There will be no fear of a “great affiliation shift” for viewers of Gray Television-owned stations across 25 markets, thanks to a short-term agreement signed by the broadcast television station group and one of the “Big Four” networks.
The Atlanta-based company has entered into two-year agreements with The Walt Disney Company that extend and renew the network affiliations for all of Gray’s ABC affiliated television stations.
This means the companies will be back at the bargaining table in two years to discuss affiliation agreements beginning in 2025.
Gray President and co-CEO Pat LaPlatney was pleased with the further extension of a decades-long relationship with Disney for ABC station affiliations. “These agreements recognize our ABC affiliates’ commitment to public service and will help them continue to serve their communities,” he said.
John Rouse, EVP of Affiliate Relations for The Walt Disney Company, also expressed pleasure in ABC’s ability “to continue our strong and well-established collaboration with Gray Television. These stations are leaders in their communities, and we are proud to have ABC’s unrivaled network programming paired with Gray’s local programming and community commitment.”
Gray Television’s stations serve 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36% of U.S. television households. It also owns video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.
