10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

OR

oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                       .

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 000-26076

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland (State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation or organization) 52-1494660 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

10706 Beaver Dam Road

Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030

(Address of principal executive office, zip code)

(410) 568-1500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such file).

Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one): 

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No x

Indicate the number of share outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

Title of each class	Number of shares outstanding as of November 4, 2016
Class A Common Stock	64,706,034
Class B Common Stock	25,928,357

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)	3
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS	5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)	7
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	9
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	10
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	34
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	46
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	46
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION	47
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	47
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS	48
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	48
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	48
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	48
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION	48
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS	49
SIGNATURE	50
EXHIBIT INDEX	51

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data) (Unaudited)

	As of September 30, 2016			As of December 31, 2015
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	104,545		$	149,972
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,838 and $4,495, respectively	519,662			424,608
Current portion of program contract costs	110,228			91,466
Income taxes receivable	9,234			823
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	37,909			26,903
Deferred barter costs	8,512			7,991
Total current assets	790,090			701,763
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion	12,245			18,996
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	713,088			717,137
RESTRICTED CASH	—			3,725
GOODWILL	1,989,578			1,931,093
INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS	153,125			132,465
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	1,983,326			1,751,570
OTHER ASSETS	224,736			175,566
Total assets (a)	$	5,866,188		$	5,432,315
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	291,213		$	251,313
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing	165,238			164,184
Current portion of notes and capital leases payable to affiliates	3,599			3,166
Current portion of program contracts payable	131,553			108,260
Deferred barter revenues	8,142			8,080
Total current liabilities	599,745			535,003
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion	4,022,437			3,669,160
Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion	15,036			17,850
Program contracts payable, less current portion	57,724			56,921
Deferred tax liabilities	612,961			585,072
Other long-term liabilities	71,619			68,631
Total liabilities (a)	5,379,522			4,932,637
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Note 4)
EQUITY:
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 65,546,601 and 68,792,483 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	655			688
Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, 140,000,000 shares authorized, 25,928,357 and 25,928,357 shares issued and outstanding, respectively, convertible into Class A Common Stock	259			259
Additional paid-in capital	876,895			962,726
Accumulated deficit	(360,459		)	(437,029		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(834		)	(834		)
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity	516,516			525,810
Noncontrolling interests	(29,850		)	(26,132		)
Total equity	486,666			499,678
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,866,188		$	5,432,315

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements. 

(a) Our consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $151.1 million and $152.4 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs.  Our consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $41.1 million and $35.6 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us.  See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

4

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended   September 30,						Nine Months Ended   September 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
REVENUES:
Media revenues	$	635,269		$	498,167		$	1,772,860		$	1,466,088
Revenues realized from station barter arrangements	32,061			28,618			92,574			79,950
Other non-media revenues	26,505			21,619			73,824			61,308
Total revenues	693,835			548,404			1,939,258			1,607,346
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Media production expenses	242,880			187,173			702,377			540,554
Media selling, general and administrative expenses	126,672			105,622			370,169			311,088
Expenses realized from barter arrangements	27,181			23,105			79,365			66,898
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	32,441			29,841			96,722			90,014
Other non-media expenses	20,488			16,555			57,946			46,988
Depreciation of property and equipment	25,886			25,476			74,330			75,938
Corporate general and administrative expenses	19,052			16,464			54,672			46,685
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets	47,807			40,014			137,197			119,439
Research and development expenses	745			4,803			3,055			11,555
Gain on asset dispositions	(3,311		)	(255		)	(5,982		)	(306		)
Total operating expenses	539,841			448,798			1,569,851			1,308,853
Operating income	153,994			99,606			369,407			298,493
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs	(53,488		)	(48,566		)	(156,819		)	(142,878		)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	(23,699		)	—			(23,699		)	—
Income from equity investments	1,423			252			2,789			5,405
Other income (expense)	789			(48		)	2,355			1,220
Total other expense, net	(74,975		)	(48,362		)	(175,374		)	(136,253		)
Income before income taxes	79,019			51,244			194,033			162,240
INCOME TAX PROVISION	(26,986		)	(7,210		)	(65,771		)	(46,971		)
NET INCOME	52,033			44,034			128,262			115,269
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,188		)	(779		)	(3,858		)	(1,945		)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	$	50,845		$	43,255		$	124,404		$	113,324
Dividends declared per share	$	0.180		$	0.165		$	0.525		$	0.345
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP:
Basic earnings per share	$	0.54		$	0.46		$	1.32		$	1.19
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.54		$	0.45		$	1.30		$	1.18
Weighted average common shares outstanding	93,948			95,002			94,595			95,146
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	94,766			95,692			95,465			95,837

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended   September 30,						Nine Months Ended   September 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Net income	$	52,033		$	44,034		$	128,262		$	115,269
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes	—			10			—			178
Comprehensive income	52,033			44,044			128,262			115,447
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,188		)	(779		)	(3,858		)	(1,945		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	50,845		$	43,265		$	124,404		$	113,502

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

6

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(in thousands) (Unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group Shareholders
	Class A Common Stock					Class B Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Deficit			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity (Deficit)
	Shares		Values			Shares	Values
BALANCE, December 31, 2014	69,578,899		$	696		25,928,357	$	259	$	979,202		$	(545,820	)	$	(6,455	)	$	(22,539	)	$	405,343
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	—		—			—	—		—			(47,104		)	—			—			(47,104		)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(1,107,887	)	(11		)	—	—		(28,812		)	—			—			—			(28,823		)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	291,911		3			—	—		10,616			—			—			—			10,619
Tax benefit on share based awards	—		—			—	—		703			—			—			—			703
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	—		—			—	—		—			—			—			(6,655		)	(6,655		)
Other comprehensive income	—		—			—	—		—			—			178			—			178
Issuance of subsidiary stock awards	—		—			—	—		—			—			—			1,731			1,731
Net income	—		—			—	—		—			113,324			—			1,945			115,269
BALANCE, September 30, 2015	68,762,923		$	688		25,928,357	$	259	$	961,709		$	(479,600	)	$	(6,277	)	$	(25,518	)	$	451,261

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

7

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group Shareholders
	Class A Common Stock					Class B Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Deficit			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity (Deficit)
	Shares		Values			Shares	Values
BALANCE, December 31, 2015	68,792,483		$	688		25,928,357	$	259	$	962,726		$	(437,029	)	$	(834	)	$	(26,132	)	$	499,678
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting standard (see Note 1)	—		—			—	—		431			1,833			—			—			2,264
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	—		—			—	—		—			(49,667		)	—			—			(49,667		)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(3,610,201	)	(37		)	—	—		(101,127		)	—			—			—			(101,164		)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	364,319		4			—	—		14,865			—			—			—			14,869
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	—		—			—	—		—			—			—			(8,363		)	(8,363		)
Issuance of subsidiary stock awards	—		—			—	—		—			—			—			787			787
Net income	—		—			—	—		—			124,404			—			3,858			128,262
BALANCE, September 30, 2016	65,546,601		$	655		25,928,357	$	259	$	876,895		$	(360,459	)	$	(834	)	$	(29,850	)	$	486,666

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

8

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands) (Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	128,262		$	115,269
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment	74,330			75,938
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets	137,197			119,439
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	96,722			90,014
Loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash portion	3,875			—
Stock-based compensation expense	13,470			14,778
Deferred tax benefit	6,631			(19,623		)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	(77,118		)	563
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets	(4,344		)	(11,643		)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	36,286			8,128
Net change in net income taxes payable/receivable	(8,411		)	5,623
Payments on program contracts payable	(84,625		)	(82,594		)
Other, net	7,985			(2,171		)
Net cash flows from operating activities	330,260			313,721
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(68,601		)	(72,476		)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(425,856		)	(15,514		)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(29,143		)	(31,340		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	16,396			23,650
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(34,224		)	(43,068		)
Loans to affiliates	(19,500		)	—
Other, net	3,401			11,215
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(557,527		)	(127,533		)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	1,011,312			379,481
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(653,987		)	(375,104		)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(49,667		)	(47,104		)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(101,164		)	(28,823		)
Payments for deferred financing cost	(15,598		)	(3,847		)
Other, net	(9,056		)	(9,084		)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	181,840			(84,481		)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(45,427		)	101,707
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	149,972			17,682
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	104,545		$	119,389

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

9

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Nature of Operations

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is a diversified television broadcasting company with national reach with a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations and digital platforms. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, and other original programming produced by us. We also distribute our original programming, and owned and operated network affiliates, on other third-party platforms. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties. Outside of our media related businesses, we operate technical services companies focused on supply and maintenance of broadcast transmission systems as well as research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and we manage other non-media related investments.

As of September 30, 2016, our broadcast distribution platform is a single reportable segment for accounting purposes. It consists primarily of our broadcast television stations, which we own, provide programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements (LMAs), or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as joint sales agreements (JSAs) and shared services agreements (SSAs)) to 173 stations in 81 markets. These stations broadcast 482 channels, as of September 30, 2016. For the purpose of this report, these 173 stations and 482 channels are referred to as “our” stations and channels.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary.  Noncontrolling interest represents a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities.  All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Interim Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, such financial statements have been presented on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of equity (deficit) and consolidated statements of cash flows for these periods as adjusted for the adoption of recent accounting pronouncements discussed below.

As permitted under the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures normally included with audited consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC.  The consolidated statements of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of operations for an entire year.

Variable Interest Entities

In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE.  We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. 

Third-party station licensees.  Certain of our stations provide services to other station owners within the same respective market through agreements, such as LMAs, where we provide programming, sales, operational and administrative services, and JSAs and SSAs, where we provide non-programming, sales, operational and administrative services.  In certain cases, we have also entered into purchase agreements or options to purchase the license related assets of the licensee.  We typically own the majority of the non-license assets of the stations, and in some cases where the licensee acquired the license assets concurrent with our acquisition of the non-license assets of the station, we have provided guarantees to the bank for the licensee’s acquisition financing.  The terms of the agreements vary, but generally have initial terms of over five years with several optional renewal terms. As of September 30,

10

2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, we have concluded that 37 of these licensees are VIEs.  Based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in the stations, we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and because we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs.  Several of these VIEs are owned by a related party, Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham).  See Note 7. Related Person Transactions for more information about the arrangements with Cunningham. The net revenues of the stations which we consolidate were $79.1 million and $227.4 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, and $71 million and $207.6 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, respectively.  The fees paid between us and the licensees pursuant to these arrangements are eliminated in consolidation.  See Changes in the Rules of Television Ownership, Joint Sales Agreements, Retransmission Consent Negotiations, and National Ownership Cap within Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies for discussion of recent changes in FCC rules related to JSAs.

As of the dates indicated, the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented (in thousands):

	September 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	490	$	490
Accounts receivable	24,945		21,719
Current portion of program contract costs	14,895		13,287
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	318		331
Total current assets	40,648		35,827
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion	3,078		4,541
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	3,301		7,609
GOODWILL	791		787
INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS	15,684		17,599
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	80,693		79,086
OTHER ASSETS	6,924		6,924
Total assets	$	151,119	$	152,373
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	1,112	$	1,240
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing	3,710		3,687
Current portion of program contracts payable	16,573		12,627
Total current liabilities	21,395		17,554
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion	21,944		24,594
Program contracts payable, less current portion	14,036		13,679
Other long-term liabilities	9,364		8,067
Total liabilities	$	66,739	$	63,894

11

The amounts above represent the consolidated assets and liabilities of the VIEs described above, for which we are the primary beneficiary, and have been aggregated as they all relate to our broadcast business.  Excluded from the amounts above are payments made to Cunningham under the LMAs and certain JSAs which are treated as a prepayment of the purchase price of the stations and capital leases between us and Cunningham which are eliminated in consolidation.  The total payments made under these LMAs and certain JSAs as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, which are excluded from liabilities above, were $40.0 million and $37.6 million, respectively.  The total capital lease liabilities, net of capital lease assets, excluded from the above were $4.5 million for both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.  Also excluded from the amounts above are liabilities associated with certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options with certain VIEs totaling $77.8 million and $72.5 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, as these amounts are eliminated in consolidation.  The assets of each of these consolidated VIEs can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE.  All the liabilities are non-recourse to us except for certain debt of VIEs which we guarantee. The risk and reward characteristics of the VIEs are similar.

Other investments.  We have investments in real estate ventures and investment companies which are considered VIEs.  However, we do not participate in the management of these entities including the day-to-day operating decisions or other decisions which would allow us to control the entity, and therefore, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of these VIEs.  We account for these entities using the equity or cost method of accounting.

The carrying amounts of our investments in these VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are $119.9 million and $18.1 million, respectively, and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The increase in 2016 was due to the adoption of the revised accounting guidance during the first quarter of 2016 related to consolidation as discussed under Recent Accounting Pronouncements below, which resulted in additional investments being considered VIEs. Our maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value of our investments.  The income and loss related to these investments are recorded in income from equity and cost method investments in the consolidated statement of operations.  We recorded income of $1.4 million and $2.8 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, and income of $0.7 million and $6.5 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 respectively.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of

America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance on revenue recognition for revenue from contracts with customers. This guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective.  The new standard is effective for the annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017, however, early adoption is permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on disclosure of uncertainties about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new standard is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. We will be adopting this guidance beginning December 31, 2016, which will involve adding policies and procedures around our assessments to continue as a going concern.

In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the current consolidation guidance on the determination of whether an entity is a variable interest entity.  The new standard is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted this revised guidance on a modified retrospective basis during the three months ended March 31, 2016. As disclosed under Other investments under Variable Interest Entities above, the adoption of the revised guidance resulted in additional investments in real estate ventures and investment companies being considered VIEs, however, we concluded that we were not the primary beneficiary of these investments. The revised guidance did not have any other impact on our consolidation conclusions.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to accounting for leases, which requires the assets and liabilities that arise from leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. Currently only capital leases are recorded on the balance sheet. This update will require the lessee to recognize a lease liability equal to the present value of the lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term for all leases longer than 12 months. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease

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assets and liabilities and recognize the lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. This new guidance will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income tax effects, forfeitures, the impact of employee income tax withholdings and classification of certain related items in the statement of cash flows. We early adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2016, which did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. The adoption of the various changes in the guidance were applied as required by the guidance either on the prospective, modified retrospective, or full retrospective basis. As shown in the consolidated statement of stockholders' equity, upon adoption, we recorded a $0.4 million increase to additional paid in capital and a $1.8 million decrease in accumulated deficit, net of taxes, to record the cumulative effect of changing the classification of certain liability awards to equity classification. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we reclassified $2.2 million from net cash flows from operating activities to net cash flows from financing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows related to cash payments made to taxing authorities on certain employees' behalf for shares withheld.

In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments. The new standard, which includes eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice as to how cash receipts and cash payments are represented in the statement of cash flow. The new standard is effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2017, including the interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Total revenues include: (i) cash and barter advertising revenues, net of agency commissions; (ii) retransmission consent fees; (iii) network compensation; (iv) other media revenues and (v) revenues from our other businesses.

Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period during which advertisements are placed.

Some of our retransmission consent agreements contain both advertising and retransmission consent elements.  We have determined that these retransmission consent agreements are revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables.  Advertising and retransmission consent deliverables sold under our agreements are separated into different units of accounting at fair value.  Revenue applicable to the advertising element of the arrangement is recognized similar to the advertising revenue policy noted above.  Revenue applicable to the retransmission consent element of the arrangement is recognized over the life of the agreement.

Network compensation revenue is recognized over the term of the contract.  All other significant revenues are recognized as services are provided.

Income Taxes

Our income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes.  The tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is based on the estimated effective tax rate applicable for the full year after taking into account discrete tax items and the effects of the noncontrolling interests. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies and forecasts of future taxable income.  In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis.  A valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial portion of our available state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards, based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary book/tax basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income.

Our effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 approximated the statutory rate. Our effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was less than the statutory rate primarily due to 1) a reduction in liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $5.7 million, in the third quarter of 2015, as a result of statute of limitations expiration and 2) a $3.3 million adjustment to the income tax provision upon finalization of the 2014 federal income tax return, primarily related to greater than originally projected available income tax deductions and credits.

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Share Repurchase Program

On March 20, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized a $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. On September 6, 2016 the Board of Directors authorized an additional $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. There is no expiration date and currently, management has no plans to terminate this program.  For the three months ended September 30, 2016, we purchased approximately 3.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $90.0 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we purchased approximately 3.6 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $101.2 million. As of September 30, 2016, the total remaining authorization was $154.3 million. In October and November 2016, we repurchased an additional 1.1 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $31.1 million.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year's presentation.

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2.ACQUISITIONS:

Tennis Channel. In March 2016, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Tennis Channel (Tennis), a cable network which includes coverage of the top 100 tennis tournaments and original professional sport and tennis lifestyle shows, for $350.0 million plus a working capital adjustment of $9.2 million. This was funded through cash on hand and a draw on the Bank Credit Agreement. The acquisition provides an expansion of our network business and increases value based on the synergies we can achieve. Tennis is reported within Other within Note 6. Segment Data.

The following table summarizes the allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities (in thousands):

Cash	$	5,111
Accounts receivable	17,629
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,518
Property and equipment	5,964
Definite-lived intangible assets	272,686
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	23,400
Other assets	619
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(7,414		)
Capital leases	(115		)
Deferred tax liability	(20,056		)
Other long term liabilities	(1,669		)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	302,673
Goodwill	56,492
Total	$	359,165

The preliminary allocation presented above is based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches.  In estimating the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates.  The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on estimated fair values. The allocation is preliminary pending a final determination of the fair values of the assets and liabilities.

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we made certain measurement period adjustments to the initial purchase accounting: an increase to definite-lived intangible assets of $45.6 million, a decrease to indefinite-lived intangible assets of $1.5 million, a decrease to deferred taxes assets of $16.1 million resulting in a net deferred tax liability, a decrease to goodwill of $25.3 million, and an increase to amortization of $1.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are comprised of trade names. Customer relationships, which represent existing advertiser relationships and contractual relationships with MVPDs, will be amortized over the estimated remaining useful lives of 10 to 15 years.  Acquired property and equipment will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives.  Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and noncontractual relationships, as well as expected future synergies.  Goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. Other intangible assets will be amortized over the respective weighted average useful lives ranging from 1 to 3 years. The following table summarizes the amounts allocated to definite-lived intangible assets representing the estimated fair values (in thousands):

Customer relationships	$	269,300
Other intangible assets	3,386
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	$	272,686

In connection with the acquisitions, for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, we incurred a total of $0.2 million of costs primarily related to legal and other professional services which we expensed as incurred and classified as corporate general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, net revenues

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and operating income of Tennis were $27.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, net revenues and an operating loss of Tennis were $62.5 million and $9.6 million, respectively.

Pro Forma Information

The following table sets forth unaudited results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 assuming that Tennis, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisition, occurred at the beginning of the year preceding the year of acquisition. The pro forma results exclude the acquisition of television station acquisitions discussed below, as they were deemed not material both individually and in the aggregate (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Total revenues	$	693,835	$	571,437	$	1,953,750	$	1,678,800
Net Income	$	79,019	$	40,911	$	127,222	$	107,312
Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	50,845	$	40,132	$	123,364	$	105,367
Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.54	$	0.42	$	1.30	$	1.11
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.54	$	0.42	$	1.29	$	1.10

This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and is not indicative of what our results would have been had we operated Tennis since the beginning of the annual period presented because the pro forma results do not reflect expected synergies.  The pro forma adjustments reflect depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets related to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions, and exclusion of nonrecurring financing and transaction related costs. Depreciation and amortization expense are higher than amounts recorded in the historical financial statements of the acquirees due to the fair value adjustments recorded for long-lived tangible and intangible assets in purchase accounting. 

Television Station Acquisitions. During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, we acquired certain television station related assets for an aggregate purchase price of $72.0 million less working capital of $0.2 million. In conjunction with the acquisition of certain television stations, we simultaneously sold broadcast assets of certain stations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized a gain on sale of those broadcast assets of $1.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

3.NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING:

5.125% Senior Notes, due 2027

On August 30, 2016, we issued $400.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and mature on February 15, 2027 (the 5.125% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated August 30, 2016 (the 5.125% Indenture). The 5.125% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15, commencing on February15, 2017. Prior to August 15, 2021, we may redeem the 5.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.125% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 5.125% Indenture. In addition, on or prior to August 15, 2019, we may redeem up to 35% of the 5.125% Notes, using proceeds of certain equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, the holders of the 5.125% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. There are no registration rights associated with the 5.125% Notes. The net proceeds of the 5.125% Notes were used to redeem $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of STG's 6.375% senior unsecured notes due 2021 (the 6.375% Notes) and for general corporate purposes. The redemption price, including the outstanding principal amount of the 6.375% Notes, accrued and unpaid interest, and a make-whole premium, totaled $377.2 million. We recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $23.7 million related to this redemption. We incurred $6.6 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 5.125% Notes as of September 30, 2016.

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5.875% Senior Notes, due 2026

On March 23, 2016, we issued $350.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum and mature on March 15, 2026 (the 5.875% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated March 23, 2016 (the 5.875% Indenture). The 5.875% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15, commencing on September 15, 2016. Prior to March 15, 2021, we may redeem the 5.875% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.875% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 5.875% Indenture. In addition, on or prior to March 15, 2019, we may redeem up to 35% of the 5.875% Notes, using proceeds of certain equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, the holders of the 5.875% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. There are no registration rights associated with the 5.875% Notes. The proceeds from the offering of the 5.875% Notes, were used to repay amounts under our revolving credit facility and for other general corporate purposes. We incurred $5.9 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 5.875% Notes.

As discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions, we completed the acquisition of Tennis in March 2016. The acquisition was funded, in part, by a draw on our revolving line of credit which was repaid using the proceeds from the 5.875% Notes discussed above.

Bank Credit Agreement

On July 19, 2016, we entered into an amendment and extension of our bank credit agreement. Pursuant to the amendment, the maturity date applicable to $485.2 million in revolving commitments and $139.5 million of term loan A loans were extended to July 31, 2021. The remaining $153.5 million of outstanding term loan A loans will mature April 9, 2018. In connection with the transaction, we also amended certain pricing terms related to the loans. We incurred approximately $2.6 million of financing costs in connection with the amendment, of which $0.3 million was expensed and the remaining $2.3 million was capitalized as deferred financing cost as of September 30, 2016.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there was no outstanding balance under our revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2016, we had $483.3 million borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility.

4.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Litigation

We are a party to lawsuits and claims from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Actions currently pending are in various stages and no material judgments or decisions have been rendered by hearing boards or courts in connection with such actions. After reviewing developments to date with legal counsel, our management is of the opinion that none of our pending and threatened matters are material. The FCC has undertaken an investigation in response to a complaint it received alleging possible violations of the FCC’s sponsorship identification rules by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. We cannot predict the outcome of any potential FCC action related to this matter but it is possible that such action could include fines and/or compliance programs.

Changes in the Rules of Television Ownership, Joint Sales Agreements, Retransmission Consent Negotiations, and National Ownership Cap

In March, 2014, the FCC issued a public notice indicating that it will closely scrutinize any broadcast assignment or transfer application proposing sharing arrangements (such as JSAs, LMAs and other shared services agreements) and contingent interests (such as options). We cannot now predict what actions the FCC may require in connection with the processing of applications for FCC consent to future transactions.  In addition, in August, 2016, the FCC completed both its 2010 and 2014 quadrennial reviews of its media ownership rules and issued an order which left most of the existing multiple ownership rules intact, but amended the rules to provide that, for JSAs where two television stations are located in the same market, and a party with an attributable interest in one station sells more than 15% of the ad time per week of the other station, the party selling such ad time shall be treated as if it had an attributable ownership interest in the second station.  The order provides that JSAs that existed prior to March 31, 2014, may remain in place until October 1, 2025, at which point they must be terminated, amended or otherwise come into compliance with the rules. In addition, these "grandfathered" JSAs may be transferred or assigned without losing grandfathering status. These new rules could limit our future ability to create duopolies or other two station operations in certain markets. The revenues of these JSA arrangements we earned were $16.0 million and $11.5 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015 and $42.5 million and $34.2 millionfor the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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In February 2015, the FCC issued an order implementing certain statutorily required changes to its rules governing the duty to negotiate retransmission consent agreements in good faith. With these changes, a television broadcast station is prohibited from negotiating retransmission consent jointly with another television station in the same market unless the “stations are directly or indirectly under common de jure control permitted under the regulations of the Commission.” During a 2015 retransmission consent negotiation, an MVPD filed a complaint with the FCC accusing us of violating this rule. Although we reached agreement with the MVPD and they withdrew their complaint, the FCC undertook its own internal investigation regarding the allegations made by the MVPD and whether we negotiated in good faith as defined by the rules. In order to resolve the issues raised by the investigation described above and all other pending matters before the FCC's Media Bureau (Bureau), the Company, on July 29, 2016, without any admission of liability, entered into a consent decree with the FCC pursuant to which the Bureau agreed (i) to terminate their investigation regarding the retransmission consent negotiations described above as well as any other investigations pending before the Bureau, (ii) to dismiss with prejudice or deny any outstanding adversarial pleadings against the Company pending before the Bureau, (iii) to cancel outstanding forfeiture orders issued by the Bureau relating to the Company, and (iv) to grant all of the Company’s pending license renewals, subject to a payment by the Company to the United States Treasury in the amount of $9.5 million which was paid in September 2016. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the consent decree, the Company agreed to be subject to ongoing compliance monitoring by the FCC for a period of 36 months.

Further, in September 2015, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in response to a Congressional directive in STELAR to examine the “totality of the circumstances test” for good-faith negotiations of retransmission consent. The proposed rulemaking seeks comment on new factors and evidence to consider in its evaluation of claims of bad faith negotiation, including service interruptions prior to a “marquee sports or entertainment event,” restrictions on online access to broadcast programming during negotiation impasses, broadcasters’ ability to offer bundles of broadcast signals with other broadcast stations or cable networks, and broadcasters’ ability to invoke the FCC’s exclusivity rules during service interruptions. On July 14, 2016, the FCC’s Chairman announced that the FCC would not, at this time, proceed to adopt additional rules governing good faith negotiations of retransmission consent. No formal action has yet been taken on this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and we cannot predict if the full Commission will agree to terminate the Rulemaking without action.

On September 6, 2016, the FCC released an order eliminating the UHF discount. The UHF discount allowed television station owners to discount the coverage of UHF stations when calculating compliance with the FCC’s national ownership cap, which prohibits a single entity from owning television stations that reach, in total, more than 39% of all the television households in the nation. All but 28 of the stations we own and operate, or to which we provide programming services are UHF. As a result of the elimination of the UHF discount, counting all our present stations and pending transactions, we reach over 37% of U.S. households. The changes to the national ownership cap could limit our future ability to make television station acquisitions.

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5.EARNINGS PER SHARE:

The following table reconciles income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in our computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended   September 30,						Nine Months Ended   September 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Income (Numerator)
Net Income	$	52,033		$	44,034		$	128,262		$	115,269
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,188		)	(779		)	(3,858		)	(1,945		)
Numerator for diluted earnings per common share available to common shareholders	$	50,845		$	43,255		$	124,404		$	113,324
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	93,948			95,002			94,595			95,146
Dilutive effect of stock-settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and outstanding stock options	818			690			870			691
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	94,766			95,692			95,465			95,837

There were 525,000 shares for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, and 200,000 shares for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 which had an anti-dilutive effect on the equivalent shares outstanding and therefore excluded from the diluted effect above.

6.SEGMENT DATA:

We measure segment performance based on operating income (loss).  Our broadcast segment includes stations in 81 markets located throughout the continental United States. Other primarily consists of original networks and content, digital and internet solutions, technical services and other non-media investments. All of our businesses are located within the United States.  Corporate costs primarily include our costs to operate as a public company and to operate our corporate headquarters location.  Other and Corporate are not reportable segments but are included for reconciliation purposes. 

We had approximately $226.5 million and $226.0 million of intercompany loans between the broadcast segment, other, and corporate as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  We had $6.1 million in intercompany interest expense related to intercompany loans between the broadcast segment, other, and corporate for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015. We had $18.3 million and $16.9 million in intercompany interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. All other intercompany transactions are immaterial.

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Segment financial information is included in the following tables for the periods presented (in thousands):

For the three months ended September 30, 2016	Broadcast		Other			Corporate			Consolidated
Revenue	$	635,559	$	58,276		$	—		$	693,835
Depreciation of property and equipment	24,195		1,425			266			25,886
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	38,717		9,090			—			47,807
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	32,441		—			—			32,441
General and administrative overhead expenses	17,530		247			1,275			19,052
Research and development	—		745			—			745
Operating income (loss)	158,666		(3,077		)	(1,595		)	153,994
Interest expense	1,404		1,664			50,420			53,488
Income from equity and cost method investments	—		611			812			1,423
Assets	4,901,549		825,996			138,643			5,866,188

For the three months ended September 30, 2015	Broadcast		Other			Corporate			Consolidated
Revenue	$	525,529	$	22,875		$	—		$	548,404
Depreciation of property and equipment	24,489		708			279			25,476
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	37,601		2,413			—			40,014
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	29,841		—			—			29,841
General and administrative overhead expenses	14,378		1,087			999			16,464
Research and development	—		4,803			—			4,803
Operating income (loss)	109,231		(7,653		)	(1,972		)	99,606
Interest expense	—		1,305			47,261			48,566
Income from equity and cost method investments	—		252			—			252

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016	Broadcast	Other		Corporate		Consolidated
Revenue	1,790,561	148,697		—		1,939,258
Depreciation of property and equipment	69,469	4,063		798		74,330
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	117,038	20,159		—		137,197
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	96,722	—		—		96,722
General and administrative overhead expenses	50,320	1,075		3,277		54,672
Research and development	—	3,055		—		3,055
Operating income (loss)	402,236	(28,699	)	(4,130	)	369,407
Interest expense	4,297	4,695		147,827		156,819
Income from equity and cost method investments	—	414		2,375		2,789

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2015	Broadcast		Other			Corporate			Consolidated
Revenue	$	1,542,943	$	64,403		$	—		$	1,607,346
Depreciation of property and equipment	73,028		2,073			837			75,938
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	112,724		6,715			—			119,439
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	90,014		—			—			90,014
General and administrative overhead expenses	40,637		2,611			3,437			46,685
Research and development	—		11,555			—			11,555
Operating income (loss)	323,336		(20,498		)	(4,345		)	298,493
Interest expense	—		3,541			139,337			142,878
Income from equity and cost method investments	—		5,405			—			5,405

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7.RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS:

Transactions with our controlling shareholders

David, Frederick, J. Duncan and Robert Smith (collectively, the controlling shareholders) are brothers and hold substantially all of the Class B Common Stock and some of our Class A Common Stock.  We engaged in the following transactions with them and/or entities in which they have substantial interests.

Leases.  Certain assets used by us and our operating subsidiaries are leased from Cunningham Communications Inc., Keyser Investment Group, Gerstell Development Limited Partnership and Beaver Dam, LLC (entities owned by the controlling shareholders).  Lease payments made to these entities were $1.3 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and $3.8 million and $3.9 million for nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In September 2015, we were granted authority by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate an experimental facility in Washington D.C. and Baltimore markets to implement a Single Frequency Network (SFN) using the base elements of the new ATSC 3.0 transmission standard.  In conjunction with this experimental facility, Cunningham Communications, Inc. provides tower space without charge.

Charter Aircraft.  We lease aircraft owned by certain controlling shareholders, including a new lease agreement as of February 2016 for the term of thirty months and will be renewed thereafter for successive terms of twelve months. For all leases, we incurred expenses of $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, and $1.0 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation

Cunningham owns a portfolio of television stations including: WNUV-TV Baltimore, Maryland; WRGT-TV Dayton, Ohio; WVH-TV Charleston, West Virginia; WMYA-TV Anderson, South Carolina; WTTE-TV Columbus, Ohio; WDBB-TV Birmingham, Alabama; WBSF-TV Flint, Michigan; and WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV Traverse City/Cadillac, Michigan (collectively, the Cunningham Stations). Certain of our stations provide services to these Cunningham Stations pursuant to LMAs or JSAs and SSAs. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for further discussion of the scope of services provided under these types of arrangements.

The estate of Carolyn C. Smith, the mother of our controlling shareholders, currently owns all of the voting stock of the Cunningham Stations.  The sale of the voting stock by the estate to an unrelated party is pending approval of the FCC. All of the non-voting stock is owned by trusts for the benefit of the children of our controlling shareholders.  We consolidate certain subsidiaries of Cunningham, with which we have variable interests through various arrangements related to the Cunningham Stations discussed further below.

The services provided to WNUV-TV, WMYA-TV, WTTE-TV, WRGT-TV and WVAH-TV are governed by a master agreement which has a current term that expires on July 1, 2023 and there are two additional 5- year renewal terms remaining with final expiration on July 1, 2033. We also executed purchase agreements to acquire the license related assets of these stations from Cunningham, which grant us the right to acquire, and grant Cunningham the right to require us to acquire, subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations, 100% of the capital stock or the assets of these individual subsidiaries of Cunningham. Our applications to acquire these license related assets are pending FCC approval. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement we are obligated to pay Cunningham an annual fee for the television stations equal to the greater of (i) 3% of each station’s annual net broadcast revenue and (ii) $4.7 million. The aggregate purchase price of these television stations increases by 6% annually. A portion of the fee is required to be applied to the purchase price to the extent of the 6% increase. The remaining aggregate purchase price of these stations as of September 30, 2016 was approximately $53.6 million. Additionally, we provide services to WDBB-TV pursuant to an LMA, which expires April 22, 2025. We paid Cunningham under these agreements, $2.1 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and $6.6 million and $7.8 million for nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The agreements with WBSF-TV and WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV expire in November 2021 and August 2023, respectively, and each has renewal provisions for successive eight year periods. We earned $1.4 million and $1.5 million from the services we performed for these stations for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $3.9 million and $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

As we consolidate the licensees as VIEs, the amounts we earn or pay under the arrangements are eliminated in consolidation

22

and the gross revenues of the stations are reported within our consolidated statement of operations. Our consolidated revenues related to the Cunningham Stations include $29.4 million and $25.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $83.8 million and $74.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

During January 2016, Cunningham entered into a promissory note to borrow $19.5 million from us. The note bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.0% per annum (the 5.0% Notes), which is payable quarterly, commencing March 31, 2016. The note matures in January 2021, with additional one year renewal periods upon our approval.

In April 2016, we entered into an agreement with Cunningham to provide master control equipment and provide master control services to a station in Johnstown, PA with which they have an LMA that expires in April 2019, Cunningham will pay us an initial fee of $0.7 million and $0.2 million annually for master control services plus the cost to maintain and repair the equipment. Also, in August 2016, we entered into an agreement, expiring October 2021, with Cunningham to provide a news share service with their station in Johnstown, PA beginning in October 2016 for an annual fee of $1.0 million per year.

Atlantic Automotive Corporation

We sell advertising time to Atlantic Automotive Corporation (Atlantic Automotive), a holding company that owns automobile dealerships and an automobile leasing company.  David D. Smith, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has a controlling interest in, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Atlantic Automotive.  We received payments for advertising totaling $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, and $0.6 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Additionally, Atlantic Automotive leases office space owned by one of our consolidated real estate ventures in Towson, Maryland. Atlantic Automotive paid $0.3 million in rent during both the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, and $0.8 million and $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Leased property by real estate ventures

Certain of our real estate ventures have entered into leases with entities owned by David Smith to lease restaurant space. There are leases for three restaurants in a building owned by one of our consolidated real estate ventures in Baltimore, MD. Total rent received under these leases was $0.2 million for both the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, and $0.5 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. There is also one lease for a restaurant in a building owned by one of our real estate ventures, accounted for under the equity method, in Towson, MD.  This investment received $0.1 million in rent pursuant to the lease for both the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, and $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Payments for services provided by these three restaurants to us was less than $0.1 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

23

8.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:

Accounting guidance provides for valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost).  A fair value hierarchy using three broad levels prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The following is a brief description of those three levels:

• Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

• Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

The carrying value and fair value of our notes and debentures for the periods presented (in thousands):

	As of September 30, 2016				As of December 31, 2015
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Level 2:
6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 (a)	$	—	$	—	$	350,000	$	367,325
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022	500,000		526,910		500,000		512,500
5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 (b)	350,000		364,000		—		—
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024	550,000		563,750		550,000		539,000
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021	600,000		623,250		600,000		605,658
5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 (c)	400,000		392,356		—		—
Term Loan A	282,573		283,280		313,620		308,916
Term Loan B	1,366,117		1,378,636		1,376,007		1,365,461
Debt of variable interest entities	24,069		24,069		26,682		26,682
Debt of other operating divisions	123,599		123,599		120,969		120,969

(a) In August 2016, we redeemed our 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021. See Note 3. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information.

(b) In March 2016, we issued $350 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum and maturing in 2026. See Note 3.Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information.

(c) In August 2016, we issued $400 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and maturing in 2027. See Note 3.Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information.

24

9.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

Sinclair Television Group, Inc. (STG), a wholly-owned subsidiary and the television operating subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (SBG), is the primary obligor under the Bank Credit Agreement, the 5.375% Notes, the 5.625% Notes, 6.125% Notes, 5.875% Notes, 5.125% Notes, and until they were redeemed, the 6.375% Notes. Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of September 30, 2016, were obligations or securities of SBG and not obligations or securities of STG.  SBG is a guarantor under the Bank Credit Agreement, the 5.375% Notes, 5.625% Notes, 6.125% Notes, 5.875% Notes, 6.125% Notes, and until they were redeemed, the 6.375% Notes. As of September 30, 2016, our consolidated total debt, net of deferred financing costs and debt discounts, of $4,206.3 million included $4,078.7 million related to STG and its subsidiaries of which SBG guaranteed $4,030.9 million.

 `

SBG, KDSM, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBG, and STG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (guarantor subsidiaries), have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, subject to certain customary automatic release provisions, all of STG’s obligations. Those guarantees are joint and several.  There are certain contractual restrictions on the ability of SBG, STG or KDSM, LLC to obtain funds from their subsidiaries in the form of dividends or loans.

The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows of SBG, STG, KDSM, LLC and the guarantor subsidiaries, the direct and indirect non-guarantor subsidiaries of SBG and the eliminations necessary to arrive at our information on a consolidated basis.

These statements are presented in accordance with the disclosure requirements under SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10.

25

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.		Sinclair Television Group, Inc.		Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Cash	$	—	$	81,671	$	4,550	$	18,324		$	—		$	104,545
Accounts receivable	—		—		483,686		37,237			(1,261		)	519,662
Other current assets	3,371		6,457		132,250		27,434			(3,629		)	165,883
Total current assets	3,371		88,128		620,486		82,995			(4,890		)	790,090
Property and equipment, net	2,086		17,710		566,633		130,309			(3,650		)	713,088
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	483,523		3,696,504		4,180		—			(4,184,207		)	—
Goodwill	—		—		1,985,299		4,279			—			1,989,578
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	—		—		137,416		15,709			—			153,125
Definite-lived intangible assets	—		—		1,816,553		227,351			(60,578		)	1,983,326
Other long-term assets	52,116		782,850		105,247		160,180			(863,412		)	236,981
Total assets	$	541,096	$	4,585,192	$	5,235,814	$	620,823		$	(5,116,737	)	$	5,866,188
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	102	$	55,484	$	211,362	$	28,427		$	(4,162	)	$	291,213
Current portion of long-term debt	—		55,500		1,803		107,935			—			165,238
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,804		—		1,569		2,258			(2,032		)	3,599
Other current liabilities	—		—		123,020		16,675			—			139,695
Total current liabilities	1,906		110,984		337,754		155,295			(6,194		)	599,745
Long-term debt	—		3,951,479		31,521		39,437			—			4,022,437
Affiliate long-term debt	479		—		12,977		384,174			(382,594		)	15,036
Other liabilities	22,196		31,612		1,173,805		177,155			(662,464		)	742,304
Total liabilities	24,581		4,094,075		1,556,057		756,061			(1,051,252		)	5,379,522
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)	516,515		491,117		3,679,757		(101,024		)	(4,069,849		)	516,516
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	—		—		—		(34,214		)	4,364			(29,850		)
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	541,096	$	4,585,192	$	5,235,814	$	620,823		$	(5,116,737	)	$	5,866,188

26

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015

(in thousands)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.		Sinclair Television Group, Inc.		Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Cash	$	—	$	115,771	$	235	$	33,966		$	—		$	149,972
Accounts receivable	—		1,775		390,142		33,949			(1,258		)	424,608
Other current assets	3,648		5,172		99,118		23,278			(4,033		)	127,183
Total current assets	3,648		122,718		489,495		91,193			(5,291		)	701,763
Property and equipment, net	2,884		20,336		559,042		143,667			(8,792		)	717,137
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	497,262		3,430,434		4,179		—			(3,931,875		)	—
Goodwill	—		—		1,926,814		4,279			—			1,931,093
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	—		—		114,841		17,624			—			132,465
Definite-lived intangible assets	—		—		1,602,454		206,975			(57,859		)	1,751,570
Other long-term assets	52,128		673,915		110,507		140,910			(779,173		)	198,287
Total assets	$	555,922	$	4,247,403	$	4,807,332	$	604,648		$	(4,782,990	)	$	5,432,315
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	104	$	49,428	$	179,156	$	27,462		$	(4,837	)	$	251,313
Current portion of long-term debt	—		57,640		1,611		106,358			(1,425		)	164,184
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,651		—		1,311		456			(252		)	3,166
Other current liabilities	—		—		103,627		12,713			—			116,340
Total current liabilities	1,755		107,068		285,705		146,989			(6,514		)	535,003
Long-term debt	—		3,594,218		32,743		42,199			—			3,669,160
Affiliate long-term debt	1,857		—		14,240		366,042			(364,289		)	17,850
Other liabilities	26,500		28,866		1,060,211		171,102			(576,055		)	710,624
Total liabilities	30,112		3,730,152		1,392,899		726,332			(946,858		)	4,932,637
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)	525,810		517,251		3,414,433		(91,703		)	(3,839,981		)	525,810
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	—		—		—		(29,981		)	3,849			(26,132		)
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	555,922	$	4,247,403	$	4,807,332	$	604,648		$	(4,782,990	)	$	5,432,315

27

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	655,778		$	63,877		$	(25,820	)	$	693,835
Media program and production expenses	—			—			234,474			33,556			(25,150		)	242,880
Selling, general and administrative	1,275			16,969			124,352			3,153			(25		)	145,724
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	266			3,257			115,527			32,571			(384		)	151,237
Total operating expenses	1,541			20,226			474,353			69,280			(25,559		)	539,841
Operating (loss) income	(1,541		)	(20,226		)	181,425			(5,403		)	(261		)	153,994
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	51,113			114,060			51			—			(165,224		)	—
Interest expense	(56		)	(50,364		)	(1,117		)	(8,256		)	6,305			(53,488		)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	—			(23,699		)	—			—			—			(23,699		)
Other income (expense)	1,157			469			(27		)	613			—			2,212
Total other income (expense)	52,214			40,466			(1,093		)	(7,643		)	(158,919		)	(74,975		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	172			34,334			(64,535		)	3,043			—			(26,986		)
Net income (loss)	50,845			54,574			115,797			(10,003		)	(159,180		)	52,033
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(1,180		)	(8		)	(1,188		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	50,845		$	54,574		$	115,797		$	(11,183	)	$	(159,188	)	$	50,845
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	50,845		$	54,574		$	115,797		$	(10,003	)	$	(159,180	)	$	52,033

28

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	515,097		$	53,845		$	(20,538	)	$	548,404
Media program and production expenses	—			—			185,371			20,272			(18,470		)	187,173
Selling, general and administrative	930			14,386			102,984			3,819			(33		)	122,086
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	266			1,040			105,427			34,336			(1,530		)	139,539
Total operating expenses	1,196			15,426			393,782			58,427			(20,033		)	448,798
Operating (loss) income	(1,196		)	(15,426		)	121,315			(4,582		)	(505		)	99,606
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	43,480			88,687			100			—			(132,267		)	—
Interest expense	(93		)	(45,784		)	(1,140		)	(7,721		)	6,172			(48,566		)
Other income (expense)	957			(407		)	3			(349		)	—			204
Total other income (expense)	44,344			42,496			(1,037		)	(8,070		)	(126,095		)	(48,362		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	107			20,235			(30,126		)	2,574			—			(7,210		)
Net income (loss)	43,255			47,305			90,152			(10,078		)	(126,600		)	44,034
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(799		)	20			(779		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	43,255		$	47,305		$	90,152		$	(10,877	)	$	(126,580	)	$	43,255
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	44,044		$	47,315		$	90,152		$	(10,078	)	$	(127,389	)	$	44,044

29

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,828,407		$	178,164		$	(67,313	)	$	1,939,258
Media program and production expenses	—			—			679,337			88,378			(65,338		)	702,377
Selling, general and administrative	3,277			53,189			360,793			7,641			(59		)	424,841
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	798			5,666			340,974			96,560			(1,365		)	442,633
Total operating expenses	4,075			58,855			1,381,104			192,579			(66,762		)	1,569,851
Operating (loss) income	(4,075		)	(58,855		)	447,303			(14,415		)	(551		)	369,407
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	124,536			289,593			170			—			(414,299		)	—
Interest expense	(192		)	(147,635		)	(3,417		)	(24,258		)	18,683			(156,819		)
Loss from the extinguishment of debt	—			(23,699		)	—			—			—			(23,699		)
Other income	3,386			736			583			439			—			5,144
Total other income (expense)	127,730			118,995			(2,664		)	(23,819		)	(395,616		)	(175,374		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	749			75,470			(150,436		)	8,446			—			(65,771		)
Net income (loss)	124,404			135,610			294,203			(29,788		)	(396,167		)	128,262
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(3,341		)	(517		)	(3,858		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	124,404		$	135,610		$	294,203		$	(33,129	)	$	(396,684	)	$	124,404
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	124,404		$	135,610		$	294,203		$	(29,788	)	$	(396,167	)	$	128,262

30

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,514,173		$	153,757		$	(60,584	)	$	1,607,346
Media program and production expenses	—			—			535,098			61,949			(56,493		)	540,554
Selling, general and administrative	3,432			40,598			302,962			10,919			(138		)	357,773
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	799			2,624			316,934			92,667			(2,498		)	410,526
Total operating expenses	4,231			43,222			1,154,994			165,535			(59,129		)	1,308,853
Operating (loss) income	(4,231		)	(43,222		)	359,179			(11,778		)	(1,455		)	298,493
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	114,176			238,635			—			—			(352,811		)	—
Interest expense	(301		)	(134,626		)	(3,481		)	(21,898		)	17,428			(142,878		)
Other income (expense)	3,250			(116		)	269			3,222			—			6,625
Total other income (expense)	117,125			103,893			(3,212		)	(18,676		)	(335,383		)	(136,253		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	430			60,435			(113,403		)	5,567			—			(46,971		)
Net income (loss)	113,324			121,106			242,564			(24,887		)	(336,838		)	115,269
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(1,999		)	54			(1,945		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	113,324		$	121,106		$	242,564		$	(26,886	)	$	(336,784	)	$	113,324
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	115,447		$	121,132		$	242,713		$	(24,885	)	$	(338,960	)	$	115,447

31

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$	(4,060	)	$	(152,724	)	$	451,804		$	17,138		$	18,102		$	330,260
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(7		)	(3,626		)	(61,758		)	(3,842		)	632			(68,601		)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			—			(415,481		)	(10,375		)	—			(425,856		)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	—			—			—			(29,143		)	—			(29,143		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			7,263			9,133			—			16,396
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(2,945		)	(10,840		)	(34		)	(20,405		)	—			(34,224		)
Loans to affiliates	—			(19,500		)	—			—			—			(19,500		)
Other, net	1,714			(1,828		)	(86		)	3,601			—			3,401
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities	(1,238		)	(35,794		)	(470,096		)	(51,031		)	632			(557,527		)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing	—			995,000			—			16,312			—			1,011,312
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	—			(636,547		)	(1,171		)	(16,269		)	—			(653,987		)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(49,667		)	—			—			—			—			(49,667		)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(101,164		)	—			—			—			—			(101,164		)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	158,574			(189,022		)	22,603			26,764			(18,919		)	—
Other, net	(2,445		)	(15,013		)	1,175			(8,556		)	185			(24,654		)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	5,298			154,418			22,607			18,251			(18,734		)	181,840
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	—			(34,100		)	4,315			(15,642		)	—			(45,427		)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	—			115,771			235			33,966			—			149,972
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	—		$	81,671		$	4,550		$	18,324		$	—		$	104,545

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$	(6,476	)	$	(66,929	)	$	390,101		$	(21,156	)	$	18,181		$	313,721
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	—			(7,687		)	(64,693		)	(1,603		)	1,507			(72,476		)
Payments for acquisition of television stations	—			—			(15,514		)	—			—			(15,514		)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	—			—			—			(31,340		)	—			(31,340		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			23,650			—			—			23,650
Investments in equity and cost method investees	—			(7,486		)	(27		)	(35,555		)	—			(43,068		)
Other, net	3,776			539			530			6,370			—			11,215
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities	3,776			(14,634		)	(56,054		)	(62,128		)	1,507			(127,533		)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	—			349,559			—			29,922			—			379,481
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(473		)	(370,011		)	(937		)	(3,683		)	—			(375,104		)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(47,104		)	—			—			—			—			(47,104		)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(28,823		)	—			—			—			—			(28,823		)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	82,410			200,108			(335,447		)	72,757			(19,828		)	—
Other, net	(3,310		)	(3,491		)	847			(7,117		)	140			(12,931		)
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	2,700			176,165			(335,537		)	91,879			(19,688		)	(84,481		)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	—			94,602			(1,490		)	8,595			—			101,707
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	—			3,394			1,749			12,539			—			17,682
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	—		$	97,996		$	259		$	21,134		$	—		$	119,389

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ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes or incorporates forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events.  These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, including, among other things, the following risks:

General risks

•the impact of changes in national and regional economies and credit and capital markets;

•consumer confidence;

•the potential impact of changes in tax law;

•the activities of our competitors;

•terrorist acts of violence or war and other geopolitical events;

•natural disasters that impact our advertisers and our stations; and

•cybersecurity.

Industry risks

• the conditions of our advertisers particularly in the automotive, service, and political categories;

• competition with other broadcast television stations, radio stations, multi-channel video programming distributors (MVPDs), internet and broadband content providers and other print and media outlets serving in the same markets;

• the performance of networks and syndicators that provide us with programming content, as well as the performance of internally originated programming;

• the availability and cost of programming from networks and syndicators, as well as the cost of internally originated programming;

• our relationships with networks and their strategies to distribute their programming via means other than their local television affiliates, such as over-the-top content;

• the effects of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) National Broadband Plan and incentive auction and the potential repacking of our broadcasting spectrum within a limited timeframe;

• the potential for additional governmental regulation of broadcasting or changes in those regulations and court actions interpreting those regulations, including ownership regulations limiting over-the-air television’s ability to compete effectively (including regulations relating to Joint Sales Agreements (JSA) and Shared Services Agreements (SSA), and the national ownership cap), arbitrary enforcement of indecency regulations, retransmission consent regulations and political or other advertising restrictions;

• labor disputes and legislation and other union activity associated with film, acting, writing and other guilds and professional sports leagues;

• the broadcasting community’s ability to develop and adopt a viable mobile digital broadcast television (mobile DTV) strategy and platform, such as the adoption of ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard, and the consumer’s appetite for mobile television;

• the impact of programming payments charged by networks pursuant to their affiliation agreements with broadcasters requiring compensation for network programming;

• the effects of declining live/appointment viewership as reported through rating systems and local television efforts to adopt and receive credit for same day viewing plus viewing on-demand thereafter;

• changes in television rating measurement methodologies that could negatively impact audience results;

• the ability of local MVPDs to coordinate and determine local advertising rates as a consortium;

• the impact of new FCC rules requiring broadcast stations to publish, among other information, political advertising rates online;

• changes in the makeup of the population in the areas where stations are located;

• the operation of low power devices in the broadcast spectrum, which could interfere with our broadcast signals;

• the impact of FCC and Congressional efforts to limit the ability of a television station to negotiate retransmission consent agreements for the same-market stations it does not own and other FCC efforts which may restrict a television station's retransmission consent negotiations;

• the effects of decreases in subscribers of MVPDs whom which we receive retransmission revenue;

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• Over-the-top (OTT) technologies and their potential impact on cord-cutting; and

• the impact of MVPDs offering “skinny” programming bundles that may not include television broadcast stations.

Risks specific to us

• the effectiveness of our management;

• our ability to attract and maintain local, national and network advertising and successfully participate in new sales channels such as programmatic advertising through business partnership ventures and the development of technology;

• our ability to service our debt obligations and operate our business under restrictions contained in our financing agreements;

• our ability to successfully implement and monetize our own content management system (CMS) designed to provide our viewers significantly improved content via the internet and other digital platforms;

• our ability to successfully renegotiate retransmission consent agreements;

• our ability to renew our FCC licenses;

• our limited ability to obtain FCC approval for any future acquisitions, as well as, in certain cases, customary antitrust clearance for any future acquisitions;

• our ability to identify media business investment opportunities and to successfully integrate any acquired businesses, as well as the success of our digital initiatives in a competitive environment, such as the investment in the re-launch of Circa;

• our ability to maintain our affiliation and programming service agreements with our networks and program service providers and at renewal, to successfully negotiate these agreements with favorable terms;

• our ability to effectively respond to technology affecting our industry and to increasing competition from other media providers;

• the strength of ratings for our local news broadcasts including our news sharing arrangements;

• the successful execution of our program development and multi-channel broadcasting initiatives including, but not limited to, American Sports Network (ASN), COMET, and other original programming, and mobile DTV; and

• the results of prior year tax audits by taxing authorities.

Other matters set forth in this report and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 may also cause actual results in the future to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.  However, additional factors and risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also cause actual results in the future to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.  You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, events described in the forward-looking statements discussed in this report might not occur.

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The following table sets forth certain operating data for the periods presented:

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA

(in thousands, except for per share data) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Statement of Operations Data:
Media revenues (a)	$	635,269		$	498,167		$	1,772,860		$	1,466,088
Revenues realized from station barter arrangements	32,061			28,618			92,574			79,950
Other non-media revenues	26,505			21,619			73,824			61,308
Total revenues	693,835			548,404			1,939,258			1,607,346
Media production expenses	242,880			187,173			702,377			540,554
Media selling, general and administrative expenses	126,672			105,622			370,169			311,088
Expenses realized from barter arrangements	27,181			23,105			79,365			66,898
Depreciation and amortization expenses (b)	106,134			95,331			308,249			285,391
Other non-media expenses	20,488			16,555			57,946			46,988
Corporate general and administrative expenses	19,052			16,464			54,672			46,685
Research and development expenses	745			4,803			3,055			11,555
Gain on asset dispositions	(3,311		)	(255		)	(5,982		)	(306		)
Operating income	153,994			99,606			369,407			298,493
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs	(53,488		)	(48,566		)	(156,819		)	(142,878		)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	(23,699		)	—			(23,699		)	—
Income from equity and cost method investees	1,423			252			2,789			5,405
Other income (expense), net	789			(48		)	2,355			1,220
Income before income taxes	79,019			51,244			194,033			162,240
Income tax provision	(26,986		)	(7,210		)	(65,771		)	(46,971		)
Net income	52,033			44,034			128,262			115,269
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,188		)	(779		)	(3,858		)	(1,945		)
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	50,845		$	43,255		$	124,404		$	113,324
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group:
Basic earnings per share	$	0.54		$	0.46		$	1.32		$	1.19
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.54		$	0.45		$	1.30		$	1.18

Balance Sheet Data:	September 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
Cash and cash equivalents	$	104,545	$	149,972
Total assets	$	5,866,188	$	5,432,315
Total debt (c)	$	4,206,310	$	3,854,360
Total equity	$	486,666	$	499,678

(a) Media revenues is defined as broadcast revenues, net of agency commissions, retransmission fees, and other media related revenues.

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(b)Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, definite-lived intangible assets, program contract costs and other assets.

(c) Total debt is defined as notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, including the current and long-term portions.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides qualitative and quantitative information about our financial performance and condition and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to those statements.  This discussion consists of the following sections:

Executive Overview — financial events during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and through the date this Report on Form 10-Q is filed.

Results of Operations — an analysis of our revenues and expenses for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, including comparisons between quarters and expectations for the three months ended December 31, 2016.

Liquidity and Capital Resources — a discussion of our primary sources of liquidity, an analysis of our cash flows from or used in operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities, and an update of our debt refinancings during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Third Quarter2016 Events

• In July 2016, nine recipients received the inaugural awards from the Sinclair Broadcast Diversity Scholarship Fund that was established in 2015.

• In July 2016, we launched the new Circa.com website. This site uses new technology designed for enhanced mobile video and new-generation news consumers.

• In July 2016, we extended the maturity date of certain loans and commitments under our existing bank credit facility until July 31, 2021.

• In July 2016, we rebranded our digital agency solutions group under the name Compulse Integrated Marketing to provide in-depth digital marketing services aimed at small and medium sized businesses.

• In July 2016, we entered into a Consent Decree with the FCC resolving a number of previously disclosed matters relating to certain content broadcast on our stations, technical issues relating to LMAs, and the FCC's rule regarding retransmission consent negotiations. The FCC dismissed all pending claims against us with the Media Bureau and issued renewals for 90 television stations. In September 2016, as part of the settlement we paid of $9.5 million which was accrued as of June 30, 2016.

• In July 2016, we entered into agreements with FOX for the renewal of FOX affiliations in five markets. The FOX affiliations were also renewed in three markets by the licensees of stations that we provide sales and other services to under joint sales agreements.

• In August 2016, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share, payable on September 15, 2016 to the holders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2016.

• In August 2016, we signed a multi-year retransmission consent agreement with Comcast Cable for carriage of our broadcast television stations.

• In August 2016, we sponsored the 2016 National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists convention, held in Washington, D.C.

• In August 2016, we issued $400 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and mature on February 15, 2027. The proceeds were used to redeem $350 million in senior unsecured notes due in 2021 and for general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2016, we had $154.3 million of capacity to repurchase our stock.

• In September 2016, the Board of Directors approved an additional $150.0 million share repurchase authorization to be accessed once the existing authorization is exhausted.

• In September 2016, the Tennis Channel signed an eight-year rights agreement with the Volvo Car Open in Charleston, S.C., one of the largest women's-only tennis tournaments in the world.

• In September 2016, we showcased responsible drone reporting at a Capitol Hill science and technology fair aimed to educate Members of Congress and their staff on the uses of this innovative advancement in aeronautics.

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• For the three months ended September 30, 2016, we purchased approximately 3.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $90.0 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we purchased approximately 3.6 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $101.2 million. As of September 30, 2016, the total remaining authorization was $154.3 million. In October and November 2016, we repurchased an additional 1.1 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $31.1 million.

Other Events

• In November 2016, we announced the following executive promotions and changes which will become effective January 1, 2017: David Smith from Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer to Executive Chairman; Christopher Ripley from Chief Financial Officer to President & Chief Executive Officer; and Lucy Rutishauser from SVP Corporate Finance & Treasurer to SVP Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer.

• In November 2016, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share, payable on December 15, 2016 to the holders of record at the close of business of December 1, 2016.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The results of the businesses acquired during 2015 and 2016 are included in our results of operations from their respective dates of acquisition. See Note 2. Acquisitions in our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of acquisitions. Additionally, any references to the first, second or fourth quarters are to the three months ended March 31, June 30, and December 31, respectively, for the year being discussed. We have one reportable segment, “broadcast”, that is disclosed separately from our other and corporate activities.

SEASONALITY/CYCLICALITY

Our operating results are usually subject to seasonal fluctuations.  Usually, the second and fourth quarter operating results are higher than first and third quarters’ because advertising expenditures are increased in anticipation of certain seasonal and holiday spending by consumers.

Our operating results are usually subject to fluctuations from political advertising.  In even numbered years, political spending is usually significantly higher than in odd numbered years due to advertising expenditures preceding local and national elections.  Additionally, every four years, political spending is usually elevated further due to advertising expenditures preceding the presidential election.

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Operating Data

The following table sets forth our consolidated operating data three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Media revenues (a)	$	635.3		$	498.2		$	1,772.9		$	1,466.1
Revenues realized from station barter arrangements	32.1			28.6			92.6			80.0
Other non-media revenues	26.5			21.6			73.8			61.3
Total revenues	693.9			548.4			1,939.3			1,607.4
Media production expenses (a)	242.9			187.2			702.4			540.6
Media selling, general and administrative expenses (a)	126.7			105.7			370.2			311.1
Expenses recognized from station barter arrangements	27.2			23.1			79.4			66.9
Depreciation and amortization	106.1			95.3			308.2			285.4
Other non-media expenses	20.5			16.6			57.9			47.0
Corporate general and administrative expenses	19.1			16.4			54.7			46.7
Research and development	0.7			4.8			3.1			11.5
Gain on asset dispositions	(3.3		)	(0.3		)	(6.0		)	(0.3		)
Operating income	$	154.0		$	99.6		$	369.4		$	298.5
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	50.8		$	43.3		$	124.4		$	113.3

(a) Our media related revenues and expenses are primarily derived from our broadcast segment, but also from our other media related business, including our networks and content such as Tennis Channel, American Sports Network, COMET, and non-broadcast digital properties. The results of our broadcast segment and the other media businesses are discussed further below under Broadcast Segment and Other, respectively.

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BROADCAST SEGMENT

Revenue

The following table presents our media revenues, net of agency commissions, for our broadcast segment for the periods presented (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016		2015		Percent Change		2016		2015		Percent Change
Local revenues:
Non-political	$	469.6	$	403.9	16.3	%	$	1,350.8	$	1,192.6	13.3	%
Political	3.7		3.2		(b)		11.4		5.4		(b)
Total local	473.3		407.1		16.3	%	1,362.2		1,198.0		13.7	%
National revenues (a):
Non-political	89.7		85.2		5.3	%	264.4		256.4		3.1	%
Political	41.3		4.7		(b)		74.7		8.7		(b)
Total national	131.0		89.9		45.7	%	339.1		265.1		27.9	%
Total broadcast segment media revenues	$	604.3	$	497.0	21.6	%	$	1,701.3	$	1,463.1	16.3	%

(a)National revenue relates to advertising sales sourced from our national representation firm.

(b)Political revenue is not comparable from year to year due to cyclicality of elections.  See Political Revenues below for more information.

Media revenues.  Media revenues increased$107.3 million when comparing the three months ended September 30, 2016 to the same period in 2015 and increased$238.2 millionfor the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. The stations acquired after September 30, 2015, net of dispositions, contributed an increase of $9.0 million and $18.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The remaining increase was primarily related to an increase in political net time sales as 2016 is a presidential election year, and an increase in retransmission and digital revenues. For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016, the services, food-grocery, entertainment, home products, medical, pharmaceutical/cosmetics, and media sectors increased year over year. These increases were offset by lower revenues in the telecommunications, schools, paid programming, and fast food sectors. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, the services, direct response, entertainment, home product, automotive, furniture, food-grocery, pharmaceutical/cosmetics, and medical sectors. These increases were offset by lower revenues in the schools, telecommunications, internet, paid programing, and fast food sectors. Excluding the stations acquired or disposed after September 30, 2015, automotive, which typically is our largest category, represented 23.7% and 25.5% of net time sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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From a network affiliation or program service arrangement perspective, the following table sets forth percentages of our net time sales by affiliate for the periods presented:

	# of channels	Percent of Net Time Sales for the		Net Time Sales Percent Change	Percent of Net Time Sales for the		Net Time Sales Percent Change
		Three months ended September 30,			Nine months ended September 30,
		2016	2015		2016	2015
ABC	36	26.1%	28.1%	(2.0)%	27.5%	28.6%	(1.1)%
FOX	54	23.3%	26.1%	(2.8)%	24.3%	25.8%	(1.5)%
CBS	30	18.5%	17.6%	0.9%	19.2%	17.5%	1.7%
NBC	22	16.7%	11.7%	5.0%	13.4%	11.8%	1.6%
CW	43	7.3%	8.1%	(0.8)%	7.6%	8.1%	(0.5)%
MNT	35	6.2%	6.7%	(0.5)%	6.2%	6.7%	(0.5)%
Other (a)	262	1.9%	1.7%	0.2%	1.7%	1.5%	0.2%
Total	482

(a)     We broadcast other programming from the following providers on our channels including: ASN, Antenna TV, Azteca, Bounce Network, COMET, Decades, Estrella TV, Get TV, Grit, Me TV, MundoFox, Retro TV, Telemundo, This TV, News & Weather, Univision and Zuus Country.

Political Revenues. Political revenues increased by $37.1 million and $72 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2015. Political revenues are typically higher in election years such as 2016.

Local Revenues.  Excluding political revenues, our local broadcast revenues, which include local time sales, retransmission revenues and other local revenues, increased $65.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, when compared to the same period in 2015. The stations acquired after September 30, 2015, net of dispositions, contributed $7.0 million of the increase. The remaining increase was primarily related to an increase in services, automotive, and entertainment as well as an increase in the furniture, media, and food-grocery sectors. These increases were offset by lower revenues in the schools, fast food, paid programming, and direct response sectors.

Excluding political revenues, our local broadcast revenues, which include local times sales, retransmission revenues and other local revenues, increased by $158.2 millionfor the nine months ended September 30, 2016, when compared to the same period in 2015. The stations acquired after September 30, 2015, net of dispositions, contributed $15.4 million of the increase. The remaining increase was primarily related to an increase in services, automotive, entertainment, furniture, food-grocery, and media sectors. These increases were offset by lower revenues in the schools, medical, fast food, paid programming, direct response, pharmaceutical/cosmetics sectors.

National Revenues. Excluding political revenues, our national broadcast revenues, which relates to time sales sourced from our national representation firms, were up $4.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015. The stations acquired after September 30, 2015, net of dispositions, contributed $0.9 million of the increase. The remaining increase primarily related to an increase in the direct response, medical, food-grocery, pharmaceutical/cosmetics, home products, and school sectors. These increases were offset by lower revenues in the telecommunications and automotive sectors.

Excluding political revenues, our national broadcast revenues, which relates to time sales sourced from our national representation firms, were up $8.0 million for the nine months ended 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015. The stations acquired after September 30, 2015, net of dispositions, contributed $1.8 million of the increase. The remaining increase primarily related to an increase in direct response, medical, pharmaceutical/cosmetics, home products, and fast food. These increases were offset by lower revenues in the telecommunications, automotive, internet, media, and services sectors.

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Expenses

The following table presents our significant operating expense categories for our broadcast segment for the periods presented (in millions):

	Three months ended September 30,				Percent  Change (Increase/(Decrease))		Nine months ended September 30,				Percent  Change (Increase/(Decrease))
	2016		2015				2016		2015
Media production expenses	$	222.7	$	183.2	21.6	%	$	639.2	$	528.7	20.9	%
Media selling, general and administrative expenses	$	116.8	$	104.0	12.3	%	$	344.2	$	308.0	11.8	%
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	$	32.4	$	29.8	8.7	%	$	96.7	$	90.0	7.4	%
Corporate general and administrative expenses	$	17.5	$	14.4	21.5	%	$	50.3	$	40.6	23.9	%
Depreciation and amortization expenses	$	62.9	$	62.1	1.3	%	$	186.5	$	185.8	0.4	%

Media production expenses.  Media production expenses increased$39.5 million and $110.5 million during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. The acquired stations not included in the same period of 2015, net of dispositions, contributed $3.4 million and $7.4 million of the increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The increase is primarily related to increases in fees pursuant to network affiliation agreements mainly in relation to higher retransmission revenue and further investment in original programming content; an increase in production costs related to sports programming content and expansion of news; an increase in costs related to viewership measurement, and increases in compensation primarily related to standard merit increases.

Media selling, general and administrative expense.  Media selling, general and administrative expenses increased$12.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015. The acquired stations not included in the same period of 2015, net of dispositions, contributed $2.0 million for the three months. The remaining increase related to an increase in compensation expense for annual merit and bonus increases; an increase in expenses for our digital interactive business as a result of higher revenue; an increase in national sales commissions; and expenses related to the update of core technologies.

Media selling, general and administrative expenses increased $36.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015. The acquired stations not included in the same period of 2015, net of dispositions, contributed $4.0 million for the nine months. The remaining increase related to an increase in compensation expense for annual merit and bonus increases; an increase in expenses for our digital interactive business as a result of higher revenue; an increase in national sales commissions; and expenses related to the update of core technologies.

Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments.  The amortization of program contract costs increased$2.6 million and $6.7 million during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. The increase is primarily due to higher programming costs.

Corporate general and administrative expenses.  See explanation under Corporate and Unallocated Expenses.

Depreciation and Amortization expenses.  Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangibles and other assets increased$0.8 million and decreased $0.7 million during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016. respectively.

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OTHER

Media revenues, media production expenses, and media selling, general, and administrative expense. The media revenue included within Other primarily relates to original networks and content, as well as our non-broadcast digital and internet businesses. We recorded revenue of $31.0 million and $1.3 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $71.5 million and $3.1 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The year over year increase for both the three and nine months is primarily related to recently acquired Tennis Channel as well as increases in revenue from our science-fiction and sports networks, which began operating in 2015 and 2014, respectively. We recorded expenses of $30.1 million and $5.0 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $89.2 million and $15.0 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our expenses relate to the programming and production, and general and administrative costs related to the operations of our network, content, and digital and internet businesses. The year over year increases primarily relate to the recently acquired Tennis Channel and general and administrative costs related to the start-up of our original networks and content, production costs of new original programming, and new digital and internet initiatives such as Circa.

Other non-media revenues and expenses:

Investments in real estate ventures. We have controlling interests in certain real estate investments owned by Keyser Capital which we consolidate. Revenues from the investments were $5.8 million and $3.9 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $15.0 million and $10.3 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Expenses, including other non-media expenses, general and administrative, depreciation and amortization and other income and expense items related to these investments in real estate ventures were $4.2 million and $7.2 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $18.6 million and $14.7 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The year over year increase in revenue for both the three and nine month periods are primarily related to the sale of land parcels with real estate development projects. The year over year decrease in expenses for the three month period is due primarily to an increase in the gain on sale of real estate assets included within gain on the disposition of assets in the consolidated statement of operations, income from equity method investments, and partially offset by an increase in costs related to the sale of land parcels with real estate development projects. The increase in expenses year over year for the nine month period is due to the increase in costs related the sale of land parcels with real estate development projects, equity method investment losses, partially offset by the gain on sale of a real estate assets included within the gain on disposition of assets in the consolidated statement of operations.

Investments in private equity. We have controlling interests in certain private equity investments owned by Keyser Capital, which we consolidate; including Triangle Sign & Service, LLC, a sign designer and fabricator; and Alarm Funding, a regional security alarm operating and bulk acquisition company. Revenues were $17.8 million and $15.9 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and $49.6 million and $43.2 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Expenses, including other non-media expenses, general and administrative, depreciation and amortization, and other applicable other income and expense items were $16.4 million and $12.9 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and $43.5 million and $35.5 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increases in both revenues and expenses for both the three and nine month periods are primarily related to increased transaction volume from our alarm business.

Technical Services. We own certain subsidiaries which service and support broadcast transmitters, and design and manufacture broadcast systems. Revenues from technical services were $2.9 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Revenues from technical services were $9.2 million and $8.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Excluding research and development costs, expenses including other non-media expenses, general and administrative, depreciation and amortization, and other income and expense items related to technical services were $3.2 million and $2.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $10.1 million and $8.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Research and development expenses. Our research and development expenses relate to the costs to develop the Advanced Television Systems Committee's 3.0 standard (ATSC 3.0). Research and development costs related were $0.7 million and $4.8 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These costs were $3.1 million and $11.6 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Income from Equity and Cost Method Investments. Results of our equity and cost method investments in private equity investments and real estate ventures are included in income from equity and cost method investments in our consolidated statements of

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operations. We recorded income of $0.4 million and a loss of $0.5 million related to our real estate ventures during the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we recorded a loss of $0.1 million and income of $3.0 million, respectively, related to our real estate ventures. For both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, a $1.7 million gain on the sale of a real estate investment is included income. We recorded income of $1.0 million and $0.8 million related to certain private equity investments during the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We recorded income of $2.8 million and $2.3 million related to certain private equity investments during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

CORPORATE AND UNALLOCATED EXPENSES

	Three months ended September 30,						Percent Change (Increase/ (Decrease))		Nine months ended September 30,						Percent Change (Increase/ (Decrease))
	2016			2015					2016			2015
Corporate general and administrative expenses	$	1.3		$	1.0		30.0	%	$	3.3		$	3.4		(2.9	)%
Interest expense	$	50.4		$	47.3		6.6	%	$	147.8		$	139.3		6.1	%
Income tax provision	$	(27.0	)	$	(7.2	)	275.0	%	$	(65.8	)	$	(47.0	)	40.0	%

Corporate general and administrative expenses.  We allocate most of our corporate general and administrative expenses to the broadcast segment.  The explanation that follows combines the corporate general and administrative expenses found in the Broadcast Segment section with the corporate general and administrative expenses found in this section, Corporate and Unallocated Expenses.  These results exclude general and administrative costs from our other non-media businesses and investments which are included in our discussion of expenses in the Other section.

Corporate general and administrative expenses combined increased by $3.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, when compared to the same period in 2015. The increase is primarily related to legal costs related to acquisitions, employee insurance claims, and an increase in compensation costs related to merit increases. We expect corporate general and administrative expenses to decrease in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to third quarter of 2016.

Corporate general and administrative expenses combined increased by $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, when compared to the same period in 2015. The increase is primarily related to legal costs related to acquisitions and an increase in compensation costs related to merit increases.

Loss from extinguishment of debt. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized a loss from the extinguishment of debt of $23.7 million related to the redemption of our 6.375% Notes in September 2016. See Note 3. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for further discussion.

Interest expense.  The explanation that follows combines the interest expense included within the Broadcast Segment with the interest expense found in this section, Corporate and Unallocated Expenses. Interest expense increased during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015 primarily due to the issuance of our 5.875% Notes in March 2016. See Liquidity and Capital Resources for more information.

Income tax (provision) benefit. The effective tax rate for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 including the effects of the noncontrolling interest was a provision of 34.7% and 34.6%, respectively, as compared to a provision of 14.3% and 29.3% during the same periods in 2015, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015, is primarily due to: 1) greater 2015 reduction in liability for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of statute of limitations expiration and 2) greater 2015 benefit resulting from the adjustment to the income tax provision upon finalization of the prior year federal income tax returns.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of September 30, 2016, we had $104.5 million in cash and cash equivalent balances and net working capital of approximately $190.3 million.  Cash generated by our operations and borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Agreement are used as our primary sources of liquidity.  As of September 30, 2016, we had $483.3 million of borrowing capacity available on our revolving credit facility.

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During August 2016, we issued $400 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and mature on February 15, 2027. The proceeds from the offering, were used to redeem our 6.375% Notes and for general corporate purposes. See Note 3. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing in our consolidated financial statements for a further discussion.

In July 2016, we entered into an amendment to our Bank Credit Agreement that includes extended maturity of some Term Loan positions and more favorable rates. See Note 3. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing in our consolidated financial statements for a further discussion.

During March 2016, we issued $350 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum and mature on March 15, 2026. The proceeds from the offering, were used to repay amounts under our revolving credit facility and for other general corporate purposes. See Note 3. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing in our consolidated financial statements for a further discussion.

We anticipate that existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from our operations, and borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Agreement will be sufficient to satisfy our debt service obligations, capital expenditure requirements, and working capital needs for the next twelve months.  For our long-term liquidity needs, in addition to the sources described above, we may rely upon the issuance of long-term debt, the issuance of equity or other instruments convertible into or exchangeable for equity, or the sale of non-core assets.  However, there can be no assurance that additional financing or capital or buyers of our non-core assets will be available, or that the terms of any transactions will be acceptable or advantageous to us.

Sources and Uses of Cash

The following table sets forth our cash flows for the periods presented (in millions):

	For the three months ended September 30,						For the nine months ended September 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Net cash flows from operating activities	$	120.6		$	133.5		$	330.3		$	313.7
Cash flows (used in) from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	$	(18.8	)	$	(25.4	)	$	(68.6	)	$	(72.5	)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(2.8		)	(15.5		)	(425.9		)	(15.5		)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(7.5		)	(14.7		)	(29.1		)	(31.3		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	16.4			18.8			16.4			23.7
Investments in equity and costs method investees	(12.4		)	(5.3		)	(34.2		)	(43.1		)
Loans to affiliates	—			—			(19.5		)	—
Other	(4.0		)	4.4			3.4			11.2
Net cash flows used in investing activities	$	(29.1	)	$	(37.7	)	$	(557.5	)	$	(127.5	)
Cash flows (used in) from financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	$	403.8		$	14.6		$	1,011.3		$	379.5
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(374.4		)	(14.6		)	(654.0		)	(375.1		)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(16.9		)	(15.6		)	(49.7		)	(47.1		)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(89.9		)	(21.0		)	(101.2		)	(28.8		)
Other	(13.3		)	(4.4		)	(24.7		)	(12.9		)
Net cash flows (used in) from in financing activities	$	(90.7	)	$	(41.0	)	$	181.8		$	(84.5	)

Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities decreased during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.  This change is primarily due payments to extinguish our 6.375% Notes partially offset by an increase in cash received from customers primarily due to businesses acquired since September 2015.

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Net cash flows from operating activities increased during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.  This change is primarily due to an increase in cash received from customers primarily due to businesses acquired since September 2015, partially offset by payments to extinguish our 6.375% Notes.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows used in investing activities decreased during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.  This decrease is primarily due to smaller acquisitions in 2016 and lower capital expenditures, partially offset by an increase in investment in cost and equity method investments.

Net cash flows used in investing activities increased during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.  This increase is primarily due to the acquisition of Tennis Channel.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, we anticipate capital expenditures to increase from the third quarter of 2016.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows used in financing activities increased during the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, is primarily due the increased repurchases of Class A Common Stock during 2016.

The change in net cash flows from (used in) financing activities for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, is primarily due to the proceeds from the 5.875% Notes issued in March 2016.

In November 2016, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share. Future dividends on our common shares, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on several factors including our results of operations, cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, covenant restrictions and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem relevant.

CONTRACTUAL CASH OBLIGATIONS

See 5.875% Senior Notes, due 2026 within Note 3. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for discussion on issuance of 5.875% Notes during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016.

See Bank Credit Agreement within Note 3. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for the amendment of the Bank Credit Agreement in July 2016.

See 5.125% Senior Notes, due 2027 within Note 3. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for discussion on issuance of 5.125% Notes and the redemption of our 6.375% Notes during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016.

As of September 30, 2016, there were no other material changes to our contractual cash obligations.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Other than the foregoing, there have been no material changes from the quantitative and qualitative discussion about market risk previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016.

The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and

46

reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

The term “internal control over financial reporting,” as defined in Rules 13a-15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, means a process designed by, or under the supervision of our Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and includes those policies and procedures that:

• pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

• provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and that our receipts and expenditures are being made in accordance with authorizations of management or our Board of Directors; and

• provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.

Assessment of Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2016, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2016, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud.  A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.  Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been detected.  These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.  Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management’s override of the control.  The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are party to lawsuits and claims from time to time in the ordinary course of business.  Actions currently pending are in various stages and no material judgments or decisions have been rendered by hearing boards or courts in connection with such actions.  After reviewing developments to date with legal counsel, our management is of the opinion that none of our pending and threatened matters are material.

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ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table summarizes repurchases of our stock in the quarter ended September 30, 2016:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)	Average Price Per Share	Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (in millions)
Class A Common Stock : (2)
07/01/16 – 07/31/16	274,400	29.24	234,400	86.2
08/01/16 – 08/31/16	406,000	28.75	406,000	74.6
09/01/16 – 09/30/16	2,545,101	28.13	2,545,101	154.3

(1)All repurchases were made in open-market transactions.

(2) On October 28, 1999, we announced a $150.0 million share repurchase program, which was renewed on February 6, 2008. On March 20, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized a new $150.0 million shares of Class A Common Stock repurchase authorization. In September 2016, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $150.0 million shares of Class A Common Stock repurchase authorization. There is no expiration date and currently, management has no plans to terminate this program.  As of September 30, 2016, the total remaining authorization was $154.3 million. In October and November 2016, we repurchased an additional 1.1 million shares of Class A Common Stock with a value of $31.1 million.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number	Description
10.1	Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2016, by and among Sinclair Television Group, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2016.
31.1	Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 7241).
31.2	Certification by Christopher S. Ripley, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 7241).
32.1	Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350).
32.2	Certification by Christopher S. Ripley, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350).
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on the 8th day of November 2016.

SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.
By:	/s/ David R. Bochenek
	David R. Bochenek
	Senior Vice President/Chief Accounting Officer
	(Authorized Officer and Chief Accounting Officer)

50

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number	Description
10.1	Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2016, by and among Sinclair Television Group, Inc., the guarantors party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference from Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2016.
31.1	Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 7241).
31.2	Certification by Christopher S. Ripley, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. § 7241).
32.1	Certification by David D. Smith, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350).
32.2	Certification by Christopher S. Ripley, as Chief Financial Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C § 1350).
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

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EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, David D. Smith, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

A)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

B)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

C)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

D)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

A)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

B)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	November 8, 2016
		/s/ David D.Smith
		Signature:	David D. Smith
			Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Christopher S. Ripley, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

A)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

B)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

C)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

D)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

A)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

B)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	November 8, 2016
		/s/ Christopher S. Ripley
		Signature:	Christopher S. Ripley
			Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ending September 30, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David D. Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ David D. Smith

David D. Smith

Chief Executive Officer

November 8, 2016

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ending September 30, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Christopher S. Ripley, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Christopher S. Ripley

Christopher S. Ripley

Chief Financial Officer

November 8, 2016

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Nov. 04, 2016
Entity Listings
Entity Registrant Name	SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000912752
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Class A Common Stock
Entity Listings
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (shares)		64,706,034
Class B Common Stock
Entity Listings
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (shares)		25,928,357

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 104,545	$ 149,972
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,838 and $4,495, respectively		519,662	424,608
Current portion of program contract costs		110,228	91,466
Income taxes receivable		9,234	823
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		37,909	26,903
Deferred barter costs		8,512	7,991
Total current assets		790,090	701,763
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion		12,245	18,996
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net		713,088	717,137
RESTRICTED CASH		0	3,725
GOODWILL		1,989,578	1,931,093
INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS		153,125	132,465
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		1,983,326	1,751,570
OTHER ASSETS		224,736	175,566
Total assets	[1]	5,866,188	5,432,315
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		291,213	251,313
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		165,238	164,184
Current portion of notes and capital leases payable to affiliates		3,599	3,166
Current portion of program contracts payable		131,553	108,260
Deferred barter revenues		8,142	8,080
Total current liabilities		599,745	535,003
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		4,022,437	3,669,160
Notes payable and capital leases to affiliates, less current portion		15,036	17,850
Program contracts payable, less current portion		57,724	56,921
Deferred tax liabilities		612,961	585,072
Other long-term liabilities		71,619	68,631
Total liabilities	[1]	5,379,522	4,932,637
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Note 4)
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Additional paid-in capital		876,895	962,726
Accumulated deficit		(360,459)	(437,029)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(834)	(834)
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ equity		516,516	525,810
Noncontrolling interests		(29,850)	(26,132)
Total equity		486,666	499,678
Total liabilities and equity		5,866,188	5,432,315
Assets of variable interest entities		151,100	152,400
Liabilities of variable interest entities		41,100	35,600
Class A Common Stock
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common Stock		655	688
Class B Common Stock
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common Stock		$ 259	$ 259

[1] Our consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $151.1 million and $152.4 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $41.1 million and $35.6 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,838	$ 4,495
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized (shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (shares)	65,546,601	68,792,483
Common Stock, shares outstanding (shares)	65,546,601	68,792,483
Class B Common Stock
Common Stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized (shares)	140,000,000	140,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (shares)	25,928,357	25,928,357
Common Stock, shares outstanding (shares)	25,928,357	25,928,357

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
REVENUES:
Media revenues	$ 635,269	$ 498,167	$ 1,772,860	$ 1,466,088
Revenues realized from station barter arrangements	32,061	28,618	92,574	79,950
Other non-media revenues	26,505	21,619	73,824	61,308
Total revenues	693,835	548,404	1,939,258	1,607,346
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Media production expenses	242,880	187,173	702,377	540,554
Media selling, general and administrative expenses	126,672	105,622	370,169	311,088
Expenses realized from barter arrangements	27,181	23,105	79,365	66,898
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	32,441	29,841	96,722	90,014
Other non-media expenses	20,488	16,555	57,946	46,988
Depreciation of property and equipment	25,886	25,476	74,330	75,938
Corporate general and administrative expenses	19,052	16,464	54,672	46,685
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets	47,807	40,014	137,197	119,439
Research and development expenses	745	4,803	3,055	11,555
Gain on asset dispositions	(3,311)	(255)	(5,982)	(306)
Total operating expenses	539,841	448,798	1,569,851	1,308,853
Operating income	153,994	99,606	369,407	298,493
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense and amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs	(53,488)	(48,566)	(156,819)	(142,878)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	(23,699)	0	(23,699)	0
Income from equity investments	1,423	252	2,789	5,405
Other income (expense)	789	(48)	2,355	1,220
Total other expense, net	(74,975)	(48,362)	(175,374)	(136,253)
Income before income taxes	79,019	51,244	194,033	162,240
INCOME TAX PROVISION	(26,986)	(7,210)	(65,771)	(46,971)
NET INCOME	52,033	44,034	128,262	115,269
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,188)	(779)	(3,858)	(1,945)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	$ 50,845	$ 43,255	$ 124,404	$ 113,324
Dividends declared per share (USD per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.165	$ 0.525	$ 0.345
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP:
Basic earnings per share (USD per share)	0.54	0.46	1.32	1.19
Diluted earnings per share (USD per share)	$ 0.54	$ 0.45	$ 1.30	$ 1.18
Weighted average common shares outstanding (shares)	93,948	95,002	94,595	95,146
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (shares)	94,766	95,692	95,465	95,837

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 52,033	$ 44,034	$ 128,262	$ 115,269
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes	0	10	0	178
Comprehensive income	52,033	44,044	128,262	115,447
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,188)	(779)	(3,858)	(1,945)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 50,845	$ 43,265	$ 124,404	$ 113,502

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests	Class A Common Stock	Class A Common Stock Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Class B Common Stock Common Stock
BALANCE (shares) at Dec. 31, 2014							69,578,899		25,928,357
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 405,343	$ 979,202	$ (545,820)	$ (6,455)	$ (22,539)		$ 696		$ 259
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(47,104)		(47,104)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock (shares)							(1,107,887)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(28,823)	(28,812)					$ (11)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (shares)							291,911
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	10,619	10,616					$ 3
Tax benefit on share based awards	703	703
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	(6,655)				(6,655)
Other comprehensive income	178			178
Issuance of subsidiary stock awards	1,731				1,731
Net income	115,269		113,324		1,945
BALANCE (shares) at Sep. 30, 2015							68,762,923		25,928,357
BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2015	451,261	961,709	(479,600)	(6,277)	(25,518)		$ 688		$ 259
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting standard (see Note 1)	2,264	431	1,833
BALANCE (shares) at Dec. 31, 2015						68,792,483	68,792,483	25,928,357	25,928,357
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2015	499,678	962,726	(437,029)	(834)	(26,132)		$ 688		$ 259
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(49,667)		(49,667)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock (shares)						(3,600,000)	(3,610,201)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(101,164)	(101,127)				$ (101,200)	$ (37)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (shares)							364,319
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	14,869	14,865	0				$ 4
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	(8,363)				(8,363)
Issuance of subsidiary stock awards	787				787
Net income	128,262		124,404		3,858
BALANCE (shares) at Sep. 30, 2016						65,546,601	65,546,601	25,928,357	25,928,357
BALANCE at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 486,666	$ 876,895	$ (360,459)	$ (834)	$ (29,850)		$ 655		$ 259

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 128,262	$ 115,269
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment	74,330	75,938
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets	137,197	119,439
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	96,722	90,014
Loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash portion	3,875	0
Stock-based compensation expense	13,470	14,778
Deferred tax benefit	6,631	(19,623)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	(77,118)	563
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets	(4,344)	(11,643)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	36,286	8,128
Net change in net income taxes payable/receivable	(8,411)	5,623
Payments on program contracts payable	(84,625)	(82,594)
Other, net	7,985	(2,171)
Net cash flows from operating activities	330,260	313,721
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(68,601)	(72,476)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(425,856)	(15,514)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(29,143)	(31,340)
Proceeds from sale of assets	16,396	23,650
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(34,224)	(43,068)
Loans to affiliates	(19,500)	0
Other, net	3,401	11,215
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(557,527)	(127,533)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	1,011,312	379,481
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(653,987)	(375,104)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(49,667)	(47,104)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(101,164)	(28,823)
Payments for deferred financing cost	(15,598)	(3,847)
Other, net	(9,056)	(9,084)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	181,840	(84,481)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(45,427)	101,707
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	149,972	17,682
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$ 104,545	$ 119,389

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NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Nature of Operations

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is a diversified television broadcasting company with national reach with a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations and digital platforms. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, and other original programming produced by us. We also distribute our original programming, and owned and operated network affiliates, on other third-party platforms. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties. Outside of our media related businesses, we operate technical services companies focused on supply and maintenance of broadcast transmission systems as well as research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and we manage other non-media related investments.

As of September 30, 2016, our broadcast distribution platform is a single reportable segment for accounting purposes. It consists primarily of our broadcast television stations, which we own, provide programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements (LMAs), or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as joint sales agreements (JSAs) and shared services agreements (SSAs)) to 173 stations in 81 markets. These stations broadcast 482 channels, as of September 30, 2016. For the purpose of this report, these 173 stations and 482 channels are referred to as “our” stations and channels.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary.  Noncontrolling interest represents a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities.  All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Interim Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, such financial statements have been presented on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of equity (deficit) and consolidated statements of cash flows for these periods as adjusted for the adoption of recent accounting pronouncements discussed below.

As permitted under the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures normally included with audited consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC.  The consolidated statements of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of operations for an entire year.

Variable Interest Entities

In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE.  We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. 

Third-party station licensees.  Certain of our stations provide services to other station owners within the same respective market through agreements, such as LMAs, where we provide programming, sales, operational and administrative services, and JSAs and SSAs, where we provide non-programming, sales, operational and administrative services.  In certain cases, we have also entered into purchase agreements or options to purchase the license related assets of the licensee.  We typically own the majority of the non-license assets of the stations, and in some cases where the licensee acquired the license assets concurrent with our acquisition of the non-license assets of the station, we have provided guarantees to the bank for the licensee’s acquisition financing.  The terms of the agreements vary, but generally have initial terms of over five years with several optional renewal terms. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, we have concluded that 37 of these licensees are VIEs.  Based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in the stations, we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and because we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs.  Several of these VIEs are owned by a related party, Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham).  See Note 7. Related Person Transactions for more information about the arrangements with Cunningham. The net revenues of the stations which we consolidate were $79.1 million and $227.4 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, and $71 million and $207.6 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, respectively.  The fees paid between us and the licensees pursuant to these arrangements are eliminated in consolidation.  See Changes in the Rules of Television Ownership, Joint Sales Agreements, Retransmission Consent Negotiations, and National Ownership Cap within Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies for discussion of recent changes in FCC rules related to JSAs.

As of the dates indicated, the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented (in thousands):

	September 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	490	$	490
Accounts receivable	24,945		21,719
Current portion of program contract costs	14,895		13,287
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	318		331
Total current assets	40,648		35,827
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion	3,078		4,541
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	3,301		7,609
GOODWILL	791		787
INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS	15,684		17,599
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	80,693		79,086
OTHER ASSETS	6,924		6,924
Total assets	$	151,119	$	152,373
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	1,112	$	1,240
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing	3,710		3,687
Current portion of program contracts payable	16,573		12,627
Total current liabilities	21,395		17,554
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion	21,944		24,594
Program contracts payable, less current portion	14,036		13,679
Other long-term liabilities	9,364		8,067
Total liabilities	$	66,739	$	63,894

The amounts above represent the consolidated assets and liabilities of the VIEs described above, for which we are the primary beneficiary, and have been aggregated as they all relate to our broadcast business.  Excluded from the amounts above are payments made to Cunningham under the LMAs and certain JSAs which are treated as a prepayment of the purchase price of the stations and capital leases between us and Cunningham which are eliminated in consolidation.  The total payments made under these LMAs and certain JSAs as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, which are excluded from liabilities above, were $40.0 million and $37.6 million, respectively.  The total capital lease liabilities, net of capital lease assets, excluded from the above were $4.5 million for both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.  Also excluded from the amounts above are liabilities associated with certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options with certain VIEs totaling $77.8 million and $72.5 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, as these amounts are eliminated in consolidation.  The assets of each of these consolidated VIEs can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE.  All the liabilities are non-recourse to us except for certain debt of VIEs which we guarantee. The risk and reward characteristics of the VIEs are similar.

Other investments.  We have investments in real estate ventures and investment companies which are considered VIEs.  However, we do not participate in the management of these entities including the day-to-day operating decisions or other decisions which would allow us to control the entity, and therefore, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of these VIEs.  We account for these entities using the equity or cost method of accounting.

The carrying amounts of our investments in these VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are $119.9 million and $18.1 million, respectively, and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The increase in 2016 was due to the adoption of the revised accounting guidance during the first quarter of 2016 related to consolidation as discussed under Recent Accounting Pronouncements below, which resulted in additional investments being considered VIEs. Our maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value of our investments.  The income and loss related to these investments are recorded in income from equity and cost method investments in the consolidated statement of operations.  We recorded income of $1.4 million and $2.8 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, and income of $0.7 million and $6.5 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 respectively.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of

America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance on revenue recognition for revenue from contracts with customers. This guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective.  The new standard is effective for the annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017, however, early adoption is permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on disclosure of uncertainties about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new standard is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. We will be adopting this guidance beginning December 31, 2016, which will involve adding policies and procedures around our assessments to continue as a going concern.

In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the current consolidation guidance on the determination of whether an entity is a variable interest entity.  The new standard is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted this revised guidance on a modified retrospective basis during the three months ended March 31, 2016. As disclosed under Other investments under Variable Interest Entities above, the adoption of the revised guidance resulted in additional investments in real estate ventures and investment companies being considered VIEs, however, we concluded that we were not the primary beneficiary of these investments. The revised guidance did not have any other impact on our consolidation conclusions.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to accounting for leases, which requires the assets and liabilities that arise from leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. Currently only capital leases are recorded on the balance sheet. This update will require the lessee to recognize a lease liability equal to the present value of the lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term for all leases longer than 12 months. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and liabilities and recognize the lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. This new guidance will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income tax effects, forfeitures, the impact of employee income tax withholdings and classification of certain related items in the statement of cash flows. We early adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2016, which did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. The adoption of the various changes in the guidance were applied as required by the guidance either on the prospective, modified retrospective, or full retrospective basis. As shown in the consolidated statement of stockholders' equity, upon adoption, we recorded a $0.4 million increase to additional paid in capital and a $1.8 million decrease in accumulated deficit, net of taxes, to record the cumulative effect of changing the classification of certain liability awards to equity classification. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we reclassified $2.2 million from net cash flows from operating activities to net cash flows from financing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows related to cash payments made to taxing authorities on certain employees' behalf for shares withheld.

In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments. The new standard, which includes eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice as to how cash receipts and cash payments are represented in the statement of cash flow. The new standard is effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2017, including the interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Total revenues include: (i) cash and barter advertising revenues, net of agency commissions; (ii) retransmission consent fees; (iii) network compensation; (iv) other media revenues and (v) revenues from our other businesses.

Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period during which advertisements are placed.

Some of our retransmission consent agreements contain both advertising and retransmission consent elements.  We have determined that these retransmission consent agreements are revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables.  Advertising and retransmission consent deliverables sold under our agreements are separated into different units of accounting at fair value.  Revenue applicable to the advertising element of the arrangement is recognized similar to the advertising revenue policy noted above.  Revenue applicable to the retransmission consent element of the arrangement is recognized over the life of the agreement.

Network compensation revenue is recognized over the term of the contract.  All other significant revenues are recognized as services are provided.

Income Taxes

Our income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes.  The tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is based on the estimated effective tax rate applicable for the full year after taking into account discrete tax items and the effects of the noncontrolling interests. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies and forecasts of future taxable income.  In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis.  A valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial portion of our available state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards, based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary book/tax basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income.

Our effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 approximated the statutory rate. Our effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was less than the statutory rate primarily due to 1) a reduction in liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $5.7 million, in the third quarter of 2015, as a result of statute of limitations expiration and 2) a $3.3 million adjustment to the income tax provision upon finalization of the 2014 federal income tax return, primarily related to greater than originally projected available income tax deductions and credits.

Share Repurchase Program

On March 20, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized a $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. On September 6, 2016 the Board of Directors authorized an additional $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. There is no expiration date and currently, management has no plans to terminate this program.  For the three months ended September 30, 2016, we purchased approximately 3.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $90.0 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we purchased approximately 3.6 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $101.2 million. As of September 30, 2016, the total remaining authorization was $154.3 million. In October and November 2016, we repurchased an additional 1.1 million shares of Class A Common Stock for $31.1 million.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year's presentation.

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ACQUISITIONS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Business Combinations [Abstract]

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS:

Tennis Channel. In March 2016, we acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Tennis Channel (Tennis), a cable network which includes coverage of the top 100 tennis tournaments and original professional sport and tennis lifestyle shows, for $350.0 million plus a working capital adjustment of $9.2 million. This was funded through cash on hand and a draw on the Bank Credit Agreement. The acquisition provides an expansion of our network business and increases value based on the synergies we can achieve. Tennis is reported within Other within Note 6. Segment Data.

The following table summarizes the allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities (in thousands):

Cash	$	5,111
Accounts receivable	17,629
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,518
Property and equipment	5,964
Definite-lived intangible assets	272,686
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	23,400
Other assets	619
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(7,414		)
Capital leases	(115		)
Deferred tax liability	(20,056		)
Other long term liabilities	(1,669		)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	302,673
Goodwill	56,492
Total	$	359,165

The preliminary allocation presented above is based upon management’s estimate of the fair values using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches.  In estimating the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows, expected future growth rates, and estimated discount rates.  The purchase price has been allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on estimated fair values. The allocation is preliminary pending a final determination of the fair values of the assets and liabilities.

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we made certain measurement period adjustments to the initial purchase accounting: an increase to definite-lived intangible assets of $45.6 million, a decrease to indefinite-lived intangible assets of $1.5 million, a decrease to deferred taxes assets of $16.1 million resulting in a net deferred tax liability, a decrease to goodwill of $25.3 million, and an increase to amortization of $1.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are comprised of trade names. Customer relationships, which represent existing advertiser relationships and contractual relationships with MVPDs, will be amortized over the estimated remaining useful lives of 10 to 15 years.  Acquired property and equipment will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives.  Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and noncontractual relationships, as well as expected future synergies.  Goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. Other intangible assets will be amortized over the respective weighted average useful lives ranging from 1 to 3 years. The following table summarizes the amounts allocated to definite-lived intangible assets representing the estimated fair values (in thousands):

Customer relationships	$	269,300
Other intangible assets	3,386
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	$	272,686

In connection with the acquisitions, for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, we incurred a total of $0.2 million of costs primarily related to legal and other professional services which we expensed as incurred and classified as corporate general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, net revenues and operating income of Tennis were $27.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, net revenues and an operating loss of Tennis were $62.5 million and $9.6 million, respectively.

Pro Forma Information

The following table sets forth unaudited results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 assuming that Tennis, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisition, occurred at the beginning of the year preceding the year of acquisition. The pro forma results exclude the acquisition of television station acquisitions discussed below, as they were deemed not material both individually and in the aggregate (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Total revenues	$	693,835	$	571,437	$	1,953,750	$	1,678,800
Net Income	$	79,019	$	40,911	$	127,222	$	107,312
Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	50,845	$	40,132	$	123,364	$	105,367
Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.54	$	0.42	$	1.30	$	1.11
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.54	$	0.42	$	1.29	$	1.10

This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and is not indicative of what our results would have been had we operated Tennis since the beginning of the annual period presented because the pro forma results do not reflect expected synergies.  The pro forma adjustments reflect depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets related to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired, additional interest expense related to the financing of the transactions, and exclusion of nonrecurring financing and transaction related costs. Depreciation and amortization expense are higher than amounts recorded in the historical financial statements of the acquirees due to the fair value adjustments recorded for long-lived tangible and intangible assets in purchase accounting. 

Television Station Acquisitions. During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, we acquired certain television station related assets for an aggregate purchase price of $72.0 million less working capital of $0.2 million. In conjunction with the acquisition of certain television stations, we simultaneously sold broadcast assets of certain stations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized a gain on sale of those broadcast assets of $1.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

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NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING:

5.125% Senior Notes, due 2027

On August 30, 2016, we issued $400.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and mature on February 15, 2027 (the 5.125% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated August 30, 2016 (the 5.125% Indenture). The 5.125% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15, commencing on February15, 2017. Prior to August 15, 2021, we may redeem the 5.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.125% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 5.125% Indenture. In addition, on or prior to August 15, 2019, we may redeem up to 35% of the 5.125% Notes, using proceeds of certain equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, the holders of the 5.125% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. There are no registration rights associated with the 5.125% Notes. The net proceeds of the 5.125% Notes were used to redeem $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of STG's 6.375% senior unsecured notes due 2021 (the 6.375% Notes) and for general corporate purposes. The redemption price, including the outstanding principal amount of the 6.375% Notes, accrued and unpaid interest, and a make-whole premium, totaled $377.2 million. We recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $23.7 million related to this redemption. We incurred $6.6 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 5.125% Notes as of September 30, 2016.

5.875% Senior Notes, due 2026

On March 23, 2016, we issued $350.0 million of senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum and mature on March 15, 2026 (the 5.875% Notes), pursuant to an indenture dated March 23, 2016 (the 5.875% Indenture). The 5.875% Notes were priced at 100% of their par value and interest is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15, commencing on September 15, 2016. Prior to March 15, 2021, we may redeem the 5.875% Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 5.875% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a “make-whole” premium as set forth in the 5.875% Indenture. In addition, on or prior to March 15, 2019, we may redeem up to 35% of the 5.875% Notes, using proceeds of certain equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, the holders of the 5.875% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the notes. There are no registration rights associated with the 5.875% Notes. The proceeds from the offering of the 5.875% Notes, were used to repay amounts under our revolving credit facility and for other general corporate purposes. We incurred $5.9 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the issuance of the 5.875% Notes.

As discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions, we completed the acquisition of Tennis in March 2016. The acquisition was funded, in part, by a draw on our revolving line of credit which was repaid using the proceeds from the 5.875% Notes discussed above.

Bank Credit Agreement

On July 19, 2016, we entered into an amendment and extension of our bank credit agreement. Pursuant to the amendment, the maturity date applicable to $485.2 million in revolving commitments and $139.5 million of term loan A loans were extended to July 31, 2021. The remaining $153.5 million of outstanding term loan A loans will mature April 9, 2018. In connection with the transaction, we also amended certain pricing terms related to the loans. We incurred approximately $2.6 million of financing costs in connection with the amendment, of which $0.3 million was expensed and the remaining $2.3 million was capitalized as deferred financing cost as of September 30, 2016.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there was no outstanding balance under our revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2016, we had $483.3 million borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Litigation

We are a party to lawsuits and claims from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Actions currently pending are in various stages and no material judgments or decisions have been rendered by hearing boards or courts in connection with such actions. After reviewing developments to date with legal counsel, our management is of the opinion that none of our pending and threatened matters are material. The FCC has undertaken an investigation in response to a complaint it received alleging possible violations of the FCC’s sponsorship identification rules by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. We cannot predict the outcome of any potential FCC action related to this matter but it is possible that such action could include fines and/or compliance programs.

Changes in the Rules of Television Ownership, Joint Sales Agreements, Retransmission Consent Negotiations, and National Ownership Cap

In March, 2014, the FCC issued a public notice indicating that it will closely scrutinize any broadcast assignment or transfer application proposing sharing arrangements (such as JSAs, LMAs and other shared services agreements) and contingent interests (such as options). We cannot now predict what actions the FCC may require in connection with the processing of applications for FCC consent to future transactions.  In addition, in August, 2016, the FCC completed both its 2010 and 2014 quadrennial reviews of its media ownership rules and issued an order which left most of the existing multiple ownership rules intact, but amended the rules to provide that, for JSAs where two television stations are located in the same market, and a party with an attributable interest in one station sells more than 15% of the ad time per week of the other station, the party selling such ad time shall be treated as if it had an attributable ownership interest in the second station.  The order provides that JSAs that existed prior to March 31, 2014, may remain in place until October 1, 2025, at which point they must be terminated, amended or otherwise come into compliance with the rules. In addition, these "grandfathered" JSAs may be transferred or assigned without losing grandfathering status. These new rules could limit our future ability to create duopolies or other two station operations in certain markets. The revenues of these JSA arrangements we earned were $16.0 million and $11.5 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015 and $42.5 million and $34.2 millionfor the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In February 2015, the FCC issued an order implementing certain statutorily required changes to its rules governing the duty to negotiate retransmission consent agreements in good faith. With these changes, a television broadcast station is prohibited from negotiating retransmission consent jointly with another television station in the same market unless the “stations are directly or indirectly under common de jure control permitted under the regulations of the Commission.” During a 2015 retransmission consent negotiation, an MVPD filed a complaint with the FCC accusing us of violating this rule. Although we reached agreement with the MVPD and they withdrew their complaint, the FCC undertook its own internal investigation regarding the allegations made by the MVPD and whether we negotiated in good faith as defined by the rules. In order to resolve the issues raised by the investigation described above and all other pending matters before the FCC's Media Bureau (Bureau), the Company, on July 29, 2016, without any admission of liability, entered into a consent decree with the FCC pursuant to which the Bureau agreed (i) to terminate their investigation regarding the retransmission consent negotiations described above as well as any other investigations pending before the Bureau, (ii) to dismiss with prejudice or deny any outstanding adversarial pleadings against the Company pending before the Bureau, (iii) to cancel outstanding forfeiture orders issued by the Bureau relating to the Company, and (iv) to grant all of the Company’s pending license renewals, subject to a payment by the Company to the United States Treasury in the amount of $9.5 million which was paid in September 2016. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the consent decree, the Company agreed to be subject to ongoing compliance monitoring by the FCC for a period of 36 months.

Further, in September 2015, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in response to a Congressional directive in STELAR to examine the “totality of the circumstances test” for good-faith negotiations of retransmission consent. The proposed rulemaking seeks comment on new factors and evidence to consider in its evaluation of claims of bad faith negotiation, including service interruptions prior to a “marquee sports or entertainment event,” restrictions on online access to broadcast programming during negotiation impasses, broadcasters’ ability to offer bundles of broadcast signals with other broadcast stations or cable networks, and broadcasters’ ability to invoke the FCC’s exclusivity rules during service interruptions. On July 14, 2016, the FCC’s Chairman announced that the FCC would not, at this time, proceed to adopt additional rules governing good faith negotiations of retransmission consent. No formal action has yet been taken on this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and we cannot predict if the full Commission will agree to terminate the Rulemaking without action.

On September 6, 2016, the FCC released an order eliminating the UHF discount. The UHF discount allowed television station owners to discount the coverage of UHF stations when calculating compliance with the FCC’s national ownership cap, which prohibits a single entity from owning television stations that reach, in total, more than 39% of all the television households in the nation. All but 28 of the stations we own and operate, or to which we provide programming services are UHF. As a result of the elimination of the UHF discount, counting all our present stations and pending transactions, we reach over 37% of U.S. households. The changes to the national ownership cap could limit our future ability to make television station acquisitions.

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EARNINGS PER SHARE

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE:

The following table reconciles income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in our computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended   September 30,						Nine Months Ended   September 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Income (Numerator)
Net Income	$	52,033		$	44,034		$	128,262		$	115,269
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,188		)	(779		)	(3,858		)	(1,945		)
Numerator for diluted earnings per common share available to common shareholders	$	50,845		$	43,255		$	124,404		$	113,324
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	93,948			95,002			94,595			95,146
Dilutive effect of stock-settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and outstanding stock options	818			690			870			691
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	94,766			95,692			95,465			95,837

There were 525,000 shares for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, and 200,000 shares for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015 which had an anti-dilutive effect on the equivalent shares outstanding and therefore excluded from the diluted effect above.

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RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS:

Transactions with our controlling shareholders

David, Frederick, J. Duncan and Robert Smith (collectively, the controlling shareholders) are brothers and hold substantially all of the Class B Common Stock and some of our Class A Common Stock.  We engaged in the following transactions with them and/or entities in which they have substantial interests.

Leases.  Certain assets used by us and our operating subsidiaries are leased from Cunningham Communications Inc., Keyser Investment Group, Gerstell Development Limited Partnership and Beaver Dam, LLC (entities owned by the controlling shareholders).  Lease payments made to these entities were $1.3 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and $3.8 million and $3.9 million for nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In September 2015, we were granted authority by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate an experimental facility in Washington D.C. and Baltimore markets to implement a Single Frequency Network (SFN) using the base elements of the new ATSC 3.0 transmission standard.  In conjunction with this experimental facility, Cunningham Communications, Inc. provides tower space without charge.

Charter Aircraft.  We lease aircraft owned by certain controlling shareholders, including a new lease agreement as of February 2016 for the term of thirty months and will be renewed thereafter for successive terms of twelve months. For all leases, we incurred expenses of $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, and $1.0 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation

Cunningham owns a portfolio of television stations including: WNUV-TV Baltimore, Maryland; WRGT-TV Dayton, Ohio; WVH-TV Charleston, West Virginia; WMYA-TV Anderson, South Carolina; WTTE-TV Columbus, Ohio; WDBB-TV Birmingham, Alabama; WBSF-TV Flint, Michigan; and WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV Traverse City/Cadillac, Michigan (collectively, the Cunningham Stations). Certain of our stations provide services to these Cunningham Stations pursuant to LMAs or JSAs and SSAs. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for further discussion of the scope of services provided under these types of arrangements.

The estate of Carolyn C. Smith, the mother of our controlling shareholders, currently owns all of the voting stock of the Cunningham Stations.  The sale of the voting stock by the estate to an unrelated party is pending approval of the FCC. All of the non-voting stock is owned by trusts for the benefit of the children of our controlling shareholders.  We consolidate certain subsidiaries of Cunningham, with which we have variable interests through various arrangements related to the Cunningham Stations discussed further below.

The services provided to WNUV-TV, WMYA-TV, WTTE-TV, WRGT-TV and WVAH-TV are governed by a master agreement which has a current term that expires on July 1, 2023 and there are two additional 5- year renewal terms remaining with final expiration on July 1, 2033. We also executed purchase agreements to acquire the license related assets of these stations from Cunningham, which grant us the right to acquire, and grant Cunningham the right to require us to acquire, subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations, 100% of the capital stock or the assets of these individual subsidiaries of Cunningham. Our applications to acquire these license related assets are pending FCC approval. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement we are obligated to pay Cunningham an annual fee for the television stations equal to the greater of (i) 3% of each station’s annual net broadcast revenue and (ii) $4.7 million. The aggregate purchase price of these television stations increases by 6% annually. A portion of the fee is required to be applied to the purchase price to the extent of the 6% increase. The remaining aggregate purchase price of these stations as of September 30, 2016 was approximately $53.6 million. Additionally, we provide services to WDBB-TV pursuant to an LMA, which expires April 22, 2025. We paid Cunningham under these agreements, $2.1 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively and $6.6 million and $7.8 million for nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The agreements with WBSF-TV and WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV expire in November 2021 and August 2023, respectively, and each has renewal provisions for successive eight year periods. We earned $1.4 million and $1.5 million from the services we performed for these stations for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $3.9 million and $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

As we consolidate the licensees as VIEs, the amounts we earn or pay under the arrangements are eliminated in consolidation and the gross revenues of the stations are reported within our consolidated statement of operations. Our consolidated revenues related to the Cunningham Stations include $29.4 million and $25.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $83.8 million and $74.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

During January 2016, Cunningham entered into a promissory note to borrow $19.5 million from us. The note bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.0% per annum (the 5.0% Notes), which is payable quarterly, commencing March 31, 2016. The note matures in January 2021, with additional one year renewal periods upon our approval.

In April 2016, we entered into an agreement with Cunningham to provide master control equipment and provide master control services to a station in Johnstown, PA with which they have an LMA that expires in April 2019, Cunningham will pay us an initial fee of $0.7 million and $0.2 million annually for master control services plus the cost to maintain and repair the equipment. Also, in August 2016, we entered into an agreement, expiring October 2021, with Cunningham to provide a news share service with their station in Johnstown, PA beginning in October 2016 for an annual fee of $1.0 million per year.

Atlantic Automotive Corporation

We sell advertising time to Atlantic Automotive Corporation (Atlantic Automotive), a holding company that owns automobile dealerships and an automobile leasing company.  David D. Smith, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has a controlling interest in, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Atlantic Automotive.  We received payments for advertising totaling $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, and $0.6 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Additionally, Atlantic Automotive leases office space owned by one of our consolidated real estate ventures in Towson, Maryland. Atlantic Automotive paid $0.3 million in rent during both the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, and $0.8 million and $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Leased property by real estate ventures

Certain of our real estate ventures have entered into leases with entities owned by David Smith to lease restaurant space. There are leases for three restaurants in a building owned by one of our consolidated real estate ventures in Baltimore, MD. Total rent received under these leases was $0.2 million for both the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, and $0.5 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. There is also one lease for a restaurant in a building owned by one of our real estate ventures, accounted for under the equity method, in Towson, MD.  This investment received $0.1 million in rent pursuant to the lease for both the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, and $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Payments for services provided by these three restaurants to us was less than $0.1 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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SEGMENT DATA

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT DATA

SEGMENT DATA:

We measure segment performance based on operating income (loss).  Our broadcast segment includes stations in 81 markets located throughout the continental United States. Other primarily consists of original networks and content, digital and internet solutions, technical services and other non-media investments. All of our businesses are located within the United States.  Corporate costs primarily include our costs to operate as a public company and to operate our corporate headquarters location.  Other and Corporate are not reportable segments but are included for reconciliation purposes. 

We had approximately $226.5 million and $226.0 million of intercompany loans between the broadcast segment, other, and corporate as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  We had $6.1 million in intercompany interest expense related to intercompany loans between the broadcast segment, other, and corporate for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2016 and 2015. We had $18.3 million and $16.9 million in intercompany interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. All other intercompany transactions are immaterial.

Segment financial information is included in the following tables for the periods presented (in thousands):

For the three months ended September 30, 2016	Broadcast		Other			Corporate			Consolidated
Revenue	$	635,559	$	58,276		$	—		$	693,835
Depreciation of property and equipment	24,195		1,425			266			25,886
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	38,717		9,090			—			47,807
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	32,441		—			—			32,441
General and administrative overhead expenses	17,530		247			1,275			19,052
Research and development	—		745			—			745
Operating income (loss)	158,666		(3,077		)	(1,595		)	153,994
Interest expense	1,404		1,664			50,420			53,488
Income from equity and cost method investments	—		611			812			1,423
Assets	4,901,549		825,996			138,643			5,866,188

For the three months ended September 30, 2015	Broadcast		Other			Corporate			Consolidated
Revenue	$	525,529	$	22,875		$	—		$	548,404
Depreciation of property and equipment	24,489		708			279			25,476
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	37,601		2,413			—			40,014
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	29,841		—			—			29,841
General and administrative overhead expenses	14,378		1,087			999			16,464
Research and development	—		4,803			—			4,803
Operating income (loss)	109,231		(7,653		)	(1,972		)	99,606
Interest expense	—		1,305			47,261			48,566
Income from equity and cost method investments	—		252			—			252

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016	Broadcast	Other		Corporate		Consolidated
Revenue	1,790,561	148,697		—		1,939,258
Depreciation of property and equipment	69,469	4,063		798		74,330
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	117,038	20,159		—		137,197
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	96,722	—		—		96,722
General and administrative overhead expenses	50,320	1,075		3,277		54,672
Research and development	—	3,055		—		3,055
Operating income (loss)	402,236	(28,699	)	(4,130	)	369,407
Interest expense	4,297	4,695		147,827		156,819
Income from equity and cost method investments	—	414		2,375		2,789

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015	Broadcast		Other			Corporate			Consolidated
Revenue	$	1,542,943	$	64,403		$	—		$	1,607,346
Depreciation of property and equipment	73,028		2,073			837			75,938
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	112,724		6,715			—			119,439
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	90,014		—			—			90,014
General and administrative overhead expenses	40,637		2,611			3,437			46,685
Research and development	—		11,555			—			11,555
Operating income (loss)	323,336		(20,498		)	(4,345		)	298,493
Interest expense	—		3,541			139,337			142,878
Income from equity and cost method investments	—		5,405			—			5,405

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:

Accounting guidance provides for valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost).  A fair value hierarchy using three broad levels prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The following is a brief description of those three levels:

• Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

• Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

The carrying value and fair value of our notes and debentures for the periods presented (in thousands):

	As of September 30, 2016				As of December 31, 2015
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Level 2:
6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 (a)	$	—	$	—	$	350,000	$	367,325
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022	500,000		526,910		500,000		512,500
5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 (b)	350,000		364,000		—		—
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024	550,000		563,750		550,000		539,000
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021	600,000		623,250		600,000		605,658
5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 (c)	400,000		392,356		—		—
Term Loan A	282,573		283,280		313,620		308,916
Term Loan B	1,366,117		1,378,636		1,376,007		1,365,461
Debt of variable interest entities	24,069		24,069		26,682		26,682
Debt of other operating divisions	123,599		123,599		120,969		120,969

(a) In August 2016, we redeemed our 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021. See Note 3. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information.

(b) In March 2016, we issued $350 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum and maturing in 2026. See Note 3.Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information.

(c) In August 2016, we issued $400 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and maturing in 2027. See Note 3.Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

Sinclair Television Group, Inc. (STG), a wholly-owned subsidiary and the television operating subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (SBG), is the primary obligor under the Bank Credit Agreement, the 5.375% Notes, the 5.625% Notes, 6.125% Notes, 5.875% Notes, 5.125% Notes, and until they were redeemed, the 6.375% Notes. Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of September 30, 2016, were obligations or securities of SBG and not obligations or securities of STG.  SBG is a guarantor under the Bank Credit Agreement, the 5.375% Notes, 5.625% Notes, 6.125% Notes, 5.875% Notes, 6.125% Notes, and until they were redeemed, the 6.375% Notes. As of September 30, 2016, our consolidated total debt, net of deferred financing costs and debt discounts, of $4,206.3 million included $4,078.7 million related to STG and its subsidiaries of which SBG guaranteed $4,030.9 million.

 `

SBG, KDSM, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBG, and STG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (guarantor subsidiaries), have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, subject to certain customary automatic release provisions, all of STG’s obligations. Those guarantees are joint and several.  There are certain contractual restrictions on the ability of SBG, STG or KDSM, LLC to obtain funds from their subsidiaries in the form of dividends or loans.

The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows of SBG, STG, KDSM, LLC and the guarantor subsidiaries, the direct and indirect non-guarantor subsidiaries of SBG and the eliminations necessary to arrive at our information on a consolidated basis.

These statements are presented in accordance with the disclosure requirements under SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.		Sinclair Television Group, Inc.		Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Cash	$	—	$	81,671	$	4,550	$	18,324		$	—		$	104,545
Accounts receivable	—		—		483,686		37,237			(1,261		)	519,662
Other current assets	3,371		6,457		132,250		27,434			(3,629		)	165,883
Total current assets	3,371		88,128		620,486		82,995			(4,890		)	790,090
Property and equipment, net	2,086		17,710		566,633		130,309			(3,650		)	713,088
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	483,523		3,696,504		4,180		—			(4,184,207		)	—
Goodwill	—		—		1,985,299		4,279			—			1,989,578
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	—		—		137,416		15,709			—			153,125
Definite-lived intangible assets	—		—		1,816,553		227,351			(60,578		)	1,983,326
Other long-term assets	52,116		782,850		105,247		160,180			(863,412		)	236,981
Total assets	$	541,096	$	4,585,192	$	5,235,814	$	620,823		$	(5,116,737	)	$	5,866,188
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	102	$	55,484	$	211,362	$	28,427		$	(4,162	)	$	291,213
Current portion of long-term debt	—		55,500		1,803		107,935			—			165,238
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,804		—		1,569		2,258			(2,032		)	3,599
Other current liabilities	—		—		123,020		16,675			—			139,695
Total current liabilities	1,906		110,984		337,754		155,295			(6,194		)	599,745
Long-term debt	—		3,951,479		31,521		39,437			—			4,022,437
Affiliate long-term debt	479		—		12,977		384,174			(382,594		)	15,036
Other liabilities	22,196		31,612		1,173,805		177,155			(662,464		)	742,304
Total liabilities	24,581		4,094,075		1,556,057		756,061			(1,051,252		)	5,379,522
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)	516,515		491,117		3,679,757		(101,024		)	(4,069,849		)	516,516
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	—		—		—		(34,214		)	4,364			(29,850		)
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	541,096	$	4,585,192	$	5,235,814	$	620,823		$	(5,116,737	)	$	5,866,188

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015

(in thousands)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.		Sinclair Television Group, Inc.		Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Cash	$	—	$	115,771	$	235	$	33,966		$	—		$	149,972
Accounts receivable	—		1,775		390,142		33,949			(1,258		)	424,608
Other current assets	3,648		5,172		99,118		23,278			(4,033		)	127,183
Total current assets	3,648		122,718		489,495		91,193			(5,291		)	701,763
Property and equipment, net	2,884		20,336		559,042		143,667			(8,792		)	717,137
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	497,262		3,430,434		4,179		—			(3,931,875		)	—
Goodwill	—		—		1,926,814		4,279			—			1,931,093
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	—		—		114,841		17,624			—			132,465
Definite-lived intangible assets	—		—		1,602,454		206,975			(57,859		)	1,751,570
Other long-term assets	52,128		673,915		110,507		140,910			(779,173		)	198,287
Total assets	$	555,922	$	4,247,403	$	4,807,332	$	604,648		$	(4,782,990	)	$	5,432,315
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	104	$	49,428	$	179,156	$	27,462		$	(4,837	)	$	251,313
Current portion of long-term debt	—		57,640		1,611		106,358			(1,425		)	164,184
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,651		—		1,311		456			(252		)	3,166
Other current liabilities	—		—		103,627		12,713			—			116,340
Total current liabilities	1,755		107,068		285,705		146,989			(6,514		)	535,003
Long-term debt	—		3,594,218		32,743		42,199			—			3,669,160
Affiliate long-term debt	1,857		—		14,240		366,042			(364,289		)	17,850
Other liabilities	26,500		28,866		1,060,211		171,102			(576,055		)	710,624
Total liabilities	30,112		3,730,152		1,392,899		726,332			(946,858		)	4,932,637
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)	525,810		517,251		3,414,433		(91,703		)	(3,839,981		)	525,810
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	—		—		—		(29,981		)	3,849			(26,132		)
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	555,922	$	4,247,403	$	4,807,332	$	604,648		$	(4,782,990	)	$	5,432,315

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	655,778		$	63,877		$	(25,820	)	$	693,835
Media program and production expenses	—			—			234,474			33,556			(25,150		)	242,880
Selling, general and administrative	1,275			16,969			124,352			3,153			(25		)	145,724
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	266			3,257			115,527			32,571			(384		)	151,237
Total operating expenses	1,541			20,226			474,353			69,280			(25,559		)	539,841
Operating (loss) income	(1,541		)	(20,226		)	181,425			(5,403		)	(261		)	153,994
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	51,113			114,060			51			—			(165,224		)	—
Interest expense	(56		)	(50,364		)	(1,117		)	(8,256		)	6,305			(53,488		)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	—			(23,699		)	—			—			—			(23,699		)
Other income (expense)	1,157			469			(27		)	613			—			2,212
Total other income (expense)	52,214			40,466			(1,093		)	(7,643		)	(158,919		)	(74,975		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	172			34,334			(64,535		)	3,043			—			(26,986		)
Net income (loss)	50,845			54,574			115,797			(10,003		)	(159,180		)	52,033
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(1,180		)	(8		)	(1,188		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	50,845		$	54,574		$	115,797		$	(11,183	)	$	(159,188	)	$	50,845
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	50,845		$	54,574		$	115,797		$	(10,003	)	$	(159,180	)	$	52,033

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	515,097		$	53,845		$	(20,538	)	$	548,404
Media program and production expenses	—			—			185,371			20,272			(18,470		)	187,173
Selling, general and administrative	930			14,386			102,984			3,819			(33		)	122,086
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	266			1,040			105,427			34,336			(1,530		)	139,539
Total operating expenses	1,196			15,426			393,782			58,427			(20,033		)	448,798
Operating (loss) income	(1,196		)	(15,426		)	121,315			(4,582		)	(505		)	99,606
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	43,480			88,687			100			—			(132,267		)	—
Interest expense	(93		)	(45,784		)	(1,140		)	(7,721		)	6,172			(48,566		)
Other income (expense)	957			(407		)	3			(349		)	—			204
Total other income (expense)	44,344			42,496			(1,037		)	(8,070		)	(126,095		)	(48,362		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	107			20,235			(30,126		)	2,574			—			(7,210		)
Net income (loss)	43,255			47,305			90,152			(10,078		)	(126,600		)	44,034
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(799		)	20			(779		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	43,255		$	47,305		$	90,152		$	(10,877	)	$	(126,580	)	$	43,255
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	44,044		$	47,315		$	90,152		$	(10,078	)	$	(127,389	)	$	44,044

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,828,407		$	178,164		$	(67,313	)	$	1,939,258
Media program and production expenses	—			—			679,337			88,378			(65,338		)	702,377
Selling, general and administrative	3,277			53,189			360,793			7,641			(59		)	424,841
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	798			5,666			340,974			96,560			(1,365		)	442,633
Total operating expenses	4,075			58,855			1,381,104			192,579			(66,762		)	1,569,851
Operating (loss) income	(4,075		)	(58,855		)	447,303			(14,415		)	(551		)	369,407
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	124,536			289,593			170			—			(414,299		)	—
Interest expense	(192		)	(147,635		)	(3,417		)	(24,258		)	18,683			(156,819		)
Loss from the extinguishment of debt	—			(23,699		)	—			—			—			(23,699		)
Other income	3,386			736			583			439			—			5,144
Total other income (expense)	127,730			118,995			(2,664		)	(23,819		)	(395,616		)	(175,374		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	749			75,470			(150,436		)	8,446			—			(65,771		)
Net income (loss)	124,404			135,610			294,203			(29,788		)	(396,167		)	128,262
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(3,341		)	(517		)	(3,858		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	124,404		$	135,610		$	294,203		$	(33,129	)	$	(396,684	)	$	124,404
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	124,404		$	135,610		$	294,203		$	(29,788	)	$	(396,167	)	$	128,262

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,514,173		$	153,757		$	(60,584	)	$	1,607,346
Media program and production expenses	—			—			535,098			61,949			(56,493		)	540,554
Selling, general and administrative	3,432			40,598			302,962			10,919			(138		)	357,773
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	799			2,624			316,934			92,667			(2,498		)	410,526
Total operating expenses	4,231			43,222			1,154,994			165,535			(59,129		)	1,308,853
Operating (loss) income	(4,231		)	(43,222		)	359,179			(11,778		)	(1,455		)	298,493
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	114,176			238,635			—			—			(352,811		)	—
Interest expense	(301		)	(134,626		)	(3,481		)	(21,898		)	17,428			(142,878		)
Other income (expense)	3,250			(116		)	269			3,222			—			6,625
Total other income (expense)	117,125			103,893			(3,212		)	(18,676		)	(335,383		)	(136,253		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	430			60,435			(113,403		)	5,567			—			(46,971		)
Net income (loss)	113,324			121,106			242,564			(24,887		)	(336,838		)	115,269
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(1,999		)	54			(1,945		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	113,324		$	121,106		$	242,564		$	(26,886	)	$	(336,784	)	$	113,324
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	115,447		$	121,132		$	242,713		$	(24,885	)	$	(338,960	)	$	115,447

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$	(4,060	)	$	(152,724	)	$	451,804		$	17,138		$	18,102		$	330,260
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(7		)	(3,626		)	(61,758		)	(3,842		)	632			(68,601		)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			—			(415,481		)	(10,375		)	—			(425,856		)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	—			—			—			(29,143		)	—			(29,143		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			7,263			9,133			—			16,396
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(2,945		)	(10,840		)	(34		)	(20,405		)	—			(34,224		)
Loans to affiliates	—			(19,500		)	—			—			—			(19,500		)
Other, net	1,714			(1,828		)	(86		)	3,601			—			3,401
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities	(1,238		)	(35,794		)	(470,096		)	(51,031		)	632			(557,527		)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing	—			995,000			—			16,312			—			1,011,312
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	—			(636,547		)	(1,171		)	(16,269		)	—			(653,987		)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(49,667		)	—			—			—			—			(49,667		)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(101,164		)	—			—			—			—			(101,164		)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	158,574			(189,022		)	22,603			26,764			(18,919		)	—
Other, net	(2,445		)	(15,013		)	1,175			(8,556		)	185			(24,654		)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	5,298			154,418			22,607			18,251			(18,734		)	181,840
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	—			(34,100		)	4,315			(15,642		)	—			(45,427		)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	—			115,771			235			33,966			—			149,972
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	—		$	81,671		$	4,550		$	18,324		$	—		$	104,545

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$	(6,476	)	$	(66,929	)	$	390,101		$	(21,156	)	$	18,181		$	313,721
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	—			(7,687		)	(64,693		)	(1,603		)	1,507			(72,476		)
Payments for acquisition of television stations	—			—			(15,514		)	—			—			(15,514		)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	—			—			—			(31,340		)	—			(31,340		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			23,650			—			—			23,650
Investments in equity and cost method investees	—			(7,486		)	(27		)	(35,555		)	—			(43,068		)
Other, net	3,776			539			530			6,370			—			11,215
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities	3,776			(14,634		)	(56,054		)	(62,128		)	1,507			(127,533		)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	—			349,559			—			29,922			—			379,481
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(473		)	(370,011		)	(937		)	(3,683		)	—			(375,104		)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(47,104		)	—			—			—			—			(47,104		)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(28,823		)	—			—			—			—			(28,823		)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	82,410			200,108			(335,447		)	72,757			(19,828		)	—
Other, net	(3,310		)	(3,491		)	847			(7,117		)	140			(12,931		)
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	2,700			176,165			(335,537		)	91,879			(19,688		)	(84,481		)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	—			94,602			(1,490		)	8,595			—			101,707
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	—			3,394			1,749			12,539			—			17,682
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	—		$	97,996		$	259		$	21,134		$	—		$	119,389

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NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of Operations

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is a diversified television broadcasting company with national reach with a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations and digital platforms. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, and other original programming produced by us. We also distribute our original programming, and owned and operated network affiliates, on other third-party platforms. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties. Outside of our media related businesses, we operate technical services companies focused on supply and maintenance of broadcast transmission systems as well as research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and we manage other non-media related investments.

As of September 30, 2016, our broadcast distribution platform is a single reportable segment for accounting purposes. It consists primarily of our broadcast television stations, which we own, provide programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements (LMAs), or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as joint sales agreements (JSAs) and shared services agreements (SSAs)) to 173 stations in 81 markets. These stations broadcast 482 channels, as of September 30, 2016. For the purpose of this report, these 173 stations and 482 channels are referred to as “our” stations and channels.

Principles of Consolidation and Interim Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary.  Noncontrolling interest represents a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities.  All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Interim Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016 are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, such financial statements have been presented on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of equity (deficit) and consolidated statements of cash flows for these periods as adjusted for the adoption of recent accounting pronouncements discussed below.

As permitted under the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures normally included with audited consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC.  The consolidated statements of operations presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily representative of operations for an entire year.

Variable Interest Entities

In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE.  We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. 

Third-party station licensees.  Certain of our stations provide services to other station owners within the same respective market through agreements, such as LMAs, where we provide programming, sales, operational and administrative services, and JSAs and SSAs, where we provide non-programming, sales, operational and administrative services.  In certain cases, we have also entered into purchase agreements or options to purchase the license related assets of the licensee.  We typically own the majority of the non-license assets of the stations, and in some cases where the licensee acquired the license assets concurrent with our acquisition of the non-license assets of the station, we have provided guarantees to the bank for the licensee’s acquisition financing.  The terms of the agreements vary, but generally have initial terms of over five years with several optional renewal terms. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, we have concluded that 37 of these licensees are VIEs.  Based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in the stations, we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and because we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs.  Several of these VIEs are owned by a related party, Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham).  See Note 7. Related Person Transactions for more information about the arrangements with Cunningham. The net revenues of the stations which we consolidate were $79.1 million and $227.4 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2016, and $71 million and $207.6 million for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2015, respectively.  The fees paid between us and the licensees pursuant to these arrangements are eliminated in consolidation.  See Changes in the Rules of Television Ownership, Joint Sales Agreements, Retransmission Consent Negotiations, and National Ownership Cap within Note 4. Commitments and Contingencies for discussion of recent changes in FCC rules related to JSAs.

As of the dates indicated, the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented (in thousands):

	September 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	490	$	490
Accounts receivable	24,945		21,719
Current portion of program contract costs	14,895		13,287
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	318		331
Total current assets	40,648		35,827
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion	3,078		4,541
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	3,301		7,609
GOODWILL	791		787
INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS	15,684		17,599
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	80,693		79,086
OTHER ASSETS	6,924		6,924
Total assets	$	151,119	$	152,373
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	1,112	$	1,240
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing	3,710		3,687
Current portion of program contracts payable	16,573		12,627
Total current liabilities	21,395		17,554
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion	21,944		24,594
Program contracts payable, less current portion	14,036		13,679
Other long-term liabilities	9,364		8,067
Total liabilities	$	66,739	$	63,894

The amounts above represent the consolidated assets and liabilities of the VIEs described above, for which we are the primary beneficiary, and have been aggregated as they all relate to our broadcast business.  Excluded from the amounts above are payments made to Cunningham under the LMAs and certain JSAs which are treated as a prepayment of the purchase price of the stations and capital leases between us and Cunningham which are eliminated in consolidation.  The total payments made under these LMAs and certain JSAs as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, which are excluded from liabilities above, were $40.0 million and $37.6 million, respectively.  The total capital lease liabilities, net of capital lease assets, excluded from the above were $4.5 million for both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.  Also excluded from the amounts above are liabilities associated with certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options with certain VIEs totaling $77.8 million and $72.5 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, as these amounts are eliminated in consolidation.  The assets of each of these consolidated VIEs can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE.  All the liabilities are non-recourse to us except for certain debt of VIEs which we guarantee. The risk and reward characteristics of the VIEs are similar.

Other investments.  We have investments in real estate ventures and investment companies which are considered VIEs.  However, we do not participate in the management of these entities including the day-to-day operating decisions or other decisions which would allow us to control the entity, and therefore, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of these VIEs.  We account for these entities using the equity or cost method of accounting.

The carrying amounts of our investments in these VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are $119.9 million and $18.1 million, respectively, and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The increase in 2016 was due to the adoption of the revised accounting guidance during the first quarter of 2016 related to consolidation as discussed under Recent Accounting Pronouncements below, which resulted in additional investments being considered VIEs. Our maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value of our investments.  The income and loss related to these investments are recorded in income from equity and cost method investments in the consolidated statement of operations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of

America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance on revenue recognition for revenue from contracts with customers. This guidance requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective.  The new standard is effective for the annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2017, however, early adoption is permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on disclosure of uncertainties about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new standard is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. We will be adopting this guidance beginning December 31, 2016, which will involve adding policies and procedures around our assessments to continue as a going concern.

In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the current consolidation guidance on the determination of whether an entity is a variable interest entity.  The new standard is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted this revised guidance on a modified retrospective basis during the three months ended March 31, 2016. As disclosed under Other investments under Variable Interest Entities above, the adoption of the revised guidance resulted in additional investments in real estate ventures and investment companies being considered VIEs, however, we concluded that we were not the primary beneficiary of these investments. The revised guidance did not have any other impact on our consolidation conclusions.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to accounting for leases, which requires the assets and liabilities that arise from leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. Currently only capital leases are recorded on the balance sheet. This update will require the lessee to recognize a lease liability equal to the present value of the lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term for all leases longer than 12 months. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and liabilities and recognize the lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. This new guidance will be effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income tax effects, forfeitures, the impact of employee income tax withholdings and classification of certain related items in the statement of cash flows. We early adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2016, which did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. The adoption of the various changes in the guidance were applied as required by the guidance either on the prospective, modified retrospective, or full retrospective basis. As shown in the consolidated statement of stockholders' equity, upon adoption, we recorded a $0.4 million increase to additional paid in capital and a $1.8 million decrease in accumulated deficit, net of taxes, to record the cumulative effect of changing the classification of certain liability awards to equity classification. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we reclassified $2.2 million from net cash flows from operating activities to net cash flows from financing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows related to cash payments made to taxing authorities on certain employees' behalf for shares withheld.

In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments. The new standard, which includes eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice as to how cash receipts and cash payments are represented in the statement of cash flow. The new standard is effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2017, including the interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Total revenues include: (i) cash and barter advertising revenues, net of agency commissions; (ii) retransmission consent fees; (iii) network compensation; (iv) other media revenues and (v) revenues from our other businesses.

Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized in the period during which advertisements are placed.

Some of our retransmission consent agreements contain both advertising and retransmission consent elements.  We have determined that these retransmission consent agreements are revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables.  Advertising and retransmission consent deliverables sold under our agreements are separated into different units of accounting at fair value.  Revenue applicable to the advertising element of the arrangement is recognized similar to the advertising revenue policy noted above.  Revenue applicable to the retransmission consent element of the arrangement is recognized over the life of the agreement.

Network compensation revenue is recognized over the term of the contract.  All other significant revenues are recognized as services are provided.

Income Taxes

Our income tax provision for all periods consists of federal and state income taxes.  The tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is based on the estimated effective tax rate applicable for the full year after taking into account discrete tax items and the effects of the noncontrolling interests. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies and forecasts of future taxable income.  In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis.  A valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to a substantial portion of our available state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards, based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary book/tax basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year's presentation.

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NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Classification of Assets and Liabilities of VIEs

As of the dates indicated, the carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented (in thousands):

	September 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	490	$	490
Accounts receivable	24,945		21,719
Current portion of program contract costs	14,895		13,287
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	318		331
Total current assets	40,648		35,827
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion	3,078		4,541
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	3,301		7,609
GOODWILL	791		787
INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS	15,684		17,599
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	80,693		79,086
OTHER ASSETS	6,924		6,924
Total assets	$	151,119	$	152,373
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	1,112	$	1,240
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing	3,710		3,687
Current portion of program contracts payable	16,573		12,627
Total current liabilities	21,395		17,554
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion	21,944		24,594
Program contracts payable, less current portion	14,036		13,679
Other long-term liabilities	9,364		8,067
Total liabilities	$	66,739	$	63,894

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ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of allocated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed

The following table summarizes the allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities (in thousands):

Cash	$	5,111
Accounts receivable	17,629
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,518
Property and equipment	5,964
Definite-lived intangible assets	272,686
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	23,400
Other assets	619
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(7,414		)
Capital leases	(115		)
Deferred tax liability	(20,056		)
Other long term liabilities	(1,669		)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	302,673
Goodwill	56,492
Total	$	359,165

Schedule of allocated to definite-lived intangible assets

The following table summarizes the amounts allocated to definite-lived intangible assets representing the estimated fair values (in thousands):

Customer relationships	$	269,300
Other intangible assets	3,386
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	$	272,686

Schedule of unaudited pro forma results of operations

The pro forma results exclude the acquisition of television station acquisitions discussed below, as they were deemed not material both individually and in the aggregate (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Total revenues	$	693,835	$	571,437	$	1,953,750	$	1,678,800
Net Income	$	79,019	$	40,911	$	127,222	$	107,312
Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	50,845	$	40,132	$	123,364	$	105,367
Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.54	$	0.42	$	1.30	$	1.11
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	0.54	$	0.42	$	1.29	$	1.10

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of reconciliation of income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in computation of diluted earnings per share

The following table reconciles income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in our computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended   September 30,						Nine Months Ended   September 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Income (Numerator)
Net Income	$	52,033		$	44,034		$	128,262		$	115,269
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,188		)	(779		)	(3,858		)	(1,945		)
Numerator for diluted earnings per common share available to common shareholders	$	50,845		$	43,255		$	124,404		$	113,324
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	93,948			95,002			94,595			95,146
Dilutive effect of stock-settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and outstanding stock options	818			690			870			691
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	94,766			95,692			95,465			95,837

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SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of segment financial information

Segment financial information is included in the following tables for the periods presented (in thousands):

For the three months ended September 30, 2016	Broadcast		Other			Corporate			Consolidated
Revenue	$	635,559	$	58,276		$	—		$	693,835
Depreciation of property and equipment	24,195		1,425			266			25,886
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	38,717		9,090			—			47,807
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	32,441		—			—			32,441
General and administrative overhead expenses	17,530		247			1,275			19,052
Research and development	—		745			—			745
Operating income (loss)	158,666		(3,077		)	(1,595		)	153,994
Interest expense	1,404		1,664			50,420			53,488
Income from equity and cost method investments	—		611			812			1,423
Assets	4,901,549		825,996			138,643			5,866,188

For the three months ended September 30, 2015	Broadcast		Other			Corporate			Consolidated
Revenue	$	525,529	$	22,875		$	—		$	548,404
Depreciation of property and equipment	24,489		708			279			25,476
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	37,601		2,413			—			40,014
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	29,841		—			—			29,841
General and administrative overhead expenses	14,378		1,087			999			16,464
Research and development	—		4,803			—			4,803
Operating income (loss)	109,231		(7,653		)	(1,972		)	99,606
Interest expense	—		1,305			47,261			48,566
Income from equity and cost method investments	—		252			—			252

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016	Broadcast	Other		Corporate		Consolidated
Revenue	1,790,561	148,697		—		1,939,258
Depreciation of property and equipment	69,469	4,063		798		74,330
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	117,038	20,159		—		137,197
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	96,722	—		—		96,722
General and administrative overhead expenses	50,320	1,075		3,277		54,672
Research and development	—	3,055		—		3,055
Operating income (loss)	402,236	(28,699	)	(4,130	)	369,407
Interest expense	4,297	4,695		147,827		156,819
Income from equity and cost method investments	—	414		2,375		2,789

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015	Broadcast		Other			Corporate			Consolidated
Revenue	$	1,542,943	$	64,403		$	—		$	1,607,346
Depreciation of property and equipment	73,028		2,073			837			75,938
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	112,724		6,715			—			119,439
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments	90,014		—			—			90,014
General and administrative overhead expenses	40,637		2,611			3,437			46,685
Research and development	—		11,555			—			11,555
Operating income (loss)	323,336		(20,498		)	(4,345		)	298,493
Interest expense	—		3,541			139,337			142,878
Income from equity and cost method investments	—		5,405			—			5,405

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of carrying value and fair value of notes and debentures

The carrying value and fair value of our notes and debentures for the periods presented (in thousands):

	As of September 30, 2016				As of December 31, 2015
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Level 2:
6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 (a)	$	—	$	—	$	350,000	$	367,325
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022	500,000		526,910		500,000		512,500
5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 (b)	350,000		364,000		—		—
5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024	550,000		563,750		550,000		539,000
5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021	600,000		623,250		600,000		605,658
5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 (c)	400,000		392,356		—		—
Term Loan A	282,573		283,280		313,620		308,916
Term Loan B	1,366,117		1,378,636		1,376,007		1,365,461
Debt of variable interest entities	24,069		24,069		26,682		26,682
Debt of other operating divisions	123,599		123,599		120,969		120,969

(a) In August 2016, we redeemed our 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021. See Note 3. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information.

(b) In March 2016, we issued $350 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum and maturing in 2026. See Note 3.Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information.

(c) In August 2016, we issued $400 million in senior unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per annum and maturing in 2027. See Note 3.Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, for additional information.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheet

These statements are presented in accordance with the disclosure requirements under SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 3-10.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.		Sinclair Television Group, Inc.		Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Cash	$	—	$	81,671	$	4,550	$	18,324		$	—		$	104,545
Accounts receivable	—		—		483,686		37,237			(1,261		)	519,662
Other current assets	3,371		6,457		132,250		27,434			(3,629		)	165,883
Total current assets	3,371		88,128		620,486		82,995			(4,890		)	790,090
Property and equipment, net	2,086		17,710		566,633		130,309			(3,650		)	713,088
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	483,523		3,696,504		4,180		—			(4,184,207		)	—
Goodwill	—		—		1,985,299		4,279			—			1,989,578
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	—		—		137,416		15,709			—			153,125
Definite-lived intangible assets	—		—		1,816,553		227,351			(60,578		)	1,983,326
Other long-term assets	52,116		782,850		105,247		160,180			(863,412		)	236,981
Total assets	$	541,096	$	4,585,192	$	5,235,814	$	620,823		$	(5,116,737	)	$	5,866,188
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	102	$	55,484	$	211,362	$	28,427		$	(4,162	)	$	291,213
Current portion of long-term debt	—		55,500		1,803		107,935			—			165,238
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,804		—		1,569		2,258			(2,032		)	3,599
Other current liabilities	—		—		123,020		16,675			—			139,695
Total current liabilities	1,906		110,984		337,754		155,295			(6,194		)	599,745
Long-term debt	—		3,951,479		31,521		39,437			—			4,022,437
Affiliate long-term debt	479		—		12,977		384,174			(382,594		)	15,036
Other liabilities	22,196		31,612		1,173,805		177,155			(662,464		)	742,304
Total liabilities	24,581		4,094,075		1,556,057		756,061			(1,051,252		)	5,379,522
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)	516,515		491,117		3,679,757		(101,024		)	(4,069,849		)	516,516
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	—		—		—		(34,214		)	4,364			(29,850		)
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	541,096	$	4,585,192	$	5,235,814	$	620,823		$	(5,116,737	)	$	5,866,188

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015

(in thousands)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.		Sinclair Television Group, Inc.		Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Cash	$	—	$	115,771	$	235	$	33,966		$	—		$	149,972
Accounts receivable	—		1,775		390,142		33,949			(1,258		)	424,608
Other current assets	3,648		5,172		99,118		23,278			(4,033		)	127,183
Total current assets	3,648		122,718		489,495		91,193			(5,291		)	701,763
Property and equipment, net	2,884		20,336		559,042		143,667			(8,792		)	717,137
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	497,262		3,430,434		4,179		—			(3,931,875		)	—
Goodwill	—		—		1,926,814		4,279			—			1,931,093
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	—		—		114,841		17,624			—			132,465
Definite-lived intangible assets	—		—		1,602,454		206,975			(57,859		)	1,751,570
Other long-term assets	52,128		673,915		110,507		140,910			(779,173		)	198,287
Total assets	$	555,922	$	4,247,403	$	4,807,332	$	604,648		$	(4,782,990	)	$	5,432,315
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	104	$	49,428	$	179,156	$	27,462		$	(4,837	)	$	251,313
Current portion of long-term debt	—		57,640		1,611		106,358			(1,425		)	164,184
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt	1,651		—		1,311		456			(252		)	3,166
Other current liabilities	—		—		103,627		12,713			—			116,340
Total current liabilities	1,755		107,068		285,705		146,989			(6,514		)	535,003
Long-term debt	—		3,594,218		32,743		42,199			—			3,669,160
Affiliate long-term debt	1,857		—		14,240		366,042			(364,289		)	17,850
Other liabilities	26,500		28,866		1,060,211		171,102			(576,055		)	710,624
Total liabilities	30,112		3,730,152		1,392,899		726,332			(946,858		)	4,932,637
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)	525,810		517,251		3,414,433		(91,703		)	(3,839,981		)	525,810
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	—		—		—		(29,981		)	3,849			(26,132		)
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)	$	555,922	$	4,247,403	$	4,807,332	$	604,648		$	(4,782,990	)	$	5,432,315

Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	655,778		$	63,877		$	(25,820	)	$	693,835
Media program and production expenses	—			—			234,474			33,556			(25,150		)	242,880
Selling, general and administrative	1,275			16,969			124,352			3,153			(25		)	145,724
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	266			3,257			115,527			32,571			(384		)	151,237
Total operating expenses	1,541			20,226			474,353			69,280			(25,559		)	539,841
Operating (loss) income	(1,541		)	(20,226		)	181,425			(5,403		)	(261		)	153,994
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	51,113			114,060			51			—			(165,224		)	—
Interest expense	(56		)	(50,364		)	(1,117		)	(8,256		)	6,305			(53,488		)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	—			(23,699		)	—			—			—			(23,699		)
Other income (expense)	1,157			469			(27		)	613			—			2,212
Total other income (expense)	52,214			40,466			(1,093		)	(7,643		)	(158,919		)	(74,975		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	172			34,334			(64,535		)	3,043			—			(26,986		)
Net income (loss)	50,845			54,574			115,797			(10,003		)	(159,180		)	52,033
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(1,180		)	(8		)	(1,188		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	50,845		$	54,574		$	115,797		$	(11,183	)	$	(159,188	)	$	50,845
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	50,845		$	54,574		$	115,797		$	(10,003	)	$	(159,180	)	$	52,033

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	515,097		$	53,845		$	(20,538	)	$	548,404
Media program and production expenses	—			—			185,371			20,272			(18,470		)	187,173
Selling, general and administrative	930			14,386			102,984			3,819			(33		)	122,086
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	266			1,040			105,427			34,336			(1,530		)	139,539
Total operating expenses	1,196			15,426			393,782			58,427			(20,033		)	448,798
Operating (loss) income	(1,196		)	(15,426		)	121,315			(4,582		)	(505		)	99,606
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	43,480			88,687			100			—			(132,267		)	—
Interest expense	(93		)	(45,784		)	(1,140		)	(7,721		)	6,172			(48,566		)
Other income (expense)	957			(407		)	3			(349		)	—			204
Total other income (expense)	44,344			42,496			(1,037		)	(8,070		)	(126,095		)	(48,362		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	107			20,235			(30,126		)	2,574			—			(7,210		)
Net income (loss)	43,255			47,305			90,152			(10,078		)	(126,600		)	44,034
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(799		)	20			(779		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	43,255		$	47,305		$	90,152		$	(10,877	)	$	(126,580	)	$	43,255
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	44,044		$	47,315		$	90,152		$	(10,078	)	$	(127,389	)	$	44,044

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,828,407		$	178,164		$	(67,313	)	$	1,939,258
Media program and production expenses	—			—			679,337			88,378			(65,338		)	702,377
Selling, general and administrative	3,277			53,189			360,793			7,641			(59		)	424,841
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	798			5,666			340,974			96,560			(1,365		)	442,633
Total operating expenses	4,075			58,855			1,381,104			192,579			(66,762		)	1,569,851
Operating (loss) income	(4,075		)	(58,855		)	447,303			(14,415		)	(551		)	369,407
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	124,536			289,593			170			—			(414,299		)	—
Interest expense	(192		)	(147,635		)	(3,417		)	(24,258		)	18,683			(156,819		)
Loss from the extinguishment of debt	—			(23,699		)	—			—			—			(23,699		)
Other income	3,386			736			583			439			—			5,144
Total other income (expense)	127,730			118,995			(2,664		)	(23,819		)	(395,616		)	(175,374		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	749			75,470			(150,436		)	8,446			—			(65,771		)
Net income (loss)	124,404			135,610			294,203			(29,788		)	(396,167		)	128,262
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(3,341		)	(517		)	(3,858		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	124,404		$	135,610		$	294,203		$	(33,129	)	$	(396,684	)	$	124,404
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	124,404		$	135,610		$	294,203		$	(29,788	)	$	(396,167	)	$	128,262

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
Net revenue	$	—		$	—		$	1,514,173		$	153,757		$	(60,584	)	$	1,607,346
Media program and production expenses	—			—			535,098			61,949			(56,493		)	540,554
Selling, general and administrative	3,432			40,598			302,962			10,919			(138		)	357,773
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	799			2,624			316,934			92,667			(2,498		)	410,526
Total operating expenses	4,231			43,222			1,154,994			165,535			(59,129		)	1,308,853
Operating (loss) income	(4,231		)	(43,222		)	359,179			(11,778		)	(1,455		)	298,493
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	114,176			238,635			—			—			(352,811		)	—
Interest expense	(301		)	(134,626		)	(3,481		)	(21,898		)	17,428			(142,878		)
Other income (expense)	3,250			(116		)	269			3,222			—			6,625
Total other income (expense)	117,125			103,893			(3,212		)	(18,676		)	(335,383		)	(136,253		)
Income tax benefit (provision)	430			60,435			(113,403		)	5,567			—			(46,971		)
Net income (loss)	113,324			121,106			242,564			(24,887		)	(336,838		)	115,269
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	—			—			—			(1,999		)	54			(1,945		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$	113,324		$	121,106		$	242,564		$	(26,886	)	$	(336,784	)	$	113,324
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	115,447		$	121,132		$	242,713		$	(24,885	)	$	(338,960	)	$	115,447

Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$	(4,060	)	$	(152,724	)	$	451,804		$	17,138		$	18,102		$	330,260
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(7		)	(3,626		)	(61,758		)	(3,842		)	632			(68,601		)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			—			(415,481		)	(10,375		)	—			(425,856		)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	—			—			—			(29,143		)	—			(29,143		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			7,263			9,133			—			16,396
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(2,945		)	(10,840		)	(34		)	(20,405		)	—			(34,224		)
Loans to affiliates	—			(19,500		)	—			—			—			(19,500		)
Other, net	1,714			(1,828		)	(86		)	3,601			—			3,401
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities	(1,238		)	(35,794		)	(470,096		)	(51,031		)	632			(557,527		)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing	—			995,000			—			16,312			—			1,011,312
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	—			(636,547		)	(1,171		)	(16,269		)	—			(653,987		)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(49,667		)	—			—			—			—			(49,667		)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(101,164		)	—			—			—			—			(101,164		)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	158,574			(189,022		)	22,603			26,764			(18,919		)	—
Other, net	(2,445		)	(15,013		)	1,175			(8,556		)	185			(24,654		)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	5,298			154,418			22,607			18,251			(18,734		)	181,840
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	—			(34,100		)	4,315			(15,642		)	—			(45,427		)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	—			115,771			235			33,966			—			149,972
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	—		$	81,671		$	4,550		$	18,324		$	—		$	104,545

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(in thousands) (unaudited)

	Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.			Sinclair Television Group, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Sinclair Consolidated
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$	(6,476	)	$	(66,929	)	$	390,101		$	(21,156	)	$	18,181		$	313,721
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	—			(7,687		)	(64,693		)	(1,603		)	1,507			(72,476		)
Payments for acquisition of television stations	—			—			(15,514		)	—			—			(15,514		)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	—			—			—			(31,340		)	—			(31,340		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			23,650			—			—			23,650
Investments in equity and cost method investees	—			(7,486		)	(27		)	(35,555		)	—			(43,068		)
Other, net	3,776			539			530			6,370			—			11,215
Net cash flows (used in) from investing activities	3,776			(14,634		)	(56,054		)	(62,128		)	1,507			(127,533		)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	—			349,559			—			29,922			—			379,481
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(473		)	(370,011		)	(937		)	(3,683		)	—			(375,104		)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(47,104		)	—			—			—			—			(47,104		)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(28,823		)	—			—			—			—			(28,823		)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	82,410			200,108			(335,447		)	72,757			(19,828		)	—
Other, net	(3,310		)	(3,491		)	847			(7,117		)	140			(12,931		)
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	2,700			176,165			(335,537		)	91,879			(19,688		)	(84,481		)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	—			94,602			(1,490		)	8,595			—			101,707
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	—			3,394			1,749			12,539			—			17,682
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$	—		$	97,996		$	259		$	21,134		$	—		$	119,389

XML

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Nature of Operations (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2016 channel station market
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of television stations owned | station	173
Number of markets | market	81
Number of channels | channel	482

XML

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) license	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) license
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Media revenues	$ 693,835	$ 548,404	$ 1,939,258	$ 1,607,346
Income (loss) from equity investments	1,423	252	2,789	5,405
Eliminations
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Media revenues	(25,820)	(20,538)	$ (67,313)	(60,584)
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Initial term of certain outsourcing agreements			5 years
Number of licensees as VIEs (license) | license			37		37
Media revenues	79,100	71,000	$ 227,400	207,600
Consolidated VIEs | Eliminations
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options	77,800		77,800		$ 72,500
Consolidated VIEs | Cunningham | Eliminations
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total payments made under the LMA excluded from liabilities	40,000		40,000		37,600
Total capital leased liabilities excluded from VIE consolidation	4,500		4,500		4,500
VIEs which are not primary beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying amount	119,900		119,900		$ 18,100
Income (loss) from equity investments	$ 1,400	$ 700	$ 2,800	$ 6,500

XML

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 104,545	$ 149,972	$ 119,389	$ 17,682
Accounts receivable		519,662	424,608
Current portion of program contract costs		110,228	91,466
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		37,909	26,903
Total current assets		790,090	701,763
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion		12,245	18,996
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net		713,088	717,137
GOODWILL		1,989,578	1,931,093
INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS		153,125	132,465
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		1,983,326	1,751,570
OTHER ASSETS		224,736	175,566
Total assets	[1]	5,866,188	5,432,315
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		291,213	251,313
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		165,238	164,184
Current portion of program contracts payable		131,553	108,260
Total current liabilities		599,745	535,003
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		4,022,437	3,669,160
Program contracts payable, less current portion		57,724	56,921
Other long-term liabilities		71,619	68,631
Total liabilities	[1]	5,379,522	4,932,637
Consolidated VIEs, aggregated
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		490	490
Accounts receivable		24,945	21,719
Current portion of program contract costs		14,895	13,287
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		318	331
Total current assets		40,648	35,827
PROGRAM CONTRACT COSTS, less current portion		3,078	4,541
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net		3,301	7,609
GOODWILL		791	787
INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS		15,684	17,599
DEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net		80,693	79,086
OTHER ASSETS		6,924	6,924
Total assets		151,119	152,373
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		1,112	1,240
Current portion of notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing		3,710	3,687
Current portion of program contracts payable		16,573	12,627
Total current liabilities		21,395	17,554
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable, capital leases and commercial bank financing, less current portion		21,944	24,594
Program contracts payable, less current portion		14,036	13,679
Other long-term liabilities		9,364	8,067
Total liabilities		$ 66,739	$ 63,894

[1] Our consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $151.1 million and $152.4 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $41.1 million and $35.6 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

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NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of classification change				$ (2,264)
Reclassification from net cash flows from operating activities		$ (330,260)	$ (313,721)
Reclassification to net cash flows from financing activities		$ 181,840	$ (84,481)
Additional Paid-In Capital
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of classification change				(431)
Accumulated Deficit
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of classification change				(1,833)
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Reclassification from net cash flows from operating activities	$ 2,200
Reclassification to net cash flows from financing activities	$ 2,200
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect | Additional Paid-In Capital
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of classification change				(400)
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect | Accumulated Deficit
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of classification change				$ (1,800)

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NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Income Taxes (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Reduction on liability for unrecognized tax benefits	$ 5.7
2014 Federal Income Tax Return
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Adjustment to income tax provision	$ 3.3

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NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Share Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 08, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 06, 2016	Mar. 20, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase authorization					$ 150,000,000.0	$ 150,000,000
Shares repurchased			$ 101,164,000	$ 28,823,000
Remaining authorization amount		$ 154,300,000	$ 154,300,000
Class A Common Stock
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (shares)		3,200,000	3,600,000
Shares repurchased		$ 90,000,000	$ 101,200,000
Subsequent Event | Class A Common Stock
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (shares)	1,100,000.0
Shares repurchased	$ 31,100,000

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ACQUISITIONS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs				$ 200,000
Net revenues		$ 27,400,000		62,500,000
Operating income (loss)		1,300,000		(9,600,000)
Gains of sale of broadcast assets		3,311,000	$ 255,000	5,982,000	$ 306,000
Tennis Channel
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination purchase price	$ 350,000,000
Working capital adjustment	$ 9,200,000
Decrease to deferred tax assets		16,100,000
Decrease to goodwill		25,300,000
Increase to amortization		1,100,000
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes		0		$ 0
Tennis Channel | Definite-lived intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to intangible assets		45,600,000
Tennis Channel | Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) to intangible assets		(1,500,000)
Tennis Channel | Customer relationships | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period				10 years
Tennis Channel | Customer relationships | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period				15 years
Tennis Channel | Other intangible assets | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period				1 year
Tennis Channel | Other intangible assets | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period				3 years
Television Station Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination purchase price				$ 72,000,000
Working capital adjustment				200,000
Gains of sale of broadcast assets		$ 1,800,000		$ 2,600,000

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ACQUISITIONS - Fair Value of Acquired Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Goodwill	$ 1,989,578	$ 1,931,093
Tennis Channel
Allocated fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities
Cash	5,111
Accounts receivable	17,629
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,518
Property and equipment	5,964
Definite-lived intangible assets	272,686
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	23,400
Other assets	619
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(7,414)
Capital leases	(115)
Deferred tax liability	(20,056)
Other long term liabilities	(1,669)
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	302,673
Goodwill	56,492
Total	$ 359,165

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ACQUISITIONS - Fair Value Allocation of Assets and Goodwill (Details) - Tennis Channel $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 272,686
Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	269,300
Other intangible assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 3,386

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ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Pro Forma Information
Total revenues	$ 693,835	$ 571,437	$ 1,953,750	$ 1,678,800
Net Income	79,019	40,911	127,222	107,312
Net Income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 50,845	$ 40,132	$ 123,364	$ 105,367
Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair (USD per share)	$ 0.54	$ 0.42	$ 1.30	$ 1.11
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair (USD per share)	$ 0.54	$ 0.42	$ 1.29	$ 1.10

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NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERICAL BANK FINANCING - 5.125% Senior Notes, due 2027 (Details) - USD ($)						3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Mar. 15, 2021	Aug. 15, 2019	Mar. 15, 2019	Aug. 30, 2016	Mar. 23, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment related to redemption						$ 23,699,000	$ 0	$ 23,699,000	$ 0
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Notes, due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued				$ 400,000,000.0						$ 400,000,000
Interest rate				5.125%		5.125%		5.125%		5.125%
Percentage of the par value				100.00%
Deferred financing costs				$ 6,600,000
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Notes, due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued					$ 350,000,000.0						$ 350,000,000
Interest rate					5.875%	5.875%		5.875%			5.875%
Percentage of the par value					100.00%
Deferred financing costs					$ 5,900,000
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Notes, due 2026 | Forecast
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of the par value	100.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Senior Notes | 6.375% Senior Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				6.375%						6.375%		6.375%
Aggregate principal amount				$ 350,000,000
Redemption price				377,200,000
Loss on extinguishment related to redemption				$ 23,700,000

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NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - 5.875% Senior Notes, due 2026 (Details) - Senior Notes - 5.875% Senior Notes, due 2026 - USD ($)	Mar. 15, 2021	Aug. 15, 2019	Mar. 15, 2019	Mar. 23, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued				$ 350,000,000.0		$ 350,000,000
Interest rate				5.875%	5.875%	5.875%
Percentage of the par value				100.00%
Deferred financing costs				$ 5,900,000
Forecast
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of the par value	100.00%	35.00%	35.00%

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NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Bank Credit Agreement (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 19, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt	$ 4,206,300,000
Bank Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Financing costs	2,300,000
Financing costs to be expensed	300,000
Bank Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving commitments		$ 485,200,000.0
Financing costs		2,600,000
Outstanding balance	0		$ 0
Current borrowing capacity	$ 483,300,000
Bank Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Term Loan A Extended to July 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt		139,500,000
Bank Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Term Loan A Maturing April 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt		$ 153,500,000

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) station	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) station	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 06, 2016 station	Jul. 29, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 15, 2014 station
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Number of television stations with attributable interest (station) | station							1
Percentage of ad time to be considered an owner							15.00%
Net revenue | $	$ 693,835	$ 548,404	$ 1,939,258	$ 1,607,346
Period subject to ongoing compliance monitoring by the FCC			36 months
Number of television stations owned and operated | station	173		173
FCC Consent Decree Settlement
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Subject payment amount to the United States Treasury | $						$ 9,500
Number of television stations owned and operated | station					28
Percentage of U.S. households reached (over)					37.00%
Joint Sales Agreements
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Net revenue | $	$ 16,000	$ 11,500	$ 42,500	$ 34,200

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income (Numerator)
Net Income	$ 52,033	$ 44,034	$ 128,262	$ 115,269
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,188)	(779)	(3,858)	(1,945)
Numerator for diluted earnings per common share available to common shareholders	$ 50,845	$ 43,255	$ 124,404	$ 113,324
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (shares)	93,948	95,002	94,595	95,146
Dilutive effect of stock-settled appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and outstanding stock options (shares)	818	690	870	691
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (shares)	94,766	95,692	95,465	95,837
Additional Disclosures
Potentially antidilutive dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (shares)	525	200	525	200

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RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Transactions with our Controlling Shareholders (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Lease Services | Entities owned by the controlling shareholders
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease payments made to entities		$ 1.3	$ 1.3	$ 3.8	$ 3.9
Charter Aircraft | Controlling shareholders
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease term	30 months
Lease renewal term	12 months
Charter Aircraft | Controlling shareholders | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aircraft expenses		$ 0.3	$ 0.4	$ 1.0	$ 1.0

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RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) renewal	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net revenue				$ 693,835	$ 548,404	$ 1,939,258	$ 1,607,346
Affiliated Entity | Cunningham
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement renewal period			1 year
Right to acquire capital stock				100.00%		100.00%
Remaining purchase price				$ 53,600		$ 53,600
Related party promissory note			$ 19,500
Loan receivable, interest rate			5.00%
Proceeds from sale of master control equipment		$ 700
Annual revenue from master control services		$ 200
Annual revenue for share service	$ 1,000
Affiliated Entity | Cunningham | LMA
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of additional renewal terms | renewal						2
Agreement renewal period						5 years
Lease payments made to entities				$ 2,100	2,100	$ 6,600	7,800
Affiliated Entity | Cunningham | LMA | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of net broadcast revenue used to determine annual LMA fees required to be paid				3.00%		3.00%
Amount used to determine annual LMA fees required to be paid				$ 4,700		$ 4,700
Annual increase in aggregate purchase price				6.00%		6.00%
Cunningham license related assets | Cunningham
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement renewal period						8 years
Amount received				$ 1,400	1,500	$ 3,900	4,200
Net revenue				$ 29,400	$ 25,800	$ 83,800	$ 74,800

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RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Atlantic Automotive Corporation (Details) - Atlantic Automotive Corporation - Affiliated Entity $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) real_estate_venture	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) real_estate_venture	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Lease Services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual rent	$ 0.3	$ 0.3	$ 0.8	$ 0.9
Lease Services | Real estate ventures in Towson, MD
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of consolidated real estate ventures | real_estate_venture	1		1
Maximum | Advertising time
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount received	$ 0.3	$ 0.1	$ 0.6	$ 0.3

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RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Leased Property by Real Estate Ventures (Details) - President and Chief Executive Officer	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) lease real_estate_venture restaurant	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) lease real_estate_venture restaurant	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Lease Services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments for services (less than)	$ 100,000	$ 100,000.0	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Real estate ventures in Baltimore, MD | Lease Services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of restaurants owned by a related party | restaurant	3		3
Number of consolidated real estate ventures | real_estate_venture	1		1
Number of Properties Subject to Ground Leases | lease	1		1
Real estate ventures in Towson, MD | Lease Services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual rent	$ 100,000	100,000	$ 200,000	300,000
Maximum | Real estate ventures in Baltimore, MD | Lease Services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Amount received	$ 200,000	$ 200,000	$ 500,000	$ 500,000

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SEGMENT DATA (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) market	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) market	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Segment data
Number of markets | market	81		81
Intercompany loans | $	$ 226.5	$ 226.0	$ 226.5	$ 226.0
Intercompany interest expense | $	$ 6.1	$ 6.1	$ 18.3	$ 16.9
Operating segments | Broadcast
Segment data
Number of markets | market	81		81

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SEGMENT DATA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment data
Revenue		$ 693,835	$ 548,404	$ 1,939,258	$ 1,607,346
Depreciation of property and equipment		25,886	25,476	74,330	75,938
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets		47,807	40,014	137,197	119,439
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments		32,441	29,841	96,722	90,014
General and administrative overhead expenses		19,052	16,464	54,672	46,685
Research and development expenses		745	4,803	3,055	11,555
Operating income (loss)		153,994	99,606	369,407	298,493
Interest expense		53,488	48,566	156,819	142,878
Income (loss) from equity investments		1,423	252	2,789	5,405
Assets	[1]	5,866,188		5,866,188		$ 5,432,315
Broadcast
Segment data
Revenue		635,559	525,529	1,790,561	1,542,943
Depreciation of property and equipment		24,195	24,489	69,469	73,028
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets		38,717	37,601	117,038	112,724
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments		32,441	29,841	96,722	90,014
General and administrative overhead expenses		17,530	14,378	50,320	40,637
Research and development expenses		0	0	0	0
Operating income (loss)		158,666	109,231	402,236	323,336
Interest expense		1,404	0	4,297	0
Income (loss) from equity investments		0	0	0	0
Assets		4,901,549		4,901,549
Other
Segment data
Revenue		58,276	22,875	148,697	64,403
Depreciation of property and equipment		1,425	708	4,063	2,073
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets		9,090	2,413	20,159	6,715
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments		0	0	0	0
General and administrative overhead expenses		247	1,087	1,075	2,611
Research and development expenses		745	4,803	3,055	11,555
Operating income (loss)		(3,077)	(7,653)	(28,699)	(20,498)
Interest expense		1,664	1,305	4,695	3,541
Income (loss) from equity investments		611	252	414	5,405
Assets		825,996		825,996
Corporate
Segment data
Revenue		0	0	0	0
Depreciation of property and equipment		266	279	798	837
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets		0	0	0	0
Amortization of program contract costs and net realizable value adjustments		0	0	0	0
General and administrative overhead expenses		1,275	999	3,277	3,437
Research and development expenses		0	0	0	0
Operating income (loss)		(1,595)	(1,972)	(4,130)	(4,345)
Interest expense		50,420	47,261	147,827	139,337
Income (loss) from equity investments		812	$ 0	2,375	$ 0
Assets		$ 138,643		$ 138,643

[1] Our consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $151.1 million and $152.4 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $41.1 million and $35.6 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 23, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Debt of variable interest entities
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	$ 24,069,000					$ 26,682,000
Level 2 | Carrying Value | Debt of other operating divisions
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	123,599,000					120,969,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | Debt of variable interest entities
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	24,069,000					26,682,000
Level 2 | Fair Value | Debt of other operating divisions
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	$ 123,599,000					$ 120,969,000
Senior Unsecured Notes | 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate		6.375%	6.375%			6.375%
Senior Unsecured Notes | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate	6.125%					6.125%
Senior Unsecured Notes | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate	5.875%			5.875%	5.875%
Debt issued				$ 350,000,000	$ 350,000,000.0
Senior Unsecured Notes | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate	5.625%					5.625%
Senior Unsecured Notes | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate	5.375%					5.375%
Senior Unsecured Notes | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate	5.125%	5.125%	5.125%
Debt issued		$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000.0
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Carrying Value | 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	$ 0					$ 350,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Carrying Value | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	500,000,000					500,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Carrying Value | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	350,000,000					0
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Carrying Value | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	550,000,000					550,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Carrying Value | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	600,000,000					600,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Carrying Value | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	400,000,000					0
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value | 6.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	0					367,325,000
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	526,910,000					512,500,000
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	364,000,000					0
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	563,750,000					539,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	623,250,000					605,658,000
Senior Unsecured Notes | Level 2 | Fair Value | 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	392,356,000					0
Term Loan | Level 2 | Carrying Value | Term Loan A
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	282,573,000					313,620,000
Term Loan | Level 2 | Carrying Value | Term Loan B
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	1,366,117,000					1,376,007,000
Term Loan | Level 2 | Fair Value | Term Loan A
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	283,280,000					308,916,000
Term Loan | Level 2 | Fair Value | Term Loan B
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt fair value disclosure	$ 1,378,636,000					$ 1,365,461,000

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 4,206.3
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt guaranteed by parent	$ 4,078.7
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.375%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.625%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.125%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 5.125% Senior Notes, due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.125%
Sinclair Television Group, Inc. | 6.375% Senior Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.375%
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt guaranteed by parent	$ 4,030.9
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. | 5.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.375%
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. | 5.625% Senior Unsecured Notes, due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.625%
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.125%
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. | 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		$ 104,545	$ 149,972	$ 119,389	$ 17,682
Accounts receivable		519,662	424,608
Other current assets		165,883	127,183
Total current assets		790,090	701,763
Property and equipment, net		713,088	717,137
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Goodwill		1,989,578	1,931,093
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		153,125	132,465
Definite-lived intangible assets		1,983,326	1,751,570
Other long-term assets		236,981	198,287
Total assets	[1]	5,866,188	5,432,315
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		291,213	251,313
Current portion of long-term debt		165,238	164,184
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		3,599	3,166
Other current liabilities		139,695	116,340
Total current liabilities		599,745	535,003
Long-term debt		4,022,437	3,669,160
Affiliate long-term debt		15,036	17,850
Other liabilities		742,304	710,624
Total liabilities	[1]	5,379,522	4,932,637
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		516,516	525,810
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		(29,850)	(26,132)
Total liabilities and equity		5,866,188	5,432,315
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable		0	0
Other current assets		3,371	3,648
Total current assets		3,371	3,648
Property and equipment, net		2,086	2,884
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		483,523	497,262
Goodwill		0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Other long-term assets		52,116	52,128
Total assets		541,096	555,922
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		102	104
Current portion of long-term debt		0	0
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		1,804	1,651
Other current liabilities		0	0
Total current liabilities		1,906	1,755
Long-term debt		0	0
Affiliate long-term debt		479	1,857
Other liabilities		22,196	26,500
Total liabilities		24,581	30,112
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		516,515	525,810
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		541,096	555,922
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		81,671	115,771	97,996	3,394
Accounts receivable		0	1,775
Other current assets		6,457	5,172
Total current assets		88,128	122,718
Property and equipment, net		17,710	20,336
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		3,696,504	3,430,434
Goodwill		0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Other long-term assets		782,850	673,915
Total assets		4,585,192	4,247,403
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		55,484	49,428
Current portion of long-term debt		55,500	57,640
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		0	0
Other current liabilities		0	0
Total current liabilities		110,984	107,068
Long-term debt		3,951,479	3,594,218
Affiliate long-term debt		0	0
Other liabilities		31,612	28,866
Total liabilities		4,094,075	3,730,152
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		491,117	517,251
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		4,585,192	4,247,403
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		4,550	235	259	1,749
Accounts receivable		483,686	390,142
Other current assets		132,250	99,118
Total current assets		620,486	489,495
Property and equipment, net		566,633	559,042
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		4,180	4,179
Goodwill		1,985,299	1,926,814
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		137,416	114,841
Definite-lived intangible assets		1,816,553	1,602,454
Other long-term assets		105,247	110,507
Total assets		5,235,814	4,807,332
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		211,362	179,156
Current portion of long-term debt		1,803	1,611
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		1,569	1,311
Other current liabilities		123,020	103,627
Total current liabilities		337,754	285,705
Long-term debt		31,521	32,743
Affiliate long-term debt		12,977	14,240
Other liabilities		1,173,805	1,060,211
Total liabilities		1,556,057	1,392,899
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		3,679,757	3,414,433
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		5,235,814	4,807,332
Reportable legal entities | Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		18,324	33,966	21,134	12,539
Accounts receivable		37,237	33,949
Other current assets		27,434	23,278
Total current assets		82,995	91,193
Property and equipment, net		130,309	143,667
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Goodwill		4,279	4,279
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		15,709	17,624
Definite-lived intangible assets		227,351	206,975
Other long-term assets		160,180	140,910
Total assets		620,823	604,648
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		28,427	27,462
Current portion of long-term debt		107,935	106,358
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		2,258	456
Other current liabilities		16,675	12,713
Total current liabilities		155,295	146,989
Long-term debt		39,437	42,199
Affiliate long-term debt		384,174	366,042
Other liabilities		177,155	171,102
Total liabilities		756,061	726,332
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		(101,024)	(91,703)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		(34,214)	(29,981)
Total liabilities and equity		620,823	604,648
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
Cash		0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Accounts receivable		(1,261)	(1,258)
Other current assets		(3,629)	(4,033)
Total current assets		(4,890)	(5,291)
Property and equipment, net		(3,650)	(8,792)
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries		(4,184,207)	(3,931,875)
Goodwill		0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets		(60,578)	(57,859)
Other long-term assets		(863,412)	(779,173)
Total assets		(5,116,737)	(4,782,990)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(4,162)	(4,837)
Current portion of long-term debt		0	(1,425)
Current portion of affiliate long-term debt		(2,032)	(252)
Other current liabilities		0	0
Total current liabilities		(6,194)	(6,514)
Long-term debt		0	0
Affiliate long-term debt		(382,594)	(364,289)
Other liabilities		(662,464)	(576,055)
Total liabilities		(1,051,252)	(946,858)
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group equity (deficit)		(4,069,849)	(3,839,981)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		4,364	3,849
Total liabilities and equity		$ (5,116,737)	$ (4,782,990)

[1] Our consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $151.1 million and $152.4 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $41.1 million and $35.6 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	$ 693,835	$ 548,404	$ 1,939,258	$ 1,607,346
Media program and production expenses	242,880	187,173	702,377	540,554
Selling, general and administrative	145,724	122,086	424,841	357,773
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	151,237	139,539	442,633	410,526
Total operating expenses	539,841	448,798	1,569,851	1,308,853
Operating income	153,994	99,606	369,407	298,493
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(53,488)	(48,566)	(156,819)	(142,878)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	(23,699)	0	(23,699)	0
Other income (expense)	2,212	204	5,144	6,625
Total other expense, net	(74,975)	(48,362)	(175,374)	(136,253)
Income tax benefit (provision)	(26,986)	(7,210)	(65,771)	(46,971)
NET INCOME	52,033	44,034	128,262	115,269
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,188)	(779)	(3,858)	(1,945)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	50,845	43,255	124,404	113,324
Comprehensive income	52,033	44,044	128,262	115,447
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	0	0	0	0
Media program and production expenses	0	0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	1,275	930	3,277	3,432
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	266	266	798	799
Total operating expenses	1,541	1,196	4,075	4,231
Operating income	(1,541)	(1,196)	(4,075)	(4,231)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	51,113	43,480	124,536	114,176
Interest expense	(56)	(93)	(192)	(301)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	0		0
Other income (expense)	1,157	957	3,386	3,250
Total other expense, net	52,214	44,344	127,730	117,125
Income tax benefit (provision)	172	107	749	430
NET INCOME	50,845	43,255	124,404	113,324
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	50,845	43,255	124,404	113,324
Comprehensive income	50,845	44,044	124,404	115,447
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	0	0	0	0
Media program and production expenses	0	0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	16,969	14,386	53,189	40,598
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	3,257	1,040	5,666	2,624
Total operating expenses	20,226	15,426	58,855	43,222
Operating income	(20,226)	(15,426)	(58,855)	(43,222)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	114,060	88,687	289,593	238,635
Interest expense	(50,364)	(45,784)	(147,635)	(134,626)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	(23,699)		(23,699)
Other income (expense)	469	(407)	736	(116)
Total other expense, net	40,466	42,496	118,995	103,893
Income tax benefit (provision)	34,334	20,235	75,470	60,435
NET INCOME	54,574	47,305	135,610	121,106
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	54,574	47,305	135,610	121,106
Comprehensive income	54,574	47,315	135,610	121,132
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	655,778	515,097	1,828,407	1,514,173
Media program and production expenses	234,474	185,371	679,337	535,098
Selling, general and administrative	124,352	102,984	360,793	302,962
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	115,527	105,427	340,974	316,934
Total operating expenses	474,353	393,782	1,381,104	1,154,994
Operating income	181,425	121,315	447,303	359,179
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	51	100	170	0
Interest expense	(1,117)	(1,140)	(3,417)	(3,481)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	0		0
Other income (expense)	(27)	3	583	269
Total other expense, net	(1,093)	(1,037)	(2,664)	(3,212)
Income tax benefit (provision)	(64,535)	(30,126)	(150,436)	(113,403)
NET INCOME	115,797	90,152	294,203	242,564
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	115,797	90,152	294,203	242,564
Comprehensive income	115,797	90,152	294,203	242,713
Reportable legal entities | Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	63,877	53,845	178,164	153,757
Media program and production expenses	33,556	20,272	88,378	61,949
Selling, general and administrative	3,153	3,819	7,641	10,919
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	32,571	34,336	96,560	92,667
Total operating expenses	69,280	58,427	192,579	165,535
Operating income	(5,403)	(4,582)	(14,415)	(11,778)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(8,256)	(7,721)	(24,258)	(21,898)
Loss from extinguishment of debt	0		0
Other income (expense)	613	(349)	439	3,222
Total other expense, net	(7,643)	(8,070)	(23,819)	(18,676)
Income tax benefit (provision)	3,043	2,574	8,446	5,567
NET INCOME	(10,003)	(10,078)	(29,788)	(24,887)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,180)	(799)	(3,341)	(1,999)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	(11,183)	(10,877)	(33,129)	(26,886)
Comprehensive income	(10,003)	(10,078)	(29,788)	(24,885)
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net revenue	(25,820)	(20,538)	(67,313)	(60,584)
Media program and production expenses	(25,150)	(18,470)	(65,338)	(56,493)
Selling, general and administrative	(25)	(33)	(59)	(138)
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses	(384)	(1,530)	(1,365)	(2,498)
Total operating expenses	(25,559)	(20,033)	(66,762)	(59,129)
Operating income	(261)	(505)	(551)	(1,455)
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	(165,224)	(132,267)	(414,299)	(352,811)
Interest expense	6,305	6,172	18,683	17,428
Loss from extinguishment of debt	0		0
Other income (expense)	0	0	0	0
Total other expense, net	(158,919)	(126,095)	(395,616)	(335,383)
Income tax benefit (provision)	0	0	0	0
NET INCOME	(159,180)	(126,600)	(396,167)	(336,838)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(8)	20	(517)	54
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	(159,188)	(126,580)	(396,684)	(336,784)
Comprehensive income	$ (159,180)	$ (127,389)	$ (396,167)	$ (338,960)

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$ 330,260	$ 313,721
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(68,601)	(72,476)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(425,856)	(15,514)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(29,143)	(31,340)
Proceeds from sale of assets	16,396	23,650
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(34,224)	(43,068)
Loans to affiliates	(19,500)	0
Other, net	3,401	11,215
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(557,527)	(127,533)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	1,011,312	379,481
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(653,987)	(375,104)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(49,667)	(47,104)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(101,164)	(28,823)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	0	0
Other, net	(24,654)	(12,931)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	181,840	(84,481)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(45,427)	101,707
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	149,972	17,682
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	104,545	119,389
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(4,060)	(6,476)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(7)	0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(2,945)	0
Loans to affiliates	0
Other, net	1,714	3,776
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(1,238)	3,776
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	0	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	0	(473)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(49,667)	(47,104)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(101,164)	(28,823)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	158,574	82,410
Other, net	(2,445)	(3,310)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	5,298	2,700
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	0	0
Reportable legal entities | Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(152,724)	(66,929)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(3,626)	(7,687)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(10,840)	(7,486)
Loans to affiliates	(19,500)
Other, net	(1,828)	539
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(35,794)	(14,634)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	995,000	349,559
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(636,547)	(370,011)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(189,022)	200,108
Other, net	(15,013)	(3,491)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	154,418	176,165
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(34,100)	94,602
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	115,771	3,394
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	81,671	97,996
Reportable legal entities | Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	451,804	390,101
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(61,758)	(64,693)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(415,481)	(15,514)
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	7,263	23,650
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(34)	(27)
Loans to affiliates	0
Other, net	(86)	530
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(470,096)	(56,054)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	0	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(1,171)	(937)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	22,603	(335,447)
Other, net	1,175	847
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	22,607	(335,537)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	4,315	(1,490)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	235	1,749
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	4,550	259
Reportable legal entities | Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	17,138	(21,156)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(3,842)	(1,603)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(10,375)	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	(29,143)	(31,340)
Proceeds from sale of assets	9,133	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	(20,405)	(35,555)
Loans to affiliates	0
Other, net	3,601	6,370
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(51,031)	(62,128)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	16,312	29,922
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	(16,269)	(3,683)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	26,764	72,757
Other, net	(8,556)	(7,117)
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	18,251	91,879
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(15,642)	8,595
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	33,966	12,539
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	18,324	21,134
Eliminations
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	18,102	18,181
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	632	1,507
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0
Purchase of alarm monitoring contracts	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0
Investments in equity and cost method investees	0	0
Loans to affiliates	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash flows used in investing activities	632	1,507
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	0	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and capital leases	0	0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(18,919)	(19,828)
Other, net	185	140
Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities	(18,734)	(19,688)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period	$ 0	$ 0