Impact of Gray Media’s Acquisition of WTHI-TV on Terre Haute DMA

Overview

Gray Media’s acquisition of WTHI-TV (CBS/FOX) from Allen Media Group (AMG) is part of a larger $171 million deal spanning ten stations, expected to close in Q4 2025 pending FCC approval (Gray Television Press Release).

According to Gray’s press release:

“The stations we are acquiring in each of these three markets… were the highest all-day rated stations in 2024 per Comscore.”

This confirms that WTHI remains the #1 all-day rated station in the Terre Haute DMA (Comscore 2024 Ratings).

See attached press release from Gray Television for more details (Gray Television Press Release).

Implications for WTHI

• Stronger local content – Gray states that the acquisitions will “preserve and deepen public service to their communities with expanded local news, local weather, and local sports programming” (TVNewsCheck). This suggests potential reinvestment in live, local coverage that could reverse some of AMG’s centralization moves (People).
• Enhanced resources – WTHI will gain access to Gray’s Washington, D.C. news bureau (GrayDC) and the Local News Live streaming service, which the press release says “provides free, real-time news coverage from Gray’s television stations to audiences nationwide” (Gray Television Press Release, TVNewsCheck).
• Improved monetization – Gray’s scale and digital ad solutions, combined with WTHI’s #1 position, will strengthen its ability to offer cross-platform advertising packages that extend beyond the Terre Haute market (TVNewsCheck).

DMA-Wide Effects

• Increased market dominance – Gray’s acquisition history shows that they prioritize investment in high-performing stations. With WTHI already leading, Gray’s resources will likely help the station “grow ratings, revenue, and community impact” (Gray Television Press Release, Comscore 2024 Ratings, TVNewsCheck).
• Smooth regulatory path – Since the acquisition involves only one station in the Terre Haute market, the FCC process should be straightforward, enabling a full integration by early 2026 (Gray Television Press Release).

Opinion & Industry Reaction

• Trade press – TVNewsCheck, TVTechnology, and Adweek/TVSpy frame the move as a strategic expansion, emphasizing Gray’s acquisition of “top-rated stations in three new markets” (TVNewsCheck).
• Local responses – In the “Terre Haute Speaks Out” Facebook group, one user commented: “WTHI-TV, Channel 10 in Terre Haute, soon will have a new owner.” (Facebook Group “Terre Haute Speaks Out”)
  This reflects community awareness and anticipation about the change in ownership.
• Contextual background – Earlier in 2025, AMG’s move to replace local meteorologists with Weather Channel-based centralized feeds led to layoffs and community concern. As People reported, one departing meteorologist at WTHI tearfully told viewers: “Some of our positions are being eliminated here at WTHI-TV” (People).
  This backdrop has fueled optimism that Gray’s local-service model will restore and strengthen local weather coverage.

Strategic Takeaways

• For advertisers – This is the ideal moment to secure multi-platform advertising deals before Gray implements post-acquisition rate adjustments and expanded offerings (TVNewsCheck).
• For viewers – Expect a more robust local presence, with live weather, deeper reporting, and renewed investment in community-based journalism (Gray Television Press Release, People).

References

1. Gray Television, Inc. Press Release – Gray to Acquire Stations from Allen Media Group, August 8, 2025. Retrieved from GlobeNewswire.

2. Comscore 2024 All-Day Ratings Data – Terre Haute DMA. Referenced in Gray Television Press Release, August 8, 2025.

3. TVNewsCheck – “Gray Media to Purchase Allen Media Stations in 10 Markets,” August 8, 2025. Retrieved from TVNewsCheck.

4. Facebook Group “Terre Haute Speaks Out” – Public post noting WTHI’s ownership change. Retrieved August 9, 2025, from Facebook.

5.</a> People – “Local Meteorologist Tears Up During Last Broadcast After Layoffs,” March 2025. Retrieved from People.com.

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