Byron Allen is making big moves in the broadcast world. The entertainment mogul’s Allen Media Group (AMG) has officially struck a deal to sell 10 local television stations to Gray Media for a whopping $171 million.
The companies announced the agreement today, confirming that — pending FCC approval and other customary closing conditions — the deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Gray Media Expands Into New Territory
This acquisition will significantly grow Gray Media’s broadcast footprint, giving the company:
- Three new markets: Columbus–Tupelo, Mississippi; Terre Haute, Indiana; and West Lafayette, Indiana.
- Stronger presence in seven existing regions.
Gray says the move will also create new local station duopolies — allowing for expanded news, weather, and sports coverage tailored to each community.
The Stations Changing Hands
The 10 stations involved in the deal include:
- WAAY (ABC) — Huntsville, Alabama
- WSIL (ABC) — Paducah–Cape Girardeau–Harrisburg market
- WEVV (CBS/FOX) — Evansville, Indiana
- WFFT (FOX) — Fort Wayne, Indiana
- WCOV (FOX) — Montgomery, Alabama
- KADN (FOX/NBC) — Lafayette, Louisiana
- WTVA (ABC/NBC) — Columbus–Tupelo, Mississippi
- WREX (NBC) — Rockford, Illinois
- WTHI (CBS/FOX) — Terre Haute, Indiana
- WLFI (CBS) — West Lafayette, Indiana
Once finalized, these additions will bolster Gray’s programming portfolio and advertising reach across mid-sized U.S. markets.
Why Byron Allen Is Selling
For Byron Allen, this sale is just the beginning of a broader divestment strategy. In June 2025, AMG hired investment bank Moelis & Co. to seek offers for 28 network-affiliate stations in mid-sized and smaller markets.
The 10 stations going to Gray Media represent the first phase of that plan.
Allen’s goal? Refocus his empire on core properties while freeing resources for new ventures in content creation and distribution.
Byron Allen’s Bigger Picture
Allen’s journey from stand-up comic and syndicated talk show host to billion-dollar media mogul is legendary. Over three decades, he has built AMG into a powerhouse that now includes:
- The Weather Channel
- Multiple lifestyle and entertainment networks
- Digital platforms like The Grio and HBCU Go
This sale positions Allen to double down on high-profile assets and potentially explore bigger plays in streaming, sports broadcasting, and digital content.
Industry Context — Why This Sale Matters
The deal underscores a larger trend in broadcast television — consolidation.
With audiences increasingly fragmented across streaming platforms, scale is king. Bigger networks can:
- Offer more competitive advertising rates.
- Deliver local programming at a larger scale.
- Better compete with digital-first outlets.
For Gray Media, adding these stations means wider reach and stronger ad revenue potential. For Allen, the divestment offers capital and flexibility for future projects.
Next Steps
The deal is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approval and FCC ownership rule waivers.
Once complete, Gray will officially control all 10 stations, while Byron Allen’s AMG will continue operating its remaining network affiliates, cable channels, and digital platforms.
What’s your take? Is Byron Allen making a smart move by streamlining his TV station portfolio? Or will he regret giving up these local markets? Sound off below!
