NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING	NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING: STG Bank Credit Agreement On August 13, 2019, we issued a seven-year incremental term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $600 million (the Term Loan B-2b) with an original issuance discount of $3 million, which bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%. The proceeds from the Term Loan B-2b were used, together with cash on hand, to redeem, at par value, $600 million aggregate principal amount of STG's 5.375% Senior Notes due 2021 (the STG 5.375% Notes). We recognized a loss on the extinguishment of the STG 5.375% Notes of $2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. On August 23, 2019, we amended and restated the STG Bank Credit Agreement which provided additional operating flexibility and revisions to certain restrictive covenants. Concurrent with the amendment, we raised a seven-year incremental term loan facility of $700 million (the Term Loan B-2a) with an original issuance discount of $4 million, which bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%. Prior to February 23, 2020, if we repay, refinance, or replace the Term Loan B-2a or B-2b facilities (the Term Loan B-2 Facilities), we are subject to a prepayment premium of 1% of the aggregate principal balance of the repayment. The Term Loan B-2 Facilities amortize in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 1% of the original amount of such term loans, with the balance being payable on the maturity date. As of September 30, 2019, the Term Loan B-2 Facilities balance, net of debt discount and deferred financing costs, was $1,279 million. Additionally, in connection with the amendment, we replaced STG's existing revolving credit facility with a new $650 million five-year revolving credit facility (the STG Revolving Credit Facility), priced at LIBOR plus 2.00%, which includes capacity for up to $50 million of letters of credit and for borrowings of up to $50 million under swingline loans. As of September 30, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings, $1 million in letters of credit outstanding, and $649 million available under the STG Revolving Credit Facility. The STG Bank Credit Agreement contains covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, qualifications, ratios, and "baskets", generally limit the ability of the borrower and its restricted subsidiaries to incur debt, create liens, make fundamental changes, enter into asset sales, make certain investments, pay dividends or distribute or redeem certain equity interests, prepay or redeem certain debt, and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. Also, the STG Revolving Credit Facility is subject to compliance with a first lien net leverage ratio test that will be tested at the end of each fiscal quarter if certain borrowings under the STG Revolving Credit Facility exceed 35% of the total commitments under the STG Revolving Credit Facility on such date. As of September 30, 2019, we were in compliance with all covenants. STG Term Loan A. On April 30, 2019, we paid in full the remaining principal balance of $92 million of Term Loan A-2 debt under the STG Bank Credit Agreement, due July 31, 2021. DSG Bank Credit Agreement On August 23, 2019, DSG and Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC (DSIH), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and an indirect parent of DSG, entered into a credit agreement (the DSG Bank Credit Agreement). Pursuant to the DSG Bank Credit Agreement, DSG raised a seven-year $3,300 million aggregate amount term loan (the DSG Term Loan), with an original issuance discount of $17 million, which bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.25%. Prior to February 23, 2020, if we repay, refinance, or replace the DSG Term Loan, we are subject to a prepayment premium of 1% of the aggregate principal balance of the repayment. The DSG Term Loan amortizes in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 1% of the original amount of such term loan, with the balance being payable on the maturity date. Following the end of each fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020, we are required to prepay the DSG Term Loan in an aggregate amount equal to (a) 50% of excess cash flow for such fiscal year if the first lien leverage ratio is greater than 3.75 to 1.00, (b) 25% of excess cash flow for such fiscal year if the first lien leverage ratio is greater than 3.25 to 1.00 but less than or equal to 3.75 to 1.00, and (c) 0% of excess cash flow for such fiscal year if the first lien leverage ratio is equal to or less than 3.25 to 1.00. As of September 30, 2019, the DSG Term Loan balance, net of debt discount and deferred financing costs, was $3,222 million. Additionally, in connection with the DSG Bank Credit Agreement, DSG obtained a $650 million five-year revolving credit facility (the DSG Revolving Credit Facility, and, together with the DSG Term Loan, the DSG Credit Facilities), priced at LIBOR plus 3.00%, subject to reduction based on a first lien net leverage ratio, which includes capacity for up to $50 million of letters of credit and for borrowings of up to $50 million under swingline loans. As of September 30, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings and $650 million available under the DSG Revolving Credit Facility. The DSG Bank Credit Agreement contains covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, qualifications, ratios, and "baskets", generally limit the ability of the borrower and its restricted subsidiaries to incur debt, create liens, make fundamental changes, enter into asset sales, make certain investments, pay dividends or distribute or redeem certain equity interests, prepay or redeem certain debt, and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. Also, the DSG Revolving Credit Facility is subject to compliance with a first lien net leverage ratio test that will be tested at the end of each fiscal quarter if certain borrowings under the DSG Revolving Credit Facility exceed 35% of the total commitments under the DSG Revolving Credit Facility on such date. As of September 30, 2019, we were in compliance with all covenants. DSG's obligations under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement are (i) jointly and severally guaranteed by DSIH and DSG’s direct and indirect, existing and future wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, and (ii) secured by first-priority lien on substantially all tangible and intangible assets (whether now owned or hereafter arising or acquired) of DSG and the guarantors, subject to certain permitted liens and other agreed upon exceptions. The DSG Credit Facilities are not guaranteed by the Company, STG, or any of STG’s subsidiaries. DSG Senior Notes On August 2, 2019, DSG issued $3,050 million principal amount of senior secured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum and mature on August 15, 2026 (the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes) and issued $1,825 million principal amount of senior notes, which bear interest at a rate of 6.625% per annum and mature on August 15, 2027 (the DSG 6.625% Notes and, together with the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes, the DSG Senior Notes). The proceeds of the DSG Senior Notes were used, in part, to fund the RSN Acquisition. As of September 30, 2019, the DSG Senior Notes balance, net of deferred financing costs, was $4,777 million. Prior to August 15, 2022, we may redeem the DSG Senior 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 applicable DSG Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a ‘‘make-whole’’ premium. Beginning on August 15, 2022, we may redeem the DSG Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at certain redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. In addition, on or prior to August 15, 2022, we may redeem up to 40% of each series of the DSG Senior Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. If the notes are redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning August 15, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and thereafter, then the redemption prices for the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes are 102.688%, 101.344%, and 100%, respectively, and the redemption prices for the DSG 6.625% Notes are 103.313%, 101.656%, and 100%, respectively. DSG’s obligations under the DSG Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by DSIH, DSG’s direct parent, and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of DSIH. The RSNs wholly-owned by DSIH and its subsidiaries will also jointly and severally guarantee the Issuers' obligations under the DSG Senior Notes. The DSG Senior Notes are not guaranteed by the Company, STG, or any of STG’s subsidiaries. Notes payable and finance leases to affiliates The current portion of notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing on our consolidated balance sheets includes finance leases to affiliates of $2 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing, less current portion, on our consolidated balance sheets includes finance leases to affiliates of $9 million and $11 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Debt of variable interest entities and guarantees of third-party debt We jointly, severally, unconditionally, and irrevocably guarantee $59 million and $77 million of debt of certain third parties as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, of which $21 million and $24 million, net of deferred financing costs, related to consolidated VIEs that are included on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. These guarantees primarily relate to the debt of Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham) as discussed under Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation within Note 10. Related Person Transactions. We have determined that, as of September 30, 2019, it is not probable that we would have to perform under any of these guarantees.

On August 13, 2019, we issued a seven-year incremental term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $600 million (the Term Loan B-2b) with an original issuance discount of $3 million, which bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%. The proceeds from the Term Loan B-2b were used, together with cash on hand, to redeem, at par value, $600 million aggregate principal amount of STG's 5.375% Senior Notes due 2021 (the STG 5.375% Notes). We recognized a loss on the extinguishment of the STG 5.375% Notes of $2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

On August 23, 2019, we amended and restated the STG Bank Credit Agreement which provided additional operating flexibility and revisions to certain restrictive covenants. Concurrent with the amendment, we raised a seven-year incremental term loan facility of $700 million (the Term Loan B-2a) with an original issuance discount of $4 million, which bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%.

Prior to February 23, 2020, if we repay, refinance, or replace the Term Loan B-2a or B-2b facilities (the Term Loan B-2 Facilities), we are subject to a prepayment premium of 1% of the aggregate principal balance of the repayment. The Term Loan B-2 Facilities amortize in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 1% of the original amount of such term loans, with the balance being payable on the maturity date. As of September 30, 2019, the Term Loan B-2 Facilities balance, net of debt discount and deferred financing costs, was $1,279 million.

Additionally, in connection with the amendment, we replaced STG's existing revolving credit facility with a new $650 million five-year revolving credit facility (the STG Revolving Credit Facility), priced at LIBOR plus 2.00%, which includes capacity for up to $50 million of letters of credit and for borrowings of up to $50 million under swingline loans. As of September 30, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings, $1 million in letters of credit outstanding, and $649 million available under the STG Revolving Credit Facility.

The STG Bank Credit Agreement contains covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, qualifications, ratios, and "baskets", generally limit the ability of the borrower and its restricted subsidiaries to incur debt, create liens, make fundamental changes, enter into asset sales, make certain investments, pay dividends or distribute or redeem certain equity interests, prepay or redeem certain debt, and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. Also, the STG Revolving Credit Facility is subject to compliance with a first lien net leverage ratio test that will be tested at the end of each fiscal quarter if certain borrowings under the STG Revolving Credit Facility exceed 35% of the total commitments under the STG Revolving Credit Facility on such date. As of September 30, 2019, we were in compliance with all covenants.

On August 23, 2019, DSG and Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC (DSIH), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and an indirect parent of DSG, entered into a credit agreement (the DSG Bank Credit Agreement). Pursuant to the DSG Bank Credit Agreement, DSG raised a seven-year $3,300 million aggregate amount term loan (the DSG Term Loan), with an original issuance discount of $17 million, which bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.25%.

Prior to February 23, 2020, if we repay, refinance, or replace the DSG Term Loan, we are subject to a prepayment premium of 1% of the aggregate principal balance of the repayment. The DSG Term Loan amortizes in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 1% of the original amount of such term loan, with the balance being payable on the maturity date.

Following the end of each fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020, we are required to prepay the DSG Term Loan in an aggregate amount equal to (a) 50% of excess cash flow for such fiscal year if the first lien leverage ratio is greater than 3.75 to 1.00, (b) 25% of excess cash flow for such fiscal year if the first lien leverage ratio is greater than 3.25 to 1.00 but less than or equal to 3.75 to 1.00, and (c) 0% of excess cash flow for such fiscal year if the first lien leverage ratio is equal to or less than 3.25 to 1.00. As of September 30, 2019, the DSG Term Loan balance, net of debt discount and deferred financing costs, was $3,222 million.

Additionally, in connection with the DSG Bank Credit Agreement, DSG obtained a $650 million five-year revolving credit facility (the DSG Revolving Credit Facility, and, together with the DSG Term Loan, the DSG Credit Facilities), priced at LIBOR plus 3.00%, subject to reduction based on a first lien net leverage ratio, which includes capacity for up to $50 million of letters of credit and for borrowings of up to $50 million under swingline loans. As of September 30, 2019, there were no outstanding borrowings and $650 million available under the DSG Revolving Credit Facility.

The DSG Bank Credit Agreement contains covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, qualifications, ratios, and "baskets", generally limit the ability of the borrower and its restricted subsidiaries to incur debt, create liens, make fundamental changes, enter into asset sales, make certain investments, pay dividends or distribute or redeem certain equity interests, prepay or redeem certain debt, and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. Also, the DSG Revolving Credit Facility is subject to compliance with a first lien net leverage ratio test that will be tested at the end of each fiscal quarter if certain borrowings under the DSG Revolving Credit Facility exceed 35% of the total commitments under the DSG Revolving Credit Facility on such date. As of September 30, 2019, we were in compliance with all covenants.

DSG's obligations under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement are (i) jointly and severally guaranteed by DSIH and DSG’s direct and indirect, existing and future wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, and (ii) secured by first-priority lien on substantially all tangible and intangible assets (whether now owned or hereafter arising or acquired) of DSG and the guarantors, subject to certain permitted liens and other agreed upon exceptions. The DSG Credit Facilities are not guaranteed by the Company, STG, or any of STG’s subsidiaries.

On August 2, 2019, DSG issued $3,050 million principal amount of senior secured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum and mature on August 15, 2026 (the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes) and issued $1,825 million principal amount of senior notes, which bear interest at a rate of 6.625% per annum and mature on August 15, 2027 (the DSG 6.625% Notes and, together with the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes, the DSG Senior Notes). The proceeds of the DSG Senior Notes were used, in part, to fund the RSN Acquisition. As of September 30, 2019, the DSG Senior Notes balance, net of deferred financing costs, was $4,777 million.

Prior to August 15, 2022, we may redeem the DSG Senior 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 applicable DSG Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, plus a ‘‘make-whole’’ premium. Beginning on August 15, 2022, we may redeem the DSG Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time at certain redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. In addition, on or prior to August 15, 2022, we may redeem up to 40% of each series of the DSG Senior Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. If the notes are redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning August 15, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and thereafter, then the redemption prices for the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes are 102.688%, 101.344%, and 100%, respectively, and the redemption prices for the DSG 6.625% Notes are 103.313%, 101.656%, and 100%, respectively.

DSG’s obligations under the DSG Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by DSIH, DSG’s direct parent, and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of DSIH. The RSNs wholly-owned by DSIH and its subsidiaries will also jointly and severally guarantee the Issuers' obligations under the DSG Senior Notes. The DSG Senior Notes are not guaranteed by the Company, STG, or any of STG’s subsidiaries.

The current portion of notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing on our consolidated balance sheets includes finance leases to affiliates of $2 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing, less current portion, on our consolidated balance sheets includes finance leases to affiliates of $9 million and $11 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

We jointly, severally, unconditionally, and irrevocably guarantee $59 million and $77 million of debt of certain third parties as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, of which $21 million and $24 million, net of deferred financing costs, related to consolidated VIEs that are included on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. These guarantees primarily relate to the debt of Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Cunningham) as discussed under Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation within Note 10. Related Person Transactions. We have determined that, as of September 30, 2019, it is not probable that we would have to perform under any of these guarantees.