Sinclair Broadcast (SBGI) 10-K1 Mar 222021 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

COVER

COVER - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
COVER - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Feb. 23, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	000-26076
Entity Registrant Name	SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MD
Entity Tax Identification Number	52-1494660
Entity Address, Address Line One	10706 Beaver Dam Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Hunt Valley
Entity Address, State or Province	MD
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	21030
City Area Code	410
Local Phone Number	568-1500
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, par value $ 0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	SBGI
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
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
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 1,655
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III (Items 10,11,12,13, and 14) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We anticipate that our Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Entity Central Index Key	0000912752
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		47,891,455
Class B Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,775,056

AUDIT INFORMATION

AUDIT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
AUDIT INFORMATION	Dec. 31, 2021
Audit Information [Abstract]
Auditor Name	PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Auditor Location	Baltimore, Maryland
Auditor Firm ID	238

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 816	$ 1,259
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7 and $5, respectively		1,245	1,060
Income taxes receivable		152	230
Prepaid sports rights		85	498
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		173	170
Total current assets		2,471	3,217
Property and equipment, net		833	823
Operating lease assets		207	197
Deferred tax assets		293	197
Restricted cash		3	3
Goodwill		2,088	2,092
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		150	171
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		5,088	5,624
Other assets		1,408	1,058
Total assets	[1]	12,541	13,382
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		655	533
Current portion of notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing		69	58
Current portion of operating lease liabilities		35	34
Current portion of program contracts payable		97	92
Other current liabilities		346	317
Total current liabilities		1,202	1,034
Long-term debt		12,271	12,493
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion		205	198
Program contracts payable, less current portion		21	30
Other long-term liabilities		351	622
Total liabilities	[1]	14,050	14,377
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 13)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		197	190
Shareholders' Equity:
Additional paid-in capital		691	721
Accumulated deficit		(2,460)	(1,986)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2)	(10)
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group shareholders’ deficit		(1,770)	(1,274)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		64	89
Total deficit		(1,706)	(1,185)
Total liabilities and equity		12,541	13,382
Consolidated VIEs
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		43	64
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7 and $5, respectively		83	70
Prepaid sports rights		2	2
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4	5
Total current assets		132	141
Property and equipment, net		17	16
Operating lease assets		5	6
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		14	14
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		47	54
Other assets		1	1
Total assets		217	233
Current liabilities:
Total current liabilities		62	40
Long-term debt		0	10
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion		4	5
Program contracts payable, less current portion		2	4
Other long-term liabilities		4	17
Total liabilities		72	76
Consolidated VIEs \| Recourse
Current liabilities:
Total liabilities		62	60
Class A Common Stock
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Stock		1	1
Class B Common Stock
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Stock		0	0
Customer relationships
CURRENT ASSETS:
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		3,904	4,286
Other definite-lived intangible assets, net
CURRENT ASSETS:
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		$ 1,184	$ 1,338

[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $217 million and $233 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $62 million and $60 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 14. Variable Interest Entities .

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 7	$ 5
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	49,314,303	49,252,671
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	49,314,303	49,252,671
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	140,000,000	140,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	23,775,056	24,727,682
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	23,775,056	24,727,682

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
REVENUES:
Media revenues	$ 6,083	$ 5,843	$ 4,046
Non-media revenues	51	100	194
Total revenues	6,134	5,943	4,240
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Media programming and production expenses	4,291	2,735	2,073
Media selling, general and administrative expenses	908	832	732
Amortization of program contract costs	93	86	90
Non-media expenses	57	91	156
Depreciation of property and equipment	114	102	97
Corporate general and administrative expenses	170	148	387
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets	477	572	327
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets	0	4,264	0
Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment	(71)	(115)	(92)
Total operating expenses	6,039	8,715	3,770
Operating income (loss)	95	(2,772)	470
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs	(618)	(656)	(422)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(7)	(10)	(10)
Income (loss) from equity method investments	45	(36)	(35)
Other (expense) income, net	(14)	325	6
Total other expense, net	(594)	(377)	(461)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(499)	(3,149)	9
INCOME TAX BENEFIT	173	720	96
NET (LOSS) INCOME	(326)	(2,429)	105
Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests	(18)	(56)	(48)
Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(70)	71	(10)
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP	$ (414)	$ (2,414)	$ 47
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP:
Basic (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ (5.51)	$ (30.20)	$ 0.52
Diluted (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ (5.51)	$ (30.20)	$ 0.51
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	75,050	79,924	92,015
Diluted weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	75,050	79,924	93,185

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (326)	$ (2,429)	$ 105
Adjustments to post-retirement obligations, net of taxes	1	(1)	(1)
Share of other comprehensive gain (loss) of equity method investments	7	(7)	0
Comprehensive (loss) income	(318)	(2,437)	104
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(18)	(56)	(48)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(70)	71	(10)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ (406)	$ (2,422)	$ 46

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Common StockClass A Common Stock	Common StockClass B Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity
Issuance of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net of issuance costs	985
Noncontrolling interests issued	380
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	(38)
Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net of fees	(297)
Net income (loss)	48
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2019	1,078
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018				68,897,723	25,670,684
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2018	1,600			$ 1	$ 0	$ 1,121	$ 518	$ (1)	$ (39)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(73)						(73)
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock (in shares)				943,002	(943,002)
Repurchase of Class A Common Stock (in shares)				(4,555,487)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(145)					(145)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)				1,544,872
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	35					35
Noncontrolling interests acquired in a business combination	248								248
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	(27)								(27)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1)							(1)
Net income (loss)	57						47		10
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019				66,830,110	24,727,682
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2019	1,694			$ 1	$ 0	1,011	492	(2)	192
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity
Noncontrolling interests issued	22
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	0
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(419)
Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net of fees	(547)
Net income (loss)	56
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2020	190
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(64)						(64)
Repurchase of Class A Common Stock (in shares)				(19,418,934)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(343)					(343)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)				1,841,495
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	53					53
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	(32)								(32)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(8)							(8)
Net income (loss)	(2,485)						(2,414)		(71)
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020		49,252,671	24,727,682	49,252,671	24,727,682
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2020	(1,185)			$ 1	$ 0	721	(1,986)	(10)	89
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	(11)
Net income (loss)	18
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2021	197
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Dividends declared and paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(60)						(60)
Class B Common Stock converted into Class A Common Stock (in shares)				952,626	(952,626)
Repurchase of Class A Common Stock (in shares)				(2,438,585)
Repurchases of Class A Common Stock	(61)					(61)
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares)				1,547,591
Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	31					31
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	(95)								(95)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8							8
Net income (loss)	(344)						(414)		70
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021		49,314,303	23,775,056	49,314,303	23,775,056
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2021	$ (1,706)			$ 1	$ 0	$ 691	$ (2,460)	$ (2)	$ 64

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQ_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.80	$ 0.80
Class A Common Stock
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)		0.80	$ 0.80
Dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)		0.80	0.80
Class B Common Stock
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)		0.80	0.80
Dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.80	$ 0.80

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income	$ (326)	$ (2,429)	$ 105
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets	0	4,264	0
Amortization of sports programming rights	2,350	1,078	637
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets	477	572	327
Depreciation of property and equipment	114	102	97
Amortization of program contract costs	93	86	90
Stock-based compensation	60	52	33
Deferred tax benefit	(92)	(604)	(5)
Gain on asset disposition and other, net of impairment	(69)	(119)	(62)
(Income) loss from equity method investments	(45)	36	35
Loss (income) from investments	38	(152)	6
Distributions from investments	54	27	6
Sports programming rights payments	(1,834)	(1,345)	(578)
Rebate payments to distributors	(202)	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	7	10	10
Measurement adjustment gain on variable payment obligations	(15)	(159)	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	(187)	70	70
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets	(86)	48	(27)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued and other current liabilities	113	(3)	334
Net change in current and long-term net income taxes payable/receivable	(52)	(127)	(127)
Decrease in program contracts payable	(102)	(96)	(94)
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	3	198	(1)
Other, net	28	39	60
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	327	1,548	916
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(80)	(157)	(156)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(4)	(16)	(8,999)
Spectrum repack reimbursements	24	90	62
Proceeds from the sale of assets	43	36	8
Purchases of investments	(256)	(139)	(452)
Other, net	27	27	7
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(246)	(159)	(9,530)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	357	1,819	9,956
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases	(601)	(1,739)	(1,236)
Proceeds from the issuance of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net	0	0	985
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(61)	(343)	(145)
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(60)	(63)	(73)
Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity	(5)	(36)	(33)
Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity	0	(547)	(297)
Debt issuance costs	(1)	(19)	(199)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	(95)	(32)	(27)
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(6)	(383)	(5)
Other, net	(52)	(117)	(39)
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	(524)	(1,460)	8,887
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	(443)	(71)	273
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of year	1,262	1,333	1,060
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of year	$ 819	$ 1,262	$ 1,333

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMAR

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: Nature of Operations Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (the Company) is a diversified media company with national reach and a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations, regional sports networks, and digital platforms. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform and third-party platforms, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, college and professional sports, and other original programming produced by us. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties. Outside of our media related businesses, we operate technical services companies focused on supply and maintenance of broadcast transmission systems as well as research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and we manage other non-media related investments. As of December 31, 2021, we had two reportable segments for accounting purposes, broadcast and local sports. The broadcast segment consists primarily of our 185 broadcast television stations in 86 markets, which we own, provide programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements (LMAs), or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as JSAs and SSAs). These stations broadcast 634 channels as of December 31, 2021. For the purpose of this report, these 185 stations and 634 channels are referred to as “our” stations and channels. The local sports segment consists primarily of our Bally Sports network brands (Bally RSNs), the Marquee Sports Network (Marquee) joint venture, and a minority equity interest in the Yankee Entertainment and Sports Network, LLC ( YES Network). We refer to the Bally RSNs and Marquee as "the RSNs". The RSNs and YES Network own the exclusive rights to air, among other sporting events, the games of professional sports teams in designated local viewing areas. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, including the operating results of the Acquired RSNs acquired on August 23, 2019, as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets , and VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Noncontrolling interests represent a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities. Noncontrolling interests which may be redeemed by the holder, and the redemption is outside of our control, are presented as redeemable noncontrolling interests. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. See Note 14. Variable Interest Entities for more information on our VIEs. Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income (loss) from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income or loss generated by equity method investees. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The impact of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to create significant uncertainty and disruption in the global economy and financial markets. It is reasonably possible that these uncertainties could further materially impact our estimates related to, but not limited to, revenue recognition, goodwill and intangible assets, program contract costs, sports programming rights, and income taxes. As a result, many of our estimates and assumptions require increased judgment and carry a higher degree of variability and volatility. Our estimates may change as new events occur and additional information emerges, and such changes are recognized or disclosed in our consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance on the accounting for credit losses on financial instruments. Among other provisions, this guidance introduces a new impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace the current “incurred loss” model that will generally result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software, with the capitalized implementation costs of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2018, the FASB issued guidance for determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest. The amendments require organizations to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety, as currently required in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2019, the FASB issued guidance which requires that an entity test a film or license agreement within the scope of Subtopic 920-350 for impairment at the film group level, when the film or license agreement is predominantly monetized with other films and/or license agreements. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We early adopted this guidance during the third quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued guidance providing optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to derivative contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The guidance was effective for all entities immediately upon issuance of the update and may be applied prospectively to applicable transactions existing as of or entered into from the date of adoption through December 31, 2022. This guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2021, the FASB issued guidance to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in practice. ASU 2021-08 requires that an acquiring entity recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606, as if it had originated the contracts. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance, but do not expect a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable We regularly review accounts receivable and determine an appropriate estimate for the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the impact of economic conditions on the merchant’s ability to pay, past collection experience, and such other factors which, in management’s judgment, deserve current recognition. In turn, a provision is charged against earnings in order to maintain the appropriate allowance level. A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 is as follows (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of period $ 5 $ 8 $ 2 Charged to expense 3 2 9 Net write-offs (1) (5) (3) Balance at end of period $ 7 $ 5 $ 8 As of December 31, 2021, three customers accounted for 15%, 15%, and 12%, respectively, of our accounts receivable, net. As of December 31, 2020, three customers accounted for 19%, 17%, and 15%, respectively, of our accounts receivable, net. For purposes of this disclosure, a single customer may include multiple entities under common control. Broadcast Television Programming We have agreements with programming syndicators for the rights to television programming over contract periods, which generally run from one The rights to this programming are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. Program contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis except for contracts greater than three years which are amortized utilizing an accelerated method. Program contract costs estimated by management to be amortized in the succeeding year are classified as current assets. Payments of program contract liabilities are typically made on a scheduled basis and are not affected by amortization or fair value adjustments. Fair value is determined utilizing a discounted cash flow model based on management’s expectation of future advertising revenues, net of sales commissions, to be generated by the program material. We assess our program contract costs on a quarterly basis to ensure the costs are recorded at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. Sports Programming Rights We have multi-year program rights agreements that provide the Company with the right to produce and telecast professional live sports games within a specified territory in exchange for a rights fee. A prepaid asset is recorded for rights acquired related to future games upon payment of the contracted fee. The assets recorded for the acquired rights are classified as current or non-current based on the period when the games are expected to be aired. Liabilities are recorded for any program rights obligations that have been incurred but not yet paid at period end. We amortize these programming rights as an expense over each season based upon contractually stated rates. Amortization is accelerated in the event that the stated contractual rates over the term of the rights agreement results in an expense recognition pattern that is inconsistent with the projected growth of revenue over the contractual term. On March 12, 2020, the NBA, NHL, and MLB suspended or delayed the start of their seasons as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On that date, the Company suspended the recognition of amortization expense associated with prepaid program rights agreements with teams within these leagues. Amortization expense resumed for the NBA, NHL, and MLB over the modified seasons when the games commenced during the third quarter of 2020. The NBA and NHL also delayed the start of their 2020-2021 seasons until December 22, 2020 and January 13, 2021, respectively; sports rights expense associated with these seasons was recognized over the modified term of these seasons. Certain rights agreements with professional teams contain provisions which require the rebate of rights fees paid by the Company if a contractually minimum number of live games are not delivered. The actual amount of rebates to be received will vary depending on changes in the final game counts of each league's respective season. Rights fees paid in advance of expense recognition, inclusive of any contractual rebates due to the Company, are included within prepaid sports rights in our consolidated balance sheets. Impairment of Goodwill, Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, and Other Long-lived Assets We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. Our goodwill has been allocated to, and is tested for impairment at, the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or a component of an operating segment to the extent that the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by management. Components of an operating segment with similar characteristics are aggregated when testing goodwill for impairment. In the performance of our annual assessment of goodwill for impairment, we have the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit has been impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment, we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting units as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, or if we elect not to perform the optional qualitative assessment, we will determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the net book value of the reporting unit. If the fair value is less than the net book value, we will record an impairment to goodwill for the amount of the difference. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units utilizing the income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis. Our discounted cash flow model is based on our judgment of future market conditions based on our internal forecast of future performance, as well as discount rates that are based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of our broadcast licenses and a trade name. For our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that these assets are impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the indefinite-lived intangible assets as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. When evaluating our broadcast licenses for impairment, the qualitative assessment is done at the market level because the broadcast licenses within the market are complementary and together enhance the single broadcast license of each station. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that one of our broadcast licenses is impaired, we will perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the aggregate fair value of the broadcast licenses in the market to the respective carrying values. We estimate the fair values of our broadcast licenses using the Greenfield method, which is an income approach. This method involves a discounted cash flow model that incorporates several variables, including, but not limited to, market revenues and long-term growth projections, estimated market share for the typical participant without a network affiliation, and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type. The model also assumes outlays for capital expenditures, future terminal values, an effective tax rate assumption and a discount rate based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. If the carrying amount of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets by comparing the carrying amount of the assets within an asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with the asset group. An asset group represents the lowest level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment loss is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset group to the carrying value. We estimate fair value using an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis. Our RSNs included in the local sports segment were negatively impacted by the loss of three Distributors in 2020. In addition, our existing Distributors experienced elevated levels of subscriber erosion which we believe was influenced, in part, by shifting consumer behaviors resulting from media fragmentation, the current economic environment, the COVID-19 pandemic and related uncertainties. Most of these factors are also expected to have a negative impact on future projected revenues and margins of our RSNs . As a result of these factors, we performed an impairment test of the RSN reporting units' goodwill and long-lived asset groups during the third quarter of 2020 which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge for the year ended December 31, 2020 on goodwill of $2,615 million, customer relationships of $1,218 million, and other definite-lived intangible assets of $431 million, included within impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets in our consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we did not identify any indicators that our definite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable. See Note 5. Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Other Intangible Assets for more information. We believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions in the performance of our impairment assessments. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, including future events such as a deterioration of market conditions, loss of significant customers, failure to execute on DSG's DTC strategy significant increases in discount rates, among other factors, we could be exposed to impairment charges in the future. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows. When factors indicate that there may be a decrease in value of an equity method investment, we assess whether a loss in value has occurred. If that loss is deemed to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded accordingly. For any equity method investments that indicate a potential impairment, we estimate the fair values of those investments using a combination of a market-based approach, which considers earnings and cash flow multiples of comparable businesses and recent market transactions, as well as an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis. See Note 6. Other Assets for more information. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in millions): 2021 2020 Compensation and employee benefits $ 142 $ 131 Interest 126 127 Programming related obligations 227 183 Legal, litigation, and regulatory 6 2 Accounts payable and other operating expenses 154 90 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 655 $ 533 We expense these activities when incurred. Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies, current and cumulative losses, and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to certain temporary basis differences, interest expense carryforwards under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 163(j) and a substantial amount of our available state net operating loss carryforwards based on past operating results, including the RSN impairment, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income. Future changes in operating and/or taxable income or other changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the ability to realize our deferred tax assets which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions, and we record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits if such tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation processes. Significant judgment is required in determining whether positions taken are more likely than not to be sustained, and it is based on a variety of facts and circumstances, including interpretation of the relevant federal and state income tax codes, regulations, case law and other authoritative pronouncements. Based on this analysis, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, liabilities are adjusted as necessary. The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for what we have provided. See Note 12. Income Taxes , for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits. Supplemental Information — Statements of Cash Flows During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, we had the following cash transactions (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Income taxes paid $ 16 $ 11 $ 32 Income tax refunds $ 44 $ 2 $ 2 Interest paid $ 583 $ 634 $ 283 Non-cash investing activities included property and equipment purchases of $5 million, $6 million, and $10 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively; the receipt of equipment with a fair value of $58 million in connection with completing the repack process as more fully described in Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for the year ended December 31, 2021; and the transfer of an asset for property of $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2020 the Company entered into a commercial agreement with Bally's and received equity interests in the business with a value of $199 million. See Note 6. Other Assets and Note 18. Fair Value Measurements for further discussion. Non-cash transactions related to sports rights were $22 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we received preferred shares in an investment valued at $6 million in exchange for an equivalent value of advertising spots. Revenue Recognition The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by type and segment for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): For the year ended December 31, 2021 Broadcast Local sports Other Eliminations Total Distribution revenue $ 1,475 $ 2,620 $ 193 $ — $ 4,288 Advertising revenue 1,106 409 217 (41) 1,691 Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue 176 27 71 (119) 155 Total revenues $ 2,757 $ 3,056 $ 481 $ (160) $ 6,134 For the year ended December 31, 2020 Broadcast Local sports Other Eliminations Total Distribution revenue $ 1,414 $ 2,472 $ 199 $ — $ 4,085 Advertising revenue 1,364 196 131 (2) 1,689 Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue 144 18 121 (114) 169 Total revenues $ 2,922 $ 2,686 $ 451 $ (116) $ 5,943 For the year ended December 31, 2019 Broadcast Local sports Other Eliminations Total Distribution revenue $ 1,341 $ 1,029 $ 130 $ — $ 2,500 Advertising revenue 1,268 103 110 (1) 1,480 Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue 81 7 230 (58) 260 Total revenues $ 2,690 $ 1,139 $ 470 $ (59) $ 4,240 Distribution Revenue. We generate distribution revenue through fees received from Distributors for the right to distribute our stations, RSNs, and other properties. Distribution arrangements are generally governed by multi-year contracts and the underlying fees are based upon a contractual monthly rate per subscriber. These arrangements represent licenses of intellectual property; revenue is recognized as the signal or network programming is provided to our customers (as usage occurs) which corresponds with the satisfaction of our performance obligation. Revenue is calculated based upon the contractual rate multiplied by an estimated number of subscribers. Our customers will remit payments based upon actual subscribers a short time after the conclusion of a month, which generally does not exceed 120 days. Historical adjustments to subscriber estimates have not been material. Certain of our distribution arrangements contain provisions that require the Company to deliver a minimum number of live professional sports games or tournaments during a defined period which usually corresponds with a calendar year. If the minimum threshold is not met, we may be obligated to refund a portion of the distribution fees received if shortfalls are not cured within a specified period of time. Our ability to meet these requirements is primarily driven by the delivery of games by the professional sports leagues. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company had not historically paid any material rebates under these contractual provisions as it is unusual for there to be an event which is significant enough to preclude the Company from meeting or exceeding these thresholds. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant disruptions to the normal operations of the professional sports leagues resulting in delays and uncertainty with respect to regularly scheduled games. Decisions made by the leagues during the second quarter of 2020 regarding the timing and format of the revised 2020 season and decisions made by the NHL and NBA during the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first and third quarters of 2021 regarding the timing and format of their revised 2020-2021 seasons have resulted, in some cases, in our inability to meet these minimum game requirements and the need to reduce revenue based upon estimated rebates due to our Distributors. Accrued rebates as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $210 million and $420 million, respectively. The decrease in accrued rebates during the year ended December 31, 2021 includes $202 million of payments and $8 million of adjustments related to rebates accrued in 2020 due primarily to changes in estimated game counts. As of December 31, 2021, all rebates are reflected in other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. We expect these rebates to be paid during 2022. There were no rebates accrued during the year ended December 31, 2021 that related to the 2020-2021 seasons, as we were not in a shortfall position in 2021. There can be no assurances that additional rebates will not be required if there are future postponements of the professional sports leagues, including the outcome of the current MLB lockout. Advertising Revenue. We generate advertising revenue primarily from the sale of advertising spots/impressions within our broadcast television, RSNs, and digital platforms. Advertising revenue is recognized in the period in which the advertising spots/impressions are delivered. In arrangements where we provide audience ratings guarantees, to the extent that there is a ratings shortfall, we will defer a proportionate amount of revenue until the ratings shortfall is settled through the delivery of additional advertising. The term of our advertising arrangements is generally less than one year and the timing between when an advertisement is aired and when payment is due is not significant. In certain circumstances, we require customers to pay in advance; payments received in advance of satisfying our performance obligations are reflected as deferred revenue. Practical Expedients and Exemptions. We expense sales commissions when incurred because the period of benefit for these costs is one year or less. These costs are recorded within media selling, general and administrative expenses. In accordance with ASC 606, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) distribution arrangements which are accounted for as a sales/usage based royalty. Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations. Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, we allocate revenues to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is generally based on the prices charged to customers. Deferred Revenues. We record deferred revenue when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance, including amounts which are refundable. We classify deferred revenue as either current in other current liabilities or long-term in other long-term liabilities within our consolidated balance sheets, based on the timing of when we expect to satisfy our performance obligations. Deferred revenue was $235 million, $233 million, and $54 million as of December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, of which $164 million and $184 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, was reflected in other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $45 million and $49 million, respectively. On November 18, 2020, the Company and DSG entered into an enterprise-wide commercial agreement with Bally’s Corporation, including providing certain branding integrations in our RSNs, broadcast networks, and other properties. These branding integrations include naming rights associated with the majority of our RSNs (other than Marquee). The initial term of this arrangement is ten years and we began performing under this arrangement in 2021. The Company received non-cash consideratio

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS O

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS	12 Months Ended
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS	Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS	2. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS: During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, we acquired certain businesses for an aggregate purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $9 billion, including working capital adjustments and other adjustments. The following summarizes the acquisition activity during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019: 2021 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2021, we completed the acquisition of ZypMedia for approximately $7 million in cash. The acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at fair value as of the closing date of the transactions. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we purchased 360IA, LLC for $5 million, with $2 million being paid in cash and the remaining to paid in $1 million increments on each of the first three 2020 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2020, we completed the acquisition of the license asset and certain non-license assets of a radio station for $7 million and the license assets and certain non-license assets of two television stations for $9 million. The acquisitions were completed using cash on hand. 2019 Acquisitions RSN Acquisition. In May 2019, DSG entered into a definitive agreement to acquire controlling interests in 21 Regional Sports Network brands and Fox College Sports (collectively, the Acquired RSNs), from Disney for $9.6 billion plus certain adjustments. On August 23, 2019, we completed the acquisition (the RSN Acquisition) for an aggregate purchase price, including cash acquired, and subject to an adjustment based upon finalization of working capital, net debt, and other adjustments, of $9,817 million, accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. The RSN Acquisition provides an expansion to our premium sports programming including the exclusive regional distribution rights to 42 professional teams consisting of 14 MLB teams, 16 NBA teams, and 12 NHL teams. The Acquired RSNs are reported within our local sports segment. See Note 17. Segment Data. The transaction was funded through a combination of debt financing raised by Diamond Sports Group, LLC (DSG) and Sinclair Television Group, Inc. (STG), as described in Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing, and redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, as described in Note 10. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests. The following table summarizes the fair value of acquired assets, assumed liabilities, and noncontrolling interests of the Acquired RSNs (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents $ 824 Accounts receivable, net 606 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 175 Property and equipment, net 25 Customer relationships, net 5,439 Other definite-lived intangible assets, net 1,286 Other assets 52 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (181) Other long-term liabilities (396) Goodwill 2,615 Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired $ 10,445 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (380) Noncontrolling interests (248) Gross purchase price $ 9,817 Purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 8,993 The final purchase price allocation presented above is based upon management's estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets, assumed liabilities, and noncontrolling interest at the time of acquisition using valuation techniques including income and cost approaches. The fair value estimates are based on, but not limited to, projected revenue, projected margins, and discount rates used to present value future cash flows. The adjustments made to the initial allocation were based on more detailed information obtained about the specific assets acquired and liabilities assumed and did not result in material changes to the amortization expense recorded in previous quarters. The definite-lived intangible assets of $6,725 million are primarily comprised of customer relationships, which represent existing advertiser relationships and contractual relationships with Distributors of $5,439 million, the fair value of contracts with sports teams of $1,271 million, and tradenames/trademarks of $15 million. The intangible assets will be amortized over a weighted average useful life of 2 years for tradenames/trademarks, 13 years for customer relationships, and 12 for contracts with sports teams on a straight-line basis. The fair value of the sports team contracts will be amortized over the respective contract term. Acquired property and equipment will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, as well as expected future synergies. We estimate that $2.4 billion of goodwill, which represents our interest in the Acquired RSNs, will be deductible for tax purposes. See Note 5. Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Other Intangible Assets for discussion of the impairment of the acquired goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2020. Financial Results of Acquisitions The following tables summarize the results of the net revenues and operating (loss) income included in the financial statements of the Company beginning on the acquisition date of each acquisition as listed below (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Revenues: Acquired RSNs $ 2,834 $ 2,562 $ 1,139 Other acquisitions in 2020 4 3 — Other acquisitions in 2021 8 — — Total net revenues $ 2,846 $ 2,565 $ 1,139 2021 2020 2019 Operating (Loss) Income: Acquired RSNs (a) $ (395) $ (3,585) $ 70 Other acquisitions in 2020 (9) (2) — Other acquisitions in 2021 (45) — — Total operating (loss) income $ (449) $ (3,587) $ 70 (a) Operating (loss) income f or the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 includes transaction costs discussed below, and for the years ended December 31, 2021 , 2020, and 2019 excludes $109 million, $98 million, and $35 million, respectively, of selling, general, and administrative expenses for services provided by broadcast to local sports, which are eliminated in consolidation. In connection with the 2020 and 2019 acquisitions, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 we recognized $5 million and $96 million, respectively, of transaction costs which we expensed as incurred and classified as corporate general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Unaudited Pro Forma Information The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations, assuming that the RSN Acquisition, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisition, occurred at the beginning of the year preceding the year of acquisition (in millions, except per data share): Unaudited 2019 Total revenues $ 6,689 Net income $ 328 Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 130 Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 1.41 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 1.39 This pro forma financial information is based on historical results of operations, adjusted for the allocation of the purchase price and other acquisition accounting adjustments, and is not indicative of what our results would have been had we operated the Acquired RSNs for the period presented because the pro forma results do not reflect expected synergies. The pro forma adjustments reflect depreciation expense and amortization of intangible assets related to the fair value adjustments of the assets acquired and any adjustments to interest expense to reflect the debt financing of the transactions. Depreciation and amortization expense are higher than amounts recorded in the historical financial statements of the acquiree due to the fair value adjustments recorded for long-lived tangible and intangible assets in purchase accounting. Dispositions 2021 Dispositions . In September 2021, we sold all of our radio broadcast stations, KOMO-FM, KOMO-AM, KPLZ-FM and KVI-AM in Seattle, WA, for consideration valued at $13 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded a net loss of $12 million related to the sale, which is included within gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment in our consolidated statements of operations, and was primarily related to the write-down of the carrying value of the assets to estimate the selling price. In June 2021, we sold our controlling interest in Triangle Sign & Service, LLC (Triangle) for $12 million. We recorded a gain on the sale of Triangle of $6 million, of which $3 million was attributable to noncontrolling interests, for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is included in the gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment and net (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interests, respectively, in our consolidated statements of operations. In February 2021, we sold two of our television broadcast stations, WDKA-TV in Paducah, KY and KBSI-TV in Cape Girardeau, MO, for an aggregate sale price of $28 million. We recorded a gain of $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is included within gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment in our consolidated statements of operations. 2020 Dispositions . In January 2020, we agreed to sell the license and non-license assets of WDKY-TV in Lexington, KY and certain non-license assets associated with KGBT-TV in Harlingen, Texas for an aggregate purchase price of $36 million. The KGBT-TV and WDKY-TV transactions closed during the first and third quarters of 2020, respectively, and we recorded gains of $8 million and $21 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020, which are included within gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment in our consolidated statements of operations. Broadcast Incentive Auction. In 2012, Congress authorized the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to conduct so-called "incentive auctions" to auction and re-purpose broadcast television spectrum for mobile broadband use. Pursuant to the auction, television broadcasters submitted bids to receive compensation for relinquishing all or a portion of their rights in the television spectrum of their full-service and Class A stations. Low power stations were not eligible to participate in the auction and are not protected and therefore may be displaced or forced to go off the air as a result of the post-auction repacking process. In the repacking process associated with the auction, the FCC has reassigned some stations to new post-auction channels. We do not expect reassignment to new channels to have a material impact on our coverage. We have received notification from the FCC that 100 of our stations have been assigned to new channels. Legislation has provided the FCC with a $3 billion fund to reimburse reasonable costs incurred by stations that are reassigned to new channels in the repack. We expect that the reimbursements from the fund will cover the majority of our expenses related to the repack. We recorded gains related to reimbursements for the spectrum repack costs incurred of $24 million, $90 million, and $62 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, which are recorded within gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment in our consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, capital expenditures related to the spectrum repack were $12 million, $61 million, and $66 million, respectively. In December 2020, the FCC began a similar repacking process associated with a portion of the C-Band spectrum in order to free up this spectrum for the use of 5G wireless services. The repack is scheduled to be completed in two phases, the first ended on December 31, 2021 and the second will end on December 31, 2023. We entered into an agreement with a communications provider in which we received equipment to complete the repack process at a maximum cost to us of $15 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized a gain of $43 million, which is recorded within gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment in our consolidated statements of operations, equal to the fair value of the equipment that we received of $58 million , less the maximum cost to us of $15 million.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS: In June 1996, our Board of Directors adopted, upon approval of the shareholders by proxy, the 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). The purpose of the LTIP is to reward key individuals for making major contributions to our success and the success of our subsidiaries and to attract and retain the services of qualified and capable employees. Under the LTIP, we have issued restricted stock awards (RSAs), stock grants to our non-employee directors, stock-settled appreciation rights (SARs), and stock options. A total of 19,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are reserved for awards under this plan. As of December 31, 2021, 7,099,237 shares were available for future grants. Additionally, we have the following arrangements that involve stock-based compensation: employer matching contributions (the Match) for participants in our 401(k) plan, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), and subsidiary stock awards. Stock-based compensation expense has no effect on our consolidated cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, we recorded stock-based compensation of $60 million, $51 million, and $33 million, respectively. Below is a summary of the key terms and methods of valuation of our stock-based compensation awards: RSAs. RSAs issued in 2021, 2020, and 2019 have certain restrictions that lapse over two years at 50% and 50%, respectively. As the restrictions lapse, the Class A Common Stock may be freely traded on the open market. Unvested RSAs are entitled to dividends, and therefore, are included in weighted shares outstanding, resulting in a dilutive effect on basic and diluted earnings per share. The fair value assumes the closing value of the stock on the measurement date. The following is a summary of changes in unvested restricted stock: RSAs Weighted-Average Price Unvested shares at December 31, 2020 441,709 $ 28.86 2021 Activity: Granted 693,019 32.78 Vested (615,736) 33.25 Forfeited (17,611) 29.61 Unvested shares at December 31, 2021 501,381 $ 28.87 For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, we recorded compensation expense of $21 million, $23 million, and $9 million, respectively. The majority of the unrecognized compensation expense of $6 million as of December 31, 2021 will be recognized in 2022. Stock Grants to Non-Employee Directors. In addition to fees paid in cash to our non-employee directors, on the date of each annual meetings of shareholders, each non-employee director receives a grant of unrestricted shares of Class A Common Stock. We issued 45,836 shares in 2021, 63,600 shares in 2020, and 24,000 shares in 2019. We recorded expense of $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, which was based on the average share price of the stock on the date of grant. Additionally, these shares are included in the total shares outstanding, which results in a dilutive effect on our basic and diluted earnings per share. SARs. These awards entitle holders to the appreciation in our Class A Common Stock over the base value of each SAR over the term of the award. The SARs have a 10-year term with vesting periods ranging from zero The following is a summary of the 2021 activity: SARs Weighted-Average Price Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2020 3,205,562 $ 23.32 2021 Activity: Granted 1,343,693 33.05 Exercised (2,254,008) 20.99 Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2021 2,295,247 $ 31.29 As of December 31, 2021, there was no aggregate intrinsic value of the SARs outstanding and the outstanding SARs have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 7 years as of. Valuation of SARS. Our SARs were valued using the Black-Scholes pricing model utilizing the following assumptions: 2021 2020 2019 Risk-free interest rate 0.6 % 1.2% - 1.6% 2.5 % Expected years to exercise 5 years 5 years 5 years Expected volatility 48.2 % 35.0 % 33.8 % Annual dividend yield 2.5 % 2.4% - 2.9% 2.5 % The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve, in effect at the time of grant, for U.S. Treasury STRIPS that approximate the expected life of the award. The expected volatility is based on our historical stock prices over a period equal to the expected life of the award. The annual dividend yield is based on the annual dividend per share divided by the share price on the grant date. Options. As of December 31, 2021, there were options outstanding to purchase 375,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. These options are fully vested and have a weighted average exercise price of $31.25 and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 4 years. As of December 31, 2021, there was no aggregate intrinsic value for the options outstanding. There was no grant, exercise, or forfeiture activity during the year ended December 31, 2021. There was no expense recognized during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. During 2019, outstanding SARs and options increased the weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of determining dilutive earnings per share. 401(k) Match. The Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (the 401(k) Plan) is available as a benefit for our eligible employees. Contributions made to the 401(k) Plan include an employee elected salary reduction amount with a match calculation (The Match). The Match and any additional discretionary contributions may be made using our Class A Common Stock, if the Board of Directors so chooses. Typically, we make the Match using our Class A Common Stock. The value of the Match is based on the level of elective deferrals into the 401(k) Plan. The number of our Class A Common shares granted under the Match is determined based upon the closing price on or about March 1st of each year for the previous calendar year’s Match. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, we recorded $20 million, $19 million, and $17 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to the Match. A total of 7,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are reserved for matches under the plan. As of December 31, 2021, 2,314,064 shares were available for future grants. ESPP. The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase Class A Common Stock at 85% of the lesser of the fair value of the common stock as of the first day of the quarter and as of the last day of that quarter, subject to certain limits as defined in the ESPP. The stock-based compensation expense recorded related to the ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $2 million, $3 million, and $1 million, respectively. A total of 4,200,000 shares of Class A Common Stock are reserved for awards under the plan. As of December 31, 2021, 1,097,156 shares were available for future purchases.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is generally computed under the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Buildings and improvements 10 - 30 years Operating equipment 5 - 10 years Office furniture and equipment 5 - 10 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of 10 - 30 years or lease term Automotive equipment 3 - 5 years Property and equipment under finance leases Lease term Acquired property and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the respective estimated remaining useful lives. Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in millions): 2021 2020 Land and improvements $ 72 $ 74 Real estate held for development and sale 21 25 Buildings and improvements 308 307 Operating equipment 973 939 Office furniture and equipment 129 123 Leasehold improvements 60 59 Automotive equipment 63 66 Finance lease assets 61 59 Construction in progress 34 36 1,721 1,688 Less: accumulated depreciation (888) (865) $ 833 $ 823

GOODWILL,_INDEFINITE-LIVED INTA

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	5. GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: Goodwill, which arises from the purchase price exceeding the assigned value of the net assets of an acquired business, represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible elements being acquired. The change in the carrying amount of goodwill at December 31, 2021 and 2020 was as follows (in millions): Broadcast Local sports Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 2,026 2,615 $ 75 $ 4,716 Assets held for sale (b) (9) — — (9) Impairment — (2,615) — (2,615) Balance at December 31, 2020 2,017 — 75 2,092 Disposition (a) (1) — (3) (4) Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 2,016 $ — $ 72 $ 2,088 (a) See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for discussion of dispositions made during 2021. (b) Assets held for sale as of December 31, 2020 were sold during the year ended December 31, 2021. See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for discussion of dispositions during 2021 and 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a $2,615 million goodwill impairment charge related to our regional sports networks included within the local sports segment based upon an interim impairment test performed during the three-month period ended September 30, 2020. See Impairment of Goodwill and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets below for additional discussion surrounding this impairment charge. Our accumulated goodwill impairment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $3,029 million, respectively. For our annual goodwill impairment tests related to our broadcast and other reporting units in 2021, 2020, and 2019, we concluded that it was more-likely-than-not that goodwill was not impaired for the reporting units in which we performed a qualitative assessment. The qualitative factors reviewed during our annual assessments indicated stable or improving margins and favorable or stable forecasted economic conditions including stable discount rates and comparable or improving business multiples. For one reporting unit in 2019, we elected to perform a quantitative assessment and concluded that its fair value significantly exceeded the carrying value. Additionally, the results of prior quantitative assessments supported significant excess fair value over carrying value of our reporting units. We did not have any indicators of impairment in any interim period in 2021 or 2019, and therefore did not perform interim impairment tests for goodwill during those periods. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the carrying amount of our indefinite-lived intangible assets was as follows (in millions): Broadcast Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2019 (a) $ 131 $ 27 $ 158 Acquisition / Disposition (c) 13 — 13 Balance at December 31, 2020 (a) (b) 144 27 171 Acquisition / Disposition (c) (21) — (21) Balance at December 31, 2021 (a) (b) $ 123 $ 27 $ 150 (a) Our indefinite-lived intangible assets in our broadcast segment relate to broadcast licenses and our indefinite-lived intangible assets in other relate to trade names. (b) Approximately $14 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets relate to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. (c) See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for discussion of acquisitions and dispositions during 2021 and 2020. We did not have any indicators of impairment for our indefinite-lived intangible assets in any interim period in 2021 or 2020, and therefore did not perform interim impairment tests during those periods. We performed our annual impairment tests for indefinite-lived intangibles in 2021 and 2020 and as a result of our qualitative assessments, we recorded no impairment. The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles (in millions): As of December 31, 2021 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Customer relationships $ 5,323 $ (1,419) $ 3,904 Network affiliation 1,436 (861) 575 Favorable sports contracts 840 (251) 589 Other 51 (31) 20 Total other definite-lived intangible assets, net (a) $ 2,327 $ (1,143) $ 1,184 As of December 31, 2020 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Customer relationships (b) $ 5,329 $ (1,043) $ 4,286 Network affiliation 1,438 (775) 663 Favorable sports contracts (b) 840 (174) 666 Other 35 (26) 9 Total other definite-lived intangible assets, net (a) $ 2,313 $ (975) $ 1,338 (a) Approximately $47 million and $54 million of definite-lived intangible assets relate to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (b) As of December 31, 2020, we recorded a total impairment loss relating to customer relationships and favorable sports contracts of $1,218 million and $431 million, respectively, which is reflected as a reduction within the Gross Carrying Value column. Definite-lived intangible assets and other assets subject to amortization are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over a weighted average useful life of 13 years for customer relationships, 15 years for network affiliations, and 12 years for favorable sports contracts. The amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible and other assets for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 was $554 million, $703 million, and $370 million, respectively, of which $77 million, $131 million, and $43 million, respectively, was associated with the amortization of favorable sports contracts and is presented within media programming and production expenses in our statements of operations. The following table shows the estimated annual amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter (in millions): 2022 $ 548 2023 530 2024 517 2025 507 2026 497 2027 and thereafter 2,489 $ 5,088 Impairment of Goodwill and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets In conjunction with the interim third quarter 2020 impairment testing related to our RSNs discussed below, during the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge associated with customer relationships and other definite-lived intangible assets of $1,218 million and $431 million, respectively, included in impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets in our consolidated statements of operations. After the recognition of these impairments there were no asset groups which have a heightened risk of impairment because the projected undiscounted cash flows of the individual asset groups were substantially greater than their carrying values. However, significant deterioration in the factors described below could result in future material impairments. There were no impairment charges recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2019, as there were no indicators of impairment. The Company performed an interim goodwill and long-lived asset impairment test during the three-month period ending September 30, 2020. Our RSNs , included in the local sports segment, were negatively impacted by the loss of certain distributors. In addition, our existing distributors experienced elevated levels of subscriber erosion which we believe was influenced, in part, by shifting consumer behaviors resulting from media fragmentation, the current economic environment, the COVID 19 pandemic, and related uncertainties. These factors are also expected to have a negative impact on future projected revenue and margins of our RSNs . The long-lived asset impairment test requires a comparison of undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated over the useful life of an asset group to the carrying value of the asset group. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. We evaluated each of our RSNs individually as asset groups. We estimated the projected undiscounted cash flows over the remaining useful life of each asset group. The more sensitive inputs used in the undiscounted cash flow analysis include projected revenues and margins. We identif ied 10 RSNs whic h had carrying values in excess of the future undiscounted cash flows. For these RSNs , an impairment loss was measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset group exceeded the fair value. The calculated impairment was then allocated to the long-lived assets within the asset group, which primarily consists of definite lived intangible assets, based upon relative fair value. The fair value of the asset groups, reporting units and definite lived intangible assets were determined based upon a discounted cash flow analysis which uses the present value of projected cash flows. The projected cash flows were based upon our estimates of future revenues and margins, among other inputs. The discount rates used in the valuation were based on a weighted-average cost of capital determined from relevant market comparisons and taking into consideration the risk specifically associated with our asset groups and underlying assets. Terminal values were determined based upon the final year of projected cash flows which reflected our estimate of stable perpetual growth. The more sensitive inputs used in the discounted cash flow analysis include projected revenues and margins, as well as the discount rates used to calculate the present value of future cash flows. Projected revenue was based on the consideration of historical experience of the business, market data surrounding subscriber projections and advertising growth, our ability to retain existing customers and our ability to obtain new customers. Our revenue projections could be negatively impacted by the further loss of key distributors, inability to obtain new or retain existing distributors on terms similar to those expiring, greater than expected consumer migration away from traditional linear distributors, or our inability to successfully execute on our DTC strategy and develop alternative revenue streams, among other factors. Our future margins may also be affected by our inability to renew sports rights agreements on terms favorable to us.

OTHER ASSETS

OTHER ASSETS	12 Months Ended
OTHER ASSETS	Dec. 31, 2021
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
OTHER ASSETS	6. OTHER ASSETS: Other assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following (in millions): 2021 2020 Equity method investments $ 517 $ 451 Other investments 567 450 Post-retirement plan assets 50 44 Other 274 113 Total other assets $ 1,408 $ 1,058 Equity Method Investments We have a portfolio of investments, including our investment in the YES Network and entities that are primarily focused on the development of real estate, sustainability initiatives, and other non-media businesses. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, none of our investments were individually significant. Summarized Financial Information. As described under Principles of Consolidation within Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , we record our proportionate share of net income generated by equity method investees in income (loss) from equity method investments in our consolidated statements of operations. The summarized results of operations and financial position of the investments accounted for under the equity method are as follows (in millions): For the Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Revenues, net $ 994 $ 611 $ 386 Operating income $ 316 $ 147 $ 47 Net income $ 465 $ 23 $ 13 As of December 31, 2021 2020 Current assets $ 468 $ 493 Noncurrent assets $ 4,259 $ 4,219 Current liabilities $ 184 $ 410 Noncurrent liabilities $ 2,030 $ 2,327 YES Network Investment . We account for our investment in the YES Network as an equity method investment, which is recorded within other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, and in which our proportionate share of the net income generated by the investment is represented within income (loss) from equity method investments in our consolidated statements of operations. We recorded income of $41 million, $6 million, and $16 million related to our investment for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. We did not identify any other than temporary impairments associated with our investment in the YES Network during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. Other Investments We measure our investments, excluding equity method investments, at fair value or, in situations where fair value is not readily determinable, we have the option to value investments at cost plus observable changes in value, less impairment, Additionally, certain investments are measured at net asset value (NAV). At December 31, 2021 and 2020, we held $402 million and $400 million, respectively, in investments measured at fair value and $147 million and $24 million, respectively, in investments measured at NAV. We recognized a fair value adjustment loss of $42 million and gains of $156 million and $2 million during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, associated with these securities, which is reflected in other (expense) income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Investments accounted for utilizing the measurement alternative were $18 million, net of $7 million of cumulative impairments, as of December 31, 2021, and $26 million, net of $7 million of cumulative impairments, as of December 31, 2020. We recorded no impairments related to these investments for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. We recorded a $7 million impairment related to two investments for the year ended December 31, 2019, which is reflected in other (expense) income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. On November 18, 2020, we entered into a commercial agreement with Bally's. As part of this arrangement, we received warrants to acquire up to 8.2 million shares of Bally's Common stock for a penny per share, of which 3.3 million are exercisable upon meeting certain performance metrics. We also received options to purchase up to 1.6 million shares of Bally's common stock with exercise prices between $30 and $45 per share, exercisable after four years. In April 2021, we made an incremental investment of $93 million in Bally's in the form of non-voting perpetual warrants, convertible into 1.7 million shares of Bally's common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share, subject to certain adjustments. These investments are reflected at fair value within our financial statements. See Note 18. Fair Value Measurements for further discussion. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, our unfunded commitments related to certain equity investments totaled $111 million and $98 million, respectively, including $81 million and $27 million, respectively, related to investments measured at NAV.

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BA

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING	12 Months Ended
NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING	7. NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING: Notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing (including finance leases to affiliates) consisted of the following as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in millions): 2021 2020 STG Bank Credit Agreement: Term Loan B-1, due January 3, 2024 $ 379 $ 1,119 Term Loan B-2, due September 30, 2026 1,271 1,284 Term Loan B-3, due April 1, 2028 (a) 736 — DSG Bank Credit Agreement (b): Term Loan, due August 24, 2026 3,226 3,259 STG Notes: 5.875% Unsecured Notes, due March 15, 2026 348 348 5.125% Unsecured Notes, due February 15, 2027 400 400 5.500% Unsecured Notes, due March 1, 2030 500 500 4.125% Senior Secured Notes, due December 1, 2030 750 750 DSG Notes: 12.750% Senior Secured Notes, due December 1, 2026 (b) 31 31 5.375% Senior Secured Notes, due August 15, 2026 (b) 3,050 3,050 6.625% Unsecured Notes, due August 15, 2027 1,744 1,744 DSG Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility (c) — 177 Debt of variable interest entities 9 17 Debt of non-media subsidiaries 17 17 Finance leases 28 30 Finance leases - affiliate 9 8 Total outstanding principal 12,498 12,734 Less: Deferred financing costs and discounts (158) (183) Less: Current portion (66) (56) Less: Finance leases - affiliate, current portion (3) (2) Net carrying value of long-term debt $ 12,271 $ 12,493 (a) On April 1, 2021, STG amended the STG Bank Credit Agreement to raise term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $740 million (STG Term Loan B-3), the proceeds of which were used to refinance a portion of STG's term loan maturing in January 2024, as more fully described below under STG Bank Credit Agreement. (b) On March 1, 2022, DSG completed a refinancing transaction relating to the DSG Bank Credit Agreement, the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes (defined below under DSG Notes ) and the DSG 12.750% Secured Notes (defined below under DSG Notes ). See Note 20. Subsequent Events for a discussion of the refinancing transaction. (c) On November 5, 2021, SBG purchased and assumed the lenders’ and the administrative agent’s rights and obligations under the DSG Accounts Receivable Facility (A/R Facility). SBG purchased the lenders’ outstanding loans and commitments under the A/R Facility by making a payment to the lenders as consideration for the purchase of the lenders’ respective rights and obligations under the A/R Facility equal to approximately $184 million, representing 101% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the A/R Facility, plus any accrued interest and outstanding fees and expenses. Transactions related to the A/R Facility are now intercompany transactions and therefore, are eliminated in consolidation. Debt under the STG Bank Credit Agreement, DSG Bank Credit Agreement, notes payable and finance leases as of December 31, 2021 matures as follows (in millions): Notes and Finance Leases Total 2022 $ 63 $ 8 $ 71 2023 54 8 62 2024 433 7 440 2025 68 6 74 2026 7,748 6 7,754 2027 and thereafter 4,095 14 4,109 Total minimum payments 12,461 49 12,510 Less: Deferred financing costs, discounts, and premiums (158) — (158) Less: Amount representing future interest — (12) (12) Net carrying value of debt $ 12,303 $ 37 $ 12,340 Interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations was $618 million, $656 million, and $422 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Interest expense included amortization of deferred financing costs, debt discounts, and premiums of $30 million, $31 million, and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The stated and weighted average effective interest rates on the above obligations are as follows, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020: Weighted Average Effective Rate Stated Rate 2021 2020 STG Bank Credit Agreement: Term Loan B LIBOR plus 2.25% 2.36% 2.94% Term Loan B-2 LIBOR plus 2.50% 2.77% 3.29% Term Loan B-3 LIBOR plus 3.00% 3.89% —% Revolving Credit Facility (a) LIBOR plus 2.00% —% —% DSG Bank Credit Agreement (b): Term Loan LIBOR plus 3.25% 3.62% 4.21% Revolving Credit Facility (c) LIBOR plus 3.00% —% —% DSG Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility (d) LIBOR plus 4.97% —% 4.77% STG Notes: 5.875% Unsecured Notes 5.88% 6.09% 6.09% 5.125% Unsecured Notes 5.13% 5.33% 5.33% 5.500% Unsecured Notes 5.50% 5.66% 5.66% 4.125% Secured Notes 4.13% 4.31% 4.31% DSG Notes: 12.750% Secured Notes (b) 12.75% 11.95% 11.95% 5.375% Secured Notes (b) 5.38% 5.73% 5.73% 6.625% Unsecured Notes 6.63% 7.00% 7.00% (a) We incur a commitment fee on undrawn capacity of 0.25%, 0.375%, or 0.50% if our first lien indebtedness ratio is less than or equal to 2.75x, less than or equal to 3.0x but greater than 2.75x, or greater than 3.0x, respectively. The STG Revolving Credit Facility is priced at LIBOR plus 2.00%, subject to decrease if the specified first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the STG Bank Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to certain levels. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there we re no outstanding borrowings, $1 million in letters of credit outstanding, and $649 million available under the STG Revolving Credit Facility. See STG Bank Credit Agreement below for further information. (b) On March 1, 2022 DSG completed a refinancing transaction relating to the DSG Bank Credit Agreement, the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes (defined below under DSG Notes ) and the DSG 12.750% Secured Notes (defined below under DSG Notes ). See Note 20. Subsequent Events for a discussion of the refinancing transaction. (c) We incur a commitment fee on undrawn capacity of 0.25%, 0.375%, or 0.50% if our first lien indebtedness ratio is less than or equal to 3.25x, less than or equal to 3.75x but greater than 3.25x, or greater than 3.75x, respectively. The DSG Revolving Credit Facility is priced at LIBOR plus 3.00%, subject to decrease if the specified first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the DSG Bank Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to certain levels. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020 , there were no outstanding borrowings, no letters of credit outstanding, and $228 million available under the DSG Revolving Credit Facility. See DSG Bank Credit Agreement below for further information. (d) On November 5, 2021, SBG purchased and assumed the lenders’ and the administrative agent’s rights and obligations under the A/R Facility. SBG purchased the lenders’ outstanding loans and commitments under the A/R Facility by making a payment to the lenders as consideration for the purchase of the lenders’ respective rights and obligations under the A/R Facility equal to approximately $184 million, representing 101% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the A/R Facility, plus any accrued interest and outstanding fees and expenses. Transactions related to the A/R Facility are now intercompany transactions and, therefore, are eliminated in consolidation. We recorded $4 million of debt issuance costs and original issuance discounts during the year ended December 31, 2021, $19 million of debt issuance costs and a $25 million original issuance premium during the year ended December 31, 2020, and $222 million of debt issuance costs and original issuance discounts during the year ended December 31, 2019. Debt issuance costs and original issuance discounts and premiums are presented as a direct deduction from, or addition to, the carrying amount of an associated debt liability, except for debt issuance costs related to our STG Revolving Credit Facility and DSG Revolving Credit Facility, which are presented within other assets in our consolidated balance sheets . STG Bank Credit Agreement We have a syndicated credit facility which includes both revolving credit and issued term loans (the 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 STG 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 year ended December 31, 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 STG Term Loan B-2a, and, together with the STG Term Loan B-2b, the STG Term Loan B-2) with an original issuance discount of $4 million, which bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%. 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%, subject to decrease if the specified first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the STG Bank Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to certain levels, which includes capacity for up to $50 million of letters of credit and for borrowings of up to $50 million under swingline loans. On December 4, 2020, we entered into an amendment to the STG Bank Credit Agreement to extend the maturity date of the STG Revolving Credit Facility to December 4, 2025. On April 1, 2021, STG amended the STG Bank Credit Agreement to raise additional term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $740 million (STG Term Loan B-3), with an original issuance discount of $4 million, the proceeds of which were used to refinance a portion of the STG Term Loan B-1 maturing in January 2024. The STG Term Loan B-3 matures in April 2028 and bears interest at LIBOR (or successor rate) plus 3.00%. The STG Term Loan B-2 and STG Term Loan B-3 amortize 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. The STG Bank Credit Agreement includes a financial maintenance covenant, the first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the STG Bank Credit Agreements), which requires such applicable ratio not to exceed 4.5x, measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The financial maintenance covenant is only applicable if 35% or more of the capacity (as a percentage of total commitments) under the STG Revolving Credit Facility, measured as of the last day of each quarter, is utilized under the STG Revolving Credit Facility as of such date. Since there was no utilization under the STG Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2021, STG was not subject to the financial maintenance covenant under the STG Bank Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2021, the STG first lien leverage ratio was below 4.5x. The STG Bank Credit Agreement contains other restrictions and covenants which we were in compliance with as of December 31, 2021. STG Notes On November 27, 2019, we issued $500 million of senior notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.500% per annum and mature on March 1, 2030 (the STG 5.500% Notes). The net proceeds of the STG 5.500% Notes were used, plus cash on hand, to redeem $500 million aggregate principal amount of STG's 6.125% senior unsecured notes due 2022 (the STG 6.125% Notes) for a redemption price, including the outstanding principal amount of the STG 6.125% Notes, accrued and unpaid interest, and a make-whole premium, of $510 million. We recognized a loss on the extinguishment of the STG 6.125% Notes of $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Prior to December 1, 2024, we may redeem the STG 5.500% 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 STG 5.500% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium. In addition, on or prior to December 1, 2022, we may redeem up to 40% of the STG 5.500% Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. Beginning on December 1, 2024, we may redeem some or all of the STG 5.500% Notes at any time or from time to time at certain redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. If the notes are redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning December 1, 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 and thereafter, then the redemption prices for the STG 5.500% Notes are 102.750%, 101.833%, 100.917%, and 100%, respectively. Upon the sale of certain of STG’s assets or certain changes of control, the holders of the STG 5.500% Notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the STG 5.500% Notes. STG’s obligations under the STG 5.500% Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis, by the Company and each wholly-owned subsidiary of STG or the Company that guarantees the STG Bank Credit Agreement and rank equally with all of STG’s other senior unsecured debt. On May 21, 2020, we purchased $2.5 million aggregate principal amount of STG's 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2026 (the STG 5.875% Notes) in open market transactions for consideration of $2.3 million. The STG 5.875% Notes acquired in May 2020 were canceled immediately following their acquisition. We recognized a gain on extinguishment of the STG 5.875% Notes of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. On December 4, 2020, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 4.125% per annum and mature on December 1, 2030 (the STG 4.125% Secured Notes). The net proceeds of the STG 4.125% Secured Notes were used, plus cash on hand, to redeem $550 million aggregate principal amount of STG's 5.625% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the STG 5.625% Notes) for a redemption price, including the outstanding principal amount of the STG 5.625% Notes, accrued and unpaid interest, and a call premium, of $571 million and to prepay $200 million outstanding under the STG Term Loan B-1. We recognized a loss on extinguishment of the STG 5.625% Notes and prepayment of the STG Term Loan B-1 of $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Prior to December 1, 2025, we may redeem the STG 4.125% Secured 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 STG 4.125% Secured Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium. In addition, on or prior to December 1, 2023, we may redeem up to 40% of the STG 4.125% Secured Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings. Beginning on December 1, 2025, we may redeem some or all of the STG 4.125% Secured Notes at any time or from time to time at certain redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. If the notes are redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning December 1, 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 and thereafter, then the redemption prices for the STG 4.125% Secured Notes are 102.063%, 101.375%, 100.688%, and 100%, respectively. Upon the sale of certain of STG’s assets or certain changes of control, we may be required to repurchase some or all of the STG 4.125% Secured Notes. STG’s obligations under the STG 4.125% Secured Notes are secured on a first-lien basis by substantially all tangible and intangible personal property of STG and each wholly-owned subsidiary of STG or the Company that guarantees the STG Bank Credit Agreement (the Guarantors) and on a pari passu basis with all of STG's and the Guarantor's existing and future debt that is secured by a first-priority lien on the collateral securing the STG 4.125% Secured Notes, including the debt under the STG Bank Credit Agreement, subject to permitted liens and certain other exceptions. Upon issuance, the STG 5.875% Notes and STG 5.125% Notes were redeemable up to 35%. We may redeem 100% of these notes upon the date set forth in the indenture of each note. The price at which we may redeem the notes is set forth in the indenture of each note. Also, if we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, the holders of these notes may require us to repurchase some or all of the outstanding notes. DSG Bank Credit Agreement On August 23, 2019, DSG and Diamond Sports Intermediate Holdings LLC (Holdings), 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%. 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, 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. 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. The DSG Bank Credit Agreement includes a financial maintenance covenant, the first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the DSG Bank Credit Agreements), which requires such applicable ratio not to exceed 6.25x, measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The financial maintenance covenant is only applicable if 35% or more of the capacity (as a percentage of total commitments) under the DSG Revolving Credit Facility, measured as of the last day of each quarter, is utilized under the DSG Revolving Credit Facility as of such date. Since there was no utilization under the DSG Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2021, DSG was not subject to the financial maintenance covenant under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2021, the DSG first lien leverage ratio was above 6.25x. We expect that the DSG first lien leverage ratio will remain above 6.25x for at least the next twelve months, which will restrict our ability to utilize the full DSG Revolving Credit Facility. We do not currently expect to have more than 35% of the capacity of the DSG Revolving Credit Facility outstanding as of any quarterly measurement date during the next twelve months, therefore we do not expect DSG will be subject to the financial maintenance covenant. The DSG Bank Credit Agreement contains other restrictions and covenants which we were in compliance with as of December 31, 2021. DSG's obligations under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement are (i) jointly and severally guaranteed by Holdings 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 March 1, 2022, DSG completed a refinancing transaction relating to the DSG Bank Credit Agreement. See Note 20 . Subsequent Events for a discussion of the refinancing transaction. DSG 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). The proceeds of the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes and DSG 6.625% Notes were used, in part, to fund the RSN Acquisition. In March 2020 and June 2020, we purchased a total of $15 million aggregate principal amount of the DSG 6.625% Notes in open market transactions for consideration of $10 million. The DSG 6.625% Notes acquired in March 2020 and June 2020 were canceled immediately following their acquisition. We recognized a gain on extinguishment of the DSG 6.625% Notes of $5 million for year ended December 31, 2020. On June 10, 2020, we exchanged $66.5 million aggregate principal amount of the DSG 6.625% Notes for cash payments of $10 million, including accrued but unpaid interest, and $31 million aggregate principal amount of newly issued senior secured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 12.750% per annum and mature on December 1, 2026 (the DSG 12.750% Secured Notes, and together with the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes, the DSG Existing Secured Notes, and together with the DSG 6.625% Notes, the DSG Notes). Prior to August 15, 2022, we may redeem the DSG 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 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 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 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, the redemption prices for the DSG 6.625% Notes are 103.313%, 101.656%, and 100%, respectively, and the redemption prices for the DSG 12.750% Secured Notes are 102.688%, 101.344%, and 100%, respectively. DSG’s obligations under the DSG Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by Holdings, DSG’s direct parent, and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Holdings. The RSNs wholly-owned by Holdings and its subsidiaries will also jointly and severally guarantee the Issuers' obligations under the DSG Notes. The DSG Notes are not guaranteed by the Company, STG, or any of STG’s subsidiaries. On March 1, 2022, DSG completed a refinancing transaction relating to the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes and the DSG 12.750% Secured Notes. See Note 20 . Subsequent Events for a discussion of the refinancing transaction. A/R Facility On September 23, 2020 (the Closing Date), the Company's and DSG's indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, DSPV, entered into a $250 million A/R Facility which matures on September 23, 2023, in order to enable DSG to raise incremental funding for the ongoing business needs of DSG and its subsidiaries. On November 5, 2021, the Company purchased and assumed the lenders’ and the administrative agent’s rights and obligations under the A/R Facility by making a payment to the lenders equal to approximately $184 million, representing 101% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the A/R Facility, plus any accrued interest and outstanding fees and expenses. In connection therewith, the Company and DSPV entered into an omnibus amendment to the A/R Facility to provide greater flexibility to DSG, including, (i) increasing the maximum facility limit availability from up to $250 million to up to $400 million; (ii) eliminating the early amortization event related to DSG’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), as defined in the agreement governing the A/R Facility, less interest expense covenant; (iii) extending the stated maturity date by one year from September 23, 2023 to September 23, 2024; and (iv) relaxing certain concentration limits thereby increasing the amounts of certain accounts receivable eligible to be sold. The other material terms of the A/R Facility remain unchanged. Transactions related to the A/R Facility are now intercompany transactions and, therefore, are eliminated in consolidation. DSG's ability to make scheduled payments on its debt obligations depends on its financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond its control. The impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to create significant uncertainty and disruption in the global economy and financial markets. Further, DSG's success is dependent upon, among other things, the terms of its agreements with Distributors, OTT and other streaming providers and the successful execution of its DTC strategy. Primarily as a result of losses of Distributors, increased subscriber churn and the COVID-19 pandemic, DSG has experienced operating losses since the second quarter of 2020 and we expect it will continue to incur operating losses in future periods. DSG has taken steps to mitigate the impacts of this uncertainty, including managing its controllable costs, amending its A/R Facility and entering into a Transaction Support Agreement with the Company and certain lenders holding term loans under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement and certain holders of, or investment advisors, sub-advisors, or managers of funds or accounts that hold, the DSG Existing Secured Notes which contemplates that, among other things, DSG would obtain a new $635 million first-priority lien term loan credit facility which would mature in May 2026 and would rank first in lien priority on shared collateral ahead of DSG’s loans and/or commitments under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement and DSG Existing Secured Notes. See Note 20. Subsequent Events . Debt of variable interest entities and guarantees of third-party debt We jointly, severally, unconditionally, and irrevocably guarantee $39 million and $49 million of debt of certain third parties as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of which $9 million and $16 million, net of deferred financing costs, related to consolidated VIEs is included in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These guarantees primarily relate to the debt of Cunningham as discussed under Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation within Note 15. Related Person Transactions . The credit agreements and term loans of these VIEs each bear interest of LIBOR plus 2.50%. As of December 31, 2021, we have determined that it is not probable that we would have to perform under any of these guarantees. Finance leases For more information related to our finance leases and affiliate finance leases see Note 8. Leases and Note 15. Related Person Transactions , respectively.

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
LEASES	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	8. LEASES: We determine if a contractual arrangement is a lease at inception. Our lease arrangements provide the Company the right to utilize certain specified tangible assets for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Our leases primarily relate to building space, tower space, and equipment. We do not separate non-lease components from our building and tower leases for the purposes of measuring our lease liabilities and assets. Our leases consist of operating leases and finance leases which are presented separately in our consolidated balance sheets. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. We recognize a lease liability and a right of use asset at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term discounted using our incremental borrowing rate. Implicit interest rates within our lease arrangements are rarely determinable. Right of use assets also include, if applicable, prepaid lease payments and initial direct costs, less incentives received. We recognize operating lease expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease within operating expenses. Expense associated with our finance leases consists of two components, including interest on our outstanding finance lease obligations and amortization of the related right of use assets. The interest component is recorded in interest expense and amortization of the finance lease asset is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease in depreciation of property and equipment. Our leases do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Some of our leases include optional renewal periods or termination provisions which we assess at inception to determine the term of the lease, subject to reassessment in certain circumstances. The following table presents lease expense we have recorded in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Finance lease expense: Amortization of finance lease asset $ 3 $ 3 $ 3 Interest on lease liabilities 3 4 4 Total finance lease expense 6 7 7 Operating lease expense (a) 60 64 47 Total lease expense $ 66 $ 71 $ 54 (a) Includes variable lease expense of $7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and short-term lease expense of $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. The following table summarizes our outstanding operating and finance lease obligations as of December 31, 2021 (in millions): Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2022 $ 47 $ 8 $ 55 2023 41 8 49 2024 35 7 42 2025 34 6 40 2026 29 6 35 2027 and thereafter 121 14 135 Total undiscounted obligations 307 49 356 Less imputed interest (67) (12) (79) Present value of lease obligations $ 240 $ 37 $ 277 The following table summarizes supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in millions, except lease term and discount rate): 2021 2020 Operating Leases Finance Leases Operating Leases Finance Leases Lease assets, non-current $ 207 $ 18 (a) $ 197 $ 17 (a) Lease liabilities, current 35 5 34 5 Lease liabilities, non-current 205 32 198 33 Total lease liabilities $ 240 $ 37 $ 232 $ 38 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 8.39 7.71 9.39 8.39 Weighted average discount rate 5.4 % 7.9 % 5.7 % 8.4 % (a) Finance lease assets are reflected in property and equipment, net in our consolidated balance sheets. The following table presents other information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 52 $ 55 $ 38 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 3 $ 3 $ 4 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 50 $ 20 $ 35 Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities $ 4 $ 6 $ —
LEASES	8. LEASES: We determine if a contractual arrangement is a lease at inception. Our lease arrangements provide the Company the right to utilize certain specified tangible assets for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Our leases primarily relate to building space, tower space, and equipment. We do not separate non-lease components from our building and tower leases for the purposes of measuring our lease liabilities and assets. Our leases consist of operating leases and finance leases which are presented separately in our consolidated balance sheets. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. We recognize a lease liability and a right of use asset at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term discounted using our incremental borrowing rate. Implicit interest rates within our lease arrangements are rarely determinable. Right of use assets also include, if applicable, prepaid lease payments and initial direct costs, less incentives received. We recognize operating lease expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease within operating expenses. Expense associated with our finance leases consists of two components, including interest on our outstanding finance lease obligations and amortization of the related right of use assets. The interest component is recorded in interest expense and amortization of the finance lease asset is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease in depreciation of property and equipment. Our leases do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Some of our leases include optional renewal periods or termination provisions which we assess at inception to determine the term of the lease, subject to reassessment in certain circumstances. The following table presents lease expense we have recorded in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Finance lease expense: Amortization of finance lease asset $ 3 $ 3 $ 3 Interest on lease liabilities 3 4 4 Total finance lease expense 6 7 7 Operating lease expense (a) 60 64 47 Total lease expense $ 66 $ 71 $ 54 (a) Includes variable lease expense of $7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and short-term lease expense of $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. The following table summarizes our outstanding operating and finance lease obligations as of December 31, 2021 (in millions): Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2022 $ 47 $ 8 $ 55 2023 41 8 49 2024 35 7 42 2025 34 6 40 2026 29 6 35 2027 and thereafter 121 14 135 Total undiscounted obligations 307 49 356 Less imputed interest (67) (12) (79) Present value of lease obligations $ 240 $ 37 $ 277 The following table summarizes supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in millions, except lease term and discount rate): 2021 2020 Operating Leases Finance Leases Operating Leases Finance Leases Lease assets, non-current $ 207 $ 18 (a) $ 197 $ 17 (a) Lease liabilities, current 35 5 34 5 Lease liabilities, non-current 205 32 198 33 Total lease liabilities $ 240 $ 37 $ 232 $ 38 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 8.39 7.71 9.39 8.39 Weighted average discount rate 5.4 % 7.9 % 5.7 % 8.4 % (a) Finance lease assets are reflected in property and equipment, net in our consolidated balance sheets. The following table presents other information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 52 $ 55 $ 38 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 3 $ 3 $ 4 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 50 $ 20 $ 35 Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities $ 4 $ 6 $ —

PROGRAM CONTRACTS

PROGRAM CONTRACTS	12 Months Ended
PROGRAM CONTRACTS	Dec. 31, 2021
PROGRAM CONTRACTS:
PROGRAM CONTRACTS	9. PROGRAM CONTRACTS: Future payments required under television program contracts as of December 31, 2021 were as follows (in millions): 2022 $ 97 2023 14 2024 6 2025 1 2026 — Total 118 Less: Current portion 97 Long-term portion of program contracts payable $ 21 Each future period’s film liability includes contractual amounts owed, but what is contractually owed does not necessarily reflect what we are expected to pay during that period. While we are contractually bound to make the payments reflected in the table during the indicated periods, industry protocol typically enables us to make film payments on a three-month lag. Included in the current portion amount are payments due in arrears of $21 million. In addition, we have entered into non-cancelable commitments for future television program rights aggregating to $31 million as of December 31, 2021.

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTER

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Notes)	12 Months Ended
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Notes)	Dec. 31, 2021
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	10. REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS: We account for redeemable noncontrolling interests in accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity , and classify them as mezzanine equity in our consolidated balance sheets because their possible redemption is outside of the control of the Company. Our redeemable non-controlling interests consist of the following: Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity . On August 23, 2019, DSH, an indirect parent of DSG and indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued preferred equity (the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity) for $1,025 million. The Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity is redeemable by the holder in the following circumstances (1) in the event of a change of control with respect to DSH, the holder will have the right (but not the obligation) to require the redemption of the securities at a per unit amount equal to the liquidation preference per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends (2) in the event of the sale of new equity interests in DSG or direct and indirect subsidiaries to the extent of proceeds received and (3) beginning on August 23, 2027, so long as any Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity remains outstanding, the holder, subject to certain minimum holding requirements, or investors holding a majority of the outstanding Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity, may compel DSH and DSG to initiate a process to sell DSG and/or conduct an initial public offering. We may redeem some or all of the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity from time to time thereafter at a price equal to $1,000 per unit plus the amount of dividends per unit previously paid in kind (the Liquidation Preference), multiplied by the applicable premium as follows (presented as a percentage of the Liquidation Preference): (i) on or after November 22, 2019 until February 19, 2020: 100%; (ii) on or after February 20, 2020 until August 22, 2020: 102%; (iii) on or after August 23, 2020 but prior to August 23, 2021: at a customary "make-whole" premium representing the present value of 103% plus all required dividend payments due on such Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity through August 23, 2021; (iv) on or after August 23, 2021 until August 22, 2022: 103%; (v) on or after August 23, 2022 until August 22, 2023: 101%; and (vi) August 23, 2023 and thereafter: 100%, in each case, plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity accrues an initial quarterly dividend equal to 1-Month LIBOR (with a 0.75% floor) plus 7.5% (8% if paid in kind) per annum on the sum of (i) $1,025 million (the Aggregate Liquidation Preference) plus (ii) the amount of aggregate accrued and unpaid dividends as of the end of the immediately preceding dividend accrual period, payable, at DSH's election, in cash or, to the extent not paid in cash, by automatically increasing the Aggregate Liquidation Preference, whether or not such dividends have been declared and whether or not there are profits, surplus, or other funds legally available for the payment of dividends. The Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity dividend rate is subject to rate step-ups of 0.5% per annum, beginning on August 23, 2022; provided that, and subject to other applicable increases in the dividend rate described below, the cumulative dividend rate will be capped at 1-Month LIBOR plus 10.5% per annum until (a) on February 23, 2028, the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity dividend rate will increase by 1.50% with further increases of 0.5% on each six month anniversary thereafter and (b) the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity dividend rate will increase by 2% if we do not redeem the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity, to the extent elected by holders of the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity, upon a change of control; provided, in each case, that the cumulative dividend rate will be capped at 1-Month LIBOR plus 14% per annum. Subject to limited exceptions, DSH shall not, and shall not permit its subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to pay a dividend or make a distribution, unless DSH applies 75% of the amount of such dividend or distribution payable to DSH or its subsidiaries (with the amount payable calculated on a pro rata basis based on their direct or indirect common equity ownership by DSH) to make an offer to the holders of Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity to redeem the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity (subject to certain redemption restrictions) at a price equal to 100% of the Liquidation Preference of such Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity, plus accrued and unpaid dividends. We redeemed no Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity during the year ended December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we redeemed 550,000 units of the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity for an aggregate redemption price equal to $550 million plus accrued and unpaid dividends, representing 100% of the unreturned capital contribution with respect to the units redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid dividends with respect to the units redeemed up to, but not including, the redemption date, and after giving effect to any applicable rebates. Dividends accrued during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 were $14 million, $36 million, and $33 million, respectively, and are reflected in net (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of operations. Dividends accrued during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters of 2021 were paid in kind and added to the liquidation preference. The balance of the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity, net of issuance costs, was $181 million and $170 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In connection with the Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity, the Company provides a guarantee of collection of distributions. Subsidiary Equity Put Right . A noncontrolling equity holder of one of our subsidiaries had the right to sell its interest to the Company at a fair market sale value of $376 million, plus any undistributed income, which was exercised and settled in January 2020. A noncontrolling equity holder of one of our subsidiaries has the right to sell its interest to the Company at any time during the 30-day period following September 30, 2025. The value of this redeemable noncontrolling interest was $16 million a nd $20 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

COMMON STOCK

COMMON STOCK	12 Months Ended
COMMON STOCK	Dec. 31, 2021
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
COMMON STOCK	11. COMMON STOCK: Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share, except for votes relating to “going private” and certain other transactions. Substantially all of the Class B Common Stock is held by David D. Smith, Frederick G. Smith, J. Duncan Smith and Robert E. Smith who entered into a stockholders’ agreement pursuant to which they have agreed to vote for each other as candidates for election to our board of directors until December 31, 2025. The Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock vote together as a single class, except as otherwise may be required by Maryland law, on all matters presented for a vote. Holders of Class B Common Stock may at any time convert their shares into the same number of shares of Class A Common Stock. During 2021, 952,626 Class B Common Stock shares were converted into Class A Common Stock shares. During 2020, no Class B Common Stock shares were converted into Class A Common Stock shares. Our Bank Credit Agreements and some of our subordinate debt instruments have restrictions on our ability to pay dividends on our common stock unless certain specific conditions are satisfied, including but not limited to: • no event of default then exists under each indenture or certain other specified agreements relating to our debt; and • after taking into account the dividends payment, we are within certain restricted payment requirements contained in each indenture. During 2021 and 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend in the months of February, May, August, and November which were paid in March, June, September, and December, respectively. Total dividend payments for both the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $0.80 per share. In February 2022, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share. Future dividends on our common shares, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on several factors including our results of operations, cash requirements and surplus, financial condition, covenant restrictions, and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem relevant. The Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock holders have the same rights related to dividends.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	12. INCOME TAXES: The (benefit) provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Current (benefit) provision for income taxes: Federal $ (78) $ (126) $ (89) State 2 9 (2) (76) (117) (91) Deferred benefit for income taxes: Federal (93) (584) (4) State (4) (19) (1) (97) (603) (5) Benefit for income taxes $ (173) $ (720) $ (96) The following is a reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision: 2021 2020 2019 Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Adjustments: Federal tax credits (a) 10.6 % 1.7 % (684.6) % Net Operating Loss Carryback (b) 7.5 % 1.9 % — % State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (c) (4.2) % 4.0 % 56.6 % Noncontrolling interest (d) 2.6 % 0.7 % (138.9) % Valuation allowance (e) (1.5) % (6.1) % (237.1) % Change in unrecognized tax benefits (f) (1.0) % (0.2) % 72.2 % Stock-based compensation (0.2) % (0.1) % (15.9) % Non-deductible items (g) (0.1) % — % 192.7 % Effect of consolidated VIEs (h) 0.1 % (0.1) % 46.3 % Spectrum sales (i) — % — % (386.7) % Capital loss carryback (j) — % — % (26.0) % Other (0.1) % 0.1 % (3.0) % Effective income tax rate 34.7 % 22.9 % (1,103.4) % (a) Our 2021, 2020, and 2019 income tax provisions include a benefit of $40 million, $42 million, and $57 million, respectively, related to investments in sustainability initiatives whose activities qualify for federal income tax credits through 2021. (b) Our 2021 and 2020 income tax provisions include a benefit of $38 million and $61 million, respectively, as result of the CARES Act allowing for the 2020 federal net operating loss to be carried back to the pre-2018 years when the federal tax rate was 35%. (c) Included in state income taxes are deferred income tax effects related to certain acquisitions, intercompany mergers, law changes, and/or impact of changes in apportionment. (d) Our 2021, 2020, and 2019 income tax provisions include a $13 million, $23 million, and $12 million benefit, respectively, related to noncontrolling interest of various partnerships. (e) Our 2021 income tax provision includes a net $8 million addition related to an increase in valuation allowance associated with the federal interest expense carryforwards under the IRC Section 163(j) and primarily offset by a decrease in valuation allowance on certain state deferred tax assets as a result of the changes in estimate of the state apportionment. Our 2020 income tax provision includes a $192 million addition related to an increase in valuation allowance primarily due to the change in judgement in the realizability of certain deferred tax assets resulting from the reduction in forecast of future operating income and the RSN impairment. Our 2019 income tax provision includes a $16 million benefit related to a release of valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses where utilization was expected as a result of a business combination. (f) Our 2021, 2020, and 2019 income tax provisions include $1 million, $5 million, and $4 million additions, respectively, related to tax positions of prior tax years. (g) Our 2019 income tax provision includes a $17 million addition primarily related to regulatory costs, executive compensation and other not tax-deductible expenses. (h) Certain of our consolidated VIEs incur expenses that are not attributable to non-controlling interests because we absorb certain related losses of the VIEs. These expenses are not tax-deductible by us, and since these VIEs are treated as pass-through entities for income tax purposes, deferred income tax benefits are not recognized. (i) Our 2019 income tax provision includes a benefit of $34 million related to the treatment of the gain from the sale of certain broadcast spectrum in connection with the Broadcast Incentive Auction. (j) Our 2019 income tax provision includes a $2 million benefit related to capital losses that will be carried back to the pre-2018 tax years when the federal tax rate was 35%. Temporary differences between the financial reporting carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities give rise to deferred taxes. Total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in millions): 2021 2020 Deferred Tax Assets: Net operating losses: Federal $ 16 $ 22 State 120 130 Goodwill and intangible assets 6 9 Basis in DSH 814 834 Tax Credits 87 67 Other 108 53 1,151 1,115 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (256) (252) Total deferred tax assets $ 895 $ 863 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Goodwill and intangible assets $ (397) $ (402) Property & equipment, net (165) (221) Other (40) (43) Total deferred tax liabilities (602) (666) Net deferred tax assets $ 293 $ 197 At December 31, 2021, the Company had approximately $76 million and $2.6 billion of gross federal and state net operating losses, respectively. Except for those without an expiration date, these losses will expire during various years from 2022 to 2041, and some of them are subject to annual limitations under the IRC Section 382 and similar state provisions. As discussed in Income Taxes under Note 1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , we establish valuation allowances in accordance with the guidance related to accounting for income taxes. As of December 31, 2021, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to certain temporary basis differences, interest expense carryforwards under the IRC Section 163(j) and a substantial portion of our available state net operating loss carryforwards based on past operating results, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary basis differences, alternative tax strategies, current and cumulative losses, and projected future taxable income. Although realization is not assured for the remaining deferred tax assets, we believe it is more likely than not that they will be realized in the future. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we increased our valuation allowance by $4 million to $256 million. The increase in valuation allowance was primarily due to uncertainty in the realizability of deferred tax assets related to interest expense carryforwards under the IRC Section 163(j), offset by a change in judgement in the realizability of certain state deferred tax assets. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we increased our valuation allowance by $187 million to $252 million. The increase in valuation allowance was primarily due to the change in judgement in the realizability of certain deferred tax assets resulting from the reduction in forecast of future operating income and the RSN impairment. The following table summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Balance at January 1, $ 11 $ 11 $ 7 Additions related to prior year tax positions 1 5 4 Additions related to current year tax positions 3 3 — Reductions related to prior year tax positions — (1) — Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities — (4) — Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations — (3) — Balance at December 31, $ 15 $ 11 $ 11 We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. Our 2016 through 2019 federal tax returns are currently under audit, and several of our subsidiaries are currently under state examinations for various years. Certain of our 2017 and subsequent federal and/or state tax returns remain subject to examination by various tax authorities. We do not anticipate the resolution of these matters will result in a material change to our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we do not believe that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits would be materially impacted, in the next twelve months, as a result of expected statute of limitations expirations, the application of limits under available state administrative practice exceptions, and the resolution of examination issues and settlements with federal and certain state tax authorities.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: Sports Programming Rights We are contractually obligated to make payments to purchase sports programming rights. The following table presents our annual non-cancellable commitments relating to the local sports segment's sports programming rights agreements as of December 31, 2021. These commitments assume that sports teams fully deliver the contractually committed games, and do not reflect the impact of rebates expected to be paid by the teams. (in millions) 2022 $ 1,819 2023 1,773 2024 1,707 2025 1,573 2026 1,373 2027 and thereafter 5,723 Total $ 13,968 Other Liabilities In connection with the RSN Acquisition, we assumed certain fixed payment obligations which are payable through 2027. We recorded these obligations in purchase accounting at estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, $32 million and $31 million, respectively, was recorded within other current liabilities and $71 million and $97 million, respectively, was recorded within other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Interest expense of $6 million, $8 million, and $4 million was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. In connection with the RSN Acquisition, we assumed certain variable payment obligations which are payable through 2030. These contractual obligations are based upon the excess cash flow of certain RSNs. We recorded these obligations in purchase accounting at estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, $8 million and $12 million, respectively, was recorded within other current liabilities and $23 million and $41 million, respectively, was recorded within other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. These obligations are measured at the present value of the estimated amount of cash to be paid over the term of the contracts. We recorded measurement adjustment gains of $15 million and $159 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, recorded within other (expense) income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Litigation We are a party to lawsuits, claims, and regulatory matters from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Actions currently pending are in various stages and no material judgments or decisions have been rendered by hearing boards or courts in connection with such actions. Except as noted below, we do not believe the outcome of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material effect on the Company's financial statements. FCC Litigation Matters On May 22, 2020, the FCC released an Order and Consent Decree pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay $48 million to resolve the matters covered by a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL) issued in December 2017 proposing a $13 million fine for alleged violations of the FCC's sponsorship identification rules by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, the FCC’s investigation of the allegations raised in the Hearing Designation Order issued in connection with the Company's proposed acquisition of Tribune, and a retransmission related matter. The Company submitted the $48 million payment on August 19, 2020. As part of the consent decree, the Company also agreed to implement a 4-year compliance plan. Two petitions were filed on June 8, 2020 seeking reconsideration of the Order and Consent Decree. The Company filed an opposition to the petitions on June 18, 2020, and the petitions remain pending. On September 1, 2020, one of the individuals who filed a petition for reconsideration of the Order and Consent Decree filed a petition to deny the license renewal application of WBFF(TV), Baltimore, MD, and the license renewal applications of two other Baltimore, MD stations with which the Company has a JSA or LMA, Deerfield Media station WUTB(TV) and Cunningham station WNUV(TV). The Company filed an opposition to the petition on October 1, 2020, and the petition remains pending. On September 2, 2020, the FCC adopted a Memorandum Opinion and Order and NAL against the licensees of several stations with whom the Company has LMAs, JSAs, and/or SSAs in response to a complaint regarding those stations’ retransmission consent negotiations. The NAL proposed a $0.5 million penalty for each station, totaling $9 million. The licensees filed a response to the NAL on October 15, 2020, asking the Commission to dismiss the proceeding or, alternatively, to reduce the proposed forfeiture to $25,000 per station. On July 28, 2021, the FCC issued a forfeiture order in which the $0.5 million penalty was upheld for all but one station. The Company is not a party to this forfeiture order; however, our consolidated financial statements include an accrual of additional expenses of $8 million for the above legal matters during the year ended December 31, 2021, as we consolidate these stations as VIEs. Other Litigation Matters On November 6, 2018, the Company agreed to enter into a proposed consent decree with the Department of Justice (DOJ). This consent decree resolves the DOJ’s investigation into the sharing of pacing information among certain stations in some local markets. The DOJ filed the consent decree and related documents in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on November 13, 2018. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia entered the consent decree on May 22, 2019. The consent decree is not an admission of any wrongdoing by the Company and does not subject the Company to any monetary damages or penalties. The Company believes that even if the pacing information was shared as alleged, it would not have impacted any pricing of advertisements or the competitive nature of the market. The consent decree requires the Company to adopt certain antitrust compliance measures, including the appointment of an Antitrust Compliance Officer, consistent with what the DOJ has required in previous consent decrees in other industries. The consent decree also requires the Company's stations not to exchange pacing and certain other information with other stations in their local markets, which the Company’s management has already instructed them not to do. The Company is aware of twenty-two putative class action lawsuits that were filed against the Company following published reports of the DOJ investigation into the exchange of pacing data within the industry. On October 3, 2018, these lawsuits were consolidated in the Northern District of Illinois. The consolidated action alleges that the Company and thirteen other broadcasters conspired to fix prices for commercials to be aired on broadcast television stations throughout the United States and engaged in unlawful information sharing, in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The consolidated action seeks damages, attorneys’ fees, costs and interest, as well as injunctions against adopting practices or plans that would restrain competition in the ways the plaintiffs have alleged. The Court denied the Defendants’ motion to dismiss on November 6, 2020. Since then, the Plaintiffs have served the Defendants with written discovery requests, and the Court has set a pretrial schedule which now requires discovery to be completed by December 30, 2022 and briefing on class certification to be completed by May 15, 2023. The Company believes the lawsuits are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against all such claims. Changes in the Rules of Television Ownership, Local Marketing Agreements, Joint Sales Agreements, Retransmission Consent Negotiations, and National Ownership Cap Certain of our stations have entered into what have commonly been referred to as local marketing agreements or LMAs. One typical type of LMA is a programming agreement between two separately owned television stations serving the same market, whereby the licensee of one station programs substantial portions of the broadcast day and sells advertising time during such programming segments on the other licensee’s station subject to the latter licensee’s ultimate editorial and other controls. We believe these arrangements allow us to reduce our operating expenses and enhance profitability. In 1999, the FCC established a local television ownership rule that made certain LMAs attributable. The FCC adopted policies to grandfather LMAs that were entered into prior to November 5, 1996 and permitted the applicable stations to continue operations pursuant to the LMAs until the conclusion of the FCC’s 2004 biennial review. The FCC stated it would conduct a case-by-case review of grandfathered LMAs and assess the appropriateness of extending the grandfathering periods. The FCC did not initiate any review of grandfathered LMAs in 2004 or as part of its subsequent quadrennial reviews. We do not know when, or if, the FCC will conduct any such review of grandfathered LMAs. Currently, all of our LMAs are grandfathered under the local television ownership rule because they were entered into prior to November 5, 1996. If the FCC were to eliminate the grandfathering of these LMAs, we would have to terminate or modify these LMAs. In September 2015, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in response to a Congressional directive in STELAR to examine the “totality of the circumstances test” for good-faith negotiations of retransmission consent. The proposed rulemaking seeks comment on new factors and evidence to consider in its evaluation of claims of bad faith negotiation, including service interruptions prior to a “marquee sports or entertainment event,” restrictions on online access to broadcast programming during negotiation impasses, broadcasters’ ability to offer bundles of broadcast signals with other broadcast stations or cable networks, and broadcasters’ ability to invoke the FCC’s exclusivity rules during service interruptions. On July 14, 2016, the FCC’s Chairman at the time announced that the FCC would not, at that time, proceed to adopt additional rules governing good faith negotiations of retransmission consent but did not formally terminate the rulemaking. No formal action has yet been taken on this Proposed Rulemaking, and we cannot predict if the Commission will terminate the rulemaking or take other action. In August 2016, the FCC completed both its 2010 and 2014 quadrennial reviews of its media ownership rules and issued an order (Ownership Order) which left most of the existing multiple ownership rules intact, but amended the rules to provide for the attribution of JSAs under certain circumstances. Certain existing JSAs were later grandfathered until 2025. On November 20, 2017, the FCC released an Ownership Order on Reconsideration that, among other things, eliminated the JSA attribution rule. The Ownership Order on Reconsideration (including elimination of the JSA attribution rule) became effective on February 7, 2018. The Ownership Order on Reconsideration was vacated and remanded by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in September 2019, but the Supreme Court ultimately reversed the Third Circuit’s decision on April 1, 2021 and the Ownership Order on Reconsideration is currently in effect. On December 18, 2017, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to examine the FCC’s national ownership cap, including the UHF discount. The UHF discount allows television station owners to discount the coverage of UHF stations when calculating compliance with the FCC’s national ownership cap, which prohibits a single entity from owning television stations that reach, in total, more than 39% of all the television households in the nation. All but 34 of the stations we currently own and operate, or to which we provide programming services are UHF. We cannot predict the outcome of the rulemaking proceeding. With the application of the UHF discount counting all our present stations we reach approximately 24% of U.S. households. Changes to the national ownership cap could limit our ability to make television station acquisitions.

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	12 Months Ended
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	14. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES: Certain of our stations provide services to other station owners within the same respective market through agreements, such as LMAs, where we provide programming, sales, operational, and administrative services, and JSAs and SSAs, where we provide non-programming, sales, operational, and administrative services. In certain cases, we have also entered into purchase agreements or options to purchase the license related assets of the licensee. We typically own the majority of the non-license assets of the stations, and in some cases where the licensee acquired the license assets concurrent with our acquisition of the non-license assets of the station, we have provided guarantees to the bank for the licensee’s acquisition financing. The terms of the agreements vary, but generally have initial terms of over five years with several optional renewal terms. Based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in the stations, we are the primary beneficiary when, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs. The fees paid between us and the licensees pursuant to these arrangements are eliminated in consolidation. We are party to a joint venture associated with Marquee. Marquee is party to a long term telecast rights agreement which provides the rights to air certain live game telecasts and other content, which we guarantee. In connection with the RSN Acquisition, we became party to a joint venture associated with one other regional sports network. We participate significantly in the economics and have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of these regional sports networks, including sales and certain operational services. We consolidate these regional sports networks because they are variable interest entities and we are the primary beneficiary. The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in millions): 2021 2020 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 43 $ 64 Accounts receivable, net 83 70 Prepaid sports rights 2 2 Other current assets 4 5 Total current asset 132 141 Property and equipment, net 17 16 Operating lease assets 5 6 Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets 15 15 Definite-lived intangible assets, net 47 54 Other assets 1 1 Total assets $ 217 $ 233 LIABILITIES Current liabilities: Other current liabilities $ 62 $ 40 Notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing, less current portion — 10 Operating lease liabilities, less current portion 4 5 Program contracts payable, less current portion 2 4 Other long term liabilities 4 17 Total liabilities $ 72 $ 76 The amounts above represent the consolidated assets and liabilities of the VIEs described above, for which we are the primary beneficiary. Total liabilities associated with certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options with certain VIEs, which are excluded from above, were $127 million and $131 million as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, as these amounts are eliminated in consolidation. The assets of each of these consolidated VIEs can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIE. As of December 31, 2021, all of the liabilities are non-recourse to us except for the debt of certain VIEs. See Debt of variable interest entities and guarantees of third-party debt under Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for further discussion. The risk and reward characteristics of the VIEs are similar. Other VIEs We have several investments in entities which are considered VIEs. However, we do not participate in the management of these entities, including the day-to-day operating decisions or other decisions which would allow us to control the entity, and therefore, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. The carrying amounts of our investments in these VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary were $175 million and $75 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 6. Other Assets for more information related to our equity investments. Our maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value of our investments. The income and loss related to equity method investments and other equity investments are recorded in income (loss) from equity method investments and other (expense) income, net, respectively, in our consolidated statements of operations. We recorded a gain of $37 million and losses of $38 million and $50 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, related to these investments.

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS	Dec. 31, 2021
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS	15. RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS: Transactions with our controlling shareholders David, Frederick, J. Duncan and Robert Smith (collectively, the controlling shareholders) are brothers and hold substantially all of the Class B Common Stock and some of our Class A Common Stock. We engaged in the following transactions with them and/or entities in which they have substantial interests: Leases. Certain assets used by us and our operating subsidiaries are leased from entities owned by the controlling shareholders. Lease payments made to these entities were $5 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. Finance leases payable related to the aforementioned relationships were $9 million, net of $1 million interest, and $8 million, net of $2 million interest, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The finance leases mature in periods through 2029. For further information on finance leases to affiliates, see Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing . Charter Aircraft. We lease aircraft owned by certain controlling shareholders. For all leases, we incurred aggregate expenses of $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation Cunningham owns a portfolio of television stations, including: WNUV-TV Baltimore, Maryland; WRGT-TV Dayton, Ohio; WVAH-TV Charleston, West Virginia; WMYA-TV Anderson, South Carolina; WTTE-TV Columbus, Ohio; WDBB-TV Birmingham, Alabama; WBSF-TV Flint, Michigan; WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV Traverse City/Cadillac, Michigan; WEMT-TV Tri-Cities, Tennessee; WYDO-TV Greenville, North Carolina; KBVU-TV/KCVU-TV Eureka/Chico-Redding, California; WPFO-TV Portland, Maine; and KRNV-DT/KENV-DT Reno, Nevada/Salt Lake City, Utah (collectively, the Cunningham Stations). Certain of our stations provide services to these Cunningham Stations pursuant to LMAs or JSAs and SSAs. See Note 14. Variable Interest Entities , for further discussion of the scope of services provided under these types of arrangements. As of December 31, 2021, we have jointly, severally, unconditionally, and irrevocably guaranteed $37 million of Cunningham debt, of which $7 million, net of $0.2 million deferred financing costs, relates to the Cunningham VIEs that we consolidate. All of the non-voting stock of the Cunningham Stations is owned by trusts for the benefit of the children of our controlling shareholders. We consolidate certain subsidiaries of Cunningham with which we have variable interests through various arrangements related to the Cunningham Stations. The services provided to WNUV-TV, WMYA-TV, WTTE-TV, WRGT-TV and WVAH-TV are governed by a master agreement which has a current term that expires on July 1, 2023 and there are two additional five-year renewal terms remaining with final expiration on July 1, 2033. We also executed purchase agreements to acquire the license related assets of these stations from Cunningham, which grant us the right to acquire, and grant Cunningham the right to require us to acquire, subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations, 100% of the capital stock or the assets of these individual subsidiaries of Cunningham. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement we are obligated to pay Cunningham an annual fee for the television stations equal to the greater of (i) 3% of each station’s annual net broadcast revenue or (ii) $5 million. The aggregate purchase price of these television stations increases by 6% annually. A portion of the fee is required to be applied to the purchase price to the extent of the 6% increase. The cumulative prepayments made under these purchase agreements were $58 million and $54 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The remaining aggregate purchase price of these stations, net of prepayments, was $54 million for both the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Additionally, we provide services to WDBB-TV pursuant to an LMA, which expires April 22, 2025, and have a purchase option to acquire for $0.2 million. We paid Cunningham, under these agreements, $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and $8 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The agreements with KBVU-TV/KCVU-TV, KRNV-DT/KENV-DT, WBSF-TV, WEMT-TV, WGTU-TV/WGTQ-TV, WPFO-TV, and WYDO-TV expire between May 2023 and November 2029, and certain stations have renewal provisions for successive eight-year periods. As we consolidate the licensees as VIEs, the amounts we earn or pay under the arrangements are eliminated in consolidation and the gross revenues of the stations are reported in our consolidated statements of operations. Our consolidated revenues include $144 million, $157 million, and $155 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, related to the Cunningham Stations. We have an agreement with Cunningham to provide master control equipment and provide master control services to a station in Johnstown, PA with which Cunningham has an LMA that expires in June 2022. Under the agreement, Cunningham paid us an initial fee of $1 million and pays us $0.2 million annually for master control services plus the cost to maintain and repair the equipment. In addition, we have an agreement with Cunningham to provide a news share service with the Johnstown, PA station for an annual fee of $0.5 million and increased by 3% on each anniversary and which expires in November 2024. Atlantic Automotive Corporation We sell advertising time to Atlantic Automotive Corporation (Atlantic Automotive), a holding company that owns automobile dealerships and an automobile leasing company. David D. Smith, our Executive Chairman, has a controlling interest in, and is a member of the Board of Directors of, Atlantic Automotive. We received payments for advertising totaling $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Leased property by real estate ventures Certain of our real estate ventures have entered into leases with entities owned by members of the Smith Family. Total rent received under these leases was $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. Equity method investees YES Network. In August 2019, YES Network, an equity method investee, entered into a management services agreement with the Company, in which the Company provides certain services for an initial term that expires on August 29, 2025. The agreement will automatically renew for two 2-year renewal terms, with a final expiration on August 29, 2029. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the YES Network paid us a management services fee of $6 million, $5 million, and $2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. We have a minority interest in certain mobile production businesses, which we account for as equity method investments. We made payments to these businesses for production services totaling $45 million, $19 million, and $12 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. We have a minority interest in a sports marketing company, which we account for as an equity method investment. We made payments to this business for marketing services totaling $17 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Programming rights As of December 31, 2021, affiliates of six professional teams have non-controlling equity interests in certain of our RSNs. These agreements expire on various dates during the fiscal years ended 2025 through 2032. The Company paid $424 million, $168 million, net of rebates, and $73 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, under sports programming rights agreements covering the broadcast of regular season games to professional teams who have non-controlling equity interests in certain of our RSNs. Employees Jason Smith, an employee of the Company, is the son of Frederick Smith, a Vice President of the Company and a member of the Company's Board of Directors. Jason Smith received total compensation of $0.2 million, consisting of salary and bonus, for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, and was granted RSAs with respect to 2,239 and 355 shares, vesting over two years, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amberly Thompson, an employee of the Company, is the daughter of Donald Thompson, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company. Amberly Thompson received total compensation of $0.2 million, consisting of salary and bonus, for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. Edward Kim, an employee of the company, is the brother-in-law of Christopher Ripley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Edward Kim received total compensation of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, consisting of salary, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER SHARE	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	16. EARNINGS PER SHARE: The following table reconciles income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in our computations of earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions, except share amounts which are reflected in thousands): 2021 2020 2019 Income (Numerator) Net (loss) income $ (326) $ (2,429) $ 105 Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests (18) (56) (48) Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests (70) 71 (10) Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share available to common shareholders $ (414) $ (2,414) $ 47 Shares (Denominator) Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding 75,050 79,924 92,015 Dilutive effect of stock settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options — — 1,170 Diluted weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 75,050 79,924 93,185 The net earnings per share amounts are the same for Class A and Class B Common Stock because the holders of each class are legally entitled to equal per share distributions whether through dividends or in liquidation. The following table shows the weighted-average stock-settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options (in thousands) that are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive. 2021 2020 2019 Weighted-average stock-settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options excluded 1,973 3,288 238

SEGMENT DATA

SEGMENT DATA	12 Months Ended
SEGMENT DATA	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT DATA	17. SEGMENT DATA: We measure segment performance based on operating income (loss). We have two reportable segments: broadcast and local sports. Our broadcast segment, previously referred to as our local news and marketing services segment, provides free over-the-air programming to television viewing audiences and includes stations in 86 markets located throughout the continental United States. Our local sports segment, previously referred to as our sports segment, provides viewers with live professional sports content and includes our regional sports network brands, Marquee, and a minority equity interest in the YES Network. Other and corporate are not reportable segments but are included for reconciliation purposes. Other primarily consists of original networks and content, including Tennis, non-broadcast digital and internet solutions, technical services, and other non-media investments. Corporate costs primarily include our costs to operate as a public company and to operate our corporate headquarters location. All of our businesses are located within the United States. Segment financial information is included in the following tables for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): As of December 31, 2021 Broadcast Local sports Other & Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Goodwill $ 2,016 $ — $ 72 $ — $ 2,088 Assets 4,793 5,769 2,009 (30) 12,541 Capital expenditures 52 16 12 — 80 As of December 31, 2020 Broadcast Local sports Other & Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Goodwill $ 2,017 $ — $ 75 $ — $ 2,092 Assets 4,908 6,620 1,867 (13) 13,382 Capital expenditures 101 24 32 — 157 For the year ended December 31, 2021 Broadcast Local sports Other & Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Revenue $ 2,757 $ 3,056 $ 481 $ (160) (c) $ 6,134 Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 247 316 31 (3) 591 Amortization of sports programming rights (a) — 2,350 — — 2,350 Amortization of program contract costs 76 — 17 — 93 Corporate general and administrative expenses 147 10 13 — 170 Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment (24) (b) (43) (b) (4) — (71) Operating income (loss) 374 (b) (317) (b) 39 (1) 95 Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs 4 436 192 (14) 618 Income (loss) from equity method investments — 49 (4) — 45 For the year ended December 31, 2020 Broadcast Local sports Other & Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Revenue $ 2,922 $ 2,686 $ 451 $ (116) (c) $ 5,943 Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 239 410 27 (2) 674 Amortization of sports programming rights (a) — 1,078 — — 1,078 Amortization of program contract costs 83 — 3 — 86 Corporate general and administrative expenses 119 10 19 — 148 (Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment (118) (b) — 3 — (115) Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets — 4,264 — — 4,264 Operating income (loss) 789 (b) (3,602) 47 (6) (2,772) Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs 5 460 203 (12) 656 Income (loss) from equity method investments — 6 (42) — (36) For the year ended December 31, 2019 Broadcast Local sports Other & Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Revenue $ 2,690 $ 1,139 $ 470 $ (59) (c) $ 4,240 Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 246 157 22 (1) 424 Amortization of sports programming rights (a) — 637 — — 637 Amortization of program contract costs 90 — — — 90 Corporate general and administrative expenses 144 93 151 (1) 387 Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment (62) (b) — (30) — (92) Operating income (loss) 546 (b) 30 (98) (8) 470 Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs 5 200 230 (13) 422 Income (loss) from equity method investments — 18 (53) — (35) (a) The amortization of sports programming rights is included within media programming and production expenses on our consolidated statements of operations. (b) Includes gains of $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 related to the fair value of equipment that we received for the C-Band spectrum repack and reimbursements for spectrum repack costs, and gains of $90 million and $62 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to reimbursements for spectrum repack costs. See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets. (c) Includes $111 million, $100 million, and $35 million of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, for services provided by broadcast to local sports and other, which are eliminated in consolidation.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	18. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: Accounting guidance provides for valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). A fair value hierarchy using three broad levels prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The following is a brief description of those three levels: • Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. • Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions. The following table sets forth the carrying value and fair value of our financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in millions): 2021 2020 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Level 1: Investments in equity securities $ 5 $ 5 $ 68 $ 68 STG: Money market funds 265 265 448 448 Deferred compensation assets 48 48 42 42 Deferred compensation liabilities 38 38 36 36 DSG: Money market funds 101 101 292 292 Level 2: Investments in equity securities (a) 114 114 — — STG (b): 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 348 357 348 358 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 500 489 500 520 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 400 391 400 408 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 750 712 750 770 Term Loan B 379 373 1,119 1,107 Term Loan B-2 1,271 1,239 1,284 1,264 Term Loan B-3 (c) 736 722 — — DSG (b): 12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 31 17 31 28 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 1,744 490 1,744 1,056 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 3,050 1,525 3,050 2,483 Term Loan 3,226 1,484 3,259 2,884 Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility — — 177 177 Debt of variable interest entities (b) 9 9 17 17 Debt of non-media subsidiaries (b) 17 17 17 17 Level 3: Investments in equity securities (d) 282 282 332 332 (a) Consists of unrestricted warrants to acquire marketable common equity securities. The fair value of the warrants are derived from the quoted trading prices of the underlying common equity securities less the exercise price. (b) Amounts are carried in our consolidated balance sheets net of debt discount, premium, and deferred financing costs, which are excluded in the above table, of $158 million and $183 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (c) On April 1, 2021, STG amended the STG Bank Credit Agreement to raise term loans in an aggregate principle amount of $740 million, the net proceeds of which were used to refinance a portion of the STG Term Loan B-1 maturing in January 2024. Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for additional information. (d) On November 18, 2020, we entered into a commercial agreement with Bally's and received warrants and options to acquire common equity in the business. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 we recorded a fair value adjustme nt loss of $50 million and gain of $133 million, respectively, related to these interests. The fair value of the warrants is primarily derived from the quoted trading prices of the underlying common equity adjusted for a 16% and 25% discount for lack of marketability (DLOM) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The fair value of the options is derived utilizing the Black Scholes valuation model. The most significant inputs include the trading price of the underlying common stock, the exercise price of the options, which range from $30 to $45 per share, and a DLOM of 16% and 25% as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There are certain restrictions surrounding the sale and ownership of common stock through the second anniversary of the agreement. The Company is also precluded from owning more than 4.9% of the outstanding common shares of Bally's, inclusive of shares obtained through the exercise of the warrants and options described above. See Note 6. Other Assets for further discussion. The following table summarizes the changes in financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy (in millions): Options and Warrants Fair value at December 31, 2019 $ — Acquisition 199 Measurement adjustments 133 Fair value at December 31, 2020 $ 332 Measurement adjustments (50) Fair value at December 31, 2021 $ 282

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUARA

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES	19. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Sinclair Television Group, Inc. (STG), a wholly-owned subsidiary and the television operating subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (SBG), is the primary obligor under STG's Bank Credit Agreement, 5.875% unsecured notes, 5.125% unsecured notes, 5.500% unsecured notes, and 4.125% secured notes. Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of December 31, 2021, were obligations or securities of SBG and not obligations or securities of STG. SBG is a guarantor under STG's Bank Credit Agreement, 5.875% unsecured notes, 5.125% unsecured notes, 5.500% unsecured notes, and 4.125% secured notes. As of December 31, 2021, our consolidated total debt of $12,340 million included $4,385 million of debt related to STG and its subsidiaries of which SBG guaranteed $4,347 million. SBG, KDSM, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBG, and STG’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (guarantor subsidiaries), have fully and unconditionally guaranteed, subject to certain customary automatic release provisions, all of STG’s obligations. Those guarantees are joint and several. There are certain contractual restrictions on the ability of SBG, STG or KDSM, LLC to obtain funds from their subsidiaries in the form of dividends or loans. The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, and consolidated statements of cash flows of SBG, STG, KDSM, LLC and the guarantor subsidiaries, the direct and indirect non-guarantor subsidiaries of SBG and the eliminations necessary to arrive at our information on a consolidated basis and are provided pursuant to the terms of certain of our debt agreements. Investments in the subsidiaries of SBG, STG, KDSM, LLC and the guarantor subsidiaries, the direct and indirect non-guarantor subsidiaries of SBG are presented in each column under the equity method of accounting. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. As such, these condensed consolidating financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash and cash equivalents $ 2 $ 316 $ 2 $ 496 $ — $ 816 Accounts receivable, net — — 649 596 — 1,245 Other current assets 10 82 293 136 (111) 410 Total current assets 12 398 944 1,228 (111) 2,471 Property and equipment, net 1 31 664 161 (24) 833 Investment in equity of consolidated subsidiaries 451 3,448 — — (3,899) — Restricted cash — — — 3 — 3 Goodwill — — 2,081 7 — 2,088 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — — 136 14 — 150 Definite-lived intangible assets, net — — 1,105 4,019 (36) 5,088 Other long-term assets 331 1,956 427 1,853 (2,659) 1,908 Total assets $ 795 $ 5,833 $ 5,357 $ 7,285 $ (6,729) $ 12,541 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 31 $ 85 $ 295 $ 279 $ (35) $ 655 Current portion of long-term debt — 20 5 45 (1) 69 Other current liabilities 2 6 155 392 (77) 478 Total current liabilities 33 111 455 716 (113) 1,202 Long-term debt 915 4,317 33 8,488 (1,482) 12,271 Investment in deficit of consolidated subsidiaries 1,605 — — — (1,605) — Other long-term liabilities 12 69 1,426 468 (1,398) 577 Total liabilities 2,565 4,497 1,914 9,672 (4,598) 14,050 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — 197 — 197 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group (deficit) equity (1,770) 1,336 3,443 (2,644) (2,135) (1,770) Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — 60 4 64 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and equity $ 795 $ 5,833 $ 5,357 $ 7,285 $ (6,729) $ 12,541 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 458 $ — $ 801 $ — 1,259 Accounts receivable, net — — 558 502 — 1,060 Other current assets 7 46 372 560 (87) 898 Total current assets 7 504 930 1,863 (87) 3,217 Property and equipment, net 1 33 706 109 (26) 823 Investment in equity of consolidated subsidiaries 430 3,549 — — (3,979) — Restricted cash — — — 3 — 3 Goodwill — — 2,082 10 — 2,092 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — — 156 15 — 171 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,256 4,409 (41) 5,624 Other long-term assets 139 1,718 280 1,569 (2,254) 1,452 Total assets $ 577 $ 5,804 $ 5,410 $ 7,978 $ (6,387) $ 13,382 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 19 $ 70 $ 247 $ 284 $ (87) $ 533 Current portion of long-term debt — 13 5 41 (1) 58 Other current liabilities 1 2 134 306 — 443 Total current liabilities 20 85 386 631 (88) 1,034 Long-term debt 700 4,337 33 8,460 (1,037) 12,493 Investment in deficit of consolidated subsidiaries 1,118 — — — (1,118) — Other liabilities 12 121 1,445 710 (1,438) 850 Total liabilities 1,850 4,543 1,864 9,801 (3,681) 14,377 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — 190 — 190 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group (deficit) equity (1,273) 1,261 3,546 (2,098) (2,710) (1,274) Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — 85 4 89 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and equity $ 577 $ 5,804 $ 5,410 $ 7,978 $ (6,387) $ 13,382 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ 111 $ 2,979 $ 3,251 $ (207) $ 6,134 Media programming and production expenses — 4 1,425 2,916 (54) 4,291 Selling, general and administrative 12 160 715 336 (145) 1,078 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 1 8 327 341 (7) 670 Total operating expenses 13 172 2,467 3,593 (206) 6,039 Operating (loss) income (13) (61) 512 (342) (1) 95 Equity in (loss) earnings of consolidated subsidiaries (350) 435 — — (85) — Interest expense (13) (180) (3) (450) 28 (618) Other (expense) income (63) 16 (24) 111 (16) 24 Total other (expense) income, net (426) 271 (27) (339) (73) (594) Income tax benefit (provision) 25 35 (44) 157 — 173 Net (loss) income (414) 245 441 (524) (74) (326) Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (18) — (18) Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (70) — (70) Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ (414) $ 245 $ 441 $ (612) $ (74) $ (414) Comprehensive (loss) income $ (414) $ 246 $ 441 $ (517) $ (74) $ (318) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ 100 $ 3,081 $ 2,946 $ (184) $ 5,943 Media programming and production expenses — 3 1,284 1,519 (71) 2,735 Selling, general and administrative 18 122 658 279 (97) 980 Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets — — — 4,264 — 4,264 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 2 8 211 525 (10) 736 Total operating expenses 20 133 2,153 6,587 (178) 8,715 Operating (loss) income (20) (33) 928 (3,641) (6) (2,772) Equity in (loss) earnings of consolidated subsidiaries (2,409) 877 — — 1,532 — Interest expense (13) (191) (3) (474) 25 (656) Other income (expense) 27 4 (41) 303 (14) 279 Total other (expense) income, net (2,395) 690 (44) (171) 1,543 (377) Income tax benefit 1 51 3 665 — 720 Net (loss) income (2,414) 708 887 (3,147) 1,537 (2,429) Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (56) — (56) Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — 71 — 71 Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ (2,414) $ 708 $ 887 $ (3,132) $ 1,537 $ (2,414) Comprehensive (loss) income $ (2,414) $ 707 $ 887 $ (3,154) $ 1,537 $ (2,437) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ 35 $ 2,841 $ 1,487 $ (123) $ 4,240 Media programming and production expenses — — 1,238 894 (59) 2,073 Selling, general and administrative 147 147 663 202 (40) 1,119 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses — (20) 278 334 (14) 578 Total operating expenses 147 127 2,179 1,430 (113) 3,770 Operating (loss) income (147) (92) 662 57 (10) 470 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 165 577 — — (742) — Interest expense (5) (216) (4) (216) 19 (422) Other income (expense) 2 (7) (53) 24 (5) (39) Total other income (expense), net 162 354 (57) (192) (728) (461) Income tax benefit (provision) 32 66 (21) 19 — 96 Net income (loss) 47 328 584 (116) (738) 105 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (48) — (48) Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (10) — (10) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 47 $ 328 $ 584 $ (174) $ (738) $ 47 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 47 $ 327 $ 584 $ (116) $ (738) $ 104 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (5) $ (216) $ 583 $ (46) $ 11 $ 327 CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (2) (64) (18) 4 (80) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — — (4) — — (4) Proceeds from the sale of assets — — 34 9 — 43 Purchases of investments (9) (9) (46) (192) — (256) Spectrum repack reimbursements — — 24 — — 24 Other, net (183) — (1) 28 183 27 Net cash flows used in investing activities (192) (11) (57) (173) 187 (246) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing — 341 — 46 (30) 357 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and finance leases — (362) (6) (51) (182) (601) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (60) — — — — (60) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (61) — — — — (61) Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (5) — (5) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — (95) — (95) Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (6) — (6) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 333 106 (518) 65 14 — Other, net (13) — — (40) — (53) Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities 199 85 (524) (86) (198) (524) NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH 2 (142) 2 (305) — (443) CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period — 458 — 804 — 1,262 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period $ 2 $ 316 $ 2 $ 499 $ — $ 819 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 (In million) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (119) $ (75) $ 864 $ 875 $ 3 $ 1,548 CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (8) (130) (26) 7 (157) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — — (16) — — (16) Proceeds from the sale of assets — — 36 — — 36 Purchases of investments (43) (8) (43) (45) — (139) Spectrum repack reimbursements — — 90 — — 90 Other, net 1 — (2) 28 — 27 Net cash flows used in investing activities (42) (16) (65) (43) 7 (159) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing — 1,398 — 421 — 1,819 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and finance leases — (1,434) (4) (301) — (1,739) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (63) — — — — (63) Repurchases of outstanding Class A Common Stock (343) — — — — (343) Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (36) — (36) Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (547) — (547) Debt issuance costs — (11) — (8) — (19) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — (32) — (32) Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (383) — (383) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 565 239 (798) 4 (10) — Other, net 2 — — (119) — (117) Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities 161 192 (802) (1,001) (10) (1,460) NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH — 101 (3) (169) — (71) CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period — 357 3 973 — 1,333 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period $ — $ 458 $ — $ 804 $ — $ 1,262 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (5) $ (210) $ 734 $ 396 $ 1 $ 916 CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (4) (152) (11) 11 (156) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — — — (8,999) — (8,999) Spectrum repack reimbursements — — 62 — — 62 Proceeds from the sale of assets — — — 8 — 8 Purchases of investments (6) (39) (54) (353) — (452) Other, net — 3 (1) 5 — 7 Net cash flows used in investing activities (6) (40) (145) (9,350) 11 (9,530) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing — 1,793 — 8,163 — 9,956 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and finance leases — (1,213) (4) (19) — (1,236) Proceeds from the issuance of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net — — — 985 — 985 Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (73) — — — — (73) Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (33) — (33) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (145) — — — — (145) Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (297) — (297) Debt issuance costs — (25) — (174) — (199) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — (27) — (27) Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (5) — (5) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 227 (905) (601) 1,291 (12) — Other, net 2 (5) — (36) — (39) Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities 11 (355) (605) 9,848 (12) 8,887 NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH — (605) (16) 894 — 273 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period — 962 19 79 — 1,060 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period $ — $ 357 $ 3 $ 973 $ — $ 1,333

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	Dec. 31, 2021
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED): (In millions, except per share data) For the Quarter Ended 3/31/2021 6/30/2021 9/30/2021 12/31/21 Total revenues $ 1,511 $ 1,612 $ 1,535 $ 1,476 Operating income (loss) $ 35 $ (178) $ 73 $ 165 Net income (loss) $ 26 $ (328) $ 17 $ (41) Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ (12) $ (332) $ 19 $ (89) Basic (loss) earnings per common share $ (0.16) $ (4.41) $ 0.25 $ (1.18) Diluted (loss) earnings per common share $ (0.16) $ (4.41) $ 0.25 $ (1.18) For the Quarter Ended 3/31/2020 6/30/2020 9/30/2020 12/31/20 Total revenues $ 1,609 $ 1,283 $ 1,539 $ 1,512 Operating income (loss) $ 327 $ 492 $ (4,216) $ 625 Net income (loss) $ 151 $ 273 $ (3,367) $ 514 Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 123 $ 252 $ (3,256) $ 467 Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 1.36 $ 3.13 $ (43.53) $ 6.32 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 1.35 $ 3.12 $ (43.53) $ 6.27

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	Dec. 31, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	20. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS: On March 1, 2022, DSG consummated the following financing transactions (the “Transaction”): • DSG First Lien Term Loan: $635 million of a newly funded first-priority lien term loan (the DSG First Lien Term Loan) pursuant to a new first-priority lien credit agreement (the DSG First Lien Credit Agreement), ranking first in lien priority on shared collateral ahead of (i) new second lien credit facilities issued in exchange for existing loans and/or commitments under the existing DSG Bank Credit Agreement, each of which will rank second in lien priority on shared collateral, (ii) 5.375% Second Lien Secured Notes due 2026 (the DSG 5.375% Second Lien Secured Notes) issued in exchange for the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes in an exchange offer, each of which will rank second in lien priority on shared collateral and (iii) loans and/or commitments under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement and DSG 5.375% Secured Notes that do not participate in or consent to the Transaction, each of which will rank third in lien priority on shared collateral. • DSG First and Second Lien Credit Facilities and DSG 5.375% Second Lien Secured Notes: All lenders under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement that participates in the applicable Transaction and all holders of DSG 5.375% Secured Notes that participate in an exchange offer exchanged their applicable existing debt holdings for: • In the case of existing term loans under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement, new second-priority lien term loans (the DSG Second Lien Term Loan), with the same or substantially the same maturity, pricing and other economic terms as the existing term loans under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement, but with more restrictive covenants and other terms substantially consistent with the DSG First Lien Term Loan, at an exchange rate of $100 of DSG Second Lien Term Loans for each $100 of existing term loans under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement. • In the case of the existing DSG Revolving Credit Facility, a new second-priority lien revolving credit facility (the DSG Second Lien Revolving Credit Facility, together with the DSG Second Lien Term Loan, the DSG Second Lien Credit Facilities, and together with the DSG First Lien Term Loan, the DSG First and Second Lien Credit Facilities) with more restrictive covenants and other terms as compared with the existing DSG Revolving Credit Facility, which terms are substantially consistent with the DSG Second Lien Term Loan other than an extended term to May 2026, and were exchanged into the DSG Second Lien Revolving Credit Facility for a principal amount equal to 35.0% of such lender’s total revolving commitments existing under the existing DSG Revolving Credit Facility. The DSG Second Lien Credit Facilities were issued pursuant to a new second-priority lien credit agreement (the “DSG Second Lien Credit Agreement,” and together with the DSG First Lien Credit Agreement, the “DSG First and Second Lien Credit Agreements”). The DSG First and Second Lien Credit Agreements and the existing DSG Bank Credit Agreement are collectively referred to as the DSG Credit Agreements. • In the case of the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes, the DSG 5.375% Second Lien Secured Notes. • Non-Participating Lenders under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement and DSG 5.375% Secured Notes: All loans under the DSG Bank Credit Agreement that did not participate in the Transaction (the "DSG Third Lien Term Loan") and all DSG 5.375% Secured Notes that did not participate in an exchange offer rank third in lien priority on shared collateral behind each of the DSG First and Second Lien Credit Facilities and the DSG 5.375% Second Lien Secured Notes, and certain of the covenants, events of default and related definitions in the DSG Bank Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes were eliminated in a manner customary for covenant strips as part of exit consents for transactions of this type. • Redemption of DSG 12.750% Secured Notes. DSG redeemed the 12.750% Secured Notes and satisfied and discharged the indenture governing the DSG 12.750% Secured Notes. The redemption price was equal to the sum of 100% of the principal amount of the DSG 12.750% Notes outstanding plus the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture governing the DSG 12.750% Secured Notes), together with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed up to, but not including, March 2, 2022. Immediately following the Transactions, DSG had $3,036 million of DSG 5.375% Second Lien Notes outstanding, $14 million of DSG 5.375% Secured Notes outstanding, $635 million outstanding under the DSG First Lien Term Loan, $3,449 million outstanding under the DSG Second Lien Term Loan, and $4 million outstanding under the DSG Third Lien Term Loan. In addition, we had $227.5 million of availability under the DSG Second Lien Revolving Credit Facility. Borrowings under the DSG First and Second Lien Credit Facilities bear interest, at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin of 7.00% in the case of base rate DSG First Lien Term Loan borrowings or 8.00%, plus customary credit spread adjustments in the case of Term SOFR rate DSG First Lien Term Loan borrowings; at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin of 2.25% in the case of base rate DSG Second Lien Term Loan borrowings or 3.25% plus customary credit spread adjustments in the case of Term SOFR rate DSG Second Lien Term Loan borrowings; and 2.00% in the case of base rate DSG Second Lien Revolving Credit Facility borrowings or 3.00% plus customary credit spread adjustments in the case of Term SOFR rate DSG Second Lien Revolving Credit Facility borrowings, and, in the case of the DSG Second Lien Revolving Credit Facility, subject to decrease if the specified second lien net leverage ratio is less than or equal to certain levels, in each such case over either, at our option, (a) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the “Prime Rate” last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the U.S. or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by the Administrative Agent) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by the Administrative Agent), (2) the federal funds effective rate plus ½ of 1% and (3) the Term SOFR (or successor) rate for a one month interest period (including the applicable credit spread adjustment) plus 1.00% or (b) the Term SOFR rate determined by reference to the interest period relevant to such borrowing, subject to a 0% interest rate floor. The DSG First and Second Lien Credit Agreements contain customary mandatory prepayment requirements, including with respect to excess cash flow, asset sale proceeds and proceeds from certain incurrences of indebtedness. DSG may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the DSG First Lien Term Loan at a prepayment price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the DSG First Lien Term Loan being prepaid plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the prepayment date plus (i) prior to the third anniversary of the closing date of DSG First Lien Term Loan, a make-whole premium (to be defined based on the net present value, calculated on the basis of a treasury rate + 50 basis points, of the interest payments that would have otherwise been paid up to such third anniversary date) plus a prepayment charge equal to 7.0% of the principal amount so prepaid, (ii) 7.0% of the amount so prepaid, if such prepayment occurs on or after the third anniversary of the closing date of the DSG First Lien Term Loan but prior to the date that is one year prior to the maturity date of the DSG First Lien Term Loan, and (iii) 0.0%, if such prepayment occurs on or after the date that is one year prior to the maturity date of the DSG First Lien Term Loan, and in each case subject to customary breakage costs with respect to Term SOFR rate loans. DSG may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the DSG Second Lien Credit Facilities at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary breakage costs with respect to Term SOFR (or successor) loans. The DSG First Lien Term Loan and the DSG Second Lien Term Loan both amortize in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate annual amount equal to 1.00% of the original principal amount of such term loans (commencing with the first full fiscal quarter after the closing date thereof), with the balance being payable on the respective maturity date of such term loans. All obligations under the DSG First Lien Term Loan are secured, subject to permitted liens and other customary exceptions, by: (i) a perfected first priority pledge of (a) all the equity interests of DSG and each wholly owned restricted subsidiary of Holdings that is directly held by Holdings, DSG or a subsidiary guarantor, (b) subject to certain exceptions, the equity held by such entities in non-wholly owned restricted subsidiaries and (c) in certain limited circumstances, the equity held by such entities in non-subsidiary joint ventures and (ii) perfected first priority security interests in substantially all tangible and intangible personal property of Holdings and the subsidiary guarantors. All obligations under the DSG Second Lien Credit Facilities (including with respect to certain cash management services provided by lenders or agents thereunder or affiliates thereof) are secured, subject to permitted liens and other customary exceptions, by: (i) a perfected second priority pledge of (a) all the equity interests of DSG and each wholly owned restricted subsidiary of Holdings that is directly held by Holdings, DSG or a subsidiary guarantor, (b) subject to certain exceptions, the equity held by such entities in non-wholly owned restricted subsidiaries and (c) in certain limited circumstances, the equity held by such entities in non-subsidiary joint ventures and (ii) perfected second priority security interests in substantially all tangible and intangible personal property of Holdings and the subsidiary guarantors.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM_2

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (the Company) is a diversified media company with national reach and a strong focus on providing high-quality content on our local television stations, regional sports networks, and digital platforms. The content, distributed through our broadcast platform and third-party platforms, consists of programming provided by third-party networks and syndicators, local news, college and professional sports, and other original programming produced by us. Additionally, we own digital media products that are complementary to our extensive portfolio of television station related digital properties. Outside of our media related businesses, we operate technical services companies focused on supply and maintenance of broadcast transmission systems as well as research and development for the advancement of broadcast technology, and we manage other non-media related investments. As of December 31, 2021, we had two reportable segments for accounting purposes, broadcast and local sports. The broadcast segment consists primarily of our 185 broadcast television stations in 86 markets, which we own, provide programming and operating services pursuant to agreements commonly referred to as local marketing agreements (LMAs), or provide sales services and other non-programming operating services pursuant to other outsourcing agreements (such as JSAs and SSAs). These stations broadcast 634 channels as of December 31, 2021. For the purpose of this report, these 185 stations and 634 channels are referred to as “our” stations and channels. The local sports segment consists primarily of our Bally Sports network brands (Bally RSNs), the Marquee Sports Network (Marquee) joint venture, and a minority equity interest in the Yankee Entertainment and Sports Network, LLC ( YES Network). We refer to the Bally RSNs and Marquee as "the RSNs". The RSNs and YES Network own the exclusive rights to air, among other sporting events, the games of professional sports teams in designated local viewing areas.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, including the operating results of the Acquired RSNs acquired on August 23, 2019, as discussed in Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets , and VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Noncontrolling interests represent a minority owner’s proportionate share of the equity in certain of our consolidated entities. Noncontrolling interests which may be redeemed by the holder, and the redemption is outside of our control, are presented as redeemable noncontrolling interests. All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns that would be significant to the VIE. See Note 14. Variable Interest Entities for more information on our VIEs. Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but not control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Income (loss) from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income or loss generated by equity method investees.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and in the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The impact of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to create significant uncertainty and disruption in the global economy and financial markets. It is reasonably possible that these uncertainties could further materially impact our estimates related to, but not limited to, revenue recognition, goodwill and intangible assets, program contract costs, sports programming rights, and income taxes. As a result, many of our estimates and assumptions require increased judgment and carry a higher degree of variability and volatility. Our estimates may change as new events occur and additional information emerges, and such changes are recognized or disclosed in our consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance on the accounting for credit losses on financial instruments. Among other provisions, this guidance introduces a new impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace the current “incurred loss” model that will generally result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software, with the capitalized implementation costs of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2018, the FASB issued guidance for determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest. The amendments require organizations to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety, as currently required in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2019, the FASB issued guidance which requires that an entity test a film or license agreement within the scope of Subtopic 920-350 for impairment at the film group level, when the film or license agreement is predominantly monetized with other films and/or license agreements. We adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We early adopted this guidance during the third quarter of 2020. The impact of the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued guidance providing optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to derivative contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The guidance was effective for all entities immediately upon issuance of the update and may be applied prospectively to applicable transactions existing as of or entered into from the date of adoption through December 31, 2022. This guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2021, the FASB issued guidance to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in practice. ASU 2021-08 requires that an acquiring entity recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606, as if it had originated the contracts. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance, but do not expect a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable We regularly review accounts receivable and determine an appropriate estimate for the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the impact of economic conditions on the merchant’s ability to pay, past collection experience, and such other factors which, in management’s judgment, deserve current recognition. In turn, a provision is charged against earnings in order to maintain the appropriate allowance level.
Broadcast Television Programming	Broadcast Television Programming We have agreements with programming syndicators for the rights to television programming over contract periods, which generally run from one The rights to this programming are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. Program contract costs are amortized on a straight-line basis except for contracts greater than three years which are amortized utilizing an accelerated method. Program contract costs estimated by management to be amortized in the succeeding year are classified as current assets. Payments of program contract liabilities are typically made on a scheduled basis and are not affected by amortization or fair value adjustments. Fair value is determined utilizing a discounted cash flow model based on management’s expectation of future advertising revenues, net of sales commissions, to be generated by the program material. We assess our program contract costs on a quarterly basis to ensure the costs are recorded at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. Sports Programming Rights We have multi-year program rights agreements that provide the Company with the right to produce and telecast professional live sports games within a specified territory in exchange for a rights fee. A prepaid asset is recorded for rights acquired related to future games upon payment of the contracted fee. The assets recorded for the acquired rights are classified as current or non-current based on the period when the games are expected to be aired. Liabilities are recorded for any program rights obligations that have been incurred but not yet paid at period end. We amortize these programming rights as an expense over each season based upon contractually stated rates. Amortization is accelerated in the event that the stated contractual rates over the term of the rights agreement results in an expense recognition pattern that is inconsistent with the projected growth of revenue over the contractual term. On March 12, 2020, the NBA, NHL, and MLB suspended or delayed the start of their seasons as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On that date, the Company suspended the recognition of amortization expense associated with prepaid program rights agreements with teams within these leagues. Amortization expense resumed for the NBA, NHL, and MLB over the modified seasons when the games commenced during the third quarter of 2020. The NBA and NHL also delayed the start of their 2020-2021 seasons until December 22, 2020 and January 13, 2021, respectively; sports rights expense associated with these seasons was recognized over the modified term of these seasons.
Impairment of Goodwill, Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, and Other Long-lived Assets	Impairment of Goodwill, Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, and Other Long-lived Assets We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. Our goodwill has been allocated to, and is tested for impairment at, the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or a component of an operating segment to the extent that the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by management. Components of an operating segment with similar characteristics are aggregated when testing goodwill for impairment. In the performance of our annual assessment of goodwill for impairment, we have the option to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit has been impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment, we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the reporting units as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired, or if we elect not to perform the optional qualitative assessment, we will determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the net book value of the reporting unit. If the fair value is less than the net book value, we will record an impairment to goodwill for the amount of the difference. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units utilizing the income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis. Our discounted cash flow model is based on our judgment of future market conditions based on our internal forecast of future performance, as well as discount rates that are based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist primarily of our broadcast licenses and a trade name. For our annual impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets, we have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that these assets are impaired. As part of this qualitative assessment we weigh the relative impact of factors that are specific to the indefinite-lived intangible assets as well as industry, regulatory, and macroeconomic factors that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the assets. We also consider the significance of the excess fair value over carrying value in prior quantitative assessments. When evaluating our broadcast licenses for impairment, the qualitative assessment is done at the market level because the broadcast licenses within the market are complementary and together enhance the single broadcast license of each station. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that one of our broadcast licenses is impaired, we will perform a quantitative assessment by comparing the aggregate fair value of the broadcast licenses in the market to the respective carrying values. We estimate the fair values of our broadcast licenses using the Greenfield method, which is an income approach. This method involves a discounted cash flow model that incorporates several variables, including, but not limited to, market revenues and long-term growth projections, estimated market share for the typical participant without a network affiliation, and estimated profit margins based on market size and station type. The model also assumes outlays for capital expenditures, future terminal values, an effective tax rate assumption and a discount rate based on a number of factors including market interest rates, a weighted average cost of capital analysis based on the target capital structure for a television station, and includes adjustments for market risk and company specific risk. If the carrying amount of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value, then an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value of the broadcast licenses exceeds the fair value. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets by comparing the carrying amount of the assets within an asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with the asset group. An asset group represents the lowest level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. At the time that such evaluations indicate that the future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment loss is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset group to the carrying value. We estimate fair value using an income approach involving the performance of a discounted cash flow analysis. Our RSNs included in the local sports segment were negatively impacted by the loss of three Distributors in 2020. In addition, our existing Distributors experienced elevated levels of subscriber erosion which we believe was influenced, in part, by shifting consumer behaviors resulting from media fragmentation, the current economic environment, the COVID-19 pandemic and related uncertainties. Most of these factors are also expected to have a negative impact on future projected revenues and margins of our RSNs . As a result of these factors, we performed an impairment test of the RSN reporting units' goodwill and long-lived asset groups during the third quarter of 2020 which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge for the year ended December 31, 2020 on goodwill of $2,615 million, customer relationships of $1,218 million, and other definite-lived intangible assets of $431 million, included within impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets in our consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we did not identify any indicators that our definite-lived intangible assets may not be recoverable. See Note 5. Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Other Intangible Assets for more information. We believe we have made reasonable estimates and utilized appropriate assumptions in the performance of our impairment assessments. If future results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, including future events such as a deterioration of market conditions, loss of significant customers, failure to execute on DSG's DTC strategy significant increases in discount rates, among other factors, we could be exposed to impairment charges in the future. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows.
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Accounts Payable and Accrued LiabilitiesWe expense these activities when incurred
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to realize net deferred tax assets, we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, including our past operating results, tax planning strategies, current and cumulative losses, and forecasts of future taxable income. In considering these sources of taxable income, we must make certain judgments that are based on the plans and estimates used to manage our underlying businesses on a long-term basis. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, a valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets related to certain temporary basis differences, interest expense carryforwards under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 163(j) and a substantial amount of our available state net operating loss carryforwards based on past operating results, including the RSN impairment, expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary basis differences, alternative tax strategies and projected future taxable income. Future changes in operating and/or taxable income or other changes in facts and circumstances could significantly impact the ability to realize our deferred tax assets which could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Management periodically performs a comprehensive review of our tax positions, and we record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits if such tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation processes. Significant judgment is required in determining whether positions taken are more likely than not to be sustained, and it is based on a variety of facts and circumstances, including interpretation of the relevant federal and state income tax codes, regulations, case law and other authoritative pronouncements. Based on this analysis, the status of ongoing audits and the expiration of applicable statute of limitations, liabilities are adjusted as necessary. The resolution of audits is unpredictable and could result in tax liabilities that are significantly higher or lower than for what we have provided. See Note 12. Income Taxes , for further discussion of accrued unrecognized tax benefits.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by type and segment for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): For the year ended December 31, 2021 Broadcast Local sports Other Eliminations Total Distribution revenue $ 1,475 $ 2,620 $ 193 $ — $ 4,288 Advertising revenue 1,106 409 217 (41) 1,691 Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue 176 27 71 (119) 155 Total revenues $ 2,757 $ 3,056 $ 481 $ (160) $ 6,134 For the year ended December 31, 2020 Broadcast Local sports Other Eliminations Total Distribution revenue $ 1,414 $ 2,472 $ 199 $ — $ 4,085 Advertising revenue 1,364 196 131 (2) 1,689 Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue 144 18 121 (114) 169 Total revenues $ 2,922 $ 2,686 $ 451 $ (116) $ 5,943 For the year ended December 31, 2019 Broadcast Local sports Other Eliminations Total Distribution revenue $ 1,341 $ 1,029 $ 130 $ — $ 2,500 Advertising revenue 1,268 103 110 (1) 1,480 Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue 81 7 230 (58) 260 Total revenues $ 2,690 $ 1,139 $ 470 $ (59) $ 4,240 Distribution Revenue. We generate distribution revenue through fees received from Distributors for the right to distribute our stations, RSNs, and other properties. Distribution arrangements are generally governed by multi-year contracts and the underlying fees are based upon a contractual monthly rate per subscriber. These arrangements represent licenses of intellectual property; revenue is recognized as the signal or network programming is provided to our customers (as usage occurs) which corresponds with the satisfaction of our performance obligation. Revenue is calculated based upon the contractual rate multiplied by an estimated number of subscribers. Our customers will remit payments based upon actual subscribers a short time after the conclusion of a month, which generally does not exceed 120 days. Historical adjustments to subscriber estimates have not been material. Certain of our distribution arrangements contain provisions that require the Company to deliver a minimum number of live professional sports games or tournaments during a defined period which usually corresponds with a calendar year. If the minimum threshold is not met, we may be obligated to refund a portion of the distribution fees received if shortfalls are not cured within a specified period of time. Our ability to meet these requirements is primarily driven by the delivery of games by the professional sports leagues. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company had not historically paid any material rebates under these contractual provisions as it is unusual for there to be an event which is significant enough to preclude the Company from meeting or exceeding these thresholds. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant disruptions to the normal operations of the professional sports leagues resulting in delays and uncertainty with respect to regularly scheduled games. Decisions made by the leagues during the second quarter of 2020 regarding the timing and format of the revised 2020 season and decisions made by the NHL and NBA during the fourth quarter of 2020 and the first and third quarters of 2021 regarding the timing and format of their revised 2020-2021 seasons have resulted, in some cases, in our inability to meet these minimum game requirements and the need to reduce revenue based upon estimated rebates due to our Distributors. Accrued rebates as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $210 million and $420 million, respectively. The decrease in accrued rebates during the year ended December 31, 2021 includes $202 million of payments and $8 million of adjustments related to rebates accrued in 2020 due primarily to changes in estimated game counts. As of December 31, 2021, all rebates are reflected in other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. We expect these rebates to be paid during 2022. There were no rebates accrued during the year ended December 31, 2021 that related to the 2020-2021 seasons, as we were not in a shortfall position in 2021. There can be no assurances that additional rebates will not be required if there are future postponements of the professional sports leagues, including the outcome of the current MLB lockout. Advertising Revenue. We generate advertising revenue primarily from the sale of advertising spots/impressions within our broadcast television, RSNs, and digital platforms. Advertising revenue is recognized in the period in which the advertising spots/impressions are delivered. In arrangements where we provide audience ratings guarantees, to the extent that there is a ratings shortfall, we will defer a proportionate amount of revenue until the ratings shortfall is settled through the delivery of additional advertising. The term of our advertising arrangements is generally less than one year and the timing between when an advertisement is aired and when payment is due is not significant. In certain circumstances, we require customers to pay in advance; payments received in advance of satisfying our performance obligations are reflected as deferred revenue. Practical Expedients and Exemptions. We expense sales commissions when incurred because the period of benefit for these costs is one year or less. These costs are recorded within media selling, general and administrative expenses. In accordance with ASC 606, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) distribution arrangements which are accounted for as a sales/usage based royalty. Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations. Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, we allocate revenues to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is generally based on the prices charged to customers.
Advertising Expenses	Advertising Expenses
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments
Post-retirement Benefits	Post-retirement Benefits
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Variable Interest Entities	Certain of our stations provide services to other station owners within the same respective market through agreements, such as LMAs, where we provide programming, sales, operational, and administrative services, and JSAs and SSAs, where we provide non-programming, sales, operational, and administrative services. In certain cases, we have also entered into purchase agreements or options to purchase the license related assets of the licensee. We typically own the majority of the non-license assets of the stations, and in some cases where the licensee acquired the license assets concurrent with our acquisition of the non-license assets of the station, we have provided guarantees to the bank for the licensee’s acquisition financing. The terms of the agreements vary, but generally have initial terms of over five years with several optional renewal terms. Based on the terms of the agreements and the significance of our investment in the stations, we are the primary beneficiary when, subject to the ultimate control of the licensees, we have the power to direct the activities which significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE through the services we provide and we absorb losses and returns that would be considered significant to the VIEs. The fees paid between us and the licensees pursuant to these arrangements are eliminated in consolidation. Other VIEs We have several investments in entities which are considered VIEs. However, we do not participate in the management of these entities, including the day-to-day operating decisions or other decisions which would allow us to control the entity, and therefore, we are not considered the primary beneficiary of these VIEs.
Fair Value Measurements	Accounting guidance provides for valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). A fair value hierarchy using three broad levels prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The following is a brief description of those three levels: • Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. • Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM_3

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Rollforward of the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	A rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 is as follows (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of period $ 5 $ 8 $ 2 Charged to expense 3 2 9 Net write-offs (1) (5) (3) Balance at end of period $ 7 $ 5 $ 8
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in millions): 2021 2020 Compensation and employee benefits $ 142 $ 131 Interest 126 127 Programming related obligations 227 183 Legal, litigation, and regulatory 6 2 Accounts payable and other operating expenses 154 90 Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 655 $ 533
Schedule of Cash Transactions	During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, we had the following cash transactions (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Income taxes paid $ 16 $ 11 $ 32 Income tax refunds $ 44 $ 2 $ 2 Interest paid $ 583 $ 634 $ 283
Schedule of Disaggregation of revenue	The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by type and segment for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): For the year ended December 31, 2021 Broadcast Local sports Other Eliminations Total Distribution revenue $ 1,475 $ 2,620 $ 193 $ — $ 4,288 Advertising revenue 1,106 409 217 (41) 1,691 Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue 176 27 71 (119) 155 Total revenues $ 2,757 $ 3,056 $ 481 $ (160) $ 6,134 For the year ended December 31, 2020 Broadcast Local sports Other Eliminations Total Distribution revenue $ 1,414 $ 2,472 $ 199 $ — $ 4,085 Advertising revenue 1,364 196 131 (2) 1,689 Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue 144 18 121 (114) 169 Total revenues $ 2,922 $ 2,686 $ 451 $ (116) $ 5,943 For the year ended December 31, 2019 Broadcast Local sports Other Eliminations Total Distribution revenue $ 1,341 $ 1,029 $ 130 $ — $ 2,500 Advertising revenue 1,268 103 110 (1) 1,480 Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue 81 7 230 (58) 260 Total revenues $ 2,690 $ 1,139 $ 470 $ (59) $ 4,240

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_2

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Schedule of Allocated Fair Value of Acquired Assets and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the fair value of acquired assets, assumed liabilities, and noncontrolling interests of the Acquired RSNs (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents $ 824 Accounts receivable, net 606 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 175 Property and equipment, net 25 Customer relationships, net 5,439 Other definite-lived intangible assets, net 1,286 Other assets 52 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (181) Other long-term liabilities (396) Goodwill 2,615 Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired $ 10,445 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (380) Noncontrolling interests (248) Gross purchase price $ 9,817 Purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 8,993
Schedule of Acquired Operations Included in the Financial Statements	The following tables summarize the results of the net revenues and operating (loss) income included in the financial statements of the Company beginning on the acquisition date of each acquisition as listed below (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Revenues: Acquired RSNs $ 2,834 $ 2,562 $ 1,139 Other acquisitions in 2020 4 3 — Other acquisitions in 2021 8 — — Total net revenues $ 2,846 $ 2,565 $ 1,139 2021 2020 2019 Operating (Loss) Income: Acquired RSNs (a) $ (395) $ (3,585) $ 70 Other acquisitions in 2020 (9) (2) — Other acquisitions in 2021 (45) — — Total operating (loss) income $ (449) $ (3,587) $ 70 (a) Operating (loss) income f or the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 includes transaction costs discussed below, and for the years ended December 31, 2021 , 2020, and 2019 excludes $109 million, $98 million, and $35 million, respectively, of selling, general, and administrative expenses for services provided by broadcast to local sports, which are eliminated in consolidation.
Schedule of Unaudited Pro Forma Results of Operations	The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations, assuming that the RSN Acquisition, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisition, occurred at the beginning of the year preceding the year of acquisition (in millions, except per data share): Unaudited 2019 Total revenues $ 6,689 Net income $ 328 Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 130 Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 1.41 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 1.39

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Unvested Restricted Stock	The following is a summary of changes in unvested restricted stock: RSAs Weighted-Average Price Unvested shares at December 31, 2020 441,709 $ 28.86 2021 Activity: Granted 693,019 32.78 Vested (615,736) 33.25 Forfeited (17,611) 29.61 Unvested shares at December 31, 2021 501,381 $ 28.87
Schedule of SARS Activity	The following is a summary of the 2021 activity: SARs Weighted-Average Price Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2020 3,205,562 $ 23.32 2021 Activity: Granted 1,343,693 33.05 Exercised (2,254,008) 20.99 Outstanding SARs at December 31, 2021 2,295,247 $ 31.29
Schedule of Assumptions Used to Estimate the Value of Stock Options Under ESPP	Valuation of SARS. Our SARs were valued using the Black-Scholes pricing model utilizing the following assumptions: 2021 2020 2019 Risk-free interest rate 0.6 % 1.2% - 1.6% 2.5 % Expected years to exercise 5 years 5 years 5 years Expected volatility 48.2 % 35.0 % 33.8 % Annual dividend yield 2.5 % 2.4% - 2.9% 2.5 %

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives	Depreciation is generally computed under the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Buildings and improvements 10 - 30 years Operating equipment 5 - 10 years Office furniture and equipment 5 - 10 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of 10 - 30 years or lease term Automotive equipment 3 - 5 years Property and equipment under finance leases Lease term
Schedule of Property and Equipment Stated at Cost Less Accumulated Depreciation	Property and equipment consisted of the following as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in millions): 2021 2020 Land and improvements $ 72 $ 74 Real estate held for development and sale 21 25 Buildings and improvements 308 307 Operating equipment 973 939 Office furniture and equipment 129 123 Leasehold improvements 60 59 Automotive equipment 63 66 Finance lease assets 61 59 Construction in progress 34 36 1,721 1,688 Less: accumulated depreciation (888) (865) $ 833 $ 823

GOODWILL,_INDEFINITE-LIVED IN_2

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill at December 31, 2021 and 2020 was as follows (in millions): Broadcast Local sports Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 2,026 2,615 $ 75 $ 4,716 Assets held for sale (b) (9) — — (9) Impairment — (2,615) — (2,615) Balance at December 31, 2020 2,017 — 75 2,092 Disposition (a) (1) — (3) (4) Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 2,016 $ — $ 72 $ 2,088 (a) See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for discussion of dispositions made during 2021. (b) Assets held for sale as of December 31, 2020 were sold during the year ended December 31, 2021. See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for discussion of dispositions during 2021 and 2020.
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the carrying amount of our indefinite-lived intangible assets was as follows (in millions): Broadcast Other Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2019 (a) $ 131 $ 27 $ 158 Acquisition / Disposition (c) 13 — 13 Balance at December 31, 2020 (a) (b) 144 27 171 Acquisition / Disposition (c) (21) — (21) Balance at December 31, 2021 (a) (b) $ 123 $ 27 $ 150 (a) Our indefinite-lived intangible assets in our broadcast segment relate to broadcast licenses and our indefinite-lived intangible assets in other relate to trade names. (b) Approximately $14 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets relate to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. (c) See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets for discussion of acquisitions and dispositions during 2021 and 2020.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortization	The following table shows the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangibles (in millions): As of December 31, 2021 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Customer relationships $ 5,323 $ (1,419) $ 3,904 Network affiliation 1,436 (861) 575 Favorable sports contracts 840 (251) 589 Other 51 (31) 20 Total other definite-lived intangible assets, net (a) $ 2,327 $ (1,143) $ 1,184 As of December 31, 2020 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Amortized intangible assets: Customer relationships (b) $ 5,329 $ (1,043) $ 4,286 Network affiliation 1,438 (775) 663 Favorable sports contracts (b) 840 (174) 666 Other 35 (26) 9 Total other definite-lived intangible assets, net (a) $ 2,313 $ (975) $ 1,338 (a) Approximately $47 million and $54 million of definite-lived intangible assets relate to consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (b) As of December 31, 2020, we recorded a total impairment loss relating to customer relationships and favorable sports contracts of $1,218 million and $431 million, respectively, which is reflected as a reduction within the Gross Carrying Value column.
Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense of the Definite-lived Intangible Assets	The following table shows the estimated annual amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter (in millions): 2022 $ 548 2023 530 2024 517 2025 507 2026 497 2027 and thereafter 2,489 $ 5,088

OTHER ASSETS (Tables)

OTHER ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
OTHER ASSETS (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets	Other assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 consisted of the following (in millions): 2021 2020 Equity method investments $ 517 $ 451 Other investments 567 450 Post-retirement plan assets 50 44 Other 274 113 Total other assets $ 1,408 $ 1,058
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	The summarized results of operations and financial position of the investments accounted for under the equity method are as follows (in millions): For the Years Ended December 31, 2021 2020 2019 Revenues, net $ 994 $ 611 $ 386 Operating income $ 316 $ 147 $ 47 Net income $ 465 $ 23 $ 13 As of December 31, 2021 2020 Current assets $ 468 $ 493 Noncurrent assets $ 4,259 $ 4,219 Current liabilities $ 184 $ 410 Noncurrent liabilities $ 2,030 $ 2,327

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL _2

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING (Tables)	12 Months Ended
NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Notes Payable, Capital Leases and the Bank Credit Agreement	Notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing (including finance leases to affiliates) consisted of the following as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in millions): 2021 2020 STG Bank Credit Agreement: Term Loan B-1, due January 3, 2024 $ 379 $ 1,119 Term Loan B-2, due September 30, 2026 1,271 1,284 Term Loan B-3, due April 1, 2028 (a) 736 — DSG Bank Credit Agreement (b): Term Loan, due August 24, 2026 3,226 3,259 STG Notes: 5.875% Unsecured Notes, due March 15, 2026 348 348 5.125% Unsecured Notes, due February 15, 2027 400 400 5.500% Unsecured Notes, due March 1, 2030 500 500 4.125% Senior Secured Notes, due December 1, 2030 750 750 DSG Notes: 12.750% Senior Secured Notes, due December 1, 2026 (b) 31 31 5.375% Senior Secured Notes, due August 15, 2026 (b) 3,050 3,050 6.625% Unsecured Notes, due August 15, 2027 1,744 1,744 DSG Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility (c) — 177 Debt of variable interest entities 9 17 Debt of non-media subsidiaries 17 17 Finance leases 28 30 Finance leases - affiliate 9 8 Total outstanding principal 12,498 12,734 Less: Deferred financing costs and discounts (158) (183) Less: Current portion (66) (56) Less: Finance leases - affiliate, current portion (3) (2) Net carrying value of long-term debt $ 12,271 $ 12,493 (a) On April 1, 2021, STG amended the STG Bank Credit Agreement to raise term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $740 million (STG Term Loan B-3), the proceeds of which were used to refinance a portion of STG's term loan maturing in January 2024, as more fully described below under STG Bank Credit Agreement. (b) On March 1, 2022, DSG completed a refinancing transaction relating to the DSG Bank Credit Agreement, the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes (defined below under DSG Notes ) and the DSG 12.750% Secured Notes (defined below under DSG Notes ). See Note 20. Subsequent Events for a discussion of the refinancing transaction.
Schedule of Maturity of Indebtedness Under the Notes Payable, Capital Leases and the Bank Credit Agreement	Debt under the STG Bank Credit Agreement, DSG Bank Credit Agreement, notes payable and finance leases as of December 31, 2021 matures as follows (in millions): Notes and Finance Leases Total 2022 $ 63 $ 8 $ 71 2023 54 8 62 2024 433 7 440 2025 68 6 74 2026 7,748 6 7,754 2027 and thereafter 4,095 14 4,109 Total minimum payments 12,461 49 12,510 Less: Deferred financing costs, discounts, and premiums (158) — (158) Less: Amount representing future interest — (12) (12) Net carrying value of debt $ 12,303 $ 37 $ 12,340
Schedule of Debt	The stated and weighted average effective interest rates on the above obligations are as follows, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020: Weighted Average Effective Rate Stated Rate 2021 2020 STG Bank Credit Agreement: Term Loan B LIBOR plus 2.25% 2.36% 2.94% Term Loan B-2 LIBOR plus 2.50% 2.77% 3.29% Term Loan B-3 LIBOR plus 3.00% 3.89% —% Revolving Credit Facility (a) LIBOR plus 2.00% —% —% DSG Bank Credit Agreement (b): Term Loan LIBOR plus 3.25% 3.62% 4.21% Revolving Credit Facility (c) LIBOR plus 3.00% —% —% DSG Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility (d) LIBOR plus 4.97% —% 4.77% STG Notes: 5.875% Unsecured Notes 5.88% 6.09% 6.09% 5.125% Unsecured Notes 5.13% 5.33% 5.33% 5.500% Unsecured Notes 5.50% 5.66% 5.66% 4.125% Secured Notes 4.13% 4.31% 4.31% DSG Notes: 12.750% Secured Notes (b) 12.75% 11.95% 11.95% 5.375% Secured Notes (b) 5.38% 5.73% 5.73% 6.625% Unsecured Notes 6.63% 7.00% 7.00% (a) We incur a commitment fee on undrawn capacity of 0.25%, 0.375%, or 0.50% if our first lien indebtedness ratio is less than or equal to 2.75x, less than or equal to 3.0x but greater than 2.75x, or greater than 3.0x, respectively. The STG Revolving Credit Facility is priced at LIBOR plus 2.00%, subject to decrease if the specified first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the STG Bank Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to certain levels. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there we re no outstanding borrowings, $1 million in letters of credit outstanding, and $649 million available under the STG Revolving Credit Facility. See STG Bank Credit Agreement below for further information. (b) On March 1, 2022 DSG completed a refinancing transaction relating to the DSG Bank Credit Agreement, the DSG 5.375% Secured Notes (defined below under DSG Notes ) and the DSG 12.750% Secured Notes (defined below under DSG Notes ). See Note 20. Subsequent Events for a discussion of the refinancing transaction. (c) We incur a commitment fee on undrawn capacity of 0.25%, 0.375%, or 0.50% if our first lien indebtedness ratio is less than or equal to 3.25x, less than or equal to 3.75x but greater than 3.25x, or greater than 3.75x, respectively. The DSG Revolving Credit Facility is priced at LIBOR plus 3.00%, subject to decrease if the specified first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the DSG Bank Credit Agreement) is less than or equal to certain levels. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020 , there were no outstanding borrowings, no letters of credit outstanding, and $228 million available under the DSG Revolving Credit Facility. See DSG Bank Credit Agreement below for further information.

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
LEASES (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Lease Expense	The following table presents lease expense we have recorded in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Finance lease expense: Amortization of finance lease asset $ 3 $ 3 $ 3 Interest on lease liabilities 3 4 4 Total finance lease expense 6 7 7 Operating lease expense (a) 60 64 47 Total lease expense $ 66 $ 71 $ 54 (a) Includes variable lease expense of $7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and short-term lease expense of $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019. The following table presents other information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 52 $ 55 $ 38 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 3 $ 3 $ 4 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 50 $ 20 $ 35 Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities $ 4 $ 6 $ —
Schedule of Maturity of Finance Leases	The following table summarizes our outstanding operating and finance lease obligations as of December 31, 2021 (in millions): Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2022 $ 47 $ 8 $ 55 2023 41 8 49 2024 35 7 42 2025 34 6 40 2026 29 6 35 2027 and thereafter 121 14 135 Total undiscounted obligations 307 49 356 Less imputed interest (67) (12) (79) Present value of lease obligations $ 240 $ 37 $ 277
Schedule of Maturity of Operating Leases	The following table summarizes our outstanding operating and finance lease obligations as of December 31, 2021 (in millions): Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 2022 $ 47 $ 8 $ 55 2023 41 8 49 2024 35 7 42 2025 34 6 40 2026 29 6 35 2027 and thereafter 121 14 135 Total undiscounted obligations 307 49 356 Less imputed interest (67) (12) (79) Present value of lease obligations $ 240 $ 37 $ 277
Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	The following table summarizes supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in millions, except lease term and discount rate): 2021 2020 Operating Leases Finance Leases Operating Leases Finance Leases Lease assets, non-current $ 207 $ 18 (a) $ 197 $ 17 (a) Lease liabilities, current 35 5 34 5 Lease liabilities, non-current 205 32 198 33 Total lease liabilities $ 240 $ 37 $ 232 $ 38 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 8.39 7.71 9.39 8.39 Weighted average discount rate 5.4 % 7.9 % 5.7 % 8.4 % (a) Finance lease assets are reflected in property and equipment, net in our consolidated balance sheets.

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Tables)

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
PROGRAM CONTRACTS:
Schedule of Future Payments Required Under Program Contracts	Future payments required under television program contracts as of December 31, 2021 were as follows (in millions): 2022 $ 97 2023 14 2024 6 2025 1 2026 — Total 118 Less: Current portion 97 Long-term portion of program contracts payable $ 21 (in millions) 2022 $ 1,819 2023 1,773 2024 1,707 2025 1,573 2026 1,373 2027 and thereafter 5,723 Total $ 13,968

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Provision (benefit) For Income Taxes	The (benefit) provision for income taxes consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Current (benefit) provision for income taxes: Federal $ (78) $ (126) $ (89) State 2 9 (2) (76) (117) (91) Deferred benefit for income taxes: Federal (93) (584) (4) State (4) (19) (1) (97) (603) (5) Benefit for income taxes $ (173) $ (720) $ (96)
Schedule of Reconciliation of Federal Income Taxes At The Applicable Statutory Rate To The Recorded Provision From Continuing Operations	The following is a reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision: 2021 2020 2019 Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Adjustments: Federal tax credits (a) 10.6 % 1.7 % (684.6) % Net Operating Loss Carryback (b) 7.5 % 1.9 % — % State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (c) (4.2) % 4.0 % 56.6 % Noncontrolling interest (d) 2.6 % 0.7 % (138.9) % Valuation allowance (e) (1.5) % (6.1) % (237.1) % Change in unrecognized tax benefits (f) (1.0) % (0.2) % 72.2 % Stock-based compensation (0.2) % (0.1) % (15.9) % Non-deductible items (g) (0.1) % — % 192.7 % Effect of consolidated VIEs (h) 0.1 % (0.1) % 46.3 % Spectrum sales (i) — % — % (386.7) % Capital loss carryback (j) — % — % (26.0) % Other (0.1) % 0.1 % (3.0) % Effective income tax rate 34.7 % 22.9 % (1,103.4) % (a) Our 2021, 2020, and 2019 income tax provisions include a benefit of $40 million, $42 million, and $57 million, respectively, related to investments in sustainability initiatives whose activities qualify for federal income tax credits through 2021. (b) Our 2021 and 2020 income tax provisions include a benefit of $38 million and $61 million, respectively, as result of the CARES Act allowing for the 2020 federal net operating loss to be carried back to the pre-2018 years when the federal tax rate was 35%. (c) Included in state income taxes are deferred income tax effects related to certain acquisitions, intercompany mergers, law changes, and/or impact of changes in apportionment. (d) Our 2021, 2020, and 2019 income tax provisions include a $13 million, $23 million, and $12 million benefit, respectively, related to noncontrolling interest of various partnerships. (e) Our 2021 income tax provision includes a net $8 million addition related to an increase in valuation allowance associated with the federal interest expense carryforwards under the IRC Section 163(j) and primarily offset by a decrease in valuation allowance on certain state deferred tax assets as a result of the changes in estimate of the state apportionment. Our 2020 income tax provision includes a $192 million addition related to an increase in valuation allowance primarily due to the change in judgement in the realizability of certain deferred tax assets resulting from the reduction in forecast of future operating income and the RSN impairment. Our 2019 income tax provision includes a $16 million benefit related to a release of valuation allowance on certain state net operating losses where utilization was expected as a result of a business combination. (f) Our 2021, 2020, and 2019 income tax provisions include $1 million, $5 million, and $4 million additions, respectively, related to tax positions of prior tax years. (g) Our 2019 income tax provision includes a $17 million addition primarily related to regulatory costs, executive compensation and other not tax-deductible expenses. (h) Certain of our consolidated VIEs incur expenses that are not attributable to non-controlling interests because we absorb certain related losses of the VIEs. These expenses are not tax-deductible by us, and since these VIEs are treated as pass-through entities for income tax purposes, deferred income tax benefits are not recognized. (i) Our 2019 income tax provision includes a benefit of $34 million related to the treatment of the gain from the sale of certain broadcast spectrum in connection with the Broadcast Incentive Auction. (j) Our 2019 income tax provision includes a $2 million benefit related to capital losses that will be carried back to the pre-2018 tax years when the federal tax rate was 35%.
Schedule of Total Deferred Tax Assets And Deferred Tax Liabilities	Total deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in millions): 2021 2020 Deferred Tax Assets: Net operating losses: Federal $ 16 $ 22 State 120 130 Goodwill and intangible assets 6 9 Basis in DSH 814 834 Tax Credits 87 67 Other 108 53 1,151 1,115 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (256) (252) Total deferred tax assets $ 895 $ 863 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Goodwill and intangible assets $ (397) $ (402) Property & equipment, net (165) (221) Other (40) (43) Total deferred tax liabilities (602) (666) Net deferred tax assets $ 293 $ 197
Schedule of Activity Related To Accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following table summarizes the activity related to our accrued unrecognized tax benefits (in millions): 2021 2020 2019 Balance at January 1, $ 11 $ 11 $ 7 Additions related to prior year tax positions 1 5 4 Additions related to current year tax positions 3 3 — Reductions related to prior year tax positions — (1) — Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities — (4) — Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations — (3) — Balance at December 31, $ 15 $ 11 $ 11

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Non-Cancellable Commitments Relating to Sports Rights Agreement	Future payments required under television program contracts as of December 31, 2021 were as follows (in millions): 2022 $ 97 2023 14 2024 6 2025 1 2026 — Total 118 Less: Current portion 97 Long-term portion of program contracts payable $ 21 (in millions) 2022 $ 1,819 2023 1,773 2024 1,707 2025 1,573 2026 1,373 2027 and thereafter 5,723 Total $ 13,968

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Tab

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows (in millions): 2021 2020 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 43 $ 64 Accounts receivable, net 83 70 Prepaid sports rights 2 2 Other current assets 4 5 Total current asset 132 141 Property and equipment, net 17 16 Operating lease assets 5 6 Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets 15 15 Definite-lived intangible assets, net 47 54 Other assets 1 1 Total assets $ 217 $ 233 LIABILITIES Current liabilities: Other current liabilities $ 62 $ 40 Notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing, less current portion — 10 Operating lease liabilities, less current portion 4 5 Program contracts payable, less current portion 2 4 Other long term liabilities 4 17 Total liabilities $ 72 $ 76

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Reconciliation Of Income (numerator) And Shares (denominator) Used In Computation Of Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table reconciles income (numerator) and shares (denominator) used in our computations of earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions, except share amounts which are reflected in thousands): 2021 2020 2019 Income (Numerator) Net (loss) income $ (326) $ (2,429) $ 105 Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests (18) (56) (48) Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests (70) 71 (10) Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share available to common shareholders $ (414) $ (2,414) $ 47 Shares (Denominator) Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding 75,050 79,924 92,015 Dilutive effect of stock settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options — — 1,170 Diluted weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 75,050 79,924 93,185
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of Earnings Per Share	The following table shows the weighted-average stock-settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options (in thousands) that are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive. 2021 2020 2019 Weighted-average stock-settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options excluded 1,973 3,288 238

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)

SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Financial Information	Segment financial information is included in the following tables for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 (in millions): As of December 31, 2021 Broadcast Local sports Other & Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Goodwill $ 2,016 $ — $ 72 $ — $ 2,088 Assets 4,793 5,769 2,009 (30) 12,541 Capital expenditures 52 16 12 — 80 As of December 31, 2020 Broadcast Local sports Other & Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Goodwill $ 2,017 $ — $ 75 $ — $ 2,092 Assets 4,908 6,620 1,867 (13) 13,382 Capital expenditures 101 24 32 — 157 For the year ended December 31, 2021 Broadcast Local sports Other & Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Revenue $ 2,757 $ 3,056 $ 481 $ (160) (c) $ 6,134 Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 247 316 31 (3) 591 Amortization of sports programming rights (a) — 2,350 — — 2,350 Amortization of program contract costs 76 — 17 — 93 Corporate general and administrative expenses 147 10 13 — 170 Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment (24) (b) (43) (b) (4) — (71) Operating income (loss) 374 (b) (317) (b) 39 (1) 95 Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs 4 436 192 (14) 618 Income (loss) from equity method investments — 49 (4) — 45 For the year ended December 31, 2020 Broadcast Local sports Other & Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Revenue $ 2,922 $ 2,686 $ 451 $ (116) (c) $ 5,943 Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 239 410 27 (2) 674 Amortization of sports programming rights (a) — 1,078 — — 1,078 Amortization of program contract costs 83 — 3 — 86 Corporate general and administrative expenses 119 10 19 — 148 (Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment (118) (b) — 3 — (115) Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets — 4,264 — — 4,264 Operating income (loss) 789 (b) (3,602) 47 (6) (2,772) Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs 5 460 203 (12) 656 Income (loss) from equity method investments — 6 (42) — (36) For the year ended December 31, 2019 Broadcast Local sports Other & Corporate Eliminations Consolidated Revenue $ 2,690 $ 1,139 $ 470 $ (59) (c) $ 4,240 Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets 246 157 22 (1) 424 Amortization of sports programming rights (a) — 637 — — 637 Amortization of program contract costs 90 — — — 90 Corporate general and administrative expenses 144 93 151 (1) 387 Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment (62) (b) — (30) — (92) Operating income (loss) 546 (b) 30 (98) (8) 470 Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs 5 200 230 (13) 422 Income (loss) from equity method investments — 18 (53) — (35) (a) The amortization of sports programming rights is included within media programming and production expenses on our consolidated statements of operations. (b) Includes gains of $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 related to the fair value of equipment that we received for the C-Band spectrum repack and reimbursements for spectrum repack costs, and gains of $90 million and $62 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to reimbursements for spectrum repack costs. See Note 2. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Assets. (c) Includes $111 million, $100 million, and $35 million of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, for services provided by broadcast to local sports and other, which are eliminated in consolidation.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Value And Fair Value Of Notes And Debentures	The following table sets forth the carrying value and fair value of our financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in millions): 2021 2020 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Level 1: Investments in equity securities $ 5 $ 5 $ 68 $ 68 STG: Money market funds 265 265 448 448 Deferred compensation assets 48 48 42 42 Deferred compensation liabilities 38 38 36 36 DSG: Money market funds 101 101 292 292 Level 2: Investments in equity securities (a) 114 114 — — STG (b): 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 348 357 348 358 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 500 489 500 520 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 400 391 400 408 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 750 712 750 770 Term Loan B 379 373 1,119 1,107 Term Loan B-2 1,271 1,239 1,284 1,264 Term Loan B-3 (c) 736 722 — — DSG (b): 12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 31 17 31 28 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 1,744 490 1,744 1,056 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 3,050 1,525 3,050 2,483 Term Loan 3,226 1,484 3,259 2,884 Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility — — 177 177 Debt of variable interest entities (b) 9 9 17 17 Debt of non-media subsidiaries (b) 17 17 17 17 Level 3: Investments in equity securities (d) 282 282 332 332 (a) Consists of unrestricted warrants to acquire marketable common equity securities. The fair value of the warrants are derived from the quoted trading prices of the underlying common equity securities less the exercise price. (b) Amounts are carried in our consolidated balance sheets net of debt discount, premium, and deferred financing costs, which are excluded in the above table, of $158 million and $183 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. (c) On April 1, 2021, STG amended the STG Bank Credit Agreement to raise term loans in an aggregate principle amount of $740 million, the net proceeds of which were used to refinance a portion of the STG Term Loan B-1 maturing in January 2024. Note 7. Notes Payable and Commercial Bank Financing for additional information. (d) On November 18, 2020, we entered into a commercial agreement with Bally's and received warrants and options to acquire common equity in the business. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 we recorded a fair value adjustme nt loss of $50 million and gain of $133 million, respectively, related to these interests. The fair value of the warrants is primarily derived from the quoted trading prices of the underlying common equity adjusted for a 16% and 25% discount for lack of marketability (DLOM) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The fair value of the options is derived utilizing the Black Scholes valuation model. The most significant inputs include the trading price of the underlying common stock, the exercise price of the options, which range from $30 to $45 per share, and a DLOM of 16% and 25% as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There are certain restrictions surrounding the sale and ownership of common stock through the second anniversary of the agreement. The Company is also precluded from owning more than 4.9% of the outstanding common shares of Bally's, inclusive of shares obtained through the exercise of the warrants and options described above. See Note 6. Other Assets for further discussion.
Schedule of Changes In Level 3 Financial Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table summarizes the changes in financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy (in millions): Options and Warrants Fair value at December 31, 2019 $ — Acquisition 199 Measurement adjustments 133 Fair value at December 31, 2020 $ 332 Measurement adjustments (50) Fair value at December 31, 2021 $ 282

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUA_2

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheet	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash and cash equivalents $ 2 $ 316 $ 2 $ 496 $ — $ 816 Accounts receivable, net — — 649 596 — 1,245 Other current assets 10 82 293 136 (111) 410 Total current assets 12 398 944 1,228 (111) 2,471 Property and equipment, net 1 31 664 161 (24) 833 Investment in equity of consolidated subsidiaries 451 3,448 — — (3,899) — Restricted cash — — — 3 — 3 Goodwill — — 2,081 7 — 2,088 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — — 136 14 — 150 Definite-lived intangible assets, net — — 1,105 4,019 (36) 5,088 Other long-term assets 331 1,956 427 1,853 (2,659) 1,908 Total assets $ 795 $ 5,833 $ 5,357 $ 7,285 $ (6,729) $ 12,541 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 31 $ 85 $ 295 $ 279 $ (35) $ 655 Current portion of long-term debt — 20 5 45 (1) 69 Other current liabilities 2 6 155 392 (77) 478 Total current liabilities 33 111 455 716 (113) 1,202 Long-term debt 915 4,317 33 8,488 (1,482) 12,271 Investment in deficit of consolidated subsidiaries 1,605 — — — (1,605) — Other long-term liabilities 12 69 1,426 468 (1,398) 577 Total liabilities 2,565 4,497 1,914 9,672 (4,598) 14,050 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — 197 — 197 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group (deficit) equity (1,770) 1,336 3,443 (2,644) (2,135) (1,770) Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — 60 4 64 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and equity $ 795 $ 5,833 $ 5,357 $ 7,285 $ (6,729) $ 12,541 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 458 $ — $ 801 $ — 1,259 Accounts receivable, net — — 558 502 — 1,060 Other current assets 7 46 372 560 (87) 898 Total current assets 7 504 930 1,863 (87) 3,217 Property and equipment, net 1 33 706 109 (26) 823 Investment in equity of consolidated subsidiaries 430 3,549 — — (3,979) — Restricted cash — — — 3 — 3 Goodwill — — 2,082 10 — 2,092 Indefinite-lived intangible assets — — 156 15 — 171 Definite-lived intangible assets — — 1,256 4,409 (41) 5,624 Other long-term assets 139 1,718 280 1,569 (2,254) 1,452 Total assets $ 577 $ 5,804 $ 5,410 $ 7,978 $ (6,387) $ 13,382 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 19 $ 70 $ 247 $ 284 $ (87) $ 533 Current portion of long-term debt — 13 5 41 (1) 58 Other current liabilities 1 2 134 306 — 443 Total current liabilities 20 85 386 631 (88) 1,034 Long-term debt 700 4,337 33 8,460 (1,037) 12,493 Investment in deficit of consolidated subsidiaries 1,118 — — — (1,118) — Other liabilities 12 121 1,445 710 (1,438) 850 Total liabilities 1,850 4,543 1,864 9,801 (3,681) 14,377 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — 190 — 190 Total Sinclair Broadcast Group (deficit) equity (1,273) 1,261 3,546 (2,098) (2,710) (1,274) Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries — — — 85 4 89 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and equity $ 577 $ 5,804 $ 5,410 $ 7,978 $ (6,387) $ 13,382
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ 111 $ 2,979 $ 3,251 $ (207) $ 6,134 Media programming and production expenses — 4 1,425 2,916 (54) 4,291 Selling, general and administrative 12 160 715 336 (145) 1,078 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 1 8 327 341 (7) 670 Total operating expenses 13 172 2,467 3,593 (206) 6,039 Operating (loss) income (13) (61) 512 (342) (1) 95 Equity in (loss) earnings of consolidated subsidiaries (350) 435 — — (85) — Interest expense (13) (180) (3) (450) 28 (618) Other (expense) income (63) 16 (24) 111 (16) 24 Total other (expense) income, net (426) 271 (27) (339) (73) (594) Income tax benefit (provision) 25 35 (44) 157 — 173 Net (loss) income (414) 245 441 (524) (74) (326) Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (18) — (18) Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (70) — (70) Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ (414) $ 245 $ 441 $ (612) $ (74) $ (414) Comprehensive (loss) income $ (414) $ 246 $ 441 $ (517) $ (74) $ (318) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ 100 $ 3,081 $ 2,946 $ (184) $ 5,943 Media programming and production expenses — 3 1,284 1,519 (71) 2,735 Selling, general and administrative 18 122 658 279 (97) 980 Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets — — — 4,264 — 4,264 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses 2 8 211 525 (10) 736 Total operating expenses 20 133 2,153 6,587 (178) 8,715 Operating (loss) income (20) (33) 928 (3,641) (6) (2,772) Equity in (loss) earnings of consolidated subsidiaries (2,409) 877 — — 1,532 — Interest expense (13) (191) (3) (474) 25 (656) Other income (expense) 27 4 (41) 303 (14) 279 Total other (expense) income, net (2,395) 690 (44) (171) 1,543 (377) Income tax benefit 1 51 3 665 — 720 Net (loss) income (2,414) 708 887 (3,147) 1,537 (2,429) Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (56) — (56) Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — 71 — 71 Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ (2,414) $ 708 $ 887 $ (3,132) $ 1,537 $ (2,414) Comprehensive (loss) income $ (2,414) $ 707 $ 887 $ (3,154) $ 1,537 $ (2,437) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair Net revenue $ — $ 35 $ 2,841 $ 1,487 $ (123) $ 4,240 Media programming and production expenses — — 1,238 894 (59) 2,073 Selling, general and administrative 147 147 663 202 (40) 1,119 Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses — (20) 278 334 (14) 578 Total operating expenses 147 127 2,179 1,430 (113) 3,770 Operating (loss) income (147) (92) 662 57 (10) 470 Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries 165 577 — — (742) — Interest expense (5) (216) (4) (216) 19 (422) Other income (expense) 2 (7) (53) 24 (5) (39) Total other income (expense), net 162 354 (57) (192) (728) (461) Income tax benefit (provision) 32 66 (21) 19 — 96 Net income (loss) 47 328 584 (116) (738) 105 Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (48) — (48) Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests — — — (10) — (10) Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 47 $ 328 $ 584 $ (174) $ (738) $ 47 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 47 $ 327 $ 584 $ (116) $ (738) $ 104
Schedule of condensed consolidating statement of cash flows	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (5) $ (216) $ 583 $ (46) $ 11 $ 327 CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (2) (64) (18) 4 (80) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — — (4) — — (4) Proceeds from the sale of assets — — 34 9 — 43 Purchases of investments (9) (9) (46) (192) — (256) Spectrum repack reimbursements — — 24 — — 24 Other, net (183) — (1) 28 183 27 Net cash flows used in investing activities (192) (11) (57) (173) 187 (246) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing — 341 — 46 (30) 357 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and finance leases — (362) (6) (51) (182) (601) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (60) — — — — (60) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (61) — — — — (61) Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (5) — (5) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — (95) — (95) Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (6) — (6) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 333 106 (518) 65 14 — Other, net (13) — — (40) — (53) Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities 199 85 (524) (86) (198) (524) NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH 2 (142) 2 (305) — (443) CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period — 458 — 804 — 1,262 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period $ 2 $ 316 $ 2 $ 499 $ — $ 819 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 (In million) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (119) $ (75) $ 864 $ 875 $ 3 $ 1,548 CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (8) (130) (26) 7 (157) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — — (16) — — (16) Proceeds from the sale of assets — — 36 — — 36 Purchases of investments (43) (8) (43) (45) — (139) Spectrum repack reimbursements — — 90 — — 90 Other, net 1 — (2) 28 — 27 Net cash flows used in investing activities (42) (16) (65) (43) 7 (159) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing — 1,398 — 421 — 1,819 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and finance leases — (1,434) (4) (301) — (1,739) Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (63) — — — — (63) Repurchases of outstanding Class A Common Stock (343) — — — — (343) Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (36) — (36) Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (547) — (547) Debt issuance costs — (11) — (8) — (19) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — (32) — (32) Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (383) — (383) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 565 239 (798) 4 (10) — Other, net 2 — — (119) — (117) Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities 161 192 (802) (1,001) (10) (1,460) NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH — 101 (3) (169) — (71) CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period — 357 3 973 — 1,333 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period $ — $ 458 $ — $ 804 $ — $ 1,262 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 (In millions) Sinclair Sinclair Guarantor Non- Eliminations Sinclair NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ (5) $ (210) $ 734 $ 396 $ 1 $ 916 CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisition of property and equipment — (4) (152) (11) 11 (156) Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired — — — (8,999) — (8,999) Spectrum repack reimbursements — — 62 — — 62 Proceeds from the sale of assets — — — 8 — 8 Purchases of investments (6) (39) (54) (353) — (452) Other, net — 3 (1) 5 — 7 Net cash flows used in investing activities (6) (40) (145) (9,350) 11 (9,530) CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing — 1,793 — 8,163 — 9,956 Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing and finance leases — (1,213) (4) (19) — (1,236) Proceeds from the issuance of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net — — — 985 — 985 Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock (73) — — — — (73) Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (33) — (33) Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock (145) — — — — (145) Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity — — — (297) — (297) Debt issuance costs — (25) — (174) — (199) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — (27) — (27) Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests — — — (5) — (5) Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables 227 (905) (601) 1,291 (12) — Other, net 2 (5) — (36) — (39) Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities 11 (355) (605) 9,848 (12) 8,887 NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH — (605) (16) 894 — 273 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period — 962 19 79 — 1,060 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period $ — $ 357 $ 3 $ 973 $ — $ 1,333

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI_2

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2021
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of the quarterly financial information (unaudited)	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED): (In millions, except per share data) For the Quarter Ended 3/31/2021 6/30/2021 9/30/2021 12/31/21 Total revenues $ 1,511 $ 1,612 $ 1,535 $ 1,476 Operating income (loss) $ 35 $ (178) $ 73 $ 165 Net income (loss) $ 26 $ (328) $ 17 $ (41) Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ (12) $ (332) $ 19 $ (89) Basic (loss) earnings per common share $ (0.16) $ (4.41) $ 0.25 $ (1.18) Diluted (loss) earnings per common share $ (0.16) $ (4.41) $ 0.25 $ (1.18) For the Quarter Ended 3/31/2020 6/30/2020 9/30/2020 12/31/20 Total revenues $ 1,609 $ 1,283 $ 1,539 $ 1,512 Operating income (loss) $ 327 $ 492 $ (4,216) $ 625 Net income (loss) $ 151 $ 273 $ (3,367) $ 514 Net income (loss) attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group $ 123 $ 252 $ (3,256) $ 467 Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 1.36 $ 3.13 $ (43.53) $ 6.32 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 1.35 $ 3.12 $ (43.53) $ 6.27

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM_4

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Nature of Operations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021stationchannelsegment
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments \| segment	2
Number of television stations owned \| station	185
Number of channels \| channel	634

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM_5

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance at beginning of period	$ 5	$ 8	$ 2
Charged to expense	3	2	9
Net write-offs	(1)	(5)	(3)
Balance at end of period	$ 7	$ 5	$ 8
Customer One \| Customer Concentration Risk \| Accounts Receivable
Rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts
Concentration percentage	15.00%	19.00%
Customer Two \| Customer Concentration Risk \| Accounts Receivable
Rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts
Concentration percentage	15.00%	17.00%
Customer Three \| Customer Concentration Risk \| Accounts Receivable
Rollforward of the allowance for doubtful accounts
Concentration percentage	12.00%	15.00%

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM_6

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Broadcast Television Programming (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Minimum
Programming
Contract period	1 year
Maximum
Programming
Contract period	7 years

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM_7

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Impairment of Goodwill, Intangibles, and Other Assets (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 2,615,000,000	$ 0
Impairment charge	$ 0		$ 0
Customer relationships
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Impairment charge		1,218,000,000
Other definite-lived intangible assets, net
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Impairment charge		$ 431,000,000

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM_8

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Compensation and employee benefits	$ 142	$ 131
Interest	126	127
Programming related obligations	227	183
Legal, litigation, and regulatory	6	2
Accounts payable and other operating expenses	154	90
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 655	$ 533

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMM_9

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Supplemental Information - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Income taxes paid	$ 16	$ 11	$ 32
Income tax refunds	44	2	2
Interest paid	583	634	283
Non-cash transactions
Non-cash transaction property and equipment	5	6	$ 10
Transfer of an asset for property		7
Equity interests received		199
Non-cash transaction related to sports rights		$ 22
Preferred shares in equivalent value of advertising spots	6
Equipment
Property and equipment
Receipt of equipment with a fair value	$ 58

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUM_10

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Revenue Recognition, Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,476	$ 1,535	$ 1,612	$ 1,511	$ 1,512	$ 1,539	$ 1,283	$ 1,609	$ 6,134	$ 5,943	$ 4,240
Eliminations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									(160)	(116)	(59)
Broadcast \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									2,757	2,922	2,690
Local sports \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									3,056	2,686	1,139
Other \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									481	451	470
Distribution revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									4,288	4,085	2,500
Distribution revenue \| Eliminations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
Distribution revenue \| Broadcast \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									1,475	1,414	1,341
Distribution revenue \| Local sports \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									2,620	2,472	1,029
Distribution revenue \| Other \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									193	199	130
Advertising revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									1,691	1,689	1,480
Advertising revenue \| Eliminations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									(41)	(2)	(1)
Advertising revenue \| Broadcast \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									1,106	1,364	1,268
Advertising revenue \| Local sports \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									409	196	103
Advertising revenue \| Other \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									217	131	110
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									155	169	260
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue \| Eliminations
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									(119)	(114)	(58)
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue \| Broadcast \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									176	144	81
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue \| Local sports \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									27	18	7
Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue \| Other \| Operating segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 71	$ 121	$ 230

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUM_11

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Revenue Recognition, Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 18, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Deferred revenue		$ 235	$ 233	$ 54
Payments of accrued rebates		202
Increase (decrease) in accrued rebates adjustments		8
Deferred revenue, long-term		164	184
Deferred revenue, revenue recognized		45	49
Bally's \| Options and Warrants
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Initial value related to equity interests	$ 199
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Initial term of commercial agreement	10 years
Distribution Revenue Rebate
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Deferred revenue		$ 210	$ 420
Revenue Benchmark \| Customer One \| Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage		19.00%	18.00%	16.00%
Revenue Benchmark \| Customer Two \| Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage		18.00%	17.00%	13.00%
Revenue Benchmark \| Customer Three \| Customer Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage		14.00%	12.00%	10.00%

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUM_12

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Advertising Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Total advertising expenses	$ 22	$ 23	$ 25

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUM_13

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Post-retirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fisher SERP \| Fisher
Post-retirement Benefits
Estimated projected benefit obligation	$ 18
Discount rate for projected benefit obligation (as a percent)	2.61%	2.10%
Benefit payments	$ 2	$ 2
Actuarial gain loss	1	(2)
Periodic pension expense	1	$ 1
Fisher SERP \| Fisher \| Accrued Expenses
Post-retirement Benefits
Estimated projected benefit obligation	1
Fisher SERP \| Fisher \| Other Long-term Liabilities
Post-retirement Benefits
Estimated projected benefit obligation	17
Other Post-Retirement Plans
Post-retirement Benefits
Post-retirement plan assets	48
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	$ 38

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_3

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions

Aug. 23, 2019USD ($)national_basketball_association_teammajor_league_baseball_teamnational_hockey_league_teamprofessional_team

Feb. 28, 2021USD ($)television_broadcast_station

May 31, 2019USD ($)brand

Feb. 28, 2017USD ($)station

Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)station

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)

Jan. 31, 2020USD ($)

Acquisitions

Cash paid

$ 9,000

Period of increment payments

3 years

Acquisition costs related to legal and other professional services

Deferred spectrum auction proceeds

$ 71

115

Number of television broadcast stations | television_broadcast_station

Number of stations assigned new channels | station

100

Total legislation funds to reimburse stations

$ 3,000

Gain (loss) recognized on sale

Total capital expenditure

$ 66

Repacking process, maximum cost of equipment

Equipment

Acquisitions

Receipt of equipment with a fair value

Radio Station Assets

Acquisitions

Consideration transferred in asset acquisition

Television Station Assets

Acquisitions

Consideration transferred in asset acquisition

$ 9

Number of television stations acquired | station

ZypMedia

Acquisitions

Cash paid

360IA, LLC

Acquisitions

Cash paid

Consideration transferred in acquisition

Liabilities incurred

RSN

Acquisitions

Consideration transferred in acquisition

$ 9,817

$ 9,600

Number of brands acquired | brand

Number of professional teams | professional_team

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 6,725

Goodwill, expected tax deductible amount

2,400

KOMO-FM, KOMO-AM, KPLZ-FM and KVI-AM | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

Acquisitions

Sales agreement price

$ 13

Deferred spectrum auction proceeds

Triangle Sign & Service, LLC | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

Acquisitions

Sales agreement price

$ 12

Deferred spectrum auction proceeds

Sales agreement price attributable to noncontrolling interests

$ 3

WKDA-TV and KBSI TV | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

Acquisitions

Sales agreement price

$ 28

Deferred spectrum auction proceeds

KGBT Non-License Assets and WDKY License and Non-License Assets | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

Acquisitions

Sales agreement price

$ 36

KGBT Non-License Assets | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

Acquisitions

Deferred spectrum auction proceeds

$ 8

WDKY License and Non-License Assets | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

Acquisitions

Deferred spectrum auction proceeds

$ 21

C-Band Spectrum

Acquisitions

Gain on disposition of assets

$ 43

Customer relationships

Acquisitions

Amortization period, weighted average useful life

13 years

Customer relationships | RSN

Acquisitions

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 5,439

Amortization period, weighted average useful life

13 years

Favorable sports contracts

Acquisitions

Amortization period, weighted average useful life

12 years

Favorable sports contracts | RSN

Acquisitions

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 1,271

Amortization period, weighted average useful life

12 years

Trademarks and Trade Names | RSN

Acquisitions

Finite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 15

Amortization period, weighted average useful life

2 years

Major League Baseball | RSN

Acquisitions

Number of professional teams | major_league_baseball_team

National Basketball Association | RSN

Acquisitions

Number of professional teams | national_basketball_association_team

National Hockey League | RSN

Acquisitions

Number of professional teams | national_hockey_league_team

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_4

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS - Fair Value Of Acquired Assets and Liabilities, RSN (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Allocation
Goodwill	$ 2,088	$ 2,092	$ 4,716
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	4	$ 16	$ 8,999
RSN
Allocation
Cash and cash equivalents	824
Accounts receivable, net	606
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	175
Property and equipment, net	25
Other assets	52
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(181)
Other long-term liabilities	(396)
Goodwill	2,615
Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired	10,445
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	(380)
Noncontrolling interests	(248)
Gross purchase price	9,817
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	8,993
RSN \| Customer relationships
Allocation
Other definite-lived intangible assets, net	5,439
RSN \| Other definite-lived intangible assets, net
Allocation
Other definite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 1,286

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_5

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS - Acquired Operations Included in the Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Acquisitions
Revenue	$ 1,476	$ 1,535	$ 1,612	$ 1,511	$ 1,512	$ 1,539	$ 1,283	$ 1,609	$ 6,134	$ 5,943	$ 4,240
Operating income	$ 165	$ 73	$ (178)	$ 35	$ 625	$ (4,216)	$ 492	$ 327	95	(2,772)	470
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									908	832	732
RSN
Acquisitions
Revenue									2,834	2,562	1,139
Operating income									(395)	(3,585)	70
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									109	98	35
Other Acquisitions In 2020
Acquisitions
Revenue									4	3	0
Operating income									(9)	(2)	0
Other Acquisitions In 2021
Acquisitions
Revenue									8	0	0
Operating income									(45)	0	0
Total Acquisitions
Acquisitions
Revenue									2,846	2,565	1,139
Operating income									$ (449)	$ (3,587)	$ 70

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS_6

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF ASSETS - Pro Forma Results (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / shares
Pro Forma Information
Total revenues	$ 6,689
Net income	328
Net income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 130
Basic earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 1.41
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 1.39

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Options outstanding (in shares)	375,000
Weighted average exercise price of options (in dollars per share)	$ 31.25
Weighted average remaining contractual life of options	4 years
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	$ 0
Stock Based Compensation Plans
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$ 60,000,000	$ 51,000,000	$ 33,000,000
ESPP
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Number of shares reserved for award (in shares)	4,200,000
Compensation expense	$ 2,000,000	3,000,000	1,000,000
Number of shares available for future grant (in shares)	1,097,156
ESPP \| Maximum
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Percentage of the fair market value of common stock as of the first day of the quarter or on last day of the quarter	85.00%
RSAs
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$ 21,000,000	$ 23,000,000	$ 9,000,000
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 6,000,000
Unrestricted shares granted (in shares)	693,019
RSAs \| LTIP
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Vesting period	2 years
Percentage of restriction to be lapsed in year one from grant date		50.00%
Percentage of restriction to be lapsed in year two from grant date			50.00%
Stock Grants \| Non Employee Director
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$ 2,000,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Unrestricted shares granted (in shares)	45,836	63,600	24,000
SARs
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$ 15,000,000	$ 6,000,000	$ 4,000,000
SARs term	10 years
SAR's outstanding (in shares)	2,295,247	3,205,562
SAR's remaining contractual life	7 years
SARs \| Minimum
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Vesting period	0 years
SARs \| Maximum
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Vesting period	4 years
Stock Options
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense	$ 0	$ 0	0
SAR's outstanding intrinsic value	0
401 (K) Plan
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Compensation expense relating to match	$ 20,000,000	$ 19,000,000	$ 17,000,000
Number of shares reserved for matches (in shares)	7,000,000
Number of shares available for future grants (in shares)	2,314,064
Class A Common Stock \| LTIP
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
Number of shares reserved for award (in shares)	19,000,000
Number of shares (including forfeited shares) available for future grants	7,099,237

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_3

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Changes in Unvested Restricted Stock (Details) - RSAs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
RSAs
Unvested shares at the beginning of the period (in shares) \| shares	441,709
Granted (in shares) \| shares	693,019
Vested (in shares) \| shares	(615,736)
Forfeited (in shares) \| shares	(17,611)
Unvested shares at the end of the period (in shares) \| shares	501,381
Weighted-Average Price
Unvested shares at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 28.86
Granted (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	32.78
Vested (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	33.25
Forfeited (in dollars per shares) \| $ / shares	29.61
Unvested shares at the end of the period (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 28.87

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_4

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Summary of SAR Activity (Details) - SARs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
SARs
Outstanding at the beginning of the year (in shares) \| shares	3,205,562
Granted (in shares) \| shares	1,343,693
Exercised (in shares) \| shares	(2,254,008)
Outstanding at the end of the year (in shares) \| shares	2,295,247
Weighted-Average Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the year (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 23.32
Granted (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	33.05
Exercised (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	20.99
Outstanding at the end of the year (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 31.29

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_5

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS - Inputs to Model the Value of Options Granted (Details) - SARs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assumptions used in valuation
Risk-free interest rate			2.50%
Expected years to exercise	5 years	5 years	5 years
Expected volatility	48.20%	35.00%	33.80%
Minimum
Assumptions used in valuation
Risk-free interest rate	0.60%	1.20%
Annual dividend yield	2.50%	2.40%	2.50%
Maximum
Assumptions used in valuation
Risk-free interest rate		1.60%
Annual dividend yield		2.90%

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Property and equipment
Finance lease assets	$ 61	$ 59
Property, equipment and finance lease assets, gross	1,721	1,688
Less: accumulated depreciation	(888)	(865)
Total property and equipment, net	833	823
Land and improvements
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	72	74
Real estate held for development and sale
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	21	25
Buildings and improvements
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 308	307
Buildings and improvements \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Buildings and improvements \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	30 years
Operating equipment
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 973	939
Operating equipment \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Operating equipment \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Office furniture and equipment
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 129	123
Office furniture and equipment \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Office furniture and equipment \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Leasehold improvements
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 60	59
Leasehold improvements \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Leasehold improvements \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	30 years
Automotive equipment
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 63	66
Automotive equipment \| Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Automotive equipment \| Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Construction in progress
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 34	$ 36

GOODWILL,_INDEFINITE-LIVED IN_3

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Change in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill at beginning of period	$ 2,092,000,000	$ 4,716,000,000
Assets held for sale		(9,000,000)
Impairment	0	(2,615,000,000)	$ 0
Disposition	(4,000,000)
Goodwill at end of period	2,088,000,000	2,092,000,000	4,716,000,000
Broadcast
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill at beginning of period	2,017,000,000	2,026,000,000
Assets held for sale		(9,000,000)
Impairment		0
Disposition	(1,000,000)
Goodwill at end of period	2,016,000,000	2,017,000,000	2,026,000,000
Local sports
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill at beginning of period	0	2,615,000,000
Assets held for sale		0
Impairment		(2,615,000,000)
Disposition	0
Goodwill at end of period	0	0	2,615,000,000
Other
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations
Goodwill at beginning of period	75,000,000	75,000,000
Assets held for sale		0
Impairment		0
Disposition	(3,000,000)
Goodwill at end of period	$ 72,000,000	$ 75,000,000	$ 75,000,000

GOODWILL,_INDEFINITE-LIVED IN_4

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020network	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Amortized intangible assets:
Goodwill impairment		$ 0	$ 2,615,000,000	$ 0
Accumulated goodwill impairment		3,029,000,000	3,029,000,000
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets (excluding goodwill)		0	0
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets		554,000,000	703,000,000	370,000,000
Impairment charge		0		0
Number of RSNs with carrying values in excess of future undiscounted cash flows \| network	10
Goodwill		2,088,000,000	2,092,000,000	4,716,000,000
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		5,088,000,000	5,624,000,000
Local sports
Amortized intangible assets:
Goodwill impairment			2,615,000,000
Goodwill		$ 0	0	2,615,000,000
Customer relationships
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortization period, weighted average useful life		13 years
Impairment charge			1,218,000,000
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		$ 3,904,000,000	4,286,000,000
Customer relationships \| Local sports
Amortized intangible assets:
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		$ 3,380,000,000
Network affiliation
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortization period, weighted average useful life		15 years
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		$ 575,000,000	663,000,000
Favorable sports contracts
Amortized intangible assets:
Amortization period, weighted average useful life		12 years
Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets		$ 77,000,000	131,000,000	$ 43,000,000
Impairment charge			431,000,000
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		589,000,000	666,000,000
Other
Amortized intangible assets:
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		20,000,000	$ 9,000,000
Other \| Local sports
Amortized intangible assets:
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		$ 589,000,000

GOODWILL,_INDEFINITE-LIVED IN_5

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Change in Carrying Amount of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Beginning balance	$ 171	$ 158
Acquisition / Disposition	(21)	13
Ending balance	150	171
Consolidated VIEs
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Beginning balance	14
Ending balance	14	14
Broadcast
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Beginning balance	144	131
Acquisition / Disposition	(21)	13
Ending balance	123	144
Other
Carrying amount of our broadcast licenses
Beginning balance	27	27
Acquisition / Disposition	0	0
Ending balance	$ 27	$ 27

GOODWILL,_INDEFINITE-LIVED IN_6

GOODWILL, INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Definite Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Amortized intangible assets:
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 5,088	$ 5,624
Impairment charge	0		$ 0
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
2022	548
2023	530
2024	517
2025	507
2026	497
2027 and thereafter	2,489
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	5,088	5,624
Consolidated VIEs
Amortized intangible assets:
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	47	54
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	47	54
Customer relationships
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Value	5,323	5,329
Accumulated Amortization	(1,419)	(1,043)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	3,904	4,286
Impairment charge		1,218
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	3,904	4,286
Other definite-lived intangible assets, net
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Value	2,327	2,313
Accumulated Amortization	(1,143)	(975)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,184	1,338
Impairment charge		431
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,184	1,338
Network affiliation
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Value	1,436	1,438
Accumulated Amortization	(861)	(775)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	575	663
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	575	663
Favorable sports contracts
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Value	840	840
Accumulated Amortization	(251)	(174)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	589	666
Impairment charge		431
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	589	666
Other
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross Carrying Value	51	35
Accumulated Amortization	(31)	(26)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	20	9
Estimated amortization expense of the definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 20	$ 9

OTHER ASSETS - Schedule of Othe

OTHER ASSETS - Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Equity method investments	$ 517	$ 451
Other investments	567	450
Post-retirement plan assets	50	44
Other	274	113
Total other assets	$ 1,408	$ 1,058

OTHER ASSETS - Summarized Finan

OTHER ASSETS - Summarized Financial Information, Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues, net	$ 1,476	$ 1,535	$ 1,612	$ 1,511	$ 1,512	$ 1,539	$ 1,283	$ 1,609	$ 6,134	$ 5,943	$ 4,240
Operating income	165	$ 73	$ (178)	$ 35	625	$ (4,216)	$ 492	$ 327	95	(2,772)	470
Net income									(326)	(2,429)	105
Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Current assets	2,471				3,217				2,471	3,217
Current liabilities	1,202				1,034				1,202	1,034
Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues, net									994	611	386
Operating income									316	147	47
Net income									465	23	$ 13
Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Current assets	468				493				468	493
Noncurrent assets	4,259				4,219				4,259	4,219
Current liabilities	184				410				184	410
Noncurrent liabilities	$ 2,030				$ 2,327				$ 2,030	$ 2,327

OTHER ASSETS - Narrative (Detai

OTHER ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Nov. 18, 2020	Apr. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
(Income) loss from equity method investments			$ 45	$ (36)	$ (35)
Investments in equity securities			402	400
Unrealized (gain) loss on FV-NI and NAV investments			(42)	156	2
Equity investments without readily determinable fair value			18	26
Cumulative impairments			7	7
Impairment to carrying amount			0	0	7
Purchase of investment			256	139	452
Exercise price (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01
Unfunded commitments related to private equity investment funds			111	98
Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments related to private equity investment funds			81	27
Alternative Investment			147	24
YES Network
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
(Income) loss from equity method investments			$ 41	$ 6	$ 16
Bally's
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Penny warrants acquirable (up to) (in shares)	8,200,000
Warrants available for purchase (up to) (in shares)	3,300,000
Option available for purchase (up to) (in shares)	1,600,000
Option purchase price, starting at (in dollars per share)	$ 30
Option purchase price, maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 45
Vesting period	4 years
Purchase of investment		$ 93
Number of warrants convertible (in shares)		1,700,000

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL _3

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Schedule of Notes Payable, Capital Leases and Commercial Bank Financing (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2022	Nov. 05, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Apr. 01, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 04, 2020	Jun. 10, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Nov. 27, 2019	Aug. 02, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 12,461,000,000
Finance leases			37,000,000		$ 38,000,000
Total outstanding principal			12,498,000,000		12,734,000,000
Less: Deferred financing costs and discount			(158,000,000)		(183,000,000)
Less: Current portion			(66,000,000)		(56,000,000)
Less: Finance leases - affiliate, current portion			(5,000,000)		(5,000,000)
Net carrying value of long-term debt			12,271,000,000		12,493,000,000
DSG Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			0		177,000,000
Debt of variable interest entities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			9,000,000		17,000,000
Debt of other non-media related subsidiaries
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			17,000,000		17,000,000
Finance leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Finance leases			28,000,000		30,000,000
Finance leases - affiliate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Finance leases			9,000,000		8,000,000
Less: Finance leases - affiliate, current portion			(3,000,000)		(2,000,000)
Notes \| 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 348,000,000		348,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.875%
Notes \| 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 400,000,000		400,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.125%
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 500,000,000		500,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.50%						5.50%
Aggregate principal amount									$ 500,000,000
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 750,000,000		750,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)			4.125%			4.125%
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)			100.00%
Notes \| 12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 31,000,000		31,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)			12.75%
Notes \| 12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)	12.75%
Proportion of aggregate outstanding principal amount paid (as a percent)	100.00%
Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 3,050,000,000		3,050,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.375%							5.375%
Aggregate principal amount										$ 3,050,000,000
Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%
Notes \| 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 1,744,000,000		1,744,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)			6.625%					6.625%
Aggregate principal amount							$ 31,000,000			$ 1,825,000,000
Line of credit \| A/R Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of debt		$ 184,000,000
Proportion of aggregate outstanding principal amount paid (as a percent)		101.00%
STG Term Loan Facility \| STG Term Loan B-3
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount				$ 740,000,000
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 379,000,000		1,119,000,000
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			1,271,000,000		1,284,000,000
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-3
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			736,000,000		0
DSG Term Loan \| Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount			$ 3,226,000,000		$ 3,259,000,000
DSG Term Loan \| Term Loan \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount	$ 4,000,000

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL _4

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Schedule of Indebtedness Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes and Bank Credit Agreements
2022	$ 63
2023	54
2024	433
2025	68
2026	7,748
2027 and thereafter	4,095
Total minimum payments	12,461
Less: Deferred financing costs and discount	(158)	$ (183)
Net carrying value of debt	12,303
Finance Leases
2022	8
2023	8
2024	7
2025	6
2026	6
2027 and thereafter	14
Total undiscounted obligations	49
Less imputed interest	(12)
Present value of lease obligations	37	$ 38
Total
2022	71
2023	62
2024	440
2025	74
2026	7,754
2027 and thereafter	4,109
Total minimum payments	12,510
Net carrying value of debt	$ 12,340

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL _5

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Additional Debt Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs	$ 618	$ 656	$ 422
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts	30	31	17
Deferred financing costs	$ 4	19
Original issuance premium		$ 25
Bank Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs			$ 222

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL _6

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Stated and Weighted Average Effective Interest Rates (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2022	Nov. 05, 2021	Aug. 23, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 04, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Nov. 27, 2019	Aug. 02, 2019
Term Loan \| Term Loan B-3 \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			3.00%
Line of credit \| A/R Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of debt		$ 184,000,000
Proportion of aggregate outstanding principal amount paid (as a percent)		101.00%
Notes \| 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)				5.875%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				6.09%	6.09%
Notes \| 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)				5.125%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				5.33%	5.33%
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)				5.50%				5.50%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				5.66%	5.66%
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)				4.125%		4.125%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				4.31%	4.31%
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)				100.00%
Notes \| 12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)				12.75%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				11.95%	11.95%
Notes \| 12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)	12.75%
Proportion of aggregate outstanding principal amount paid (as a percent)	100.00%
Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)				5.375%					5.375%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				5.73%	5.73%
Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%
Aggregate borrowings outstanding	$ 14,000,000
Notes \| 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)				6.625%			6.625%
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				7.00%	7.00%
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				2.36%	2.94%
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-1 \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				2.25%
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				2.77%	3.29%
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-2 \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				2.50%
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-3
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				3.89%	0.00%
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-3 \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				3.00%
STG Revolving Credit Facility \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			2.00%
STG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				0.00%	0.00%
Aggregate borrowings outstanding				$ 0
Letters of credit outstanding				1,000,000
Amount available under facility				$ 649,000,000
STG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Undrawn commitments fees (as a percent)				0.25%
Unrestricted cash first lien indebtedness ratio				2.75
STG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit \| Weighted Average
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Undrawn commitments fees (as a percent)				0.375%
STG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Undrawn commitments fees (as a percent)				0.50%
Unrestricted cash first lien indebtedness ratio				3
STG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				2.00%
DSG Term Loan \| Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				3.62%	4.21%
DSG Term Loan \| Term Loan \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				3.25%
DSG Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount available under facility	$ 227,500,000
DSG Revolving Credit Facility \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			3.00%
DSG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				0.00%	0.00%
Aggregate borrowings outstanding				$ 0
Amount available under facility				$ 228,000,000
DSG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Undrawn commitments fees (as a percent)				0.25%
Unrestricted cash first lien indebtedness ratio				3.25
DSG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit \| Weighted Average
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Undrawn commitments fees (as a percent)				0.375%
DSG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Undrawn commitments fees (as a percent)				0.50%
Unrestricted cash first lien indebtedness ratio				3.75
DSG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				3.00%
DSG Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility \| Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective interest rate (as a percent)				0.00%	4.77%
DSG Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility \| Line of credit \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				4.97%

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL _7

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - STG Bank Credit Agreement and Notes (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 04, 2020	May 21, 2020	Nov. 27, 2019	Aug. 23, 2019	Aug. 13, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Apr. 01, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt						$ (7,000,000)	$ (10,000,000)	$ (10,000,000)
Percent of borrowings exceeding total commitments						35.00%
Term Loan \| Term Loan B-2b
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term					7 years
Aggregate principal amount					$ 600,000,000
Unamortized debt discount					$ 3,000,000
Term Loan \| Term Loan B-2b \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)					2.50%
Term Loan \| Term Loan B-2a
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term				7 years
Aggregate principal amount				$ 700,000,000
Unamortized debt discount				$ 4,000,000
Term Loan \| Term Loan B-2a \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				2.50%
Term Loan \| Term Loan B-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly payment (as a percent)				1.00%
Notes \| STG 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount			$ 500,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)			6.125%
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt						$ (8,000,000)
Amount extinguished						$ 510,000,000
Notes \| 5.375% Unsecured Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of debt					$ 600,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)					5.375%
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt								$ (2,000,000)
Notes \| STG 5.625% Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount	$ 550,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)							5.625%
Amount extinguished	$ 571,000,000
Prepayment of debt							$ 15,000,000
Notes \| STG 5.875% Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)						5.875%
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt							$ 200,000
Amount extinguished		$ 2,500,000
Consideration for debt		$ 2,300,000
Notes \| STG Notes \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount redeemed						35.00%
Notes \| STG Notes \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount redeemed						100.00%
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount			$ 500,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)			5.50%			5.50%
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)			100.00%
Percentage of principal amount redeemed			40.00%
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)			102.75%
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)			101.833%
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)			100.917%
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)			100.00%
Notes \| STG 5.125% Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)						5.125%
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.125%					4.125%
Amount extinguished	$ 750,000,000
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)						100.00%
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount redeemed			40.00%
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)			102.063%
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)			101.375%
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)			100.688%
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)			100.00%
STG Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term				5 years
Percent of borrowings exceeding total commitments				35.00%
First lien leverage ratio						4.5
STG Revolving Credit Facility \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				2.00%
STG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity						$ 650,000,000
STG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)						2.00%
STG Letters of Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 50,000,000
STG Swingline Loans Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 50,000,000
DSG Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term				5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 650,000,000
Percent of borrowings exceeding total commitments				35.00%
First lien leverage ratio						6.25
DSG Revolving Credit Facility \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)				3.00%
DSG Revolving Credit Facility \| Line of credit \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)						3.00%
STG Term Loan Facility \| STG Term Loan B-3
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount									$ 740,000,000
Unamortized debt discount									$ 4,000,000
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-2 \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)						2.50%
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of debt	$ 200,000,000
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-1 \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)						2.25%

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL _8

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - DSG Bank Credit Agreement and Notes (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2022	Jun. 10, 2020	Aug. 23, 2019	Aug. 02, 2019	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent of borrowings exceeding total commitments						35.00%
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt						$ (7,000,000)	$ (10,000,000)	$ (10,000,000)
DSG Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term			5 years
Required prepayment, first lien leverage ratio						6.25
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 650,000,000
Percent of borrowings exceeding total commitments			35.00%
DSG Letters of Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 50,000,000
DSG Swingline Loans Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 50,000,000
Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term			7 years
Aggregate principal amount			$ 3,300,000,000
Unamortized debt discount			$ 17,000,000
Quarterly payment (as a percent)			1.00%
Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount				$ 3,050,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)				5.375%		5.375%
Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%
Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| RSN
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)				5.375%
Notes \| 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		$ 31,000,000		$ 1,825,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)						6.625%			6.625%
Amount extinguished		66,500,000			$ 15,000,000
Consideration for debt		$ 10,000,000							$ 10,000,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt							$ 5,000,000
Notes \| 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 \| RSN
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)				6.625%
Notes \| DSG 12.750% Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)						12.75%
Notes \| 12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)						12.75%
Notes \| 12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)	12.75%
LIBOR \| DSG Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			3.00%
LIBOR \| Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			3.25%
Prepayment Requirement One \| Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required prepayment, percent of excess cash flow			50.00%
Prepayment Requirement Two \| Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required prepayment, percent of excess cash flow			25.00%
Prepayment Requirement Three \| Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required prepayment, percent of excess cash flow			0.00%
Minimum \| Prepayment Requirement One \| Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required prepayment, first lien leverage ratio			3.75
Minimum \| Prepayment Requirement Two \| Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required prepayment, first lien leverage ratio			3.25
Maximum \| Prepayment Requirement Two \| Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required prepayment, first lien leverage ratio			3.75
Maximum \| Prepayment Requirement Three \| Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required prepayment, first lien leverage ratio			3.25
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One \| Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)				102.688%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One \| Notes \| DSG Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount redeemed				40.00%
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)				100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One \| Notes \| 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)				103.313%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One \| Notes \| DSG 12.750% Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)						102.688%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two \| Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)				101.344%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two \| Notes \| 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)				101.656%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two \| Notes \| DSG 12.750% Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)						101.344%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three \| Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)				100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three \| Notes \| 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)				100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three \| Notes \| DSG 12.750% Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)						100.00%

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL _9

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility (Details) - Line of credit - USD ($) $ in Millions	Nov. 05, 2021	Jan. 13, 2022	Sep. 24, 2020	Sep. 23, 2020
A/R Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 400	$ 250
Repayments of debt	$ 184
Proportion of aggregate outstanding principal amount paid (as a percent)	101.00%
New First Lien Term Loan \| Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 635

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL_10

NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Debt of Variable Interest Entities and Guarantees of Third-party Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	$ 12,340
Consolidated VIEs
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	$ 9	$ 16
LIBOR \| Debt of variable interest entities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	2.50%
Guarantee Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unconditional and irrevocably guaranteed debt	$ 39	$ 49

LEASES - Schedule of Lease Expe

LEASES - Schedule of Lease Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Amortization of finance lease asset	$ 3	$ 3	$ 3
Interest on lease liabilities	3	4	4
Total finance lease expense	6	7	7
Operating lease expense	60	64	47
Total lease expense	66	71	54
Variable lease expense	7	7	5
Short-term lease expense	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1

LEASES - Schedule of Outstandin

LEASES - Schedule of Outstanding Operating and Finance Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Leases
2022	$ 47
2023	41
2024	35
2025	34
2026	29
2027 and thereafter	121
Total undiscounted obligations	307
Less imputed interest	(67)
Present value of lease obligations	240	$ 232
Finance Leases
2022	8
2023	8
2024	7
2025	6
2026	6
2027 and thereafter	14
Total undiscounted obligations	49
Less imputed interest	(12)
Present value of lease obligations	37	$ 38
Total
2022	55
2023	49
2024	42
2025	40
2026	35
2027 and thereafter	135
Total undiscounted obligations	356
Less imputed interest	(79)
Present value of lease obligations	$ 277

LEASES - Supplemental Balance S

LEASES - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Leases
Lease assets, non-current	$ 207	$ 197
Lease liabilities, current	35	34
Lease liabilities, non-current	205	198
Total lease liabilities	$ 240	$ 232
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	8 years 4 months 20 days	9 years 4 months 20 days
Weighted average discount rate	5.40%	5.70%
Finance Leases
Lease assets, non-current	$ 18	$ 17
Lease liabilities, current	5	5
Lease liabilities, non-current	32	33
Total lease liabilities	$ 37	$ 38
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	7 years 8 months 15 days	8 years 4 months 20 days
Weighted average discount rate	7.90%	8.40%
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Property and equipment, net	Property and equipment, net
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Current portion of notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing	Current portion of notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Long-term debt	Long-term debt

LEASES - Cash Flow Information

LEASES - Cash Flow Information Related to Lease (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 52	$ 55	$ 38
Operating cash flows from finance leases	3	3	4
Financing cash flows from finance leases	5	5	5
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	50	20	35
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	$ 4	$ 6	$ 0

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Details)

PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
PROGRAM CONTRACTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Future payments required under program contracts
Less: Current portion	$ 97	$ 92
Long-term portion of program contracts payable	$ 21	$ 30
Lag period for film payments	3 months
Program contract payments due in arrears	$ 21
Non-cancelable commitments for future program rights	31
Program Rights
Future payments required under program contracts
2022	97
2023	14
2024	6
2025	1
2026	0
Total	118
Less: Current portion	97
Long-term portion of program contracts payable	$ 21

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INT_2

REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Aug. 23, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$ 1,000
Redemption price, percent	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Aggregate liquidation preference	$ 1,025
Percent of dividend required to redeem	75.00%
Dividends accrued during the period		$ 14	$ 36	$ 33
Redeemable subsidiary preferred equity		181	170
Aggregate redemption price			550
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		16	$ 20
November 22, 2019 to February 19, 2020
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Redemption price, percent	100.00%
February 20, 2020 to August 22, 2020
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Redemption price, percent	102.00%
August 23, 2020 to August 22, 2021
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Redemption price, percent	103.00%
August 23, 2021 to August 22, 2022
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Redemption price, percent	103.00%
August 23, 2022 to August 22, 2023
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Redemption price, percent	101.00%
August 23, 2023 and Thereafter
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Redemption price, percent	100.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), Floor
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.75%
LIBOR
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	7.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), Paid In Kind
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	8.00%
August 23, 2019
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Dividend rate step-ups per annum	0.50%
August 23, 2019 \| LIBOR
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Basis spread cap on variable rate	10.50%
February 23, 2028
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Dividend rate increase	1.50%
Dividend rate increase each six months thereafter	0.50%
Dividend rate increase if no redemption occurs	2.00%
February 23, 2028 \| LIBOR
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Basis spread cap on variable rate	14.00%
30-Day Period Following January 2, 2020
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Non-controlling equity holder right to sell, fair market sale value		$ 376
Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Number of units redeemed (in shares)			550,000
DSH \| Redeemable Subsidiary Preferred Equity
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	$ 1,025

COMMON STOCK (Details)

COMMON STOCK (Details)	1 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
COMMON STOCK (Details)	Feb. 28, 2022$ / shares	Feb. 23, 2022USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)vote$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019$ / shares	Aug. 04, 2020USD ($)	Aug. 09, 2018USD ($)
Common Stock
Number of votes per share \| vote			1
Dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)			$ 0.80	$ 0.80
Additional authorized repurchase amount \| $						$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Number of shares repurchased (in shares) \| shares			2,400,000
Value of shares repurchased, gross \| $			$ 61,000,000
Subsequent Event
Common Stock
Quarterly dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.25
Number of shares repurchased (in shares) \| shares		2,000,000
Value of shares repurchased, gross \| $		$ 55,000,000
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock
Dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)				0.80	$ 0.80
Quarterly dividend declared (in dollars per share)				$ 0.80	0.80
Remaining repurchase authorization amount \| $			$ 819,000,000
Class B Common Stock
Common Stock
Number of Class B shares converted into Class A Common stock (in shares) \| shares			952,626	0
Dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)				$ 0.80	0.80
Quarterly dividend declared (in dollars per share)				$ 0.80	$ 0.80

INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Prov

INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current (benefit) provision for income taxes:
Federal	$ (78)	$ (126)	$ (89)
State	2	9	(2)
Current income tax expense (benefit)	(76)	(117)	(91)
Deferred benefit for income taxes:
Federal	(93)	(584)	(4)
State	(4)	(19)	(1)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(97)	(603)	(5)
Benefit for income taxes	$ (173)	$ (720)	$ (96)

INCOME TAXES - Federal Tax Rate

INCOME TAXES - Federal Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of federal income taxes at the applicable statutory rate to the recorded provision from continuing operations
Federal statutory rate (as a percent)	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
Adjustments:
Federal tax credits (as a percent)	10.60%	1.70%	(684.60%)
Net operating loss carryback (as a percent)	7.50%	1.90%	0.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (as a percent)	(4.20%)	4.00%	56.60%
Noncontrolling interest (as a percent)	2.60%	0.70%	(138.90%)
Valuation allowance (as a percent)	(1.50%)	(6.10%)	(237.10%)
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (as a percent)	(1.00%)	(0.20%)	72.20%
Stock-based compensation (as a percent)	(0.20%)	(0.10%)	(15.90%)
Nondeductible items (as a percent)	(0.10%)	0.00%	192.70%
Effect of consolidated VIEs (as a percent)	0.10%	(0.10%)	46.30%
Spectrum sales (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	(386.70%)
Capital loss carryback (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	(26.00%)
Other (as a percent)	(0.10%)	0.10%	(3.00%)
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	34.70%	22.90%	(1103.40%)
Investment tax credits	$ 40	$ 42	$ 57
CARES Act benefit	38	61
Noncontrolling interest	13	23	12
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	8	192	16
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1	$ 5	4
Addition related to regulatory costs, executive compensation and other not tax-deductible expenses			17
Gain from sale of broadcast spectrum			34
Capital loss carryback			$ 2

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Taxes T

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Taxes Temporary Difference (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Net operating losses:
Federal	$ 16	$ 22
State	120	130
Goodwill and intangible assets	6	9
Basis in DSH	814	834
Tax Credits	87	67
Other	108	53
Deferred tax assets, gross	1,151	1,115
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(256)	(252)
Total deferred tax assets	895	863
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Goodwill and intangible assets	(397)	(402)
Property & equipment, net	(165)	(221)
Other	(40)	(43)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(602)	(666)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 293	$ 197

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Detai

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	$ 4	$ 187
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	256	$ 252
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Gross net operating losses	76
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Gross net operating losses	$ 2,600

INCOME TAXES - Unrecognized Tax

INCOME TAXES - Unrecognized Tax Benefit Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 11	$ 11	$ 7
Additions related to prior year tax positions	1	5	4
Additions related to current year tax positions	3	3	0
Reductions related to prior year tax positions	0	(1)	0
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities	0	(4)	0
Reductions related to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations	0	(3)	0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 15	$ 11	$ 11

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Schedule of Non-Cancellable Commitments Relating to Sports Rights Agreement (Details) - Sports Programming Rights $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
2022	$ 1,819
2023	1,773
2024	1,707
2025	1,573
2026	1,373
2027 and thereafter	5,723
Total	$ 13,968

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs	$ 618	$ 656	$ 422
RSN \| Fixed Payment Obligations
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Other current liabilities	32	31
Other long-term liabilities	71	97
Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs	6	8	$ 4
RSN \| Variable Payment Obligations
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Other current liabilities	8	12
Other long-term liabilities	23	41
RSN \| Variable Payment Obligations \| Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Measurement adjustment gain	$ 15	$ 159

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES_3

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Litigation (Details)	Jul. 28, 2021USD ($)	Oct. 15, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 02, 2020USD ($)	Aug. 19, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 08, 2020petition	May 22, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)lawsuit	Oct. 03, 2018broadcaster
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Proposed forfeiture per station		$ 25,000
Various Cases Alleging Violation Of Sherman Antitrust Act
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of new claims \| lawsuit								22
Number of other broadcasters \| broadcaster									13
Breach Of Merger Agreement
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments for resolve FCC investigation				$ 48,000,000
Compliance plan term						4 years
Number of petitions filed \| petition					2
Agreement to pay to resolve FCC investigation						$ 48,000,000
Unfavorable Regulatory Action
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Money damages sought			$ 9,000,000				$ 13,000,000
Proposed forfeiture per station			$ 500,000
Issuance of forfeiture penalty upheld	$ 500,000
Additional legal expenses accrued								$ 8,000,000

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES_4

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Changes in the Rules on Television Ownership (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021station
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
FCC nation ownership cap, % of domestic households reached	39.00%
Number of television stations owned	185
FCC Consent Decree Settlement
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned	34
Loss contingency, % of domestic households reached, UHR discount applied	24.00%
LMA
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of separately owned television stations having programming agreement	2
Number of stations that programs substantial portions of the broadcast day and sells advertising time to programming segments	1

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Sc

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 816	$ 1,259
Accounts receivable, net		1,245	1,060
Prepaid sports rights		85	498
Other current assets		173	170
Total current assets		2,471	3,217
Property and equipment, net		833	823
Operating lease assets		207	197
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		5,088	5,624
Other assets		1,408	1,058
Total assets	[1]	12,541	13,382
Current liabilities:
Other current liabilities		1,202	1,034
Long-term liabilities
Long-term debt		12,271	12,493
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion		205	198
Program contracts payable, less current portion		21	30
Other long-term liabilities		351	622
Total liabilities	[1]	14,050	14,377
Consolidated VIEs
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		43	64
Accounts receivable, net		83	70
Prepaid sports rights		2	2
Other current assets		4	5
Total current assets		132	141
Property and equipment, net		17	16
Operating lease assets		5	6
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets		15	15
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		47	54
Other assets		1	1
Total assets		217	233
Current liabilities:
Other current liabilities		62	40
Long-term liabilities
Long-term debt		0	10
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion		4	5
Program contracts payable, less current portion		2	4
Other long-term liabilities		4	17
Total liabilities		$ 72	$ 76

[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $217 million and $233 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $62 million and $60 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 14. Variable Interest Entities .

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Na

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Variable Interest Entities
Total assets	[1]	$ 12,541	$ 13,382
Consolidated VIEs
Variable Interest Entities
Outsourcing agreement initial term		5 years
Total assets		$ 217	233
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entities
Total assets		175	75
Loss on investments		(37)	38	$ 50
Eliminations
Variable Interest Entities
Total assets		(6,729)	(6,387)
Eliminations \| Consolidated VIEs
Variable Interest Entities
Liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options		$ 127	$ 131

[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $217 million and $233 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $62 million and $60 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 14. Variable Interest Entities .

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - T

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Transactions With Our Controlling Shareholders (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Related person transactions
Finance lease payable, interest	$ 12
Debt and lease obligations	12,340
Capital Leases \| Entities owned by the controlling shareholders
Related person transactions
Finance leases payable, net of interest	9	$ 8
Finance lease payable, interest	1	2
Charter Aircraft \| Entities owned by the controlling shareholders
Related person transactions
Aircraft expense	1	1	$ 2
Leased assets or facilities \| Entities owned by the controlling shareholders
Related person transactions
Amount paid	$ 5	$ 5	$ 5

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - C

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)renewal	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Related person transactions
Debt and lease obligations			$ 12,340								$ 12,340
Deferred financing costs			4				$ 19				4	$ 19
Revenue			1,476	$ 1,535	$ 1,612	$ 1,511	1,512	$ 1,539	$ 1,283	$ 1,609	6,134	5,943	$ 4,240
Consolidated VIEs
Related person transactions
Debt and lease obligations			$ 9				16				9	16
LMA \| Cunningham
Related person transactions
Payments to related party											$ 11	8	8
Cunningham \| Cunningham License Related Assets
Related person transactions
Agreement renewal period											8 years
Revenue											$ 144	157	$ 155
Cunningham \| Affiliated Entity
Related person transactions
Percentage of the total capital stock held in the related party, none of which have voting rights			100.00%								100.00%
Liabilities treated as prepayment of purchase price			$ 58				54				$ 58	54
Remaining purchase price			54				54				54	54
Purchase options broadcast stations			0.2								0.2
Equipment purchase agreement, consideration amount		$ 1
Equipment purchase agreement, annual service consideration		$ 0.2
Share service agreement, annual service consideration	$ 0.5
Share service agreement, annual service consideration increasing rate ( as a percent)	3.00%
Cunningham \| Affiliated Entity \| Consolidated VIEs
Related person transactions
Debt and lease obligations			7								7
Deferred financing costs			$ 0.2								$ 0.2
Cunningham \| LMA \| Affiliated Entity
Related person transactions
Number of additional renewal terms \| renewal											2
Agreement renewal period											5 years
Percentage of net broadcast revenue used to determine annual LMA fees required to be paid			3.00%								3.00%
Amount used to determine annual LMA fees required to be paid			$ 5								$ 5
Annual increase in aggregate purchase price (as a percent)			6.00%								6.00%
Guarantee Obligations
Related person transactions
Unconditional and irrevocably guaranteed debt			$ 39				$ 49				$ 39	$ 49
Guarantee Obligations \| Cunningham \| Affiliated Entity
Related person transactions
Unconditional and irrevocably guaranteed debt			$ 37								$ 37

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - A

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Atlantic Automotive Corporation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Atlantic Automotive \| Advertising time \| Affiliated Entity
Related person transactions
Amount received	$ 0.1	$ 0.2	$ 0.2

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - L

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Leased Property by Real Estate Ventures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Entities owned by the controlling shareholders \| Leased assets or facilities
Related person transactions
Amount received	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - E

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Equity Method Investees (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019renewal	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Equity Method Investee
Related person transactions
Marketing expense		$ 17
YES Network
Related person transactions
Number of renewal terms \| renewal	2
Renewal period	2 years
Management service fee		6	$ 5	$ 2
Mobile Production Businesses
Related person transactions
Amount paid		$ 45	$ 19	$ 12

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - P

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Programming Rights (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)professional_team	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Related person transactions
Sports programming rights payments	$ 1,834	$ 1,345	$ 578
Sports Teams Affiliates
Related person transactions
Number of sports rights agreements assumed \| professional_team	6
Sports programming rights payments	$ 424	$ 168	$ 73

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS -_2

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS - Employees (Details) - Affiliated Entity - Employee - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Jason Smith
Related person transactions
Total compensation	$ 0.2	$ 0.2	$ 0.2
Amberly Thompson
Related person transactions
Total compensation	0.2	0.2	$ 0.2
Edward Kim
Related person transactions
Total compensation	$ 0.2	$ 0.1
RSA \| Jason Smith
Related person transactions
Granted (in shares)	2,239	355
Vesting period	2 years

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income (Numerator)
Net (loss) income									$ (326)	$ (2,429)	$ 105
Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests									(18)	(56)	(48)
Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests									(70)	71	(10)
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share available to common shareholders									(414)	(2,414)	47
Numerator for basic earnings per common share available to common shareholders	$ (89)	$ 19	$ (332)	$ (12)	$ 467	$ (3,256)	$ 252	$ 123	$ (414)	$ (2,414)	$ 47
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)									75,050	79,924	92,015
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock settled appreciation rights and stock options (in shares)									0	0	1,170
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)									75,050	79,924	93,185
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation
Antidilutive dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)									1,973	3,288	238

SEGMENT DATA - Narrative (Detai

SEGMENT DATA - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
SEGMENT DATA - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021marketsegment
Segment data
Number of reportable segments	2
Broadcast
Segment data
Number of reportable segments	2
Number of markets \| market	86

SEGMENT DATA - Segment Financia

SEGMENT DATA - Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment data
Goodwill		$ 2,088,000,000				$ 2,092,000,000				$ 2,088,000,000	$ 2,092,000,000	$ 4,716,000,000
Assets	[1]	12,541,000,000				13,382,000,000				12,541,000,000	13,382,000,000
Capital expenditures										80,000,000	157,000,000	156,000,000
Revenue		1,476,000,000	$ 1,535,000,000	$ 1,612,000,000	$ 1,511,000,000	1,512,000,000	$ 1,539,000,000	$ 1,283,000,000	$ 1,609,000,000	6,134,000,000	5,943,000,000	4,240,000,000
Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										591,000,000	674,000,000	424,000,000
Amortization of sports programming rights										2,350,000,000	1,078,000,000	637,000,000
Amortization of program contract costs										93,000,000	86,000,000	90,000,000
Corporate general and administrative expenses										170,000,000	148,000,000	387,000,000
Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment										(71,000,000)	(115,000,000)	(92,000,000)
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets										0	4,264,000,000	0
Operating income		165,000,000	$ 73,000,000	$ (178,000,000)	$ 35,000,000	625,000,000	$ (4,216,000,000)	$ 492,000,000	$ 327,000,000	95,000,000	(2,772,000,000)	470,000,000
Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs										618,000,000	656,000,000	422,000,000
Income (loss) from equity method investments										45,000,000	(36,000,000)	(35,000,000)
Spectrum repack reimbursements										24,000,000	90,000,000	62,000,000
Gain (loss) recognized on sale										24,000,000	90,000,000	62,000,000
Intersegment revenues										111,000,000	100,000,000	35,000,000
Broadcast
Segment data
Goodwill		2,016,000,000				2,017,000,000				2,016,000,000	2,017,000,000	2,026,000,000
Local sports
Segment data
Goodwill		0				0				0	0	2,615,000,000
Operating segments \| Broadcast
Segment data
Goodwill		2,016,000,000				2,017,000,000				2,016,000,000	2,017,000,000
Assets		4,793,000,000				4,908,000,000				4,793,000,000	4,908,000,000
Capital expenditures										52,000,000	101,000,000
Revenue										2,757,000,000	2,922,000,000	2,690,000,000
Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										247,000,000	239,000,000	246,000,000
Amortization of sports programming rights										0	0	0
Amortization of program contract costs										76,000,000	83,000,000	90,000,000
Corporate general and administrative expenses										147,000,000	119,000,000	144,000,000
Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment										(24,000,000)	(118,000,000)	(62,000,000)
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets											0
Operating income										374,000,000	789,000,000	546,000,000
Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs										4,000,000	5,000,000	5,000,000
Income (loss) from equity method investments										0	0	0
Operating segments \| Local sports
Segment data
Goodwill		0				0				0	0
Assets		5,769,000,000				6,620,000,000				5,769,000,000	6,620,000,000
Capital expenditures										16,000,000	24,000,000
Revenue										3,056,000,000	2,686,000,000	1,139,000,000
Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										316,000,000	410,000,000	157,000,000
Amortization of sports programming rights										2,350,000,000	1,078,000,000	637,000,000
Amortization of program contract costs										0	0	0
Corporate general and administrative expenses										10,000,000	10,000,000	93,000,000
Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment										(43,000,000)	0	0
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets											4,264,000,000
Operating income										(317,000,000)	(3,602,000,000)	30,000,000
Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs										436,000,000	460,000,000	200,000,000
Income (loss) from equity method investments										49,000,000	6,000,000	18,000,000
Operating segments \| Other & Corporate
Segment data
Goodwill		72,000,000				75,000,000				72,000,000	75,000,000
Assets		2,009,000,000				1,867,000,000				2,009,000,000	1,867,000,000
Capital expenditures										12,000,000	32,000,000
Revenue										481,000,000	451,000,000	470,000,000
Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										31,000,000	27,000,000	22,000,000
Amortization of sports programming rights										0	0	0
Amortization of program contract costs										17,000,000	3,000,000	0
Corporate general and administrative expenses										13,000,000	19,000,000	151,000,000
Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment										(4,000,000)	3,000,000	(30,000,000)
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets											0
Operating income										39,000,000	47,000,000	(98,000,000)
Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs										192,000,000	203,000,000	230,000,000
Income (loss) from equity method investments										(4,000,000)	(42,000,000)	(53,000,000)
Eliminations
Segment data
Goodwill		0				0				0	0
Assets		$ (30,000,000)				$ (13,000,000)				(30,000,000)	(13,000,000)
Capital expenditures										0	0
Revenue										(160,000,000)	(116,000,000)	(59,000,000)
Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets										(3,000,000)	(2,000,000)	(1,000,000)
Amortization of sports programming rights										0	0	0
Amortization of program contract costs										0	0	0
Corporate general and administrative expenses										0	0	(1,000,000)
Gain on asset dispositions and other, net of impairment										0	0	0
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets											0
Operating income										(1,000,000)	(6,000,000)	(8,000,000)
Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs										(14,000,000)	(12,000,000)	(13,000,000)
Income (loss) from equity method investments										0	$ 0	0
Broadcast Incentive Auction and C-Band Spectrum
Segment data
Gain (loss) recognized on sale										$ 67,000,000
Spectrum Auction
Segment data
Spectrum repack reimbursements												$ 62,000,000

[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $217 million and $233 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $62 million and $60 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 14. Variable Interest Entities .

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Sched

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Schedule of Carrying Value and Fair Value of Notes and Debentures (Details)	Nov. 18, 2020$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 04, 2020	Jun. 10, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Nov. 27, 2019USD ($)	Aug. 23, 2019USD ($)	Aug. 02, 2019USD ($)
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Investments in equity securities		$ 402,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, net		158,000,000	183,000,000
Bally's
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Option purchase price, starting at (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 30
Option purchase price, maximum (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 45
Ownership interest, portion precluded from owning maximum (as a percent)	0.049%
Level 1 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Investments in equity securities		5,000,000	68,000,000
Deferred compensation assets		48,000,000	42,000,000
Deferred compensation liabilities		38,000,000	36,000,000
Level 1 \| Carrying Value \| STG Money Market Funds
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Money market funds		265,000,000	448,000,000
Level 1 \| Carrying Value \| DSG Money Market Funds
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Money market funds		101,000,000	292,000,000
Level 1 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Investments in equity securities		5,000,000	68,000,000
Deferred compensation assets		48,000,000	42,000,000
Deferred compensation liabilities		38,000,000	36,000,000
Level 1 \| Fair Value \| STG Money Market Funds
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Money market funds		265,000,000	448,000,000
Level 1 \| Fair Value \| DSG Money Market Funds
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Money market funds		101,000,000	292,000,000
Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Investments in equity securities		114,000,000	0
Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Investments in equity securities		114,000,000	0
Level 3 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Investments in equity securities		282,000,000	332,000,000
Level 3 \| Carrying Value \| Options and Warrants
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Measurement adjustments		(50,000,000)	133,000,000
Level 3 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Investments in equity securities		282,000,000	332,000,000
DSG Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		0	177,000,000
DSG Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		0	177,000,000
Debt of variable interest entities \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		9,000,000	17,000,000
Debt of variable interest entities \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		9,000,000	17,000,000
Debt of non-media subsidiaries \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		17,000,000	17,000,000
Debt of non-media subsidiaries \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 17,000,000	17,000,000
Notes \| 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.875%
Notes \| 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 348,000,000	348,000,000
Notes \| 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 357,000,000	358,000,000
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.50%						5.50%
Aggregate principal amount								$ 500,000,000
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 500,000,000	500,000,000
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 489,000,000	520,000,000
Notes \| 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.125%
Notes \| 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 400,000,000	400,000,000
Notes \| 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 391,000,000	408,000,000
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)		4.125%			4.125%
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 750,000,000	750,000,000
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 712,000,000	770,000,000
Notes \| 12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)		12.75%
Notes \| 12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 31,000,000	31,000,000
Notes \| 12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 17,000,000	28,000,000
Notes \| 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)		6.625%					6.625%
Aggregate principal amount						$ 31,000,000				$ 1,825,000,000
Notes \| 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 1,744,000,000	1,744,000,000
Notes \| 6.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 490,000,000	1,056,000,000
Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Interest rate (as a percent)		5.375%								5.375%
Aggregate principal amount										$ 3,050,000,000
Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 3,050,000,000	3,050,000,000
Notes \| 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		1,525,000,000	2,483,000,000
Term Loan \| STG Term Loan B-3 \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		736,000,000	0
Term Loan \| STG Term Loan B-3 \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		722,000,000	0
Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Aggregate principal amount									$ 3,300,000,000
Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		3,226,000,000	3,259,000,000
Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		1,484,000,000	2,884,000,000
STG Term Loan Facility \| STG Term Loan B-3
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Aggregate principal amount				$ 740,000,000
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-1 \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		379,000,000	1,119,000,000
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-1 \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		373,000,000	1,107,000,000
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-2 \| Level 2 \| Carrying Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		1,271,000,000	1,284,000,000
STG Term Loan Facility \| Term Loan \| Term Loan B-2 \| Level 2 \| Fair Value
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Debt instrument		$ 1,239,000,000	$ 1,264,000,000
Variable Payment Obligations \| Level 3
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:
Weighted average discount rate (as a percent)		0.16	0.25

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Sch_2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Schedule of Level 3 Activity (Details) - Options and Warrants - Level 3 - Carrying Value - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value, beginning balance	$ 332	$ 0
Acquisition		199
Measurement adjustments	(50)	133
Fair value, ending balance	$ 282	$ 332

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUA_3

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 04, 2020	Nov. 27, 2019
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Consolidated total debt	$ 12,340
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Consolidated total debt	4,385
Amount of debt guaranteed by parent	$ 4,347
Notes \| 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 \| Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%
Notes \| 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2026 \| Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.875%
Notes \| 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 \| Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%
Notes \| 5.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 \| Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.50%		5.50%
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 \| Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.50%
Notes \| 5.500% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2030 \| Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.50%
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.125%	4.125%
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 \| Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.125%
Notes \| 4.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 \| Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.125%

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUA_4

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES - Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 816	$ 1,259
Accounts receivable, net		1,245	1,060
Other current assets		410	898
Total current assets		2,471	3,217
Property and equipment, net		833	823
Investment in equity of consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Restricted cash		3	3
Goodwill		2,088	2,092	$ 4,716
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		150	171	$ 158
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		5,088	5,624
Other long-term assets		1,908	1,452
Total assets	[1]	12,541	13,382
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		655	533
Current portion of long-term debt		69	58
Other current liabilities		478	443
Total current liabilities		1,202	1,034
Long-term debt		12,271	12,493
Investment in deficit of consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Other liabilities		577	850
Total liabilities	[1]	14,050	14,377
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		197	190
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group (deficit) equity		(1,770)	(1,274)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		64	89
Total liabilities and equity		12,541	13,382
Reportable legal entities \| Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		2	0
Accounts receivable, net		0	0
Other current assets		10	7
Total current assets		12	7
Property and equipment, net		1	1
Investment in equity of consolidated subsidiaries		451	430
Restricted cash		0	0
Goodwill		0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		0	0
Other long-term assets		331	139
Total assets		795	577
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		31	19
Current portion of long-term debt		0	0
Other current liabilities		2	1
Total current liabilities		33	20
Long-term debt		915	700
Investment in deficit of consolidated subsidiaries		1,605	1,118
Other liabilities		12	12
Total liabilities		2,565	1,850
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		0	0
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group (deficit) equity		(1,770)	(1,273)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		795	577
Reportable legal entities \| Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		316	458
Accounts receivable, net		0	0
Other current assets		82	46
Total current assets		398	504
Property and equipment, net		31	33
Investment in equity of consolidated subsidiaries		3,448	3,549
Restricted cash		0	0
Goodwill		0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		0	0
Other long-term assets		1,956	1,718
Total assets		5,833	5,804
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		85	70
Current portion of long-term debt		20	13
Other current liabilities		6	2
Total current liabilities		111	85
Long-term debt		4,317	4,337
Investment in deficit of consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Other liabilities		69	121
Total liabilities		4,497	4,543
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		0	0
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group (deficit) equity		1,336	1,261
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		5,833	5,804
Reportable legal entities \| Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		2	0
Accounts receivable, net		649	558
Other current assets		293	372
Total current assets		944	930
Property and equipment, net		664	706
Investment in equity of consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Restricted cash		0	0
Goodwill		2,081	2,082
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		136	156
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		1,105	1,256
Other long-term assets		427	280
Total assets		5,357	5,410
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		295	247
Current portion of long-term debt		5	5
Other current liabilities		155	134
Total current liabilities		455	386
Long-term debt		33	33
Investment in deficit of consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Other liabilities		1,426	1,445
Total liabilities		1,914	1,864
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		0	0
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group (deficit) equity		3,443	3,546
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Total liabilities and equity		5,357	5,410
Reportable legal entities \| Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		496	801
Accounts receivable, net		596	502
Other current assets		136	560
Total current assets		1,228	1,863
Property and equipment, net		161	109
Investment in equity of consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Restricted cash		3	3
Goodwill		7	10
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		14	15
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		4,019	4,409
Other long-term assets		1,853	1,569
Total assets		7,285	7,978
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		279	284
Current portion of long-term debt		45	41
Other current liabilities		392	306
Total current liabilities		716	631
Long-term debt		8,488	8,460
Investment in deficit of consolidated subsidiaries		0	0
Other liabilities		468	710
Total liabilities		9,672	9,801
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		197	190
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group (deficit) equity		(2,644)	(2,098)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		60	85
Total liabilities and equity		7,285	7,978
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		0	0
Accounts receivable, net		0	0
Other current assets		(111)	(87)
Total current assets		(111)	(87)
Property and equipment, net		(24)	(26)
Investment in equity of consolidated subsidiaries		(3,899)	(3,979)
Restricted cash		0	0
Goodwill		0	0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		0	0
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		(36)	(41)
Other long-term assets		(2,659)	(2,254)
Total assets		(6,729)	(6,387)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(35)	(87)
Current portion of long-term debt		(1)	(1)
Other current liabilities		(77)	0
Total current liabilities		(113)	(88)
Long-term debt		(1,482)	(1,037)
Investment in deficit of consolidated subsidiaries		(1,605)	(1,118)
Other liabilities		(1,398)	(1,438)
Total liabilities		(4,598)	(3,681)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		0	0
Total Sinclair Broadcast Group (deficit) equity		(2,135)	(2,710)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries		4	4
Total liabilities and equity		$ (6,729)	$ (6,387)

[1]	Our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 include total assets of variable interest entities (VIEs) of $217 million and $233 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Our consolidated total liabilities as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 include total liabilities of the VIEs of $62 million and $60 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to us. See Note 14. Variable Interest Entities .

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUA_5

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES - Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,476	$ 1,535	$ 1,612	$ 1,511	$ 1,512	$ 1,539	$ 1,283	$ 1,609	$ 6,134	$ 5,943	$ 4,240
Media programming and production expenses									4,291	2,735	2,073
Selling, general and administrative									1,078	980	1,119
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets									0	4,264	0
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									670	736	578
Total operating expenses									6,039	8,715	3,770
Operating income	165	73	(178)	35	625	(4,216)	492	327	95	(2,772)	470
Equity in (loss) earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Interest expense									(618)	(656)	(422)
Other (expense) income									24	279	(39)
Total other expense, net									(594)	(377)	(461)
Income tax benefit (provision)									173	720	96
NET (LOSS) INCOME									(326)	(2,429)	105
Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests									(18)	(56)	(48)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									(70)	71	(10)
Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ (89)	$ 19	$ (332)	$ (12)	$ 467	$ (3,256)	$ 252	$ 123	(414)	(2,414)	47
Comprehensive (loss) income									(318)	(2,437)	104
Reportable legal entities \| Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
Media programming and production expenses									0	0	0
Selling, general and administrative									12	18	147
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets										0
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									1	2	0
Total operating expenses									13	20	147
Operating income									(13)	(20)	(147)
Equity in (loss) earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									(350)	(2,409)	165
Interest expense									(13)	(13)	(5)
Other (expense) income									(63)	27	2
Total other expense, net									(426)	(2,395)	162
Income tax benefit (provision)									25	1	32
NET (LOSS) INCOME									(414)	(2,414)	47
Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group									(414)	(2,414)	47
Comprehensive (loss) income									(414)	(2,414)	47
Reportable legal entities \| Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									111	100	35
Media programming and production expenses									4	3	0
Selling, general and administrative									160	122	147
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets										0
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									8	8	(20)
Total operating expenses									172	133	127
Operating income									(61)	(33)	(92)
Equity in (loss) earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									435	877	577
Interest expense									(180)	(191)	(216)
Other (expense) income									16	4	(7)
Total other expense, net									271	690	354
Income tax benefit (provision)									35	51	66
NET (LOSS) INCOME									245	708	328
Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group									245	708	328
Comprehensive (loss) income									246	707	327
Reportable legal entities \| Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									2,979	3,081	2,841
Media programming and production expenses									1,425	1,284	1,238
Selling, general and administrative									715	658	663
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets										0
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									327	211	278
Total operating expenses									2,467	2,153	2,179
Operating income									512	928	662
Equity in (loss) earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Interest expense									(3)	(3)	(4)
Other (expense) income									(24)	(41)	(53)
Total other expense, net									(27)	(44)	(57)
Income tax benefit (provision)									(44)	3	(21)
NET (LOSS) INCOME									441	887	584
Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group									441	887	584
Comprehensive (loss) income									441	887	584
Reportable legal entities \| Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									3,251	2,946	1,487
Media programming and production expenses									2,916	1,519	894
Selling, general and administrative									336	279	202
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets										4,264
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									341	525	334
Total operating expenses									3,593	6,587	1,430
Operating income									(342)	(3,641)	57
Equity in (loss) earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Interest expense									(450)	(474)	(216)
Other (expense) income									111	303	24
Total other expense, net									(339)	(171)	(192)
Income tax benefit (provision)									157	665	19
NET (LOSS) INCOME									(524)	(3,147)	(116)
Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests									(18)	(56)	(48)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									(70)	71	(10)
Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group									(612)	(3,132)	(174)
Comprehensive (loss) income									(517)	(3,154)	(116)
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									(160)	(116)	(59)
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets										0
Operating income									(1)	(6)	(8)
Interest expense									14	12	13
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenue									(207)	(184)	(123)
Media programming and production expenses									(54)	(71)	(59)
Selling, general and administrative									(145)	(97)	(40)
Impairment of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets										0
Depreciation, amortization and other operating expenses									(7)	(10)	(14)
Total operating expenses									(206)	(178)	(113)
Operating income									(1)	(6)	(10)
Equity in (loss) earnings of consolidated subsidiaries									(85)	1,532	(742)
Interest expense									28	25	19
Other (expense) income									(16)	(14)	(5)
Total other expense, net									(73)	1,543	(728)
Income tax benefit (provision)									0	0	0
NET (LOSS) INCOME									(74)	1,537	(738)
Net income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group									(74)	1,537	(738)
Comprehensive (loss) income									$ (74)	$ 1,537	$ (738)

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUA_6

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR GUARANTEE OF SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARIES - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$ 327	$ 1,548	$ 916
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(80)	(157)	(156)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(4)	(16)	(8,999)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	43	36	8
Purchases of investments	(256)	(139)	(452)
Spectrum repack reimbursements	24	90	62
Other, net	27	27	7
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(246)	(159)	(9,530)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	357	1,819	9,956
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases	(601)	(1,739)	(1,236)
Proceeds from the issuance of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net	0	0	985
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(60)	(63)	(73)
Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity	(5)	(36)	(33)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(61)	(343)	(145)
Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity	0	(547)	(297)
Debt issuance costs	(1)	(19)	(199)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	(95)	(32)	(27)
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(6)	(383)	(5)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	0	0	0
Other, net	(53)	(117)	(39)
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	(524)	(1,460)	8,887
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	(443)	(71)	273
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of year	1,262	1,333	1,060
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of year	819	1,262	1,333
Reportable legal entities \| Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(5)	(119)	(5)
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	0	0	0
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0	0
Purchases of investments	(9)	(43)	(6)
Spectrum repack reimbursements	0	0	0
Other, net	(183)	1	0
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(192)	(42)	(6)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	0	0	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases	0	0	0
Proceeds from the issuance of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net			0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	(60)	(63)	(73)
Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity	0	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	(61)	(343)	(145)
Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity		0	0
Debt issuance costs		0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	0	0	0
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	333	565	227
Other, net	(13)	2	2
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	199	161	11
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	2	0	0
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of year	0	0	0
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of year	2	0	0
Reportable legal entities \| Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(216)	(75)	(210)
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(2)	(8)	(4)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0	0
Purchases of investments	(9)	(8)	(39)
Spectrum repack reimbursements	0	0	0
Other, net	0	0	3
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(11)	(16)	(40)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	341	1,398	1,793
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases	(362)	(1,434)	(1,213)
Proceeds from the issuance of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net			0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	0	0	0
Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity	0	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0	0
Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity		0	0
Debt issuance costs		(11)	(25)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	0	0	0
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	106	239	(905)
Other, net	0	0	(5)
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	85	192	(355)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	(142)	101	(605)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of year	458	357	962
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of year	316	458	357
Reportable legal entities \| Guarantor Subsidiaries and KDSM, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	583	864	734
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(64)	(130)	(152)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(4)	(16)	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	34	36	0
Purchases of investments	(46)	(43)	(54)
Spectrum repack reimbursements	24	90	62
Other, net	(1)	(2)	(1)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(57)	(65)	(145)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	0	0	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases	(6)	(4)	(4)
Proceeds from the issuance of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net			0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	0	0	0
Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity	0	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0	0
Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity		0	0
Debt issuance costs		0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	0	0	0
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	(518)	(798)	(601)
Other, net	0	0	0
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	(524)	(802)	(605)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	2	(3)	(16)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of year	0	3	19
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of year	2	0	3
Reportable legal entities \| Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(46)	875	396
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(18)	(26)	(11)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0	(8,999)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	9	0	8
Purchases of investments	(192)	(45)	(353)
Spectrum repack reimbursements	0	0	0
Other, net	28	28	5
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(173)	(43)	(9,350)
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	46	421	8,163
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases	(51)	(301)	(19)
Proceeds from the issuance of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net			985
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	0	0	0
Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity	(5)	(36)	(33)
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0	0
Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity		(547)	(297)
Debt issuance costs		(8)	(174)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	(95)	(32)	(27)
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(6)	(383)	(5)
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	65	4	1,291
Other, net	(40)	(119)	(36)
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	(86)	(1,001)	9,848
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	(305)	(169)	894
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of year	804	973	79
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of year	499	804	973
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	11	3	1
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment	4	7	11
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	0	0	0
Purchases of investments	0	0	0
Spectrum repack reimbursements	0	0	0
Other, net	183	0	0
Net cash flows used in investing activities	187	7	11
CASH FLOWS (USED IN) FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable and commercial bank financing	(30)	0	0
Repayments of notes payable, commercial bank financing, and finance leases	(182)	0	0
Proceeds from the issuance of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity, net			0
Dividends paid on Class A and Class B Common Stock	0	0	0
Dividends paid on redeemable subsidiary preferred equity	0	0	0
Repurchase of outstanding Class A Common Stock	0	0	0
Redemption of redeemable subsidiary preferred equity		0	0
Debt issuance costs		0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net	0	0	0
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Increase (decrease) in intercompany payables	14	(10)	(12)
Other, net	0	0	0
Net cash flows (used in) from financing activities	(198)	(10)	(12)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH	0	0	0
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of year	0	0	0
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of year	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATI_3

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues, net	$ 1,476	$ 1,535	$ 1,612	$ 1,511	$ 1,512	$ 1,539	$ 1,283	$ 1,609	$ 6,134	$ 5,943	$ 4,240
Operating income (loss)	165	73	(178)	35	625	(4,216)	492	327	95	(2,772)	470
Net income (loss)	(41)	17	(328)	26	514	(3,367)	273	151
Net (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ (89)	$ 19	$ (332)	$ (12)	$ 467	$ (3,256)	$ 252	$ 123	$ (414)	$ (2,414)	$ 47
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (1.18)	$ 0.25	$ (4.41)	$ (0.16)	$ 6.32	$ (43.53)	$ 3.13	$ 1.36	$ (5.51)	$ (30.20)	$ 0.52
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (1.18)	$ 0.25	$ (4.41)	$ (0.16)	$ 6.27	$ (43.53)	$ 3.12	$ 1.35	$ (5.51)	$ (30.20)	$ 0.51

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2022	Feb. 28, 2022	Aug. 23, 2019	Aug. 02, 2019	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount					$ 12,461,000,000
DSG Second Lien Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proportion of aggregate outstanding principal amount paid (as a percent)	35.00%
DSG Second Lien Revolving Credit Facility \| Base Rate \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	3.00%
DSG Second Lien Revolving Credit Facility \| SOFR Rate \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	2.00%
DSG Revolving Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt term			5 years
DSG Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Amount available under facility	$ 227,500,000
Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount					$ 3,226,000,000	$ 3,259,000,000
Term Loan \| DSG Term Loan \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Outstanding debt amount	4,000,000
DSG First Lien Term Loan \| Term Loan \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount	635,000,000
Aggregate borrowings outstanding	$ 635,000,000
Prepayment premium (as a percent)	100.00%
Make-whole premium determination, addition to treasury rate	0.0050
Debt term	1 year
Quarterly payment (as a percent)	1.00%
DSG First Lien Term Loan \| Term Loan \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Prepayment premium (as a percent)	7.00%
DSG First Lien Term Loan \| Term Loan \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Prepayment premium (as a percent)	0.00%
DSG First Lien Term Loan \| Term Loan \| Base Rate \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	7.00%
DSG First Lien Term Loan \| Term Loan \| SOFR Rate \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	8.00%
DSG 5.375% Second Lien Secured Notes \| Notes \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%
Aggregate borrowings outstanding	$ 3,036,000,000
5.375% Senior Secured Notes \| Notes
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount				$ 3,050,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)				5.375%	5.375%
Outstanding debt amount					$ 3,050,000,000	3,050,000,000
5.375% Senior Secured Notes \| Notes \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.375%
Aggregate borrowings outstanding	$ 14,000,000
5.375% Senior Secured Notes \| Notes \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)				102.688%
5.375% Senior Secured Notes \| Notes \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)				101.344%
DSG Second Lien Term Loan \| Term Loan \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Exchange rate of new term loans	100
Aggregate borrowings outstanding	$ 3,449,000,000
DSG Second Lien Term Loan \| Term Loan \| Base Rate \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	2.25%
DSG Second Lien Term Loan \| Term Loan \| SOFR Rate \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	3.25%
DSG Second Lien Term Loan \| Term Loan \| SOFR Rate \| Minimum \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.00%
DSG Second Lien Term Loan \| Term Loan \| Fed Funds Effective Rate \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)		0.50%
DSG Second Lien Term Loan \| Term Loan \| SOFR (Successor) Rate \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Existing Term Loans \| Term Loan \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Exchange rate of existing term loans	$ 100
12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Notes
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)					12.75%
Outstanding debt amount					$ 31,000,000	$ 31,000,000
12.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 \| Notes \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proportion of aggregate outstanding principal amount paid (as a percent)	100.00%
Debt instrument, redemption price (as a percent)	12.75%