Paramount Skydance chief David Ellison is in talks with major private equity firms to join his possible bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery – a megadeal that could cost upwards of $60 billion, The Post has learned.Potential investors weighing the WBD deal include Apollo Global Management – the buyout giant that in spring 2024 had made a $26 billion, debt-fueled offer for Paramount before ultimately losing that race to Skydance, people with direct knowledge of the situation said.Led by billionaire CEO Marc Row ...

Core Viewpoint - Gray Media, Inc. has agreed to acquire Allen Media Group's television stations in ten markets for $171 million, which is expected to enhance Gray's market presence and create new duopolies in several regions [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The acquisition includes local television stations in three new markets: Columbus-Tupelo, Mississippi; Terre Haute, Indiana; and West Lafayette, Indiana, all of which had the highest all-day ratings in 2024 according to Comscore [2]. - The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval and waivers of FCC local ownership rules [4]. Group 2: Market Impact - The acquisition will strengthen Gray's presence in seven other markets by creating new duopolies, allowing for enhanced local news, weather, and sports programming [2]. - Gray Media currently operates in 113 television markets, reaching approximately 37% of U.S. television households, with a significant number of top-rated stations [7]. Group 3: Company Background - Gray Media is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the U.S., with a diverse portfolio that includes video production companies and digital marketing services [7]. - Allen Media Group, founded by Byron Allen, operates 28 network affiliate broadcast television stations and ten 24-hour HD television networks, serving nearly 300 million subscribers [8].

Core Insights - Gray Media has agreed to acquire WLTZ, the NBC affiliate in Columbus, Georgia, and KJTV, the FOX affiliate in Lubbock, Texas, expanding its portfolio in local television markets [1][2] - The transactions are expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions [2] - Gray Media is the largest owner of local television stations in the U.S., reaching approximately 37% of U.S. television households [3] Company Overview - Gray Media, Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and operates in 113 television markets [3] - The company owns the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 44 markets and has a significant presence in top-rated local television stations [3] - Gray Digital Media, a subsidiary, provides advanced digital marketing strategies and services to clients [3]