Gray Media

James H. Gray started his communication business in Albany, Georgia with the purchase of The Herald Publishing Company (a company founded in 1897 to promote The Albany Herald, a newspaper that started publication in 1891), in 1946 after he returned from World War II. The purchase included WALB radio. Gray launched WALB-TV in 1954. In 1960, Gray purchased WJHG-TV in Panama City, Florida, and followed it later in the decade with KTVE serving Monroe, Louisiana and southern Arkansas.{{cite book|title=International Directory of Company Histories|date=1999|publisher=St. James Press|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/gray-communications-systems-inc-history/|access-date=September 21, 2016|chapter=Gray Communications Systems, Inc. History|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923014530/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/gray-communications-systems-inc-history/|archive-date=September 23, 2016}}{{cite web | title=Gray Television consolidating offices, leaving Albany|date=July 7, 2015 |url=http://www.albanyherald.com/news/gray-television-consolidating-offices-leaving-albany/article_976b5dfb-06ad-5f62-88af-af3e7458a660.html|publisher=The Albany Herald|access-date=July 10, 2018}}

In 1986 Gray died, leaving his 50.5% share of the stock in a trust for his children with stipulation that they run the business together, sell their stock with each other or sell out together. It caused difficulties as two of the three wanted to sell, but the third was against the purchase. In 1991, to break the stalemate, the board of directors had the company purchase 25% of their shares.

The company was then taken public on NASDAQ's small-cap market in the 2nd quarter 1992. The price per share dropped to $8. The company put itself-or any part up-for sale by the end of 1992. While the board of directors received about 40 offers, Bull Run Corporation eventually stepped in and purchased the remaining shares of the Gray siblings, who as part of the deal resigned from the board.

New management took over all three TV stations. Bull Run Corporation, primarily owned by J. Mack Robinson, decided to make Gray a Southeast regional media company, expanding its focus beyond the state of Georgia. Gray purchased two TV stations (WKYT-TV and WYMT-TV) from the failed and government-seized Kentucky Central Insurance Company in September 1994 after a court challenge to the sale by Kentucky Central builder Garvice Kincaid.

In 1994 and 1995, Gray purchased two newspapers, the Rockdale Citizen (acquired May 31, 1994) and Gwinnett Post-Tribune (acquired January 1995; quickly renamed Gwinnett Daily Post) and seven advertising weeklies. In 1995, the company moved its stock listing to the New York Stock Exchange. By this time, Robinson, directly or through Bull Run, owned 44% of the company's stock. Gray had started to focus on its TV station segment over the newspaper holding while TV produced more income and the newspapers' income were declining. Just months after doubling the Daily Post{{'}}s staff, one third were laid off and a quarter of The Albany Herald{{'}}s staff followed in January 1996. Newspaper leaders resigned during this period–from the corporate president in late 1995 to the Citizen's editor and publisher.

In 1996, Gray added additional TV stations while entering additional communication industry segments. In 1996, Fortune considered the company the nation's 81st fastest growing company, with a 48% growth rate, and as if to prove the point, Gray purchased WRDW-TV in January 1996. In September of the same year, a basket purchase from First American Media, Inc. earned the company two more TV stations, (WCTV and WVLT-TV), Satellite and Production Business Services, which was renamed Lynqx Communications and PortaPhone paging business.

In August and September 1996, Gray raised additional operating funds by various means. On August 20, KTVE was sold for cash and accounts receivable. The company issued and sold Class B common stock (through a public offering), senior subordinated notes and preferred stock in September. Also, a new bank credit facility was arranged. This brought the company total to $534.5 million in available funds with $409.5 million directly available.

Also in September 1996, Ralph Gabbard, the newly named president and CEO, died from a heart attack at age 50. Robinson, Bull Run's chair, took over as interim CEO and president with Bull Run CEO Robert Prather as interim executive vice-president, acquisitions.

With its additional funds, Gray continued purchasing in 1997 with two announcements in January and February. The company bought Gulflink Communications, Inc., a transportable satellite uplink business based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in April 1997 to go along with Lynqx. With Raycom Media acquiring a station from AFLAC Broadcast Group, Inc., forcing them to sell WITN-TV to Gray, which was finalized on August 1, 1997. The Gwinnett Daily Post increased circulation in 1997 through a deal with Genesis Cable Communications to provide the paper to its metro Atlanta subscribers at Genesis's expense.

In 1998, Gray started to expand beyond its Southeast region. As the company agreed to purchase the Busse Broadcasting Corporation, which owned KOLN, KGIN-TV and WEAU. Gray's ownership of a newspaper and TV station in Albany, Georgia, while grandfathered was examined under the media cross-ownership rule of the FCC due to this potential purchase. WALB was thus sold to Liberty Corp.'s Cosmos Broadcasting in August 1998.{{cite news|title=Company Briefs|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/04/business/company-briefs-210846.html?_r=0|access-date=September 22, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=August 4, 1998|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305003511/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/04/business/company-briefs-210846.html?_r=0|archive-date=March 5, 2017}}

In 2002, Robinson became chairman and CEO, his son-in-law Hilton Howell vice chairman, Prather president/COO and Jim Ryan senior vice president. They had Gray purchase 14 Benedek Broadcasting stations while that company was in bankruptcy.{{cite news|last=Colman|first=Price|title=Gray: Strong Stations, Smart Operations|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/91617/gray-strong-stations-smart-operations/page/1|access-date=September 22, 2016 |website=TV News Check|date=January 19, 2016|pages=1–2|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513193112/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/91617/gray-strong-stations-smart-operations/page/1|archive-date=May 13, 2018}}

File:Mike Rogers interviewed by Peter Zampa.jpg being interviewed by Gray Television's Peter Zampa in 2020]]

In 2006, the company spun off its five daily newspapers and wireless messaging business into the newly formed Triple Crown Media,{{cite news | title = Atlanta-based TV-station operator to spin off newsletter, wireless units. | date = August 4, 2005 | access-date = August 9, 2013 | url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-134828278.html | publisher = Atlanta Journal-Constitution | via = HighBeam Research |url-access=subscription | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140610220534/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-134828278.html | archive-date =June 10, 2014}} later (in 2010) renamed Southern Community Newspapers.{{cite news | url=http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2010/mar/05/daily-posts-parent-company-changes-name/ | title=Daily Post's parent company changes name |work=Gwinnett Daily Post | date=March 5, 2010 | access-date=August 9, 2013 | archive-date=January 9, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109200332/http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2010/mar/05/daily-posts-parent-company-changes-name/ | url-status=dead}} A new strategy of purchasing stations in college towns or capitals was put into place.

The company had overpaid for a pair of stations and was over leveraged like many other station groups entering the Great Recession. Advertising revenues dropped. The twin problems caused its shares to trade at its lowest at 16 cents in 2008, thus the NYSE indicated they might delist the company. Loan covenants could have forced the company into default. Robinson stepped down with Howell replacing him in 2008.

On July 30, 2009, Gray was awarded a contract to manage seven Young Broadcasting-owned stations. Through December 31, 2012, Gray would earn $2.2 million and an opportunity to earn additional specified incentive fees if certain performance targets were exceeded.[http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/316102-UPDATE_Banks_Bid_on_Young_Stations_Clears_Hurdle.php "Banks' Bid on Young Stations Clears Hurdle"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623103425/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/316102-UPDATE_Banks_Bid_on_Young_Stations_Clears_Hurdle.php |date=June 23, 2010}}. Broadcasting & Cable. July 22, 2009.[http://www.rbr.com/tv-cable/15936.html "Gray to manage most Young stations"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730183852/http://www.rbr.com/tv-cable/15936.html |date=July 30, 2009}}. Radio & Television Business Report. July 22, 2009.[http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2011/02/02/48824/whos-really-running-young-broadcasting Who's Really Running Young Broadcasting?"]. TV News Check. February 1, 2011.

Prather left the company in 2013 and Howell took over the president title. On November 4, 2013, Gray announced that it would purchase Yellowstone Holdings for $23 million, adding local stations: KGNS-TV, KGWN, KCWY and KCHY-LP.{{cite web|title=Gray Buying Yellowstone Stations|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/71701/gray-buying-yellowstone-stations|work=TV News Check|date=November 4, 2013 |access-date=November 4, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104225127/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/71701/gray-buying-yellowstone-stations|archive-date=November 4, 2013}} Three weeks later, on November 20, Gray announced it would purchase Hoak Media and Parker Broadcasting for $335 million, and North Dakota's Fox affiliate KNDX/KXND for $7.5 million. As part of the deal, stations KAQY, KHAS-TV and KXJB, were proposed to be sold to Excalibur Broadcasting and operated by Gray under a "local marketing agreements".{{cite web|title=Gray Buying Hoak, Prime Stations For $342.5M|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/72138/gray-buying-hoak-prime-stations-for-3425m|work=TV News Check|access-date=November 20, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202221736/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/72138/gray-buying-hoak-prime-stations-for-3425m|archive-date=December 2, 2013}} On December 19, it was announced that stations KREX-TV and WMBB would be sold to Nexstar Broadcasting Group, while KFQX would be sold to Mission Broadcasting.[http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/72826/gray-sells-grand-junction-duop-to-nexstar Gray Sell Grand Junction Duop To Nexstar] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219215325/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/72826/gray-sells-grand-junction-duop-to-nexstar |date=December 19, 2013}}, "TV News Check". December 19, 2013 On March 25, 2014, Prime Cities Broadcasting, owner of KNDX/KXND, requested that the FCC dismiss the sale of KNDX/KXND to Excalibur.{{cite web|last=Paxson|first=Ann Thomas|title=Re: Prime Cities Broadcasting, Inc. Request for Dismissal of Group Application for Assignment of Broadcast Station License(s)…|url=https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=48158 |work=CDBS Public Access|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|access-date=March 26, 2014|date=March 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327234257/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=48158|archive-date=March 27, 2014}}

The sale was completed on June 13, 2014. However, some stations were forced to go off the air and their programming was moved to a multicast stream on adjacent channels, due to some stations being unable to receive regulatory approval, after the FCC's ruling on joint sales agreements. Those silent stations would then be sold off to minority interest, pending FCC approval.[http://rbr.com/gray-closes-hoak-deal-completes-refinancing/ Gray closes Hoak deal; completes refinancing.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729012017/http://rbr.com/gray-closes-hoak-deal-completes-refinancing/ |date=July 29, 2014}}. Radio & Television Business Report. Retrieved June 13, 2014.[http://gray.tv/index.php?page=press-releases&releaseid=1939828 Press Release] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714111029/http://gray.tv/index.php?page=press-releases&releaseid=1939828 |date=July 14, 2014}}. Gray Television. Retrieved June 13, 2014.

On July 24, 2014, SJL Broadcasting announced that it would sell WJRT-TV and WTVG to Gray, for $128 million.{{cite news|title=Gray Buys Stations in Flint, Toledo For $128M|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/77940/gray-buys-stations-in-flint-toledo-for-128m|access-date=July 24, 2014 |work=TV News Check |date=July 24, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730030456/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/77940/gray-buys-stations-in-flint-toledo-for-128m|archive-date=July 30, 2014}}{{cite news|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/KirkBaird/2014/08/29/TV-in-the-news.html|title=TV in the news Channels 24, 13 expanding newscasts; CW13 to replace WT05|last=Baird|first=Kirk|date=August 29, 2014|work=The Toledo Blade|access-date=August 31, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905060914/http://www.toledoblade.com/KirkBaird/2014/08/29/TV-in-the-news.html|archive-date=September 5, 2014}} The sale was completed on September 15.[http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/79278/gray-closes-on-flint-toledo-station-buys Gray Closes on Flint, Toledo Station Buys] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916034730/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/79278/gray-closes-on-flint-toledo-station-buys |date=September 16, 2014}}. TV News Check. Retrieved September 15, 2014.

In July 2015, Gray closed its accounting and human resources offices in Albany (housed in the same building as The Albany Herald), combining them with the corporate offices in Atlanta.

In September 2015, Gray announced that it would acquire the television and radio stations of Schurz Communications for $442.5 million.{{cite news|title=Schurz Communications to sell WSBT and other TV, radio stations|url=http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/schurz-communications-to-sell-wsbt-and-other-tv-radio-stations/article_e95251d6-5b1d-11e5-b80b-ef330f571e57.html|access-date=September 14, 2015 |work=South Bend Tribune|date=September 14, 2015}}{{cite news|last=Kuperberg|first=Jonathan|title=Gray Acquiring TV, Radio Stations from Schurz for $442.5 Million|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/gray-acquiring-tv-radio-stations-schurz-4425-million/144190|access-date=September 14, 2015 |work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=September 14, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917040306/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/gray-acquiring-tv-radio-stations-schurz-4425-million/144190|archive-date=September 17, 2015}} It also purchased KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from the locally owned Gazette Company, who owned the station from its sign-on in 1953.{{cite web|url=http://gray.tv/index.php?page=press-releases&releaseid=2084226|title=Press Releases|website=Gray Television|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528034116/http://gray.tv/index.php?page=press-releases&releaseid=2084226|archive-date=May 28, 2016|url-status=live}}{{Citation | date = September 1, 2015 | title = KCRG-TV9 sold to Gray Television | work = KCRG.com | url = http://www.kcrg.com/subject/news/business/kcrg-tv9-sold-to-gray-television-20150901 |access-date=September 1, 2015 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150903235409/http://www.kcrg.com/subject/news/business/kcrg-tv9-sold-to-gray-television-20150901 |archive-date=September 3, 2015}}

In January 2016, Gray opened a national news bureau in Washington, D.C., led by former APTV journalist Jacqueline Policastro. The bureau was designed to provide enhanced coverage of national political issues for Gray's local stations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.adweek.com/digital/gray-tv-launches-dc-news-bureau/|title=Gray TV Launches DC News Bureau|work=Adweek|access-date=June 25, 2018}}{{cite news|last=McAdams|first=Deborah D.|title=Gray Opens Washington, D.C. News Bureau|url=http://www.tvtechnology.com/news/0086/gray-opens-washington-dc-news-bureau/274355|access-date=September 21, 2016

|work=TVTechnology |date=February 2, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923020256/http://www.tvtechnology.com/news/0086/gray-opens-washington-dc-news-bureau/274355|archive-date=September 23, 2016}}

On May 13, 2016, Gray announced that it would acquire WDTV and WVFX in Clarksburg, West Virginia, from Withers Broadcasting for $26.5 million.{{cite news|title=Gray Buying WDTV-WVFX Clarksburg, WV|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/94755/gray-buying-wdtvwvfx-clarksburg-wv|access-date=May 13, 2016|work=TV News Check|date=May 13, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513193112/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/94755/gray-buying-wdtvwvfx-clarksburg-wv|archive-date=May 13, 2018}} On June 3, 2016, it was announced that Gray would acquire two stations that were spun-off from the Nexstar-Media General merger; KWQC-TV in Davenport, Iowa, and WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for $270 million.{{cite web|title=Gray Buying Two Nexstar Spinoffs For $270M|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/95259/gray-buying-two-nexstar-spinoffs-for-270m|website=TV News Check|date=June 3, 2016 |access-date=June 3, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806021902/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/95259/gray-buying-two-nexstar-spinoffs-for-270m|archive-date=August 6, 2017 |last1=Miller |first1=Mark K. }}{{cite news|first=Diana|last=Marszalek|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/gray-buys-nexstar-stations-green-bay-davenport/157035|title=Gray Buys Nexstar Stations in Green Bay, Davenport |work=Broadcasting & Cable |date=June 3, 2016|access-date=June 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605203300/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/gray-buys-nexstar-stations-green-bay-davenport/157035|archive-date=June 5, 2016}} On February 16, 2017, Gray announced that it would acquire WABI-TV in Bangor, Maine, and WCJB-TV in Gainesville, Florida, from Diversified Communications for $85 million.Marszalek, Diana (February 16, 2017). [http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/local-tv/gray-buys-diversifieds-stations-bangor-gainesville/163391 Gray Buys Diversified's Stations in Bangor, Gainesville]{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} Broadcasting & Cable. On May 4, 2017, Gray announced its intent to acquire WCAX-TV in Burlington, Vermont, from Mount Mansfield Television for $29 million.{{cite web|title=Gray Buying CBS Affil WCAX Burlington, Vt|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/103820/gray-buying-cbs-affil-wcax-burlingtonvt|website=TV News Check|date=May 4, 2017 |access-date=May 4, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803091442/http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/103820/gray-buying-cbs-affil-wcax-burlingtonvt|archive-date=August 3, 2017}}{{cite web|title=WCAX sold to Gray Television|url=http://www.wcax.com/story/35342251/wcax-sold-to-gray-television|work=WCAX.com|access-date=May 4, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508233119/http://www.wcax.com/story/35342251/wcax-sold-to-gray-television|archive-date=May 8, 2017}}

In April 2017, Gray filed a lawsuit against Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett, founders of the Found Footage Festival, for fraud and copyright infringement, after having booked an appearance on the morning show of a Gray station as a fake strongman act, "Chop and Steele", and utilizing the footage during their show. The parties later agreed to a settlement.{{cite news |last=Saul |first=Emily |date=April 13, 2017 |work=New York Post |title=Pranksters sued by TV company over morning show antics |url=https://nypost.com/2017/04/13/pranksters-sued-by-tv-company-over-morning-show-antics/ |access-date= April 9, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410071947/https://nypost.com/2017/04/13/pranksters-sued-by-tv-company-over-morning-show-antics/ |archive-date=April 10, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/meet-the-comedy-duo-who-got-sued-for-pranking-the-news/|title=Meet the comedy duo who got sued for pranking the news|work=VICE News|access-date=June 25, 2018}}

On May 21, 2018, Gray entered into an agreement to acquire KNHL from Legacy Broadcasting for $475,000. Gray intended to turn KNHL into a satellite of its NBC affiliate KSNB-TV.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rbr.com/grays-legacy-resumes-in-nebraska/|title=Gray's Legacy Grows In Nebraska|last=Jacobson|first=Adam|date=September 14, 2018 |work=Radio & Television Business Report|access-date=October 28, 2018}}

On June 25, 2018, Gray announced its intent to acquire Raycom Media for $3.65 billion, pending regulatory approval. The combined company would be led by Raycom's current president and CEO Pat LaPlatney, with current Gray CEO Hilton Howell acting as executive chairman and co-CEO. The acquisition, which Gray expected to close in late 2018, would give Gray 142 stations in 92 markets, making Gray the third-largest owner of television stations in the United States, with a total market share of 24%.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/gray-tv-to-buy-raycom-in-3-65-billion-deal-1529932732|title=Gray TV to Buy Raycom in $3.65 Billion Deal|last=Hufford|first=Austen|date=June 25, 2018 |work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=June 25, 2018|issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2018/06/grey-acquiring-raycom-for-3-65-billion-forming-no-3-local-tv-group-1202416667/|title=Gray Acquiring Raycom For $3.65B, Forming No. 3 Local TV Group|last=Hayes|first=Dade|date=June 25, 2018 |work=Deadline|access-date=June 25, 2018}}

Although Gray foresaw that the acquisition would receive regulatory approval quickly, due to limited market overlap between the two companies and its still-relatively low total market reach post-acquisition. Gray would divest nine stations in markets where Gray and Raycom both already owned stations, including WTNZ, WTOL, KXXV, WTXL, WFXG, KWES-TV, WPGX, WSWG and WDFX-TV.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/114556/gray-to-buy-raycom-for-36-billion|title=Gray To Buy Raycom For $3.6 Billion|website=TV News Check |access-date=June 26, 2018}} The sale was approved by the FCC on December 20, 2018.[https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-18-1286A1.pdf "Memorandum Opinion and Order"], Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission. December 20, 2018. Retrieved December 20, 2018.[https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/fcc-ok-with-gray-raycom-merger "FCC OK with Gray/Raycom Merger"]. Broadcasting & Cable. December 20, 2018. Retrieved December 20, 2018.[https://tvnewscheck.com/article/top-news/227334/fcc-approves-gray-raycom-merger/ "FCC Approves Gray-Raycom Merger"], TV News Check, December 20, 2018, Retrieved December 20, 2018. The deal was completed on January 2, 2019.[https://gray.tv/uploads/documents/pressreleases/Press%20Release%20re%20Raycom%20Regulatory%20Approvals%20Closing.pdf "Gray Receives Regulatory Approvals for Raycom Media and Divestiture Transactions"], Gray Television, December 20, 2018, Retrieved December 20, 2018.[https://gray.tv/uploads/documents/pressreleases/Press%20Release%20re%20Completion%20of%20Raycom%20Acquisition.pdf "Gray Completes Acquisitions for Raycom Media and Related Transactions"], Gray Television. January 2, 2019. Retrieved January 2, 2019.

Gray announced on April 24, 2019, a joint venture with Grand Ole Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, a former owner of The Nashville Network. The services would consist of a broadcast diginet and an OTT streaming platform. The joint venture is based in Nashville under general manager Drew Riefenberger. Gray contributed distribution and marketing capabilities, multicast knowledge and affiliate Gray TV stations.{{cite news |last=Jessell |first=Harry A. |title=Gray Teams With Grand Ole Opry On TV Network |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/article/234281/gray-teams-with-grand-ole-opry-on-tv-network/ |access-date=May 21, 2019 |work=TV News Check |date=April 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427124427/https://tvnewscheck.com/article/234281/gray-teams-with-grand-ole-opry-on-tv-network/ |archive-date=April 27, 2019}} The Circle TV network made its launch on January 1, 2020.{{cite news |last=Hudak |first=Joseph |title=Circle TV Network Lineup Announced: Opry Live, Elizabeth Cook Series - Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/circle-network-tv-lineup-opry-925237/ |access-date=December 23, 2019 |work=TV News Check |date=December 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211215342/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/circle-network-tv-lineup-opry-925237/ |archive-date=December 11, 2019}}

On February 1, 2021, Gray announced its intent to acquire all Quincy Media's broadcasting properties for $925 million in cash. To comply with federal regulators, Gray would divest Quincy stations in Tucson; Harrisburg, Illinois; Waterloo/Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Madison, La Crosse and Wausau in Wisconsin over to Allen Media Group.{{cite web|last=Goldsmith|first=Jill|title=Gray Television Acquires Quincy Media For $925 Million In Cash|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/gray-television-quincy-media-for-925-million-in-cash-1234684531/|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 1, 2021 |access-date=February 2, 2021}} Gray's acquisition of Quincy Media was completed on August 2.[https://graytv.gcs-web.com/node/18526/pdf "Gray Television Closes Quincy Acquisition"], Gray Television. August 2, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2021.

In March 2021, Gray revealed plans to purchase a shuttered General Motors plant in Atlanta suburb Doraville, Georgia, and transform the site into a media production community called Assembly.{{cite web|last=Green|first=Josh|title=Gray TV company to remake former GM plant into Georgia's largest 'Studio City'|url=https://urbanize.city/atlanta/post/georgia-movie-television-studio-development-doraville-assembly-gray|work=Urbanize Atlanta|date=March 31, 2021|access-date=March 18, 2022}}{{cite web|title=Former GM plant set to transform into massive film production site|url=https://www.ajc.com/news/former-gm-plant-set-to-become-largest-film-production-site-in-georgia/GP3VHVH7HRBCPOONEJDKUOFKZY/|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=March 31, 2021|access-date=March 18, 2022}} The "studio city" was planned to include multiple film studios, as well as apartments, townhomes, a hotel, corporate offices, restaurants and retail space. In September 2021, Gray Television purchased Doraville-based Third Rail Studios for $27.5 million.{{cite web|title=Gray Television purchases Doraville's Third Rail Studios for $27.5 million|url=https://www.ajc.com/life/radiotvtalk-blog/gray-television-purchases-doravilles-third-rail-studios-for-275-million/7F2ES2QNSFACFJL5B3DGSYP7R4/|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=March 31, 2021|access-date=March 22, 2022}}

On May 3, 2021, Gray announced plans to buy the television division of Meredith Corporation for $2.7 billion. If approved, Gray would sell WJRT-TV to acquire competing station WNEM-TV, owned by Meredith.{{cite web|title= Gray Television to Acquire Meredith TV Stations for $2.7 Billion |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/gray-television-to-acquire-meredith-tv-stations-for-2-7-billion-1234964898/ |author=Cynthia Littleton |website=Variety |date=May 3, 2021}} It was revealed that Allen Media Group would purchase WJRT-TV in Flint for $70 million.{{Cite web|last=Hayes|first=Dade|date=July 14, 2021 |title=Allen Media Group Pays $70M To Acquire Gray Television's WJRT, An ABC Affiliate In Michigan|url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/allen-media-group-acquires-wjrt-gray-television-wjrt-flint-saginaw-michigan-1234793108/|access-date=August 24, 2021|website=Deadline|language=en-US}} The sale was completed on December 1.[https://graytv.gcs-web.com/static-files/2e326758-5269-4d26-a961-cf70fffe9981 "Gray Television Closes On Acquisition of Meredith Corporation’s Local Media Group"]. Gray Television. December 1, 2021. Retrieved December 1, 2021.

On September 18, 2021, Gray launched InvestigateTV, a weekly program featuring investigative stories from a national team and Gray local investigations to a national audience.{{Cite web |date=September 18, 2021 |title=InvestigateTV – Season 1: Episode 1 |url=https://www.investigatetv.com/video/2021/09/17/investigatetv-season-1-episode-1/ |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=InvestigateTV |language=en}} The program draws from an investigative unit formed at WVUE under Raycom ownership.{{Cite web |last=Barron |first=Alicia |date=December 1, 2018 |title=InvestigateTV's bet: If you build it, they will come |url=https://cronkitenewslab.com/broadcast/2018/12/01/raycom-investigate-tv-if-you-build-it-they-will-come/ |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=Cronkite News Lab |language=en-US}}

In January 2022, Gray acquired 24 low-powered station from Lowcountry 34 Media for over $3.75 million.{{Cite web |last=Jacobson |first=Adam |date=January 3, 2022 |title=A New, Bigger LPTV Grab for Gray Television |url=https://rbr.com/a-new-bigger-lptv-grab-for-gray-television/ |access-date=February 4, 2025 |website=Radio & Television Business Report}}{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2022 |title=Station Trading Roundup: 1 Deal, $3,750,000 |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/station-trading-roundup-1-deal-3750000/ |access-date=February 4, 2025 |website=TV News Check}}

In March 2022, Gray acquired 4 former Box stations from L4 Media Group: KBXS-CD in Shreveport, Louisiana, WBXA-CD in Birmingham, Alabama, WBXC-CD in Champaign, Illinois, and WBXM-CD in Montgomery, Alabama, reuniting them with WBXH-CD in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Adam |date=March 18, 2022 |title=Gray Grows Its LPTV Stable Once Again |url=https://rbr.com/gray-grows-its-lptv-stable-once-again/ |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=Radio & Television Business Report}}

In May 2022, Gray reached an agreement with the Telemundo Network Group expanding the term of Gray’s affiliation agreements with Telemundo. This new agreement allows Gray the right to launch the first local Telemundo affiliations on their television stations in 22 additional markets.{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2022 |title=Gray And Telemundo Expand Affiliation Partnership |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/programming/article/gray-and-telemundo-expand-affiliation-partnership/ |access-date=January 26, 2025 |website=TV News Check}}

On September 28, 2022, Gray announced its intent to purchase WBQC-LD for $2.5 million.{{cite web|url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/views/public/assignmentDraftCopy?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff3836d9d6e0183712ba48b0074&id=25076ff3836d9d6e0183712ba48b0074|title=Assignments|work=Licensing and Management System|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=September 28, 2022 |access-date=April 8, 2023}} The sale was completed on November 21, making WBQC-LD a sister station to WXIX-TV.[https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/views/public/consummationDraftCopy?displayType=html&appKey=25076ff3848dd54701849baffe6e06f6&id=25076ff3848dd54701849baffe6e06f6 "Notification of Consummation"], Licensing and Management System, Federal Communications Commission. November 21, 2022, Retrieved April 8, 2023.

On September 11, 2023, InvestigateTV+, a weekday expansion of the InvestigateTV franchise, launched on all Gray television stations and is syndicated to stations outside of a Gray market.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark |date=April 18, 2023 |title=News Magazine Program 'InvestigateTV+' Debuts In Fall |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/news-magazine-program-investigatetv-debuts-in-fall/ |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=TV News Check |language=en}}

On October 1, 2023, the Peachtree Sports Network launched in Georgia, focusing on live, local sports programming all year long. The broadcast network launched in Atlanta but was planned to air on Gray-owned over-the-air channels in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah in the following months.{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Adam |title=Peachtree Sports Network launches statewide on Gray Television stations |url=https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/09/25/peachtree-sports-network-launches-statewide-gray-television-stations/ |website=Atlanta News First |date=September 25, 2023 |access-date=September 26, 2023}}

On November 7, 2023, Gray, Warner Bros. Discovery and Lionsgate teamed up to form Free TV Networks, a new company to be led by broadcasting veteran Jonathan Katz, with presence in both broadcast networks and FAST streaming channels. The company launched broadcast and FAST streaming versions of The365, a channel for African-American audiences, and Outlaw, a network for Western programming, as well as FAST channels VCR Action and VCR Haha, under the joint venture on January 1, 2024. Later, on November 10, 2023, it was announced that Circle would cease its broadcast operations on December 31, 2023, with plans on transitioning to FAST streaming and other avenues, as well as a likely chance for the broadcast operations of Circle to be replaced by one of two channels of the new Free TV Networks company.

On February 1, 2024, it was announced that Marquee and Gray had reached agreements to swap television stations in Wyoming and Utah. As part of the swap Marquee ended up with KCWY-DT in Casper, Wyoming; KGWN-TV in Cheyenne, Wyoming; KSTF in Scottsbluff, Nebraska; and KNEP in Sydney, Nebraska. At the same time Gray got Marquee’s FCC permit authorizing construction of a new and currently unbuilt TV station KCBU in Salt Lake City.{{cite web|url=https://graytv.gcs-web.com/node/21466/pdf?fbclid=IwAR1xRu_EpxfHzidQu0aOAwTbzdsRoIqSa8AXFfJwzfNvrdckua_S81SKhg8/|title=Gray and Marquee Broadcasting Swap Television Station Assets |date=February 1, 2024|access-date=February 2, 2024}}

On February 14, 2024, Gray Television and Syncbak launched Zeam, a free ad-supported steaming service that features local news, sports and weather.

On December 30, 2024, the Board of Directors at Gray Television formally approved changing the name of the company to "Gray Media," after years of referring to the company internally and externally by that informal name.{{Cite web |last=Keys |first=Matthew |date=2024-12-31 |title=Gray Media becomes official name of Gray Television in January |url=https://thedesk.net/2024/12/gray-television-changes-name-gray-media/ |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=The Desk |language=en-US}}

Under the direction of executive chairman and CEO Hilton Howell, Gray Television was one of the first broadcasters to implement a COVID-19 vaccination mandate. He has said he is "proud" of the corporate culture he has helped create. Howell says he supports media consolidation and opposes an FCC cap on ownership."Gray's Howell: 'It Is Past Time For Us To Get Back To Business'". TVNewsCheck . November 17, 2021. In their 2022 environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report, Howell noted he was committed to "improving our gender and racial diversity in leadership, our business ethics and compliance policies, our training and development, and our responsible energy use". According to the report, under Howell's leadership, the company aired a six-month series on health and wellness in Appalachia, known as "Bridging the Great Health Divide", expanded their relationship with Telemundo to provide additional Spanish-language content in the United States, highlighted stories about historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), aired and produced content about Pride Month and Hispanic Heritage Month in local markets, and aired and produced two climate change series, Troubled Water, a documentary about the water crisis, and Coast & Climate, a series about the impact of climate change in Louisiana.[https://www.responsibilityreports.com/HostedData/ResponsibilityReports/PDF/NYSE_GTN_2022.pdf "Gray Television 2022 ESG Report"]. Gray Television. pp. 1-23. Howell is a donor to the Republican Party.Legg, Heidi (September 8, 2021). [https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2021/09/08/tracking-media-owners-political-donations/5719743001/ "Media moguls and political donations: We tracked where news executives give their money"]. USA Today. Retrieved July 18, 2024.

• Free TV Networks (broadcast networks and FAST streaming channels; joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery and Starz){{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=November 7, 2023 |title=Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate And Gray Television Team With Free TV Networks, A New Programmer With A Presence On Broadcast TV And Streaming |url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/warner-bros-discovery-lionsgate-gray-television-free-tv-networks-streaming-broadcast-tv-1235595771/ |access-date=November 12, 2023 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
• 365BLK (broadcast network and FAST streaming channel)
• Outlaw (broadcast network and FAST streaming channel)
• Defy (broadcast network; joint venture with A&E Networks)
• VCR Action (FAST streaming channel)
• VCR Haha (FAST streaming channel)
• Raycom Sports
• PowerNation Studios
• PowerNation (automotive hobby programming for syndication across many of Gray's affiliates)
• Circle Country (FAST streaming channel; joint venture with Opry Entertainment Group){{cite news |last=Bouma |first=Luke|title=The OTA TV Network Circle Is Shutting Down & Will Be Replaced By Warner Bros. Discovery's New Network |url=https://cordcuttersnews.com/the-ota-tv-network-circle-is-shutting-down-will-be-replaced-by-warner-bros-discoverys-new-network/ |access-date=November 11, 2023 |work=Cord Cutters News |date=November 10, 2023}}
• Tupelo Honey (production company)
• Zeam (FAST streaming channel; joint venture with the National Association of Broadcasters and streaming technology company Syncbak; a service comprising about 300 local TV stations from Gray, CBS, Hearst and others that emphasizes local news coverage, which launched February 14, 2024){{Cite web |last=Cheng |first=Roger |date=February 14, 2024 |title=Zeam, a Free Streaming Service Featuring Local News, Travel and Sports Content, is Now Live |url= https://cordcuttersnews.com/zeam-a-free-streaming-service-featuring-local-news-travel-and-sports-content-is-now-live/ |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work= Cord Cutters News}}{{Cite web |last=Moses |first=Lucia |date=February 1, 2024 |title=300 local TV news stations are teaming up to launch a streaming service to capture shifting audiences and ad dollars |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/gray-tv-groups-launching-local-news-streaming-service-2024-1 |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=Business Insider}}

Gray Television has an investment in broadcasting company Sarkes Tarzian, Inc.{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2018 |title=Gray Television, Inc. 2018 Form 10-K |url=https://graytv.gcs-web.com/static-files/b2483c55-8847-4f52-bfc0-db4472965900 |website=Gray Television, Inc. |page=69}}

{{Main|List of stations owned or operated by Gray Media}}

On July 22, 2009, a New York bankruptcy judge approved a plan transferring ownership of Young Broadcasting and its stations to the company's secured lenders. The plan included Gray Television coming in as an outside party to advise on the operations of Young-owned stations in seven markets through December 2012. The new Young Broadcasting still held the final say on overall operations for their stations, including programming and personnel.

The former Young-owned stations managed by Gray Television include:

• WKRN-TV in Nashville, Tennessee
• WTEN in Albany, New York; repeater WCDC-TV in Adams, Massachusetts; and an SSA with WXXA-TV
• WRIC-TV in Richmond, Virginia
• WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin
• KWQC-TV in Davenport, Iowa
• KELO-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and its translators throughout South Dakota
• KLFY-TV in Lafayette, Louisiana

Young Broadcasting would retain ownership of all its stations, including three stations that Gray would not operate: KRON-TV in San Francisco, California, WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee, and WLNS-TV in Lansing, Michigan, the last two due to Gray already owning stations in those markets. Gray considered the possibility of purchasing the Young stations if the group went on the market.[http://www.tvnewscheck.com/article/2011/03/01/49466/gray-sees-young-stations-as-possible-buy "Gray Sees Young Stations As Possible Buy"]. TV News Check. March 1, 2011.

The agreement ended without any further extensions on December 31, 2012, and Young agreed to a merger with Media General in mid-2013. Gray would eventually purchase KWQC and WBAY outright when Nexstar Broadcasting Group acquired Media General in 2017, as Nexstar already owned WHBF-TV and WFRV-TV in each market. At that time, Gray had already acquired Sioux Falls rival station KSFY. Gray would also re-enter the Richmond market when it bought WWBT in 2019, following its merger with Raycom Media, and would also re-enter the Nashville market in 2021 with WSMV-TV after acquiring the television assets of Meredith Corporation.

By January 20, 2016, Gray had set up their Washington news bureau by Jacqueline Policastro to enable stations to get interviews with U.S. Senators and Representatives serving their communities. The bureau cooperates with Lilly Broadcasting's Washington bureau, previously started by Policastro, and is located at the NBC News Capitol Hill bureau, 400 N. Capitol Street. In February 2019, Gray announced that journalist Greta Van Susteren joined the company as its Chief National Political Analyst. Gray then announced in April 2019 Greta Van Susteren as host of a Sunday morning syndicated show, Full Court Press with Greta Van Susteren, which was launched in September 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/politics/news/greta-van-susteren-gray-television-1203183372/|title=Greta Van Susteren to Launch 'Full Court Press' for Gray Television|last=Johnson|first=Ted|date=April 8, 2019|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=September 6, 2019}} Van Susteren departed the company for Newsmax TV in late 2022.

Originating from Gray's Washington bureau is Local News Live, a hosted service of live breaking news and events from the 113 Gray television markets across the country, similar to LiveNOW from Fox (produced by Fox Television Stations) and The National Desk (produced by Sinclair Broadcast Group). The channel operates from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern (with paid programing vacating their spots), features live newscasts at 7 a.m., 2 p.m., and 8 p.m. Eastern time, and repeats throughout the day when no breaking news is occurring. In addition to live events, the anchors interview reporters and use footage not otherwise seen on broadcast. Local News Live airs on Gray television live streams between local newscasts and as a separate option on Gray station websites.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark |date=May 19, 2023 |title=Talking TV: Gray TV's Local News Live Upgrades To 2.0 |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/talking-tv-gray-tvs-local-news-live-upgrades-to-2-0/ |access-date=May 29, 2023 |website=TV News Check |language=en}}

Since 2023, Gray has created several over-the-air regional sports networks; including Arizona's Family Sports, Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, Matrix Midwest, Palmetto Sports & Entertainment, Peachtree Sports Network, Rock Entertainment Sports Network (a joint venture with Rock Entertainment Group), Tennessee Valley Sports Entertainment Network and Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network.{{Cite web |last=Lafayette|first=Jon|date=August 1, 2024 |title=Gray Media Launches Palmetto Sports & Entertainment Network on South Carolina Stations |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/gray-media-launching-palmetto-sports-and-entertainment-network-on-south-carolina-stations |access-date=August 5, 2024 |website=Next TV |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Clinkscales|first=Jason|date=July 25, 2024 |title=Dan Gilbert's REG, Gray Media Form Rock Entertainment Sports Net |url=https://www.sportico.com/business/media/2024/dan-gilbert-gray-media-rock-entertainment-sports-network-1234790881/ |access-date=August 5, 2024 |website=Sportico |language=en}}{{cite news |last=Clark |first=Christian |title=The Pelicans officially have a new TV broadcast home. Here's how you can watch it. |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans/pelicans-announce-partnership-with-gulf-coast-sports-and-entertainment-network/article_492a62ea-747a-11ef-9d92-5b56342891ee.html |access-date=17 September 2024 |work=NOLA.com |date=17 September 2024 |language=en}}

Nationally, Gray holds the rights to the American Association of Professional Baseball,{{Cite web |title=Gray Television Partners with American Association of Professional Baseball to Bring Summer Baseball to Viewers Free Over-The-Air|url=https://aabaseball.com/gray-television-partners-with-american-association-of-professional-baseball-to-bring-summer-baseball-to-viewers-free-over-the-air/ |access-date=August 5, 2024 |website=American Association of Professional Baseball|language=en}} the National Collegiate Hockey Conference,{{Cite web |title=NCHC and Gray Media Team Up to Bring Select Games Over-The-Air to Viewers Across the Country|url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/12/10/nchc-and-gray-media-team-up-to-bring-select-games-over-the-air-to-viewers-across-the-country/ |access-date=January 31, 2025 |website=Sports Video Group|date=December 10, 2024|language=en}} and Fight Sports.{{Cite web |last=Bresaola|first=Riccardo|date=May 20, 2024 |title=Fight Sports expands reach with Gray Television|url=https://www.sportcal.com/media/fight-sports-expands-reach-with-gray-television/ |access-date=August 5, 2024 |website=SportCal|language=en}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://www.investigatetv.com/ InvestigateTV]

{{Gray Media}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:American companies established in 1946

Category:1946 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)

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Category:Television broadcasting companies of the United States

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