Sinclair Broadcast (SBGI) 10-K 2 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Feb. 20, 2015
Entity Listings
Entity Registrant Name	SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	912752
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$2,471.20
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Class A Common Stock
Entity Listings
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			69,314,960
Class B Common Stock
Entity Listings
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			25,928,357

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$17,682		$280,104
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,246 and $3,379, respectively	383,503		308,974
Current portion of program contract costs	88,198		74,324
Income taxes receivable	3,314
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	21,338		30,781
Deferred barter costs	5,626		3,688
Assets held for sale	6,504
Total current assets	526,165		697,871
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE	8,817
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion	38,531		24,708
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	752,538		596,071
RESTRICTED CASH			11,747
GOODWILL	1,964,553		1,380,082
BROADCAST LICENSES	135,075		101,029
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	1,818,263		1,127,755
OTHER ASSETS	208,230	[1]	208,209	[1]
Total assets	5,452,172		4,147,472
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	12,248		13,989
Accrued liabilities	246,123		182,185
Income taxes payable			2,504
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing	113,116		46,346
Current portion of notes payable and capital leases payable to affiliates	2,625		2,367
Current portion of program contracts payable	104,922		90,933
Liabilities held for sale	2,477
Deferred barter revenues	5,806		3,319
Deferred tax liabilities	6,689		1,738
Liabilities held for sale	2,477
Total current liabilities	494,006		343,381
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion	3,796,666		2,966,402
Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion	16,309		18,925
Program contracts payable, less current portion	60,605		34,681
Deferred tax liabilities	602,243		311,041
Other long-term liabilities	77,000	[1]	67,338	[1]
Total liabilities	5,046,829		3,741,768
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Note 11)
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT):
Additional paid-in capital	979,202		1,094,918
Accumulated deficit	-545,820		-696,996
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-6,455		-2,553
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders' deficit	427,882		396,370
Noncontrolling interests	-22,539		9,334
Total equity (deficit)	405,343		405,704
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	5,452,172		4,147,472
Class A Common Stock
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT):
Common Stock	696		741
Total equity (deficit)	696		741
Class B Common Stock
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT):
Common Stock	259		260
Total equity (deficit)	$259		$260
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December?31, 2014 and 2013 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $163.3 million and $194.1 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December?31, 2014 and 2013 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $30.0 million and $31.6 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 $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$4,246,000	$3,379,000
Total assets of variable interest entities (in dollars)	163,300,000	194,100,000
Total liabilities of variable interest entities (in dollars)	$30,000,000	$31,600,000
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	69,578,899	74,145,569
Common Stock, shares outstanding	69,578,899	74,145,569
Class B Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	140,000,000	140,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	25,928,357	26,028,357
Common Stock, shares outstanding	25,928,357	26,028,357

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
REVENUES:
Station broadcast revenues, net of agency commissions	$1,782,726	$1,217,504	$920,593
Revenues realized from station barter arrangements	122,262	88,680	86,905
Other operating divisions revenues	71,570	56,947	54,181
Total revenues	1,976,558	1,363,131	1,061,679
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Station production expenses	577,013	385,104	255,556
Station selling, general and administrative expenses	370,606	249,732	171,279
Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements	107,716	77,349	79,834
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	106,629	80,925	60,990
Other operating divisions expenses	58,903	48,109	46,179
Depreciation of property and equipment	103,291	70,554	47,073
Corporate general and administrative expenses	69,413	53,126	33,391
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets	125,496	70,820	38,099
(Gain) loss on asset dispositions	-37,160	3,392	-7
Total operating expenses	1,481,907	1,039,111	732,394
Operating income	494,651	324,020	329,285
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs	-174,862	-162,937	-128,553
Loss from extinguishment of debt	-14,553	-58,421	-335
Income from equity and cost method investments	2,313	621	9,670
Other income, net	4,998	2,225	2,273
Total other income (expense)	-182,104	-218,512	-116,945
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	312,547	105,508	212,340
INCOME TAX PROVISION	-97,432	-41,249	-67,852
Income from continuing operations	215,115	64,259	144,488
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, includes income tax benefit (provision) of $0, ($10,806) and ($663), respectively		11,558	465
Net income (loss)	215,115	75,817	144,953
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	-2,836	-2,349	-287
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Gr	212,279	73,468	144,666
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.63	$0.60	$1.54
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP:
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$2.19	$0.66	$1.78
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$2.19	$0.79	$1.79
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operation (in dollars per share)	$2.17	$0.66	$1.78
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$2.17	$0.78	$1.78
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	97,114	93,207	81,020
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	97,819	93,845	81,310
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	212,279	61,910	144,201
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		11,558	465
Net income	$212,279	$73,468	$144,666

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Income from discontinued operations, income tax benefit	$0	$10,806	$663

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income	$215,115	$75,817	$144,953
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes	173	-392	-145
Adjustments to pension obligations, net of taxes	-3,814	2,571
Unrealized gain on investments, net of taxes	285	261
Comprehensive income	211,759	78,257	144,808
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	-2,836	-2,349	-287
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$208,923	$75,908	$144,521

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) (USD $)	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2011	$520	$289	$617,375	($734,511)	($4,848)	$9,813	($111,362)
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	52,022,086	28,933,859
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock				-123,852			-123,852
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	3		5,102				5,105
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)	309,926
Purchase of assets from entity under common control			-23,638				-23,638
Tax benefit on share based awards			271				271
Distributions to noncontrolling interests						-1,142	-1,142
Issuance of subsidiary share awards						707	707
Consolidation of variable interest entity						9,050	9,050
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests			1,818			-1,818
Other Comprehensive Income					-145		-145
Net income				144,666		287	144,953
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2012	523	289	600,928	-713,697	-4,993	16,897	-100,053
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	52,332,012	28,933,859
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock				-56,767			-56,767
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs	180		472,733				472,913
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs (in shares)	18,000,000
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock	29	-29
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock (in shares)	2,905,502	-2,905,502
Redemption of 3% Convertible Debentures, net of taxes			-5,100				-5,100
4.875% Convertible Debentures converted into Class A Common Stock, net of taxes	3		8,599				8,602
4.875% Convertible Debentures converted into Class A Common Stock, net of taxes	338,632
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	6		10,229				10,235
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)	569,423
Tax benefit on share based awards			521				521
Distributions to noncontrolling interests						-10,256	-10,256
Issuance of subsidiary share awards						344	344
Class A Common Stock sold by variable interest entity, net of taxes			7,008				7,008
Other Comprehensive Income					2,440		2,440
Net income				73,468		2,349	75,817
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2013	741	260	1,094,918	-696,996	-2,553	9,334	405,704
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	74,145,569	26,028,357
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock				-61,103			-61,103
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock	1	-1
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock (in shares)	100,000	-100,000
Repurchase of Class A Common Stock	-48		-133,109				-133,157
Repurchase of Class A Common Stock (in shares)	-4,876,121						-4,900,000
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	2		11,510				11,512
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)	209,451
Tax benefit on share based awards			1,365				1,365
Distributions to noncontrolling interests						-6,936	-6,936
Deconsolidation of variable interest entity			4,518		-546	-27,773	-23,801
Other Comprehensive Income					-3,356		-3,356
Net income				212,279		2,836	215,115
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2014	$696	$259	$979,202	($545,820)	($6,455)	($22,539)	$405,343
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	69,578,899	25,928,357

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
4.875% Notes
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.88%	4.88%	4.88%
3.0% Notes
Interest rate (as a percent)		3.00%		3.00%

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$215,115	$75,817	$144,953
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment	103,291	70,554	48,871
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets	125,496	70,820	38,671
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	106,629	80,925	61,943
Loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash portion	4,605	33,049	335
Stock-based compensation	14,296	10,573	5,836
Deferred tax (benefit) provision	-818	22,518	8,313
(Gain) loss on the sale of assets	-37,160	3,392	-7
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
(Increase) in accounts receivable, net	-44,253	-90,635	-23,225
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable	-8,253	4,937	-9,150
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,215	8,295	-8,360
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	53,312	7,954	35,885
Payments on program contracts payable	-93,682	-90,080	-70,061
Original debt issuance discount paid	-3,583	-23,766
Real estate held for development and sale	-20,683	-10,768	-1,042
Other, net	1,851	-3,134	-13,787
Net cash flows from operating activities	430,454	160,577	237,475
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	-81,458	-43,388	-43,986
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired	-1,485,039	-1,006,144	-1,135,348
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets	176,675	49,738
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	-27,701	-23,721	-12,454
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	11,616	-11,522	58,501
Investments in equity and cost method investees	-8,104	-10,767	-24,052
Proceeds from termination of life insurance policies	17,042		42
Other, net	-387	-5,437	8,013
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities	-1,397,356	-1,051,241	-1,149,284
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	1,500,720	2,278,293	1,247,255
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	-582,764	-1,509,760	-179,356
Redemption of 3% convertible notes		-10,500
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock		472,913
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	-133,157
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	-61,103	-56,767	-123,852
Payments for deferred financing costs	-16,590	-27,724	-18,707
Proceeds from Class A Common Stock sold by variable interest entity		10,908
Noncontrolling interests (contributions) distributions	-8,184	-10,256	-1,142
Other, net	5,558	796	-2,491
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	704,480	1,147,903	921,707
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-262,422	257,239	9,898
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	280,104	22,865	12,967
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$17,682	$280,104	$22,865

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (3.0% Notes)	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
3.0% Notes
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_AND_SUMMA

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
	1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
	Nature of Operations
	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is a diversified television broadcasting company that owns or provides certain programming, operating or sales services to television stations pursuant to broadcasting licenses that are granted by the Federal Communication Commission (the FCC or Commission). We owned and provided programming and operating services pursuant to local marketing agreements (LMAs) or provided or were provided sales services pursuant to outsourcing agreements to 164 stations in 79 markets which broadcast 373 channels, as of December 31, 2014. For the purpose of this report, these 164 stations and 373 channels are referred to as “our” stations and channels.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary.  Noncontrolling interest represents a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities.  All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Variable Interest Entities
	In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE.  We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary.  The assets of each of our consolidated VIEs can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE.  All the liabilities are non-recourse to us except for certain debt of VIEs which we guarantee.
	Third-party station licensees.  Certain of our stations provide services to other station owners within the same respective market, such as LMAs, where we provide programming, sales, operational and administrative services, and JSAs and SSAs, where we provide non-programming, sales, operational and administrative services.  In certain cases, we have also entered into purchase agreements or options to purchase, the license related assets of the licensee.  We typically own the majority of the non-license assets of the stations and in some cases where the licensee acquired the license assets concurrent with our acquisition of the non-license assets of the station, we have provided guarantees to the bank for the licensee’s acquisition financing.  The terms of the agreements vary, but generally have initial terms of over five years with several optional renewal terms. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we have concluded that 37 and 34 of these licensees are VIEs, respectively.  Based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in the stations, we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and because we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs.  Several of these VIEs are owned by a related party, Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham).  See Note 12. Related Person Transactions for more information about the arrangements with Cunningham. The net revenues of the stations which we consolidate were $286.3 million, $235.8 million and $154.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  The fees paid between us and the licensees pursuant to these arrangements are eliminated in consolidation.  See Changes in the Rules of Television Ownership and Joint Sale Agreements within Note 11. Commitment and Contingencies for discussion of recent changes in FCC rules related to JSAs.
	Up until third quarter of 2014, we had consolidated Cunningham (parent entity), in addition to their stations that we perform services for, as we had previously determined that it was a VIE because it had insufficient equity at risk.  As of September 30, 2014, we concluded that Cunningham was no longer a VIE given its significant equity at risk in assets that we have no involvement with, and deconsolidated this entity, along with WTAT and WYZZ, stations that Cunningham acquired from us in July 2014 and November 2013, respectively, with which we have no continuing involvement.  As a result of the deconsolidation, we recorded the difference between the proceeds received from Cunningham for the sale of WTAT and WYZZ to additional paid in capital in the consolidated balance sheet, as well as reflected the noncontrolling interest deficit of the remaining Cunningham VIEs which represents their significant cumulative distributions made to Cunningham (parent entity) that were previously eliminated in consolidation.
	As of the dates indicated, the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	ASSETS
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	491		$	4,916
	Accounts receivable	19,521			18,468
	Current portion of program contract costs	9,544			10,725
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	297			247
	Total current asset	29,853			34,356
	PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion	6,922			5,075
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	9,716			11,081
	GOODWILL	787			6,357
	BROADCAST LICENSES	16,935			16,768
	DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	96,732			97,496
	OTHER ASSETS	2,376			22,935
	Total assets	$	163,321		$	194,068
	LIABILITIES
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable	$	68		$	86
	Accrued liabilities	1,297			2,536
	Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing	3,659			5,731
	Current portion of program contracts payable	9,714			11,552
	Total current liabilities	14,738			19,905
	LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
	Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion	28,640			49,850
	Program contracts payable, less current portion	10,161			6,597
	Long term liabilities	8,739			10,838
	Total liabilities	$	62,278		$	87,190
	The amounts above represent the consolidated assets and liabilities of the VIEs described above, for which we are the primary beneficiary, and have been aggregated as they all relate to our broadcast business.  Excluded from the amounts above are payments made to Cunningham under the LMA which are treated as a prepayment of the purchase price of the stations and capital leases between us and Cunningham which are eliminated in consolidation.  The total payments made under these LMAs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, which are excluded from liabilities above, were $34.4 million and $32.4 million, respectively.  The total capital lease liabilities, net of capital lease assets, excluded from the above were $4.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, Cunningham sold a portion of its investment in our Class A Common Stock which was eliminated in consolidation and excluded from assets shown above, for $7.0 million, net of income taxes and has been reflected as an increase in additional paid in capital in the consolidated balance sheet.  Also excluded from the amounts above are liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options with certain VIEs totaling $78.1 million and $59.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, as these amounts are eliminated in consolidation.  The risk and reward characteristics of the VIEs are similar.
	Other investments.  We have investments in other real estate ventures and investment companies which are considered VIEs.  However, we do not participate in the management of these entities including the day-to-day operating decisions or other decisions which would allow us to control the entity, and therefore, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of these VIEs.  We account for these entities using the equity or cost method of accounting.
	The carrying amounts of our investments in these VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $22.7 million and $26.7 million, respectively, which are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Our maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value of our investments.  The income and loss related to these investments are recorded in income from equity and cost method investments in the consolidated statement of operations.  We recorded income of $2.2 million, $2.1 million and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 July 2013, the FASB issued new guidance requiring new disclosure of unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. If a company does not have: (i) a net operating loss carryforward; (ii) a similar tax loss; or (iii) a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The authoritative guidance is effective for fiscal years and the interim periods within those fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and should be applied on a prospective basis. This guidance does not have a material impact on our financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance that changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of and represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. Under the revised guidance, it is less likely for any future sales of assets, asset groups, or stations to be considered discontinued operations because such sales would need to represent a strategic shift and have a major effect on our future operations.  Historically, under the previous guidance, sales of minor components of our business were required to be classified as discontinued operations.  We early adopted this new guidance effective July 1, 2014.  If this guidance were effective for the 2013 discontinued operations discussed in Discontinued Operations, then the sale of those television stations would not have met the criteria under the new guidance.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued new 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. This new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted and the standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on disclosure of uncertainties about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new standard is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the current consolidation guidance on the determination of whether an entity is a variable interest entity.  This new standard is effective for the annual period beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption is allowed, including in any interim period.  We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our financial statements.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
	Restricted Cash
	During 2013, we entered into certain definitive agreements to purchase assets of certain stations discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions, which required certain deposits to be made into escrow accounts. As of December 31, 2013, we held $11.4 million, in restricted cash classified as noncurrent related to the amounts held in escrow for these acquisitions.
	Accounts Receivable
	Management regularly reviews accounts receivable and determines an appropriate estimate for the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the impact of economic conditions on the merchant’s ability to pay, past collection experience and such other factors which, in management’s judgment, deserve current recognition.  In turn, a provision is charged against earnings in order to maintain the appropriate allowance level.
	A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	3,379		$	3,091		$	3,008
	Charged to expense	2,186			1,802			1,141
	Net write-offs	(1,319		)	(1,514		)	(1,058		)
	Balance at end of period	$	4,246		$	3,379		$	3,091
	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-year contracts, amortization of program contract costs is computed using either a four-year accelerated method or based on usage, whichever method results in the earliest recognition of amortization for each program.  Program contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis for one-year contracts.  Program contract costs estimated by management to be amortized in the succeeding year are classified as current assets.  Payments of program contract liabilities are typically made on a scheduled basis and are not affected by adjustments for amortization or estimated net realizable value.
Estimated net realizable values are based on management’s expectation of future advertising revenues, net of sales commissions, to be generated by the program material.  We perform a net realizable value calculation quarterly for each of our program contract costs in accordance with the accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry.  We utilize sales information to estimate the future revenue of each commitment and measure that amount against the commitment.  If the estimated future revenue is less than the amount of the commitment, a loss is recorded in amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments in the consolidated statements of operations.
Barter Arrangements
Certain program contracts provide for the exchange of advertising airtime in lieu of cash payments for the rights to such programming.  The revenues realized from station barter arrangements are recorded as the programs are aired at the estimated fair value of the advertising airtime given in exchange for the program rights.  Program service arrangements are accounted for as station barter arrangements, however, network affiliation programming is excluded from these calculations.  Revenues are recorded as revenues realized from station barter arrangements and the corresponding expenses are recorded as expenses recognized from station barter arrangements.
We broadcast certain customers’ advertising in exchange for equipment, merchandise and services.  The estimated fair value of the equipment, merchandise or services received is recorded as deferred barter costs and the corresponding obligation to broadcast advertising is recorded as deferred barter revenues.  The deferred barter costs are expensed or capitalized as they are used, consumed or received and are included in station production expenses and station selling, general and administrative expenses, as applicable.  Deferred barter revenues are recognized as the related advertising is aired and are recorded in revenues realized from station barter arrangements.
Other Assets
Other assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
	2014			2013
Equity and cost method investments	$	107,847		$	98,385
Unamortized costs related to debt issuances	47,118			46,150
Other	53,265			63,674
Total other assets	$	208,230		$	208,209
We have equity and cost method investments primarily in private investment funds and real estate ventures.  In the event that one or more of our investments are significant, we are required to disclose summarized financial information.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, none of our investments were significant individually or in the aggregate.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our unfunded commitments related to private equity investment funds totaled $15.6 million and $17.0 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, 2012, we recorded impairments of $1.3 million related to two of our investments. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded impairments of $0.6 million related to two of our investments.  There were no impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2014. The impairments are recorded in the income (loss) from equity and cost method investees in our consolidated statement of operations.
Unamortized costs related to debt issuances represent direct costs incurred to obtain long-term financing and are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.  Previously capitalized debt financing costs are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if we determine that there has been a substantial modification of the related debt.
The decrease in other, in the table above, for 2014 was primarily due to the deconsolidation of investments held by Cunningham, partially offset by long term income tax receivables recorded in connection with the acquisition of the Allbritton Companies.  See Variable Interest Entities above for further discussion on the deconsolidation of Cunningham.  See Note 2. Acquisitions for further discussion on the acquisition of the Allbritton Companies.
Impairment of Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets
We assess annually, in the fourth quarter, whether goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. Additionally, impairment assessments may be performed on an interim basis when events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment potentially exists. We aggregate our stations by market for purposes of our goodwill and license impairment testing. We believe that our markets are most representative of our broadcast reporting units because segment management views, manages and evaluates our stations on a market basis.  Furthermore, in our markets, where we operate or provide services to more than one station, certain costs of operating the stations are shared including the use of buildings and equipment, the sales force and administrative personnel.
In our assessment of goodwill for impairment we first determine, based upon a qualitative assessment, whether it is more likely than not a reporting unit has been impaired.  As part of this qualitative assessment, for each reporting unit, we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting unit as well as industry and macroeconomic factors.  The reporting unit specific factors that we consider include current and forecasted financial performance, the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments, and any changes to the reporting units’ carrying amounts since the most recent impairment tests.  We also consider whether there were any significant changes in the regulatory environment and business climate of the industry, and whether there were any negative pressures on growth rates and discount rates.
If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, we will apply the quantitative two-step method. In the first step, the Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit and compares that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including quoted market prices, observed earnings/cash flow multiples paid for comparable television stations and discounted cash flow models. Our discounted cash flow model is based on our judgment of future market conditions within each designated market area based on our internal forecast of future performance, as well as discount rates that are based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk.  If the net book value of the reporting unit were to exceed the fair value, we would then perform the second step of the impairment test, which requires allocation of the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, with any residual fair value being allocated to goodwill to determine the implied fair value. An impairment charge will be recognized only when the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is less than its carrying amount.
For our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangibles, broadcast licenses, we apply a qualitative assessment to assess whether it is more likely than not that broadcast licenses of a market are impaired.  As part of this qualitative assessment, for each market, we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the market as well as industry and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of our broadcast license assets.  The market specific factors that we consider include recent market projections from both independent and internal sources for advertising revenue and operating costs, estimated normal market share and capital expenditures, as well as the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments.  We also consider whether there were any significant changes in the regulatory environment and business climate of the industry, and whether there were any negative pressures on growth rates and discount rates.  When evaluating our broadcast licenses for impairment, the qualitative assessment is done at the market level because the broadcast licenses within the market are complementary and together enhance the single broadcast license of each station. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that one of our broadcast licenses is impaired, we will perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the aggregate fair value of the broadcast licenses in the market to the respective carrying values. We apply the income approach, using a Greenfield method, to estimate the fair values of the broadcast licenses. The income approach method involves a discounted cash flow model that incorporates several variables, including, but not limited to, market revenues and long term growth projections, estimated market share for the typical participant without a network affiliation and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type. The model also assumes outlays for capital expenditures, future terminal values, an effective tax rate assumption and a discount rate based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk.  If the carrying amount of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value.
We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment and continue to evaluate them as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable.  We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets by measuring the carrying amount of the assets against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with them.  At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows of certain long-lived assets are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of such assets, the assets are tested for impairment by comparing their estimated fair value to the carrying value.  We typically estimate fair value using discounted cash flow models and appraisals.  See Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for more information.
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	2014			2013
Compensation and employee health insurance	$	56,871		$	44,800
Interest	33,347			25,133
Deferred revenue	27,037			20,128
Programming related obligations	70,344			42,658
Other accruals relating to operating expenses	58,524			49,466
Total accrued liabilities	$	246,123		$	182,185
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, 2014 and 2013, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial amount of our available state net operating loss carryforwards based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary book/tax basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income.  Future changes in operating and/or taxable income or other changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the ability to realize our deferred tax assets which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions and we record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits when such tax positions do not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold.  Significant judgment is required in determining whether a tax position meets the “more-likely-than-not” threshold, and it is based on a variety of facts and circumstances, including interpretation of the relevant federal and state income tax codes, regulations, case law and other authoritative pronouncements.  Based on this analysis, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, liabilities are adjusted as necessary.  The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for what we have provided.  See Note 10. Income Taxes, for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits.
Supplemental Information — Statements of Cash Flows
During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we had the following cash transactions (in thousands):
	2014			2013			2012
Income taxes paid related to continuing operations	$	100,986		$	26,037		$	46,964
Income tax refunds received related to continuing operations	$	1,407		$	4,414		$	194
Interest paid	$	157,349		$	147,083		$	110,973
Non-cash transactions related to capital lease obligations were zero, $10.4 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The non-cash conversion of the 4.875% Notes into Class A Common Stock was $8.6 million, net of taxes for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Revenue Recognition
Total revenues include: (i) cash and barter advertising revenues, net of agency commissions; (ii) retransmission consent fees; (iii) network compensation; (iv) other broadcast revenues and (v) revenues from our other operating divisions.
Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period during which time spots are aired.
Our retransmission consent agreements contain both advertising and retransmission consent elements.  We have determined that our retransmission consent agreements are revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables.  Advertising and retransmission consent deliverables sold under our agreements are separated into different units of accounting at fair value.  Revenue applicable to the advertising element of the arrangement is recognized similar to the advertising revenue policy noted above.  Revenue applicable to the retransmission consent element of the arrangement is recognized over the life of the agreement.
Network compensation revenue is recognized over the term of the contract.  All other significant revenues are recognized as services are provided.
Share Repurchase Program
On October 28, 1999, we announced a $150.0 million share repurchase program, which was renewed on February 6, 2008.  On March 20, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. There is no expiration date, and currently management has no plans to terminate this program.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, we have purchased approximately 4.9 million shares for $133.2 million. As of December 31, 2014, the total remaining authorization was $134.4 million.  In January 2015, we repurchased 0.3 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $7.8 million.
Advertising Expenses
Promotional advertising expenses are recorded in the period when incurred and are included in station production and other operating division expenses.  Total advertising expenses from continuing operations, net of advertising co-op credits, were $21.3 million, $15.4 million and $12.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Financial Instruments
Financial instruments, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consisted of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and notes payable.  The carrying amounts approximate fair value for each of these financial instruments, except for the notes payable.  See Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information regarding the fair value of notes payable.
Post-retirement Benefits
We are required to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of our pension plan in our consolidated financial statements.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recorded a liability of $4.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, representing the underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plan.
In connection with the acquisition of Fisher Communications, Inc. (Fisher) in 2013 (see Note 2. Acquisitions), we assumed a nonqualified noncontributory supplemental retirement program (Fisher SERP) that was originally established for former executives of Fisher.  No new participants have been admitted to this program since 2001 and the benefits of active participants were frozen in 2005.  The program participants do not include any active employees. The Fisher SERP required continued employment or disability through the date of expected retirement, unless involuntarily terminated.
While the nonqualified plan is unfunded, Fisher had made investments in annuity contracts and life insurance policies on the lives of certain individual participants to assist in future payment of retirement benefits.  The carrying value of the annuity contracts and life insurance policies was $18.2 million as of December 31, 2013, which was included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet.  The majority of these annuities and life insurance policies were surrendered for lower cash value in 2014.
As of December 31, 2014, the estimated projected benefit obligation was $24.0 million, of which $1.5 million is included in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet and the $22.5 million is included in other long-term liabilities.  During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we made $2.1 million and $0.5 million in benefit payments, recognized $1.0 million and $0.4 million of periodic pension expense, reported in other expenses in the consolidated statement of operations, and $3.2 million of actuarial losses and $0.2 million of actuarial gains through other comprehensive income, respectively.
At December 31, 2014, the projected benefit obligation was measured using a 3.69% discount rate compared to a discount rate of 4.51% for the year ended December 31, 2013. We estimated its discount rate, in consultation with our independent actuaries, based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high quality bonds for which the timing and amount of cash outflows approximate the estimated payouts of the plan.
We estimate that benefits expected to be paid to participants under the Fisher SERP as follows (in thousands):
	December 31,
2015	$	1,481
2016	1,726
2017	1,665
2018	1,608
2019	1,554
Next 5 years	7,196
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ACQUISITIONS
ACQUISITIONS
	2.              ACQUISITIONS
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we acquired a total of 119 television stations in 63 markets, in the aggregate, for a purchase price of $3,557.7 million plus working capital of $53.7 million (21 stations in 15 markets in 2014 for a purchase price of $1,434.5 million plus working capital of $47.3 million; 65 stations in 33 markets in 2013 for an aggregate purchase price of $1,016.6 million plus working capital of $8.4 million; and 33 stations in 18 markets in 2012 for a purchase price $1,106.6 million less working capital of $2.0 million).  All of these acquisitions provide expansion into additional markets and increases value based on the synergies we can achieve.
	2014 Acquisitions
	Allbritton.  Effective August 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding common stock of Perpetual Corporation and equity interest of Charleston Television, LLC (together the “Allbritton Companies”) for $985.0 million plus working capital of $50.2 million.  The Allbritton Companies owned and operated nine television stations in the following seven markets, all of which were affiliated with ABC: Washington, DC; Birmingham, AL; Harrisburg, PA; Little Rock / Pine Bluff, AR; Tulsa, OK; Roanoke / Lynchburg, VA; and Charleston, SC. Also included in the purchase was NewsChannel 8, a 24-hour cable/satellite news network covering the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.  We financed the total purchase price with proceeds from the issuance of 5.625% senior unsecured notes, a draw on our amended bank credit agreement, and cash on hand. See Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing.  In connection with the acquisition, we sold the acquired assets related to the Harrisburg, PA station effective September 1, 2014.  See Note 3. Dispositions of Assets and Discontinued Operations for further discussion.
	MEG Stations.  Effective December 19, 2014, we completed the acquisition of four television stations in three markets from Media General, Inc (MEG Stations) for a purchase price of $207.5 million less working capital of $1.6 million.  The acquired stations are located in the following markets: Providence, RI / New Bedford, MA; Green Bay / Appleton, WI; and Savannah, GA. We financed the purchase price with cash on hand and borrowing under our revolving credit facility. Simultaneously, we sold to Media General, our television stations in Tampa, FL and Colorado Springs, CO.  See Note 3. Dispositions of Assets and Discontinued Operations for further discussion.  We financed the purchase price, net of the proceeds received from the sale of those stations, with borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
	KSNV.  Effective November 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of certain of assets of KSNV (NBC) in Las Vegas, NV from Intermountain West Communications Company (Intermountain West) for $118.5 million less working capital of $0.2 million.  In conjunction with the purchase, we assumed the rights under the affiliation agreement with NBC and swapped our KVMY call letters for the KSNV call letters.  Intermountain West continues to own and operate the station under the KVMY call letters and we do not provide any programming or sales services to this station. We financed the total purchase price with cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
	Other 2014 Acquisitions.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, we acquired certain assets related to eight other television stations in the following four markets: Wilkes Barre / Scranton, PA; Tallahassee, FL; Gainesville, FL; and Macon, GA.  The purchase price for these stations was $123.5 million less working capital of $1.1 million which was financed with cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
	2013 Acquisitions
	Barrington.  Effective November 22, 2013, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC (Barrington) for $370.0 million, less working capital of $2.3 million, which related to twenty-four stations in the following fifteen markets: Flint/Saginaw/Bay City/Midland, MI; Toledo, OH; Columbia, SC; Syracuse, NY; Harlingen/Weslaco/Brownsville/McAllen, TX; Colorado Springs, CO; Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC; Peoria/Bloomington, IL; Traverse City/Cadillac, MI; Amarillo, TX; Columbia/Jefferson City, MO; Albany, GA; Quincy, IL/Hannibal, MO/Keokuk, IA; Marquette, MI; and Ottumwa, IA/Kirksville, MO. Concurrent with the purchase, we entered into certain agreements with third parties to provide certain operational services to five of the stations.  The purchase price includes $7.5 million paid by third parties for the license related assets these certain stations.  We financed the purchase price with borrowings under our bank credit facility.
	Fisher.  Effective August 8, 2013, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding common stock of Fisher Communications, Inc. (Fisher). We paid $373.2 million to the shareholders of the Fisher common stock, representing $41.0 per common share. We financed the total purchase price with cash on hand. Fisher owned and/or operated twenty-two television stations in the following eight markets: Seattle-Tacoma, WA; Portland, OR; Spokane, WA; Boise, ID; Eugene, OR; Yakima/Pasco/Richland/Kennewick, WA; Bakersfield, CA; and Idaho Falls/Pocatello, ID. Also included in the purchase were the assets of four radio stations in the Seattle/Tacoma, WA market.
	Other 2013 Acquisitions.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, we acquired nineteen other television stations in the following eight markets: Baltimore, MD; Fresno / Visalia, CA; Omaha, NE; Portland, ME; El Paso, TX; Johnstown / Altoona, PA; Reno, NV; Sioux City, IA; and Wheeling, WV / Steubenville, OH.  The purchase price of $272.7 million plus working capital of $10.8 million includes $0.7 million paid by certain VIEs for the license assets of certain of these stations owned by VIEs that we consolidate.
	2012 Acquisitions
	Newport.  Effective December 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of certain broadcast assets of Newport Television (Newport) related to seven stations in the following six markets: Cincinnati, OH; San Antonio, TX; Harrisburg/Lancaster/Lebanon/York, PA; Mobile, AL/Pensacola, FL; Wichita/Hutchinson, KS; and Rochester, NY.  We financed the $472.4 million purchase price less working capital of $1.0 million with net proceeds from the 6.125% Notes issued in October 2012.  See Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for more information.
	Freedom. Effective April 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of the broadcast assets of Freedom Communications, Inc. (Freedom), which consisted of eight stations in the following eight markets: West Palm Beach, FL; Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, MI; Albany, NY; Chattanooga, TN; Lansing, MI; Medford-Klamath Falls, OR; and Beaumont/Port Arthur/Orange, TX.  We financed the $385.3 million purchase with borrowings under our bank credit facility.  See Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for more information.
	Four Points.  Effective January 1, 2012, we completed the acquisition of the broadcast assets of Four Points Media (Four Points), which consisted of seven stations in the following four markets: Salt Lake City / St. George, UT; Austin, TX; West Palm Beach / Fort Pierce / Stuart, FL; and Providence, RI / New Bedford, MA.  The $199.1 million purchase price was financed with borrowings under our bank credit facility.  See Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for more information.
	Other 2012 Acquisitions.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, we acquired five other television stations in the following three markets: Columbus, OH; Champaign / Springfield / Decatur, IL; and Beaumont/Port Arthur/Orange, TX. The aggregate purchase price of $49.5 million less working capital of $0.7 million includes amounts paid by certain VIEs for the license assets of certain of these stations owned by VIEs that we consolidate.
	The following tables summarize the allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including the net assets of consolidated VIEs (in thousands):
		MEG			KSNV			Allbritton			Other			Total 2014
		Stations												acquisitions
	Accounts receivable	$	—		$	—		$	38,542		$	—		$	38,542
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	476			67			19,890			79			20,512
	Program contract costs	1,889			482			1,204			2,561			6,136
	Property and equipment	35,963			8,300			46,600			8,400			99,263
	Broadcast licenses	4,202			—			13,700			125			18,027
	Definite-lived intangible assets	93,156			61,725			564,100			71,025			790,006
	Other assets	—			—			20,352			1,500			21,852
	Assets held for sale	—			—			83,200			—			83,200
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(2,085		)	(277		)	(8,351		)	(1,143		)	(11,856		)
	Program contracts payable	(1,889		)	(481		)	(1,140		)	(2,554		)	(6,064		)
	Deferred tax liability	—			—			(261,393		)	—			(261,393		)
	Other long term liabilities	—			(1,200		)	(17,025		)	—			(18,225		)
	Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	131,712			68,616			499,679			79,993			780,000
	Goodwill	74,179			49,674			535,558			42,443			701,854
	Total	$	205,891		$	118,290		$	1,035,237		$	122,436		$	1,481,854
		Fisher			Barrington			Other			Total 2013
											acquisitions
	Cash	$	13,531		$	—		$	—		$	13,531
	Accounts receivable	29,485			—			8,226			37,711
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,133			681			5,217			25,031
	Program contract costs	11,427			4,011			6,050			21,488
	Property and equipment	73,968			73,621			67,034			214,623
	Broadcast licenses	29,771			719			4,395			34,885
	Definite-lived intangible assets	166,034			220,253			169,438			555,725
	Other assets	9,284			—			1,394			10,678
	Assets held for sale	6,339			—			—			6,339
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(20,127		)	(2,725		)	(3,926		)	(26,778		)
	Program contracts payable	(10,977		)	(3,813		)	(6,331		)	(21,121		)
	Deferred tax liability	(74,177		)	—			(2,304		)	(76,481		)
	Other long term liabilities	(23,384		)	(65		)	(10,550		)	(33,999		)
	Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	230,307			292,682			238,643			761,632
	Goodwill	143,942			75,004			45,538			264,484
	Less: fair value of non-controlling interest	(1,053		)	—			—			(1,053		)
	Total	$	373,196		$	367,686		$	284,181		$	1,025,063
		Four Points			Freedom			Newport			Other			Total 2012
														acquisitions
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	456		$	373		$	1,390		$	160		$	2,379
	Program contract costs	3,731			3,520			10,378			1,638			19,267
	Property and equipment	34,578			54,109			53,883			16,545			159,115
	Broadcast licenses	10,658			10,424			15,581			2,679			39,342
	Definite-lived intangible assets	93,800			140,963			240,013			22,546			497,322
	Other assets	548			278			1,097			—			1,923
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(381		)	(589		)	(3,928		)	(1,178		)	(6,076		)
	Program contracts payable	(5,157		)	(3,404		)	(11,634		)	(4,252		)	(24,447		)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	138,233			205,674			306,780			38,138			688,825
Goodwill	60,843			179,609			164,621			10,661			415,734
Total	$	199,076		$	385,283		$	471,401		$	48,799		$	1,104,559
The allocations presented above are based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches.  In estimating the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates.  The purchase prices have been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on estimated fair values.  The allocations related to the 2014 acquisitions are preliminary pending a final determination of the fair values of the assets and liabilities.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, we made certain measurement period adjustments to the initial purchase accounting for the acquisitions in 2013, resulting in reclassifications between certain noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities, including an increase to property and equipment of approximately $44.3 million, an increase to broadcast licenses of $19.4 million, an increase to noncurrent deferred tax liabilities of $29.3 million, and a decrease to goodwill of $66.3 million, as well as a corresponding increase to depreciation and amortization of $2.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2014.
These intangible assets will be amortized over the estimated remaining useful lives of 15 years for network affiliations and 10 years for the decaying advertiser base.  Acquired property and equipment will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives.  Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and noncontractual relationships, as well as expected future synergies.  Other intangible assets will be amortized over the respective weighted average useful lives ranging from 14 to 16 years. The following tables summarize the amounts allocated to definite-lived intangible assets representing the estimated fair values and estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes (in thousands):
	MEG			KSNV			Allbritton			Other			Total 2014
	Stations												acquisitions
Network affiliations	$	63,462		$	43,800		$	356,900		$	42,625		$	506,787
Decaying advertiser base	9,280			12,100			38,500			9,100			68,980
Other intangible assets	20,414			5,825			168,700			19,300			214,239
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	$	93,156		$	61,725		$	564,100		$	71,025		$	790,006
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes	$	74,179		$	49,674		$	—		$	42,443		$	166,296
	Fisher			Barrington			Other			Total 2013
										acquisitions
Network affiliations	$	117,499		$	103,245		$	99,805		$	320,549
Decaying advertiser base	18,110			41,939			19,992			80,041
Other intangible assets	30,425			75,069			49,641			155,135
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	$	166,034		$	220,253		$	169,438		$	555,725
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes	$	10,765		$	75,004		$	111,208		$	196,977
	Four Points			Freedom			Newport			Other			Total 2012
													acquisitions
Network affiliations	$	66,928		$	93,067		$	175,978		$	12,858		$	348,831
Decaying advertiser base	9,766			25,059			23,662			1,843			60,330
Other intangible assets	17,106			22,837			40,373			7,845			88,161
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	$	93,800		$	140,963		$	240,013		$	22,546		$	497,322
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes	$	60,843		$	179,609		$	164,621		$	10,661		$	415,734
The following tables summarize the results of the acquired operations included in the financial statements of the Company beginning on the acquisition date of each acquisition as listing above (in thousands):
Revenues	2014			2013			2012
MEG Stations	$	2,299		$	—		$	—
KSNV	5,972			—			—
Allbritton	106,258			—			—
Barrington	173,013			16,927			—
Fisher	184,534			79,078			—
Newport	162,824			149,044			11,674
Freedom (b)	127,916			108,585			91,046
Four Points (a)	75,058			73,673			69,964
Other stations acquired in:
2014	9,172			—			—
2013	139,521			52,440			—
2012	21,196			21,515			4,485
Total net broadcast revenues	$	1,007,763		$	501,262		$	177,169
Operating Income	2014			2013			2012
MEG Stations	$	1,010		$	—		$	—
KSNV	2,108			—			—
Allbritton	26,914			—			—
Barrington	34,875			4,096			—
Fisher	26,940			19,019			—
Newport	53,457			35,779			2,860
Freedom (b)	43,882			29,439			32,488
Four Points (a)	22,441			19,754			17,287
Other stations acquired in:
2014	1,569			—			—
2013	26,487			12,007			—
2012	2,091			946			(1,589		)
Total operating income	$	241,774		$	121,040		$	51,046
(a)     These amounts exclude the operations of WLWC-TV which are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.  See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations.
(b)     These amounts exclude the operations of WLAJ-TV which are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.  See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations.
In connection with the acquisitions, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we incurred a total of $5.7 million, $2.8 million, and $1.2 million, respectively, of costs primarily related to legal and other professional services, which we expensed as incurred and classified as corporate general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Pro Forma Information
The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations, assuming that the above acquisitions, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisitions, occurred at the beginning of the year preceding the year of acquisition. The pro forma results exclude acquisitions presented under Other above, as they were deemed not material both individually and in the aggregate. The 2012 period does not include the pro forma effects of the 2014 acquisitions, and as such will not provide comparability to the 2013 and 2014 pro forma periods presented in the following table (in thousands, except per share data):
	(Unaudited)
	2014			2013			2012
Total revenues	$	2,150,124		$	1,838,167		$	1,513,975
Net Income	$	189,174		$	41,323		$	153,807
Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	186,338		$	38,974		$	153,370
Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	1.92		$	0.42		$	1.89
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	1.9		$	0.42		$	1.89
This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and is not indicative of what our results would have been had we operated the businesses since the beginning of the annual period presented because the pro forma results do not reflect expected synergies.  The pro forma adjustments reflect depreciation expense, amortization of intangibles and amortization of program contract costs related to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions, and exclusion of nonrecurring financing and transaction related costs. Depreciation and amortization expense are higher than amounts recorded in the historical financial statements of the acquirees due to the fair value adjustments recorded for long-lived tangibles and intangible assets in purchase accounting.  The pro forma revenues exclude the revenues of WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV which are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations and KIDK-TV, KXPI-TV, WHTM-TV, WTTA-TV, KXRM-TV, and KXTU-TV which were sold subsequent to acquisition.

DISPOSITION_OF_ASSETS_AND_DISC

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	3.  DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	Discontinued Operations
	In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) guidance on reporting assets held for sale we reported the results of operations of our stations in Lansing, Michigan (WLAJ-TV) and Providence, Rhode Island (WLWC-TV), as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.  Discontinued operations have not been segregated in the consolidated statements of cash flows and, therefore, amounts for certain captions will not agree with the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. WLAJ-TV was acquired in the second quarter of 2012 in connection with the acquisition of the television stations from Freedom. WLWC-TV was recently acquired in the first quarter of 2012 in connection with the acquisition of the television stations from Four Points. See Note 2. Acquisitions for more information.  The operating results of WLAJ-TV, which was sold effective March 1, 2013 for $14.4 million, and WLWC-TV, which was sold effective April 1, 2013 for $13.8 million, are not included in our consolidated results of operations from continuing operations. Total revenues for WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV, which are included in discontinued operations for the year ending December 31, 2013, were $0.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively.  Total revenues of WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV, which are included in discontinued operations for the year ending December 31, 2012, are $3.7 million and $6.3 million, respectively.  Total income before taxes for WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV, which are included in discontinued operations for the year ending December 31, 2013, are $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and total income(loss) before taxes of WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV, which are included in discontinued operations for the year ending December 31, 2012, are $0.9 million and $0.2 million, respectively.  The resulting gain on the sale of these stations in 2013 was negligible.
	Additionally, we recognized an $11.2 million income tax benefit during the year ended December 31, 2013, attributable to the adjustment of certain liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to discontinued operations. See Note 10. Income Taxes for further information.
	Dispositions related to station acquisitions
	As discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions, we completed the acquisition of certain broadcast assets from Media General.  Simultaneously, we sold to Media General the broadcast assets of WTTA in Tampa, FL and KXRM/KXTU in Colorado Springs, CO for $93.1 million less working capital of $0.6 million.  We recognized a $39.0 million gain on sale related to WTTA.
	Concurrent with the acquisition of the Allbritton companies discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions, due to FCC conflict ownership rules, we sold WHTM in Harrisburg/Lancaster/York, PA to Media General in September 2014 for $83.4 million, less working capital of $0.2 million and the non-license assets of WTAT in Charleston, SC to Cunningham for $14.0 million, effective August 1, 2014.  WHTM was acquired from the Allbritton companies and assets of WHTM were classified as assets held for sale in the Allbritton purchase price allocation.  We did not recognize a gain or loss on this transaction. Prior to the sale of WTAT, we operated the station under an LMA and purchase agreement with Cunningham.  This sale was accounted for as a transaction between parties under common control.  See Note 12. Related Person Transaction for further discussion.
	Concurrent with the Barrington acquisition, due to FCC conflict ownership rules, we sold our station, WSYT (FOX), and assigned its LMA with WNYS (MNT), in Syracuse, NY to a third party for $15.0 million less, and recognized a loss on sale of $3.3 million. We also sold our station, WYZZ (FOX) in Peoria, IL, which receives non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services from Nexstar Broadcasting pursuant to certain outsourcing agreements, to Cunningham for $22.0 million. This sale was accounted for as a transaction between parties under common control.  See Note 12. Related Person Transactions for further discussion.
	Concurrent with the Fisher acquisition discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions, a third party that performed certain services pursuant to an outsourcing agreement to the station that we acquired, KIDK and KXPI in Idaho Falls, ID, exercised an existing purchase option to purchase the broadcast assets of the two stations for $6.3 million, which closed in November 2013.  The assets of these stations were classified as assets held for sale in the Fisher purchase price allocation.  See Note 2. Acquisitions for further discussion.
	Concurrent with the acquisition of WKRC in Cincinnati, OH and WOAI in San Antonio, TX from Newport (see Note 2. Acquisitions), we sold the license assets of two of our existing stations located in Cincinnati, OH (WSTR) and San Antonio, TX (KMYS) for a total of $10.7 million to third parties.  We provide non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services to these stations pursuant to certain outsourcing agreements and we have assignable purchase options with these licensees to acquire the license assets. We consolidate the license assets of these stations because the licensee companies are VIEs and we are the primary beneficiary. See Variable Interest Entities in Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
	The dispositions of the above assets did not meet the criteria for classification as discontinued operations, therefore the results of operations are included in continuing operations in our consolidated statements of operations.
	Assets Held for Sale
	We expect to sell, Triangle Sign & Service, LLC, a consolidated investment in our other operating divisions, in the first half of 2015.  In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) guidance on reporting assets held for sale, we reported our assets and liabilities related to Triangle as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.  Results of operations of these stations are included within the results from continuing operations as the criteria for classification as discontinued operations was not met.
	As of December 31, 2014, the major classes of assets and liabilities of the group reported as held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet are shown below:
			December 31, 2014
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable		$	5,101
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,403
	Total current assets held for sale		6,504
	Property and equipment (a)		1,036
	Goodwill		2,975
	Definite-lived intangible assets		2,962
	Total assets held for sale		$	13,477
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	1,096
	Accrued liabilities		1,360
	Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		21
	Total liabilities held for sale		$	2,477
		(a)		Excluded from the above is $1.8 million in held for sale assets related to certain real estate assets within our broadcast segment.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
	4.  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, 2014, 8,414,109 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded stock-based compensation of $14.3 million, $10.6 million and $5.9 million, respectively. Below is a summary of the key terms and methods of valuation of our stock-based compensation awards:
	RSAs.  RSAs issued in 2014, 2013 and 2012 have certain restrictions that lapse over two years at 50% and 50%, respectively. As the restrictions lapse, the Class A Common Stock may be freely traded on the open market.  Unvested RSAs are entitled to dividends.  The fair value assumes the closing value of the stock on the grant date.
	The following is a summary of changes in unvested restricted stock:
		RSAs		Weighted-Average
				Price
	Unvested shares at December 31, 2013	370,000		$	13.81
	2014 Activity:
	Granted	73,700		28.23
	Vested	(214,000	)	13.52
	Forfeited	—		—
	Unvested shares at December 31, 2014	229,700		18.71
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded compensation expense of $3.2 million, $2.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  The majority of the unrecognized compensation expense of $1.4 million as of December 31, 2014 will be recognized in 2015.  During 2014, outstanding RSAs increased the weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of determining dilutive earnings per share.
	Stock Grants to Non-Employee Directors.  In addition to directors fees paid, on the date of each of our annual meetings of shareholders, each non-employee director receives a grant of unrestricted shares of Class A Common Stock.  In 2014, 2013 and 2012, we issued 12,000 shares, 31,250 shares and 25,000 shares, respectively.  We recorded expense of $0.4 million, $0.8 million and $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was based on the closing value of the stock on the date of grant.  Additionally, these shares are included in the total shares outstanding, which results in a dilutive effect on our basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.
	SARs.  During the years ended December, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 200,000, 500,000 and 400,000 SARs were granted with base values per share of $27.86, $14.21 and $11.68, respectively, to our President and Chief Executive Officer.  The SARs have a 10-year term and vest immediately.  The base value of each SAR is equal the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on the grant date.   For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded compensation expense equal to the estimated fair value at the grant date, of $2.6 million, $3.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively.  We valued the SARs using the Black-Scholes model and the following assumptions:
		2014		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5	%	0.9	%	0.9	%
	Expected years until exercise	5 years		5 years		5 years
	Expected volatility	65	%	73	%	73	%
	Annual dividend yield	2.2	%	4.3	%	5.2	%
	The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for U.S. Treasury zero coupon separate trading of registered interest and principal securities, commonly known as STRIPS,  that approximate the expected life of the options.  The expected volatility is based on our historical stock prices over a period equal to the expected life of the options.  The annual dividend yield is based on the annual dividend per share divided by the share price on the grant date.
	The following is a summary of the 2014 activity:
		SARs		Weighted-
				Average Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,400,000		$	13.25
	2014 Activity:
	Granted	200,000		27.86
	Exercised	—
	Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2014	1,600,000		15.08
	The aggregate intrinsic value of the 1,600,000 outstanding as of December 31, 2014 was $19.6 million, and the outstanding SARs have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.89 years as of December 31, 2014.  During 2014, 2013 and 2012, outstanding SARs increased the weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of determining dilutive earnings per share.
	Options.  In April 2014, we entered into an employment agreement with our Chief Financial Officer, to grant annually on each December 31, an option to purchase 125,000 shares of Class A Common Stock beginning December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2021.  Upon grant, the stock options are immediately exercisable.  The maximum aggregate intrinsic value that can be earned under the arrangement cannot exceed $20 million. The stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the stock on the date of grant and have a 10 year contractual life.
	Since the stock options are fully vested upon grant and requisite service must be satisfied to receive the award, we estimate the fair value of each of the options to be issued in the future and recognize the compensation expense over the period until the actual grant date.  The fair value of each award is remeasured each period until the actual grant with the ultimate cumulative expense equaling the grant date fair value of the award.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded $1.5 million of stock-based compensation expense related to this arrangement, based on estimated fair values of each of the options, of which $1.1 million was attributable to the option granted on December 31, 2014.
	We value the stock options using the Black-Scholes pricing model.  We used the following inputs to the model to value the option granted on December 31, 2014, which has an exercise price of $27.36 per share:
		2014
	Risk-free interest rate	1.8	%
	Expected years to exercise	5 years
	Expected volatility	47.6	%
	Annual dividend yield	2.3	%
	The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for U.S. Treasury STRIPS, that approximate the expected life of the options.  The expected volatility is based on our historical stock prices over a period equal to the expected life of the options.  The annual dividend yield is based on the annual dividend per share divided by the share price on the grant date.
	Match.  The Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (the 401(k) Plan) is available as a benefit for our eligible employees.  Contributions made to the 401(k) Plan include an employee elected salary reduction amount, the Match and an additional discretionary amount determined each year by the Board of Directors.  The Match and any additional discretionary contributions may be made using our Class A Common Stock if the Board of Directors so chooses.  Typically, we make the Match using our Class A Common Stock.
	The value of the Match is based on the level of elective deferrals into the 401(k) plan.  The amount of shares of our Class A Common Stock used to make the Match is determined using the closing price on or about March 1st of each year for the previous calendar year’s Match.  The Match is discretionary and is equal to a maximum of 50% of elective deferrals by eligible employees, capped at 4% of the employee’s total cash compensation.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded $5.2 million, $3.1 million and $1.6 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, 2014, 775,696 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.7 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.  Less than 0.1 million shares were issued to employees during the year ended December 31, 2014.  A total of 2,200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are reserved for awards under the plan.  As of December 31, 2014, 245,761 shares were available for future grants.
	Subsidiary Stock Awards.  From time to time, we grant subsidiary stock awards to employees.  The subsidiary stock is typically in the form of a membership interest in a consolidated limited liability company, not traded on a public exchange and valued based on the estimated fair value of the subsidiary.  Fair value is typically estimated using discounted cash flow models and/or appraisals.  These stock awards vest immediately.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded compensation expense of $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.7 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, 2014
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
	5.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
	Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation is generally computed under the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Buildings and improvements	10 - 30 years
	Station equipment	5 - 10 years
	Office furniture and equipment	5 - 10 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of 10 - 30 years or lease term
	Automotive equipment	3 - 5 years
	Property and equipment under capital leases	Lease term
	Acquired property and equipment as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives.
	Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Land and improvements	$	55,269		$	37,517
	Real estate held for development and sale	113,514			67,037
	Buildings and improvements	192,478			168,441
	Station equipment	684,176			572,851
	Office furniture and equipment	70,402			50,210
	Leasehold improvements	19,091			19,453
	Automotive equipment	37,726			23,443
	Capital leased assets	81,625			81,602
	Construction in progress	18,774			17,078
		1,273,055			1,037,632
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(520,517		)	(441,561		)
		$	752,538		$	596,071
	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 $3.7 million, $4.0 million and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

GOODWILL_BROADCAST_LICENSES_AN

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
	6.  GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
	Goodwill, which arises from the purchase price exceeding the assigned value of the net assets of an acquired business, represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible elements being acquired. Goodwill totaled $1,964.6 million and $1,380.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations was as follows (in thousands):
			Broadcast			Other			Consolidated
						Operating
						Divisions
	Balance at December 31, 2012
	Goodwill		$	1,484,117		$	3,488		$	1,487,605
	Accumulated impairment losses		(413,573		)	—			(413,573		)
			1,070,544			3,488			1,074,032
	Acquisition of television stations (a)		330,309			—			330,309
	Sale of broadcast assets (d)		(14,724		)	—			(14,724		)
	Measurement period adjustments related to 2012 acquisitions (e)		(9,535		)	—			(9,535		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013 (c)
	Goodwill (a)		1,790,167			3,488			1,793,655
	Accumulated impairment losses		(413,573		)	—			(413,573		)
			1,376,594			3,488			1,380,082
	Acquisition of television stations (a)		701,854			—			701,854
	Sale of broadcast assets (d)		(26,731		)	—			(26,731		)
	Deconsolidation of variable interest entities (b)		(21,357		)	—			(21,357		)
	Measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions (e)		(66,320		)	—			(66,320		)
	Assets held for sale		—			(2,975		)	(2,975		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014 (c)
	Goodwill		2,377,613			513			2,378,126
	Accumulated impairment losses		(413,573		)	—			(413,573		)
			$	1,964,040		$	513		$	1,964,553
		(a)		In 2014 and 2013, we acquired goodwill as a result of acquisitions as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions.
		(b)		In 2014, we deconsolidated certain variable interest entities and the amounts relate to WYZZ in Peoria, IL and WTAT in Charleston, SC, as discussed in Variable Interest Entities within Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
		(c)		Approximately $0.8 million and $6.4 million of goodwill relates to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		(d)		Amounts relate to the 2013 sale of WSYT (including certain assets of WNYS, which we performed service to under an LMA) in Syracuse, NY, in connection with the acquisition of stations from Barrington, and to the 2014 sale of WTTA in Tampa, FL and KXRM/KXTU in Colorado Springs, CO.  See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations for further discussion on the sale of these stations.
		(e)		Amounts relate to immaterial measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions.
	We did not have any indicators of impairment in any interim period in 2014, 2013, or 2012, and therefore did not perform interim impairment tests for goodwill during those periods. We performed our annual impairment tests for goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2014 and 2013 and as a result of our qualitative assessment we concluded based on our qualitative assessment of goodwill that it was more likely than not that the fair values of the reporting units would sufficiently exceed their carrying values and it was unnecessary to perform the quantitative two-step method.
	Based on the results of our annual qualitative assessment for goodwill impairment performed in 2012, we concluded that we would need to perform a quantitative “Step 1” test for three of our markets which had aggregate goodwill of $79.5 million as of October 1, 2012, the date of our annual impairment test. These markets had a decrease in operating results for the past few years and therefore, we estimated the fair value of these reporting units based on a market approach and income approach. For all three markets, the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the respective carrying value by more than 10%. For all our other reporting units, we concluded based on the qualitative assessment that it was more likely than not that the fair values of these reporting units would sufficiently exceed their carrying values and it was not necessary to perform the quantitative two-step method.
	The qualitative factors for our reporting units reviewed during our annual assessments, with the exception of the three markets in which we performed a quantitative assessment in 2012, indicated stable or improving margins and favorable or stable forecasted economic conditions including stable discount rates and comparable or improving business multiples. Additionally, the results of prior quantitative assessments supported significant excess fair value over carrying value of our reporting units.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amount of our broadcast licenses related to continuing operations was as follows (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	101,029		$	85,122
	Acquisition of television stations (a)		18,027			15,514
	Sale of broadcast assets (d)		(45		)	(25		)
	Impairment charge		(3,240		)	—
	Measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions (a)		19,355			418
	Deconsolidation of variable interest entities (b)		(51		)	—
	Ending balance (c)		$	135,075		$	101,029
		(a)		See Note 2. Acquisitions.
		(b)		In 2014, we deconsolidated certain variable interest entities and the amounts relate to WYZZ in Peoria, IL and WTAT in Charleston, SC, as discussed in Variable Interest Entities within Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
		(c)		Approximately $16.9 million and $16.8 million of broadcast licenses relate to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		(d)		Amounts relate to the 2013 sale of WSYT, in Syracuse, NY, in connection with the acquisition of stations from Barrington, and to the 2014 sale of WTTA in Tamp, FL and KXRM/KXTU in Colorado Springs, CO.  See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations for further discussion on the sale of these stations.
	We did not have any indicators of impairment for broadcast licenses in any interim period in 2014, and therefore did not perform interim impairment tests during those periods. We performed our annual impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangibles in the fourth quarter of 2014 and as a result of our qualitative and/or quantitative assessments we recorded $3.2 million in impairment, included with amortization of $113.4 million within the consolidated statement of operations, related to broadcast licenses with a carrying value of $21.1 million, compared to their estimated fair value of $17.9 million, as a result of a decrease in the projected future market revenues related to our radio broadcast licenses in Seattle, WA.
	The key assumptions used to determine the fair value of our broadcast licenses consisted primarily of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value inputs), including discount rates, estimated market revenues, normalized market share, normalized profit margin, and estimated start-up costs. The qualitative factors for our broadcast licenses indicated an increase in market revenues, stable market shares and stable cost factors.   The revenue, expense and growth rates used in determining the fair value of our broadcast licenses remained constant or increased slightly from 2013 to 2014.  The growth rates are based on market studies, industry knowledge and historical performance.  The discount rates used to determine the fair value of our broadcast licenses did not change significantly over the last three years.  The discount rate is based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk.
	The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles related to continuing operations (in thousands):
			As of December 31, 2014
			Gross			Accumulated			Net
			Carrying			Amortization
			Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Network affiliation (a)		$	1,396,792		$	(257,526	)	$	1,139,266
	Decaying advertiser base (b)		324,262			(148,878		)	175,384
	Other (c)		599,472			(95,859		)	503,613
	Total		$	2,320,526		$	(502,263	)	$	1,818,263
			As of December 31, 2013
			Gross			Accumulated			Net
			Carrying			Amortization
			Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
Network affiliation (a)		$	869,535		$	(195,037	)	$	674,498
Decaying advertiser base (b)		260,454			(135,978		)	124,476
Other (c)		389,769			(60,988		)	328,781
Total		$	1,519,758		$	(392,003	)	$	1,127,755
	(a)		The increase in network affiliation assets includes amounts from acquisitions of $506.8 million and $321.0 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 2. Acquisitions for the purchase price allocation of stations acquired during 2014, and measurement period adjustments recorded during 2014 related to 2013 acquisitions.
	(b)		The increase in decaying advertiser base includes amounts from acquisitions of $69.0 million and $80.0 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.  See Note 2. Acquisitions for the purchase price allocation of stations acquired during 2014, and measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions.
	(c)		The increase in other intangible assets includes the amounts from acquisitions of $214.2 million and $155.5 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.  See Note 2. Acquisitions for the purchase price allocation of stations acquired during 2014, and measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions.  The increase also includes the purchase of additional alarm monitoring contracts of $27.7 million, which is included in Other Operating Divisions.
Definite-lived intangible assets and other assets subject to amortization are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives which generally range from 5 to 25 years.  The total weighted average useful life of all definite-lived intangible assets and other assets subject to amortization acquired as a result of the acquisitions discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions is 14 years.  The amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $125.5 million, $70.8 million and $38.1 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
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, 2015		$	147,831
For the year ended December 31, 2016		146,877
For the year ended December 31, 2017		144,887
For the year ended December 31, 2018		143,923
For the year ended December 31, 2019		143,834
Thereafter		1,090,911
		$	1,818,263

NOTES_PAYABLE_AND_COMMERCIAL_B

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING:
NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING:
	7.  NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING:
	Bank Credit Agreement
	We have a syndicated credit facility which includes both revolving credit and issued term loans (Bank Credit Agreement).  During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Bank Credit Agreement has been restated and amendment several times to provide incremental financing to the acquisitions as discussed under Note 2. Acquisitions.  As of December 31, 2014, $1,725.9 million of aggregate borrowings were outstanding under the Bank Credit Agreement, which consists of the following:
	Term Loan A.  As of December 31, 2014, $348.1 million of term loans maturing in April 2018 which bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% (Term Loan A) were outstanding.  As of December 31, 2013, $500.0 million of Term Loan A was outstanding, and we had an additional commitment of $200.0 million to be drawn on a delayed basis in 2014.  On July 31, 2014, the most recent amendment to the Bank Credit Agreement, $327.7 million of Term Loan A was converted into revolving commitments.
	Term Loan B.  As of December 31, 2014, $1,035.9 million of term loans, net of unamortized original issue discount of $4.0 million, were outstanding, which consist of 1) $650.0 million original principal maturing in April 2020, bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% with 0.75% LIBOR floor, and 2) $400.0 million original principal maturing July 2021, bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% with a 0.75% LIBOR floor (collectively, Term Loan B).  As of December 31, 2013, $642.7 million of Term Loan B, net of unamortized original issue discount of $3.6 million, was outstanding.  On July 31, 2014, the incremental Term Loan B of $400.0 million, discussed above, was issued at 99.75% of par ($1.0 million original issue discount).
	Revolving Credit Facility.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our total commitments under the revolving credit facility (Revolver) were $485.2 million and $157.5 million, respectively.  The Revolver matures in April 2018 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25%.  We incur a commitment fee on undrawn capacity of 0.5%.  On July 31, 2014, $327.7 million of Term Loan A was converted into revolving commitments.  As of December 31, 2014, $338.0 million of borrowings and $3.1 million of letters of credit were issued under the Revolver.  Remaining borrowing capacity under the Revolver was $144.1 million as of December 31, 2014.
	Interest expense related to the Bank Credit Agreement, including the Revolver, in our consolidated statements of operations was $38.7 million, $27.3 million and $35.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Included in these amounts were debt refinancing costs of $3.8 million, $2.4 million and $6.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively, in accordance with debt modification accounting guidance that applied to the amendments.  Additionally, we capitalized $3.8 million, $14.9 million and $2.3 million as deferred financing costs, during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Deferred financing costs are classified within other assets within our consolidated balance sheet.  The weighted average effective interest rate of the Term Loan B for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 3.27% and 3.29%, respectively.  The weighted average effective interest rate of the Term Loan A for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 2.34% and 2.51%, respectively.  The weighted average effective interest rate of the Revolver for the year ended December 31, 2014 was 2.47%.
	Our Bank Credit Agreement, as well as indentures governing our outstanding notes as described below, contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness with certain exceptions, pay dividends (See Note 9. Common Stock), incur liens, engage in mergers or consolidations, make acquisitions, investments or disposals and engage in activities with affiliates.  In addition, under the Bank Credit Agreement, we are required to maintain a ratio of First Lien Indebtedness of 4.0 times EBITDA.  As of December 31, 2014, 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 to pursuant to LMAs and/or other outsourcing agreements and those stations provide 10% 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, 2014, there were no material third party licensees as defined in our Bank Credit Agreement.
	Substantially all of our stock in our wholly-owned subsidiaries has been pledged as security for the Bank Credit Agreement.
	5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
	On July 23, 2014, we issued $550.0 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.625% per annum and mature on August 1, 2024 (the 5.625% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated July 23, 2014 (the 5.625% Indenture).  The 5.625% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1, commencing on February 1, 2015.  Prior to August 1, 2019, we may redeem the 5.625% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.625% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 5.625% Indenture.  In addition, on or prior to August 1, 2019, we may redeem up to 35% of the 5.625% Notes, using proceeds of certain equity offerings.  If we sell certain of our assets or have certain changes of control, the holders of the 5.625% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes.  The proceeds from the offering of the 5.625% Notes, together with borrowings under our Bank Credit Agreement and cash on hand, were used to finance the acquisition of the Allbritton companies effective August 1, 2014.  Concurrent with entering into the 5.625% Indenture in July 2013, we also entered into a registration rights agreement requiring us to file a registration statement covering an offer to exchange of the 5.625% Notes for registered securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) to be effective by April 19, 2015.
	Interest expense was $13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.  The weighted average effective interest rate for the 5.625% Notes was 5.625% for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
	On October 11, 2013, we issued $350.0 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 6.375% per annum and mature on November 1, 2021 (the 6.375% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated October 11, 2013 (the 6.375% Indenture). The 6.375% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1, commencing on May 1, 2014. Prior to November 1, 2016, we may redeem the 6.375% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 6.375% Indenture. In addition, on or prior to November 1, 2016, we may redeem up to 35% of the 6.375% Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, holder of the 6.375% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the Notes.  Upon the sale of certain of our assets or certain changes of control, the holders of the 6.375% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes.  The proceeds from the offering of the 6.375% Notes were used to partially fund the redemption of the 9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, Due 2017 (the 9.25% Notes), as discussed further below. Concurrent with entering into an indenture for the 6.375% Notes in October 2013, we also entered into a registration rights agreement requiring us to complete an offer of an exchange of the 6.375% Notes for registered securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) by July 8, 2014.  We filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC on December 6, 2013, which became effective on December 19, 2013.  An exchange offer was launched on December 19, 2013 to exchange the unregistered 6.375% Notes with the holders for 6.375% Notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933.  The exchange offer was completed on January 24, 2014 with 99.7% of the $350.0 million 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 tendered in the exchange offer.
	Interest expense was $22.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.  The weighted average effective interest rate for the 6.375% Notes was 6.375% for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
	On April 2, 2013, we issued $600.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum and mature on April 1, 2021 (the 5.375% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated April 2, 2013 (the 5.375% Indenture).  The 5.375% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2013.  Prior to April 1, 2016, we may redeem the 5.375% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.375% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 5.375% Indenture.  Beginning on April 1, 2016, we may redeem some or all of the 5.375% Notes at any time or from time to time at a redemption price set forth in the 5.375% Indenture.  In addition, on or prior to April 1, 2016, we may redeem up to 35% of the 5.375% Notes using proceeds of certain equity offerings.  Upon the sale of certain of our assets or certain changes of control, the holders of the 5.375% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes.  The net proceeds from the offering of the 5.375% Notes were used to pay down outstanding indebtedness under our bank credit facility. Concurrent with entering into an indenture for the 5.375% Notes in April 2013, we also entered into a registration rights agreement requiring us to complete an offer of an exchange of the 5.375% Notes for registered securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) by December 28, 2013.  We filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC on April 4, 2013, which became effective on April 16, 2013.  An exchange offer was launched on May 23, 2013 to exchange the unregistered 5.375% Notes with the holders for 5.375% Notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933.  The exchange offer was completed on June 28, 2013 with 100% of the $600.0 million 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 tendered in the exchange offer.
	Interest expense was $32.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.  The weighted average effective interest rate for the 5.375% Notes was 5.375% for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
	On October 12, 2012, we issued $500.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 6.125% per annum and mature on October 1, 2022 (the 6.125% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated October 12, 2012 (the 2012 Indenture).  The 6.125% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1, commencing on April 1, 2013. Prior to October 1, 2017, we may redeem the 6.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6.125% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 2012 Indenture.  Beginning on October 1, 2017, we may redeem some or all of the 6.125% Notes at any time or from time to time at a redemption price set forth in the 2012 Indenture.  In addition, on or prior to October 1, 2015, we may redeem up to 35% of the 6.125% Notes using proceeds of certain equity offerings.  Upon the sale of certain of our assets or certain changes of control, the holders of the 6.125% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes.  The net proceeds from the offering of the 6.125% Notes were used to pay down outstanding indebtedness under the revolving credit facility under our Bank Credit Agreement and fund certain acquisitions as described under Note 2. Acquisitions, and for general corporate purposes. Concurrent with entering into the 2012 Indenture, we also entered into a registration rights agreement requiring us to complete an offer of an exchange of the 6.125% Notes for registered securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) by July 8, 2013.  We filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC on April 4, 2013 which became effective on April 16, 2013.  An exchange offer was launched on May 23, 2013 to exchange the unregistered 6.125% Notes with the holders for 6.125% Notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933.  The exchange offer was completed on June 28, 2013 with 100.0% of the $500.0 million 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 tendered in the exchange offer
	Interest expense was $30.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.  The weighted average effective interest rate for the 6.125% Notes was 6.125% for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018
	Effective October 15, 2014, we redeemed all of the outstanding 8.375% Senior Notes due 2018, representing $237.5 million aggregate principal amount of Notes as of October 15, 2014. Upon the redemption, along with the principal, we paid the accrued and unpaid interest and a make whole premium of $9.9 million, for a total of $257.4 million paid to note holders.  We recorded a loss on extinguishment of $14.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 related to this redemption.
	Interest and amortization expense was $16.0 million, $20.3 million and $20.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The weighted average effective interest rate of the 8.375% Notes, including amortization of its bond discount, was 8.65% for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, Due 2017
	Effective October 12, 2013, we redeemed all of the outstanding 9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, representing $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount. Upon the redemption, along with the principal, we paid the accrued and unpaid interest and a make whole premium of $25.4 million, for a total of $546.1 million paid to noteholders. We recorded a loss on extinguishment of $43.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 related to this redemption, which included the write-off of the unamortized deferred financing costs of $9.5 million and debt discount of $8.2 million.
	Interest expense was $37.3 million and $47.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The weighted average effective interest rate for the 9.25% Notes, including the amortization of its bond discount, was 9.74% for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	4.875% Convertible Senior Notes, due 2018 and 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes, Due 2027
	In September 2013, 100% of the outstanding 4.875% Convertible Senior Notes, due in 2018 (the 4.875% Notes), representing aggregate principal of $5.7 million, were converted into 388,632 shares of Class A Common Stock, as permitted under the indenture, resulting in an increase in additional paid-in capital of $8.6 million, net of income taxes.
	In October 2013, 100% of the outstanding 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes, due in 2027 (the 3.0% Notes), representing aggregate principal of $5.4 million, were converted and settled fully in cash of $10.5 million, as permitted under the indenture.  As the original terms of the indenture included a cash conversion feature, the effective settlement of the liability and equity components were accounted for separately.  The redemption of the liability component results in a $1.0 million gain on extinguishment, and the redemption of the equity component was recorded as a $5.1 million reduction in additional paid-in capital, net of taxes.
	Other Operating Divisions Debt
	Other operating divisions debt includes the debt of our consolidated subsidiaries with non-broadcast related operations.  This debt is non-recourse to us.  Interest was paid on this debt at rates typically ranging from LIBOR plus 2.5% to a fixed 6.50% during 2014.  During 2014, 2013 and 2012, interest expense on this debt was $3.1 million, $3.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
	Debt of Variable Interest Entities
	Our consolidated VIEs have $30.2 million in outstanding debt for which the proceeds were used to purchase the license assets of certain stations.  See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 2. Acquisitions for more information.  The credit agreements and term loans of these VIEs each bear interest of LIBOR plus 2.50%.  We have jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the debt of the VIEs, as a primary obligor, including the payment of all unpaid principal of and interest on the loans.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the interest expense relating to the debt of our VIEs which was jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed was $2.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively.   During the year ended December 31, 2012, one of our VIEs had debt outstanding that was non-recourse to us and that debt was repaid in full on October 1, 2012.  The interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 related to that debt was $0.3 million.
	Summary
	Notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan A	$	348,073		$	500,000
	Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B	1,039,876			646,375
	Revolving credit facility	338,000			—
	8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018	—			237,530
	6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021	350,000			350,000
	5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021	600,000			600,000
	6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022	500,000			500,000
	5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024	550,000			—
	Debt of variable interest entities	30,167			55,581
	Other operating divisions debt	118,822			86,263
	Capital leases	38,836			42,946
	Total outstanding principal	3,913,774			3,018,695
	Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B	(3,992		)	(3,642		)
	Less: Discount on 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018	—			(2,305		)
	Less: Current portion	(113,116		)	(46,346		)
	Net carrying value of long-term debt	$	3,796,666		$	2,966,402
	Indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2014 matures as follows (in thousands):
		Notes and Bank			Capital Leases			Total
		Credit
		Agreement
	2015	$	110,980		$	5,555		$	116,535
	2016	77,574			5,159			82,733
	2017	75,544			5,197			80,741
	2018	577,545			5,250			582,795
2019	10,987			5,344			16,331
2020 and thereafter	3,022,308			38,721			3,061,029
Total minimum payments	3,874,938			65,226			3,940,164
Less: Discount on Term Loan B	(3,992		)	—			(3,992		)
Less: Amount representing future interest	—			(26,390		)	(26,390		)
Net carrying value of debt	$	3,870,946		$	38,836		$	3,909,782
As of December 31, 2014, we had 27 capital leases with non-affiliates; including 25 broadcast tower leases, four other operating divisions equipment leases and one corporate building lease.  All of our tower leases will expire within the next 17 years, the equipment leases expire within the next 4 years, and the building leases will expire in 2015.  Most of our leases have 5-10 year renewal options and it is expected that these leases will be renewed or replaced within the normal course of business.  For information related to our affiliate notes and capital leases, see Note 12. Related Person Transactions.

PROGRAM_CONTRACTS

PROGRAM CONTRACTS:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
PROGRAM CONTRACTS:
PROGRAM CONTRACTS:
	8.  PROGRAM CONTRACTS:
	Future payments required under program contracts as of December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	104,922
	2016	22,459
	2017	14,999
	2018	10,341
	2019	7,838
	2020 and thereafter	4,968
	Total	165,527
	Less: Current portion	(104,922		)
	Long-term portion of program contracts payable	$	60,605
	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 amounts are payments due in arrears of $34.3 million.  In addition, we have entered into non-cancelable commitments for future program rights aggregating to $121.0 million as of December 31, 2014.

COMMON_STOCK

COMMON STOCK:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
COMMON STOCK:
COMMON STOCK:
	9. 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.  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 2014, 100,000 Class B Common Stock shares were converted into Class A Common Stock shares.  During 2013, 2,905,502 Class B Common Stock shares were converted into Class A Common Stock shares.
	Our Bank Credit Agreement and some of our subordinated debt instruments have restrictions on our ability to pay dividends.  Under our Bank Credit Agreement, in certain circumstances, we may make unrestricted cash payments as long as our first lien indebtedness ratio does not exceed 3.75 to 1.00.  Once our first lien indebtedness ratio exceeds 3.75 to 1.00, we have the ability to make up to $200.0 million in unrestricted annual cash payments including but not limited to dividends, of which $50.0 million may carry over to the next year, as long as we are in compliance with our first lien indebtedness ratio under the Bank Credit Agreement of 4.00 to 1.00.  In addition, we have an aggregate basket of up to $250.0 million, as long as we are in compliance with our first lien indebtedness ratio of 4.00 to 1.00, and an aggregate basket of $50.0 million, as long as no Event of Default has occurred.  Under the indentures governing the 6.125% Notes, 5.375% Notes, 6.375% Notes and 5.625% Notes, we are restricted from paying dividends on our common stock unless certain specified conditions are satisfied, including that:
		·	no event of default then exists under each indenture or certain other specified agreements relating to our indebtedness; and
		·	after taking into account the dividends payment, we are within certain restricted payment requirements contained in each indenture.
	In addition, under certain of our debt instruments, the payment of dividends is not permissible during a default thereunder.
	In April 2013, we commenced a public offering of 18.0 million shares of Class A common stock.  The offering was priced at $27.25 per share on May 1, 2013 and closed on May 7, 2013.  The net proceeds of $472.9 million were used to fund 2013 acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.
	During 2013, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share in the months of February, April, August and November, which were paid in March, June, September and December, respectively.  Total dividend payments for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $0.60 per share.  During 2014, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share in the months of February and April, which were paid in March and June.  In August and November our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.165 per share, which were paid in September and December.  Total dividend payments for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $0.63 per share. In February 2015, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.165 per share. Future dividends on our common shares, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on several factors including our results of operations, cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, covenant restrictions and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem relevant.  The Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock holders have the same rights related to dividends.
	During 2014, we repurchased approximately 4.9 million shares of Class A Common Stock for approximately $133.2 million on the open market including transaction costs. As of December 31, 2014, the total remaining authorization was $134.4 million.  In January 2015, we repurchased 0.3 million shares of Class A Common Stock for approximately $7.8 million on the open market including transaction costs.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES:
INCOME TAXES:
	10.  INCOME TAXES:
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Provision for income taxes - continuing operations		$	97,432		$	41,249		$	67,852
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes - discontinued operations		—			(10,806		)	663
			$	97,432		$	30,443		$	68,515
	Current:
	Federal		$	92,609		$	16,229		$	56,106
	State		5,641			(8,305		)	4,095
			98,250			7,924			60,201
	Deferred:
	Federal		3,170			20,214			9,151
	State		(3,988		)	2,305			(837		)
			(818		)	22,519			8,314
			$	97,432		$	30,443		$	68,515
	The following is a reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision from continuing operations:
			2014		2013		2012
	Federal statutory rate		35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
	Adjustments-
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (1)		(0.1	)%	8.3	%	(0.4	)%
	Non-deductible items (2)		3.4	%	1.4	%	0.3	%
	Domestic Production Activities Deduction (3)		(3.2	)%	(3.8	)%	(1.4	)%
	Effect of consolidated VIEs (4)		0.8	%	3.7	%	(3.4	)%
	Change in state tax laws and rates		(0.1	)%	(5.5	)%	0.2	%
	Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (5)		(3.4	)%	0.8	%	1.5	%
	Other		(0.9	)%	0.1	%	0.2	%
	Effective income tax rate		31.5	%	40.0	%	32.0	%
		-1		Included in state income taxes are deferred income tax effects related to certain acquisitions and/or intercompany mergers.
		-2		Included in 2014 is the current income taxes related to the taxable gain on sale of WHTM’s assets in Harrisburg, PA, which we acquired with the stock purchase of the Allbritton Companies in the same year.  There was no book gain on this sale.  Since a deferred tax liability was not established for the excess of book basis over tax basis of goodwill, deferred tax benefit does not offset the current tax expense.
		-3		During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recorded a $0.8 million reduction in and a $2.0 million of additional benefit, respectively, related to domestic production activities deduction upon filing the respective 2013 and 2012 federal income tax returns.
		-4		Certain of our consolidated VIEs incur expenses that are not attributable to non-controlling interests because we absorb certain related losses of the VIEs.  These expenses are not tax-deductible by us, and since these VIEs are treated as pass-through entities for income tax purposes, deferred income tax benefits are not recognized.  For the year ended December 31, 2012, the taxes on consolidated VIEs include a release of $7.7 million of valuation allowance related to certain deferred tax assets of Cunningham, one of our consolidated VIEs, as the weight of all available evidence supported realization of the deferred tax assets.  This assessment was based primarily on the sufficiency of forecasted taxable income necessary to utilize net operating loss carryforwards expiring in the years 2022 — 2029.  This VIE files separate income tax returns.  Any resulting tax liabilities are nonrecourse to us, and we are not entitled to any benefit resulting from the deferred tax assets of the VIE.  As discussed in Variable Interest Entities under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Cunningham was deconsolidated in 2014.
		-5		During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a $10.8 million benefit related to the release of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.  See table below which summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits.
	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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Current and Long-Term Deferred Tax Assets:
	Net operating and capital losses:
	Federal		$	2,384		$	5,027
	State		67,430			63,051
	Broadcast licenses		11,993			27,652
	Intangibles		32,182			3,451
	Other		27,677			35,677
			141,666			134,858
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(58,896		)	(51,062		)
	Total deferred tax assets		$	82,770		$	83,796
	Current and Long-Term Deferred Tax Liabilities:
	Broadcast licenses		$	(36,083	)	$	(20,395	)
	Intangibles		(507,545		)	(270,008		)
	Property & equipment, net		(72,819		)	(52,514		)
	Contingent interest obligations		(40,941		)	(51,621		)
	Other		(34,314		)	(2,037		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(691,702		)	(396,575		)
	Net tax liabilities		$	(608,932	)	$	(312,779	)
	Our remaining federal and state capital and net operating losses will expire during various years from 2015 to 2034, 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 within 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, 2014, 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, 2014, we increased our valuation allowance by $7.8 million to $58.9 million. The change in valuation allowance was primarily due to intercompany mergers, effective December 31, 2014, which we expect will decrease the utilization of the state NOL carryforwards.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, we decreased our valuation allowance by $8.3 million from $59.4 million. The reduction in valuation allowance was primarily due to a law change in a state tax jurisdiction, effective for years beginning after December 31, 2014, which we expect will significantly increase the forecasted future taxable income attributable to that state and result in utilization of the state NOL carryforwards.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, we decreased our valuation allowance by $19.7 million from $79.1 million. The reduction in valuation allowance was primarily due to the settlement of several audits, which resulted in the utilization of certain state NOL carryforwards which were previously fully reserved, as well as due to changes in estimates of apportionment for certain states.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $7.1 million and $16.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, respectively.  Of this total, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, $6.4 and $15.6 million from respective continuing operations (net of federal effect on state tax issues) represent the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rates.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Balance at January 1,		$	16,883		$	25,965		$	26,088
	Reductions related to prior year tax positions		—			(8,928		)	(123		)
	Increases related to current year tax positions		1,450			693			—
	Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities		(2,910		)	(847		)	—
	Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations		(8,285		)	—			—
	Balance at December 31,		$	7,138		$	16,883		$	25,965
	In addition, we recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  We recognized $0.7 million, $1.2 million and $1.5 million of income tax expense for interest related to uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions and accrues amounts for tax contingencies.  Based on these reviews, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, these accruals are adjusted as necessary.  Amounts accrued for these tax matters are included in the table above and long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.  We believe that adequate accruals have been provided for all years.
As previously discussed under Discontinued Operations within Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, during the year ended December 31, 2013, we reduced our liability for unrecognized tax benefits by $11.2 million related to discontinued operations. During the third quarter of 2013, we concluded that it was more likely than not that a previously unrecognized state tax position would be sustained upon review of the state tax authority, based on new information obtained during the period, resulting in a reduction in the liability of $6.1 million. The remaining $5.1 million reduction in the second quarter of 2013 was the result of application of limits under an available state administrative practice exception.
We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions.  All of our 2011 and subsequent federal and state tax returns remain subject to examination by various tax authorities.  Some of our pre-2011 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 $4.3 million, in the next twelve months, as a result of expected statute of limitations expirations, the application of limits under available state administrative practice exceptions, and the resolution of examination issues and settlements with federal and certain state tax authorities.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
	11.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
	Litigation
	We are a party to lawsuits and claims from time to time in the ordinary course of business.  Actions currently pending are in various stages and no material judgments or decisions have been rendered by hearing boards or courts in connection with such actions.  After reviewing developments to date with legal counsel, our management is of the opinion that the outcome of our pending and threatened matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Various parties have filed petitions to deny our applications or our LMA partners’ applications for the following stations’ license renewals: WXLV-TV, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; WMYV-TV, Greensboro, North Carolina; WLFL-TV, Raleigh / Durham, North Carolina; WRDC-TV, Raleigh / Durham, North Carolina; WLOS-TV, Asheville, North Carolina; WCIV-TV, Charleston, South Carolina (formerly WMMP-TV); WMYA-TV, Anderson, South Carolina; WICS-TV Springfield, Illinois; WBFF-TV, Baltimore, Maryland; WTTE-TV, Columbus, Ohio; WRGT-TV, Dayton, Ohio; WVAH-TV, Charleston / Huntington, West Virginia; WCGV-TV, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and WTTO-TV in Birmingham, AL. The FCC is in the process of considering the renewal applications and we believe the petitions have no merit.
	Operating Leases
	We have entered into operating leases for certain property and equipment under terms ranging from one to 45 years.  The rent expense from continuing operations under these leases, as well as certain leases under month-to-month arrangements, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $19.4 million, $10.3 million and $6.7 million, respectively.
	Future minimum payments under the leases are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	12,819
	2016	12,149
	2017	9,390
	2018	5,838
	2019	4,807
	2020 and thereafter	20,139
		$	65,142
	As of December 31, 2014, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $3.1 million.
	Network Affiliation Agreements
	On May 14, 2012, the Company and the licensees of stations to which we provide services, representing 20 affiliates of Fox Broadcast Company (FOX), extended the network affiliation agreements with FOX from the existing term of December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2017.  Concurrently, we entered into an assignable option agreement with Fox Television Stations, Inc. (FTS) giving us or our assignee the right to purchase substantially all the assets of the WUTB station (Baltimore, MD) owned by FTS, which has a program service arrangement with MyNetworkTV, for $2.7 million.  In October 2012, we exercised our option and purchased the assets of WUTB effective June 1, 2013.  As part of this transaction, we also granted options to FTS to purchase the assets of televisions stations we own in up to three out of four designated markets, which options expired unexercised.  In the second quarter of 2012, we paid $25.0 million to FOX pursuant to the agreements and we recorded $50.0 million in other assets and $25.0 million of other accrued liabilities within the consolidated balance sheet, representing the additional obligation due to FOX which was paid in the second quarter of 2013.  The $50.0 million asset is being amortized through the current term of the affiliation agreement ending on December 31, 2017.  Approximately $8.9 million, $8.9 million and $5.6 million of amortization expense has been recorded in the consolidated statement of operations during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  In addition, we are required to pay to FOX programming payments under the terms of the affiliation agreements.  These payments are recorded in station production expenses as incurred.
	Changes in the Rules on Television Ownership and Local Marketing Agreements
	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.
	If we are required to terminate or modify our LMAs, 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.  If certain of these LMA arrangements are no longer permitted, we would 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 before the terms of the LMAs expire, or under certain circumstances, we elect not to extend the terms of the LMAs, we may be forced to pay termination penalties under the terms of some of our LMAs.  Any such termination penalties could be material.
	In 1999, the FCC established a new local television ownership rule.  LMAs fell under this rule, however, the rule grandfathered LMAs that were entered into prior to November 5, 1996, and permitted the applicable stations to continue operations pursuant to the LMAs until the conclusion of the FCC’s 2004 biennial review.  The FCC stated it would conduct a case-by-case review of grandfathered LMAs and assess the appropriateness of extending the grandfathering periods.  The FCC did not initiate any review of grandfathered LMAs in 2004 or as part of its subsequent quadrennial reviews.  We do not know when, or if, the FCC will conduct any such review of grandfathered LMAs.  For LMAs executed on or after November 5, 1996, the FCC required compliance with the 1999 local television ownership rule by August 6, 2001.  We challenged the 1999 rules in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (D.C. Circuit), resulting in the exclusion of post-November 5, 1996 LMAs from the 1999 rules.  In 2002, the D.C. Circuit ruled that the 1999 local television ownership rule was arbitrary and capricious and remanded the rule to the FCC. Currently, three of our LMAs are grandfathered under the local television ownership rule because they were entered into prior to November 5, 1996 and the remainder are subject to the stay imposed by the D.C. Circuit. If the FCC were to eliminate the grandfathering of these three LMAs, or the D.C. Circuit were to lift its stay, we would have to terminate or modify these LMAs. In connection with our acquisition of the Allbritton station in Charleston, the FCC has taken the position that the stay granted by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals allowing the continuation of an LMA between us and Cunningham relating to WTAT-TV in that market was no longer effective. In response to this, we terminated our LMA with WTAT-TV, effective on the acquisition of the Allbritton Companies, and other financial relationships between us and WTAT-TV were severed (other than a short-term transition services agreement, a sublease of tower space and a lease of certain transmission facilities).  Cunningham purchased the non-license assets of WTAT-TV for $14.0 million.
	In 2003, the FCC revised its ownership rules, including the local television ownership rule. The effective date of the 2003 ownership rules was stayed by the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the rules were remanded to the FCC. Because the effective date of the 2003 ownership rules had been stayed and, in connection with the adoption of those rules, the FCC concluded the 1999 rules could not be justified as necessary in the public interest, we took the position that an issue exists regarding whether the FCC has any current legal right to enforce any rules prohibiting the acquisition of television stations. Several parties, including us, filed petitions with the Supreme Court of the United States seeking review of the Third Circuit decision, but the Supreme Court denied the petitions in June 2005.
	On November 15, 1999, we entered into a plan and agreement of merger to acquire through merger WMYA-TV in Anderson, South Carolina from Cunningham, but that transaction was denied by the FCC. In light of the change in the 2003 ownership rules, we filed a petition for reconsideration with the FCC and amended our application to acquire the license of WMYA-TV. We also filed applications in November 2003 to acquire the license assets of, at the time, the remaining five Cunningham stations: WRGT-TV, Dayton, Ohio; WTAT-TV, Charleston, South Carolina; WVAH-TV, Charleston, West Virginia; WNUV-TV, Baltimore, Maryland; and WTTE-TV, Columbus, Ohio. The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition (‘‘Rainbow/PUSH’’) filed a petition to deny these five applications and to revoke all of our licenses on the grounds that such acquisition would violate the local television ownership rules. The FCC dismissed our applications in light of the stay of the 2003 ownership rules and also denied the Rainbow/PUSH petition. Rainbow/PUSH filed a petition for reconsideration of that denial and we filed an application for review of the dismissal. In 2005, we filed a petition with the U. S. Court of Appeals for the D. C. Circuit requesting that the Court direct the FCC to take final action on our applications, but that petition was dismissed. On January 6, 2006, we submitted a motion to the FCC requesting that it take final action on our applications. Both the applications and the associated petition to deny are still pending. We believe the Rainbow/PUSH petition is without merit. On February 8, 2008, we filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit requesting that the Court direct the FCC to take final action on these applications and cease its use of the 1999 local television ownership rule that it re-adopted as the permanent rule in 2008. In July 2008, the D.C. Circuit transferred the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and we filed a petition with the D.C. Circuit challenging that decision, which was denied. We also filed with the Ninth Circuit a motion to transfer that case back to the D.C. Circuit. In November 2008, the Ninth Circuit consolidated our petition seeking final FCC action on our applications with the petitions challenging the FCC’s current ownership rules and transferred the proceedings to the Third Circuit. In December 2008, we agreed voluntarily with the parties to the proceeding to dismiss the petition seeking final FCC action on the applications.
	On March 12, 2014, the FCC issued a public notice with respect to the processing of broadcast television applications proposing sharing arrangements and contingent interests.  The public notice indicated that the FCC will closely scrutinize any application that proposes that two or more stations in the same market that will enter into an agreement to share facilities, employees and/or services or to jointly acquire programming or sell advertising including through a JSA, LMA or similar agreement and enter into an option, right of first refusal, put /call arrangement or other similar contingent interest, or a loan guarantee. We cannot now predict what actions the FCC may require in connection with the processing of applications for FCC consent to pending transactions.  In addition, the FCC issued rules that would consider a company an owner of a station if the company has a JSA with a station for sale of more than 15% of the ad time on a particular station if it owns or controls another station in the same market.  Parties to such agreements must come into compliance with these new rules by June 19, 2016.  Among other things, the rule could limit our ability to create duopolies or other two-station operations in certain markets.  We are currently evaluating whether to seek one or more waivers of the new rules, or to modify or terminate our current JSAs. We cannot predict whether we will be able to terminate or restructure such arrangements on terms that are as advantageous to us as the current arrangements. The rule has been appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and we cannot predict the outcome of that proceeding.  The revenues of these JSA arrangements we earned during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $48.8 million and $36.0 million, respectively.
	In its Order approving the Allbritton transaction, the FCC expressed concerns regarding an LMA that had existed between Sinclair and Cunningham in the Charleston market, and that it believed Sinclair apparently violated the local TV ownership rule with respect to its continued operation of that LMA.  The same agreement that governs the Charleston LMA also governs LMAs between Sinclair and Cunningham in three other markets.  The existence of the Charleston LMA was repeatedly disclosed to the Commission over many years, during which Sinclair relied on a June 20, 2001, Stay Order issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which specifically stated that “the time for Sinclair to come into compliance with the Commission’s ‘eight voices standard’ … is hereby stayed pending further order of the court.”  No further order has been issued by the Court with respect to that stay.  Sinclair has submitted a memorandum of counsel to the FCC with regard to the LMA and its reliance on the Court’s Stay Order. We cannot predict what steps, if any, the FCC will take in the future with respect to the now terminated Charleston LMA.
	In connection with the Allbritton acquisition, we agreed to surrender for cancellation the FCC licenses of WMMP, Charleston, SC, WCFT, Tuscaloosa, AL, and WJSU, Anniston, AL, all ABC affiliates, by September 29, 2014 and to terminate the Charleston LMA.  In August 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell the license and related assets of WMMP to Howard Stirk Holdings II, LLC for $0.05 million, subject to the approval of the FCC, and other customary closing conditions.  In September 2014, we entered into two other agreements to sell the licenses and related assets of WCFT and WJSU to Howard Stirk Holdings II LLC for $0.05 million per station, subject to the approval of the FCC, and other customary closing conditions. The FCC applications requested waiver or an extension of the September 29, 2014 deadline.  The FCC granted the WCFT, WJSU and WMMP assignment applications on December 4, 2014.  We sold the license and related assets to a third party on February 27, 2015.  Subsequent, to the sale we retained the ABC network affiliation service agreements.

RELATED_PERSON_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
	12.  RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS:
	Transactions with our controlling shareholders
	David, Frederick, J. Duncan and Robert Smith (collectively, the controlling shareholders) are brothers and hold substantially all of the Class B Common Stock and some of our Class A Common Stock.  We engaged in the following transactions with them and/or entities in which they have substantial interests.
	Leases.  Certain assets used by us and our operating subsidiaries are leased from Cunningham Communications Inc., Keyser Investment Group, Gerstell Development Limited Partnership and Beaver Dam, LLC (entities owned by the controlling shareholders).  Lease payments made to these entities were $5.1 million, $5.2 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Bay TV.  In January 1999, we entered into an LMA with Bay TV, which owned the television station WTTA-TV in the Tampa / St. Petersburg, Florida market.  Each of our controlling shareholders owned a substantial portion of the equity of Bay TV and collectively they had a controlling interest.  On December 1, 2012, we purchased substantially all of the assets of Bay TV for $40.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we made $2.9 million of payments to Bay TV under the LMA. As this was considered a transaction between entities under common control, the acquisition method of accounting was not applied, and the assets acquired were recorded at their historical cost basis and the difference between the purchase price and the historical cost basis of the assets of $23.6 million, net of taxes of $15.6 million, was recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in capital. A substantial portion of the purchase price will be deductible for tax purposes in future period.  As discussed in Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations, WTTA was sold in December 2014.
	Charter Aircraft.  From time to time, we charter aircraft owned by certain controlling shareholders.  We incurred expenses of $1.5 million, $0.9 million and $0.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Capital lease for building, interest at 8.54%	$	4,972		$	6,267
	Capital leases for building and tower, interest at 7.93%	932			1,106
	Capital leases for building, interest at 8.11%	7,843			8,141
	Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 9.0%	390			860
	Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 10.5%	4,797			4,918
		18,934			21,292
	Less: Current portion	(2,625		)	(2,367		)
		$	16,309		$	18,925
	Capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships as of December 31, 2014 mature as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	4,402
	2016	4,138
	2017	4,102
	2018	1,880
	2019	1,960
	2020 and thereafter	11,084
	Total minimum payments due	27,566
	Less: Amount representing interest	(8,610		)
		$	18,956
	Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation
	As of December 31, 2014, Cunningham was the owner-operator and FCC licensee of: WNUV-TV Baltimore, Maryland; WRGT-TV Dayton, Ohio; WVAH-TV Charleston, West Virginia; WMYA-TV Anderson, South Carolina; WTTE-TV Columbus, Ohio; WDBB-TV Birmingham, Alabama; WBSF-TV Flint, Michigan; and WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV Traverse City/Cadillac, Michigan (collectively, the Cunningham Stations), as well as WTAT-TV Charleston, South Carolina, and WYZZ Peoria/Bloomington, IL.
	During the first quarter of 2013, the estate of Carolyn C. Smith, a parent of our controlling shareholders, distributed all of the non-voting stock owned by the estate to our controlling shareholders, and a portion was repurchased by Cunningham for $1.7 million in the aggregate.  During the second quarter of 2014, Cunningham purchased the remaining amount of non-voting stock from the controlling shareholders for an aggregate purchase price of $2.0 million.  The estate of Mrs. Smith currently owns all of the voting stock.  The sale of the voting stock by the estate to an unrelated party is pending approval of the FCC.  We also had options from the trusts, which granted us the right to acquire, subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations, 100% of the voting and nonvoting stock of Cunningham, up until September 30, 2014, when these options were terminated. As discussed under Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, during the third quarter of 2014, we deconsolidated Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation as we determined it was no longer a variable interest entity.  We continue to consolidate certain of its subsidiaries with which we continue to have variable interests through various arrangements related to the Cunningham Stations discussed further below.
	As of December 31, 2014, certain of our stations provide programming, sales and managerial services pursuant to LMAs to six of the Cunningham stations: WNUV-TV, WRGT-TV, WVAH-TV, WMYA-TV, WTTE-TV, and WDBB-TV (collectively, the Cunningham LMA Stations). Each of these LMAs has a current term that expires on July 1, 2016 and there are three additional 5- year renewal terms remaining with final expiration on July 1, 2031. We also executed purchase agreements to acquire the license related assets of these stations from Cunningham, which grant us the right to acquire, and grant Cunningham the right to require us to acquire, subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations, 100% of the capital stock or the assets of these individual subsidiaries of Cunningham.  Our applications to acquire these license related assets are pending FCC approval.  The LMA and purchase agreement with WTAT-TV was terminated concurrent with Cunningham’s purchase of the non-license assets of this station from us for $14.0 million, effective August 1, 2014.  We no longer have any continuing involvement in the operations of this station.
	Pursuant to the terms of the LMAs, options and other agreements, beginning on January 1, 2010 and ending on July 1, 2012, we were obligated to pay Cunningham the sum of approximately $29.1 million in 10 quarterly installments of $2.75 million and one quarterly payment of approximately $1.6 million, which amounts were used to pay down Cunningham’s bank credit facility and which amounts were credited toward the purchase price for each Cunningham station. An additional $1.2 million was paid on July 1, 2012 and another installment of $2.75 million was paid on October 1, 2012 as an additional LMA fee and was used to pay off the remaining balance of Cunningham’s bank credit facility. The aggregate purchase price of the television stations, which was originally $78.5 million pursuant to certain acquisition or merger agreements subject to 6% annual increases, was decreased by each payment made by us to Cunningham, through 2012, up to $29.1 million in the aggregate; pursuant to the foregoing transactions with Cunningham as such payments were made. Beginning on January 1, 2013, we were obligated to pay Cunningham an annual LMA fee for the television stations equal to the greater of (i) 3% of each station’s annual net broadcast revenue and (ii) $5.0 million, of which a portion of this fee will be credited toward the purchase price to the extent of the annual 6% increase. Additionally, we reimburse these Cunningham LMA Stations for 100% of their operating costs. In July 2014, concurrent with the termination of the LMA with WTAT-TV the total LMA fee for the remaining Cunningham LMA Stations was reduced by $4.7 million to remove the fee associated with WTAT-TV.  The remaining aggregate purchase price of these stations, excluding WTAT-TV, as of December 31, 2014 was approximately $53.6 million.
	We made payments to Cunningham under our LMAs with these stations of $10.8 million, $9.8 million and $15.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Cunningham LMA Stations provided us with approximately $103.5 million, $107.6 million, and $105.5 million, respectively, of total revenue.
	In November 2013, concurrent with our acquisition of the Barrington stations, Cunningham acquired the license related assets of WBSF-TV and WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV, which was funded by bank debt, for which we have provided a guarantee. We provide certain non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services to these stations pursuant to certain outsourcing agreements. The agreements with WBSF-TV and WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV expire in November 2021 and August 2015, respectively, and each has renewal provisions for successive eight year periods. Under these arrangements, we earned $6.0 million and $0.6 million from the services we perform for these stations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As we consolidate the licensees as VIEs, the amounts we earn under the arrangements are eliminated in consolidation and the gross revenues of the stations are reported within our consolidated statement of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, our consolidated revenues include $7.8 million and $0.7 million related to these stations, respectively.
	Also, concurrent with the Barrington acquisition, we also sold our station, WYZZ (FOX) in Peoria, IL, which currently receives non-programming related sales, operational and administrative services from Nexstar Broadcasting pursuant to an outsourcing agreement, to Cunningham for $22.0 million.
	In July 2014, concurrent with the Allbritton acquisition we terminated the LMA with WTAT (FOX) in Charleston, SC and sold to Cunningham the non-license assets related to this station. Although we have no continuing involvement in the operations of these stations, because we had consolidated Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (the parent company) up until September 2014 (see Variable Interest Entities under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies), the assets of WYZZ were not derecognized and the transactions was accounted for as transactions between consolidated entities, and the resulting gain on sale were not recognized. Upon deconsolidation of Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation, the difference between proceeds received for the sale of WYZZ and WTAT and the carrying values of the net assets, which was previously eliminated in consolidation, was reflected as an increase to additional paid in capital in the consolidated balance sheet.
	During October 2013, we purchased the outstanding membership interests of KDBC-TV (CBS) in El Paso, TX from Cunningham for $21.2 million, plus a working capital adjustment of $0.2 million. See Other Acquisitions within Note 2. Acquisitions, for further information.
	Atlantic Automotive Corporation
	We sold advertising time to and purchased vehicles and related vehicle services from Atlantic Automotive Corporation (Atlantic Automotive), a holding company that owns automobile dealerships and an automobile leasing company.  David D. Smith, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has a controlling interest in, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Atlantic Automotive.  We received payments for advertising totaling $0.4 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  We paid $1.1 million and $1.8 million for vehicles and related vehicle services from Atlantic Automotive during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. No payments for vehicles or vehicles related services from Atlantic Automotive during the year ended December 31, 2014.  Additionally, in August 2011, Atlantic Automotive entered into an office lease agreement with Towson City Center, LLC (Towson City Center), a subsidiary of one of our real estate ventures. Atlantic Automotive paid $1.0 million in rent during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Leased property by real estate ventures
	Certain of our real estate ventures have entered into leases with entities owned by David Smith to lease restaurant space. There are leases for three restaurants in a building owned by one of our consolidated real estate ventures in Baltimore, MD. Total rent received under these leases was $0.5 million for both the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013; and $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. There is also one lease for a restaurant in a building owned by one of our real estate ventures, accounted for under the equity method, in Towson, MD.  This investment received $0.3 million and $0.2 million in rent pursuant to the lease for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Other
	Thomas & Libowitz, P.A.  Steven A. Thomas, son of former Board of Director member Basil A. Thomas, is the partner and founder of Thomas & Libowitz, P.A. (Thomas & Libowitz), a law firm providing legal services to us on an ongoing basis. During the periods up through Basil Thomas’ resignation from the Board of Directors in September 2013, we paid fees of $1.6 million and $1.0 million to Thomas & Libowitz during 2013 and 2012, respectively.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE
EARNINGS PER SHARE
	13.  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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Income (Numerator)
	Income from continuing operations	$	215,115		$	64,259		$	144,488
	Income impact of assumed conversion of the 4.875% Notes, net of taxes	—			—			180
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests included in continuing operations	(2,836		)	(2,349		)	(287		)
	Numerator for diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations available to common shareholders	212,279			61,910			144,381
	Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—			11,558			465
	Numerator for diluted earnings available to common shareholders	$	212,279		$	73,468		$	144,846
	Shares (Denominator)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	97,114			93,207			81,020
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and stock options	705			638			36
	Dilutive effect of 4.875% Notes	—			—			254
	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	97,819			93,845			81,310
	Potentially dilutive securities which would have an anti-dilutive effect were 0.3 million, zero, and 1.5 million shares and for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The decrease in 2013 compared to 2012 of anti-dilutive securities is primarily related to the increase of the stock price in 2013.  The net earnings per share amounts are the same for Class A and Class B Common Stock because the holders of each class are legally entitled to equal per share distributions whether through dividends or in liquidation.

SEGMENT_DATA

SEGMENT DATA:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SEGMENT DATA
SEGMENT DATA
	14. SEGMENT DATA:
	We measure segment performance based on operating income (loss).  Excluding discontinued operations, our broadcast segment includes stations in 79 markets located throughout the continental United States. The operating results of WLAJ-TV and WLWC-TV, which were sold effective March 1, 2013 and April 1, 2013, respectively, are classified as discontinued operations and are not included in our consolidated results of continuing operations for the years ended 2013 and 2012. Our other operating divisions primarily consist of sign design and fabrication; regional security alarm operating and bulk acquisitions; manufacturing and service of broadcast antennas and transmitters and real estate ventures. All of our other operating divisions are located within the United States.  Corporate costs primarily include our costs to operate as a public company and to operate our corporate headquarters location.  Other Operating Divisions and Corporate are not reportable segments but are included for reconciliation purposes.  We had approximately $172.3 million and $171.9 million of intercompany loans between the broadcast segment, other operating divisions and corporate as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  We had $20.7 million, $20.0 million, and $20.0 million in intercompany interest expense related to intercompany loans between the broadcast segment, other operating divisions and corporate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. All other intercompany transactions are immaterial.
	Financial information for our operating segments is included in the following tables for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	Broadcast		Other		Corporate			Consolidated
				Operating
				Divisions
	Revenue	$	1,904,988	$	71,570	$	—		$	1,976,558
	Depreciation of property and equipment	99,823		2,350		1,118			103,291
	Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	118,654		6,842		—			125,496
	Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	106,629		—		—			106,629
	General and administrative overhead expenses	56,179		973		12,261			69,413
	Operating income (loss)	505,941		2,089		(13,379		)	494,651
	Interest expense	—		4,042		170,820			174,862
	Income from equity and cost method investments	—		2,313		—			2,313
	Goodwill	1,964,041		512		—			1,964,553
	Assets	4,941,446		356,380		154,346			5,452,172
	Capital expenditures	78,865		2,593		—			81,458
	For the year ended December 31, 2013	Broadcast		Other		Corporate			Consolidated
				Operating
				Divisions
	Revenue	$	1,306,187	$	56,944	$	—		$	1,363,131
	Depreciation of property and equipment	67,320		1,891		1,343			70,554
	Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	65,786		5,034		—			70,820
	Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	80,925		—		—			80,925
	General and administrative overhead expenses	47,272		1,350		4,504			53,126
	Operating income (loss)	329,312		555		(5,847		)	324,020
	Interest expense	—		3,251		159,686			162,937
	Income from equity and cost method investments	—		621		—			621
	Goodwill	1,376,594		3,488		—			1,380,082
	Assets	3,450,006		296,657		400,809			4,147,472
	Capital expenditures	35,694		4,994		2,700			43,388
	For the year ended December 31, 2012	Broadcast		Other		Corporate			Consolidated
				Operating
				Divisions
	Revenue	$	1,007,498	$	54,181	$	—		$	1,061,679
	Depreciation of property and equipment	44,054		1,496		1,523			47,073
	Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	33,701		4,398		—			38,099
	Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	60,990		—		—			60,990
	General and administrative overhead expenses	28,854		1,697		2,840			33,391
	Operating income (loss)	333,157		491		(4,363		)	329,285
	Interest expense	—		3,282		125,271			128,553
	Income from equity and cost method investments	—		9,670		—			9,670

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
	15.  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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
			2014				2013
			Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Level 2:
	8.375% Senior Notes due 2018		$	—	$	—	$	235,225	$	259,547
	6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021		350,000		355,800		350,000		360,938
	6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022		500,000		503,475		500,000		497,525
	5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024		550,000		532,813		—		—
	5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021		600,000		595,068		600,000		582,078
	Term Loan A		348,073		341,982		500,000		495,000
	Term Loan B		1,035,883		1,029,997		642,734		641,205
	Revolver credit facility		338,000		338,000		—		—
	Debt of variable interest entities		30,167		30,167		55,581		55,581
	Debt of other operating divisions		118,822		118,822		86,263		86,263
	Additionally, Cunningham, one of our consolidated VIEs had certain investments in securities during 2013 that are recorded at fair value using Level 1 inputs described above. Cunningham was deconsolidated during 2014, see Variable Interest Entities within Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for further discussion. As of December 31, 2013, $18.1 million were included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_FINANCI

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
	16.             CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
	Sinclair Television Group, Inc. (STG), a wholly-owned subsidiary and the television operating subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (SBG), is the primary obligor under the Bank Credit Agreement, the 5.375% Notes, the 5.625% Notes, 6.125% Notes, and 6.375% Notes. Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of December 31, 2014, were obligations or securities of SBG and not obligations or securities of STG.  SBG is a guarantor under the Bank Credit Agreement, the 5.375% Notes, 5.625% Notes, 6.125% Notes, and 6.375% Notes. As of December 31, 2014, our consolidated total debt of $3,928.7 million included $3,801.7 million of debt related to STG and its subsidiaries of which SBG guaranteed $3,752.1 million.
	SBG, KDSM, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBG, and STG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (guarantor subsidiaries), have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, subject to certain customary automatic release provisions, all of STG’s obligations.  Those guarantees are joint and several.  There are certain contractual restrictions on the ability of SBG, STG or KDSM, LLC to obtain funds from their subsidiaries in the form of dividends or loans.
	The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows of SBG, STG, KDSM, LLC and the guarantor subsidiaries, the direct and indirect non-guarantor subsidiaries of SBG and the eliminations necessary to arrive at our information on a consolidated basis.
	These statements are presented in accordance with the disclosure requirements under SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
		Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
		Group,			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
		Inc.						LLC
	Cash	$	—		$	3,394		$	1,749		$	12,539		$	—		$	17,682
	Accounts and other receivables	—			164			359,486			25,111			(1,258		)	383,503
	Other current assets	5,741			12,996			98,751			12,721			(11,733		)	118,476
	Assets held for sale	—			—			—			6,504			—			6,504
	Total current assets	5,741			16,554			459,986			56,875			(12,991		)	526,165
	Property and equipment, net	3,949			17,554			569,372			168,762			(7,099		)	752,538
	Assets held for sale	—			—			1,843			6,974			—			8,817
	Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	395,225			3,585,037			3,978			—			(3,984,240		)	—
	Other long-term assets	65,988			595,112			90,914			115,375			(620,628		)	246,761
	Total other long-term assets	461,213			4,180,149			96,735			122,349			(4,604,868		)	255,578
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	—			1,483			3,821,985			209,724			(115,301		)	3,917,891
	Total assets	$	470,903		$	4,215,740		$	4,948,078		$	557,710		$	(4,740,259	)	$	5,452,172
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	541		$	46,083		$	201,102		$	24,325		$	(13,680	)	$	258,371
	Current portion of long-term debt	529			42,953			1,302			68,332			—			113,116
	Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,464			—			1,182			1,026			(1,047		)	2,625
	Other current liabilities	1,208			—			107,867			9,749			(1,407		)	117,417
	Liabilities held for sale	—			—			—			2,477			—			2,477
	Total current liabilities	3,742			89,036			311,453			105,909			(16,134		)	494,006
	Long-term debt	—			3,679,004			34,338			83,324			—			3,796,666
	Affiliate long-term debt	3,508			—			12,802			319,901			(319,902		)	16,309
	Other liabilities	35,771			28,856			1,003,213			169,935			(497,927		)	739,848
	Total liabilities	43,021			3,796,896			1,361,806			679,069			(833,963		)	5,046,829
	Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)	427,882			418,844			3,586,272			(94,632		)	(3,910,484		)	427,882
	Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	—			—			—			(26,727		)	4,188			(22,539		)
	Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	470,903		$	4,215,740		$	4,948,078		$	557,710		$	(4,740,259	)	$	5,452,172
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
		Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
		Group, Inc.			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
								LLC
	Cash	$	—		$	237,974		$	28,594		$	13,536		$	—		$	280,104
	Accounts and other receivables	59			818			281,822			27,479			(1,022		)	309,156
	Other current assets	5,500			25,887			67,279			16,391			(6,446		)	108,611
	Total current assets	5,559			264,679			377,695			57,406			(7,468		)	697,871
	Property and equipment, net	5,017			13,561			454,917			130,019			(7,443		)	596,071
	Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	363,231			2,508,058			4,179			—			(2,875,468		)	—
	Restricted cash — long term	—			11,524			223			—			—			11,747
	Other long-term assets	78,849			503,674			62,435			132,840			(544,881		)	232,917
	Total other long-term assets	442,080			3,023,256			66,837			132,840			(3,420,349		)	244,664
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	—			—			2,486,794			214,325			(92,253		)	2,608,866
	Total assets	$	452,656		$	3,301,496		$	3,386,243		$	534,590		$	(3,527,513	)	$	4,147,472
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	234		$	51,781		$	126,245		$	17,161		$	753		$	196,174
	Current portion of long-term debt	556			37,335			1,007			6,900			548			46,346
	Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,294			—			1,073			1,003			(1,003		)	2,367
	Other current liabilities	3,529			—			87,612			9,645			(2,292		)	98,494
	Total current liabilities	5,613			89,116			215,937			34,709			(1,994		)	343,381
	Long-term debt	529			2,793,334			35,709			135,071			1,759			2,966,402
	Affiliate long-term debt	4,972			—			13,984			294,919			(294,950		)	18,925
	Other liabilities	45,172			23,645			610,491			145,828			(412,076		)	413,060
Total liabilities	56,286			2,906,095			876,121			610,527			(707,261		)	3,741,768
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)	396,370			395,401			2,510,122			(85,271		)	(2,820,252		)	396,370
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	—			—			—			9,334			—			9,334
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	452,656		$	3,301,496		$	3,386,243		$	534,590		$	(3,527,513	)	$	4,147,472
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
(In thousands)
	Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
	Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
	Group, Inc.			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
							LLC
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,870,408		$	192,616		$	(86,466	)	$	1,976,558
Program and production	—			76			573,725			84,592			(81,380		)	577,013
Selling, general and administrative	4,320			57,799			359,880			20,099			(2,079		)	440,019
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	1,068			5,425			367,514			92,635			(1,767		)	464,875
Total operating expenses	5,388			63,300			1,301,119			197,326			(85,226		)	1,481,907
Operating (loss) income	(5,388		)	(63,300		)	569,289			(4,710		)	(1,240		)	494,651
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	211,782			373,228			(201		)	—			(584,809		)	—
Interest expense	(573		)	(163,347		)	(4,869		)	(27,364		)	21,291			(174,862		)
Other income (expense)	4,377			(14,651		)	998			2,024			10			(7,242		)
Total other income (expense)	215,586			195,230			(4,072		)	(25,340		)	(563,508		)	(182,104		)
Income tax benefit	2,081			83,897			(185,193		)	1,783			—			(97,432		)
Net income (loss)	212,279			215,827			380,024			(28,267		)	(564,748		)	215,115
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(2,836		)	—			(2,836		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	212,279		$	215,827		$	380,024		$	(31,103	)	$	(564,748	)	$	212,279
Comprehensive Income	$	211,759		$	213,284		$	378,926		$	(27,982	)	$	(564,228	)	$	211,759
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
(In thousands)
	Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
	Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
	Group, Inc.			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
							LLC
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,296,736		$	123,017		$	(56,622	)	$	1,363,131
Program and production	15			357			391,410			50,950			(57,628		)	385,104
Selling, general and administrative	3,733			48,363			241,548			9,132			82			302,858
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	1,307			3,105			275,889			71,319			(471		)	351,149
Total operating expenses	5,055			51,825			908,847			131,401			(58,017		)	1,039,111
Operating (loss) income	(5,055		)	(51,825		)	387,889			(8,384		)	1,395			324,020
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	97,138			309,388			1,009			—			(407,535		)	—
Interest expense	(1,083		)	(152,174		)	(4,965		)	(25,624		)	20,909			(162,937		)
Other income (expense)	4,633			(59,033		)	245			5,361			(6,781		)	(55,575		)
Total other income (expense)	100,688			98,181			(3,711		)	(20,263		)	(393,407		)	(218,512		)
Income tax benefit	(22,165		)	47,645			(73,266		)	2,637			3,900			(41,249		)
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—			11,063			495			—			—			11,558
Net income (loss)	73,468			105,064			311,407			(26,010		)	(388,112		)	75,817
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(2,349		)	—			(2,349		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	73,468		$	105,064		$	311,407		$	(28,359	)	$	(388,112	)	$	73,468
Comprehensive Income	$	78,257		$	107,243		$	311,407		$	(28,098	)	$	(388,112	)	$	78,257
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
(In thousands)
	Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
	Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
	Group, Inc.			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
							LLC
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,008,146		$	64,909		$	(11,376	)	$	1,061,679
Program and production	—			322			263,802			1,400			(9,968		)	255,556
Selling, general and administrative	2,853			28,762			168,540			6,082			(1,567		)	204,670
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	1,523			1,890			213,681			55,802			(728		)	272,168
Total operating expenses	4,376			30,974			646,023			63,284			(12,263		)	732,394
Operating (loss) income	(4,376		)	(30,974		)	362,123			1,625			887			329,285
Equity in losses of consolidated subsidiaries	144,620			194,686			(123		)	—			(339,183		)	—
Interest expense	(1,317		)	(118,491		)	(4,840		)	(24,780		)	20,875			(128,553		)
Other income (expense)	5,245			38,677			(39,781		)	8,690			(1,223		)	11,608
Total other income (expense)	148,548			114,872			(44,744		)	(16,090		)	(319,531		)	(116,945		)
Income tax benefit	494			41,709			(118,519		)	8,464			—			(67,852		)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—			(269		)	734			—			—			465
Net income (loss)	144,666			125,338			199,594			(6,001		)	(318,644		)	144,953
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(287		)	—			(287		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	144,666		$	125,338		$	199,594		$	(6,288	)	$	(318,644	)	$	144,666
Comprehensive Income	$	144,808		$	125,193		$	199,594		$	(6,288	)	$	(318,499	)	$	144,808
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
(In thousands)
	Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
	Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
	Group,			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
	Inc.						LLC
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$	(26,528	)	$	(147,940	)	$	628,103		$	(35,694	)	$	12,513		$	430,454
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	—			(8,864		)	(71,152		)	(2,722		)	1,280			(81,458		)
Payments for acquisitions of television stations	—			—			(1,485,039		)	—			—			(1,485,039		)
Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets	—			—			176,675			—			—			176,675
Payments for acquisitions of assets of other operating divisions
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	—			—			—			(27,701		)	—			(27,701		)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			11,525			91			—			—			11,616
Investments in equity and cost method investees	—			—			—			(8,104		)	—			(8,104		)
Proceeds from insurance settlement	—			17,042			—			—			—			17,042
Other, net	1,000			—			392			(1,779		)	—			(387		)
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities	1,000			19,703			(1,379,033		)	(40,306		)	1,280			(1,397,356		)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	—			1,466,500			507			33,713			—			1,500,720
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(556		)	(574,584		)	(1,028		)	(6,596		)	—			(582,764		)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(133,157		)	—			—			—			—			(133,157		)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	(61,103		)	—			—			—			—			(61,103		)
Payments for deferred financing costs	—			(16,590		)	—			—			—			(16,590		)
Noncontrolling interest (contributions) distributions	—			—			—			(8,184		)	—			(8,184		)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	218,081			(981,669		)	725,678			51,703			(13,793		)	—
Other, net	2,263			—			(1,072		)	4,367			—			5,558
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	25,528			(106,343		)	724,085			75,003			(13,793		)	704,480
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	—			(234,580		)	(26,845		)	(997		)	—			(262,422		)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	—			237,974			28,594			13,536			—			280,104
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	—		$	3,394		$	1,749		$	12,539		$	—		$	17,682
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
(In thousands)
	Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
	Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
	Group,			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
	Inc.						LLC
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$	(37,107	)	$	(264,925	)	$	444,680		$	(40,414	)	$	58,343		$	160,577
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	—			(2,700		)	(35,659		)	(5,029		)	—			(43,388		)
Payments for acquisitions of television stations	—			—			(998,664		)	(50,480		)	43,000			(1,006,144		)
Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets	—			—			71,738			21,000			(43,000		)	49,738
Payments for acquisitions of assets of other operating divisions	—			—			—			(4,650		)	—			(4,650		)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	—			—			—			(23,721		)	—			(23,721		)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			(11,522		)	—			—			—			(11,522		)
Investments in equity and cost method investees	—			—			—			(10,767		)	—			(10,767		)
Investment in marketable securities	—			—			—			(696		)	(10,908		)	(11,604		)
Other, net	1,648			—			50			9,119			—			10,817
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities	1,648			(14,222		)	(962,535		)	(65,224		)	(10,908		)	(1,051,241		)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	—			2,189,753			—			88,540			—			2,278,293
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(482		)	(1,473,898		)	(1,069		)	(34,311		)	—			(1,509,760		)
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock	472,913			—			—			—			—			472,913
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	(56,767		)	—			—			—			—			(56,767		)
Payments for deferred financing costs	—			(27,724		)	—			—			—			(27,724		)
Noncontrolling interest distributions (contributions)	—			—			—			(10,256		)	—			(10,256		)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(371,331		)	(178,240		)	548,139			59,765			(58,333		)	—
Other, net	(8,874		)	—			(820		)	—			10,898			1,204
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	35,459			509,891			546,250			103,738			(47,435		)	1,147,903
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	—			230,744			28,395			(1,900		)	—			257,239
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	—			7,230			199			15,436			—			22,865
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	—		$	237,974		$	28,594		$	13,536		$	—		$	280,104

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):
	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):
	(in thousands, except per share data)
		For the Quarter Ended
		3/31/14		6/30/14		9/30/14		12/31/14
	Total revenues, net	$	412,648	$	455,136	$	494,956	$	613,818
	Operating income	$	81,000	$	103,039	$	101,663	$	208,949
	Income from continuing operations	$	27,657	$	41,601	$	48,768	$	97,089
	Income from discontinued operations	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	27,158	$	41,335	$	48,341	$	95,445
	Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.27	$	0.43	$	0.50	$	0.99
	Basic earnings per common share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.27	$	0.43	$	0.50	$	0.99
	Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.27	$	0.42	$	0.49	$	0.98
	Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.27	$	0.42	$	0.49	$	0.98
		For the Quarter Ended
		3/31/13		6/30/13		9/30/13		12/31/13
	Total revenues, net	$	282,618	$	314,154	$	338,644	$	427,715
	Operating income	$	63,656	$	84,280	$	72,798	$	103,286
	Income from continuing operations	$	16,515	$	12,956	$	30,551	$	4,237
	Income from discontinued operations	$	355	$	5,103	$	6,100	$	—
	Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	16,997	$	17,826	$	36,342	$	2,303
	Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.20	$	0.14	$	0.30	$	0.02
	Basic earnings per common share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.21	$	0.19	$	0.37	$	0.02
	Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.20	$	0.14	$	0.30	$	0.02
	Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.21	$	0.19	$	0.36	$	0.02

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_AND_SUMMA1

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Nature of operations
	Nature of Operations
	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is a diversified television broadcasting company that owns or provides certain programming, operating or sales services to television stations pursuant to broadcasting licenses that are granted by the Federal Communication Commission (the FCC or Commission). We owned and provided programming and operating services pursuant to local marketing agreements (LMAs) or provided or were provided sales services pursuant to outsourcing agreements to 164 stations in 79 markets which broadcast 373 channels, as of December 31, 2014. For the purpose of this report, these 164 stations and 373 channels are referred to as “our” stations and channels.
Principles of Consolidation
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary.  Noncontrolling interest represents a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities.  All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Variable Interest Entities
	Variable Interest Entities
	In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE.  We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary.  The assets of each of our consolidated VIEs can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE.  All the liabilities are non-recourse to us except for certain debt of VIEs which we guarantee.
	Third-party station licensees.  Certain of our stations provide services to other station owners within the same respective market, such as LMAs, where we provide programming, sales, operational and administrative services, and JSAs and SSAs, where we provide non-programming, sales, operational and administrative services.  In certain cases, we have also entered into purchase agreements or options to purchase, the license related assets of the licensee.  We typically own the majority of the non-license assets of the stations and in some cases where the licensee acquired the license assets concurrent with our acquisition of the non-license assets of the station, we have provided guarantees to the bank for the licensee’s acquisition financing.  The terms of the agreements vary, but generally have initial terms of over five years with several optional renewal terms. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we have concluded that 37 and 34 of these licensees are VIEs, respectively.  Based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in the stations, we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and because we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs.  Several of these VIEs are owned by a related party, Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham).  See Note 12. Related Person Transactions for more information about the arrangements with Cunningham. The net revenues of the stations which we consolidate were $286.3 million, $235.8 million and $154.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  The fees paid between us and the licensees pursuant to these arrangements are eliminated in consolidation.  See Changes in the Rules of Television Ownership and Joint Sale Agreements within Note 11. Commitment and Contingencies for discussion of recent changes in FCC rules related to JSAs.
	Up until third quarter of 2014, we had consolidated Cunningham (parent entity), in addition to their stations that we perform services for, as we had previously determined that it was a VIE because it had insufficient equity at risk.  As of September 30, 2014, we concluded that Cunningham was no longer a VIE given its significant equity at risk in assets that we have no involvement with, and deconsolidated this entity, along with WTAT and WYZZ, stations that Cunningham acquired from us in July 2014 and November 2013, respectively, with which we have no continuing involvement.  As a result of the deconsolidation, we recorded the difference between the proceeds received from Cunningham for the sale of WTAT and WYZZ to additional paid in capital in the consolidated balance sheet, as well as reflected the noncontrolling interest deficit of the remaining Cunningham VIEs which represents their significant cumulative distributions made to Cunningham (parent entity) that were previously eliminated in consolidation.
	As of the dates indicated, the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	ASSETS
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	491		$	4,916
	Accounts receivable	19,521			18,468
	Current portion of program contract costs	9,544			10,725
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	297			247
	Total current asset	29,853			34,356
	PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion	6,922			5,075
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	9,716			11,081
	GOODWILL	787			6,357
	BROADCAST LICENSES	16,935			16,768
	DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	96,732			97,496
	OTHER ASSETS	2,376			22,935
	Total assets	$	163,321		$	194,068
	LIABILITIES
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable	$	68		$	86
	Accrued liabilities	1,297			2,536
	Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing	3,659			5,731
	Current portion of program contracts payable	9,714			11,552
	Total current liabilities	14,738			19,905
	LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
	Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion	28,640			49,850
	Program contracts payable, less current portion	10,161			6,597
	Long term liabilities	8,739			10,838
	Total liabilities	$	62,278		$	87,190
	The amounts above represent the consolidated assets and liabilities of the VIEs described above, for which we are the primary beneficiary, and have been aggregated as they all relate to our broadcast business.  Excluded from the amounts above are payments made to Cunningham under the LMA which are treated as a prepayment of the purchase price of the stations and capital leases between us and Cunningham which are eliminated in consolidation.  The total payments made under these LMAs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, which are excluded from liabilities above, were $34.4 million and $32.4 million, respectively.  The total capital lease liabilities, net of capital lease assets, excluded from the above were $4.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, Cunningham sold a portion of its investment in our Class A Common Stock which was eliminated in consolidation and excluded from assets shown above, for $7.0 million, net of income taxes and has been reflected as an increase in additional paid in capital in the consolidated balance sheet.  Also excluded from the amounts above are liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options with certain VIEs totaling $78.1 million and $59.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, as these amounts are eliminated in consolidation.  The risk and reward characteristics of the VIEs are similar.
	Other investments.  We have investments in other real estate ventures and investment companies which are considered VIEs.  However, we do not participate in the management of these entities including the day-to-day operating decisions or other decisions which would allow us to control the entity, and therefore, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of these VIEs.  We account for these entities using the equity or cost method of accounting.
	The carrying amounts of our investments in these VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $22.7 million and $26.7 million, respectively, which are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Our maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value of our investments.  The income and loss related to these investments are recorded in income from equity and cost method investments in the consolidated statement of operations.  We recorded income of $2.2 million, $2.1 million and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to these investments.
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 July 2013, the FASB issued new guidance requiring new disclosure of unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. If a company does not have: (i) a net operating loss carryforward; (ii) a similar tax loss; or (iii) a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The authoritative guidance is effective for fiscal years and the interim periods within those fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and should be applied on a prospective basis. This guidance does not have a material impact on our financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance that changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of and represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. Under the revised guidance, it is less likely for any future sales of assets, asset groups, or stations to be considered discontinued operations because such sales would need to represent a strategic shift and have a major effect on our future operations.  Historically, under the previous guidance, sales of minor components of our business were required to be classified as discontinued operations.  We early adopted this new guidance effective July 1, 2014.  If this guidance were effective for the 2013 discontinued operations discussed in Discontinued Operations, then the sale of those television stations would not have met the criteria under the new guidance.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued new 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. This new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted and the standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on disclosure of uncertainties about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new standard is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the current consolidation guidance on the determination of whether an entity is a variable interest entity.  This new standard is effective for the annual period beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption is allowed, including in any interim period.  We are currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on our financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash
	Restricted Cash
	During 2013, we entered into certain definitive agreements to purchase assets of certain stations discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions, which required certain deposits to be made into escrow accounts. As of December 31, 2013, we held $11.4 million, in restricted cash classified as noncurrent related to the amounts held in escrow for these acquisitions.
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.
	A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	3,379		$	3,091		$	3,008
	Charged to expense	2,186			1,802			1,141
	Net write-offs	(1,319		)	(1,514		)	(1,058		)
	Balance at end of period	$	4,246		$	3,379		$	3,091
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-year contracts, amortization of program contract costs is computed using either a four-year accelerated method or based on usage, whichever method results in the earliest recognition of amortization for each program.  Program contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis for one-year contracts.  Program contract costs estimated by management to be amortized in the succeeding year are classified as current assets.  Payments of program contract liabilities are typically made on a scheduled basis and are not affected by adjustments for amortization or estimated net realizable value.
	Estimated net realizable values are based on management’s expectation of future advertising revenues, net of sales commissions, to be generated by the program material.  We perform a net realizable value calculation quarterly for each of our program contract costs in accordance with the accounting guidance for the broadcasting industry.  We utilize sales information to estimate the future revenue of each commitment and measure that amount against the commitment.  If the estimated future revenue is less than the amount of the commitment, a loss is recorded in amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments in the consolidated statements of operations.
Barter Arrangements
	Barter Arrangements
	Certain program contracts provide for the exchange of advertising airtime in lieu of cash payments for the rights to such programming.  The revenues realized from station barter arrangements are recorded as the programs are aired at the estimated fair value of the advertising airtime given in exchange for the program rights.  Program service arrangements are accounted for as station barter arrangements, however, network affiliation programming is excluded from these calculations.  Revenues are recorded as revenues realized from station barter arrangements and the corresponding expenses are recorded as expenses recognized from station barter arrangements.
	We broadcast certain customers’ advertising in exchange for equipment, merchandise and services.  The estimated fair value of the equipment, merchandise or services received is recorded as deferred barter costs and the corresponding obligation to broadcast advertising is recorded as deferred barter revenues.  The deferred barter costs are expensed or capitalized as they are used, consumed or received and are included in station production expenses and station selling, general and administrative expenses, as applicable.  Deferred barter revenues are recognized as the related advertising is aired and are recorded in revenues realized from station barter arrangements.
Other Assets
	Other Assets
	Other assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Equity and cost method investments	$	107,847		$	98,385
	Unamortized costs related to debt issuances	47,118			46,150
	Other	53,265			63,674
	Total other assets	$	208,230		$	208,209
	We have equity and cost method investments primarily in private investment funds and real estate ventures.  In the event that one or more of our investments are significant, we are required to disclose summarized financial information.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, none of our investments were significant individually or in the aggregate.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our unfunded commitments related to private equity investment funds totaled $15.6 million and $17.0 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, 2012, we recorded impairments of $1.3 million related to two of our investments. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded impairments of $0.6 million related to two of our investments.  There were no impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2014. The impairments are recorded in the income (loss) from equity and cost method investees in our consolidated statement of operations.
	Unamortized costs related to debt issuances represent direct costs incurred to obtain long-term financing and are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.  Previously capitalized debt financing costs are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if we determine that there has been a substantial modification of the related debt.
	The decrease in other, in the table above, for 2014 was primarily due to the deconsolidation of investments held by Cunningham, partially offset by long term income tax receivables recorded in connection with the acquisition of the Allbritton Companies.  See Variable Interest Entities above for further discussion on the deconsolidation of Cunningham.  See Note 2. Acquisitions for further discussion on the acquisition of the Allbritton Companies.
Impairment of Intangible and Long-Lived Assets
	Impairment of Goodwill, Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets
	We assess annually, in the fourth quarter, whether goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. Additionally, impairment assessments may be performed on an interim basis when events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment potentially exists. We aggregate our stations by market for purposes of our goodwill and license impairment testing. We believe that our markets are most representative of our broadcast reporting units because segment management views, manages and evaluates our stations on a market basis.  Furthermore, in our markets, where we operate or provide services to more than one station, certain costs of operating the stations are shared including the use of buildings and equipment, the sales force and administrative personnel.
	In our assessment of goodwill for impairment we first determine, based upon a qualitative assessment, whether it is more likely than not a reporting unit has been impaired.  As part of this qualitative assessment, for each reporting unit, we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting unit as well as industry and macroeconomic factors.  The reporting unit specific factors that we consider include current and forecasted financial performance, the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments, and any changes to the reporting units’ carrying amounts since the most recent impairment tests.  We also consider whether there were any significant changes in the regulatory environment and business climate of the industry, and whether there were any negative pressures on growth rates and discount rates.
	If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, we will apply the quantitative two-step method. In the first step, the Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit and compares that fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including quoted market prices, observed earnings/cash flow multiples paid for comparable television stations and discounted cash flow models. Our discounted cash flow model is based on our judgment of future market conditions within each designated market area based on our internal forecast of future performance, as well as discount rates that are based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk.  If the net book value of the reporting unit were to exceed the fair value, we would then perform the second step of the impairment test, which requires allocation of the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, with any residual fair value being allocated to goodwill to determine the implied fair value. An impairment charge will be recognized only when the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is less than its carrying amount.
	For our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangibles, broadcast licenses, we apply a qualitative assessment to assess whether it is more likely than not that broadcast licenses of a market are impaired.  As part of this qualitative assessment, for each market, we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the market as well as industry and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of our broadcast license assets.  The market specific factors that we consider include recent market projections from both independent and internal sources for advertising revenue and operating costs, estimated normal market share and capital expenditures, as well as the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments.  We also consider whether there were any significant changes in the regulatory environment and business climate of the industry, and whether there were any negative pressures on growth rates and discount rates.  When evaluating our broadcast licenses for impairment, the qualitative assessment is done at the market level because the broadcast licenses within the market are complementary and together enhance the single broadcast license of each station. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that one of our broadcast licenses is impaired, we will perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the aggregate fair value of the broadcast licenses in the market to the respective carrying values. We apply the income approach, using a Greenfield method, to estimate the fair values of the broadcast licenses. The income approach method involves a discounted cash flow model that incorporates several variables, including, but not limited to, market revenues and long term growth projections, estimated market share for the typical participant without a network affiliation and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type. The model also assumes outlays for capital expenditures, future terminal values, an effective tax rate assumption and a discount rate based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk.  If the carrying amount of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value.
	We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment and continue to evaluate them as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable.  We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets by measuring the carrying amount of the assets against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with them.  At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows of certain long-lived assets are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of such assets, the assets are tested for impairment by comparing their estimated fair value to the carrying value.  We typically estimate fair value using discounted cash flow models and appraisals.  See Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for more information.
Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Compensation and employee health insurance	$	56,871		$	44,800
	Interest	33,347			25,133
	Deferred revenue	27,037			20,128
	Programming related obligations	65,970			38,225
	Other accruals relating to operating expenses	62,898			53,899
	Total accrued liabilities	$	246,123		$	182,185
	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, 2014 and 2013, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial amount of our available state net operating loss carryforwards based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary book/tax basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income.  Future changes in operating and/or taxable income or other changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the ability to realize our deferred tax assets which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions and we record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits when such tax positions do not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold.  Significant judgment is required in determining whether a tax position meets the “more-likely-than-not” threshold, and it is based on a variety of facts and circumstances, including interpretation of the relevant federal and state income tax codes, regulations, case law and other authoritative pronouncements.  Based on this analysis, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, liabilities are adjusted as necessary.  The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for what we have provided.  See Note 10. Income Taxes, for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits.
Supplemental Information - Statements of Cash Flows
	Supplemental Information — Statements of Cash Flows
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we had the following cash transactions (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Income taxes paid related to continuing operations	$	100,986		$	26,037		$	46,964
	Income tax refunds received related to continuing operations	$	1,407		$	4,414		$	194
	Interest paid	$	157,349		$	147,083		$	110,973
	Non-cash transactions related to capital lease obligations were zero, $10.4 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The non-cash conversion of the 4.875% Notes into Class A Common Stock was $8.6 million, net of taxes for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Revenue Recognition
	Revenue Recognition
	Total revenues include: (i) cash and barter advertising revenues, net of agency commissions; (ii) retransmission consent fees; (iii) network compensation; (iv) other broadcast revenues and (v) revenues from our other operating divisions.
	Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period during which time spots are aired.
	Our retransmission consent agreements contain both advertising and retransmission consent elements.  We have determined that our retransmission consent agreements are revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables.  Advertising and retransmission consent deliverables sold under our agreements are separated into different units of accounting at fair value.  Revenue applicable to the advertising element of the arrangement is recognized similar to the advertising revenue policy noted above.  Revenue applicable to the retransmission consent element of the arrangement is recognized over the life of the agreement.
	Network compensation revenue is recognized over the term of the contract.  All other significant revenues are recognized as services are provided.
Share Repurchase Program
	Share Repurchase Program
	On October 28, 1999, we announced a $150.0 million share repurchase program, which was renewed on February 6, 2008.  On March 20, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. There is no expiration date, and currently management has no plans to terminate this program.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, we have purchased approximately 4.9 million shares for $133.2 million. As of December 31, 2014, the total remaining authorization was $134.4 million.  In January 2015, we repurchased 0.3 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $7.8 million.
Advertising Expenses
	Advertising Expenses
	Promotional advertising expenses are recorded in the period when incurred and are included in station production and other operating division expenses.  Total advertising expenses from continuing operations, net of advertising co-op credits, were $21.3 million, $15.4 million and $12.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Financial Instruments
	Financial Instruments
	Financial instruments, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, consisted of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and notes payable.  The carrying amounts approximate fair value for each of these financial instruments, except for the notes payable.  See Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information regarding the fair value of notes payable.
Post-retirement Benefits
	Post-retirement Benefits
	We are required to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of our pension plan in our consolidated financial statements.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recorded a liability of $4.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, representing the underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plan.
	In connection with the acquisition of Fisher Communications, Inc. (Fisher) in 2013 (see Note 2. Acquisitions), we assumed a nonqualified noncontributory supplemental retirement program (Fisher SERP) that was originally established for former executives of Fisher.  No new participants have been admitted to this program since 2001 and the benefits of active participants were frozen in 2005.  The program participants do not include any active employees. The Fisher SERP required continued employment or disability through the date of expected retirement, unless involuntarily terminated.
	While the nonqualified plan is unfunded, Fisher had made investments in annuity contracts and life insurance policies on the lives of certain individual participants to assist in future payment of retirement benefits.  The carrying value of the annuity contracts and life insurance policies was $18.2 million as of December 31, 2013, which was included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet.  The majority of these annuities and life insurance policies were surrendered for lower cash value in 2014.
	As of December 31, 2014, the estimated projected benefit obligation was $24.0 million, of which $1.5 million is included in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet and the $22.5 million is included in other long-term liabilities.  During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we made $2.1 million and $0.5 million in benefit payments, recognized $1.0 million and $0.4 million of periodic pension expense, reported in other expenses in the consolidated statement of operations, and $3.2 million of actuarial losses and $0.2 million of actuarial gains through other comprehensive income, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, the projected benefit obligation was measured using a 3.69% discount rate compared to a discount rate of 4.51% for the year ended December 31, 2013. We estimated its discount rate, in consultation with our independent actuaries, based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high quality bonds for which the timing and amount of cash outflows approximate the estimated payouts of the plan.
	We estimate that benefits expected to be paid to participants under the Fisher SERP as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
	2015	$	1,481
	2016	1,726
	2017	1,665
	2018	1,608
	2019	1,554
	Next 5 years	7,196
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_SUMMA2

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	ASSETS
	CURRENT ASSETS:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	491		$	4,916
	Accounts receivable	19,521			18,468
	Current portion of program contract costs	9,544			10,725
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	297			247
	Total current asset	29,853			34,356
	PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion	6,922			5,075
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	9,716			11,081
	GOODWILL	787			6,357
	BROADCAST LICENSES	16,935			16,768
	DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	96,732			97,496
	OTHER ASSETS	2,376			22,935
	Total assets	$	163,321		$	194,068
	LIABILITIES
	CURRENT LIABILITIES:
	Accounts payable	$	68		$	86
	Accrued liabilities	1,297			2,536
	Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing	3,659			5,731
	Current portion of program contracts payable	9,714			11,552
	Total current liabilities	14,738			19,905
	LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
	Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion	28,640			49,850
	Program contracts payable, less current portion	10,161			6,597
	Long term liabilities	8,739			10,838
	Total liabilities	$	62,278		$	87,190
Schedule of rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts
	A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	3,379		$	3,091		$	3,008
	Charged to expense	2,186			1,802			1,141
	Net write-offs	(1,319		)	(1,514		)	(1,058		)
	Balance at end of period	$	4,246		$	3,379		$	3,091
Schedule of other assets
	Other assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Equity and cost method investments	$	107,847		$	98,385
	Unamortized costs related to debt issuances	47,118			46,150
	Other	53,265			63,674
	Total other assets	$	208,230		$	208,209
Schedule of accrued liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Compensation and employee health insurance	$	56,871		$	44,800
	Interest	33,347			25,133
	Deferred revenue	27,037			20,128
	Programming related obligations	70,344			42,658
	Other accruals relating to operating expenses	58,524			49,466
	Total accrued liabilities	$	246,123		$	182,185
Schedule of cash transactions
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we had the following cash transactions (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Income taxes paid related to continuing operations	$	100,986		$	26,037		$	46,964
	Income tax refunds received related to continuing operations	$	1,407		$	4,414		$	194
	Interest paid	$	157,349		$	147,083		$	110,973
Schedule of benefits expected to be paid to participants under the Fisher SERP
	We estimate that benefits expected to be paid to participants under the Fisher SERP as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
	2015	$	1,481
	2016	1,726
	2017	1,665
	2018	1,608
	2019	1,554
	Next 5 years	7,196

ACQUISITIONS_Tables

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ACQUISITIONS
Schedule of initial allocated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed	The following tables summarize the allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including the net assets of consolidated VIEs (in thousands):
			MEG			KSNV			Allbritton			Other			Total 2014
			Stations												acquisitions
	Accounts receivable		$	—		$	—		$	38,542		$	—		$	38,542
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		476			67			19,890			79			20,512
	Program contract costs		1,889			482			1,204			2,561			6,136
	Property and equipment		35,963			8,300			46,600			8,400			99,263
	Broadcast licenses		4,202			—			13,700			125			18,027
	Definite-lived intangible assets		93,156			61,725			564,100			71,025			790,006
	Other assets		—			—			20,352			1,500			21,852
	Assets held for sale		—			—			83,200			—			83,200
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(2,085		)	(277		)	(8,351		)	(1,143		)	(11,856		)
	Program contracts payable		(1,889		)	(481		)	(1,140		)	(2,554		)	(6,064		)
	Deferred tax liability		—			—			(261,393		)	—			(261,393		)
	Other long term liabilities		—			(1,200		)	(17,025		)	—			(18,225		)
	Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		131,712			68,616			499,679			79,993			780,000
	Goodwill		74,179			49,674			535,558			42,443			701,854
	Total		$	205,891		$	118,290		$	1,035,237		$	122,436		$	1,481,854
			Fisher			Barrington			Other			Total 2013
												acquisitions
	Cash		$	13,531		$	—		$	—		$	13,531
	Accounts receivable		29,485			—			8,226			37,711
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		19,133			681			5,217			25,031
	Program contract costs		11,427			4,011			6,050			21,488
	Property and equipment		73,968			73,621			67,034			214,623
	Broadcast licenses		29,771			719			4,395			34,885
	Definite-lived intangible assets		166,034			220,253			169,438			555,725
	Other assets		9,284			—			1,394			10,678
	Assets held for sale		6,339			—			—			6,339
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(20,127		)	(2,725		)	(3,926		)	(26,778		)
	Program contracts payable		(10,977		)	(3,813		)	(6,331		)	(21,121		)
	Deferred tax liability		(74,177		)	—			(2,304		)	(76,481		)
	Other long term liabilities		(23,384		)	(65		)	(10,550		)	(33,999		)
	Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		230,307			292,682			238,643			761,632
	Goodwill		143,942			75,004			45,538			264,484
	Less: fair value of non-controlling interest		(1,053		)	—			—			(1,053		)
	Total		$	373,196		$	367,686		$	284,181		$	1,025,063
			Four Points			Freedom			Newport			Other			Total 2012
															acquisitions
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	456		$	373		$	1,390		$	160		$	2,379
	Program contract costs		3,731			3,520			10,378			1,638			19,267
	Property and equipment		34,578			54,109			53,883			16,545			159,115
	Broadcast licenses		10,658			10,424			15,581			2,679			39,342
	Definite-lived intangible assets		93,800			140,963			240,013			22,546			497,322
	Other assets		548			278			1,097			—			1,923
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(381		)	(589		)	(3,928		)	(1,178		)	(6,076		)
	Program contracts payable		(5,157		)	(3,404		)	(11,634		)	(4,252		)	(24,447		)
	Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		138,233			205,674			306,780			38,138			688,825
	Goodwill		60,843			179,609			164,621			10,661			415,734
	Total		$	199,076		$	385,283		$	471,401		$	48,799		$	1,104,559
The amounts allocated to definite-lived intangible assets	The following tables summarize the amounts allocated to definite-lived intangible assets representing the estimated fair values and estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes (in thousands):
			MEG			KSNV			Allbritton			Other			Total 2014
			Stations												acquisitions
	Network affiliations		$	63,462		$	43,800		$	356,900		$	42,625		$	506,787
	Decaying advertiser base		9,280			12,100			38,500			9,100			68,980
	Other intangible assets		20,414			5,825			168,700			19,300			214,239
	Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		$	93,156		$	61,725		$	564,100		$	71,025		$	790,006
	Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes		$	74,179		$	49,674		$	—		$	42,443		$	166,296
			Fisher			Barrington			Other			Total 2013
												acquisitions
	Network affiliations		$	117,499		$	103,245		$	99,805		$	320,549
	Decaying advertiser base		18,110			41,939			19,992			80,041
	Other intangible assets		30,425			75,069			49,641			155,135
	Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		$	166,034		$	220,253		$	169,438		$	555,725
	Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes		$	10,765		$	75,004		$	111,208		$	196,977
			Four Points			Freedom			Newport			Other			Total 2012
															acquisitions
	Network affiliations		$	66,928		$	93,067		$	175,978		$	12,858		$	348,831
	Decaying advertiser base		9,766			25,059			23,662			1,843			60,330
	Other intangible assets		17,106			22,837			40,373			7,845			88,161
	Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		$	93,800		$	140,963		$	240,013		$	22,546		$	497,322
	Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes		$	60,843		$	179,609		$	164,621		$	10,661		$	415,734
The acquired operations included in the financial statements
	The following tables summarize the results of the acquired operations included in the financial statements of the Company beginning on the acquisition date of each acquisition as listing above (in thousands):
	Revenues		2014			2013			2012
	MEG Stations		$	2,299		$	—		$	—
	KSNV		5,972			—			—
	Allbritton		106,258			—			—
	Barrington		173,013			16,927			—
	Fisher		184,534			79,078			—
	Newport		162,824			149,044			11,674
	Freedom (b)		127,916			108,585			91,046
	Four Points (a)		75,058			73,673			69,964
	Other stations acquired in:
	2014		9,172			—			—
	2013		139,521			52,440			—
	2012		21,196			21,515			4,485
	Total net broadcast revenues		$	1,007,763		$	501,262		$	177,169
	Operating Income		2014			2013			2012
	MEG Stations		$	1,010		$	—		$	—
	KSNV		2,108			—			—
	Allbritton		26,914			—			—
	Barrington		34,875			4,096			—
	Fisher		26,940			19,019			—
	Newport		53,457			35,779			2,860
	Freedom (b)		43,882			29,439			32,488
	Four Points (a)		22,441			19,754			17,287
	Other stations acquired in:
	2014		1,569			—			—
	2013		26,487			12,007			—
	2012		2,091			946			(1,589		)
	Total operating income		$	241,774		$	121,040		$	51,046
		(a)		These amounts exclude the operations of WLWC-TV which are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.  See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations.
		(b)		These amounts exclude the operations of WLAJ-TV which are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations.  See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations.
Schedule of unaudited pro forma results of continuing operations	The 2012 period does not include the pro forma effects of the 2014 acquisitions, and as such will not provide comparability to the 2013 and 2014 pro forma periods presented in the following table (in thousands, except per share data):
			(Unaudited)
			2014			2013			2012
	Total revenues		$	2,150,124		$	1,838,167		$	1,513,975
	Net Income		$	189,174		$	41,323		$	153,807
	Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group		$	186,338		$	38,974		$	153,370
	Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group		$	1.92		$	0.42		$	1.89
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group		$	1.90		$	0.42		$	1.89

DISPOSITION_OF_ASSETS_AND_DISC1

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Schedule of major classes of assets and liabilities of the group reported as held for sale on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet
			December 31, 2014
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable		$	5,101
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,403
	Total current assets held for sale		6,504
	Property and equipment (a)		1,036
	Goodwill		2,975
	Definite-lived intangible assets		2,962
	Total assets held for sale		$	13,477
	Liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	1,096
	Accrued liabilities		1,360
	Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		21
	Total liabilities held for sale		$	2,477
		(a)		Excluded from the above is $1.8 million in held for sale assets related to certain real estate assets within our broadcast segment.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Schedule of changes in unvested restricted stock
		RSAs		Weighted-Average
				Price
	Unvested shares at December 31, 2013	370,000		$	13.81
	2014 Activity:
	Granted	73,700		28.23
	Vested	(214,000	)	13.52
	Forfeited	—		—
	Unvested shares at December 31, 2014	229,700		18.71
Schedule of assumptions used to estimate the value of SARs
		2014		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5	%	0.9	%	0.9	%
	Expected years until exercise	5 years		5 years		5 years
	Expected volatility	65	%	73	%	73	%
	Annual dividend yield	2.2	%	4.3	%	5.2	%
Summary of SARS Activity
		SARs		Weighted-
				Average Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,400,000		$	13.25
	2014 Activity:
	Granted	200,000		27.86
	Exercised	—
	Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2014	1,600,000		15.08
Schedule of assumptions used to estimate the value of stock options under ESPP
		2014
	Risk-free interest rate	1.8	%
	Expected years to exercise	5 years
	Expected volatility	47.6	%
	Annual dividend yield	2.3	%

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Tables

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Schedule of 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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Land and improvements	$	55,269		$	37,517
	Real estate held for development and sale	113,514			67,037
	Buildings and improvements	192,478			168,441
	Station equipment	684,176			572,851
	Office furniture and equipment	70,402			50,210
	Leasehold improvements	19,091			19,453
	Automotive equipment	37,726			23,443
	Capital leased assets	81,625			81,602
	Construction in progress	18,774			17,078
		1,273,055			1,037,632
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(520,517		)	(441,561		)
		$	752,538		$	596,071

GOODWILL_BROADCAST_LICENSES_AN1

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
Schedule of change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations was as follows (in thousands):
			Broadcast			Other			Consolidated
						Operating
						Divisions
	Balance at December 31, 2012
	Goodwill		$	1,484,117		$	3,488		$	1,487,605
	Accumulated impairment losses		(413,573		)	—			(413,573		)
			1,070,544			3,488			1,074,032
	Acquisition of television stations (a)		330,309			—			330,309
	Sale of broadcast assets (d)		(14,724		)	—			(14,724		)
	Measurement period adjustments related to 2012 acquisitions (e)		(9,535		)	—			(9,535		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013 (c)
	Goodwill (a)		1,790,167			3,488			1,793,655
	Accumulated impairment losses		(413,573		)	—			(413,573		)
			1,376,594			3,488			1,380,082
	Acquisition of television stations (a)		701,854			—			701,854
	Sale of broadcast assets (d)		(26,731		)	—			(26,731		)
	Deconsolidation of variable interest entities (b)		(21,357		)	—			(21,357		)
	Measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions (e)		(66,320		)	—			(66,320		)
	Assets held for sale		—			(2,975		)	(2,975		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014 (c)
	Goodwill		2,377,613			513			2,378,126
	Accumulated impairment losses		(413,573		)	—			(413,573		)
			$	1,964,040		$	513		$	1,964,553
		(a)		In 2014 and 2013, we acquired goodwill as a result of acquisitions as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions.
		(b)		In 2014, we deconsolidated certain variable interest entities and the amounts relate to WYZZ in Peoria, IL and WTAT in Charleston, SC, as discussed in Variable Interest Entities within Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
		(c)		Approximately $0.8 million and $6.4 million of goodwill relates to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		(d)		Amounts relate to the 2013 sale of WSYT (including certain assets of WNYS, which we performed service to under an LMA) in Syracuse, NY, in connection with the acquisition of stations from Barrington, and to the 2014 sale of WTTA in Tampa, FL and KXRM/KXTU in Colorado Springs, CO.  See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations for further discussion on the sale of these stations.
		(e)		Amounts relate to immaterial measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions.
Schedule of carrying amount of broadcast licenses related to continuing operations
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amount of our broadcast licenses related to continuing operations was as follows (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Beginning balance		$	101,029		$	85,122
	Acquisition of television stations (a)		18,027			15,514
	Sale of broadcast assets (d)		(45		)	(25		)
	Impairment charge		(3,240		)	—
	Measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions (a)		19,355			418
	Deconsolidation of variable interest entities (b)		(51		)	—
	Ending balance (c)		$	135,075		$	101,029
		(a)		See Note 2. Acquisitions.
		(b)		In 2014, we deconsolidated certain variable interest entities and the amounts relate to WYZZ in Peoria, IL and WTAT in Charleston, SC, as discussed in Variable Interest Entities within Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
		(c)		Approximately $16.9 million and $16.8 million of broadcast licenses relate to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		(d)		Amounts relate to the 2013 sale of WSYT, in Syracuse, NY, in connection with the acquisition of stations from Barrington, and to the 2014 sale of WTTA in Tamp, FL and KXRM/KXTU in Colorado Springs, CO.  See Note 3. Disposition of Assets and Discontinued Operations for further discussion on the sale of these stations.
Schedule of gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets related to continuing operations
	The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles related to continuing operations (in thousands):
			As of December 31, 2014
			Gross			Accumulated			Net
			Carrying			Amortization
			Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Network affiliation (a)		$	1,396,792		$	(257,526	)	$	1,139,266
	Decaying advertiser base (b)		324,262			(148,878		)	175,384
	Other (c)		599,472			(95,859		)	503,613
	Total		$	2,320,526		$	(502,263	)	$	1,818,263
			As of December 31, 2013
			Gross			Accumulated			Net
			Carrying			Amortization
			Amount
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Network affiliation (a)		$	869,535		$	(195,037	)	$	674,498
	Decaying advertiser base (b)		260,454			(135,978		)	124,476
	Other (c)		389,769			(60,988		)	328,781
	Total		$	1,519,758		$	(392,003	)	$	1,127,755
		(a)		The increase in network affiliation assets includes amounts from acquisitions of $506.8 million and $321.0 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 2. Acquisitions for the purchase price allocation of stations acquired during 2014, and measurement period adjustments recorded during 2014 related to 2013 acquisitions.
		(b)		The increase in decaying advertiser base includes amounts from acquisitions of $69.0 million and $80.0 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.  See Note 2. Acquisitions for the purchase price allocation of stations acquired during 2014, and measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions.
		(c)		The increase in other intangible assets includes the amounts from acquisitions of $214.2 million and $155.5 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.  See Note 2. Acquisitions for the purchase price allocation of stations acquired during 2014, and measurement period adjustments related to 2013 acquisitions.  The increase also includes the purchase of additional alarm monitoring contracts of $27.7 million, which is included in Other Operating Divisions.
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, 2015		$	147,831
	For the year ended December 31, 2016		146,877
	For the year ended December 31, 2017		144,887
	For the year ended December 31, 2018		143,923
	For the year ended December 31, 2019		143,834
	Thereafter		1,090,911
			$	1,818,263

NOTES_PAYABLE_AND_COMMERCIAL_B1

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING:
Schedule of notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
	Notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan A	$	348,073		$	500,000
	Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B	1,039,876			646,375
	Revolving credit facility	338,000			—
	8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018	—			237,530
	6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021	350,000			350,000
	5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021	600,000			600,000
	6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022	500,000			500,000
	5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024	550,000			—
	Debt of variable interest entities	30,167			55,581
	Other operating divisions debt	118,822			86,263
	Capital leases	38,836			42,946
	Total outstanding principal	3,913,774			3,018,695
	Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B	(3,992		)	(3,642		)
	Less: Discount on 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018	—			(2,305		)
	Less: Current portion	(113,116		)	(46,346		)
	Net carrying value of long-term debt	$	3,796,666		$	2,966,402
Schedule of maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
	Indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2014 matures as follows (in thousands):
		Notes and Bank			Capital Leases			Total
		Credit
		Agreement
	2015	$	110,980		$	5,555		$	116,535
	2016	77,574			5,159			82,733
	2017	75,544			5,197			80,741
	2018	577,545			5,250			582,795
	2019	10,987			5,344			16,331
	2020 and thereafter	3,022,308			38,721			3,061,029
	Total minimum payments	3,874,938			65,226			3,940,164
	Less: Discount on Term Loan B	(3,992		)	—			(3,992		)
	Less: Amount representing future interest	—			(26,390		)	(26,390		)
	Net carrying value of debt	$	3,870,946		$	38,836		$	3,909,782

PROGRAM_CONTRACTS_Tables

PROGRAM CONTRACTS: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
PROGRAM CONTRACTS:
Schedule of future payments required under program contracts
	Future payments required under program contracts as of December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	104,922
	2016	22,459
	2017	14,999
	2018	10,341
	2019	7,838
	2020 and thereafter	4,968
	Total	165,527
	Less: Current portion	(104,922		)
	Long-term portion of program contracts payable	$	60,605

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES:
Schedule of provision (benefit) for income taxes
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Provision for income taxes - continuing operations		$	97,432		$	41,249		$	67,852
	(Benefit) provision for income taxes - discontinued operations		—			(10,806		)	663
			$	97,432		$	30,443		$	68,515
	Current:
	Federal		$	92,609		$	16,229		$	56,106
	State		5,641			(8,305		)	4,095
			98,250			7,924			60,201
	Deferred:
	Federal		3,170			20,214			9,151
	State		(3,988		)	2,305			(837		)
			(818		)	22,519			8,314
			$	97,432		$	30,443		$	68,515
Schedule of reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision from continuing operations
			2014		2013		2012
	Federal statutory rate		35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
	Adjustments-
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (1)		(0.1	)%	8.3	%	(0.4	)%
	Non-deductible items (2)		3.4	%	1.4	%	0.3	%
	Domestic Production Activities Deduction (3)		(3.2	)%	(3.8	)%	(1.4	)%
	Effect of consolidated VIEs (4)		0.8	%	3.7	%	(3.4	)%
	Change in state tax laws and rates		(0.1	)%	(5.5	)%	0.2	%
	Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (5)		(3.4	)%	0.8	%	1.5	%
	Other		(0.9	)%	0.1	%	0.2	%
	Effective income tax rate		31.5	%	40.0	%	32.0	%
		-1		Included in state income taxes are deferred income tax effects related to certain acquisitions and/or intercompany mergers.
		-2		Included in 2014 is the current income taxes related to the taxable gain on sale of WHTM’s assets in Harrisburg, PA, which we acquired with the stock purchase of the Allbritton Companies in the same year.  There was no book gain on this sale.  Since a deferred tax liability was not established for the excess of book basis over tax basis of goodwill, deferred tax benefit does not offset the current tax expense.
		-3		During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recorded a $0.8 million reduction in and a $2.0 million of additional benefit, respectively, related to domestic production activities deduction upon filing the respective 2013 and 2012 federal income tax returns.
		-4		Certain of our consolidated VIEs incur expenses that are not attributable to non-controlling interests because we absorb certain related losses of the VIEs.  These expenses are not tax-deductible by us, and since these VIEs are treated as pass-through entities for income tax purposes, deferred income tax benefits are not recognized.  For the year ended December 31, 2012, the taxes on consolidated VIEs include a release of $7.7 million of valuation allowance related to certain deferred tax assets of Cunningham, one of our consolidated VIEs, as the weight of all available evidence supported realization of the deferred tax assets.  This assessment was based primarily on the sufficiency of forecasted taxable income necessary to utilize net operating loss carryforwards expiring in the years 2022 — 2029.  This VIE files separate income tax returns.  Any resulting tax liabilities are nonrecourse to us, and we are not entitled to any benefit resulting from the deferred tax assets of the VIE.  As discussed in Variable Interest Entities under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Cunningham was deconsolidated in 2014.
		-5		During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a $10.8 million benefit related to the release of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.  See table below which summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits.
Schedule of total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities	Total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Current and Long-Term Deferred Tax Assets:
	Net operating and capital losses:
	Federal		$	2,384		$	5,027
	State		67,430			63,051
	Broadcast licenses		11,993			27,652
	Intangibles		32,182			3,451
	Other		27,677			35,677
			141,666			134,858
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(58,896		)	(51,062		)
	Total deferred tax assets		$	82,770		$	83,796
	Current and Long-Term Deferred Tax Liabilities:
	Broadcast licenses		$	(36,083	)	$	(20,395	)
	Intangibles		(507,545		)	(270,008		)
	Property & equipment, net		(72,819		)	(52,514		)
	Contingent interest obligations		(40,941		)	(51,621		)
	Other		(34,314		)	(2,037		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(691,702		)	(396,575		)
	Net tax liabilities		$	(608,932	)	$	(312,779	)
Schedule of activity related to accrued unrecognized tax benefits
	The following table summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
			2014			2013			2012
	Balance at January 1,		$	16,883		$	25,965		$	26,088
	Reductions related to prior year tax positions		—			(8,928		)	(123		)
	Increases related to current year tax positions		1,450			693			—
	Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities		(2,910		)	(847		)	—
	Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations		(8,285		)	—			—
	Balance at December 31,		$	7,138		$	16,883		$	25,965

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Schedule of future minimum payments under the leases
	Future minimum payments under the leases are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	12,819
	2016	12,149
	2017	9,390
	2018	5,838
	2019	4,807
	2020 and thereafter	20,139
		$	65,142

RELATED_PERSON_TRANSACTIONS_Ta

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related person transactions
Schedule of capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships
	Notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan A	$	348,073		$	500,000
	Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B	1,039,876			646,375
	Revolving credit facility	338,000			—
	8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018	—			237,530
	6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021	350,000			350,000
	5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021	600,000			600,000
	6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022	500,000			500,000
	5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024	550,000			—
	Debt of variable interest entities	30,167			55,581
	Other operating divisions debt	118,822			86,263
	Capital leases	38,836			42,946
	Total outstanding principal	3,913,774			3,018,695
	Less: Discount on Bank Credit Agreement, Term Loan B	(3,992		)	(3,642		)
	Less: Discount on 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018	—			(2,305		)
	Less: Current portion	(113,116		)	(46,346		)
	Net carrying value of long-term debt	$	3,796,666		$	2,966,402
Schedule of capital leases maturity payable to related to the aforementioned relationships
	Indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2014 matures as follows (in thousands):
		Notes and Bank			Capital Leases			Total
		Credit
		Agreement
	2015	$	110,980		$	5,555		$	116,535
	2016	77,574			5,159			82,733
	2017	75,544			5,197			80,741
	2018	577,545			5,250			582,795
	2019	10,987			5,344			16,331
	2020 and thereafter	3,022,308			38,721			3,061,029
	Total minimum payments	3,874,938			65,226			3,940,164
	Less: Discount on Term Loan B	(3,992		)	—			(3,992		)
	Less: Amount representing future interest	—			(26,390		)	(26,390		)
	Net carrying value of debt	$	3,870,946		$	38,836		$	3,909,782
Controlling shareholders
Related person transactions
Schedule of capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships
	Capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Capital lease for building, interest at 8.54%	$	4,972		$	6,267
	Capital leases for building and tower, interest at 7.93%	932			1,106
	Capital leases for building, interest at 8.11%	7,843			8,141
	Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 9.0%	390			860
	Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 10.5%	4,797			4,918
		18,934			21,292
	Less: Current portion	(2,625		)	(2,367		)
		$	16,309		$	18,925
Schedule of capital leases maturity payable to related to the aforementioned relationships
	Capital leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships as of December 31, 2014 mature as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	4,402
	2016	4,138
	2017	4,102
	2018	1,880
	2019	1,960
	2020 and thereafter	11,084
	Total minimum payments due	27,566
	Less: Amount representing interest	(8,610		)
		$	18,956

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Income (Numerator)
	Income from continuing operations	$	215,115		$	64,259		$	144,488
	Income impact of assumed conversion of the 4.875% Notes, net of taxes	—			—			180
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests included in continuing operations	(2,836		)	(2,349		)	(287		)
	Numerator for diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations available to common shareholders	212,279			61,910			144,381
	Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—			11,558			465
	Numerator for diluted earnings available to common shareholders	$	212,279		$	73,468		$	144,846
	Shares (Denominator)
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	97,114			93,207			81,020
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and stock options	705			638			36
	Dilutive effect of 4.875% Notes	—			—			254
	Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	97,819			93,845			81,310

SEGMENT_DATA_Tables

SEGMENT DATA: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SEGMENT DATA
Schedule of segment financial information
	Financial information for our operating segments is included in the following tables for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
	For the year ended December 31, 2014	Broadcast		Other		Corporate			Consolidated
				Operating
				Divisions
	Revenue	$	1,904,988	$	71,570	$	—		$	1,976,558
	Depreciation of property and equipment	99,823		2,350		1,118			103,291
	Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	118,654		6,842		—			125,496
	Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	106,629		—		—			106,629
	General and administrative overhead expenses	56,179		973		12,261			69,413
	Operating income (loss)	505,941		2,089		(13,379		)	494,651
	Interest expense	—		4,042		170,820			174,862
	Income from equity and cost method investments	—		2,313		—			2,313
	Goodwill	1,964,041		512		—			1,964,553
	Assets	4,941,446		356,380		154,346			5,452,172
	Capital expenditures	78,865		2,593		—			81,458
	For the year ended December 31, 2013	Broadcast		Other		Corporate			Consolidated
				Operating
				Divisions
	Revenue	$	1,306,187	$	56,944	$	—		$	1,363,131
	Depreciation of property and equipment	67,320		1,891		1,343			70,554
	Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	65,786		5,034		—			70,820
	Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	80,925		—		—			80,925
	General and administrative overhead expenses	47,272		1,350		4,504			53,126
	Operating income (loss)	329,312		555		(5,847		)	324,020
	Interest expense	—		3,251		159,686			162,937
	Income from equity and cost method investments	—		621		—			621
	Goodwill	1,376,594		3,488		—			1,380,082
	Assets	3,450,006		296,657		400,809			4,147,472
	Capital expenditures	35,694		4,994		2,700			43,388
	For the year ended December 31, 2012	Broadcast		Other		Corporate			Consolidated
				Operating
				Divisions
	Revenue	$	1,007,498	$	54,181	$	—		$	1,061,679
	Depreciation of property and equipment	44,054		1,496		1,523			47,073
	Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	33,701		4,398		—			38,099
	Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	60,990		—		—			60,990
	General and administrative overhead expenses	28,854		1,697		2,840			33,391
	Operating income (loss)	333,157		491		(4,363		)	329,285
	Interest expense	—		3,282		125,271			128,553
	Income from equity and cost method investments	—		9,670		—			9,670

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
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, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		2014				2013
		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Level 2:
	8.375% Senior Notes due 2018	$	—	$	—	$	235,225	$	259,547
	6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021	350,000		355,800		350,000		360,938
	6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022	500,000		503,475		500,000		497,525
	5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024	550,000		532,813		—		—
	5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021	600,000		595,068		600,000		582,078
	Term Loan A	348,073		341,982		500,000		495,000
	Term Loan B	1,035,883		1,029,997		642,734		641,205
	Revolver credit facility	338,000		338,000		—		—
	Debt of variable interest entities	30,167		30,167		55,581		55,581
	Debt of other operating divisions	118,822		118,822		86,263		86,263

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_FINANCI1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheet
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
		Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
		Group,			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
		Inc.						LLC
	Cash	$	—		$	3,394		$	1,749		$	12,539		$	—		$	17,682
	Accounts and other receivables	—			164			359,486			25,111			(1,258		)	383,503
	Other current assets	5,741			12,996			98,751			12,721			(11,733		)	118,476
	Assets held for sale	—			—			—			6,504			—			6,504
	Total current assets	5,741			16,554			459,986			56,875			(12,991		)	526,165
	Property and equipment, net	3,949			17,554			569,372			168,762			(7,099		)	752,538
	Assets held for sale	—			—			1,843			6,974			—			8,817
	Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	395,225			3,585,037			3,978			—			(3,984,240		)	—
	Other long-term assets	65,988			595,112			90,914			115,375			(620,628		)	246,761
	Total other long-term assets	461,213			4,180,149			96,735			122,349			(4,604,868		)	255,578
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	—			1,483			3,821,985			209,724			(115,301		)	3,917,891
	Total assets	$	470,903		$	4,215,740		$	4,948,078		$	557,710		$	(4,740,259	)	$	5,452,172
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	541		$	46,083		$	201,102		$	24,325		$	(13,680	)	$	258,371
	Current portion of long-term debt	529			42,953			1,302			68,332			—			113,116
	Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,464			—			1,182			1,026			(1,047		)	2,625
	Other current liabilities	1,208			—			107,867			9,749			(1,407		)	117,417
	Liabilities held for sale	—			—			—			2,477			—			2,477
	Total current liabilities	3,742			89,036			311,453			105,909			(16,134		)	494,006
	Long-term debt	—			3,679,004			34,338			83,324			—			3,796,666
	Affiliate long-term debt	3,508			—			12,802			319,901			(319,902		)	16,309
	Other liabilities	35,771			28,856			1,003,213			169,935			(497,927		)	739,848
	Total liabilities	43,021			3,796,896			1,361,806			679,069			(833,963		)	5,046,829
	Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)	427,882			418,844			3,586,272			(94,632		)	(3,910,484		)	427,882
	Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	—			—			—			(26,727		)	4,188			(22,539		)
	Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	470,903		$	4,215,740		$	4,948,078		$	557,710		$	(4,740,259	)	$	5,452,172
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
		Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
		Group, Inc.			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
								LLC
	Cash	$	—		$	237,974		$	28,594		$	13,536		$	—		$	280,104
	Accounts and other receivables	59			818			281,822			27,479			(1,022		)	309,156
	Other current assets	5,500			25,887			67,279			16,391			(6,446		)	108,611
	Total current assets	5,559			264,679			377,695			57,406			(7,468		)	697,871
	Property and equipment, net	5,017			13,561			454,917			130,019			(7,443		)	596,071
	Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	363,231			2,508,058			4,179			—			(2,875,468		)	—
	Restricted cash — long term	—			11,524			223			—			—			11,747
	Other long-term assets	78,849			503,674			62,435			132,840			(544,881		)	232,917
	Total other long-term assets	442,080			3,023,256			66,837			132,840			(3,420,349		)	244,664
	Goodwill and other intangible assets	—			—			2,486,794			214,325			(92,253		)	2,608,866
	Total assets	$	452,656		$	3,301,496		$	3,386,243		$	534,590		$	(3,527,513	)	$	4,147,472
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	234		$	51,781		$	126,245		$	17,161		$	753		$	196,174
	Current portion of long-term debt	556			37,335			1,007			6,900			548			46,346
	Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,294			—			1,073			1,003			(1,003		)	2,367
	Other current liabilities	3,529			—			87,612			9,645			(2,292		)	98,494
	Total current liabilities	5,613			89,116			215,937			34,709			(1,994		)	343,381
	Long-term debt	529			2,793,334			35,709			135,071			1,759			2,966,402
	Affiliate long-term debt	4,972			—			13,984			294,919			(294,950		)	18,925
	Other liabilities	45,172			23,645			610,491			145,828			(412,076		)	413,060
	Total liabilities	56,286			2,906,095			876,121			610,527			(707,261		)	3,741,768
	Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)	396,370			395,401			2,510,122			(85,271		)	(2,820,252		)	396,370
	Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	—			—			—			9,334			—			9,334
	Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	452,656		$	3,301,496		$	3,386,243		$	534,590		$	(3,527,513	)	$	4,147,472
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
		Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
		Group, Inc.			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
								LLC
	Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,870,408		$	192,616		$	(86,466	)	$	1,976,558
	Program and production	—			76			573,725			84,592			(81,380		)	577,013
	Selling, general and administrative	4,320			57,799			359,880			20,099			(2,079		)	440,019
	Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	1,068			5,425			367,514			92,635			(1,767		)	464,875
	Total operating expenses	5,388			63,300			1,301,119			197,326			(85,226		)	1,481,907
	Operating (loss) income	(5,388		)	(63,300		)	569,289			(4,710		)	(1,240		)	494,651
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	211,782			373,228			(201		)	—			(584,809		)	—
	Interest expense	(573		)	(163,347		)	(4,869		)	(27,364		)	21,291			(174,862		)
	Other income (expense)	4,377			(14,651		)	998			2,024			10			(7,242		)
	Total other income (expense)	215,586			195,230			(4,072		)	(25,340		)	(563,508		)	(182,104		)
	Income tax benefit	2,081			83,897			(185,193		)	1,783			—			(97,432		)
	Net income (loss)	212,279			215,827			380,024			(28,267		)	(564,748		)	215,115
	Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(2,836		)	—			(2,836		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	212,279		$	215,827		$	380,024		$	(31,103	)	$	(564,748	)	$	212,279
	Comprehensive Income	$	211,759		$	213,284		$	378,926		$	(27,982	)	$	(564,228	)	$	211,759
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
		Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
		Group, Inc.			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
								LLC
	Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,296,736		$	123,017		$	(56,622	)	$	1,363,131
	Program and production	15			357			391,410			50,950			(57,628		)	385,104
	Selling, general and administrative	3,733			48,363			241,548			9,132			82			302,858
	Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	1,307			3,105			275,889			71,319			(471		)	351,149
	Total operating expenses	5,055			51,825			908,847			131,401			(58,017		)	1,039,111
	Operating (loss) income	(5,055		)	(51,825		)	387,889			(8,384		)	1,395			324,020
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	97,138			309,388			1,009			—			(407,535		)	—
	Interest expense	(1,083		)	(152,174		)	(4,965		)	(25,624		)	20,909			(162,937		)
	Other income (expense)	4,633			(59,033		)	245			5,361			(6,781		)	(55,575		)
	Total other income (expense)	100,688			98,181			(3,711		)	(20,263		)	(393,407		)	(218,512		)
	Income tax benefit	(22,165		)	47,645			(73,266		)	2,637			3,900			(41,249		)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—			11,063			495			—			—			11,558
	Net income (loss)	73,468			105,064			311,407			(26,010		)	(388,112		)	75,817
	Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(2,349		)	—			(2,349		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	73,468		$	105,064		$	311,407		$	(28,359	)	$	(388,112	)	$	73,468
	Comprehensive Income	$	78,257		$	107,243		$	311,407		$	(28,098	)	$	(388,112	)	$	78,257
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
		Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
		Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
		Group,			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
		Inc.						LLC
	NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$	(26,528	)	$	(147,940	)	$	628,103		$	(35,694	)	$	12,513		$	430,454
	CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Acquisition of property and equipment	—			(8,864		)	(71,152		)	(2,722		)	1,280			(81,458		)
	Payments for acquisitions of television stations	—			—			(1,485,039		)	—			—			(1,485,039		)
	Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets	—			—			176,675			—			—			176,675
	Payments for acquisitions of assets of other operating divisions
	Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	—			—			—			(27,701		)	—			(27,701		)
	(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			11,525			91			—			—			11,616
	Investments in equity and cost method investees	—			—			—			(8,104		)	—			(8,104		)
	Proceeds from insurance settlement	—			17,042			—			—			—			17,042
	Other, net	1,000			—			392			(1,779		)	—			(387		)
	Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities	1,000			19,703			(1,379,033		)	(40,306		)	1,280			(1,397,356		)
	CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	—			1,466,500			507			33,713			—			1,500,720
	Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(556		)	(574,584		)	(1,028		)	(6,596		)	—			(582,764		)
	Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(133,157		)	—			—			—			—			(133,157		)
	Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	(61,103		)	—			—			—			—			(61,103		)
	Payments for deferred financing costs	—			(16,590		)	—			—			—			(16,590		)
	Noncontrolling interest (contributions) distributions	—			—			—			(8,184		)	—			(8,184		)
	Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	218,081			(981,669		)	725,678			51,703			(13,793		)	—
	Other, net	2,263			—			(1,072		)	4,367			—			5,558
	Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	25,528			(106,343		)	724,085			75,003			(13,793		)	704,480
	NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	—			(234,580		)	(26,845		)	(997		)	—			(262,422		)
	CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	—			237,974			28,594			13,536			—			280,104
	CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	—		$	3,394		$	1,749		$	12,539		$	—		$	17,682
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
	(In thousands)
		Sinclair			Sinclair			Guarantor			Non-			Eliminations			Sinclair
		Broadcast			Television			Subsidiaries			Guarantor						Consolidated
		Group,			Group, Inc.			and KDSM,			Subsidiaries
		Inc.						LLC
	NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$	(37,107	)	$	(264,925	)	$	444,680		$	(40,414	)	$	58,343		$	160,577
	CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Acquisition of property and equipment	—			(2,700		)	(35,659		)	(5,029		)	—			(43,388		)
	Payments for acquisitions of television stations	—			—			(998,664		)	(50,480		)	43,000			(1,006,144		)
	Proceeds from the sale of broadcast assets	—			—			71,738			21,000			(43,000		)	49,738
	Payments for acquisitions of assets of other operating divisions	—			—			—			(4,650		)	—			(4,650		)
	Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	—			—			—			(23,721		)	—			(23,721		)
	(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	—			(11,522		)	—			—			—			(11,522		)
	Investments in equity and cost method investees	—			—			—			(10,767		)	—			(10,767		)
	Investment in marketable securities	—			—			—			(696		)	(10,908		)	(11,604		)
	Other, net	1,648			—			50			9,119			—			10,817
	Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities	1,648			(14,222		)	(962,535		)	(65,224		)	(10,908		)	(1,051,241		)
	CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	—			2,189,753			—			88,540			—			2,278,293
	Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(482		)	(1,473,898		)	(1,069		)	(34,311		)	—			(1,509,760		)
	Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock	472,913			—			—			—			—			472,913
	Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	(56,767		)	—			—			—			—			(56,767		)
	Payments for deferred financing costs	—			(27,724		)	—			—			—			(27,724		)
	Noncontrolling interest distributions (contributions)	—			—			—			(10,256		)	—			(10,256		)
	Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(371,331		)	(178,240		)	548,139			59,765			(58,333		)	—
	Other, net	(8,874		)	—			(820		)	—			10,898			1,204
	Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	35,459			509,891			546,250			103,738			(47,435		)	1,147,903
	NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	—			230,744			28,395			(1,900		)	—			257,239
	CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	—			7,230			199			15,436			—			22,865
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	—		$	237,974		$	28,594		$	13,536		$	—		$	280,104

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO1

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED): (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):
Schedule of the quarterly financial information (unaudited)
	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):
	(in thousands, except per share data)
		For the Quarter Ended
		3/31/14		6/30/14		9/30/14		12/31/14
	Total revenues, net	$	412,648	$	455,136	$	494,956	$	613,818
	Operating income	$	81,000	$	103,039	$	101,663	$	208,949
	Income from continuing operations	$	27,657	$	41,601	$	48,768	$	97,089
	Income from discontinued operations	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	27,158	$	41,335	$	48,341	$	95,445
	Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.27	$	0.43	$	0.50	$	0.99
	Basic earnings per common share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.27	$	0.43	$	0.50	$	0.99
	Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.27	$	0.42	$	0.49	$	0.98
	Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.27	$	0.42	$	0.49	$	0.98
		For the Quarter Ended
		3/31/13		6/30/13		9/30/13		12/31/13
	Total revenues, net	$	282,618	$	314,154	$	338,644	$	427,715
	Operating income	$	63,656	$	84,280	$	72,798	$	103,286
	Income from continuing operations	$	16,515	$	12,956	$	30,551	$	4,237
	Income from discontinued operations	$	355	$	5,103	$	6,100	$	—
	Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	16,997	$	17,826	$	36,342	$	2,303
	Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.20	$	0.14	$	0.30	$	0.02
	Basic earnings per common share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.21	$	0.19	$	0.37	$	0.02
	Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.20	$	0.14	$	0.30	$	0.02
	Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.21	$	0.19	$	0.36	$	0.02

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_AND_SUMMA3

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014
	item
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Number of Television Stations Owned	164
Number of markets	79
Number of channels	373

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_AND_SUMMA4

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	item										item
Variable Interest Entities
Number of television stations owned	164										164
Net revenue	$613,818,000		$494,956,000	$455,136,000	$412,648,000	$427,715,000		$338,644,000	$314,154,000	$282,618,000	$1,976,558,000		$1,363,131,000		$1,061,679,000
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	17,682,000					280,104,000					17,682,000		280,104,000		22,865,000	12,967,000
Accounts receivable	383,503,000					308,974,000					383,503,000		308,974,000
Current portion of program contract costs	88,198,000					74,324,000					88,198,000		74,324,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	21,338,000					30,781,000					21,338,000		30,781,000
Total current assets	526,165,000					697,871,000					526,165,000		697,871,000
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion	38,531,000					24,708,000					38,531,000		24,708,000
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	752,538,000					596,071,000					752,538,000		596,071,000
GOODWILL	1,964,553,000					1,380,082,000					1,964,553,000		1,380,082,000		1,074,032,000
BROADCAST LICENSES	135,075,000					101,029,000					135,075,000		101,029,000
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	1,818,263,000					1,127,755,000					1,818,263,000		1,127,755,000
OTHER ASSETS	208,230,000	[1]				208,209,000	[1]				208,230,000	[1]	208,209,000	[1]
Total assets	5,452,172,000					4,147,472,000					5,452,172,000		4,147,472,000
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	12,248,000					13,989,000					12,248,000		13,989,000
Accrued liabilities	246,123,000					182,185,000					246,123,000		182,185,000
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing	113,116,000					46,346,000					113,116,000		46,346,000
Current portion of program contracts payable	104,922,000					90,933,000					104,922,000		90,933,000
Total current liabilities	494,006,000					343,381,000					494,006,000		343,381,000
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion	3,796,666,000					2,966,402,000					3,796,666,000		2,966,402,000
Program contracts payable, less current portion	60,605,000					34,681,000					60,605,000		34,681,000
Total liabilities	5,046,829,000					3,741,768,000					5,046,829,000		3,741,768,000
Increase in additional paid in capital related to sale of investment in common stock													7,008,000
Eliminations
Variable Interest Entities
Net revenue											-86,466,000		-56,622,000		-11,376,000
CURRENT ASSETS:
Total current assets	-12,991,000					-7,468,000					-12,991,000		-7,468,000
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	-7,099,000					-7,443,000					-7,099,000		-7,443,000
Total assets	-4,740,259,000					-3,527,513,000					-4,740,259,000		-3,527,513,000
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing						548,000							548,000
Total current liabilities	-16,134,000					-1,994,000					-16,134,000		-1,994,000
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion						1,759,000							1,759,000
Total liabilities	-833,963,000					-707,261,000					-833,963,000		-707,261,000
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated
Variable Interest Entities
Number of licensees as VIEs											37		34
Net revenue											286,300,000		235,800,000		154,600,000
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	491,000					4,916,000					491,000		4,916,000
Accounts receivable	19,521,000					18,468,000					19,521,000		18,468,000
Current portion of program contract costs	9,544,000					10,725,000					9,544,000		10,725,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	297,000					247,000					297,000		247,000
Total current assets	29,853,000					34,356,000					29,853,000		34,356,000
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion	6,922,000					5,075,000					6,922,000		5,075,000
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	9,716,000					11,081,000					9,716,000		11,081,000
GOODWILL	787,000					6,357,000					787,000		6,357,000
BROADCAST LICENSES	16,935,000					16,768,000					16,935,000		16,768,000
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	96,732,000					97,496,000					96,732,000		97,496,000
OTHER ASSETS	2,376,000					22,935,000					2,376,000		22,935,000
Total assets	163,321,000					194,068,000					163,321,000		194,068,000
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	68,000					86,000					68,000		86,000
Accrued liabilities	1,297,000					2,536,000					1,297,000		2,536,000
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing	3,659,000					5,731,000					3,659,000		5,731,000
Current portion of program contracts payable	9,714,000					11,552,000					9,714,000		11,552,000
Total current liabilities	14,738,000					19,905,000					14,738,000		19,905,000
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion	28,640,000					49,850,000					28,640,000		49,850,000
Program contracts payable, less current portion	10,161,000					6,597,000					10,161,000		6,597,000
Long term liabilities	8,739,000					10,838,000					8,739,000		10,838,000
Total liabilities	62,278,000					87,190,000					62,278,000		87,190,000
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated | Minimum
Variable Interest Entities
Initial term of certain outsourcing agreements											5 years
Consolidated VIEs | Cunningham
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Increase in additional paid in capital related to sale of investment in common stock											7,000,000
Consolidated VIEs | Eliminations
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options	78,100,000					59,900,000					78,100,000		59,900,000
Consolidated VIEs | Eliminations | Cunningham
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Total payments made under the LMA excluded from liabilities	34,400,000					32,400,000					34,400,000		32,400,000
Total capital leased assets excluded from VIE consolidation	$4,300,000					$5,000,000					$4,300,000		$5,000,000
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December?31, 2014 and 2013 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $163.3 million and $194.1 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December?31, 2014 and 2013 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $30.0 million and $31.6 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_SUMMA5

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Variable Interest Entities
Net broadcast revenues	$1,782,726,000	$1,217,504,000	$920,593,000
Station production expenses	577,013,000	385,104,000	255,556,000
Income (loss) from equity and cost method investments	2,313,000	621,000	9,670,000
VIEs which are not primary beneficiary
Variable Interest Entities
Carrying amount	22,700,000	26,700,000
Income (loss) from equity and cost method investments	$2,200,000	$2,100,000	$6,400,000

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_AND_SUMMA6

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance at beginning of period	$3,379,000	$3,091,000	$3,008,000
Charged to expense	2,186,000	1,802,000	1,141,000
Net write-offs	-1,319,000	-1,514,000	-1,058,000
Balance at end of period	4,246,000	3,379,000	3,091,000
Restricted cash
Restricted cash to be held, related to removal of analog equipment		11,747,000
Newport
Restricted cash
Restricted cash classified as noncurrent		$11,400,000

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_AND_SUMMA7

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
			item		item
Programming
Period used in accelerated method for computing program contract costs	4 years
Period of program contracts amortized on straight-line basis	1 year
Other Assets
Equity and cost method investments	$107,847,000		$98,385,000
Unamortized costs related to debt issuances	47,118,000		46,150,000
Other	53,265,000		63,674,000
Total other assets	208,230,000	[1]	208,209,000	[1]
Unfunded commitments related to private equity investment funds	15,600,000		17,000,000
Impairment on investments	$0		$600,000		$1,300,000
Number of investments on which impairment recorded			2		2
Minimum
Programming
Contract period	1 year
Maximum
Programming
Contract period	7 years
[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December?31, 2014 and 2013 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $163.3 million and $194.1 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December?31, 2014 and 2013 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $30.0 million and $31.6 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_SUMMA8

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Accrued Liabilities
Compensation and employee health insurance	$56,871,000	$44,800,000
Interest	33,347,000	25,133,000
Deferred revenue	27,037,000	20,128,000
Programming related obligations	70,344,000	42,658,000
Other accruals relating to operating expenses	58,524,000	49,466,000
Total accrued liabilities	246,123,000	182,185,000
Network affiliation agreements | FOX
Accrued Liabilities
Other accruals relating to operating expenses			25,000,000
Accrued Liabilities
Amount paid pursuant to the agreements			$25,000,000

NATURE_OF_OPERATIONS_AND_SUMMA9

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Details 7) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplemental Information - Statements of Cash Flows
Income taxes paid related to continuing operations	$100,986,000	$26,037,000	$46,964,000
Income tax refunds received related to continuing operations	1,407,000	4,414,000	194,000
Interest paid	157,349,000	147,083,000	110,973,000
Non- cash transactions
Non-cash transactions related to capital lease obligations	0	10,400,000	300,000
Advertising Expenses
Total advertising expenses	21,300,000	15,400,000	12,200,000
4.875% Notes
Non- cash transactions
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.88%	4.88%		4.88%
4.875% Notes | Class A Common Stock
Non- cash transactions
Non-cash conversion, net of tax		$8,600,000

Recovered_Sheet1

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Details 8) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 20, 2014	Oct. 28, 1999	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Repurchase Program
Share repurchase program, authorized amount	$150,000,000	$150,000,000
Number of shares repurchased			4,900,000
Value of shares repurchased			133,157,000
Total remaining authorization amount			134,400,000
Newport
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash classified as noncurrent					11,400,000
Class A Common Stock
Share Repurchase Program
Number of shares repurchased			4,876,121
Value of shares repurchased			48,000
Class A Common Stock | Subsequent Event
Share Repurchase Program
Number of shares repurchased				300,000
Value of shares repurchased				$7,800,000

Recovered_Sheet2

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Details 9) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Liability related to underfunded status of defined benefit pension plan	$4,700,000	$1,900,000
Fisher SERP
Future expected benefits payment
2015	1,481,000
2016	1,726,000
2017	1,665,000
2018	1,608,000
2019	1,554,000
Next 5 years	7,196,000
Fisher SERP | Fisher
Post-retirement Benefits
Carrying value of annuity contracts and life insurance policies		18,200,000
Estimated projected benefit obligation	24,000,000
Benefit payments	2,100,000	500,000
Periodic pension expense	1,000,000	400,000
Actuarial gain	3,200,000	200,000
Discount rate for projected benefit obligation (as a percent)	3.69%	4.51%
Fisher SERP | Fisher | Accrued expenses
Post-retirement Benefits
Estimated projected benefit obligation	1,500,000
Fisher SERP | Fisher | Other long-term liabilities
Post-retirement Benefits
Estimated projected benefit obligation	$22,500,000

ACQUISITIONS_Details

ACQUISITIONS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 12, 2012	Jul. 23, 2014	Dec. 19, 2014	Nov. 01, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014	Nov. 22, 2013	Aug. 08, 2013	Dec. 01, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Oct. 12, 2013	Apr. 01, 2012
	item								item	item					item
Acquisitions
Number of television stations	164
Number of markets	79
Business acquisition transaction costs	$5,700,000	$2,800,000	$1,200,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Goodwill	1,964,553,000	1,380,082,000	1,074,032,000
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
Acquisitions
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.13%	6.13%		6.13%										6.13%
Amount of draw under incremental loan commitment used to finance acquisition				500,000,000
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
Acquisitions
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.63%
Amount of draw under incremental loan commitment used to finance acquisition					550,000,000
Total Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Number of television stations	119
Number of markets	63
Cash paid	3,557,700,000
Working capital adjustment	53,700,000
2014 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Number of television stations	21
Number of markets	15
Cash paid	1,434,500,000
Working capital adjustment	47,300,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Accounts receivable	38,542,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	20,512,000
Program contract costs	6,136,000
Property and equipment	99,263,000
Broadcast licenses	18,027,000
Definite-lived intangible assets	790,006,000
Other assets	21,852,000
Assets held for sale	83,200,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-11,856,000
Program contracts payable	-6,064,000
Deferred tax liability	-261,393,000
Other long-term liabilities	-18,225,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	780,000,000
Goodwill	701,854,000
Total	1,481,854,000
MEG Stations
Acquisitions
Number of television stations						4
Number of markets						3
Cash paid						207,500,000
Working capital adjustment						1,600,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	476,000
Program contract costs	1,889,000
Property and equipment	35,963,000
Broadcast licenses	4,202,000
Definite-lived intangible assets	93,156,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-2,085,000
Program contracts payable	-1,889,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	131,712,000
Goodwill	74,179,000
Total	205,891,000
KSNV
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	67,000
Program contract costs	482,000
Property and equipment	8,300,000
Definite-lived intangible assets	61,725,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-277,000
Program contracts payable	-481,000
Other long-term liabilities	-1,200,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	68,616,000
Goodwill	49,674,000
Total	118,290,000
KSNV
Acquisitions
Cash paid							118,500,000
Working capital adjustment							200,000
Allbritton
Acquisitions
Number of television stations								9
Number of markets								7
Cash paid								985,000,000
Working capital adjustment								50,200,000
Interest rate (as a percent)								5.63%
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Accounts receivable	38,542,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,890,000
Program contract costs	1,204,000
Property and equipment	46,600,000
Broadcast licenses	13,700,000
Definite-lived intangible assets	564,100,000
Other assets	20,352,000
Assets held for sale	83,200,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-8,351,000
Program contracts payable	-1,140,000
Deferred tax liability	-261,393,000
Other long-term liabilities	-17,025,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	499,679,000
Goodwill	535,558,000
Total	1,035,237,000
Other Acquisitions in 2014
Acquisitions
Number of television stations	8
Number of markets	4
Cash paid	123,500,000
Working capital adjustment	1,100,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	79,000
Program contract costs	2,561,000
Property and equipment	8,400,000
Broadcast licenses	125,000
Definite-lived intangible assets	71,025,000
Other assets	1,500,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-1,143,000
Program contracts payable	-2,554,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	79,993,000
Goodwill	42,443,000
Total	122,436,000
2013 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Number of television stations		65
Number of markets		33
Cash paid		1,016,600,000
Working capital adjustment		8,400,000
Noncontrolling interests related to the license assets		1,053,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Cash		13,531,000
Accounts receivable		37,711,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		25,031,000
Program contract costs		21,488,000
Property and equipment		214,623,000
Broadcast licenses		34,885,000
Definite-lived intangible assets		555,725,000
Other assets		10,678,000
Assets held for sale		6,339,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		-26,778,000
Program contracts payable		-21,121,000
Deferred tax liability		-76,481,000
Other long-term liabilities		-33,999,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		761,632,000
Goodwill		264,484,000
Less: fair value of non-controlling interest		-1,053,000
Total		1,025,063,000
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC
Acquisitions
Number of television stations									24
Number of markets									15
Cash paid									370,000,000
Working capital adjustment									2,300,000
Number of stations to which sales services were provided									5
Noncontrolling interests related to the license assets									7,500,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		681,000
Program contract costs		4,011,000
Property and equipment		73,621,000
Broadcast licenses		719,000
Definite-lived intangible assets		220,253,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		-2,725,000
Program contracts payable		-3,813,000
Other long-term liabilities		-65,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		292,682,000
Goodwill		75,004,000
Less: fair value of non-controlling interest									-7,500,000
Total		367,686,000
Fisher
Acquisitions
Number of television stations										22
Number of markets										8
Cash paid										373,200,000
Noncontrolling interests related to the license assets		1,053,000
Cash paid for acquisition (in dollars per share)										$41
Number of radio stations										4
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Cash		13,531,000
Accounts receivable		29,485,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		19,133,000
Program contract costs		11,427,000
Property and equipment		73,968,000
Broadcast licenses		29,771,000
Definite-lived intangible assets		166,034,000
Other assets		9,284,000
Assets held for sale		6,339,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		-20,127,000
Program contracts payable		-10,977,000
Deferred tax liability		-74,177,000
Other long-term liabilities		-23,384,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		230,307,000
Goodwill		143,942,000
Less: fair value of non-controlling interest		-1,053,000
Total		373,196,000
Other Acquisitions in 2013
Acquisitions
Number of television stations		19
Number of markets		8
Cash paid		272,700,000
Working capital adjustment		10,800,000	700,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Accounts receivable		8,226,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		5,217,000
Program contract costs		6,050,000
Property and equipment		67,034,000
Broadcast licenses		4,395,000
Definite-lived intangible assets		169,438,000
Other assets		1,394,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		-3,926,000
Program contracts payable		-6,331,000
Deferred tax liability		-2,304,000
Other long-term liabilities		-10,550,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired		238,643,000
Goodwill		45,538,000
Total		284,181,000
2012 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Number of television stations			33
Number of markets			18
Cash paid			1,106,600,000
Working capital adjustment			2,000,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			2,379,000
Program contract costs			19,267,000
Property and equipment			159,115,000
Broadcast licenses			39,342,000
Definite-lived intangible assets			497,322,000
Other assets			1,923,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			-6,076,000
Program contracts payable			-24,447,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired			688,825,000
Goodwill			415,734,000
Total			1,104,559,000
Newport
Acquisitions
Number of television stations			7
Number of markets			6
Cash paid											472,400,000
Working capital adjustment											1,000,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			1,390,000
Program contract costs			10,378,000
Property and equipment			53,883,000
Broadcast licenses			15,581,000
Definite-lived intangible assets			240,013,000
Other assets			1,097,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			-3,928,000
Program contracts payable			-11,634,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired			306,780,000
Goodwill			164,621,000
Total			471,401,000
Newport | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
Acquisitions
Interest rate (as a percent)											6.13%
Freedom
Acquisitions
Number of television stations															8
Number of markets															8
Cash paid												385,300,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			373,000
Program contract costs			3,520,000
Property and equipment			54,109,000
Broadcast licenses			10,424,000
Definite-lived intangible assets			140,963,000
Other assets			278,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			-589,000
Program contracts payable			-3,404,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired			205,674,000
Goodwill			179,609,000
Total			385,283,000
Four Points
Acquisitions
Number of television stations													7
Number of markets													4
Cash paid													199,100,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			456,000
Program contract costs			3,731,000
Property and equipment			34,578,000
Broadcast licenses			10,658,000
Definite-lived intangible assets			93,800,000
Other assets			548,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			-381,000
Program contracts payable			-5,157,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired			138,233,000
Goodwill			60,843,000
Total			199,076,000
Other Acquisitions in 2012
Acquisitions
Number of television stations			5
Number of markets			3
Cash paid			49,500,000
Working capital adjustment			700,000
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			160,000
Program contract costs			1,638,000
Property and equipment			16,545,000
Broadcast licenses			2,679,000
Definite-lived intangible assets			22,546,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			-1,178,000
Program contracts payable			-4,252,000
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired			38,138,000
Goodwill			10,661,000
Total			$48,799,000

ACQUISITIONS_Details_2

ACQUISITIONS (Details 2) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Property and equipment, net		752,538,000	596,071,000
Broadcast licenses		135,075,000	101,029,000
Increase to noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		6,689,000	1,738,000
Goodwill		1,964,553,000	1,380,082,000	1,074,032,000
Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Amortization period	15 years	15 years	15 years
Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Amortization period	10 years	10 years	10 years
Other intangible assets | Minimum
Acquisitions
Weighted-average useful life subject to amortization acquired		14 years
Other intangible assets | Maximum
Acquisitions
Weighted-average useful life subject to amortization acquired		16 years
2014 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		790,006,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes		166,296,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill		701,854,000
2014 Acquisitions | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		506,787,000
2014 Acquisitions | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		68,980,000
2014 Acquisitions | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		214,239,000
MEG Stations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		93,156,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes		74,179,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill		74,179,000
MEG Stations | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		63,462,000
MEG Stations | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		9,280,000
MEG Stations | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		20,414,000
KSNV
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		61,725,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes		49,674,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill		49,674,000
KSNV | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		43,800,000
KSNV | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		12,100,000
KSNV | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		5,825,000
Allbritton
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		564,100,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill		535,558,000
Allbritton | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		356,900,000
Allbritton | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		38,500,000
Allbritton | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		168,700,000
Other Acquisitions in 2014
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		71,025,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes		42,443,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill		42,443,000
Other Acquisitions in 2014 | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		42,625,000
Other Acquisitions in 2014 | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		9,100,000
Other Acquisitions in 2014 | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired		19,300,000
2013 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			555,725,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes			196,977,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Property and equipment, net		44,300,000
Broadcast licenses		19,400,000
Increase to noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		29,300,000
Goodwill			264,484,000
Decrease to goodwill		66,300,000
Increase to depreciation and amortization		2,500,000
2013 Acquisitions | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			320,549,000
2013 Acquisitions | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			80,041,000
2013 Acquisitions | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			155,135,000
Fisher
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			166,034,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes			10,765,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill			143,942,000
Fisher | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			117,499,000
Fisher | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			18,110,000
Fisher | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			30,425,000
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			220,253,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes			75,004,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill			75,004,000
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			103,245,000
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			41,939,000
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			75,069,000
Other Acquisitions in 2013
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			169,438,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes			111,208,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill			45,538,000
Other Acquisitions in 2013 | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			99,805,000
Other Acquisitions in 2013 | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			19,992,000
Other Acquisitions in 2013 | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired			49,641,000
2012 Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				497,322,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes				415,734,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill				415,734,000
2012 Acquisitions | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				348,831,000
2012 Acquisitions | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				60,330,000
2012 Acquisitions | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				88,161,000
Four Points
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				93,800,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes				60,843,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill				60,843,000
Four Points | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				66,928,000
Four Points | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				9,766,000
Four Points | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				17,106,000
Freedom
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				140,963,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes				179,609,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill				179,609,000
Freedom | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				93,067,000
Freedom | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				25,059,000
Freedom | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				22,837,000
Newport
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				240,013,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes				164,621,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill				164,621,000
Newport | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				175,978,000
Newport | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				23,662,000
Newport | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				40,373,000
Other Acquisitions in 2012
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				22,546,000
Estimated goodwill deductible for tax purposes				10,661,000
Prior period immaterial adjustments resulting in reclassification of noncurrent assets and noncurrent liabilities
Goodwill				10,661,000
Other Acquisitions in 2012 | Network affiliations
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				12,858,000
Other Acquisitions in 2012 | Decaying advertiser base
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				1,843,000
Other Acquisitions in 2012 | Other intangible assets
Acquisitions
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired				$7,845,000

ACQUISITIONS_Detail_3

ACQUISITIONS (Detail 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pro Forma Information
Total revenues									$2,150,124,000	$1,838,167,000	$1,513,975,000
Net Income									189,174,000	41,323,000	153,807,000
Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group									186,338,000	38,974,000	153,370,000
Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)									$1.92	$0.42	$1.89
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)									$1.90	$0.42	$1.89
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									1,782,726,000	1,217,504,000	920,593,000
Operating income	208,949,000	101,663,000	103,039,000	81,000,000	103,286,000	72,798,000	84,280,000	63,656,000	494,651,000	324,020,000	329,285,000
Costs incurred in corporate, general and administrative expenses									5,700,000	2,800,000	1,200,000
Total Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									1,007,763,000	501,262,000	177,169,000
Operating income									241,774,000	121,040,000	51,046,000
MEG Stations
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									2,299,000
Operating income									1,010,000
KSNV
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									5,972,000
Operating income									2,108,000
Allbritton
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									106,258,000
Operating income									26,914,000
Other Acquisitions in 2014
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									9,172,000
Operating income									1,569,000
Fisher
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									184,534,000	79,078,000
Operating income									26,940,000	19,019,000
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									173,013,000	16,927,000
Operating income									34,875,000	4,096,000
Other Acquisitions in 2013
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									139,521,000	52,440,000
Operating income									26,487,000	12,007,000
Four Points
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									75,058,000	73,673,000	69,964,000
Operating income									22,441,000	19,754,000	17,287,000
Freedom
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									127,916,000	108,585,000	91,046,000
Operating income									43,882,000	29,439,000	32,488,000
Newport
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									162,824,000	149,044,000	11,674,000
Operating income									53,457,000	35,779,000	2,860,000
Other Acquisitions in 2012
Acquisitions
Net broadcast revenues									21,196,000	21,515,000	4,485,000
Operating income									$2,091,000	$946,000	($1,589,000)

DISPOSITION_OF_ASSETS_AND_DISC2

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 01, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations
Total revenues, net	$613,818,000	$494,956,000	$455,136,000	$412,648,000	$427,715,000	$338,644,000	$314,154,000	$282,618,000	$1,976,558,000	$1,363,131,000	$1,061,679,000
Adjustment of certain liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits							5,100,000			11,200,000
WLAJ-TV
Discontinued Operations
Price of assets sold to an unrelated third party receivable in cash												14,400,000
Total revenues, net										600,000	3,700,000
Total income before taxes										200,000	900,000
WLWC-TV
Discontinued Operations
Price of assets sold to an unrelated third party receivable in cash													13,800,000
Total revenues, net										1,600,000	6,300,000
Total income before taxes										$400,000	$200,000

DISPOSITION_OF_ASSETS_AND_DISC3

DISPOSITION OF ASSETS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Detais 2l) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Nov. 22, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014	Dec. 01, 2012	Dec. 19, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
		item	item
Assets:
Accounts receivable				$5,101,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets				1,403,000
Assets held for sale				6,504,000
Property and equipment				1,036,000
Goodwill				2,975,000
Definite-lived intangible assets				2,962,000
Total assets held for sale				13,477,000
Liabilities:
Accounts payable				1,096,000
Accrued liabilities				1,360,000
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing				21,000
Liabilities held for sale				2,477,000
Non License Broadcast Assets
Assets:
Property and equipment				1,800,000
Allbritton
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Working capital adjustment					50,200,000
Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Working capital adjustment	2,300,000
Newport
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Working capital adjustment						1,000,000
MEG Stations | WTTA
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain or loss on sale of station							39,000,000
MEG Stations | WTTA & KXRM and KXTU
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Price of assets sold							93,100,000
Working capital adjustment							600,000
MEG Stations | Allbritton | WHTM
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Price of assets sold								83,400,000
Working capital adjustment								200,000
Cunningham | Allbritton | WTAT
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Price of assets sold					14,000,000
Cunningham | Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Sale of station	22,000,000
Third-Party | Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC | LMA
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Price of assets sold	15,000,000
Gain or loss on sale of station	-3,300,000
Third-Party | Fisher | KIDK and KXPI
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of stations whose license assets were sold		2
Price of assets sold		6,300,000
Third-Party | Newport | WSTR and KMYS
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of stations whose license assets were sold			2
Price of assets sold						$10,700,000

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_1

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS: (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
RSAs
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$3.20	$2.70	$1.20
RSAs
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	370,000
Granted (in shares)	73,700
Vested (in shares)	-214,000
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	229,700	370,000
Weighted-Average Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$13.81
Granted (in dollars per share)	$28.23
Vested (in dollars per share)	$13.52
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$18.71	$13.81
Unrecognized compensation expense	1.4
LTIP | RSAs issued in 2014
RSAs
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%
LTIP | RSAs issued in 2013
RSAs
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%
LTIP | RSAs issued in 2012
RSAs
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%
LTIP | Class A Common Stock
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Number of shares reserved for award	14,000,000
Number of shares (including forfeited shares) available for future grants	8,414,109
Stock Based Compensation Plans [Member]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$14.30	$10.60	$5.90

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS: (Details 2) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options
Assumptions used in valuation
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)		1.80%
Expected life		5 years
Expected volatility (as a percent)		47.60%
Annual dividend yield (as a percent)		2.30%
Stock Grants and SARs
Compensation expense	$1.10	$1.50
Stock Grants [Member] | Non Employee Director [Member]
Stock Grants and SARs
Granted (in shares)		12,000	31,250	25,000
Compensation expense		0.4	0.8	0.2
SARs
Assumptions used in valuation
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)		1.50%	0.90%	0.90%
Expected life		5 years	5 years	5 years
Expected volatility (as a percent)		65.00%	73.00%	73.00%
Annual dividend yield (as a percent)		2.20%	4.30%	5.20%
Stock Grants and SARs
Aggregate intrinsic value	19.6	19.6
Weighted average remaining contractual life		6 years 10 months 21 days
Stock Grants and SARs
Outstanding at the beginning of the year (in shares)		1,400,000
Granted (in shares)		200,000
Outstanding at the end of the year (in shares)	1,600,000	1,600,000	1,400,000
Weighted-Average Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the year (in dollars per share)		$13.25
Granted (in dollars per share)		$27.86
Outstanding at the end of the year (in dollars per share)	$15.08	$15.08	$13.25
Subsidiary Stock Awards
Stock Grants and SARs
Compensation expense		0.2	0.3	0.7
LTIP | SARs | President and Chief Executive Officer
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Base value of rights granted (in dollars per share)	$27.86	$27.86	$14.21	$11.68
Term of rights		10 years
Stock Grants and SARs
Compensation expense		$2.60	$3.20	$2
Stock Grants and SARs
Granted (in shares)		200,000	500,000	400,000

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_3

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS: (Details 3) (Stock Options, USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Stock Options
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Number of shares to be granted annually			125,000
Aggregate intrinsic value	$20	$20
Weighted average remaining contractual life		10 years
Compensation expense	$1.10	$1.50
Assumptions used in valuation
Exercise price	$27.36	$27.36
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)		1.80%
Expected life		5 years
Expected volatility (as a percent)		47.60%
Annual dividend yield (as a percent)		2.30%

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_4

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS: (Details 4) (401 (k) Plan, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
401 (k) Plan
Maximum match as a percentage of elective deferrals by eligible employees	50.00%
Maximum match as a percentage of employee's total cash compensation	4.00%
Compensation expense relating to match	$5.20	$3.10	$1.60
Number of shares reserved for matches	3,000,000
Number of shares available for future grants	775,696

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_5

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS: (Details 5) (ESPP, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ESPP
Stock-based compensation expense	$0.70	$0.30	$0.20
Number of shares reserved for award	2,200,000
Number of shares available for future grant	245,761
Maximum
ESPP
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%
Number of shares issued to employees	100,000

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Details

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$1,273,055,000	$1,037,632,000
Less: accumulated depreciation	-520,517,000	-441,561,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	752,538,000	596,071,000
Capital lease depreciation expense	3,700,000	4,000,000	3,500,000
Land and improvements
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	55,269,000	37,517,000
Real estate held for development and sale
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	113,514,000	67,037,000
Buildings and improvements
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	192,478,000	168,441,000
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	684,176,000	572,851,000
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	70,402,000	50,210,000
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	19,091,000	19,453,000
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	37,726,000	23,443,000
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	81,625,000	81,602,000
Capital leased assets | Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	0 years
Capital leased assets | Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	0 years
Construction in progress
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$18,774,000	$17,078,000

GOODWILL_BROADCAST_LICENSES_AN2

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill	$1,487,605		$2,378,126
Accumulated impairment losses	-413,573		-413,573
Goodwill, net	1,074,032		1,964,553
Acquisition of television stations	701,854	330,309
Sale of broadcast assets	-26,731	-14,724
Deconsolidation of variable interest entities	-21,357
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions	-66,320	-9,535
Assets held for sale	-2,975
Goodwill	1,793,655	1,487,605	2,378,126
Accumulated impairment losses	-413,573	-413,573	-413,573
Goodwill, net	1,380,082	1,074,032	1,964,553
VIEs which are not primary beneficiary
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill, net			800
Goodwill, net	6,400		800
Broadcast
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill	1,484,117		2,377,613
Accumulated impairment losses	-413,573		-413,573
Goodwill, net	1,070,544		1,964,040
Acquisition of television stations	701,854	330,309
Sale of broadcast assets	-26,731	-14,724
Deconsolidation of variable interest entities	-21,357
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions	-66,320	-9,535
Goodwill	1,790,167	1,484,117	2,377,613
Accumulated impairment losses	-413,573	-413,573	-413,573
Goodwill, net	1,376,594	1,070,544	1,964,040
Other operating divisions segment
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill	3,488		513
Goodwill, net	3,488		513
Assets held for sale	-2,975
Goodwill	3,488		513
Goodwill, net	$3,488		$513

GOODWILL_BROADCAST_LICENSES_AN3

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 02, 2012
	item
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Sale of broadcast assets	($176,675,000)	($49,738,000)
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions		-66,320,000	-9,535,000
Broadcast licenses	135,075,000	101,029,000
Number of markets	79
Minimum percentage of excess of fair value of goodwill over its carrying value	10.00%
Goodwill tested under Step 1 for impairment				79,500,000
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Broadcast licenses	16,935,000	16,768,000
Broadcast licenses.
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Beginning balance	101,029,000	85,122,000
Acquisition of television stations	18,027,000	15,514,000
Sale of broadcast assets	-45,000	-25,000
Impairment charge	-3,240,000
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions	19,355,000	418,000
Deconsolidation of variable interest entities	-51,000
Ending balance	135,075,000	101,029,000
Broadcast licenses	21,100,000
Broadcast licenses. | Consolidated VIEs, aggregated
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Broadcast licenses	$16,900,000	$16,800,000

GOODWILL_BROADCAST_LICENSES_AN4

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill, broadcast licenses and other intangible assets
Broadcast licenses	$135,075,000	$101,029,000
Amortization expenses	125,496,000	70,820,000	38,099,000
Broadcast licenses.
Goodwill, broadcast licenses and other intangible assets
Broadcast licenses	21,100,000
Impairment charge	-3,240,000
Amortization expenses	113,400,000
Estimated fair value	$17,900,000

GOODWILL_BROADCAST_LICENSES_AN5

GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	$2,320,526,000	$1,519,758,000
Accumulated Amortization	-502,263,000	-392,003,000
Net	1,818,263,000	1,127,755,000
Amortization expenses	125,496,000	70,820,000	38,099,000
Impairment charges for definite-lived intangibles	0	0	0
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Net	1,818,263,000	1,127,755,000
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortized intangible assets:
Net	1,818,263,000
Weighted-average useful life subject to amortization acquired	14 years
Amortization expenses	125,500,000	70,800,000	38,100,000
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
For the year ended December 31, 2015	147,831,000
For the year ended December 31, 2016	146,877,000
For the year ended December 31, 2017	144,887,000
For the year ended December 31, 2018	143,923,000
For the year ended December 31, 2019	143,834,000
Thereafter	1,090,911,000
Net	1,818,263,000
Amortized intangible assets: | Minimum
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortization period	5 years
Amortized intangible assets: | Maximum
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortization period	25 years
Network affiliations
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	1,396,792,000	869,535,000
Accumulated Amortization	-257,526,000	-195,037,000
Net	1,139,266,000	674,498,000
Amortization period	15 years	15 years		15 years
Assets acquired in acquisition	506,800,000	321,000,000
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Net	1,139,266,000	674,498,000
Decaying advertiser base
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	324,262,000	260,454,000
Accumulated Amortization	-148,878,000	-135,978,000
Net	175,384,000	124,476,000
Amortization period	10 years	10 years		10 years
Assets acquired in acquisition	69,000,000	80,000,000
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Net	175,384,000	124,476,000
Other intangible assets
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Amount	599,472,000	389,769,000
Accumulated Amortization	-95,859,000	-60,988,000
Net	503,613,000	328,781,000
Assets acquired in acquisition	214,200,000	155,500,000
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Net	503,613,000	328,781,000
Other intangible assets | Minimum
Amortized intangible assets:
Weighted-average useful life subject to amortization acquired	14 years
Other intangible assets | Maximum
Amortized intangible assets:
Weighted-average useful life subject to amortization acquired	16 years
Alarm monitoring contract
Amortized intangible assets:
Assets acquired in acquisition	$27,700,000

NOTES_PAYABLE_AND_COMMERCIAL_B2

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING: (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended						3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 11, 2013	Apr. 09, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 23, 2014	Jan. 24, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013	Apr. 02, 2013	Oct. 12, 2012	Oct. 15, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 12, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Letters of credit outstanding	$3,100,000													$3,100,000
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt	14,553,000	58,421,000	335,000
Redemption of the equity component recorded as reduction in additional paid-in capital, net of taxes		5,100,000
Gross amount of debt	3,913,774,000	3,018,695,000												3,913,774,000	3,018,695,000
Less: Discount	-3,992,000													-3,992,000
Less: Current portion	-113,116,000	-46,346,000												-113,116,000	-46,346,000
Long term debt, non-current	3,796,666,000	2,966,402,000												3,796,666,000	2,966,402,000
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
2015	116,535,000													116,535,000
2016	82,733,000													82,733,000
2017	80,741,000													80,741,000
2018	582,795,000													582,795,000
2019	16,331,000													16,331,000
2020 and thereafter	3,061,029,000													3,061,029,000
Total minimum payments	3,940,164,000													3,940,164,000
Less: Discount	-3,992,000													-3,992,000
Less: Amount representing future interest	-26,390,000
Net carrying value of debt	3,909,782,000													3,909,782,000
Redemption price	582,764,000	1,509,760,000	179,356,000
4.875% Convertible Debentures converted into Class A Common Stock, net of taxes		8,602,000
Tower leases
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Capital leases , term	17 years
equipment lease
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Capital leases , term	4 years
Broadcast
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Number of capital leases	27													27
Broadcast | Tower leases
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Number of capital leases	25													25
Corporate
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Number of capital leases	1													1
Operating segments
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Number of capital leases	4													4
Minimum | Capital leased assets
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Term of renewal options	5 years
Maximum | Capital leased assets
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Term of renewal options	10 years
Period on or prior to November 1, 2016
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Redemption price of the debt instrument (as a percent)				100.00%
Bank Credit Agreement
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Aggregate borrowings outstanding	1,725,900,000													1,725,900,000
Interest and amortization expense	38,700,000	27,300,000	35,700,000
Debt refinancing costs	3,800,000	2,400,000	6,300,000
Deferred financing costs related to amendment	3,800,000	14,900,000	2,300,000											3,800,000	14,900,000
Threshold percentage of aggregate broadcast cash flows used for defining material third-party licensees	10.00%
Notes and Bank Credit Agreement
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
2015	110,980,000													110,980,000
2016	77,574,000													77,574,000
2017	75,544,000													75,544,000
2018	577,545,000													577,545,000
2019	10,987,000													10,987,000
2020 and thereafter	3,022,308,000													3,022,308,000
Total minimum payments	3,874,938,000													3,874,938,000
Net carrying value of debt	3,870,946,000													3,870,946,000
Term Loan B
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	3.27%	3.29%												3.27%	3.29%
Gross amount of debt	1,039,876,000	646,375,000												1,039,876,000	646,375,000
Less: Discount	-3,992,000	-3,642,000												-3,992,000	-3,642,000
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Less: Discount	-3,992,000	-3,642,000												-3,992,000	-3,642,000
Term Loan B | Bank Credit Agreement
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Debt instrument face amount					400,000,000		650,000,000
LIBOR floor (as a percent)					0.75%
Outstanding loan amount	1,035,900,000	642,700,000												1,035,900,000	642,700,000
Percentage of par value at which debt was issued						99.75%
Less: Discount						1,000,000
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Less: Discount						1,000,000
Term Loan B | Bank Credit Agreement | LIBOR
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Variable rate basis					LIBOR
Interest rate margin (as a percent)					2.25%	2.75%
LIBOR floor (as a percent)						0.75%
Term Loan B | Notes and Bank Credit Agreement
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Less: Discount	-3,992,000													-3,992,000
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Less: Discount	-3,992,000													-3,992,000
Term Loan A
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	2.34%	2.51%												2.34%	2.51%
Gross amount of debt	348,073,000	500,000,000												348,073,000	500,000,000
Term Loan A | Bank Credit Agreement
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Amount of debt issued							200,000,000
Debt instrument face amount		500,000,000													500,000,000
Amount of debt converted into revolving commitments						327,700,000
Outstanding loan amount	348,100,000													348,100,000
Term Loan A | Bank Credit Agreement | LIBOR
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Variable rate basis					LIBOR
Interest rate margin (as a percent)					2.25%
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Amount of debt issued								550,000,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)	5.63%													5.63%
Interest and amortization expense	13,600,000
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	5.63%													5.63%
Percentage of par value at which debt was issued								100.00%
Gross amount of debt	550,000,000													550,000,000
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 | Period prior to August 1, 2019
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Percentage of par value at which debt was issued								100.00%
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024 | Period prior to August 1, 2019 | Maximum
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Redemption price of the debt instrument (as a percent)								35.00%
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Amount of debt issued				350,000,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)	6.38%	6.38%		6.38%										6.38%	6.38%
Interest and amortization expense	22,400,000
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	6.38%													6.38%
Percentage of par value at which debt was issued				100.00%
Gross amount of debt	350,000,000	350,000,000												350,000,000	350,000,000
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021 | Scenario forecast
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Purchase price offer as percentage of face amount plus accrued and unpaid interest									99.70%
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021 | Period on or prior to November 1, 2016
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Maximum percentage of the principal amount of the debt instrument which the entity may redeem with the proceeds from certain equity offerings				35.00%
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Amount of debt issued											600,000,000
Debt instrument face amount										600,000,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)	5.38%	5.38%												5.38%	5.38%
Interest and amortization expense	32,300,000
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	5.38%													5.38%
Gross amount of debt	600,000,000	600,000,000												600,000,000	600,000,000
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Percent of outstanding debt converted											100
Purchase price in tender offers commenced as a percentage of face value										100.00%
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 | Period prior to April 1, 2016
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Redemption price of the debt instrument (as a percent)											100.00%
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021 | Period on or prior to April 1, 2016
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Maximum percentage of the principal amount of the debt instrument which the entity may redeem with the proceeds from certain equity offerings											35.00%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Amount of debt issued												500,000,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)	6.13%	6.13%										6.13%		6.13%	6.13%		6.13%
Interest and amortization expense	30,600,000
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	6.13%													6.13%
Percentage of par value at which debt was issued			100.00%
Gross amount of debt	500,000,000	500,000,000												500,000,000	500,000,000
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Purchase price in tender offers commenced as a percentage of face value										100.00%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022 | Period prior to October 1, 2017
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Redemption price of the debt instrument (as a percent)			100.00%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022 | Period prior to August 1, 2019
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Maximum percentage of the principal amount of the debt instrument which the entity may redeem with the proceeds from certain equity offerings			35.00%
8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)	8.38%													8.38%
Interest and amortization expense	16,000,000	20,300,000	20,200,000
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)		8.38%													8.38%
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		8.65%
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt														14,600,000
Gross amount of debt		237,530,000													237,530,000
Less: Discount		-2,305,000													-2,305,000
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Less: Discount		-2,305,000													-2,305,000
Redemption price													257,400,000
Face amount of debt redeemed													237,500,000
Accrued and unpaid interest and make-whole premium													9,900,000
9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2017
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)																		9.25%
Interest and amortization expense		37,300,000	47,700,000
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)		9.25%	9.74%												9.25%
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt															-43,100,000
Write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs															9,500,000
Write-off of unamortized debt discount															8,200,000
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Redemption price												546,100,000
Face amount of debt redeemed												500,000,000
Accrued and unpaid interest and make-whole premium												25,400,000
4.875% Notes
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)	4.88%	4.88%												4.88%	4.88%	4.88%
Outstanding loan amount																5,700,000
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Class A Common Stock issued upon conversion (in shares)																388,632
Increase in additional paid-in capital																8,600,000
3.0% Notes
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Debt instrument, stated interest rate payable (as a percent)		3.00%					3.00%								3.00%
Outstanding loan amount							5,400,000
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt							-1,000,000
Redemption of the equity component recorded as reduction in additional paid-in capital, net of taxes							5,100,000
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
Percent of outstanding debt converted							100
4.875% Convertible Debentures converted into Class A Common Stock, net of taxes							10,500,000
Revolving line of credit
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)	2.47%													2.47%
Gross amount of debt	338,000,000													338,000,000
Revolving line of credit | Bank Credit Agreement
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Aggregate borrowings outstanding	338,000,000													338,000,000
Total revolver capacity remaining	144,100,000	157,500,000				485,200,000								144,100,000	157,500,000
Undrawn commitments fees (as a percent)	0.50%
Letters of credit outstanding	3,100,000													3,100,000
Revolving line of credit | Bank Credit Agreement | LIBOR
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Variable rate basis					LIBOR
Interest rate margin (as a percent)					2.25%
Debt of variable interest entities
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.50%
Outstanding loan amount	30,200,000													30,200,000
Interest and amortization expense	2,200,000	1,200,000
Other operating divisions debt
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)	6.50%													6.50%
Interest and amortization expense	3,100,000	3,200,000	3,100,000
Gross amount of debt	118,822,000	86,263,000												118,822,000	86,263,000
Other operating divisions debt | LIBOR
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Variable rate basis			LIBOR
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.50%
Capital Leases
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Gross amount of debt	38,836,000	42,946,000												38,836,000	42,946,000
Maturity of indebtedness under the notes payable, capital leases and the Bank Credit Agreement
2015	5,555,000													5,555,000
2016	5,159,000													5,159,000
2017	5,197,000													5,197,000
2018	5,250,000													5,250,000
2019	5,344,000													5,344,000
2020 and thereafter	38,721,000													38,721,000
Total minimum payments	65,226,000													65,226,000
Less: Amount representing future interest	-26,390,000
Net carrying value of debt	38,836,000													38,836,000
Debt of variable interest entities
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Variable rate basis	LIBOR
Gross amount of debt	30,167,000	55,581,000												30,167,000	55,581,000
Debt of variable interest entities (non-recourse)
Notes Payable And Commercial Bank Financing
Interest and amortization expense			$300,000

PROGRAM_CONTRACTS_Details

PROGRAM CONTRACTS: (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Future payments required under program contracts
2015	$104,922,000
2016	22,459,000
2017	14,999,000
2018	10,341,000
2019	7,838,000
2020 and thereafter	4,968,000
Total	165,527,000
Less: Current portion	-104,922,000	-90,933,000
Long-term portion of program contracts payable	60,605,000	34,681,000
Lag period for film payments	3 months
Program contract payments due in arrears	34,300,000
Non-cancelable commitments for future program rights	$121,000,000

COMMON_STOCK_Details

COMMON STOCK: (Details) (USD $)	5 Months Ended		11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2015	7-May-13	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 12, 2012	Oct. 11, 2013
Common Stock
Quarterly dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$0.17	$0.15	$0.15	$0.63	$0.60	$1.54
Dividend paid (in dollars per share)					$0.60
Net proceeds from public offering					$472,913,000
Number of shares repurchased				4,900,000
Total remaining authorization amount				134,400,000
Value of shares repurchased				133,157,000
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
Common Stock
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.13%		6.13%	6.13%	6.13%					6.13%	6.13%
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
Common Stock
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.38%		5.38%	5.38%	5.38%
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
Common Stock
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.38%		6.38%	6.38%	6.38%							6.38%
5.625% Senior Notes, due
Common Stock
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.63%		5.63%	5.63%	5.63%
Bank Credit Agreement
Common Stock
Unrestricted Cash First Lien Indebtedness Ratio				4
Amount of unrestricted annual cash payments	200,000,000			200,000,000
Amount of unrestricted annual cash payments to be carry over to next year	50,000,000			50,000,000
Additional aggregate basket				250,000,000
Aggregate basket as long as no Event	50,000,000			50,000,000
Bank Credit Agreement | Maximum
Common Stock
Unrestricted Cash First Lien Indebtedness Ratio				3.75
Subsequent Event
Common Stock
Quarterly dividend declared (in dollars per share)							$0.17
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock
Number of votes holders of common stock are entitled for each share held				1
Shares sold public offering					18,000,000			18,000,000
Offering price (in dollars per share)								$27.25
Net proceeds from public offering								472,900,000
Number of shares repurchased				4,876,121
Value of shares repurchased				48,000
Class A Common Stock | Subsequent Event
Common Stock
Number of shares repurchased									300,000
Value of shares repurchased									$7,800,000
Class B Common Stock
Common Stock
Number of votes holders of common stock are entitled for each share held				10
Number of Class B shares converted into Class A Common stock				100,000	2,905,502

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES: (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Provision for income taxes - continuing operations	$97,432	$41,249	$67,852
(Benefit) provision for income taxes - discontinued operations	0	-10,806	-663
Income tax expense (benefit)	97,432	30,443	68,515
Current:
Federal	92,609	16,229	56,106
State	5,641	-8,305	4,095
Current income tax expense (benefit)	98,250	7,924	60,201
Deferred:
Federal	3,170	20,214	9,151
State	-3,988	2,305	-837
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-818	22,519	8,314
Income tax expense (benefit)	$97,432	$30,443	$68,515

INCOME_TAXES_Details_2

INCOME TAXES: (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			item
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%
Amount of valuation allowance for deferred tax asset of consolidated VIEs released			$7,700,000
Number of variable interest entities for which the valuation allowance released			1
Adjustments-
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (as a percent)	-0.10%	8.30%	-0.40%
Non-deductible items (as a percent)	3.40%	1.40%	0.30%
Domestic Production Activities Deduction (as a percent)	-3.20%	-3.80%	-1.40%
Effect of consolidated VIEs (as a percent)	0.80%	3.70%	-3.40%
Change in state tax laws and rates (as a percent)	-0.10%	-5.50%	0.20%
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (as a percent)	-3.40%	0.80%	1.50%
Other (as a percent)	-0.90%	0.10%	0.20%
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	31.50%	40.00%	32.00%
Tax benefit related to domestic production activities deduction	800,000	2,000,000
Benefit related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations	($8,285,000)

INCOME_TAXES_Details_3

INCOME TAXES: (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net operating and capital losses:
Federal	$2,384,000	$5,027,000
State	67,430,000	63,051,000
Broadcast licenses	11,993,000	27,652,000
Intangibles	32,182,000	3,451,000
Other	27,677,000	35,677,000
Deferred tax assets, Gross	141,666,000	134,858,000
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	-58,896,000	-51,062,000	59,400,000	79,100,000
Total deferred tax assets	82,770,000	83,796,000
Current and Long-Term Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Broadcast licenses	-36,083,000	-20,395,000
Intangibles	-507,545,000	-270,008,000
Property & equipment, net	-72,819,000	-52,514,000
Contingent interest obligations	-40,941,000	-51,621,000
Other	-34,314,000	-2,037,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	-691,702,000	-396,575,000
Net tax liabilities	-608,932,000	-312,779,000
Valuation allowance
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	7,800,000	-8,300,000	-19,700,000
Unrecognized tax benefits
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	7,138,000	16,883,000	25,965,000	26,088,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would favorably affect entity's effective tax rates from continuing operations, if recognized	$6,400,000	$15,600,000

INCOME_TAXES_Details_4

INCOME TAXES: (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Activity related to accrued unrecognized tax benefits
Balance at the beginning of the period			$16,883,000	$25,965,000	$26,088,000
Reductions related to prior year tax positions	6,100,000			-8,928,000	-123,000
Increases related to current year tax positions			1,450,000	693,000
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities			-2,910,000	-847,000
Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations			-8,285,000
Balance at the end of the period			7,138,000	16,883,000	25,965,000
Reduction in liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to continuing operations		5,100,000		11,200,000
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits			700,000	1,200,000	1,500,000
Maximum expected reduction in liability over next twelve months for unrecognized tax benefits related to continuing operations due to statue of limitations			$4,300,000

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leases
Rent expense from continuing operations under leases	$19,400,000	$10,300,000	$6,700,000
Future minimum payments under the leases
2015	12,819,000
2016	12,149,000
2017	9,390,000
2018	5,838,000
2019	4,807,000
2020 and thereafter	20,139,000
Total	65,142,000
Letters of credit outstanding	$3,100,000
Minimum
Operating Leases
Operating leases term	1 year
Maximum
Operating Leases
Operating leases term	45 years

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: (Details 2) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Aug. 08, 2013

Aug. 01, 2014

Nov. 30, 2003

Aug. 31, 2014

14-May-12

item

item

agreement

item

item

item

item

item

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Other assets

$208,230,000

[1]

$208,209,000

[1]

$208,230,000

[1]

$208,209,000

[1]

Other accrued liabilities

58,524,000

49,466,000

58,524,000

49,466,000

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

125,496,000

70,820,000

38,099,000

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

2

2

Percentage of ad time to be considered an owner

15.00%

15.00%

Number of waivers sought

1

1

Revenue

613,818,000

494,956,000

455,136,000

412,648,000

427,715,000

338,644,000

314,154,000

282,618,000

1,976,558,000

1,363,131,000

1,061,679,000

Number of television stations owned

164

164

Number of markets

79

79

LMA

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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

Number of LMA agreements grandfathered

3

JSA

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Revenue

48,800,000

36,000,000

Fisher

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Number of television stations owned

22

Number of markets

8

Allbritton

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Number of television stations owned

9

Number of markets

7

Cunningham

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Number of television stations remaining to be acquired

5

Number of applications pending to acquire license assets of stations

5

Number of markets

3

3

Cunningham | Allbritton | WTAT

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Price of assets sold

14,000,000

Howard Stirk Holdings | WMMP

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Price of assets sold

50,000

Howard Stirk Holdings | WCFT

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Price of assets sold

50,000

50,000

Number of agreements

2

Howard Stirk Holdings | WJSU

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Price of assets sold

50,000

50,000

Network affiliation agreements | FOX

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Number of affiliates

20

Amount paid pursuant to the agreements

25,000,000

Other assets

50,000,000

Other accrued liabilities

25,000,000

Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets

8,900,000

8,900,000

5,600,000

Option agreement | FTS

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Number of designated markets

4

Option agreement | FTS | Maximum

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Option to purchase stations, number of markets

3

Option agreement | FTS | WUTB (MNT) station in Baltimore

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Purchase price pursuant to option

2,700,000

[1]

Our consolidated total assets as of December?31, 2014 and 2013 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $163.3 million and $194.1 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December?31, 2014 and 2013 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $30.0 million and $31.6 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.

RELATED_PERSON_TRANSACTIONS_De

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2014	Dec. 01, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 01, 2010	Aug. 01, 2014	Oct. 01, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
																			item
Related person transactions
Amount obligated to be paid	$18,956,000								$18,956,000
Less: Current portion	-2,625,000				-2,367,000				-2,625,000	-2,367,000
Capital leases to affiliates, less current portion	16,309,000				18,925,000				16,309,000	18,925,000
Capital leases payable maturity
2015	116,535,000								116,535,000
2016	82,733,000								82,733,000
2017	80,741,000								80,741,000
2018	582,795,000								582,795,000
2019	16,331,000								16,331,000
2020 and thereafter	3,061,029,000								3,061,029,000
Total minimum payments	3,940,164,000								3,940,164,000
Due to Related Parties, Total	18,956,000								18,956,000
Right to acquire capital stock or assets of individual subsidiaries (as a percent)	100.00%								100.00%
Total revenues	613,818,000	494,956,000	455,136,000	412,648,000	427,715,000	338,644,000	314,154,000	282,618,000	1,976,558,000	1,363,131,000	1,061,679,000
Entities owned by the controlling shareholders | Leased assets or facilities
Related person transactions
Amount paid									5,100,000	5,200,000	4,700,000
Bay TV
Related person transactions
Price of assets sold													40,000,000
Bay TV | LMA
Related person transactions
Amount paid									2,900,000
Difference between the purchase price and the historical cost basis recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in capital											23,600,000
Difference between the purchase price and the historical cost basis recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in capital, tax amount											15,600,000
Cunningham
Related person transactions
Price of assets sold															78,500,000
Capital leases payable maturity
Price for which nonvoting stock was purchased			2,000,000					1,700,000
Percentage of the total capital stock held in the related party, none of which have voting rights	100.00%								100.00%
Annual increase in aggregate purchase price (as a percent)															6.00%
Total revenues									103,500,000	107,600,000	105,500,000
Sale of station												22,000,000
Amount to purchase license assets of KDBC-TV El Paso, Texas														21,200,000
Amount of working capital adjustment required to be paid to purchase license assets of KDBC-TV														200,000
Cunningham | Barrington Broadcasting Company, LLC
Capital leases payable maturity
Amount received									6,000,000	600,000
Total revenues									7,800,000	700,000
Cunningham | LMA
Related person transactions
Amount paid									10,800,000	9,800,000	15,700,000	-4,700,000
Price of assets sold																14,000,000
Amount obligated to be paid															29,100,000
Capital leases payable maturity
Due to Related Parties, Total															29,100,000
Number of stations to which programming, sales and managerial services were provided by the entity									6
Number of additional renewal terms									3
Agreement renewal period									5 years
Number of quarterly installments															10				1
Amount of quarterly installments															2,750,000
One quarterly installment amount																			1,600,000
Additional payments																	2,750,000	1,200,000
Operating costs reimbursement (as a percent)	100.00%								100.00%
Remaining purchase price	53,600,000								53,600,000
Cunningham | Minimum | LMA
Capital leases payable maturity
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	5,000,000								5,000,000
Cunningham | Maximum
Capital leases payable maturity
Amount of purchase price reduction from quarterly installments															29,100,000
Atlantic Automotive | Leased assets or facilities
Capital leases payable maturity
Annual rent									1,000,000
Number of real estate ventures	1								1
Atlantic Automotive | Advertising time
Capital leases payable maturity
Amount received									400,000	200,000	100,000
Atlantic Automotive | Vehicles and related vehicle services
Related person transactions
Amount paid									0	1,100,000	1,800,000
President and Chief Executive Officer | Leased assets or facilities | Real estate ventures in Baltimore, MD
Capital leases payable maturity
Amount received									500,000	500,000	300,000
Number of restaurants owned by a related party	3								3
Number of real estate ventures	1								1
President and Chief Executive Officer | Leased assets or facilities | Real estate ventures in Towson, MD
Capital leases payable maturity
Annual rent									300,000	200,000
Number of restaurants owned by a related party	1								1
Number of real estate ventures	1								1
Thomas & Libowitz | Legal services
Related person transactions
Amount paid										1,600,000	1,000,000
Controlling shareholders | Charter Aircraft
Related person transactions
Aircraft expense									1,500,000	900,000	600,000
Affiliates
Related person transactions
Amount obligated to be paid	18,934,000				21,292,000				18,934,000	21,292,000
Capital leases payable maturity
2015	4,402,000								4,402,000
2016	4,138,000								4,138,000
2017	4,102,000								4,102,000
2018	1,880,000								1,880,000
2019	1,960,000								1,960,000
2020 and thereafter	11,084,000								11,084,000
Total minimum payments	27,566,000								27,566,000
Interest and amortization expense									-8,610,000
Due to Related Parties, Total	18,934,000				21,292,000				18,934,000	21,292,000
Affiliates | Capital lease for building, interest at 8.54%
Related person transactions
Amount obligated to be paid	4,972,000				6,267,000				4,972,000	6,267,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.54%								8.54%
Capital leases payable maturity
Due to Related Parties, Total	4,972,000				6,267,000				4,972,000	6,267,000
Affiliates | Capital leases for building, interest at 8.11%
Related person transactions
Amount obligated to be paid	7,843,000				8,141,000				7,843,000	8,141,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	8.11%								8.11%
Capital leases payable maturity
Due to Related Parties, Total	7,843,000				8,141,000				7,843,000	8,141,000
Affiliates | Capital lease for building and tower
Related person transactions
Amount obligated to be paid	932,000				1,106,000				932,000	1,106,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	7.93%								7.93%
Capital leases payable maturity
Due to Related Parties, Total	932,000				1,106,000				932,000	1,106,000
Affiliates | Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 9.0%
Related person transactions
Amount obligated to be paid	390,000				860,000				390,000	860,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	9.00%								9.00%
Capital leases payable maturity
Due to Related Parties, Total	390,000				860,000				390,000	860,000
Affiliates | Capital leases for broadcasting tower facilities, interest at 10.5%
Related person transactions
Amount obligated to be paid	4,797,000				4,918,000				4,797,000	4,918,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	10.50%								10.50%
Capital leases payable maturity
Due to Related Parties, Total	$4,797,000				$4,918,000				$4,797,000	$4,918,000

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income (Numerator)
Income from continuing operations	$97,089	$48,768	$41,601	$27,657	$4,237	$30,551	$12,956	$16,515	$215,115	$64,259	$144,488
Net income loss attributable to noncontrolling interests included in continuing operations									-2,836	-2,349	-287
Numerator for diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations available to common shareholders									212,279	61,910	144,381
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes						6,100	5,103	355		11,558	465
Numerator for diluted earnings available to common shareholders									212,279	73,468	144,846
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding									97,114,000	93,207,000	81,020,000
Dilutive effect of stock settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and outstanding stock options (in shares)									705,000	638,000	36,000
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding									97,819,000	93,845,000	81,310,000
Additional Disclosures
Antidilutive dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)									300,000	0	1,500,000
4.875% Notes
Earning Per Share
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.88%				4.88%	4.88%			4.88%	4.88%
Income (Numerator)
Income impact of assumed conversion of the 4.875% Notes, net of taxes											$180
Shares (Denominator)
Dilutive effect of 4.875% Notes											254,000

SEGMENT_DATA_Details

SEGMENT DATA: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	item								item
SEGMENT DATA
Intercompany loans	$172,300,000				$171,900,000				$172,300,000	$171,900,000
Intercompany interest expense									20,700,000	20,000,000	20,000,000
Segment data
Number of markets	79								79
Revenue	613,818,000	494,956,000	455,136,000	412,648,000	427,715,000	338,644,000	314,154,000	282,618,000	1,976,558,000	1,363,131,000	1,061,679,000
Depreciation of property and equipment									103,291,000	70,554,000	47,073,000
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets									125,496,000	70,820,000	38,099,000
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments									106,629,000	80,925,000	60,990,000
General and administrative overhead expenses									69,413,000	53,126,000	33,391,000
Operating income (loss)	208,949,000	101,663,000	103,039,000	81,000,000	103,286,000	72,798,000	84,280,000	63,656,000	494,651,000	324,020,000	329,285,000
Interest expense									174,862,000	162,937,000	128,553,000
Income (loss) from equity and cost method investments									2,313,000	621,000	9,670,000
Goodwill	1,964,553,000				1,380,082,000				1,964,553,000	1,380,082,000	1,074,032,000
Assets	5,452,172,000				4,147,472,000				5,452,172,000	4,147,472,000
Capital expenditures									81,458,000	43,388,000	43,986,000
Broadcast
Segment data
Goodwill	1,964,040,000				1,376,594,000				1,964,040,000	1,376,594,000	1,070,544,000
Other operating divisions segment
Segment data
Goodwill	513,000				3,488,000				513,000	3,488,000	3,488,000
Operating segments | Broadcast
Segment data
Number of markets					79					79
Revenue									1,904,988,000	1,306,187,000	1,007,498,000
Depreciation of property and equipment									99,823,000	67,320,000	44,054,000
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets									118,654,000	65,786,000	33,701,000
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments									106,629,000	80,925,000	60,990,000
General and administrative overhead expenses									56,179,000	47,272,000	28,854,000
Operating income (loss)									505,941,000	329,312,000	333,157,000
Goodwill	1,964,041,000				1,376,594,000				1,964,041,000	1,376,594,000
Assets	4,941,446,000				3,450,006,000				4,941,446,000	3,450,006,000
Capital expenditures									78,865,000	35,694,000
Operating segments | Other operating divisions segment
Segment data
Revenue									71,570,000	56,944,000	54,181,000
Depreciation of property and equipment									2,350,000	1,891,000	1,496,000
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets									6,842,000	5,034,000	4,398,000
General and administrative overhead expenses									973,000	1,350,000	1,697,000
Operating income (loss)									2,089,000	555,000	491,000
Interest expense									4,042,000	3,251,000	3,282,000
Income (loss) from equity and cost method investments									2,313,000	621,000	9,670,000
Goodwill	512,000				3,488,000				512,000	3,488,000
Assets	356,380,000				296,657,000				356,380,000	296,657,000
Capital expenditures									2,593,000	4,994,000
Corporate
Segment data
Depreciation of property and equipment									1,118,000	1,343,000	1,523,000
General and administrative overhead expenses									12,261,000	4,504,000	2,840,000
Operating income (loss)									-13,379,000	-5,847,000	-4,363,000
Interest expense									170,820,000	159,686,000	125,271,000
Assets	154,346,000				400,809,000				154,346,000	400,809,000
Capital expenditures										$2,700,000

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 11, 2013	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 12, 2012
	item
8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)		8.38%
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.38%	6.38%	6.38%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.13%	6.13%		6.13%	6.13%
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.63%
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.38%	5.38%
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Fair Value | Cunningham
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Number of VIEs who classify investments as trading securities	1
Fair value of trading securities	$18,100,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Revolving Credit Facility
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value		338,000,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	235,225,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	350,000,000	350,000,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	500,000,000	500,000,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value		550,000,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	600,000,000	600,000,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Term Loan A
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	500,000,000	348,073,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Term Loan B
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	642,734,000	1,035,883,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Debt of variable interest entities
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	55,581,000	30,167,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Other operating divisions debt
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	86,263,000	118,822,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | Revolving Credit Facility
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value		338,000,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2018
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	259,547,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | 6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	360,938,000	355,800,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	497,525,000	503,475,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value		532,813,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	582,078,000	595,068,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | Term Loan A
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	495,000,000	341,982,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | Term Loan B
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	641,205,000	1,029,997,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | Debt of variable interest entities
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	55,581,000	30,167,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | Other operating divisions debt
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Fair Value	$86,263,000	118,822,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_FINANCI2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 12, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Oct. 11, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Consolidated total debt	$3,928,700,000
Cash	17,682,000	280,104,000	22,865,000	12,967,000
Accounts and other receivables	383,503,000	309,156,000
Other current assets	118,476,000	108,611,000
Assets held for sale	6,504,000
Total current assets	526,165,000	697,871,000
Assets held for sale	8,817,000
Property and equipment, net	752,538,000	596,071,000
Restricted cash - long term		11,747,000
Other long-term assets	246,761,000	232,917,000
Total other long-term assets	255,578,000	244,664,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets	3,917,891,000	2,608,866,000
Total assets	5,452,172,000	4,147,472,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	258,371,000	196,174,000
Current portion of long-term debt	113,116,000	46,346,000
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	2,625,000	2,367,000
Other current liabilities	117,417,000	98,494,000
Liabilities held for sale	2,477,000
Total current liabilities	494,006,000	343,381,000
Long-term debt	3,796,666,000	2,966,402,000
Affiliate long-term debt	16,309,000	18,925,000
Other liabilities	739,848,000	413,060,000
Total liabilities	5,046,829,000	3,741,768,000
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders' deficit	427,882,000	396,370,000
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	-22,539,000	9,334,000
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	5,452,172,000	4,147,472,000
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.38%	5.38%
5.625% Senior Notes, due
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.63%	5.63%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.13%	6.13%			6.13%	6.13%
9.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2017
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)							9.25%
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.38%	6.38%						6.38%
4.875% Notes
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.88%	4.88%							4.88%
3.0% Notes
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)		3.00%								3.00%
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Amount of debt guaranteed by parent	3,752,100,000
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Consolidated total debt	3,801,700,000
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2021
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.38%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 5.625% Senior Notes, due
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.63%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2022
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.13%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 6.375% Senior Notes, due 2021
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.38%
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Accounts and other receivables		59,000
Other current assets	5,741,000	5,500,000
Total current assets	5,741,000	5,559,000
Property and equipment, net	3,949,000	5,017,000
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	395,225,000	363,231,000
Other long-term assets	65,988,000	78,849,000
Total other long-term assets	461,213,000	442,080,000
Total assets	470,903,000	452,656,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	541,000	234,000
Current portion of long-term debt	529,000	556,000
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,464,000	1,294,000
Other current liabilities	1,208,000	3,529,000
Total current liabilities	3,742,000	5,613,000
Long-term debt		529,000
Affiliate long-term debt	3,508,000	4,972,000
Other liabilities	35,771,000	45,172,000
Total liabilities	43,021,000	56,286,000
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders' deficit	427,882,000	396,370,000
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	470,903,000	452,656,000
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash	3,394,000	237,974,000	7,230,000
Accounts and other receivables	164,000	818,000
Other current assets	12,996,000	25,887,000
Total current assets	16,554,000	264,679,000
Property and equipment, net	17,554,000	13,561,000
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	3,585,037,000	2,508,058,000
Restricted cash - long term		11,524,000
Other long-term assets	595,112,000	503,674,000
Total other long-term assets	4,180,149,000	3,023,256,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets	1,483,000
Total assets	4,215,740,000	3,301,496,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	46,083,000	51,781,000
Current portion of long-term debt	42,953,000	37,335,000
Total current liabilities	89,036,000	89,116,000
Long-term debt	3,679,004,000	2,793,334,000
Other liabilities	28,856,000	23,645,000
Total liabilities	3,796,896,000	2,906,095,000
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders' deficit	418,844,000	395,401,000
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	4,215,740,000	3,301,496,000
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash	1,749,000	28,594,000	199,000
Accounts and other receivables	359,486,000	281,822,000
Other current assets	98,751,000	67,279,000
Total current assets	459,986,000	377,695,000
Assets held for sale	1,843,000
Property and equipment, net	569,372,000	454,917,000
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	3,978,000	4,179,000
Restricted cash - long term		223,000
Other long-term assets	90,914,000	62,435,000
Total other long-term assets	96,735,000	66,837,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets	3,821,985,000	2,486,794,000
Total assets	4,948,078,000	3,386,243,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	201,102,000	126,245,000
Current portion of long-term debt	1,302,000	1,007,000
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,182,000	1,073,000
Other current liabilities	107,867,000	87,612,000
Total current liabilities	311,453,000	215,937,000
Long-term debt	34,338,000	35,709,000
Affiliate long-term debt	12,802,000	13,984,000
Other liabilities	1,003,213,000	610,491,000
Total liabilities	1,361,806,000	876,121,000
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders' deficit	3,586,272,000	2,510,122,000
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	4,948,078,000	3,386,243,000
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash	12,539,000	13,536,000	15,436,000
Accounts and other receivables	25,111,000	27,479,000
Other current assets	12,721,000	16,391,000
Assets held for sale	6,504,000
Total current assets	56,875,000	57,406,000
Assets held for sale	6,974,000
Property and equipment, net	168,762,000	130,019,000
Other long-term assets	115,375,000	132,840,000
Total other long-term assets	122,349,000	132,840,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets	209,724,000	214,325,000
Total assets	557,710,000	534,590,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	24,325,000	17,161,000
Current portion of long-term debt	68,332,000	6,900,000
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,026,000	1,003,000
Other current liabilities	9,749,000	9,645,000
Liabilities held for sale	2,477,000
Total current liabilities	105,909,000	34,709,000
Long-term debt	83,324,000	135,071,000
Affiliate long-term debt	319,901,000	294,919,000
Other liabilities	169,935,000	145,828,000
Total liabilities	679,069,000	610,527,000
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders' deficit	-94,632,000	-85,271,000
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	-26,727,000	9,334,000
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	557,710,000	534,590,000
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Accounts and other receivables	-1,258,000	-1,022,000
Other current assets	-11,733,000	-6,446,000
Total current assets	-12,991,000	-7,468,000
Property and equipment, net	-7,099,000	-7,443,000
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	-3,984,240,000	-2,875,468,000
Other long-term assets	-620,628,000	-544,881,000
Total other long-term assets	-4,604,868,000	-3,420,349,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets	-115,301,000	-92,253,000
Total assets	-4,740,259,000	-3,527,513,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-13,680,000	753,000
Current portion of long-term debt		548,000
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	-1,047,000	-1,003,000
Other current liabilities	-1,407,000	-2,292,000
Total current liabilities	-16,134,000	-1,994,000
Long-term debt		1,759,000
Affiliate long-term debt	-319,902,000	-294,950,000
Other liabilities	-497,927,000	-412,076,000
Total liabilities	-833,963,000	-707,261,000
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders' deficit	-3,910,484,000	-2,820,252,000
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	4,188,000
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	($4,740,259,000)	($3,527,513,000)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_FINANCI3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	$613,818	$494,956	$455,136	$412,648	$427,715	$338,644	$314,154	$282,618	$1,976,558	$1,363,131	$1,061,679
Program and production									577,013	385,104	255,556
Selling, general and administrative									440,019	302,858	204,670
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									464,875	351,149	272,168
Total operating expenses									1,481,907	1,039,111	732,394
Operating income	208,949	101,663	103,039	81,000	103,286	72,798	84,280	63,656	494,651	324,020	329,285
Interest expense									-174,862	-162,937	-128,553
Other income (expense)									-7,242	-55,575	11,608
Total other income (expense)									-182,104	-218,512	-116,945
Income tax benefit (provision)									-97,432	-41,249	-67,852
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes						6,100	5,103	355		11,558	465
Net income (loss)									215,115	75,817	144,953
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests									-2,836	-2,349	-287
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Gr	95,445	48,341	41,335	27,158	2,303	36,342	17,826	16,997	212,279	73,468	144,666
Comprehensive income									211,759	78,257	144,808
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Program and production										15
Selling, general and administrative									4,320	3,733	2,853
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									1,068	1,307	1,523
Total operating expenses									5,388	5,055	4,376
Operating income									-5,388	-5,055	-4,376
Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries									211,782	97,138	144,620
Interest expense									-573	-1,083	-1,317
Other income (expense)									4,377	4,633	5,245
Total other income (expense)									215,586	100,688	148,548
Income tax benefit (provision)									2,081	-22,165	494
Net income (loss)									212,279	73,468	144,666
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Gr									212,279	73,468	144,666
Comprehensive income									211,759	78,257	144,808
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Program and production									76	357	322
Selling, general and administrative									57,799	48,363	28,762
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									5,425	3,105	1,890
Total operating expenses									63,300	51,825	30,974
Operating income									-63,300	-51,825	-30,974
Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries									373,228	309,388	194,686
Interest expense									-163,347	-152,174	-118,491
Other income (expense)									-14,651	-59,033	38,677
Total other income (expense)									195,230	98,181	114,872
Income tax benefit (provision)									83,897	47,645	41,709
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes										11,063	-269
Net income (loss)									215,827	105,064	125,338
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Gr									215,827	105,064	125,338
Comprehensive income									213,284	107,243	125,193
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue									1,870,408	1,296,736	1,008,146
Program and production									573,725	391,410	263,802
Selling, general and administrative									359,880	241,548	168,540
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									367,514	275,889	213,681
Total operating expenses									1,301,119	908,847	646,023
Operating income									569,289	387,889	362,123
Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries									-201	1,009	-123
Interest expense									-4,869	-4,965	-4,840
Other income (expense)									998	245	-39,781
Total other income (expense)									-4,072	-3,711	-44,744
Income tax benefit (provision)									-185,193	-73,266	-118,519
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes										495	734
Net income (loss)									380,024	311,407	199,594
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Gr									380,024	311,407	199,594
Comprehensive income									378,926	311,407	199,594
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue									192,616	123,017	64,909
Program and production									84,592	50,950	1,400
Selling, general and administrative									20,099	9,132	6,082
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									92,635	71,319	55,802
Total operating expenses									197,326	131,401	63,284
Operating income									-4,710	-8,384	1,625
Interest expense									-27,364	-25,624	-24,780
Other income (expense)									2,024	5,361	8,690
Total other income (expense)									-25,340	-20,263	-16,090
Income tax benefit (provision)									1,783	2,637	8,464
Net income (loss)									-28,267	-26,010	-6,001
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests									-2,836	-2,349	-287
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Gr									-31,103	-28,359	-6,288
Comprehensive income									-27,982	-28,098	-6,288
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue									-86,466	-56,622	-11,376
Program and production									-81,380	-57,628	-9,968
Selling, general and administrative									-2,079	82	-1,567
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									-1,767	-471	-728
Total operating expenses									-85,226	-58,017	-12,263
Operating income									-1,240	1,395	887
Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries									-584,809	-407,535	-339,183
Interest expense									21,291	20,909	20,875
Other income (expense)									10	-6,781	-1,223
Total other income (expense)									-563,508	-393,407	-319,531
Income tax benefit (provision)										3,900
Net income (loss)									-564,748	-388,112	-318,644
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Gr									-564,748	-388,112	-318,644
Comprehensive income									($564,228)	($388,112)	($318,499)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_FINANCI4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$430,454	$160,577	$237,475
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	-81,458	-43,388	-43,986
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired	-1,485,039	-1,006,144	-1,135,348
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets	176,675	49,738
Payments for acquisitions in other operating divisions		-4,650
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	-27,701	-23,721	-12,454
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	11,616	-11,522	58,501
Investments in equity and cost method investees	-8,104	-10,767	-24,052
Investment in marketable securities		-11,604
Proceeds from insurance settlement	-17,042
Other, net	-387	10,817
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities	-1,397,356	-1,051,241	-1,149,284
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	1,500,720	2,278,293	1,247,255
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	-582,764	-1,509,760	-179,356
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	-133,157
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock		472,913
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	-61,103	-56,767	-123,852
Payments for deferred financing costs	-16,590	-27,724	-18,707
Noncontrolling interests (contributions) distributions	-8,184	-10,256	-1,142
Other, net	5,558	1,204
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	704,480	1,147,903	921,707
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-262,422	257,239	9,898
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	280,104	22,865	12,967
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	17,682	280,104	22,865
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	-26,528	-37,107
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Other, net	1,000	1,648
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities	1,000	1,648
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	-556	-482
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	-133,157
Proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock		472,913
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B common stock	-61,103	-56,767
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	218,081	-371,331
Other, net	2,263	-8,874
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	25,528	35,459
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	-147,940	-264,925
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	-8,864	-2,700
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	11,525	-11,522
Proceeds from insurance settlement	-17,042
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities	19,703	-14,222
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	1,466,500	2,189,753
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	-574,584	-1,473,898
Payments for deferred financing costs	-16,590	-27,724
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	-981,669	-178,240
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	-106,343	509,891
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-234,580	230,744
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	237,974	7,230
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	3,394	237,974
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	628,103	444,680
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	-71,152	-35,659
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired	-1,485,039	-998,664
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets	176,675	71,738
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	91
Other, net	392	50
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities	-1,379,033	-962,535
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	507
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	-1,028	-1,069
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	725,678	548,139
Other, net	-1,072	-820
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	724,085	546,250
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-26,845	28,395
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	28,594	199
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	1,749	28,594
Reportable legal entities | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	-35,694	-40,414
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	-2,722	-5,029
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired		-50,480
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets		21,000
Payments for acquisitions in other operating divisions		-4,650
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	-27,701	-23,721
Investments in equity and cost method investees	-8,104	-10,767
Investment in marketable securities		-696
Other, net	-1,779	9,119
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities	-40,306	-65,224
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	33,713	88,540
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	-6,596	-34,311
Noncontrolling interests (contributions) distributions	-8,184	-10,256
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	51,703	59,765
Other, net	4,367
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	75,003	103,738
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-997	-1,900
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	13,536	15,436
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	12,539	13,536
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	12,513	58,343
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	1,280
Payments for acquisitions of television stations, net of cash acquired		43,000
Proceeds from sale of broadcast assets		-43,000
Investment in marketable securities		-10,908
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities	1,280	-10,908
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	-13,793	-58,333
Other, net		10,898
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	($13,793)	($47,435)

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_INFORMATIO2

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED): (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total revenues, net	$613,818	$494,956	$455,136	$412,648	$427,715	$338,644	$314,154	$282,618	$1,976,558	$1,363,131	$1,061,679
Operating income	208,949	101,663	103,039	81,000	103,286	72,798	84,280	63,656	494,651	324,020	329,285
Income from continuing operations	97,089	48,768	41,601	27,657	4,237	30,551	12,956	16,515	215,115	64,259	144,488
Income from discontinued operations						6,100	5,103	355		11,558	465
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$95,445	$48,341	$41,335	$27,158	$2,303	$36,342	$17,826	$16,997	$212,279	$73,468	$144,666
Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)	$0.99	$0.50	$0.43	$0.27	$0.02	$0.30	$0.14	$0.20	$2.19	$0.66	$1.78
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)	$0.99	$0.50	$0.43	$0.27	$0.02	$0.37	$0.19	$0.21	$2.19	$0.79	$1.79
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)	$0.98	$0.49	$0.42	$0.27	$0.02	$0.30	$0.14	$0.20	$2.17	$0.66	$1.78
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share)	$0.98	$0.49	$0.42	$0.27	$0.02	$0.36	$0.19	$0.21	$2.17	$0.78	$1.78