GOODWILL, BROADCAST LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Change in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill	$ 2,378,126	$ 1,793,655
Accumulated impairment losses	(413,573)	(413,573)	$ (413,573)
Goodwill, net	1,931,093	1,964,553	1,380,082
Acquisition of television stations	5,802	701,854
Sale of broadcast assets		(26,731)
Deconsolidation of variable interest entities		(21,357)
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions	(42,237)	(66,320)
Goodwill Held for Sale	(2,975)	(2,975)
Goodwill	2,344,666	2,378,126
VIEs which are not primary beneficiary
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill, net	800
Broadcast
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill	2,377,613	1,790,167
Accumulated impairment losses	(413,573)	(413,573)	(413,573)
Goodwill, net	1,927,605	1,964,040	1,376,594
Acquisition of television stations	5,802	701,854
Sale of broadcast assets		(26,731)
Deconsolidation of variable interest entities		(21,357)
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions	(42,237)	(66,320)
Goodwill Held for Sale	0	0
Goodwill	2,341,178	2,377,613
Other operating divisions segment
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill	513	3,488
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0	0
Goodwill, net	3,488	513	$ 3,488
Acquisition of television stations	0	0
Sale of broadcast assets		0
Deconsolidation of variable interest entities		0
Measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions	0	0
Goodwill Held for Sale	(2,975)	(2,975)
Goodwill	$ 3,488	$ 513