Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Revenue (less agency commissions)	$ 307,131	$ 346,058	$ 270,374
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, and gain on disposals of assets, net:
Broadcast	194,196	196,353	187,583
Corporate and administrative	14,173	13,545	14,168
Depreciation	26,183	30,630	32,595
Amortization of intangible assets	125	479	577
Gain on disposals of assets, net	(2,894)	(1,909)	(7,628)
Operating expenses	231,783	239,098	227,295
Operating income	75,348	106,960	43,079
Other income (expense):
Miscellaneous income, net	3	44	54
Interest expense	(61,777)	(70,045)	(69,088)
Loss from early extinguishment of debt		(349)	(8,352)
Income (loss) before income taxes	13,574	36,610	(34,307)
Income tax expense (benefit)	4,539	13,447	(11,260)
Net income (loss)	9,035	23,163	(23,047)
Preferred stock dividends (includes accretion of issuance costs of $1,045, $4,489 and $1,202, respectively)	7,240	14,582	17,119
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 1,795	$ 8,581	$ (40,166)
Basic per share information:
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 0.03	$ 0.16	$ (0.83)
Weighted average shares outstanding	57,117	54,322	48,510
Diluted per share information:
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 0.03	$ 0.16	$ (0.83)
Weighted average shares outstanding	57,118	54,324	48,510