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Spectrum repacking reimbursements and other, net
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract]  
Spectrum repacking reimbursements and other, net Spectrum repacking reimbursements and other, net

As events occur, or circumstances change, we may recognize non-cash impairment charges to reduce the book value of goodwill, other intangible assets and other long-lived assets or to record charges (gains) related to spectrum repacking reimbursements and other efforts, or unique events.

A summary of these items by year (pre-tax basis) is presented below (in thousands):
 
 
 
2019
2018
2017
Reimbursement of spectrum repacking
$
(16,974
)
$
(7,400
)
$
—

Property and equipment (gains) impairments
(2,880
)
(5,989
)
2,183

Impairment charges related to assets held-for-sale
9,063

—

—

Contract termination and other costs related to national sales
5,456

—

—

Lease exit and other charges
—

551

1,350

Hurricane related losses, net
—

1,137

896

Total spectrum repacking reimbursements and other, net
$
(5,335
)
$
(11,701
)
$
4,429



Reimbursement of spectrum repacking: Some of our stations have had to purchase new equipment in order to comply with the FCC spectrum repacking initiative. As part of this initiative, the FCC is reimbursing companies for costs incurred to comply with the new requirements. In 2019 and 2018, we received $17.0 million and $7.4 million of such reimbursements, which we have recorded as contra expense.

Property and equipment (gains) impairments: In 2019, we recognized a $2.9 million gain related to sale of one of our real estate properties. In 2018, we recognized a $6.0 million gain as a result of the sale of real estate in Houston. During 2017, we recorded $2.2 million of impairment charges associated with operating assets at one of our television stations.

Impairment charges related to assets held-for-sale: In 2019, we recognized $9.1 million of impairment charges, related to assets classified as held-for sale.

Contract termination and other costs related to national sales: This expense is comprised of a contract termination and other incremental transition costs related to bringing our national sales organization in-house (which occurred during the third quarter of 2019). Prior to this transition we utilized a third party national marketing representation firm for our national television advertising.

Lease exit and other charges: These charges primarily relate to the early exit of various leases. The 2018 charges relate to exiting a lease used by our former Cofactor business, which operated within our former Digital segment. The 2017 charge relates to the consolidation of office space at corporate headquarters and at our Digital Marketing Services (DMS) business unit.

Hurricane related losses, net: In the third quarter of 2017, a few of our television stations were impacted by hurricanes Harvey and Irma and a result, we incurred net losses of $0.9 million, comprised of expenses of $26.9 million, partially offset by $26.0 million of insurance proceeds. We recognized additional losses of $1.1 million related to hurricane damage in 2018.