L.A. media mogul Byron Allen sells 10 TV stations to Gray Media
Gray and Allen Media Group announced the agreement Friday.
Allen's stations in Huntsville, Ala., Montgomery, Ala., Ft. Wayne, Ind., Lafayette, La., and Paducah, Ky., were part of the transaction. The stations each have affiliations with one of the Big Four broadcast networks: ABC, Fox, NBC and CBS.
The move furthers Allen's retrenchment after a $1-billion buying spree in recent years. Allen had a goal of becoming the largest independent television operator in the U.S. But the build-up — which came during an increasingly challenging period for broadcast TV — left the Los Angeles-based company burdened with debt.
This spring, Allen Media Group hired investment banking firm Moelis & Co. to sell his network-affiliate television stations.
Allen Media Group, which was founded by Allen in 1993, continues to own television channels, entertainment studios and the Weather Channel.
The Los Angeles entrepreneur and former stand-up comedian had been steadily expanding his empire for more than a decade.
With the purchase of Allen's stations, Gray moves into three new television markets: Tupelo, Miss.; Terre Haute, Ind.; and West Lafayette, Ind.
Gray owns a second station in several of the other locations. The company said in a statement that the combination, known in the industry as a 'duopoly,' will allow it to provide 'expanded local news, local weather, and local sports programming.'
The deal, which requires the approval of the Federal Communications Commission, should be complete by year's end, the companies said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
18 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
Decoding the Rowan Williams MiM Marketing Model
Rowan Williams, founder and Managing Director of MiM, has built a UK-based marketing agency with a structure that is surprisingly relevant for U.S. audiences. While MiM operates primarily out of the UK, its underlying business model contains transferable elements that could resonate with small businesses, startups, and even marketing students across the United States. From its service offerings to its scalability mechanisms, MiM's approach blends performance-driven strategies with human-centric client management. Here, we unpack how Rowan's business model works—and why it matters for U.S. consumers and entrepreneurs. How Rowan Williams's MiM Agency Builds Client Trust in the U.S. Context MiM places an unusual amount of emphasis on personalized onboarding sessions, where client goals are documented in granular detail. For U.S. businesses, this mirrors the high-touch consultancy style often preferred by mid-sized companies in sectors like hospitality, fitness, and retail. The agency translates abstract marketing goals into measurable KPIs, which is essential in the U.S. market where ROI accountability is non-negotiable. Transparent Performance Reporting for Accountability Instead of generic monthly summaries, MiM delivers campaign performance dashboards that clients can access 24/7. In the U.S., where marketing contracts are often contingent on visible results, this kind of transparency could significantly reduce client churn. Revenue Streams of the MiM Marketing Model for U.S. Small Businesses A large portion of MiM's revenue comes from ongoing retainer agreements rather than one-off projects. For U.S. small businesses, this model offers predictability—both for budgeting and strategic planning. Retainers also foster long-term partnerships, something U.S. agencies sometimes struggle to maintain due to a focus on quick wins. Project-Based High-Impact Campaigns For clients unwilling to commit to long-term retainers, MiM offers high-impact, short-term campaigns. U.S. seasonal businesses—like tourism outfits in Florida or ski resorts in Colorado—could benefit from this flexibility without sacrificing strategic depth. Digital Education and Templates Rowan's parallel presence on platforms like Udemy allows MiM to monetize knowledge in a scalable, passive-income format. These courses can be adapted for U.S. entrepreneurs seeking affordable, self-paced learning in digital marketing. How the MiM Agency Differentiates in Competitive U.S. Marketing Landscapes Blending Data Science With Creative Storytelling MiM's internal team structure pairs data analysts with creative copywriters from the outset of a campaign. This is particularly appealing in the U.S., where audiences respond to both emotional hooks and quantifiable results. Industry-Specific Campaign Blueprints Instead of reinventing the wheel, MiM creates reusable marketing templates tailored for industries like e-commerce, B2B services, and health/wellness. U.S. clients could plug these templates into their existing workflows with minimal localization. Scaling the MiM Business Model for U.S. Market Entry Leveraging Remote-First Operations Because MiM's model is not tied to a physical office, expansion into the U.S. wouldn't require heavy real estate investment. This lowers entry barriers and allows for agile market testing. Partnering With U.S.-Based Freelance Talent By integrating American designers, ad specialists, and content writers into campaigns, MiM could localize messaging without diluting its core methodologies. Consumer Impact of Rowan Williams's MiM Marketing Model in the U.S. Empowering Small Businesses With Enterprise-Grade Tools MiM uses advanced analytics platforms that are typically cost-prohibitive for smaller companies. Through packaged service tiers, U.S. small businesses could access these tools without the typical six-figure software investment. Reducing Marketing Burnout for Entrepreneurs By providing strategy, execution, and reporting under one roof, MiM reduces the need for U.S. entrepreneurs to juggle multiple vendors—freeing up time for core business operations. How Rowan Williams's Educational Background Shapes the MiM Model for U.S. Application Bridging Theory and Practice Through Digital Learning Rowan's experience creating online courses means his agency workflows are designed for teachability. U.S. marketing students could benefit from MiM's case studies as part of digital marketing curricula. Cultivating Cultural Adaptability His work in diverse global markets has informed a model that can adapt to regional U.S. sensibilities—whether tailoring a campaign for the tech-savvy Pacific Northwest or the tradition-driven South. The Untapped Potential: MiM as a Culturally Adaptive Marketing Template for U.S. SMEs Here's an angle few have considered: Rowan Williams's MiM model could serve as a pre-built, culturally adaptive marketing template for U.S. regional SMEs. By combining his global agency experience with digital education expertise, Rowan is positioned to offer sector-specific, plug-and-play strategies that require minimal U.S. localization. From a Chicago-based family bakery to a Los Angeles tech startup, these templates could be rolled out with tailored creative assets and data-backed campaign structures—giving smaller U.S. businesses access to marketing sophistication typically reserved for national brands. In summary: Rowan Williams's MiM marketing model is not just a UK success story. Its blend of transparent client relationships, scalable operations, and adaptable campaign structures could reshape how U.S. businesses approach marketing. For American entrepreneurs, students, and small business owners, this model offers both inspiration and a potential blueprint for sustained growth. This article is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. It does not constitute endorsement or promotion of any individual, company, or entity mentioned. Business Upturn makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Dear Archer Aviation Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for August 11
Urban air mobility isn't science fiction anymore, and Archer Aviation (ACHR) is making sure it's in the pilot's seat. The company has quietly climbed the ranks, scoring a rare spotlight as the Official Air Taxi Provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. Plus, with its Midnight aircraft edging closer to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, global test flights underway, and partnerships stacking up, its 2025 air taxi vision is gaining serious altitude. Recently, Archer added two strategic acquisitions to accelerate next-gen defense aircraft development, bringing core composite manufacturing in-house, securing critical talent, and positioning itself for speed in both defense and commercial markets. More News from Barchart 1 'Strong Buy' Defense Stock to Snag Instead of Palantir Is Qualcomm the Best Semiconductor Stock to Buy Right Now? A $10 Billion Reason to Buy Palantir Stock Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, analysis, and headlines. From strategic alliances to global infrastructure plays, Archer has been busy building altitude. But while the headlines boast of breakthroughs and vision, the market moves on proof, and investors are hungry for numbers. Archer will release its second-quarter 2025 earnings results after the bell on Monday, Aug. 11 — a critical checkpoint. It's a moment that could either fuel more momentum or spark fresh questions. For those tracking the future of flight, this date is more than just earnings. It's a look under the hood of one of the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry's most-watched players. About Archer Aviation Stock Founded in 2018 and based in California, Archer Aviation is racing to redefine urban air mobility with its sleek, battery-powered eVTOL aircraft. Currently valued at a market capitalization of $5.3 billion, Archer's flagship Midnight, designed for 20- to 50-mile hops, is nearing commercial debut in 2025, backed by global partnerships like Jetex for infrastructure rollout. Recent defense-focused acquisitions expand its reach beyond city commutes, positioning Archer as a rising force in both commercial mobility and advanced military aviation. Archer Aviation's shares have been on a stellar run, up by a staggering 144% over the past 52 weeks, far outperforming the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 20% surge. The rally has been powered by steady progress toward FAA certification and tangible production milestones, keeping bullish sentiment airborne. ACHR stock is up 11% in just the last three months, peaking at $13.92 in May, then slipping and again rising above $13 in July before shedding some gains. Now trading at $9.72, the stock is 30% below its high but still towers over its 52-week low of $2.82. For traders, the chart reads like a pilot's log — rapid ascents, sudden drops, and plenty of crosswinds. The next big test is whether next week's earnings can chart a new flight path or trigger another descent. Digging Into Archer's Q1 Earnings Results Archer Aviation's fiscal Q1 2025 earnings results, unveiled on May 12, offered a balanced mix of turbulence and tailwinds for this pre-revenue eVTOL contender. The company posted a $93.4 million net loss, yet trimmed its loss per share to -$0.17, half of last year's mark. Adjusted EBITDA slipped deeper into negative territory at $109 million versus $86.8 million a year ago, hinting at heavier early-stage investment. Still, Archer kept its spending disciplined, with non-GAAP operating expenses at $113.1 million, underscoring a lean approach as it edges toward commercial launch. The financial runway remains robust — over $1 billion in cash and equivalents — giving Archer one of the thickest cushions in air mobility. That capital will fuel plans for a United Arab Emirates (UAE) debut later this year and a New York City air taxi network buildout. CEO Adam Goldstein pointed to meaningful advances in both civil and defense programs, with partnerships strengthening across global markets. While profitability is still distant, Archer's combination of tightened operations, strategic positioning, and deep pockets keeps the storyline alive, proof that in this race to the skies the company is still very much in the flight plan. With Q2 results on deck next week, Archer Aviation is steering into another critical checkpoint. Management is bracing for an adjusted EBITDA loss between $100 million and $120 million — a reminder that even high-flyers can burn serious fuel before cruising altitude. Meanwhile, analysts tracking the company anticipate Q2 losses to narrow 25.8% year-over-year (YOY) to -$0.23 per share, still with zero revenue on the board. Looking further ahead to fiscal 2025, the forecast calls for further trimming, with losses contracting 33.1% annually to -$0.95 per share, then easing another 4.2% in fiscal 2026 to -$0.91 per share. What Do Analysts Expect for Archer Aviation Stock? Back in early July, Archer Aviation's Midnight eVTOL lifted off from Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen Executive Airport, marking its first test flight in the UAE. The event, attended by top aviation officials, was a milestone in Archer's Launch Edition partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation and underscored the company's expanding international footprint. The market response was swift. Canaccord Genuity and Cantor Fitzgerald both reiterated 'Buy' ratings with $13 price targets, praising Archer's steady progress toward FAA approval and its growing presence in the UAE as signs of commercial readiness. But as the Q2 earnings release approaches, the tone is not universally bullish. JPMorgan analyst Bill Peterson raised his target from $9 to $10 yet held a 'Neutral' rating, warning against 'irrational exuberance.' While acknowledging strong sector momentum and policy tailwinds from President Donald Trump's administration, the analyst flagged persistent cash burn and possible delays in revenue as near-term risks. ACHR stock has a consensus 'Moderate Buy' rating overall. Of the nine analysts covering the stock, five recommend a 'Strong Buy,' two suggest a 'Moderate Buy,' and the remaining two play it safe with a 'Hold' rating. The mean price target of $12.17 suggests shares have upside potential of 25% from current levels. The Street-high target of $18 implies ACHR could rally as much as 85% from here. On the date of publication, Sristi Suman Jayaswal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on
Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Time Business News
The American Click: How Facebook Likes Influence Shop-Based Content in the USA
You'd be forgiven for thinking likes on Facebook are dead. Public counters are mostly hidden. Comments and shares steal the spotlight. But when it comes to Facebook's Shop-integrated content—especially in the U.S.—likes still matter. A lot. In a space where algorithmic trust and consumer psychology overlap, likes act as subtle validators. They hint at popularity, legitimacy, and relevance. And when your Shop post appears in a scroller's feed beside sponsored competitors, those tiny thumbs-up can be the difference between a bounce and a click. So, why do Facebook likes still hold influence in the USA's evolving social commerce landscape? And where does the practice of buying likes (yes, including the USA Facebook likes ) fit into this ecosystem of credibility and conversion? American consumers have grown suspicious of overly-polished digital storefronts. But they also crave social proof. On Facebook, where familiarity fuels decisions, likes still work as frictionless validators. Especially in Shop-linked content, likes create what marketers call perceived traction . It's a psychological nudge: 'If others liked it, maybe I should care too.' This matters even more when you're introducing a product to a new audience—likes can offset skepticism by suggesting community approval. For small brands trying to gain visibility in a saturated feed, even 100 likes from the real US-based user accounts can be enough to make a product post feel 'seen.' That's why many emerging sellers quietly purchase US likes for Facebook—to simulate momentum while their organic base builds slowly. The Facebook Shop ecosystem is built to reduce steps between discovery and purchase. But the system still leans heavily on engagement metrics—likes included—for algorithmic placement. That means more likes can translate into higher visibility, especially among local and demographically-targeted audiences. In the U.S., where mobile-driven shopping and community-focused buying trends dominate, these micro signals feed the machine. A product with zero engagement looks risky. But one with 45 USA likes on Facebook, even passively earned (or purchased), feels more viable. It's not just about visibility. It's about inertia. If the post looks active, users are more likely to tap. Let's be clear—buying likes is controversial. But it's also widely practiced. And when executed carefully (read: not in bulk, not with bots, not overnight), it can function as reputation scaffolding. Not manipulation, but social proof buffering. The phrase buy USA Facebook likes trends for a reason. U.S.-based likes carry more algorithmic and psychological weight for American shoppers. A buyer in Austin is more likely to trust likes from a familiar geographic sphere than random names with no visible relevance. It signals proximity, which implies legitimacy. Of course, the danger lies in misuse: overdoing it, mixing in low-quality engagement, or using services that don't match the intended audience. Authenticity still matters. But buying likes isn't inherently inauthentic—it depends on the execution and the intent. Facebook's current content-ranking model blends user interest, post engagement, and post type. While video and carousel posts generally get priority, Shop-integrated content that garners early interaction—including likes—gets nudged further. For new or mid-tier sellers, that nudge can make or break reach. Especially when the budget for boosting posts is limited. Buying a small batch of Facebook likes from the USA users can kickstart an algorithmic feedback loop: higher engagement = higher ranking = more organic reach. This matters most during time-sensitive promotions or product drops, where a stall in the first hour can mean invisibility for the rest of the campaign. Not all likes are created equal. Facebook knows this. And increasingly, so do consumers. That's why many growth-focused marketers now avoid generic like-buying packages that deliver irrelevant or foreign accounts. If your brand is U.S.-centric, choosing likes from the US-based users isn't just preferable—it is necessary. They align your visible metrics with your actual audience, which makes retargeting and lookalike ad strategies more effective. It also helps avoid red flags. A Facebook post about handmade jewelry in Kansas getting 700 likes from Southeast Asia? That's a trust-breaker. Buying USA Facebook likes—in moderation—avoids this pitfall. One site that consistently stands out in this space is . Operating since the early 2010s, fbskip has built a reputation as a reliable source of real Facebook and Instagram likes, with specific options for USA-based engagement. Their services are designed for authenticity—not inflated numbers—and offer a spectrum of targeted packages to suit small sellers and established brands alike. Whether you're aiming to grow gradually or just need a small boost for a new campaign, their user-friendly platform makes it easy to explore ethical, real-user interaction. The short answer: yes, but indirectly. Likes influence perception. Perception influences click-through. Click-through influences Facebook's ranking of your content. And higher-ranked posts get more Shop traffic. For small businesses without a dedicated content team or ad strategist, likes become the cheapest form of engagement signaling. They don't guarantee conversion. But they improve the context in which a decision is made. Boutique beauty brands use likes to add weight to skincare routine videos. Local fashion resellers tag U.S. likes to make their story highlights more trustworthy. Indie bookstores post seasonal product shots and seed them with 30–50 USA likes to increase story impressions. Subscription coffee startups rely on steady Facebook likes from the USA users to boost organic reach for their bundle promotions. In each case, likes act not as clout, but as contextual validators. They reassure, without needing to impress. Buying US Facebook likes can improve trust and geo-relevance. Organic reach often favors posts with early engagement—including likes. Shop-integrated content performs better when supported by visible validation. Avoid bulk packages from unrelated regions—they risk undermining credibility. USA likes on Facebook posts help build retargeting audiences within the U.S. market. Use likes to frame perception, not fake popularity. The keyword buy Facebook likes USA on Google and the offers you find there should be viewed as a tactic, not a strategy. In the U.S. retail content space, where Facebook still drives discovery and trust, likes are not dead currency. They're shorthand. A sign that others noticed. A sign that maybe, just maybe, this post is worth clicking through. That doesn't mean every brand should buy Facebook likes. But dismissing them outright? That's ignoring one of the few metrics Facebook still lets users see and interpret. For Shop-based content, especially among U.S. audiences, likes remain part of the buying funnel—quietly, invisibly, but decisively. Because in the era of scrolling commerce, the American click doesn't come from nowhere. It follows a signal. And sometimes, that signal looks like a thumb. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
