INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012 number	Jun. 30, 2011
Changes in broadcasting licenses [Line Items]
Impairment loss	$ (22,307)
Market approach for step one goodwill analysis [Abstract]
Reporting units with goodwill balances	19
Reporting units with no goodwill balances	4
Changes in goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill before cumulative loss on impairment	164,506	163,783
Accumulated loss on impairment	(125,615)	(125,615)
Beginning balance after cumulative loss on impairment	38,891	38,168
Loss on impairment during the year	0	0
Acquisition	212	723
Ending balance	39,103	38,891
Maximum [Member]
Market approach for step one goodwill analysis [Abstract]
Estimates of market multiples	8.0	8.0
Minimum [Member]
Market approach for step one goodwill analysis [Abstract]
Estimates of market multiples	7.5	7.5
Broadcasting License Impairment Testing [Member]
Estimates and assumptions used for impairment test [Line Items]
Discount rates	10.00%	10.00%
Broadcasting License Impairment Testing [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Estimates and assumptions used for impairment test [Line Items]
Operating profit margin ranges of the markets of the Company	40.90%	41.50%
Long-term revenue growth rate ranges of the markets of the Company	2.00%	2.00%
Broadcasting License Impairment Testing [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Estimates and assumptions used for impairment test [Line Items]
Operating profit margin ranges of the markets of the Company	20.70%	19.50%
Long-term revenue growth rate ranges of the markets of the Company	1.50%	1.50%
Goodwill Impairment Testing [Member]
Estimates and assumptions used for impairment test [Line Items]
Discount rates	10.00%	10.00%
Goodwill Impairment Testing [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Estimates and assumptions used for impairment test [Line Items]
Long-term revenue growth rate ranges of the markets of the Company	2.00%	2.00%
Goodwill Impairment Testing [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Estimates and assumptions used for impairment test [Line Items]
Long-term revenue growth rate ranges of the markets of the Company	1.50%	1.50%
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member]
Changes in broadcasting licenses [Line Items]
Beginning of period balance	715,902	707,852
Impairment loss	(22,307)	0
Acquisition	24,760	8,050
Ending period balance	$ 718,355	$ 715,902

The discount rate is estimated using required returns on debt and equity of publicly traded radio companies.

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