Description of Business, Interim Financial Data and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business, Interim Financial Data and Basis of Presentation	Description of Business, Interim Financial Data and Basis of Presentation: Description of Business Cumulus Media Inc. (and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as the context may otherwise require, “Cumulus,” “Cumulus Media,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation, organized in 2002, and successor by merger to an Illinois corporation with the same name that had been organized in 1997. Nature of Business A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, Cumulus Media (NASDAQ:CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its approximately 450 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top ten), more than 8,200 broadcast radio stations affiliated with its Westwood One network and numerous digital channels. Together, the Cumulus/Westwood One platforms make Cumulus Media one of the few media companies that can provide advertisers with national reach and local impact. Cumulus/Westwood One is the exclusive radio broadcast partner to some of the largest brands in sports, entertainment, news, and talk, including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, the Olympics, the GRAMMYs, the Academy of Country Music Awards, the American Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, Westwood One News, and more. Additionally, it is the nation's leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which serves country fans nationwide through radio programming, exclusive digital content, and live events. Interim Financial Data The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes related thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the condensed consolidated accounts of Cumulus and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, with all intercompany balances and transactions eliminated in consolidation. The December 31, 2015 condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of our results of operations for, and financial condition as of the end of, the interim periods have been made. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the Company’s financial condition as of September 30, 2016, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations or cash flows that can be expected for, or the Company’s financial condition that can be expected as of the end of, any other interim period or for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. Reverse Stock Split On October 12, 2016, the Company effected a one-for-eight (1:8) reverse stock split (the "Reverse Stock Split"). As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every eight shares of each class of the Company's outstanding common stock were combined into one share of the same class of common stock and the authorized shares of each class of the Company's common stock were reduced by the same ratio. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. The number and strike price of the Company's outstanding stock options and warrants were adjusted proportionally, as appropriate. The par value of the Company's common stock was not adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. All authorized, issued and outstanding stock and per share amounts contained within the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and these footnotes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect this Reverse Stock Split for all periods presented. Out of Period Adjustment In connection with the preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, we recorded a correction of an immaterial misstatement that occurred in prior periods, which resulted in an increase in content costs of $3.6 million in the second quarter of 2016. The correction related to the Radio Station Group segment only and was not material to the prior year quarterly or annual results. The effect of this correction is not expected to be material to the 2016 annual financial statements. Reportable Segments During the first quarter of 2016 the Company modified its management reporting framework affecting how the Company evaluates operating performance and internally reports financial information. This modification resulted in a reorganization of the Company's reportable segments. Prior to this reorganization, the Company operated in one reportable business segment which consisted of radio broadcasting, advertising and related services. The Company now operates in two reportable segments, the Radio Station Group and Westwood One, for which there is discrete financial information available and whose operating results are reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. Historical information included in these financial statements has been revised to reflect the change to two segments, with no impact to previously disclosed consolidated results (See Note 3, "Intangible Assets and Goodwill" and Note 12, "Segment Data"). Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including significant estimates related to revenue recognition, bad debts, intangible assets, income taxes, stock-based compensation, contingencies, litigation, and, if applicable, purchase price allocation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual amounts and results may differ materially from these estimates. Assets Held for Sale During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to sell certain land in the Company's Washington, DC market to a third party. The closing of the transaction is subject to various conditions and approvals, which remain pending. The identified asset has been classified as held for sale in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The estimated fair value of the land to be disposed of is in excess of its carrying value. Dispositions On August 30, 2016, the Company completed the sale of certain land and buildings in Los Angeles for $110.6 million in cash. In conjunction with this sale, the Company recorded a net gain of $94.0 million, which is included in (gain) loss on sale of assets or stations in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The identified assets were classified as held for sale in the accompanying December 31, 2015 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. Adoption of New Accounting Standards ASU 2015-03. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03. The amendments in this ASU require that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of long-term debt, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted this standard retrospectively in the first quarter of 2016. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 was retrospectively adjusted, which resulted in reductions to other assets of $22.4 million and long-term debt of $22.4 million. Recent Accounting Standards Updates ASU 2014-09 and related updates. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09. The amended guidance under this ASU outlines a single comprehensive revenue model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the single comprehensive revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which delayed the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. Transition to the new guidance may be done using either a full or modified retrospective method. ASU 2014-09, as amended, is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08 which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10 which amends the revenue recognition guidance on accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations as well as clarifies when a promised good or service is separately identifiable. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12 which provides clarifying guidance in certain narrow areas such as an assessment of collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition as well as adds some practical expedients. The amendments in ASU 2014-09, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12 may be applied either retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014-09, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12 at the date of initial application. The Company is currently evaluating adoption methods and the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12 on its consolidated financial statements. ASU 2014-15. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance in GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Management’s evaluation should be based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. These amendments should standardize the timing and content of footnote disclosures. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public and nonpublic entities for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the expected impact, if any, that this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures. ASU 2016-01. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01. The amendments in this ASU enhance the reporting model for financial instruments including aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The new guidance revises the accounting requirements related to the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The update also changes certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. These changes will require an entity to measure, at fair value, investments in equity securities and other ownership interests in an entity - including investments in partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures and limited liability companies that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method - and recognize the changes in fair value within net income. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is not permitted, except for certain amendments within the ASU. The Company is currently assessing the expected impact, if any, that this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-02. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance for accounting for leases. This update requires lessees to recognize, on the balance sheet, assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases of greater than twelve months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods thereafter. A modified retrospective transition method is required, with the option to elect a package of practical expedients. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the expected impact that this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-09. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance for employee share-based payment accounting. This update removes the requirement that reporting entities present tax benefits as excess cash flows from financing activities and cash flows from operating activities. As a result of this amendment, cash flows related to excess tax benefits will be classified only in operating activities. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the expected impact, if any, that this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements. ASU 2016-15. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15. The amendments in the ASU provide guidance for several new and/or revised disclosures pertaining to the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows, including contingent consideration payments made after a business acquisition. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact of its business practices, financial condition, results of operation or disclosures. ASU 2016-16. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16. The amendments in the ASU provide guidance for the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs between entities in different tax jurisdictions. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact of its business practices, financial condition, results of operation or disclosures.

Description of Business, Interim Financial Data and Basis of Presentation:

Description of Business

Cumulus Media Inc. (and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as the context may otherwise require, “Cumulus,” “Cumulus Media,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation, organized in 2002, and successor by merger to an Illinois corporation with the same name that had been organized in 1997.

Nature of Business

A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, Cumulus Media (NASDAQ:CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its approximately 450 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top ten), more than 8,200 broadcast radio stations affiliated with its Westwood One network and numerous digital channels. Together, the Cumulus/Westwood One platforms make Cumulus Media one of the few media companies that can provide advertisers with national reach and local impact. Cumulus/Westwood One is the exclusive radio broadcast partner to some of the largest brands in sports, entertainment, news, and talk, including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, the Olympics, the GRAMMYs, the Academy of Country Music Awards, the American Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, Westwood One News, and more. Additionally, it is the nation's leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which serves country fans nationwide through radio programming, exclusive digital content, and live events.

Interim Financial Data

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes related thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the condensed consolidated accounts of Cumulus and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, with all intercompany balances and transactions eliminated in consolidation. The December 31, 2015 condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of our results of operations for, and financial condition as of the end of, the interim periods have been made. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the Company’s financial condition as of September 30, 2016, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations or cash flows that can be expected for, or the Company’s financial condition that can be expected as of the end of, any other interim period or for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.

Reverse Stock Split

On October 12, 2016, the Company effected a one-for-eight (1:8) reverse stock split (the "Reverse Stock Split"). As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every eight shares of each class of the Company's outstanding common stock were combined into one share of the same class of common stock and the authorized shares of each class of the Company's common stock were reduced by the same ratio. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. The number and strike price of the Company's outstanding stock options and warrants were adjusted proportionally, as appropriate. The par value of the Company's common stock was not adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. All authorized, issued and outstanding stock and per share amounts contained within the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and these footnotes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect this Reverse Stock Split for all periods presented.

Out of Period Adjustment

In connection with the preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, we recorded a correction of an immaterial misstatement that occurred in prior periods, which resulted in an increase in content costs of $3.6 million in the second quarter of 2016. The correction related to the Radio Station Group segment only and was not material to the prior year quarterly or annual results. The effect of this correction is not expected to be material to the 2016 annual financial statements.

Reportable Segments

During the first quarter of 2016 the Company modified its management reporting framework affecting how the Company evaluates operating performance and internally reports financial information. This modification resulted in a reorganization of the Company's reportable segments. Prior to this reorganization, the Company operated in one reportable business segment which consisted of radio broadcasting, advertising and related services. The Company now operates in two reportable segments, the Radio Station Group and Westwood One, for which there is discrete financial information available and whose operating results are reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. Historical information included in these financial statements has been revised to reflect the change to two segments, with no impact to previously disclosed consolidated results (See Note 3, "Intangible Assets and Goodwill" and Note 12, "Segment Data").

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including significant estimates related to revenue recognition, bad debts, intangible assets, income taxes, stock-based compensation, contingencies, litigation, and, if applicable, purchase price allocation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual amounts and results may differ materially from these estimates.

Assets Held for Sale

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to sell certain land in the Company's Washington, DC market to a third party. The closing of the transaction is subject to various conditions and approvals, which remain pending. The identified asset has been classified as held for sale in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The estimated fair value of the land to be disposed of is in excess of its carrying value.

Dispositions

On August 30, 2016, the Company completed the sale of certain land and buildings in Los Angeles for $110.6 million in cash. In conjunction with this sale, the Company recorded a net gain of $94.0 million, which is included in (gain) loss on sale of assets or stations in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The identified assets were classified as held for sale in the accompanying December 31, 2015 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

ASU 2015-03. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2015-03. The amendments in this ASU require that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of long-term debt, consistent with debt discounts or premiums. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted this standard retrospectively in the first quarter of 2016. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 was retrospectively adjusted, which resulted in reductions to other assets of $22.4 million and long-term debt of $22.4 million.

Recent Accounting Standards Updates

ASU 2014-09 and related updates. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09. The amended guidance under this ASU outlines a single comprehensive revenue model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the single comprehensive revenue model is that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which delayed the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. Transition to the new guidance may be done using either a full or modified retrospective method. ASU 2014-09, as amended, is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08 which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10 which amends the revenue recognition guidance on accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations as well as clarifies when a promised good or service is separately identifiable. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12 which provides clarifying guidance in certain narrow areas such as an assessment of collectibility, presentation of sales taxes, noncash consideration, and completed contracts and contract modifications at transition as well as adds some practical expedients. The amendments in ASU 2014-09, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12 may be applied either retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014-09, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12 at the date of initial application. The Company is currently evaluating adoption methods and the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12 on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-15. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance in GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Management’s evaluation should be based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. These amendments should standardize the timing and content of footnote disclosures. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public and nonpublic entities for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the expected impact, if any, that this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

ASU 2016-01. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01. The amendments in this ASU enhance the reporting model for financial instruments including aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The new guidance revises the accounting requirements related to the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The update also changes certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. These changes will require an entity to measure, at fair value, investments in equity securities and other ownership interests in an entity - including investments in partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures and limited liability companies that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method - and recognize the changes in fair value within net income. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is not permitted, except for certain amendments within the ASU. The Company is currently assessing the expected impact, if any, that this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-02. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance for accounting for leases. This update requires lessees to recognize, on the balance sheet, assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases of greater than twelve months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods thereafter. A modified retrospective transition method is required, with the option to elect a package of practical expedients. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the expected impact that this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-09. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance for employee share-based payment accounting. This update removes the requirement that reporting entities present tax benefits as excess cash flows from financing activities and cash flows from operating activities. As a result of this amendment, cash flows related to excess tax benefits will be classified only in operating activities. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the expected impact, if any, that this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-15. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15. The amendments in the ASU provide guidance for several new and/or revised disclosures pertaining to the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows, including contingent consideration payments made after a business acquisition. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact of its business practices, financial condition, results of operation or disclosures.

ASU 2016-16. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16. The amendments in the ASU provide guidance for the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs between entities in different tax jurisdictions. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact of its business practices, financial condition, results of operation or disclosures.