TEGNA (TGNA) 10-Q11 May 202020 Q1 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
Cover Page - shares	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-6961
Entity Registrant Name	TEGNA INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	16-0442930
Entity Address, Address Line One	8350 Broad Street, Suite 2000,
Entity Address, City or Town	Tysons,
Entity Address, State or Province	VA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	22102-5151
City Area Code	(703)
Local Phone Number	873-6600
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	TGNA
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		218,530,133
Entity Central Index Key	0000039899
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 35,059	$ 29,404
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $5,810 and $3,723, respectively	541,324	581,765
Other receivables	16,316	19,640
Syndicated programming rights	34,683	49,616
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,501	26,899
Total current assets	646,883	707,324
Property and equipment
Cost	1,014,934	997,736
Less accumulated depreciation	(529,476)	(512,015)
Net property and equipment	485,458	485,721
Intangible and other assets
Goodwill	2,967,383	2,950,587
Indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $184,669 and $168,452, respectively	2,538,687	2,561,614
Right-of-use assets for operating leases	104,611	103,461
Investments and other assets	151,083	145,269
Total intangible and other assets	5,761,764	5,760,931
Total assets	6,894,105	6,953,976
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	54,473	51,894
Accrued liabilities
Compensation	33,389	63,876
Interest	34,525	46,013
Contracts payable for programming rights	122,045	119,872
Other	69,679	60,983
Dividends payable	0	15,188
Income taxes payable	9,399	3,332
Total current liabilities	323,510	361,158
Noncurrent liabilities
Income taxes	7,016	7,490
Deferred income tax liability	527,057	515,621
Long-term debt	4,071,897	4,179,245
Pension liabilities	121,947	127,146
Operating lease liabilities	106,319	105,902
Other noncurrent liabilities	64,010	67,037
Total noncurrent liabilities	4,898,246	5,002,441
Total liabilities	5,221,756	5,363,599
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	14,093	0
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note 11)
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock of $1 par value per share, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 324,418,632 shares issued	324,419	324,419
Additional paid-in capital	152,106	247,497
Retained earnings	6,725,911	6,655,088
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(141,175)	(142,597)
Less treasury stock at cost, 106,066,299 shares and 106,955,082 shares, respectively	(5,403,005)	(5,494,030)
Total equity	1,658,256	1,590,377
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity	$ 6,894,105	$ 6,953,976

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 5,810	$ 3,723
Indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 184,669	$ 168,452
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares)	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, issued shares (in shares)	324,418,632	324,418,632
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	106,066,299	106,955,082

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues		$ 684,189	$ 516,753
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues	[1]	369,368	281,311
Business units - Selling, general and administrative expenses		92,968	71,465
Corporate - General and administrative expenses		21,714	14,735
Depreciation		16,900	14,917
Amortization of intangible assets		16,216	8,689
Spectrum repacking reimbursements and other, net		(7,515)	(7,013)
Total		509,651	384,104
Operating income		174,538	132,649
Non-operating income (expense):
Equity income in unconsolidated investments, net		9,015	12,028
Interest expense		(56,960)	(46,385)
Other non-operating items, net		(19,270)	(1,539)
Total		(67,215)	(35,896)
Income before income taxes		107,323	96,753
Provision for income taxes		21,125	22,774
Net Income		86,198	73,979
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest		110	0
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.		$ 86,308	$ 73,979
Net income per share – basic (in dollars per share)		$ 0.40	$ 0.34
Net income per share – diluted (in dollars per share)		$ 0.39	$ 0.34
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic shares (in shares)		218,277	216,709
Diluted shares (in shares)		218,863	217,202

[1]	Cost of revenues exclude charges for depreciation and amortization expense, which are shown separately above.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 86,198	$ 73,979
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	402	14
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	1,498	1,425
Other comprehensive income, before tax	1,900	1,439
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income	(478)	(360)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,422	1,079
Comprehensive income	87,620	75,058
Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	110	0
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 87,730	$ 75,058

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 86,198	$ 73,979
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	33,116	23,606
Stock-based compensation	(757)	4,433
Company stock 401(k) contribution	5,138	0
Gains on sales of assets	0	(2,880)
Equity loss (income) from unconsolidated investments, net	(9,015)	(12,028)
Pension contributions, net of expense	(3,642)	(242)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net	66,326	(38,459)
Net cash flow from operating activities	177,364	48,409
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(13,264)	(24,810)
Reimbursements from spectrum repacking	7,515	4,134
Payments for acquisitions of businesses and other assets, net of cash acquired	(15,000)	(108,872)
Payments for investments	(509)	(1,171)
Proceeds from investments	695	618
Proceeds from sale of assets and businesses	5,000	20,064
Net cash flow used for investing activities	(15,563)	(110,037)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under revolving credit facilities, net	(118,000)	(30,000)
Proceeds from borrowings	1,000,000	0
Debt repayments	(985,000)	(25,000)
Payments for debt issuance costs and early redemption fee	(27,603)	0
Proceeds from sale of minority ownership interest in Premion	14,000	0
Dividends paid	(30,470)	(15,078)
Other, net	(9,073)	(338)
Net cash flow used for financing activities	(156,146)	(70,416)
Increase (decrease) in cash	5,655	(132,044)
Balance of cash, beginning of period	29,404	135,862
Balance of cash, end of period	35,059	3,818
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid (received) for income taxes, net of refunds	793	(397)
Cash paid for interest	$ 66,240	$ 27,412

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Treasury stock
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1,340,924	$ 324,419	$ 301,352	$ 6,429,512	$ (136,511)	$ (5,577,848)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	73,979			73,979
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,079				1,079
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	75,058
Dividends declared: $0.07 per share	(15,139)			(15,139)
Stock-based awards activity	(338)		(43,275)			42,937
Stock-based compensation	4,433		4,433
Other activity	313		313
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019	1,405,251	324,419	262,823	6,488,352	(135,432)	(5,534,911)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	1,590,377	324,419	247,497	6,655,088	(142,597)	(5,494,030)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	86,308			86,308
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,422				1,422
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	87,730
Dividends declared: $0.07 per share	(15,282)			(15,282)
Company stock 401(k) contribution	5,138		(17,831)			22,969
Stock-based awards activity	(9,073)		(77,129)			68,056
Stock-based compensation	(757)		(757)
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value	(203)			(203)
Other activity	326		326
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 1,658,256	$ 324,419	$ 152,106	$ 6,725,911	$ (141,175)	$ (5,403,005)

Consolidated Statements of Eq_2

Consolidated Statements of Equity Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.07

Accounting policies

Accounting policies	3 Months Ended
Accounting policies	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting policies	Accounting policies Basis of presentation: Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial reporting, the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes which are normally included in the Form 10-K and annual report to shareholders. In our opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our (or TEGNA’s) audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. During the first quarter of 2020, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) believed to have been first identified in Wuhan, China, spread globally, including to every state in the United States. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency with respect to COVID-19. The federal and state governments in the United States have responded by instituting a wide variety of mitigating control measures, including, mandatory quarantines, closures of non-essential businesses and all other places of social interaction, while implementing “shelter in place” orders and travel restrictions. Such mitigating measures began negatively impacting our advertising and marketing services (AMS) revenue stream in mid-March as demand for non-political advertising softened. This trend has continued into the second quarter of 2020 as such measures remain largely in place as of this date. In mid-March, as a result of the expected near-term impact on non-political advertising demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented cost saving measures to reduce operating expenses and discretionary capital expenditures. These measures include implementing temporary furloughs for one week during the second quarter for most personnel, reducing compensation for executives and our board of directors, and reducing non-critical discretionary spending. As is true of most businesses, the ultimate magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, but we do expect it to have a material adverse effect on our near-term results of operations. While it is too early to predict the duration of the pandemic or the long term effects on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity, we use the best information available in developing significant estimates included in our financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and these differences resulting from changes in facts and circumstances could be material. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, business combinations, fair value measurements, post-retirement benefit plans, income taxes including deferred taxes, and contingencies. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries we control. We eliminate all intercompany balances, transactions, and profits in consolidation. Investments in entities over 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 (loss) income in unconsolidated investments, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We operate one operating and reportable segment, which primarily consists of our 62 television stations and two radio stations operating in 51 markets, offering high-quality television programming and digital content. Our reportable segment determination is based on our management and internal reporting structure, the nature of products and services we offer, and the financial information that is evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision maker. Accounting guidance adopted in 2020: In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance changed the way credit losses on accounts receivable are estimated. Under previous GAAP, credit losses on accounts receivable were recognized once it was probable that such losses will occur. Under the new guidance, we are required to estimate credit losses based on the expected amount of future collections which may result in earlier recognition of doubtful accounts. We adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach. Due to the short-term nature of our accounts receivable balance, there was no material change to our allowance for doubtful accounts as a result of adopting this new guidance. In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance that changed disclosures related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The guidance removed disclosures that are no longer economically relevant, clarifies certain existing disclosure requirements and added some new disclosures. The most relevant elimination for us is the annual disclosure of the amount of gain/loss and prior service cost/credit amortization expected in the following year. Additions most relevant to us include annually disclosing narrative explanations of the drivers for significant changes in plan obligations or assets, and disclosure for cost of living adjustments for certain participants of our TEGNA retirement plan. We will include the new disclosures in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and will apply them on a retrospective basis. In March 2019, the FASB issued new guidance related to the accounting for episodic television series. The most significant aspect of this new guidance that was applicable to us relates to the level at which our capitalized programming assets are monitored for impairment. Under the new guidance these assets are monitored at the film group level which is the lowest level at which independently identifiable cash flows are identifiable. We adopted the new guidance prospectively on January 1, 2020. There was no material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as of the adoption date. Programming assets 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. Expense is recognized on a straight line basis which appropriately matches the cost of the programs with the revenues associated with them. We incurred programming expense of $18.2 million and $13.5 million in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively. Programming expense is included in the “cost of revenue” line item of our Consolidated Statements of Income. As of March 31, 2020 we had $34.7 million of programming assets which will be expensed within the next twelve months. We evaluate the net realizable value of our program broadcasting contract assets when a triggering event occurs, such as a change in our intended usage, or sustained lower-than-expected ratings for the program. Impairment analyses are performed at the syndicated program level (across all stations that utilize the program). We determine the net realizable value based on a projection of the estimated revenues less projected direct costs associated with the syndicated program (which is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy). If the future direct costs exceed expected revenues, impairment of the program asset may be required. No impairment charges were recognized in 2020 or 2019. New accounting guidance not yet adopted: There is currently no pending accounting guidance that we expect to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. 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. Our allowance also takes into account expected future trends which may impact our customer’s ability to pay, such as economic growth, unemployment and demand for their products and services. We monitor the credit quality of our customers and their ability to pay through the use of analytics and communication with individual customers. As of March 31, 2020, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $5.8 million as compared to $3.7 million as of December 31, 2019. Revenue recognition: Revenue is recognized upon the transfer of control of promised services to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Amounts received from customers in advance of providing services to our customers are recorded as deferred revenue. The primary sources of our revenues are: 1) advertising & marketing services revenues, which include local and national non-political television advertising, digital marketing services (including Premion), and advertising on the stations’ websites and tablet and mobile products; 2) subscription revenues, reflecting fees paid by satellite, cable, OTT (companies that deliver video content to consumers over the Internet) and telecommunications providers to carry our television signals on their systems; 3) political advertising revenues, which are driven by even year election cycles at the local and national level (e.g. 2020, 2018) and particularly in the second half of those years; and 4) other services, such as production of programming and advertising material. Revenue earned by these sources in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 are shown below (amounts in thousands): Quarter ended Mar. 31, 2020 2019 Advertising & Marketing Services $ 295,153 $ 264,402 Subscription 332,802 241,575 Political 47,387 2,704 Other 8,847 8,072 Total revenues $ 684,189 $ 516,753

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Mar. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions During 2019, we acquired the television stations listed in the table below, and a summary of each acquisition follows: Market Station Affiliation Seller Indianapolis, IN WTHR NBC Dispatch Broadcast Group Columbus, OH WBNS CBS Dispatch Broadcast Group Hartford-New Haven, CT WTIC/WCCT FOX/CW Nexstar Media Group Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA WPMT FOX Nexstar Media Group Memphis, TN WATN/WLMT ABC/CW Nexstar Media Group Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA WNEP ABC Nexstar Media Group Des Moines-Ames, IA WOI/KCWI ABC/CW Nexstar Media Group Huntsville-Decatur-Florence, AL WZDX FOX Nexstar Media Group Davenport, IA and Rock Island-Moline, IL WQAD ABC Nexstar Media Group Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR KFSM CBS Nexstar Media Group Toledo, OH WTOL CBS Gray Television Midland-Odessa, TX KWES NBC Gray Television Nexstar Stations On September 19, 2019, we completed our acquisition of 11 local television stations in eight markets, including eight Big Four affiliates, from Nexstar Media Group (the Nexstar Stations). These stations were divested by Nexstar Media Group in connection with its acquisition of Tribune Media Company. The purchase price for the Nexstar Stations was $769.9 million which included a base purchase price of $740.0 million and working capital of $29.9 million (approximately $0.8 million was paid in April 2020 after finalization of working capital true-up with the sellers). Dispatch Stations On August 8, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Dispatch Broadcast Group’s two top-rated television stations and two radio stations (the Dispatch Stations). The purchase price for the Dispatch Stations was $560.5 million which consisted of a base purchase price of $535.0 million and working capital and cash acquired of $25.5 million . Justice and Quest Multicast Networks On June 18, 2019, we completed the acquisition of the remaining approximately 85% interest that we did not previously own in the multicast networks Justice Network and Quest from Cooper Media. Cash paid for this acquisition was $77.1 million (which included $4.6 million for working capital). Gray Stations On January 2, 2019, we completed our acquisition of WTOL, the CBS affiliate in Toledo, OH, and KWES, the NBC affiliate in Midland-Odessa, TX from Gray Television, Inc. for $109.9 million in cash (which included $4.9 million for working capital paid at closing). The following table summarizes the current fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with these acquisitions (in thousands): Nexstar Stations Dispatch Stations Justice & Quest Gray Stations Total Cash $ — $ 2,363 $ — $ — $ 2,363 Accounts receivable 34,680 26,344 8,501 5,553 75,078 Prepaid and other current assets 3,776 6,092 6,987 987 17,842 Property and equipment 45,186 40,418 361 11,757 97,722 Goodwill 126,928 202,274 23,558 19,405 372,165 FCC licenses 374,269 295,983 — 47,061 717,313 Network affiliation agreements 123,926 60,765 — 14,420 199,111 Retransmission agreements 68,316 33,107 — 12,198 113,621 Other intangible assets — — 52,553 — 52,553 Right-of-use assets for operating leases 22,715 362 — 251 23,328 Other noncurrent assets 237 — 5,253 18 5,508 Total assets acquired $ 800,033 $ 667,708 $ 97,213 $ 111,650 $ 1,676,604 Accounts Payable 2,037 954 725 1 3,717 Accrued liabilities 8,122 9,011 4,236 1,494 22,863 Deferred income tax liability — 97,044 (471 ) — 96,573 Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent 20,346 226 — 235 20,807 Other noncurrent liabilities 426 — 2,677 — 3,103 Total liabilities assumed $ 30,931 $ 107,235 $ 7,167 $ 1,730 $ 147,063 Net assets acquired $ 769,102 $ 560,473 $ 90,046 $ 109,920 $ 1,529,541 Less: cash acquired $ — $ (2,363 ) $ — $ — $ (2,363 ) Less: fair value of existing ownership — — (12,995 ) — (12,995 ) Cash paid for acquisitions $ 769,102 $ 558,110 $ 77,051 $ 109,920 $ 1,514,183 We accounted for the each of these acquisitions as business combinations, which requires us to record the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value. The amount by which the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The amounts recorded for assets and liabilities related to the Nexstar and Dispatch Stations and Justice and Quest Networks presented above are preliminary in nature and are subject to adjustment as additional information is obtained about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. Assets and liabilities related to the Gray Stations are the final amounts. During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, we continued to analyze information related to the estimated fair values for certain tangible and intangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and the amount of goodwill recognized for these acquisitions. As a result, the carrying amounts for certain assets and liabilities were updated. The most significant changes were to retransmission agreement intangible assets, which were reduced by $21.3 million and goodwill, whose carrying amount increased by $16.8 million . As a result of these adjustments, we expect our amortization expense related to intangible assets during fiscal year 2020 to be $68.0 million .

Goodwill and other intangible a

Goodwill and other intangible assets	3 Months Ended
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Mar. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Gross Accumulated Amortization Gross Accumulated Amortization Goodwill $ 2,967,383 $ — $ 2,950,587 $ — Indefinite-lived intangibles: Television and radio station FCC broadcast licenses 2,105,332 — 2,090,732 — Amortizable intangible assets: Retransmission agreements 235,215 (112,853 ) 256,533 (105,212 ) Network affiliation agreements 309,503 (54,319 ) 309,496 (48,174 ) Other 73,306 (17,497 ) 73,305 (15,066 ) Total indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets $ 2,723,356 $ (184,669 ) $ 2,730,066 $ (168,452 ) Our retransmission agreements and network affiliation agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Other intangibles primarily include distribution agreements and brand names from our Justice & Quest acquisition, which are also amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Changes in goodwill and amortizable intangible asset values in the first three months of 2020 are a result of the acquisitions discussed in Note 2. Certain of those assets are valued on a preliminary basis as we continue to review underlying assumptions and valuation methodologies utilized to calculate their respective fair values. Interim impairment assessment We review our goodwill and intangible assets for impairment at least annually and also when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate the fair value may be below its carrying amount. As discussed in Note 2, during 2019 we acquired 15 television stations and as such, the indefinite-lived FCC licenses recently acquired have limited headroom as they were recorded at fair value upon acquisition. As a result of the negative effects COVID-19 will have on our expected future AMS revenue and operating cash flows, we assessed whether it was more likely than not that our FCC licenses, including those that were recently acquired, were impaired. In performing this assessment we analyzed the significant inputs used in the fair value determination of the recently acquired FCC license assets. This included reviewing the impact of potential changes in trends in market revenues and changes in the discount rate on the fair value of our licenses. While the impacts to AMS are expected to be material, the duration of these trends and the magnitude of such impacts cannot be precisely estimated at this time, as they are affected by a number of factors (many of which are outside of management’s control). However, based on currently known information about COVID-19 trends, we generally expect the second quarter of 2020 to be the most significantly impacted this year with sequential improvement throughout the remainder of the fiscal year. Based on the analysis performed we concluded that none of our FCC licenses were more likely than not impaired as of March 31, 2020. However, a long sustained economic decline resulting from COVID-19 could result in future non-cash impairment charges of our recently acquired FCC licenses, and any related impairment could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Investments and other assets

Investments and other assets	3 Months Ended
Investments and other assets	Mar. 31, 2020
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Investments and other assets	Investments and other assets Our investments and other assets consisted of the following as of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019 (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Cash value life insurance $ 50,730 $ 52,462 Equity method investments 36,646 27,650 Other equity investments 32,420 32,383 Deferred debt issuance costs 10,178 10,921 Other long-term assets 21,109 21,853 Total $ 151,083 $ 145,269 Cash value life insurance: We are the beneficiary of life insurance policies on the lives of certain employees/retirees, which are recorded at their cash surrender value as determined by the insurance carrier. These policies are utilized as a partial funding source for deferred compensation and other non-qualified employee retirement plans. Gains and losses on these investments are included in “Other non-operating items, net” within our Consolidated Statement of Income and were not material for all periods presented. Equity method investments : We hold equity method investments. Our largest equity method investment is our ownership in CareerBuilder, of which we own approximately 17% (or approximately 10% on a fully-diluted basis). In the first quarter of 2020, CareerBuilder sold its employment screening business; our estimated portion on the pre-tax gain of the sale is $12.1 million . Our investment balance was $17.4 million and $7.9 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Other equity investments : Represent investments in non-public businesses that do not have readily determinable pricing, and for which we do not have control or do not exert significant influence. These investments are recorded at cost less impairments, if any, plus or minus changes in observable prices for those investments. No gains or losses were recorded on these investments in the first three months of 2020. Deferred debt issuance costs : These costs consist of amounts paid to lenders related to our revolving credit facility. Debt issuance costs paid for our term debt and unsecured notes are accounted for as a reduction in the debt obligation.

Income taxes

Income taxes	3 Months Ended
Income taxes	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes We generally estimate our annual effective tax rate for the full year and apply that rate to net income before tax in determining the provision for income taxes for interim periods. We record discrete items in each respective interim period as appropriate. However, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, we determined that the annual rate method would not provide for a reliable estimate due to volatility in the forecasting process as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we have recorded the provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2020 using the actual effective rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (the “cut-off” method). The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was calculated based on an actual effective tax rate plus discrete items. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Donald Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the CARES Act) on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act provides numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including refundable payroll tax credits, deferral of employer side social security payments, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations, expansions to the use and carryback of net operating losses, and a technical correction to the depreciation method applicable to qualified improvement property under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We will benefit from the technical correction for qualified improvement property which allows for immediate deduction of any eligible leasehold improvements placed in service during 2018 and 2019. We will also benefit from the new depreciation method available for qualified improvement property which allows for an immediate retroactive deduction of certain eligible leasehold improvements previously placed in service. As a result, our 2020 tax payments are expected to be reduced by approximately $7 million . There is no change to tax expense or our first quarter effective income tax rate since the changes are payment deferrals only. We will continue to monitor the impact of the CARES Act on our business as conditions change.

Long-term debt

Long-term debt	3 Months Ended
Long-term debt	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	Long-term debt Our long-term debt is summarized below (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020 1 $ 10,000 $ 20,000 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through September 2020 1 90,000 105,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020 — 310,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021 350,000 350,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023 — 650,000 Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring August 2024 785,000 903,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024 325,000 325,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027 200,000 200,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027 240,000 240,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.625% due March 2028 1,000,000 — Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.00% due September 2029 1,100,000 1,100,000 Total principal long-term debt 4,100,000 4,203,000 Debt issuance costs (34,389 ) (26,873 ) Unamortized premiums and discounts, net 6,286 3,118 Total long-term debt $ 4,071,897 $ 4,179,245 1 We have the intent and ability to refinance the principal payments due within the next 12 months on a long-term basis through our revolving credit facility. As such, all debt presented in the table above is classified as long-term on our March 31, 2020 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. On January 9, 2020, we completed a private placement offering of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes bearing an interest rate of 4.625% which are due in March 2028. On February 11, 2020 we used the net proceeds from the $1.0 billion senior notes to repay the remaining $310.0 million of unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest of 5.125% , which were due in July 2020 and $650.0 million of unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest of 6.375% , which were due in October 2023. We incurred $13.8 million of early redemption fees in relation to the 2023 debt payoff. Additionally, we wrote off $7.9 million of unamortized financing fees and discounts related to the early payoff of the 2020 and 2023 notes. These charges were recorded in the other non-operating items, net line item of the Statement of Income. As of March 31, 2020, we had unused borrowing capacity of $720.8 million under our $1.51 billion

Retirement plans

Retirement plans	3 Months Ended
Retirement plans	Mar. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement plans	Retirement plans We have various defined benefit retirement plans. Our principal defined benefit pension plan is the TEGNA Retirement Plan (TRP). The disclosure table below includes the pension expenses of the TRP and the TEGNA Supplemental Retirement Plan (SERP). The total net pension obligations, including both current and non-current liabilities, as of March 31, 2020, were $128.7 million , of which $6.8 million is recorded as a current obligation within accrued liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Pension costs, which primarily include costs for the qualified TRP and the non-qualified SERP, are presented in the following table (in thousands): Quarter ended Mar. 31, 2020 2019 Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 2 $ — Interest cost on benefit obligation 4,858 5,750 Expected return on plan assets (7,750 ) (6,575 ) Amortization of prior service (credit) cost (42 ) 25 Amortization of actuarial loss 1,600 1,500 (Gains from) expense for company-sponsored retirement plans $ (1,332 ) $ 700 Benefits no longer accrue for substantially all TRP and SERP participants as a result of amendments to the plans in the past years and as such we no longer incur a significant amount of the service cost component of pension expense. All other components of our pension expense presented above are included within the “Other non-operating items, net” line item of the Consolidated Statements of Income. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we did no t make any cash contributions to the TRP. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, we made benefit payments to participants of the SERP of $2.3 million and $0.9 million , respectively. Based on actuarial projections and funding levels, we do not expect to make any cash payments to the TRP in 2020. We expect to make additional cash contributions of $4.4 million

Accumulated other comprehensive

Accumulated other comprehensive loss	3 Months Ended
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Accumulated other comprehensive loss The following table summarizes the components of, and the changes in, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL), net of tax (in thousands): Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Quarters Ended: Balance at Dec. 31, 2019 $ (142,398 ) $ (199 ) $ (142,597 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — 301 301 Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,121 — 1,121 Total other comprehensive income 1,121 301 1,422 Balance at Mar. 31, 2020 $ (141,277 ) $ 102 $ (141,175 ) Balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ (136,893 ) $ 382 $ (136,511 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — 10 10 Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,069 — 1,069 Total other comprehensive income 1,069 10 1,079 Balance at Mar. 31, 2019 $ (135,824 ) $ 392 $ (135,432 ) Reclassifications from AOCL to the Consolidated Statements of Income are comprised of pension and other post-retirement components. Pension and other post retirement reclassifications are related to the amortization of prior service costs, and amortization of actuarial losses. Amounts reclassified out of AOCL are summarized below (in thousands): Quarter ended Mar. 31, 2020 2019 Amortization of prior service credit, net $ (110 ) $ (125 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,608 1,550 Total reclassifications, before tax 1,498 1,425 Income tax effect (377 ) (356 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 1,121 $ 1,069

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	3 Months Ended
Earnings per share	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share Our earnings per share (basic and diluted) are presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts): Quarter ended Mar. 31, 2020 2019 Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc. $ 86,308 $ 73,979 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 218,277 216,709 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock units 284 179 Performance shares 298 256 Stock options 4 58 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 218,863 217,202 Net income per share - basic $ 0.40 $ 0.34 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.39 $ 0.34 Our calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effects for the assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and performance shares.

Fair value measurement

Fair value measurement	3 Months Ended
Fair value measurement	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurement	Fair value measurement We measure and record certain assets and liabilities at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between market data (observable inputs) and our own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels: Level 1 - Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 - Unobservable inputs developed using our own estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that a market participant would use. We additionally hold other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and debt. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximated their fair values. The fair value of our total debt, based on the bid and ask quotes for the related debt (Level 2), totaled $3.85 billion at March 31, 2020, and $4.32 billion at December 31, 2019.

Other matters

Other matters	3 Months Ended
Other matters	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Other matters	Other matters Litigation In the third quarter of 2018, certain national media outlets reported the existence of a confidential investigation by the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division (DOJ) into the local television advertising sales practices of station owners. We received a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) in connection with the DOJ’s investigation. On November 13 and December 13, 2018, DOJ and seven broadcasters settled a DOJ complaint alleging the exchange of competitively sensitive information in the broadcast television industry. In June 2019, we and four other broadcasters entered into a substantially identical agreement with DOJ, which was entered by the court on December 3, 2019. The settlement contains no finding of wrongdoing or liability and carries no penalty. It prohibits us and the other settling entities from sharing certain confidential business information, or using such information pertaining to other broadcasters, except under limited circumstances. The settlement also requires the settling parties to make certain enhancements to their antitrust compliance programs, to continue to cooperate with the DOJ’s investigation, and to permit DOJ to verify compliance. We do not expect the costs of compliance to be material. Since the national media reports, numerous putative class action lawsuits were filed against owners of television stations (the Advertising Cases) in different jurisdictions. Plaintiffs are a class consisting of all persons and entities in the United States who paid for all or a portion of advertisement time on local television provided by the defendants. The Advertising Cases assert antitrust and other claims and seek monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, costs and interest, as well as injunctions against the allegedly wrongful conduct. These cases have been consolidated into a single proceeding in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, captioned Clay, Massey & Associates, P.C. v. Gray Television, Inc. et. al., filed on July 30, 2018. At the court’s direction, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on April 3, 2019, that superseded the original complaints. Although we were named as a defendant in sixteen of the original complaints, the amended complaint did not name TEGNA as a defendant. After TEGNA and four other broadcasters entered into consent decrees with the Department of Justice in June 2019, the plaintiffs sought leave from the court to further amend the complaint to add TEGNA and the other settling broadcasters to the proceeding. The court granted the plaintiffs’ motion, and the plaintiffs filed the second amended complaint on September 9, 2019. On October 8, 2019, the defendants jointly filed a motion to dismiss the matter. The motion to dismiss remains pending before the court. We deny any violation of law, believe that the claims asserted in the Advertising Cases are without merit, and intend to defend ourselves vigorously against them. We, along with a number of our subsidiaries, also are defendants in other judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to our business. We do not believe that any material liability will be imposed as a result of any of the foregoing matters. FCC Broadcast Spectrum Program In April 2017, the FCC announced the completion of a voluntary incentive auction to reallocate certain spectrum currently occupied by television broadcast stations to mobile wireless broadband services, along with a related “repacking” of the television spectrum for remaining television stations. None of our stations relinquished any spectrum rights as a result of the auction. Seventeen of our stations (which includes four of our recently acquired stations from 2019) have been or will be repacked to new channels. To date, the repacking has not had any material effect on the geographic areas or populations served by our repacked full-power stations’ over-the-air signals, and we do not expect our remaining stations undergoing repacking to experience any such effect. If the repacking did have such an effect, our television stations moving channels could have smaller service areas and/or experience additional interference. The legislation authorizing the incentive auction and repacking established a $1.75 billion fund for reimbursement of costs incurred by stations required to change channels in the repacking. Subsequent legislation enacted on March 23, 2018, appropriated an additional $1 billion for the repacking fund, of which up to $750 million may be made available to repacked full power and Class A television stations and multichannel video programming distributors. Other funds are earmarked to assist affected low power television stations, television translator stations, and FM radio stations, as well for consumer education efforts. The repacking process is scheduled to occur over a 39 -month period, divided into ten phases ending mid-year 2020. Our full power stations are being completed during phases two through ten , and a majority of our capital expenditures in connection with the repack occurred in 2018 and 2019. To date, we have incurred approximately $38.5 million in capital expenditures for the spectrum repack project (of which $2.9 million was paid during the first quarter of 2020). We have received FCC reimbursements of approximately $31.9 million through March 31, 2020. The reimbursements were recorded as a contra operating expense within our “Spectrum repacking reimbursements and other, net” line item on our Consolidated Statement of Income and reported as an investing inflow on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Related Party Transactions We have an equity and debt investment in MadHive, Inc. (MadHive) which is a related party of TEGNA. In addition to our investment, we also have a commercial agreement with MadHive where they support our Premion business in acquiring and delivering over-the-top ad impressions. In the first quarter of 2020 and 2019, we incurred expenses of $10.5 million and $6.5 million , respectively, as a result of the commercial agreement with MadHive. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 we had accounts payable and accrued liabilities associated with the commercial agreement of $7.5 million and $4.3 million , respectively. Sale of minority ownership interest in Premion On March 2, 2020, we sold a minority ownership interest in Premion, LLC (Premion) for $14.0 million to an affiliate of Gray Television (Gray). Gray is reselling Premion services across all of Gray’s 93 television markets. Our TEGNA stations and Gray will each have the right to independently sell Premion in markets where we both operate a local television station. The sale of spot television advertising is not part of this agreement, and Gray and our TEGNA stations will continue to sell spot advertising for our respective stations without any involvement from the other party. In connection with acquiring a minority interest, Gray has the right to sell its interest to Premion if there is a change in control of TEGNA or if the commercial reselling agreement terminates. Since redemption of the minority ownership interest is outside our control, Gray’s equity interest is presented outside of the Equity section on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in the caption “Redeemable noncontrolling interest.” On the date of sale, we recorded a $14.0 million redeemable noncontrolling interest on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in connection with Gray’s investment.

Accounting policies (Policies)

Accounting policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Accounting policies (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation: Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial reporting, the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes which are normally included in the Form 10-K and annual report to shareholders. In our opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our (or TEGNA’s) audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Use of estimates	The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. During the first quarter of 2020, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) believed to have been first identified in Wuhan, China, spread globally, including to every state in the United States. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency with respect to COVID-19. The federal and state governments in the United States have responded by instituting a wide variety of mitigating control measures, including, mandatory quarantines, closures of non-essential businesses and all other places of social interaction, while implementing “shelter in place” orders and travel restrictions. Such mitigating measures began negatively impacting our advertising and marketing services (AMS) revenue stream in mid-March as demand for non-political advertising softened. This trend has continued into the second quarter of 2020 as such measures remain largely in place as of this date. In mid-March, as a result of the expected near-term impact on non-political advertising demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented cost saving measures to reduce operating expenses and discretionary capital expenditures. These measures include implementing temporary furloughs for one week during the second quarter for most personnel, reducing compensation for executives and our board of directors, and reducing non-critical discretionary spending. As is true of most businesses, the ultimate magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, but we do expect it to have a material adverse effect on our near-term results of operations.
Consolidation	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of subsidiaries we control. We eliminate all intercompany balances, transactions, and profits in consolidation. Investments in entities over 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 (loss) income in unconsolidated investments, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Recent accounting guidance adopted and not yet adopted	Accounting guidance adopted in 2020: In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance changed the way credit losses on accounts receivable are estimated. Under previous GAAP, credit losses on accounts receivable were recognized once it was probable that such losses will occur. Under the new guidance, we are required to estimate credit losses based on the expected amount of future collections which may result in earlier recognition of doubtful accounts. We adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach. Due to the short-term nature of our accounts receivable balance, there was no material change to our allowance for doubtful accounts as a result of adopting this new guidance. In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance that changed disclosures related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The guidance removed disclosures that are no longer economically relevant, clarifies certain existing disclosure requirements and added some new disclosures. The most relevant elimination for us is the annual disclosure of the amount of gain/loss and prior service cost/credit amortization expected in the following year. Additions most relevant to us include annually disclosing narrative explanations of the drivers for significant changes in plan obligations or assets, and disclosure for cost of living adjustments for certain participants of our TEGNA retirement plan. We will include the new disclosures in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and will apply them on a retrospective basis. In March 2019, the FASB issued new guidance related to the accounting for episodic television series. The most significant aspect of this new guidance that was applicable to us relates to the level at which our capitalized programming assets are monitored for impairment. Under the new guidance these assets are monitored at the film group level which is the lowest level at which independently identifiable cash flows are identifiable. We adopted the new guidance prospectively on January 1, 2020. There was no material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as of the adoption date. Programming assets 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. Expense is recognized on a straight line basis which appropriately matches the cost of the programs with the revenues associated with them. We incurred programming expense of $18.2 million and $13.5 million in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively. Programming expense is included in the “cost of revenue” line item of our Consolidated Statements of Income. As of March 31, 2020 we had $34.7 million of programming assets which will be expensed within the next twelve months. We evaluate the net realizable value of our program broadcasting contract assets when a triggering event occurs, such as a change in our intended usage, or sustained lower-than-expected ratings for the program. Impairment analyses are performed at the syndicated program level (across all stations that utilize the program). We determine the net realizable value based on a projection of the estimated revenues less projected direct costs associated with the syndicated program (which is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy). If the future direct costs exceed expected revenues, impairment of the program asset may be required. No impairment charges were recognized in 2020 or 2019. New accounting guidance not yet adopted: There is currently no pending accounting guidance that we expect to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
Trade receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts	Trade receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts:
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition: Revenue is recognized upon the transfer of control of promised services to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those services. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. Amounts received from customers in advance of providing services to our customers are recorded as deferred revenue. The primary sources of our revenues are: 1) advertising & marketing services revenues, which include local and national non-political television advertising, digital marketing services (including Premion), and advertising on the stations’ websites and tablet and mobile products; 2) subscription revenues, reflecting fees paid by satellite, cable, OTT (companies that deliver video content to consumers over the Internet) and telecommunications providers to carry our television signals on their systems; 3) political advertising revenues, which are driven by even year election cycles at the local and national level (e.g. 2020, 2018) and particularly in the second half of those years; and 4) other services, such as production of programming and advertising material.

Accounting policies (Tables)

Accounting policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Accounting policies (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Revenue earned by these sources in the first quarter of 2020 and 2019 are shown below (amounts in thousands): Quarter ended Mar. 31, 2020 2019 Advertising & Marketing Services $ 295,153 $ 264,402 Subscription 332,802 241,575 Political 47,387 2,704 Other 8,847 8,072 Total revenues $ 684,189 $ 516,753

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Television Stations Acquired	During 2019, we acquired the television stations listed in the table below, and a summary of each acquisition follows: Market Station Affiliation Seller Indianapolis, IN WTHR NBC Dispatch Broadcast Group Columbus, OH WBNS CBS Dispatch Broadcast Group Hartford-New Haven, CT WTIC/WCCT FOX/CW Nexstar Media Group Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York, PA WPMT FOX Nexstar Media Group Memphis, TN WATN/WLMT ABC/CW Nexstar Media Group Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA WNEP ABC Nexstar Media Group Des Moines-Ames, IA WOI/KCWI ABC/CW Nexstar Media Group Huntsville-Decatur-Florence, AL WZDX FOX Nexstar Media Group Davenport, IA and Rock Island-Moline, IL WQAD ABC Nexstar Media Group Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR KFSM CBS Nexstar Media Group Toledo, OH WTOL CBS Gray Television Midland-Odessa, TX KWES NBC Gray Television
Summary of Estimated Preliminary Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the current fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with these acquisitions (in thousands): Nexstar Stations Dispatch Stations Justice & Quest Gray Stations Total Cash $ — $ 2,363 $ — $ — $ 2,363 Accounts receivable 34,680 26,344 8,501 5,553 75,078 Prepaid and other current assets 3,776 6,092 6,987 987 17,842 Property and equipment 45,186 40,418 361 11,757 97,722 Goodwill 126,928 202,274 23,558 19,405 372,165 FCC licenses 374,269 295,983 — 47,061 717,313 Network affiliation agreements 123,926 60,765 — 14,420 199,111 Retransmission agreements 68,316 33,107 — 12,198 113,621 Other intangible assets — — 52,553 — 52,553 Right-of-use assets for operating leases 22,715 362 — 251 23,328 Other noncurrent assets 237 — 5,253 18 5,508 Total assets acquired $ 800,033 $ 667,708 $ 97,213 $ 111,650 $ 1,676,604 Accounts Payable 2,037 954 725 1 3,717 Accrued liabilities 8,122 9,011 4,236 1,494 22,863 Deferred income tax liability — 97,044 (471 ) — 96,573 Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent 20,346 226 — 235 20,807 Other noncurrent liabilities 426 — 2,677 — 3,103 Total liabilities assumed $ 30,931 $ 107,235 $ 7,167 $ 1,730 $ 147,063 Net assets acquired $ 769,102 $ 560,473 $ 90,046 $ 109,920 $ 1,529,541 Less: cash acquired $ — $ (2,363 ) $ — $ — $ (2,363 ) Less: fair value of existing ownership — — (12,995 ) — (12,995 ) Cash paid for acquisitions $ 769,102 $ 558,110 $ 77,051 $ 109,920 $ 1,514,183

Goodwill and other intangible_2

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Gross Accumulated Amortization Gross Accumulated Amortization Goodwill $ 2,967,383 $ — $ 2,950,587 $ — Indefinite-lived intangibles: Television and radio station FCC broadcast licenses 2,105,332 — 2,090,732 — Amortizable intangible assets: Retransmission agreements 235,215 (112,853 ) 256,533 (105,212 ) Network affiliation agreements 309,503 (54,319 ) 309,496 (48,174 ) Other 73,306 (17,497 ) 73,305 (15,066 ) Total indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets $ 2,723,356 $ (184,669 ) $ 2,730,066 $ (168,452 )

Investments and other assets (T

Investments and other assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Investments and other assets (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2020
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets	Our investments and other assets consisted of the following as of March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019 (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Cash value life insurance $ 50,730 $ 52,462 Equity method investments 36,646 27,650 Other equity investments 32,420 32,383 Deferred debt issuance costs 10,178 10,921 Other long-term assets 21,109 21,853 Total $ 151,083 $ 145,269

Long-term debt (Tables)

Long-term debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Long-term debt (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary Long-Term Debt	Our long-term debt is summarized below (in thousands): Mar. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020 1 $ 10,000 $ 20,000 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through September 2020 1 90,000 105,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020 — 310,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021 350,000 350,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023 — 650,000 Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring August 2024 785,000 903,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024 325,000 325,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027 200,000 200,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027 240,000 240,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.625% due March 2028 1,000,000 — Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.00% due September 2029 1,100,000 1,100,000 Total principal long-term debt 4,100,000 4,203,000 Debt issuance costs (34,389 ) (26,873 ) Unamortized premiums and discounts, net 6,286 3,118 Total long-term debt $ 4,071,897 $ 4,179,245 1 We have the intent and ability to refinance the principal payments due within the next 12 months on a long-term basis through our revolving credit facility. As such, all debt presented in the table above is classified as long-term on our March 31, 2020 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Retirement plans (Tables)

Retirement plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Retirement plans (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit Costs	Pension costs, which primarily include costs for the qualified TRP and the non-qualified SERP, are presented in the following table (in thousands): Quarter ended Mar. 31, 2020 2019 Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 2 $ — Interest cost on benefit obligation 4,858 5,750 Expected return on plan assets (7,750 ) (6,575 ) Amortization of prior service (credit) cost (42 ) 25 Amortization of actuarial loss 1,600 1,500 (Gains from) expense for company-sponsored retirement plans $ (1,332 ) $ 700

Accumulated other comprehensi_2

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the components of, and the changes in, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL), net of tax (in thousands): Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Quarters Ended: Balance at Dec. 31, 2019 $ (142,398 ) $ (199 ) $ (142,597 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — 301 301 Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,121 — 1,121 Total other comprehensive income 1,121 301 1,422 Balance at Mar. 31, 2020 $ (141,277 ) $ 102 $ (141,175 ) Balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ (136,893 ) $ 382 $ (136,511 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — 10 10 Amounts reclassified from AOCL 1,069 — 1,069 Total other comprehensive income 1,069 10 1,079 Balance at Mar. 31, 2019 $ (135,824 ) $ 392 $ (135,432 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Amounts reclassified out of AOCL are summarized below (in thousands): Quarter ended Mar. 31, 2020 2019 Amortization of prior service credit, net $ (110 ) $ (125 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,608 1,550 Total reclassifications, before tax 1,498 1,425 Income tax effect (377 ) (356 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 1,121 $ 1,069

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
Earnings per share (Tables)	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	Our earnings per share (basic and diluted) are presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts): Quarter ended Mar. 31, 2020 2019 Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc. $ 86,308 $ 73,979 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 218,277 216,709 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock units 284 179 Performance shares 298 256 Stock options 4 58 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 218,863 217,202 Net income per share - basic $ 0.40 $ 0.34 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.39 $ 0.34

Accounting policies - Narrative

Accounting policies - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Accounting policies - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)segmentradio_stationmarketstation	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of operating segments \| segment	1
Number of reportable segments \| segment	1
Number of television stations \| station	62
Number of radio stations \| radio_station	2
Number of markets In which entity operates \| market	51
Programming rights, expense	$ 18,200	$ 13,500
Syndicated programming rights	34,683		$ 49,616
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 5,800		$ 3,700

Accounting policies - Revenue (

Accounting policies - Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 684,189	$ 516,753
Advertising & Marketing Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	295,153	264,402
Subscription
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	332,802	241,575
Political
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	47,387	2,704
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 8,847	$ 8,072

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 19, 2019USD ($)affiliatemarketstation	Aug. 08, 2019USD ($)radio_station	Jun. 18, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019station
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of stations acquired \| station							15
Increase in goodwill						$ 16.8
Amortization expense related to intangibles						68
Retransmission agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Reduction in intangible assets						$ 21.3
Nexstar Media Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of stations acquired \| station	11
Number of markets \| market	8
Number of affiliates acquired \| affiliate	8
Initial purchase price	$ 769.9
Base purchase price	740
Working capital adjustment	$ 29.9
Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Initial purchase price		$ 560.5
Base purchase price		535
Working capital adjustment		$ 25.5
Number of ratio stations acquired \| radio_station		2
Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Initial purchase price			$ 77.1
Working capital adjustment			$ 4.6
Ownership interest (as a percent)			85.00%
Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Initial purchase price				$ 109.9
Working capital adjustment				$ 4.9
Subsequent Event \| Nexstar Media Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment of working capital adjustment					$ 0.8

Acquisitions - Summary of Estim

Acquisitions - Summary of Estimated Preliminary Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 19, 2019	Aug. 08, 2019	Jun. 18, 2019	Jan. 02, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill					$ 2,967,383		$ 2,950,587
Cash paid for acquisitions					15,000	$ 108,872
Nexstar Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash	$ 0
Accounts receivable	34,680
Prepaid and other current assets	3,776
Property and equipment	45,186
Goodwill	126,928
Right-of-use assets for operating leases	22,715
Other noncurrent assets	237
Total assets acquired	800,033
Accounts Payable	2,037
Accrued liabilities	8,122
Deferred income tax liability	0
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent	20,346
Other noncurrent liabilities	426
Total liabilities assumed	30,931
Net assets acquired	769,102
Less: cash acquired	0
Less: fair value of existing ownership	0
Cash paid for acquisitions	769,102
Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash		$ 2,363
Accounts receivable		26,344
Prepaid and other current assets		6,092
Property and equipment		40,418
Goodwill		202,274
Right-of-use assets for operating leases		362
Other noncurrent assets		0
Total assets acquired		667,708
Accounts Payable		954
Accrued liabilities		9,011
Deferred income tax liability		97,044
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent		226
Other noncurrent liabilities		0
Total liabilities assumed		107,235
Net assets acquired		560,473
Less: cash acquired		(2,363)
Less: fair value of existing ownership		0
Cash paid for acquisitions		558,110
Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash			$ 0
Accounts receivable			8,501
Prepaid and other current assets			6,987
Property and equipment			361
Goodwill			23,558
Right-of-use assets for operating leases			0
Other noncurrent assets			5,253
Total assets acquired			97,213
Accounts Payable			725
Accrued liabilities			4,236
Deferred income tax liability			(471)
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent			0
Other noncurrent liabilities			2,677
Total liabilities assumed			7,167
Net assets acquired			90,046
Less: cash acquired			0
Less: fair value of existing ownership			(12,995)
Cash paid for acquisitions			77,051
Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash				$ 0
Accounts receivable				5,553
Prepaid and other current assets				987
Property and equipment				11,757
Goodwill				19,405
Right-of-use assets for operating leases				251
Other noncurrent assets				18
Total assets acquired				111,650
Accounts Payable				1
Accrued liabilities				1,494
Deferred income tax liability				0
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent				235
Other noncurrent liabilities				0
Total liabilities assumed				1,730
Net assets acquired				109,920
Less: cash acquired				0
Less: fair value of existing ownership				0
Cash paid for acquisitions				109,920
Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash					2,363
Accounts receivable					75,078
Prepaid and other current assets					17,842
Property and equipment					97,722
Goodwill					372,165
Right-of-use assets for operating leases					23,328
Other noncurrent assets					5,508
Total assets acquired					1,676,604
Accounts Payable					3,717
Accrued liabilities					22,863
Deferred income tax liability					96,573
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent					20,807
Other noncurrent liabilities					3,103
Total liabilities assumed					147,063
Net assets acquired					1,529,541
Less: cash acquired					(2,363)
Less: fair value of existing ownership					(12,995)
Cash paid for acquisitions					1,514,183
Network affiliation agreements \| Nexstar Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	123,926
Network affiliation agreements \| Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		60,765
Network affiliation agreements \| Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired			0
Network affiliation agreements \| Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired				14,420
Network affiliation agreements \| Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					199,111
Retransmission agreements \| Nexstar Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	68,316
Retransmission agreements \| Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		33,107
Retransmission agreements \| Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired			0
Retransmission agreements \| Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired				12,198
Retransmission agreements \| Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					113,621
Other intangible assets \| Nexstar Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	0
Other intangible assets \| Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		0
Other intangible assets \| Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired			52,553
Other intangible assets \| Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired				0
Other intangible assets \| Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					52,553
FCC licenses \| Nexstar Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	$ 374,269
FCC licenses \| Dispatch Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		$ 295,983
FCC licenses \| Justice & Quest
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired			$ 0
FCC licenses \| Gray Stations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired				$ 47,061
FCC licenses \| Recent Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					$ 717,313

Goodwill and other intangible_3

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)station
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill, gross	$ 2,967,383	$ 2,950,587
Total indefinite-live and amortizable intangible assets	2,723,356	2,730,066
Goodwill, accumulated amortization	0	0
Total indefinite-live and amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(184,669)	$ (168,452)
Number of stations acquired \| station		15
Retransmission agreements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets, gross	235,215	$ 256,533
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(112,853)	(105,212)
Network affiliation agreements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets, gross	309,503	309,496
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(54,319)	(48,174)
Other
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets, gross	73,306	73,305
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(17,497)	(15,066)
Television and radio station FCC broadcast licenses
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles, gross	$ 2,105,332	$ 2,090,732

Investments and other assets -

Investments and other assets - Components of Investments and Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Cash value life insurance	$ 50,730	$ 52,462
Equity method investments	36,646	27,650
Other equity investments	32,420	32,383
Deferred debt issuance costs	10,178	10,921
Other long-term assets	21,109	21,853
Total	$ 151,083	$ 145,269

Investments and other assets _2

Investments and other assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment balance	$ 36,646,000	$ 27,650,000
Gain on other equity investments	$ 0
CareerBuilder
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment retained after disposal, ownership interest (as a percent)	17.00%
Equity method investment retained after disposal, fully diluted ownership interest (as a percent)	10.00%
After-tax gain on sale of equity method investment	$ 12,100,000
Investment balance	$ 17,400,000	$ 7,900,000

Income taxes (Details)

Income taxes (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Income taxes (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
CARES Act, reduction in tax payments	$ 7

Long-term debt - Schedule of Lo

Long-term debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Feb. 11, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 4,100,000		$ 4,203,000
Debt issuance costs	(34,389)		(26,873)
Unamortized premiums and discounts, net	6,286		3,118
Total long-term debt	4,071,897		4,179,245
Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	10,000		20,000
Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through September 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	90,000		105,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 0		310,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%	5.125%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 350,000		350,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.875%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 0		650,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%	6.375%
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring August 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 785,000		903,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 325,000		325,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.50%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 200,000		200,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.75%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 240,000		240,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.25%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.625% due March 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 1,000,000		0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.625%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.00% due September 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 1,100,000		$ 1,100,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%

Long-term debt - Narrative (Det

Long-term debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 11, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Jan. 09, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Early redemption fees	$ 13,800,000
Write off of unamortized financing fees and discounts	7,900,000
Senior Notes Bearing Interest at 4.625 Percent Due March 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.625%
Senior Notes Bearing Interest at 4.625 Percent Due March 2028 \| Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of unsecured notes	$ 1,000,000,000		$ 1,000,000,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%	5.125%
Repayments of unsecured debt	$ 310,000,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%	6.375%
Repayments of unsecured debt	$ 650,000,000
Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement \| Line of Credit \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused borrowing capacity		$ 720,800,000
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility		$ 1,510,000,000

Retirement plans - Narrative (D

Retirement plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Retirement plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
TRP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total net pension obligations	$ 128,700,000
Cash contributions	0
SERP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash contributions	2,300,000	$ 900,000
Additional cash payments	4,400,000
Accrued liabilities \| TRP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total net pension obligations	$ 6,800,000

Retirement plans - Benefit Cost

Retirement plans - Benefit Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Service cost-benefits earned during the period	$ 2	$ 0
Interest cost on benefit obligation	4,858	5,750
Expected return on plan assets	(7,750)	(6,575)
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost	(42)	25
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,600	1,500
(Gains from) expense for company-sponsored retirement plans	$ (1,332)	$ 700

Accumulated other comprehensi_3

Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,590,377	$ 1,340,924
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,121	1,069
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,422	1,079
Ending balance	1,658,256	1,405,251
Retirement Plans
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(142,398)	(136,893)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,121	1,069
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,121	1,069
Ending balance	(141,277)	(135,824)
Foreign Currency Translation
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(199)	382
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	301	10
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	0	0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	301	10
Ending balance	102	392
Total
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(142,597)	(136,511)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	301	10
Amounts reclassified from AOCL	1,121	1,069
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,422	1,079
Ending balance	$ (141,175)	$ (135,432)

Accumulated other comprehensi_4

Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	$ 1,498	$ 1,425
Income tax effect	(377)	(356)
Total reclassifications, net of tax	1,121	1,069
Amortization of prior service credit, net
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	(110)	(125)
Amortization of actuarial loss
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, before tax	$ 1,608	$ 1,550

Earnings per share - Schedule o

Earnings per share - Schedule of Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 86,308	$ 73,979
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	218,277	216,709
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	218,863	217,202
Net income per share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.40	$ 0.34
Net income per share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.34
Restricted stock units
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	284	179
Performance shares
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	298	256
Stock options
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	4	58

Fair value measurement (Details

Fair value measurement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of total long-term debt	$ 3,850	$ 4,320

Other matters (Details)

Mar. 02, 2020USD ($)market

Jun. 17, 2019defendant

Jul. 30, 2018defendant

Jun. 30, 2019defendant

Dec. 13, 2018defendant

Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)phasestation

Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Mar. 23, 2018USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of stations assigned new channels | station

Broadcast Spectrum Program, Number of Stations Acquired | station

Authorized reimbursement amount

$ 1,750,000,000

Authorized reimbursement amount, repacking fund

$ 1,000,000,000

Authorized reimbursement amount, repacking fund, full power, class a stations and multichannel distributors

$ 750,000,000

Repacking period

39 months

Number of repacking phases | phase

Broadcast Spectrum Program, Number of Repacking Phases, Phase Two | phase

Broadcast Spectrum Program, Number of Repacking Phases, Phase Nine | phase

Capital expenditures incurred

$ 38,500,000

Broadcast Spectrum Program, Amount Purchased

$ 2,900,000

FCC reimbursements received

$ 31,900,000

Payments for acquisition of minority interest

$ 14,000,000

14,000,000

$ 0

Settled litigation

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of other broadcasters settling DOJ complaint (defendant) | defendant

Equity And Debt Investment | Affiliated Entity

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Expenses incurred with related party

10,500,000

$ 6,500,000

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities with related party

$ 7,500,000

$ 4,300,000

Clay, Massey & Associates, P.C. v. Gray Television

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of other broadcasters settling DOJ complaint (defendant) | defendant

Gray Television

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of television markets | market