Allen Media Group and YouTube TV Extend Content Partnership
Ricky GervaisComedian, writer, and actor who created "The Office" and writes provocatively on comedy and society.
Allen Media Group and YouTube TV have successfully concluded negotiations, resulting in a renewed carriage agreement that ensures the continued presence of The Weather Channel and other Allen Media Group (AMG) channels on YouTube's streaming platform. This long-term deal solidifies the content partnership between the two entities. Concurrently, Allen Media Group has finalized the sale of several local broadcast stations to Gray Television, a strategic move previously announced in March.
The extended collaboration between Allen Media Group and YouTube TV guarantees that millions of subscribers will retain access to a diverse array of channels, including Comedy.TV, Justice Central, and Recipe.TV, in addition to the highly popular Weather Channel. Furthermore, Allen's complimentary streaming service, Local Now, will also remain available to YouTube TV users. This comprehensive agreement underscores both companies' commitment to delivering a wide range of entertainment and informational content to their audiences.
Byron Allen, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Allen Media Group, expressed his satisfaction with the expanded partnership, highlighting the continued provision of weather, news, comedy, court, and lifestyle networks to YouTube TV's extensive subscriber base. Echoing this sentiment, Emily Washkowitz, YouTube's head of TV and film partnerships, reiterated the platform's dedication to offering a consistent and varied content lineup, a commitment reinforced by this renewed agreement.
In a related development, Allen Media Group's transaction with Gray Television, valued at $171 million, has been completed. This deal involves Allen selling local over-the-air stations situated in various states, including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri, primarily targeting small to mid-sized markets. This acquisition grants Gray Television access to three new markets and strengthens its presence in seven existing ones, marking a significant expansion for Gray Television that commenced in March.
Looking ahead, Byron Allen is also slated to take over CBS's late-night programming slot following the conclusion of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert later this month. His panel show, Comics Unleashed, is scheduled to occupy the 11:35 p.m. slot on CBS starting May 22, with a new comedy game show titled Funny You Should Ask airing at 12:35 a.m., further diversifying Allen Media Group's broadcast portfolio.
The recent agreement between Allen Media Group and YouTube TV signifies a crucial continuation of their content distribution relationship. This ensures that a broad spectrum of programming, from weather updates to comedy and lifestyle content, remains accessible to YouTube TV's substantial audience. The concurrent sale of local television stations to Gray Television also represents a strategic realignment for Allen Media Group, enhancing its market position and reach within the television industry.

