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Gray Media Acquires WAAY 31 and Nine Other TV Stations in $171 Million Deal from Allen Media Group

Gray Media Acquires WAAY 31 and Nine Other TV Stations in $171 Million Deal from Allen Media Group

Huntsville, AL – August 11, 2025 – In a major consolidation move within the broadcasting industry, Atlanta-based Gray Media has announced its agreement to purchase 10 television stations from Byron Allen's Allen Media Group for $171 million. The acquisition includes Huntsville's ABC affiliate WAAY 31, strengthening Gray Media's presence in the North Alabama market and across several other regions.

This deal comes amid ongoing shifts in the media landscape, where companies are seeking to expand their local footprints to combat digital competition and enhance advertising revenues. For Huntsville businesses, the transaction could lead to more integrated local media options, potentially boosting targeted marketing efforts in a growing economy driven by aerospace, defense, and technology sectors.

Key Details of the Gray Media-Allen Media Group Acquisition

Gray Media, the parent company of Huntsville's WAFF 48 and the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations, will add these assets to its portfolio, which already spans 113 markets and reaches approximately 37% of U.S. television households. The purchase will allow Gray to enter three new television markets while creating duopolies—ownership of multiple stations in the same market—in seven existing ones, enabling shared resources and improved operational efficiencies.

The transaction is slated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending necessary regulatory approvals, including waivers from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for local ownership rules, as well as other customary closing conditions.

List of Acquired TV Stations and Markets

The 10 stations being acquired represent a mix of network affiliates across mid-sized markets, diversifying Gray Media's offerings in news, weather, sports, and entertainment. Here's the full list:

This expansion aligns with Gray Media's strategy to invest in local journalism and community-focused programming, which has earned it top ratings in 78 markets and first or second place in 99 markets as of 2024.

Business Impact on Huntsville and Broader Implications

In Huntsville, the addition of WAAY 31 to Gray Media's holdings—alongside existing station WAFF 48—will create a local duopoly, potentially leading to enhanced content sharing and more comprehensive coverage of regional news and events. This could benefit local advertisers by offering bundled opportunities across multiple channels, increasing reach in a market known for its rapid growth and high-tech industries.

On a national scale, the deal highlights the value of traditional broadcast assets in an era of streaming dominance. Gray Media, which also operates Gray Digital Media for online marketing services and production arms like Raycom Sports, aims to deepen community engagement through expanded local programming. Allen Media Group, founded by comedian and entrepreneur Byron Allen, is divesting these stations as part of its portfolio adjustments.

Industry analysts view this acquisition as a step toward greater consolidation, allowing larger players like Gray to leverage scale for better negotiations with networks and advertisers. For Huntsville commerce, it signals a more dynamic media environment that could support economic development by amplifying business stories and events.

Future Outlook for Local Broadcasting

As the deal progresses toward approval, stakeholders in Huntsville and beyond will watch for how it influences programming quality and market competition. Gray Media's track record of owning the largest group of Telemundo affiliates (44 markets) suggests a commitment to diverse audiences, which could extend to the newly acquired stations.

This acquisition not only solidifies Gray Media's position as a broadcasting leader but also underscores the enduring importance of local TV in connecting communities and driving business growth. Stay tuned to Huntsville Commerce Report for updates on this and other regional business developments.

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