Atlanta, Georgia, August 10, 2025
News Summary
Gray Media has announced its acquisition of ten television stations from Allen Media Group for $171 million. This strategic move enhances Gray Media’s presence in several southeastern markets, including new territories in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Indiana. The purchase includes flagship stations like WAAY in Huntsville and WCOV in Montgomery. The deal, expected to close in 2025, aims to improve local news coverage by creating duopolies in existing markets and offering tailored programming that meets community needs.
Atlanta, Georgia – Gray Media is making a significant move in the southeastern media landscape with its acquisition of ten television stations from Allen Media Group for $171 million. This deal, announced recently, involves stations in Alabama, as well as new markets in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Indiana.
The flagship stations of this agreement include WAAY in Huntsville and WCOV in Montgomery, both of which will bolster Gray Media’s presence in Alabama. The acquisition will introduce Gray Media to three additional markets: Columbus-Tupelo in Mississippi, Terre Haute in Indiana, and West Lafayette in Indiana. According to Comscore data, Gray will acquire the local television station that holds the highest all-day ratings in each of these new markets in 2024.
Gray Media is already a major player in the television industry, owning numerous other stations, including several in Indiana. The company anticipates that this expansion will not only enhance its market footprint but also strengthen its operations in seven other existing markets by creating local duopolies. This strategy aims to enhance local news coverage, as the expanded local news will feature tailored weather and sports programming that serve community interests.
The detailed list of television stations included in the purchase agreement features:
- WSIL from Paducah-Cape Girardeau-Harrisburg, Kentucky
- WEVV from Evansville, Indiana
- WFFT from Fort Wayne, Indiana
- KADN from Lafayette, Louisiana
- WTVA from Columbus-Tupelo, Mississippi
- WREX from Rockford, Illinois
- WTHI from Terre Haute, Indiana
- WLFI from West Lafayette, Indiana
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending necessary regulatory approvals that include waivers of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) local ownership rules and other customary closing conditions. Gray Media, based in Atlanta, will guide this transition and work diligently to satisfy all compliance requirements.
This acquisition marks a new chapter for both Gray Media and Allen Media Group, the latter of which acquired these ten stations in 2019 through two separate transactions. While Allen Media Group has not disclosed the reasons behind the sale, this move reflects ongoing changes in the media landscape, driven by consolidation and the quest for more robust local news delivery.
WCOV has a rich history, being established in 1939 and becoming Montgomery’s only home-owned and operated station as of 1953. The station transitioned to a Fox affiliate in the late 1980s after losing its CBS affiliation in 1986.
Conclusion
The acquisition of ten television stations by Gray Media highlights the company’s strategy to enhance its market presence and improve local news services across several states. As the deal moves towards its anticipated closure in 2025, viewers can expect more localized content tailored to their communities.
FAQ
What stations are included in Gray Media’s acquisition?
Gray Media is acquiring a total of ten stations, including WAAY and WCOV from Alabama, as well as stations from Kentucky, Louisiana, and Indiana.
When is the acquisition expected to be finalized?
The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
How will this acquisition affect local news programming?
The acquisition will enhance local news coverage by including more localized weather and sports programming tailored to community needs.
Why is Allen Media Group selling these stations?
Allen Media Group has not disclosed the reasons for selling these television stations.
Key Features of the Acquisition
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Acquisition Value | $171 million |
| Number of Stations Acquired | 10 Television Stations |
| New Markets Entered | Columbus-Tupelo, Terre Haute, West Lafayette |
| Closure Date | Fourth Quarter of 2025 |
| Enhanced Local Programming | Weather and sports tailored to communities |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Gray Media to Acquire 10 Television Stations for $171 Million
Huntsville Launches $2.8 Million Traffic Improvement Project
Additional Resources
- 1819 News
- Ink Free News
- Montgomery Advertiser
- Google Search: Gray Media acquisition
- Wikipedia: Television in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
