INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Employee benefits - current	$ 0	$ 783
Provision for doubtful accounts - current	0	835
Deferred compensation - current	0	988
Deferred gain on tower transaction	0	235
Other	0	987
Total current deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	0	3,828
Valuation allowance	0	(231)
Total current deferred tax assets - net	0	3,597
Provision for doubtful accounts	795	0
Federal and state income tax loss carryforwards	126,278	129,944
Deferred compensation	5,307	3,968
Share-based compensation	3,145	3,218
Investments - impairments	499	499
Deferred gain on tower transaction, long term	3,035	3,039
Employee benefits	944	0
DeferredTaxAssetsPropertyPlantAndEquipment	4,036	4,804
Advertiser broadcasting obligations - noncurrent	47	0
Lease rental obligations	3,504	3,440
Other	1,532	1,014
Total non-current deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	149,122	149,926
Valuation allowance	(12,861)	(20,407)
Total non-current deferred tax assets - net	136,261	129,519
Deferred tax liabilities:
Advertiser broadcasting obligations - current	0	(133)
Total current deferred tax liabilities	0	(133)
Deferral of gain recognition on the extinguishment of debt	(3,031)	(4,568)
Broadcasting licenses and goodwill	(226,128)	(206,594)
Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Gross	(229,159)	(211,162)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(229,159)	(211,295)
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net	$ 92,898	$ 78,179