SEGMENT DATA (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) regional_sport_network market	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) regional_sport_network segment market	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Segment data
Number of reportable segments | segment			2
Number of markets | market	89		89
Intercompany revenues | $	$ 9		$ 9
Intercompany interest expense | $	$ 3	$ 4	$ 10	$ 12
Local News | Operating segments
Segment data
Number of markets | market	89		89
Sports | Operating segments
Segment data
Number of regional sports networks | regional_sport_network	23		23