CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue (including revenue from affiliates of $638 and $3,406 respectively) (See Note 13)	$ 2,421,897	$ 2,478,821
Operating expenses:
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $4,618 and $2,228, respectively) (See Note 13)	828,793	851,864
Other operating expenses (including charges from affiliates of $3,095 and $3,179, respectively) (See Note 13)	641,906	580,433
Restructuring and other expense	3,378	3,209
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)	435,349	434,857
Total operating expenses	1,909,426	1,870,363
Operating income	512,471	608,458
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(303,362)	(316,312)
Gain on investments, net	(150,773)	73,453
Gain (Loss) on Price Risk Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	101,074	(53,565)
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	123,147	75,653
Other income, net	2,430	2,859
Total other income (expense)	(227,484)	(217,912)
Income before income taxes	284,987	390,546
Income tax expense	(82,846)	(112,007)
Net income	202,141	278,539
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,590)	(4,403)
Net income attributable to stockholders	$ 196,551	$ 274,136
Income per share:
Basic income per share	$ 0.43	$ 0.58
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	453,229	469,233
Diluted income per share	$ 0.43	$ 0.58
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	453,229	475,448
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0	$ 0