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INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL - Changes in carrying value of broadcasting licenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	May 09, 2019	May 01, 2019
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Assets held for sale		$ (19,600)	$ (2,200)	$ (1,100)
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member]
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Beginning of period balance	$ 2,516,625	2,649,959
Impairment loss		(148,564)
Assets held for sale	(805)
Ending period balance	2,518,261	2,516,625
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] \| Cumulus Exchange [Member]
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Dispositions	(17,135)
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] \| WXTU Transaction disposition [Member]
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Dispositions		(24,901)
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] \| 2019 Cumulus Exchange [Member]
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Beginning of period balance	2,516,625
Acquisition of radio stations	$ 19,576
Ending period balance		2,516,625
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] \| 2018 Emmis Acquisition [Member]
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of radio stations		12,785
Radio Broadcasting Licences [Member] \| 2018 Jerry Lee Transaction [Member]
Changes in Intangible assets [Line Items]
Acquisition of radio stations		$ 27,346