Atlanta, Georgia, August 9, 2025
News Summary
Gray Media has finalized an agreement to acquire 10 television stations from Allen Media Group for a total of $171 million. This acquisition will expand Gray Media’s presence in the television market, introducing operations in Columbus-Tupelo, Terre Haute, and West Lafayette. The deal aims to enhance local services in news, weather, and sports programming and is expected to create duopolies in seven existing markets. The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, contingent on regulatory approvals.
Atlanta, Georgia – Gray Media, the parent company of WAFF 48, has entered into a significant agreement to acquire 10 television stations from Allen Media Group for a total of $171 million. This acquisition will not only bolster Gray Media’s presence in the television market but also allow it to establish operations in three new territories: Columbus-Tupelo, Mississippi; Terre Haute, Indiana; and West Lafayette, Indiana.
The deal will create duopolies in seven existing markets, enhancing local service offerings in news, weather, and sports programming. The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and the necessary waivers of FCC local ownership rules.
Gray Media, headquartered in Atlanta, is recognized as the largest local television station owner and digital assets provider in the United States. The company currently serves 113 television markets, reaching approximately 37% of U.S. TV households. It holds the top-rated television station in 78 of these markets and ranks among the top two stations in 99 markets as of 2024. Additionally, Gray Media boasts the largest Telemundo affiliate group spanning 44 markets.
Details of the Acquisition
The television stations being acquired include:
- No. 75 WAAY (ABC) in Huntsville, AL
- No. 90 WSIL (ABC) in Paducah, KY, Cape Girardeau, MO, and Harrisburg, IL
- No. 109 WEVV (CBS/Fox) in Evansville, IN
- No. 110 WFFT (Fox) in Ft. Wayne, IN
- No. 121 WCOV (Fox) in Montgomery, AL
- No. 124 KADN (Fox/NBC) in Lafayette, LA
- No. 134 WTVA (ABC/NBC) in Columbus-Tupelo, MS
- No. 137 WREX (NBC) in Rockford, IL
- No. 159 WTHI (CBS/Fox) in Terre Haute, IN
- No. 189 WLFI (CBS) in West Lafayette, IN
Strategic Intent of the Acquisition
This acquisition is a strategic move for Gray Media aimed at enhancing public service and improving the local news landscape in the markets involved. The company has emphasized its intent to deepen its community engagement and provide more comprehensive news and programming options to viewers.
Context of the Sale
The sale by Allen Media Group, owned by Byron Allen, is primarily aimed at reducing its debt load. The group enlisted Moelis & Co. to assist with the sale process. This move highlights the evolving landscape of media ownership in the United States, where combined entities often arise to improve operational efficiencies and audience reach.
As the television industry continues to adapt to changing viewer habits and increasing competition, acquisitions such as this will play a crucial role in the strength and delivery of local news and entertainment.
Key Market Data
The acquisition further demonstrates Gray Media’s commitment to expanding its market influence while ensuring the continued provision of quality local broadcasting. The transaction promises to create a more competitive environment, benefiting consumers with increased options for accessing news and entertainment.
Conclusion
The agreement between Gray Media and Allen Media Group is expected to reshape the television landscape in several key markets, providing viewers with better services and programming options. With regulatory oversight still pending, this deal marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of local television broadcasting in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the value of Gray Media’s acquisition from Allen Media Group?
- The acquisition is valued at $171 million.
- How many television stations is Gray Media acquiring?
- Gray Media is acquiring 10 television stations.
- In which new markets is Gray Media expanding?
- Gray Media is entering Columbus-Tupelo, Mississippi; Terre Haute, Indiana; and West Lafayette, Indiana.
- When does Gray Media expect to complete the transaction?
- The completion of the transaction is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
- Why is Allen Media Group selling its television stations?
- Allen Media Group is selling its stations to reduce its debt load.
| Station Name | DMA Rank | City |
|---|---|---|
| WAAY (ABC) | 75 | Huntsville, AL |
| WSIL (ABC) | 90 | Paducah, KY, Cape Girardeau, MO, Harrisburg, IL |
| WEVV (CBS/Fox) | 109 | Evansville, IN |
| WFFT (Fox) | 110 | Ft. Wayne, IN |
| WCOV (Fox) | 121 | Montgomery, AL |
| KADN (Fox/NBC) | 124 | Lafayette, LA |
| WTVA (ABC/NBC) | 134 | Columbus-Tupelo, MS |
| WREX (NBC) | 137 | Rockford, IL |
| WTHI (CBS/Fox) | 159 | Terre Haute, IN |
| WLFI (CBS) | 189 | West Lafayette, IN |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WAFF 48 News
- Adweek
- Rockford Register Star
- Los Angeles Times
- Rock River Current
- Wikipedia: Gray Media Group
- Google Search: Gray Media Group
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Television
- Google News: Local TV Stations
- Google Scholar: Media Acquisitions
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.
