Description of business, basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of business, basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies	Description of business, basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies Description of business: We are an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. Our business includes 47 television stations operating in 39 markets, offering high-quality television programming and digital content. Each television station also has a robust digital presence across online, mobile and social platforms. Use of estimates: The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In doing so, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, fair value measurements, postretirement benefit plans, income taxes including deferred tax assets, and contingencies. Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries we control and variable interest entities if we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all intercompany balances, transactions, and profits in consolidation. Investments in entities for which we have significant influence, but do not have control, are accounted for under the equity method. Our share of net earnings and losses from these ventures is included in “Equity (income) loss in unconsolidated investees, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation, specifically as it relates to separately presenting on the Consolidated Statements of Income Corporate general and administrative expenses from Business units selling, and general administrative expenses as well as certain reclassifications on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. On May 31, 2017, we completed the spin-off of our digital automotive marketplace business, Cars.com. In addition, on July 31, 2017, we completed the sale of our majority ownership stake in CareerBuilder. Our digital marketing services (DMS) business is now reported within our Media business. As a result of these strategic actions, we have disposed of substantially all of our Digital Segment business and have therefore classified its historical financial results as discontinued operations. See Note 13, “Discontinued operations”, for further details regarding the spin-off of Cars.com and the sale of CareerBuilder and the impact of each transaction on our consolidated financial statements. Segment presentation: After the spin-off of Cars.com and the sale of our majority stake in CareerBuilder, we began classifying our operations as one operating and reportable segment, Media, which consists of our 47 television stations and our Premion business. Also now included in the Media Segment is our DMS business which was previously reported in our Digital Segment. Our financial statements for all periods presented have been updated to reclassify the historical results of our DMS business within our Media business. Our reportable segment structure has been determined based on management and internal reporting structure, the nature of products and services offered by our businesses, and the financial information that is evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision maker. As a result of classifying the former Digital Segment’s historical financial results as discontinued operations there is no remaining activity in 2017. The 2016 activity for our Digital Segment relates to our former Cofactor business which did not meet the criteria for discontinued operation reporting when the business was sold in December 2016. In addition to Cofactor, the 2015 Digital Segment activity also includes our former PointRoll and BLiNQ businesses which were disposed of in 2015. Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Trade receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts: Trade receivables are recorded at invoiced amounts and generally do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our estimate of credit exposure, determined principally on the basis of our collection experience, aging of our receivables and any specific reserves needed for certain customers based on their credit risk. Bad debt expense, which is included in cost of revenues on our Consolidated Statements of Income, was $2.6 million in 2017, $5.2 million in 2016 and $2.3 million in 2015. Write-offs of trade receivables (net of recoveries) were $1.9 million in 2017, $3.6 million in 2016 and $1.9 million in 2015. Property and equipment: Property and equipment are recorded at cost, and depreciation is provided generally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are generally: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; and machinery, equipment and fixtures, 3 to 25 years. Changes in the estimated useful life of an asset, which, for example, could happen as a result of facility consolidations, can affect depreciation expense and net income. Major building and leasehold improvements and interest incurred during the construction period of major additions are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Valuation of long-lived assets: We review the carrying amount of long-lived assets (mostly property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Once an indicator of potential impairment has occurred, the impairment test is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale. If the intent is to hold the asset for continued use, the impairment test first requires a comparison of projected undiscounted future cash flows against the carrying amount of the asset group. If the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the asset group would be deemed to be potentially impaired. The impairment, if any, would be measured based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the projected future cash flows, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for the cost to dispose. We recognized impairment charges each fiscal year presented related to long-lived assets. See Note 11 for further discussion. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets: Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis (first day of our fourth quarter) or between annual tests if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying amount. Before performing the annual goodwill impairment test quantitatively, we first have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the quantitative test must be completed. The qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance, as well as company and specific reporting unit specifications. If after performing this assessment, we conclude it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we are required to perform the quantitative test. Otherwise, the quantitative test is not required. In 2017, we elected not to perform the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill and instead performed the quantitative impairment test. Our goodwill has been allocated to and is tested for impairment at a level referred to as the reporting unit. The level at which we test goodwill for impairment requires us to determine whether the operations below the operating segment level constitute a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results. Goodwill is accounted for at the segment level. We have determined that our one segment, Media, consists of a single reporting unit. When performing the quantitative test, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the reporting unit’s goodwill is impaired and we must recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the reporting unit. We estimate the fair value of our reporting unit based on a market-based valuation methodology, which is primarily based on our consolidated market capitalization plus a reasonable control premium. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we completed our annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting unit. The results of the test indicated that the estimated fair value of our reporting unit significantly exceeded the carrying value. In connection with the strategic review and sale process for CareerBuilder, during the second quarter of 2017, we performed an interim goodwill impairment test. As a result of the test, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $332.9 million which has been recorded within loss from discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 13 for further discussion. We also have intangible assets with indefinite lives associated with FCC broadcast licenses related to our acquisitions of television stations. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually, or more often if circumstances dictate, for impairment and written down to fair value as required. To estimate the fair values for the FCC broadcast licenses, we apply an income approach, using the Greenfield method. The Greenfield method involves a discounted cash flow model that incorporates several variables, including market revenues, long-term growth projections, estimated market share for a typical market participant, and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type. The results of our 2017 annual impairment test of FCC broadcast licenses indicated the fair value of each license significantly exceeded its carrying amount; and therefore, no impairment charge was recorded. Investments and other assets: Investments where we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but do not control, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Significant influence typically exists if we have a 20% to 50% ownership interest in the investee. Under this method of accounting, our share of the net earnings or losses of the investee is included in non-operating income, on our Consolidated Statements of Income. We evaluate our equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may be impaired. If a decline in the value of an equity method investment is determined to be other than temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period. Certain differences exist between our investment carrying value and the underlying equity of the investee companies principally due to fair value measurement at the date of investment acquisition and due to impairment charges we recorded for certain of the investments. We recognized an impairment charge in 2017 related to one such investment. See Note 4 for additional information. Investments in non-public businesses in which we do not have control or do not exert significant influence are carried at cost and losses resulting from periodic evaluations of the carrying value of these investments are included as a non-operating expense. At December 31, 2017, such investments totaled approximately $19.4 million and at December 31, 2016, they totaled approximately $14.8 million. Our television stations are party to program broadcasting contracts which provide us with rights to broadcast syndicated programs, original series and films. These contracts are recorded at the gross amount of the related liability when the programs are available for telecasting. The related assets are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. Program assets are classified as current (as a prepaid expense) or noncurrent (as an other asset) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the expected use of the programs in succeeding years. The amount charged to expense appropriately matches the cost of the programs with the revenues associated with them. The liability for these contracts is classified as current or noncurrent in accordance with the payment terms of the contracts. The payment period generally coincides with the period of telecast for the programs, but may be shorter. Revenue recognition: Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, performance under the contract has begun, the contract price is fixed or determinable and collectability of the related fee is reasonably assured. Revenue from sales agreements that contain multiple deliverable elements is allocated to each element based on the relative best estimate of selling price. Elements are treated as separate units of accounting if there is standalone value upon delivery. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities. Our primary source of revenue is through the sale of advertising time on our television stations. Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period when the advertisements are aired. We also earn subscription revenue (formerly retransmission revenue) from retransmission consent arrangements. Under these agreements, we receive cash consideration from multichannel video programming distributors (e.g., cable and satellite providers) and over the top (OTT) providers in return for our consent to permit the cable/satellite/OTT provider to retransmit our television signal. Consent fees are recognized over the contract period based on a negotiated fee per subscriber. Subscription revenues have increased as a percentage of overall revenue in recent years. In 2017, such revenues accounted for approximately 38% of overall revenue compared to 30% in 2016. In addition, we also generate online advertising revenue through the display of digital advertisements across various digital platforms. Online advertising agreements typically take the form of an impression-based contract, fixed fee time-based contract or transaction based contract. The customers are billed for impressions delivered or click-throughs on their advertisements. An impression is the display of an advertisement to an end-user on the website and is a measure of volume. A click-through occurs when an end-user clicks on an advertisement. Revenue is recognized evenly over the contract term for fixed fee contracts where a minimum number of impressions or click-throughs is not guaranteed. Revenue is recognized as the service is delivered for impression and transaction based contracts. Retirement plans: Certain employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans and we provide certain medical and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees (collectively postretirement benefit plans). The amounts we record related to our postretirement benefit plans are computed using actuarial valuations that are based in part on certain key economic assumptions we make, including the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and other actuarial assumptions including mortality estimates, health care cost trend rates and employee turnover, each as appropriate based on the nature of the plans. Depending on the timing of the estimated payments, we recognize the funded status of our postretirement benefit plans as a current or non-current liability within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. There is a corresponding non-cash adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefits, recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Equity. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan’s assets and the benefit obligation of the plan. Stock-based employee compensation: We grant restricted stock units (RSU) and performance shares to employees as a form of compensation. The expense for such awards is based on the grant date fair value of the award and is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is typically a four-year period for RSUs and a three-year period for performance shares. Performance share expense for participants meeting certain retirement eligible criteria as defined in the plan is recognized using the accelerated attribution method. See Note 9 for further discussion. Advertising and marketing costs: We expense advertising and marketing costs as they are incurred. Advertising expense was $5.0 million in 2017, $7.1 million in 2016 and $9.5 million in 2015, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Income taxes: Income taxes are presented on the consolidated financial statements using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences that exist between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, as well as from tax loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred income taxes reflect expected future tax benefits (i.e. assets) and future tax costs (i.e. liabilities). The tax effect of net operating loss, capital loss and general business credit carryovers result in deferred tax assets. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recoverable or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established if, based upon the weight of available evidence, management determines it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We periodically assess our tax filing exposures related to periods that are open to examination. Based on the latest available information, we evaluate our tax positions to determine whether it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority. If we cannot reach a more likely than not determination, no benefit is recorded. If we determine the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, we record the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized when the tax position is settled. We record interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income. Interest and penalties were not material in each year presented. Loss contingencies: We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and regulatory matters, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We determine whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable, and whether it can be reasonably estimated. We accrue for loss contingencies when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. If a contingent liability is only reasonably possible, we will disclose the potential range of the loss, if material and estimable. Discontinued operations: In determining whether a group of assets which has been disposed of (or is to be disposed of) should be presented as a discontinued operation, we analyze whether the group of assets being disposed of represented a component of the entity; that is, whether it had historic operations and cash flows that were clearly distinguished (both operationally and for financial reporting purposes). In addition, we consider whether the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. On May 31, 2017, we completed the spin-off of our digital automotive marketplace business, Cars.com. In addition, on July 31, 2017, we completed the sale of our majority ownership stake in CareerBuilder. As a result of these strategic actions, we have disposed of substantially all of our Digital Segment business and have therefore classified the majority its historical financial results as discontinued operations. See Note 13, “Discontinued operations”, for more information. Accounting guidance adopted in 2017: In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance that changes the presentation of net periodic pension and other post-retirement benefit costs (post-retirement benefit costs) in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under this new guidance, the service cost component of the post-retirement benefit expense will continue to be presented as an operating expense while all other components of post-retirement benefit expense will be presented as non-operating expense. Previously, all components of post-retirement benefit expense were presented as operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The FASB permitted early adoption of this guidance, and we elected to early adopt in the first quarter of 2017. We believe the new guidance provides enhanced financial reporting by limiting operating expense classification to the service cost component of post-retirement benefit expense. Service cost is the component of the expense that relates to services provided by employees in the current period and thus better reflects the current continuing operating costs. Changes to the classification of Consolidated Statements of Income amounts resulting from the new guidance were made on a retrospective basis, wherein each period presented was adjusted to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. We utilized amounts previously disclosed in our retirement plan footnote to retrospectively apply the guidance. As a result of adopting this guidance, operating expenses in 2017 and 2016 were lower by $6.7 million and $7.6 million, respectively, while operating expenses in 2015 were higher by $0.7 million. Non-operating expenses were higher by the same amounts for 2017 and 2016 and lower by the same amount for 2015. Net income, earnings per share, and retained earnings were not impacted by the new guidance. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, companies will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on Step 1 of the impairment test). The FASB permitted early adoption of this guidance, and we elected to early adopt in the second quarter of 2017 in connection with the calculation of CareerBuilder’s goodwill impairment charge, discussed in Note 13. New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted: In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to revenue recognition. Under the new guidance, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the guidance requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We will adopt the guidance beginning January 1, 2018. The two permitted transition methods are the full retrospective method, in which case the guidance would be applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the guidance would be recognized at the earliest period shown; and the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the guidance would be recognized at the date of initial application. We will adopt the guidance using the modified retrospective method. Based on our evaluation of the new guidance, we expect that its adoption will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. With regards to our television spot advertising contracts, which comprised 52% of 2017 revenue, the contracts are short-term in nature with transaction price consideration agreed upon in advance. We expect revenue will continue to be recognized when commercials are aired. With respect to barter arrangements, we have concluded that certain barter revenue and expense related to syndicated programming will no longer be recognized under the new guidance. The revenue and expense previously recognized for this type of barter transaction was approximately $2 million for all periods presented. Subscription revenue earned under retransmission agreements, which comprised 38% of 2017 revenue, will be recognized under the licensing of intellectual property guidance in the standard, which will not result in a change to our current revenue recognition. The remaining 10% of 2017 revenue is primarily comprised of online advertising revenue earned through the display of digital advertisements across various digital platforms. Online advertising agreements typically take the form of an impression-based contract, fixed fee time-based contract or transaction based contract. Revenue will continue to be recognized evenly over the contract term for fixed fee contracts where a minimum number of impressions or click-throughs is not guaranteed. Revenue will be recognized as the service is delivered for impression and transaction based contracts. The new revenue guidance also requires additional disclosures which are meant to provide users of the financial statements with more information about the nature, amount, and timing of revenue recognition. To meet these requirements, we will disclose revenue on a disaggregated basis within the footnotes to our financial statements, which will be presented in the same manner we currently present revenue within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” in Item 7 of the Form 10-K. We will also disclose significant judgments made in applying the new guidance, including judgments regarding the methods used to recognize revenue, determination of the transaction price, and allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to leases which will require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP—which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet—the new guidance will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The new guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2019 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effect it is expected to have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. As disclosed in Note 12, as of December 31, 2017, our operating leases minimum annual rentals payable under non-cancelable operating leases total $109 million, compared to our total assets and liabilities reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of $4.96 billion and $3.97 billion, respectively. In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance changes the way credit losses on accounts receivable are estimated. Under current GAAP, credit losses on accounts receivable are recognized once it is probable that such losses will occur. Under the new guidance, we will be required to estimate credit losses based on the expected amount of future collections which may result in earlier recognition of allowance for doubtful accounts. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2020 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. While we are currently evaluating this new guidance, we do not anticipate it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which clarifies several specific cash flow classification issues. The objective of the new guidance is to reduce the existing diversity in practice in how these cash flows are presented in the statement of cash flows. We will adopt the standard beginning in the first quarter of 2018. One classification change we will make when we adopt the standard relates to payments made for premiums, fees paid to lenders and other related third party costs when debt is repaid early. Under the new guidance these payments will be classified as financing cash outflows (we have historically classified these types of cash payments as operating outflows). In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that amended several elements surrounding the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. Most notably for our company, the new guidance requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. For equity investments that do not have readily determinable prices, those investments may be recorded at cost less impairments, if any, plus or minus changes in observable prices for those investments. This new guidance will require us to adjust the value of our cost method investments to account for any observable prices changes in those investments. Cost method investments are currently recorded at cost, less any impairments. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2018 and the provision discussed above will be adopted on a prospective basis.

Description of business, basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies

Description of business: We are an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. Our business includes 47 television stations operating in 39 markets, offering high-quality television programming and digital content. Each television station also has a robust digital presence across online, mobile and social platforms.

Use of estimates: The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In doing so, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, fair value measurements, postretirement benefit plans, income taxes including deferred tax assets, and contingencies.

Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries we control and variable interest entities if we are the primary beneficiary. We eliminate all intercompany balances, transactions, and profits in consolidation. Investments in entities for which we have significant influence, but do not have control, are accounted for under the equity method. Our share of net earnings and losses from these ventures is included in “Equity (income) loss in unconsolidated investees, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation, specifically as it relates to separately presenting on the Consolidated Statements of Income Corporate general and administrative expenses from Business units selling, and general administrative expenses as well as certain reclassifications on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

On May 31, 2017, we completed the spin-off of our digital automotive marketplace business, Cars.com. In addition, on July 31, 2017, we completed the sale of our majority ownership stake in CareerBuilder. Our digital marketing services (DMS) business is now reported within our Media business. As a result of these strategic actions, we have disposed of substantially all of our Digital Segment business and have therefore classified its historical financial results as discontinued operations. See Note 13, “Discontinued operations”, for further details regarding the spin-off of Cars.com and the sale of CareerBuilder and the impact of each transaction on our consolidated financial statements.

Segment presentation: After the spin-off of Cars.com and the sale of our majority stake in CareerBuilder, we began classifying our operations as one operating and reportable segment, Media, which consists of our 47 television stations and our Premion business. Also now included in the Media Segment is our DMS business which was previously reported in our Digital Segment. Our financial statements for all periods presented have been updated to reclassify the historical results of our DMS business within our Media business.

Our reportable segment structure has been determined based on management and internal reporting structure, the nature of products and services offered by our businesses, and the financial information that is evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision maker.

As a result of classifying the former Digital Segment’s historical financial results as discontinued operations there is no remaining activity in 2017. The 2016 activity for our Digital Segment relates to our former Cofactor business which did not meet the criteria for discontinued operation reporting when the business was sold in December 2016. In addition to Cofactor, the 2015 Digital Segment activity also includes our former PointRoll and BLiNQ businesses which were disposed of in 2015.

Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.

Trade receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts: Trade receivables are recorded at invoiced amounts and generally do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our estimate of credit exposure, determined principally on the basis of our collection experience, aging of our receivables and any specific reserves needed for certain customers based on their credit risk. Bad debt expense, which is included in cost of revenues on our Consolidated Statements of Income, was $2.6 million in 2017, $5.2 million in 2016 and $2.3 million in 2015. Write-offs of trade receivables (net of recoveries) were $1.9 million in 2017, $3.6 million in 2016 and $1.9 million in 2015.

Property and equipment: Property and equipment are recorded at cost, and depreciation is provided generally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are generally: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; and machinery, equipment and fixtures, 3 to 25 years. Changes in the estimated useful life of an asset, which, for example, could happen as a result of facility consolidations, can affect depreciation expense and net income. Major building and leasehold improvements and interest incurred during the construction period of major additions are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Valuation of long-lived assets: We review the carrying amount of long-lived assets (mostly property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Once an indicator of potential impairment has occurred, the impairment test is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset for sale. If the intent is to hold the asset for continued use, the impairment test first requires a comparison of projected undiscounted future cash flows against the carrying amount of the asset group. If the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the asset group would be deemed to be potentially impaired. The impairment, if any, would be measured based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the projected future cash flows, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for the cost to dispose. We recognized impairment charges each fiscal year presented related to long-lived assets. See Note 11 for further discussion.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets: Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis (first day of our fourth quarter) or between annual tests if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying amount.

Before performing the annual goodwill impairment test quantitatively, we first have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the quantitative test must be completed. The qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance, as well as company and specific reporting unit specifications. If after performing this assessment, we conclude it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we are required to perform the quantitative test. Otherwise, the quantitative test is not required. In 2017, we elected not to perform the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill and instead performed the quantitative impairment test.

Our goodwill has been allocated to and is tested for impairment at a level referred to as the reporting unit. The level at which we test goodwill for impairment requires us to determine whether the operations below the operating segment level constitute a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results. Goodwill is accounted for at the segment level. We have determined that our one segment, Media, consists of a single reporting unit.

When performing the quantitative test, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the reporting unit’s goodwill is impaired and we must recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the reporting unit.

We estimate the fair value of our reporting unit based on a market-based valuation methodology, which is primarily based on our consolidated market capitalization plus a reasonable control premium. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we completed our annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting unit. The results of the test indicated that the estimated fair value of our reporting unit significantly exceeded the carrying value.

In connection with the strategic review and sale process for CareerBuilder, during the second quarter of 2017, we performed an interim goodwill impairment test. As a result of the test, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $332.9 million which has been recorded within loss from discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 13 for further discussion.

We also have intangible assets with indefinite lives associated with FCC broadcast licenses related to our acquisitions of television stations. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually, or more often if circumstances dictate, for impairment and written down to fair value as required. To estimate the fair values for the FCC broadcast licenses, we apply an income approach, using the Greenfield method. The Greenfield method involves a discounted cash flow model that incorporates several variables, including market revenues, long-term growth projections, estimated market share for a typical market participant, and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type. The results of our 2017 annual impairment test of FCC broadcast licenses indicated the fair value of each license significantly exceeded its carrying amount; and therefore, no impairment charge was recorded.

Investments and other assets: Investments where we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but do not control, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Significant influence typically exists if we have a 20% to 50% ownership interest in the investee. Under this method of accounting, our share of the net earnings or losses of the investee is included in non-operating income, on our Consolidated Statements of Income. We evaluate our equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may be impaired. If a decline in the value of an equity method investment is determined to be other than temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period. Certain differences exist between our investment carrying value and the underlying equity of the investee companies principally due to fair value measurement at the date of investment acquisition and due to impairment charges we recorded for certain of the investments. We recognized an impairment charge in 2017 related to one such investment. See Note 4 for additional information.

Investments in non-public businesses in which we do not have control or do not exert significant influence are carried at cost and losses resulting from periodic evaluations of the carrying value of these investments are included as a non-operating expense. At December 31, 2017, such investments totaled approximately $19.4 million and at December 31, 2016, they totaled approximately $14.8 million.

Our television stations are party to program broadcasting contracts which provide us with rights to broadcast syndicated programs, original series and films. These contracts are recorded at the gross amount of the related liability when the programs are available for telecasting. The related assets are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. Program assets are classified as current (as a prepaid expense) or noncurrent (as an other asset) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon the expected use of the programs in succeeding years. The amount charged to expense appropriately matches the cost of the programs with the revenues associated with them. The liability for these contracts is classified as current or noncurrent in accordance with the payment terms of the contracts. The payment period generally coincides with the period of telecast for the programs, but may be shorter.

Revenue recognition: Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, performance under the contract has begun, the contract price is fixed or determinable and collectability of the related fee is reasonably assured. Revenue from sales agreements that contain multiple deliverable elements is allocated to each element based on the relative best estimate of selling price. Elements are treated as separate units of accounting if there is standalone value upon delivery. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities.

Our primary source of revenue is through the sale of advertising time on our television stations. Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period when the advertisements are aired. We also earn subscription revenue (formerly retransmission revenue) from retransmission consent arrangements. Under these agreements, we receive cash consideration from multichannel video programming distributors (e.g., cable and satellite providers) and over the top (OTT) providers in return for our consent to permit the cable/satellite/OTT provider to retransmit our television signal. Consent fees are recognized over the contract period based on a negotiated fee per subscriber. Subscription revenues have increased as a percentage of overall revenue in recent years. In 2017, such revenues accounted for approximately 38% of overall revenue compared to 30% in 2016. In addition, we also generate online advertising revenue through the display of digital advertisements across various digital platforms. Online advertising agreements typically take the form of an impression-based contract, fixed fee time-based contract or transaction based contract. The customers are billed for impressions delivered or click-throughs on their advertisements. An impression is the display of an advertisement to an end-user on the website and is a measure of volume. A click-through occurs when an end-user clicks on an advertisement. Revenue is recognized evenly over the contract term for fixed fee contracts where a minimum number of impressions or click-throughs is not guaranteed. Revenue is recognized as the service is delivered for impression and transaction based contracts.

Retirement plans: Certain employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans and we provide certain medical and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees (collectively postretirement benefit plans). The amounts we record related to our postretirement benefit plans are computed using actuarial valuations that are based in part on certain key economic assumptions we make, including the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and other actuarial assumptions including mortality estimates, health care cost trend rates and employee turnover, each as appropriate based on the nature of the plans. Depending on the timing of the estimated payments, we recognize the funded status of our postretirement benefit plans as a current or non-current liability within our Consolidated Balance Sheets. There is a corresponding non-cash adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefits, recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Equity. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan’s assets and the benefit obligation of the plan.

Stock-based employee compensation: We grant restricted stock units (RSU) and performance shares to employees as a form of compensation. The expense for such awards is based on the grant date fair value of the award and is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is typically a four-year period for RSUs and a three-year period for performance shares. Performance share expense for participants meeting certain retirement eligible criteria as defined in the plan is recognized using the accelerated attribution method. See Note 9 for further discussion.

Advertising and marketing costs: We expense advertising and marketing costs as they are incurred. Advertising expense was $5.0 million in 2017, $7.1 million in 2016 and $9.5 million in 2015, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Income taxes: Income taxes are presented on the consolidated financial statements using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences that exist between the financial statement carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, as well as from tax loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred income taxes reflect expected future tax benefits (i.e. assets) and future tax costs (i.e. liabilities). The tax effect of net operating loss, capital loss and general business credit carryovers result in deferred tax assets. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recoverable or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established if, based upon the weight of available evidence, management determines it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

We periodically assess our tax filing exposures related to periods that are open to examination. Based on the latest available information, we evaluate our tax positions to determine whether it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority. If we cannot reach a more likely than not determination, no benefit is recorded. If we determine the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, we record the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized when the tax position is settled. We record interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income. Interest and penalties were not material in each year presented.

Loss contingencies: We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and regulatory matters, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We determine whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable, and whether it can be reasonably estimated. We accrue for loss contingencies when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. If a contingent liability is only reasonably possible, we will disclose the potential range of the loss, if material and estimable.

Discontinued operations: In determining whether a group of assets which has been disposed of (or is to be disposed of) should be presented as a discontinued operation, we analyze whether the group of assets being disposed of represented a component of the entity; that is, whether it had historic operations and cash flows that were clearly distinguished (both operationally and for financial reporting purposes). In addition, we consider whether the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations and financial results.

On May 31, 2017, we completed the spin-off of our digital automotive marketplace business, Cars.com. In addition, on July 31, 2017, we completed the sale of our majority ownership stake in CareerBuilder. As a result of these strategic actions, we have disposed of substantially all of our Digital Segment business and have therefore classified the majority its historical financial results as discontinued operations. See Note 13, “Discontinued operations”, for more information.

Accounting guidance adopted in 2017: In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance that changes the presentation of net periodic pension and other post-retirement benefit costs (post-retirement benefit costs) in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under this new guidance, the service cost component of the post-retirement benefit expense will continue to be presented as an operating expense while all other components of post-retirement benefit expense will be presented as non-operating expense. Previously, all components of post-retirement benefit expense were presented as operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The FASB permitted early adoption of this guidance, and we elected to early adopt in the first quarter of 2017. We believe the new guidance provides enhanced financial reporting by limiting operating expense classification to the service cost component of post-retirement benefit expense. Service cost is the component of the expense that relates to services provided by employees in the current period and thus better reflects the current continuing operating costs. Changes to the classification of Consolidated Statements of Income amounts resulting from the new guidance were made on a retrospective basis, wherein each period presented was adjusted to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. We utilized amounts previously disclosed in our retirement plan footnote to retrospectively apply the guidance. As a result of adopting this guidance, operating expenses in 2017 and 2016 were lower by $6.7 million and $7.6 million, respectively, while operating expenses in 2015 were higher by $0.7 million. Non-operating expenses were higher by the same amounts for 2017 and 2016 and lower by the same amount for 2015. Net income, earnings per share, and retained earnings were not impacted by the new guidance.

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, companies will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on Step 1 of the impairment test). The FASB permitted early adoption of this guidance, and we elected to early adopt in the second quarter of 2017 in connection with the calculation of CareerBuilder’s goodwill impairment charge, discussed in Note 13.

New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted: In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to revenue recognition. Under the new guidance, recognition of revenue occurs when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the guidance requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.

We will adopt the guidance beginning January 1, 2018. The two permitted transition methods are the full retrospective method, in which case the guidance would be applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the guidance would be recognized at the earliest period shown; and the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the guidance would be recognized at the date of initial application. We will adopt the guidance using the modified retrospective method.

Based on our evaluation of the new guidance, we expect that its adoption will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. With regards to our television spot advertising contracts, which comprised 52% of 2017 revenue, the contracts are short-term in nature with transaction price consideration agreed upon in advance. We expect revenue will continue to be recognized when commercials are aired. With respect to barter arrangements, we have concluded that certain barter revenue and expense related to syndicated programming will no longer be recognized under the new guidance. The revenue and expense previously recognized for this type of barter transaction was approximately $2 million for all periods presented.

Subscription revenue earned under retransmission agreements, which comprised 38% of 2017 revenue, will be recognized under the licensing of intellectual property guidance in the standard, which will not result in a change to our current revenue recognition.

The remaining 10% of 2017 revenue is primarily comprised of online advertising revenue earned through the display of digital advertisements across various digital platforms. Online advertising agreements typically take the form of an impression-based contract, fixed fee time-based contract or transaction based contract. Revenue will continue to be recognized evenly over the contract term for fixed fee contracts where a minimum number of impressions or click-throughs is not guaranteed. Revenue will be recognized as the service is delivered for impression and transaction based contracts.

The new revenue guidance also requires additional disclosures which are meant to provide users of the financial statements with more information about the nature, amount, and timing of revenue recognition. To meet these requirements, we will disclose revenue on a disaggregated basis within the footnotes to our financial statements, which will be presented in the same manner we currently present revenue within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” in Item 7 of the Form 10-K. We will also disclose significant judgments made in applying the new guidance, including judgments regarding the methods used to recognize revenue, determination of the transaction price, and allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to leases which will require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP—which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet—the new guidance will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The new guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2019 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effect it is expected to have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. As disclosed in Note 12, as of December 31, 2017, our operating leases minimum annual rentals payable under non-cancelable operating leases total $109 million, compared to our total assets and liabilities reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of $4.96 billion and $3.97 billion, respectively.

In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance changes the way credit losses on accounts receivable are estimated. Under current GAAP, credit losses on accounts receivable are recognized once it is probable that such losses will occur. Under the new guidance, we will be required to estimate credit losses based on the expected amount of future collections which may result in earlier recognition of allowance for doubtful accounts. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2020 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. While we are currently evaluating this new guidance, we do not anticipate it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which clarifies several specific cash flow classification issues. The objective of the new guidance is to reduce the existing diversity in practice in how these cash flows are presented in the statement of cash flows. We will adopt the standard beginning in the first quarter of 2018. One classification change we will make when we adopt the standard relates to payments made for premiums, fees paid to lenders and other related third party costs when debt is repaid early. Under the new guidance these payments will be classified as financing cash outflows (we have historically classified these types of cash payments as operating outflows).

In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that amended several elements surrounding the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. Most notably for our company, the new guidance requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. For equity investments that do not have readily determinable prices, those investments may be recorded at cost less impairments, if any, plus or minus changes in observable prices for those investments. This new guidance will require us to adjust the value of our cost method investments to account for any observable prices changes in those investments. Cost method investments are currently recorded at cost, less any impairments. The new guidance is effective for public companies beginning in the first quarter of 2018 and the provision discussed above will be adopted on a prospective basis.