100.00%

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 65

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Schedule of Indebtedness Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	$ 162,142
2,019	40,692
2,020	46,564
2,021	686,802
2,022	526,187
2023 and thereafter	2,627,738
Net carrying value of debt	4,090,125
Less: Deferred financing costs and discount	(39,047)	$ (43,449)
Less: Amount representing future interest	16,580
Net carrying value of debt	4,034,498
Capital Leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	5,010
2,019	5,116
2,020	4,877
2,021	4,875
2,022	4,752
2023 and thereafter	23,646
Net carrying value of debt	48,276
Less: Amount representing future interest	16,580
Net carrying value of debt	31,696
Notes and Bank Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	157,132
2,019	35,576
2,020	41,687
2,021	681,927
2,022	521,435
2023 and thereafter	2,604,092
Net carrying value of debt	4,041,849
Less: Deferred financing costs and discount	(39,047)
Net carrying value of debt	$ 4,002,802

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 66

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Additional Debt Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 03, 2017	Jul. 19, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 212,315	$ 211,143	$ 191,447
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts	7,700	10,800	9,700
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, net	39,047	43,449
Bank Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs related to amendment	$ 500	$ 2,000	$ 3,600
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, net				$ 11,600	$ 2,700

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 67

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Stated and Weighted Average Effective Interest Rates (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 30, 2016
Term Loan | Term Loan A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	3.29%	2.74%
Term Loan | Term Loan A-1 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.25%
Term Loan | Term Loan A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	3.30%	2.82%
Term Loan | Term Loan A-2 | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unrestricted cash first lien indebtedness ratio	1.5
Term Loan | Term Loan A-2 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.25%
Term Loan | Term Loan A-2 | LIBOR | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.00%
Term Loan | Term Loan B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	3.32%	3.53%
Term Loan | Term Loan B | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.25%
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%	5.375%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	5.58%	5.58%
Senior Notes | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%	6.125%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	6.31%	6.31%
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.625%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	5.83%	5.83%
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%	5.875%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	6.09%	6.09%
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%	5.125%	5.125%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	5.33%	5.33%
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	0.00%	2.98%
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 485,200,000	$ 485,200,000
Aggregate borrowings outstanding	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of credit | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Undrawn commitments fees (as a percent)	0.25%
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of credit | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unrestricted cash first lien indebtedness ratio	3
Undrawn commitments fees (as a percent)	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of credit | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.20%
Letter of Credit | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate borrowings outstanding	$ 800,000	$ 1,900,000

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 68

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Bank Credit Agreement Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 03, 2017	Jul. 19, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, net				$ 39,047	$ 43,449
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt				$ (1,404)	$ (23,699)	$ 0
Threshold percentage of aggregate broadcast cash flows used for defining material third-party licensees				20.00%
Bank Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, net	$ 11,600	$ 2,700
Amortization of financing costs	7,700	$ 300
Unamortized debt discount	3,400
Debt issuance costs	$ 500
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt			$ (1,400)

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 69

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Senior Unsecured Notes, Debt of Variable Interest Entities and Other Non-Media Subsidiaries (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 15, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt			$ (1,404)	$ (23,699)	$ 0
Debt of variable interest entities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 29,614	$ 23,198
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)			3.59%	3.31%
Debt of other non-media related subsidiaries
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 25,238	$ 135,211
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)			4.31%	6.41%
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)			6.50%
Senior Notes | 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%
Outstanding debt amount	$ 350,000
Extinguishment of debt amount	$ 377,200
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt		$ (23,700)
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost		3,900
Prepayment penalty		$ 19,800
LIBOR | Debt of variable interest entities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)			2.50%
LIBOR | Debt of other non-media related subsidiaries
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)			3.60%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent redeemable			35.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent redeemable			100.00%

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 70

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Capital Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 03, 2017	Jul. 19, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 212,315	$ 211,143	$ 191,447
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts	7,700	10,800	9,700
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, net	$ 39,047	43,449
Tower leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital leases, term	15 years
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
Bank Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs related to amendment	$ 500	$ 2,000	$ 3,600
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, net				$ 11,600	$ 2,700

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL 71

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Commitment Letters and Incremental Term B Facility related to Tribune Acquisition (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 30, 2016
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%			5.125%	5.125%
Tribune Media Company | Extended Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		9 years
Tribune Media Company | Senior Notes | Senior Notes 5.875 Percent Due 2022, Tribune Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.875%
Consent fee			$ 8,300,000
Secured Debt | New Term B Loans, Maturing 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ticking fee rate, for 30-60 days	1.25%
Ticking fee rate for 61-120 days	2.50%
Secured Debt | Tribune Media Company | Incremental Term B Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		7 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 3,747,000,000
Secured Debt | Tribune Media Company | New Term B Loans, Maturing 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 3,700,000,000
Bridge Loan | Tribune Media Company | Bridge Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term		1 year
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 785,000,000
Line of credit | Tribune Media Company | Incremental Revolving Commitments
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 225,000,000
LIBOR | Secured Debt | New Term B Loans, Maturing 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.50%
Ticking fee rate margin after 120 days	2.50%

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Details)

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Future payments required under program contracts
2,018	$ 108,053
2,019	16,040
2,020	12,639
2,021	8,885
2,022	4,345
Total	149,962
Less: Current portion	(108,053)	$ (109,702)
Long-term portion of program contracts payable	$ 41,909	$ 53,836
Lag period for film payments	3 months
Program contract payments due in arrears	$ 29,500
Non-cancelable commitments for future program rights	$ 130,500

COMMON STOCK (Details)

COMMON STOCK (Details)

Mar. 15, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares

Sep. 06, 2016USD ($)

Feb. 28, 2018$ / shares

Nov. 30, 2017$ / shares

Aug. 31, 2017$ / shares

May 31, 2017$ / shares

Feb. 28, 2017$ / shares

Nov. 30, 2016$ / shares

Aug. 31, 2016$ / shares

May 31, 2016$ / shares

Feb. 28, 2015$ / shares

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)vote$ / sharesshares

Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares

Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares

Aug. 30, 2016

Mar. 20, 2014USD ($)

Common Stock

Quarterly dividend declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares

$ 0.18

$ 0.18

$ 0.18

$ 0.18

$ 0.18

$ 0.18

$ 0.18

$ 0.165

$ 0.72

$ 0.71

$ 0.66

Dividend paid (in dollars per share) | $ / shares

$ 0.72

$ 0.705

Share repurchase program, authorized amount

$ 150,000,000

Additional authorized repurchase amount

$ 150,000,000

Subsequent Event

Common Stock

Quarterly dividend declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares

$ 0.18

Class A Common Stock

Common Stock

Number of votes holders of common stock are entitled for each share held | vote

1

Number of shares repurchased (in shares) | shares

1,000,000

Value of shares repurchased, gross

$ 30,300,000

Total remaining authorization amount

$ 88,800,000

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

257,673

Senior Notes | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022

Common Stock

Interest rate (as a percent)

6.125%

6.125%

Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026

Common Stock

Interest rate (as a percent)

5.875%

5.875%

Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021

Common Stock

Interest rate (as a percent)

5.375%

5.375%

Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027

Common Stock

Interest rate (as a percent)

5.125%

5.125%

5.125%

Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes. due 2024

Common Stock

Interest rate (as a percent)

5.625%

Bank Credit Agreement | First Lien Indebtedness Ratio, 3.75 | Maximum

Common Stock

Unrestricted cash first lien indebtedness ratio

3.75

Bank Credit Agreement | First Lien Indebtedness Ratio, 3.75-4.25

Common Stock

Unrestricted cash first lien indebtedness ratio

4.25

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

Public Offering | Class A Common Stock

Common Stock

Number of shares issued in public offering (in shares) | shares

12,000,000

Price per share in public offering (in dollars per share) | $ / shares

$ 42

Net proceeds from public offering

$ 0

INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Prov

INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current provision for income taxes:
Federal	$ 77,477	$ 113,737	$ 80,420
State	6,625	2,273	5,720
Current income tax expense (benefit)	84,102	116,010	86,140
Deferred (benefit) provision for income taxes:
Federal	(196,468)	8,555	(26,637)
State	37,006	(2,437)	(1,809)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(159,462)	6,118	(28,446)
Provision for income taxes	$ (75,360)	$ 122,128	$ 57,694

INCOME TAXES - Federal Tax Rate

INCOME TAXES - Federal Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent [Abstract]
Federal tax reform (as a percent)		(54.30%)	0.00%	0.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (as a percent)		5.00%	0.20%	0.60%
Non-deductible items (as a percent)		1.50%	1.00%	1.20%
Domestic production activities deduction (as a percent)		(1.70%)	(3.40%)	(3.90%)
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (as a percent)		0.50%	0.30%	(1.90%)
Basis in stock subsidiaries (as a percent)		0.00%	0.00%	(5.50%)
Federal tax credits (as a percent)		(2.20%)	(0.40%)	(1.10%)
Other (as a percent)		1.10%	0.60%	0.80%
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)		(15.10%)	33.30%	25.20%
Federal tax reform	$ 272.1	$ 272.1
Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations		0.1	$ 1	$ 5.7
Tax benefit realized, sale of stock of subsidiary				12.6
Benefit from investment tax credits		8.3
Benefit from research tax credits		$ 2.5	$ 1.6	$ 1.1

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Taxes T

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Taxes Temporary Difference (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net operating and capital losses:
Federal	$ 34,861	$ 68,455
State	75,754	63,630
Goodwill and intangible assets	14,389	28,879
Other	33,462	44,873
Deferred tax assets, Gross	158,466	205,837
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(62,865)	(51,846)	$ (58,300)
Total deferred tax assets	95,601	153,991
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Goodwill and intangible assets	(514,776)	(650,139)
Property & equipment, net	(80,630)	(80,950)
Other	(15,431)	(32,219)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(610,837)	(763,308)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (515,236)	$ (609,317)

INCOME TAXES - Unrecognized Tax

INCOME TAXES - Unrecognized Tax Benefit Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 4,739	$ 3,257	$ 7,138
Additions related to prior year tax positions	2,019	420	1,458
Additions related to current year tax positions	610	2,053	472
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities	(131)	0	(1,517)
Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations	0	(991)	(4,294)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 7,237	$ 4,739	$ 3,257

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Detai

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	$ (11,100)	$ (6,500)	$ (600)
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	62,865	$ 51,846	$ 58,300
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible	$ 2,000

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Litigation (Details)	Dec. 21, 2017
Unfavorable Regulatory Action
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Proposed fine	13.4

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES80

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Leases
Rent expense from continuing operations under leases	$ 28,700	$ 26,000	$ 21,700
Future minimum payments under the leases
2,018	25,115
2,019	24,015
2,020	21,209
2,021	19,101
2,022	17,856
2023 and thereafter	90,832
Total	$ 198,128
Minimum
Operating Leases
Operating leases term	1 year
Maximum
Operating Leases
Operating leases term	40 years

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES81

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Changes in the Rules on Television Ownership (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)station	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)station	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 06, 2016station
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency period for ongoing compliance monitoring	36 months
Revenue | $		$ 734,002	$ 670,891	$ 679,290	$ 649,935	$ 797,691	$ 693,835	$ 666,534	$ 578,889	$ 2,734,118	$ 2,736,949	$ 2,219,136
FCC nation ownership cap, % of domestic households reached													39.00%
Number of television stations owned		191								191
LMA
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of separately owned television stations having programming agreement										2
Number of stations that programs substantial portions of the broadcast day and sells advertising time to programming segments										1
JSA
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Revenue | $										$ 63,200	$ 58,600	$ 46,800
FCC Consent Decree Settlement
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned													34
Loss contingency, % of domestic households reached, UHR discount applied													25.00%

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - T

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Transactions With Our Controlling Shareholders (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related person transactions
Capital lease payable, interest	$ (16,580)
Leased assets or facilities | Entities owned by the controlling shareholders
Related person transactions
Amount paid	5,100	$ 5,100	$ 5,100
Capital Leases | Entities owned by the controlling shareholders
Related person transactions
Capital leases payable	14,152
Capital leases payable, net of interest		17,800
Capital lease payable, interest	(4,926)	(6,400)
Charter Aircraft | Controlling shareholders
Related person transactions
Aircraft expense	$ 1,900	$ 1,400	$ 1,400

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - S

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Schedule of Future Minimum Capital Lease Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related person transactions
Less: Amount representing interest	$ (16,580)
Less: Current portion	(1,667)	$ (3,604)
Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion	12,485	14,181
Entities owned by the controlling shareholders | Capital Leases
Related person transactions
2,018	2,834
2,019	2,978
2,020	3,093
2,021	3,046
2,022	2,441
2023 and thereafter	4,686
Total minimum payments due	19,078
Less: Amount representing interest	(4,926)	$ (6,400)
Total capital leases payable	14,152
Less: Current portion	(1,667)
Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion	$ 12,485

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - C

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)renewal	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Related person transactions
Revenue				$ 734,002	$ 670,891	$ 679,290	$ 649,935	$ 797,691	$ 693,835	$ 666,534	$ 578,889		$ 2,734,118	$ 2,736,949	$ 2,219,136
Cunningham
Related person transactions
Promissory note receivable			$ 19,500
LMA | Cunningham
Related person transactions
Payments to related party													9,100	8,900	8,800
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | Cunningham
Related person transactions
Amount received													22,300	5,400	5,800
Revenue													$ 124,800	$ 114,900	$ 109,500
Cunningham | Cunningham License Related Assets
Related person transactions
Agreement renewal period												8 years
Cunningham | Affiliates
Related person transactions
Percentage of the total capital stock held in the related party, none of which have voting rights				100.00%									100.00%
Remaining purchase price				$ 53,600									$ 53,600
Purchase options broadcast stations				$ 200									200
Interest income													$ 1,000
Equipment purchase agreement, consideration amount		$ 700
Equipment purchase agreement, annual service consideration		$ 200
Share service agreement, annual service consideration	$ 1,000
Cunningham | LMA | Affiliates
Related person transactions
Number of additional renewal terms | renewal													2
Agreement renewal period													5 years
Cunningham | Minimum | LMA | Affiliates
Related person transactions
Percentage of net broadcast revenue used to determine annual LMA fees required to be paid				3.00%									3.00%
Amount used to determine annual LMA fees required to be paid				$ 4,700									$ 4,700
Annual increase in aggregate purchase price (as a percent)				6.00%									6.00%
Guarantee Obligations | Cunningham | Affiliates
Related person transactions
Unconditional and irrevocably guaranteed debt				$ 45,000									$ 45,000
Consolidated VIEs | Cunningham | Affiliates
Related person transactions
Long-term debt				$ 11,900									$ 11,900

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - A

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Atlantic Automotive Corporation and Leased Property by Real Estate Venture (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)real_estate_venture	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Advertising time | Atlantic Automotive
Related person transactions
Amount received	$ 0.6	$ 0.6	$ 0.4
Leased assets or facilities | Atlantic Automotive
Related person transactions
Amount received	$ 0.4	1.1	1.2
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	$ 0.5	0.7	0.6
Number of real estate ventures | real_estate_venture	1
Amount paid	$ 0.1	0.1	0.1
Real Estate Ventures In Towson M D | Leased assets or facilities | Chief Executive Officer
Related person transactions
Amount received	$ 0.1	$ 0.4	$ 0.3

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - O

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Other Transactions With Equity Method Investees (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
120 Sports LLC
Related person transactions
Equity method investments	$ 20

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income (Numerator)
Net income	$ 444,800	$ 32,566	$ 46,035	$ 70,703	$ 122,500	$ 52,033	$ 50,600	$ 25,629	$ 594,104	$ 250,762	$ 176,099
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									(18,091)	(5,461)	(4,575)
Numerator for diluted earnings available to common shareholders									$ 576,013	$ 245,301	$ 171,524
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)									99,844	93,567	95,003
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock settled appreciation rights and stock options									945	866	725
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)									100,789	94,433	95,728
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation
Antidilutive dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)									500	600	100

SEGMENT DATA - Segment Financia

SEGMENT DATA - Segment Financial Information (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)market	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)market	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of markets | market		89								89
Intercompany loans		$ 159,800				$ 233,300				$ 159,800	$ 233,300
Intercompany interest expense										18,500	24,400	$ 23,100
Segment data
Revenue		734,002	$ 670,891	$ 679,290	$ 649,935	797,691	$ 693,835	$ 666,534	$ 578,889	2,734,118	2,736,949	2,219,136
Depreciation of property and equipment										97,103	98,529	103,433
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										178,822	183,795	161,454
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments										115,523	127,880	124,619
General and administrative overhead expenses										113,253	73,556	64,246
Research and development										10,000	4,085	12,436
Operating income		357,581	$ 103,447	$ 118,849	$ 157,629	233,446	$ 153,994	$ 129,074	$ 86,339	737,506	602,853	422,736
Interest expense										212,315	211,143	191,447
Income from equity and cost method investments										(13,919)	1,735	964
Goodwill		2,124,033				1,990,746				2,124,033	1,990,746	1,931,093
Assets	[1]	6,784,470				5,963,168				6,784,470	5,963,168
Capital expenditures										83,812	94,465	91,421
Broadcast
Segment data
Goodwill		2,053,410				1,933,831				2,053,410	1,933,831	1,927,605
Other operating divisions segment
Segment data
Goodwill		70,623				56,915				70,623	56,915	3,488
Operating segments | Broadcast
Segment data
Revenue										2,490,528	2,530,510	2,118,021
Depreciation of property and equipment										88,751	91,573	99,616
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										155,640	155,479	152,049
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments										115,523	127,880	124,619
General and administrative overhead expenses										101,680	67,035	55,848
Research and development										0	0	0
Operating income										724,110	639,422	451,015
Interest expense										5,285	5,641	0
Income from equity and cost method investments										0	0	0
Goodwill		2,053,410				1,933,831				2,053,410	1,933,831
Assets		5,267,986				4,815,633				5,267,986	4,815,633
Capital expenditures										63,163	78,909
Operating segments | Other operating divisions segment
Segment data
Revenue										243,590	206,439	101,115
Depreciation of property and equipment										7,368	5,772	2,753
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										23,182	28,316	9,405
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments										0	0	0
General and administrative overhead expenses										1,009	2,459	2,952
Research and development										10,000	4,085	12,436
Operating income										24,943	(31,258)	(21,800)
Interest expense										1,835	6,371	4,955
Income from equity and cost method investments										(13,664)	1,735	964
Goodwill		70,623				56,915				70,623	56,915
Assets		769,919				866,845				769,919	866,845
Capital expenditures										5,546	8,084
Corporate
Segment data
Revenue										0	0	0
Depreciation of property and equipment										984	1,184	1,064
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										10,564	4,062	5,446
Research and development										0	0	0
Operating income										(11,547)	(5,311)	(6,479)
Interest expense										205,195	199,131	186,492
Income from equity and cost method investments										(255)	0	$ 0
Goodwill		0				0				0	0
Assets		$ 746,565				$ 280,690				746,565	280,690
Capital expenditures										$ 15,103	$ 7,472
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $130.6 million and $142.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $27.0 million and $40.9 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, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 30, 2016
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, net	$ 39,047	$ 43,449
Debt of variable interest entities | Level 2 | Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	29,614	23,198
Debt of variable interest entities | Level 2 | Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	29,614	23,198
Debt of other non-media related subsidiaries | Level 2 | Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	25,238	135,211
Debt of other non-media related subsidiaries | Level 2 | Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 25,238	$ 135,211
Senior Notes | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%	6.125%
Senior Notes | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 | Level 2 | Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%
Senior Notes | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 | Level 2 | Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 515,535	$ 521,240
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%	5.875%
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 | Level 2 | Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 350,000	$ 350,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 | Level 2 | Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 363,475	351,456
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.625%
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 | Level 2 | Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 550,000	550,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.625%
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 | Level 2 | Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 568,205	$ 562,755
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%	5.375%
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 | Level 2 | Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 600,000	$ 600,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 | Level 2 | Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 610,440	$ 617,892
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%	5.125%	5.125%
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 | Level 2 | Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 | Level 2 | Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 396,088	382,028
Term Loan | Term Loan A-1 | Level 2 | Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	117,370	141,436
Term Loan | Term Loan A-1 | Level 2 | Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	117,370	141,082
Term Loan | Term Loan A-2 | Level 2 | Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	113,327	130,762
Term Loan | Term Loan A-2 | Level 2 | Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	113,327	130,435
Term Loan | Term Loan B | Level 2 | Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	1,356,300	1,365,625
Term Loan | Term Loan B | Level 2 | Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument	$ 1,357,995	$ 1,364,841

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANC90

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Aug. 30, 2016	Aug. 15, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Consolidated total debt	$ 4,048.7
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Amount of debt guaranteed by parent	4,022.8
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Amount of debt guaranteed by parent	$ 3,977.8
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%	5.375%
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%
Senior Notes | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.625%
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.625%
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Notes, due | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.625%
Senior Notes | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%	6.125%
Senior Notes | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%
Senior Notes | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.125%
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%	5.875%
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%	5.125%	5.125%
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%
Senior Notes | 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)				6.375%
Senior Notes | 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%
Senior Notes | 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANC91

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 681,326	$ 259,984	$ 149,972	$ 17,682	$ 17,682
Restricted cash, current		313,110	200
Accounts and other receivables		566,464	513,954
Other current assets		153,847	131,150
Total current assets		1,714,747	905,088
Property and equipment, net		738,298	717,576
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Other long-term assets		246,351	249,049
Goodwill		2,124,033	1,990,746	1,931,093
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		159,371	156,306
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		1,801,670	1,944,403
Total assets	[1]	6,784,470	5,963,168
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		370,403	328,545
Current portion of long-term debt		159,382	171,131
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		1,667	3,604
Other current liabilities		194,897	133,193
Total current liabilities		726,349	636,473
Long-term debt		3,875,116	4,014,932
Affiliate long-term debt		12,485	14,181
Other liabilities		636,154	739,646
Total liabilities	[1]	5,250,104	5,405,232
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		1,568,738	587,983
Noncontrolling interests		(34,372)	(30,047)
Total liabilities and equity		6,784,470	5,963,168
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		0	0	0		0
Restricted cash, current		0
Accounts and other receivables		0	0
Other current assets		3,034	5,561
Total current assets		3,034	5,561
Property and equipment, net		829	1,820
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		1,537,337	551,250
Other long-term assets		31,757	46,586
Goodwill		0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		0	0
Total assets		1,572,957	605,217
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		1,100	100
Current portion of long-term debt		0	0
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		0	1,857
Other current liabilities		0	0
Total current liabilities		1,100	1,957
Long-term debt		0	0
Affiliate long-term debt		0	0
Other liabilities		3,119	15,277
Total liabilities		4,219	17,234
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		1,568,738	587,983
Noncontrolling interests		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		1,572,957	605,217
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		645,830	232,297	115,771		3,394
Restricted cash, current		0
Accounts and other receivables		0	0
Other current assets		5,758	3,143
Total current assets		651,588	235,440
Property and equipment, net		31,111	17,925
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		4,116,241	3,614,605
Other long-term assets		770,312	819,506
Goodwill		0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		0	0
Total assets		5,569,252	4,687,476
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		84,326	69,118
Current portion of long-term debt		148,505	55,501
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		0	0
Other current liabilities		0	0
Total current liabilities		232,831	124,619
Long-term debt		3,799,987	3,939,463
Affiliate long-term debt		0	0
Other liabilities		38,282	31,817
Total liabilities		4,071,100	4,095,899
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		1,498,152	591,577
Noncontrolling interests		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		5,569,252	4,687,476
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		12,273	10,675	235		1,749
Restricted cash, current		311,110
Accounts and other receivables		530,273	478,190
Other current assets		145,637	124,313
Total current assets		999,293	613,178
Property and equipment, net		586,950	570,289
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		4,179	4,179
Other long-term assets		104,363	103,808
Goodwill		2,120,166	1,986,467
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		145,073	140,597
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		1,781,045	1,770,512
Total assets		5,741,069	5,189,030
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		261,266	231,640
Current portion of long-term debt		2,103	1,851
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		1,342	1,514
Other current liabilities		180,616	121,972
Total current liabilities		445,327	356,977
Long-term debt		28,493	31,014
Affiliate long-term debt		11,237	12,663
Other liabilities		1,141,266	1,190,717
Total liabilities		1,626,323	1,591,371
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		4,114,746	3,597,659
Noncontrolling interests		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		5,741,069	5,189,030
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		23,223	17,012	33,966		12,539
Restricted cash, current		2,000
Accounts and other receivables		36,191	37,024
Other current assets		9,687	25,406
Total current assets		71,101	79,442
Property and equipment, net		132,010	131,326
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Other long-term assets		208,367	169,817
Goodwill		3,867	4,279
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		14,298	15,709
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		77,944	233,368
Total assets		507,587	633,941
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		36,029	48,860
Current portion of long-term debt		8,774	113,779
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		871	2,336
Other current liabilities		14,281	13,545
Total current liabilities		59,955	178,520
Long-term debt		46,636	44,455
Affiliate long-term debt		334,491	396,957
Other liabilities		187,569	183,418
Total liabilities		628,651	803,350
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		(82,051)	(134,991)
Noncontrolling interests		(39,013)	(34,418)
Total liabilities and equity		507,587	633,941
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		0	0	$ 0		$ 0
Restricted cash, current		0
Accounts and other receivables		0	(1,260)
Other current assets		(10,269)	(27,273)
Total current assets		(10,269)	(28,533)
Property and equipment, net		(12,602)	(3,784)
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		(5,657,757)	(4,170,034)
Other long-term assets		(868,448)	(890,668)
Goodwill		0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		(57,319)	(59,477)
Total assets		(6,606,395)	(5,152,496)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(12,318)	(21,173)
Current portion of long-term debt		0	0
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		(546)	(2,103)
Other current liabilities		0	(2,324)
Total current liabilities		(12,864)	(25,600)
Long-term debt		0	0
Affiliate long-term debt		(333,243)	(395,439)
Other liabilities		(734,082)	(681,583)
Total liabilities		(1,080,189)	(1,102,622)
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		(5,530,847)	(4,054,245)
Noncontrolling interests		4,641	4,371
Total liabilities and equity		$ (6,606,395)	$ (5,152,496)
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $130.6 million and $142.3 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $27.0 million and $40.9 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 FINANC92

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 734,002	$ 670,891	$ 679,290	$ 649,935	$ 797,691	$ 693,835	$ 666,534	$ 578,889	$ 2,734,118	$ 2,736,949	$ 2,219,136
Media production expenses									1,063,074	953,089	733,199
Selling, general and administrative									646,790	575,145	495,974
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									286,748	605,862	567,227
Total operating expenses									1,996,612	2,134,096	1,796,400
Operating income	357,581	103,447	118,849	157,629	233,446	153,994	129,074	86,339	737,506	602,853	422,736
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Interest expense									(212,315)	(211,143)	(191,447)
Other income (expense)									(6,447)	(18,820)	2,504
Total other expense									(218,762)	(229,963)	(188,943)
Income tax benefit (provision)									75,360	(122,128)	(57,694)
NET INCOME									594,104	250,762	176,099
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									(18,091)	(5,461)	(4,575)
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 443,529	$ 30,637	$ 44,645	$ 57,202	$ 120,897	$ 50,845	$ 49,419	$ 24,140	576,013	245,301	171,524
Comprehensive income (loss)									593,488	250,789	181,720
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
Media production expenses									0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative									9,204	4,062	4,441
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									984	1,064	1,065
Total operating expenses									10,188	5,126	5,506
Operating income									(10,188)	(5,126)	(5,506)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									579,954	244,580	170,104
Interest expense									(88)	(238)	(382)
Other income (expense)									1,678	3,613	4,765
Total other expense									581,544	247,955	174,487
Income tax benefit (provision)									4,657	2,472	2,543
NET INCOME									576,013	245,301	171,524
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group									576,013	245,301	171,524
Comprehensive income (loss)									593,488	250,789	181,720
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
Media production expenses									0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative									102,930	70,503	58,543
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									6,250	7,331	3,779
Total operating expenses									109,180	77,834	62,322
Operating income									(109,180)	(77,834)	(62,322)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									793,620	463,598	343,183
Interest expense									(205,107)	(198,893)	(180,166)
Other income (expense)									5,077	(22,867)	(151)
Total other expense									593,590	241,838	162,866
Income tax benefit (provision)									100,473	99,148	81,626
NET INCOME									584,883	263,152	182,170
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group									584,883	263,152	182,170
Comprehensive income (loss)									584,267	263,179	187,791
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									2,593,623	2,579,284	2,076,851
Media production expenses									1,011,965	918,200	725,037
Selling, general and administrative									522,039	489,882	418,885
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									219,390	465,680	433,690
Total operating expenses									1,753,394	1,873,762	1,577,612
Operating income									840,229	705,522	499,239
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									(16)	220	195
Interest expense									(4,586)	(4,481)	(4,658)
Other income (expense)									(5,790)	715	269
Total other expense									(10,392)	(3,546)	(4,194)
Income tax benefit (provision)									(30,171)	(231,504)	(146,331)
NET INCOME									799,666	470,472	348,714
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group									799,666	470,472	348,714
Comprehensive income (loss)									799,666	470,472	351,760
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									221,377	265,855	221,633
Media production expenses									124,044	135,511	82,450
Selling, general and administrative									14,800	10,804	14,272
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									62,924	133,810	131,373
Total operating expenses									201,768	280,125	228,095
Operating income									19,609	(14,270)	(6,462)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Interest expense									(21,643)	(32,521)	(30,022)
Other income (expense)									(7,412)	(281)	(2,379)
Total other expense									(29,055)	(32,802)	(32,401)
Income tax benefit (provision)									401	7,756	4,468
NET INCOME									(9,045)	(39,316)	(34,395)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									(17,738)	(4,937)	(4,914)
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group									(26,783)	(44,253)	(39,309)
Comprehensive income (loss)									(9,045)	(39,316)	(39,309)
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									(80,882)	(108,190)	(79,348)
Media production expenses									(72,935)	(100,622)	(74,288)
Selling, general and administrative									(2,183)	(106)	(167)
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									(2,800)	(2,023)	(2,680)
Total operating expenses									(77,918)	(102,751)	(77,135)
Operating income									(2,964)	(5,439)	(2,213)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									(1,373,558)	(708,398)	(513,482)
Interest expense									19,109	24,990	23,781
Other income (expense)									0	0	0
Total other expense									(1,354,449)	(683,408)	(489,701)
Income tax benefit (provision)									0	0	0
NET INCOME									(1,357,413)	(688,847)	(491,914)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									(353)	(524)	339
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group									(1,357,766)	(689,371)	(491,575)
Comprehensive income (loss)									$ (1,374,888)	$ (694,335)	$ (500,242)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANC93

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$ 431,104	$ 591,766	$ 402,927
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(83,812)	(94,465)	(91,421)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(271,273)	(425,857)	(17,011)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(5,682)	(40,206)	(39,185)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	192,634	16,396	23,650
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(55,129)	(51,247)	(44,715)
Other, net	25,237	(10,624)	17,371
Net cash flow used in investing activities	(198,025)	(606,003)	(151,311)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	166,797	1,024,912	382,887
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(336,501)	(671,215)	(395,147)
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock	487,883	0	0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(71,364)	(65,909)	(62,733)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(30,287)	(136,283)	(28,823)
Payments for deferred financing costs	(731)	(15,681)	(3,847)
Noncontrolling interests distributions	(22,416)	(10,464)	(9,918)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	0	0	0
Other, net	(5,849)	(1,111)	(1,745)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	188,263	124,249	(119,326)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	421,342	110,012	132,290
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year	259,984	149,972	17,682
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year	681,326	259,984	149,972
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(8,659)	(11,784)	(3,759)
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(130)	0	0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(946)	(2,945)	0
Other, net	6,597	1,714	4,598
Net cash flow used in investing activities	5,521	(1,231)	4,598
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) 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	(528)
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock	487,883
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(71,364)	(65,909)	(62,733)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(30,287)	(136,283)	(28,823)
Payments for deferred financing costs		0	0
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(381,344)	218,054	89,319
Other, net	(1,750)	(2,847)	1,926
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	3,138	13,015	(839)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year	0	0	0
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(180,966)	(150,230)	(131,363)
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(14,973)	(8,006)	(6,605)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(8,308)	0	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(720)	(15,620)	(8,998)
Other, net	11,551	(21,395)	(5,447)
Net cash flow used in investing activities	(12,450)	(45,021)	(21,050)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	159,669	995,000	349,562
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(213,919)	(650,422)	(382,691)
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	0
Payments for deferred financing costs		(15,430)	(3,604)
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	660,911	(17,778)	303,755
Other, net	288	407	(2,232)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	606,949	311,777	264,790
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	413,533	116,526	112,377
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year	232,297	115,771
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year	645,830	232,297	115,771
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	599,761	721,991	530,768
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(68,475)	(82,450)	(84,079)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(262,965)	(415,482)	(17,011)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	7,263	23,650
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(20,701)	(27)	(27)
Other, net	768	3,985	575
Net cash flow used in investing activities	(351,373)	(486,711)	(76,892)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) 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	(1,865)	(1,633)	(1,286)
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	0
Payments for deferred financing costs		0	0
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(242,402)	(224,551)	(452,897)
Other, net	(2,523)	1,344	(1,207)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	(246,790)	(224,840)	(455,390)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	1,598	10,440	(1,514)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year	10,675	235
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year	12,273	10,675	235
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	12,424	7,914	(16,864)
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(2,930)	(5,009)	(2,586)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(10,375)	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(5,682)	(40,206)	(39,185)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	192,634	9,133	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(32,762)	(32,655)	(35,690)
Other, net	6,321	5,072	17,645
Net cash flow used in investing activities	157,581	(74,040)	(59,816)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	7,128	29,912	33,325
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(120,717)	(19,160)	(10,642)
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	0
Payments for deferred financing costs		(251)	(243)
Noncontrolling interests distributions	(22,416)	(10,464)	(9,918)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(25,605)	49,403	85,953
Other, net	(2,184)	(268)	(368)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	(163,794)	49,172	98,107
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	6,211	(16,954)	21,427
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year	17,012	33,966
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year	23,223	17,012	33,966
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	8,544	23,875	24,145
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	2,696	1,000	1,849
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	0	0	0
Other, net	0	0	0
Net cash flow used in investing activities	2,696	1,000	1,849
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) 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	0
Payments for deferred financing costs		0	0
Noncontrolling interests distributions	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(11,560)	(25,128)	(26,130)
Other, net	320	253	136
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	(11,240)	(24,875)	(25,994)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI94

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues, net	$ 734,002	$ 670,891	$ 679,290	$ 649,935	$ 797,691	$ 693,835	$ 666,534	$ 578,889	$ 2,734,118	$ 2,736,949	$ 2,219,136
Operating income	357,581	103,447	118,849	157,629	233,446	153,994	129,074	86,339	737,506	602,853	422,736
Net income	444,800	32,566	46,035	70,703	122,500	52,033	50,600	25,629	594,104	250,762	176,099
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 443,529	$ 30,637	$ 44,645	$ 57,202	$ 120,897	$ 50,845	$ 49,419	$ 24,140	$ 576,013	$ 245,301	$ 171,524
Basic earnings per share common shares (in dollars per share)	$ 4.36	$ 0.30	$ 0.43	$ 0.62	$ 1.34	$ 0.54	$ 0.52	$ 0.25	$ 5.77	$ 2.62	$ 1.81
Diluted earnings per share common shares (in dollars per share)	$ 4.32	$ 0.30	$ 0.43	$ 0.61	$ 1.32	$ 0.54	$ 0.52	$ 0.25	$ 5.72	$ 2.60	$ 1.79
Gain (loss) recognized on sale	$ 225,300								$ 225,300
Federal tax reform	$ 272,100								$ 272,100