ABC-12’s Owner Sells Stations to Rival WNEM-5’s Parent Company

Allen Media Group has entered into an agreement to sell some of its local stations in 10 markets to Gray Media, the corporate owner of Saginaw's WNEM-TV.

Allen Media Group Explores TV Station Sale

Earlier this year, Allen Media Group, owned by Byron Allen, began exploring options to sell its portfolio of TV stations. Flint's WJRT-TV (ABC-12) was acquired by Allen Media Group for $70 million in 2021. The ABC affiliate has seen significant programming and staff changes since the acquisition.

WJRT-12 Remains Under Allen Ownership

For Mid-Michigan viewers, it’s important to note that WJRT-TV is not included in the sale. Once the deal is finalized, the longtime Flint–Saginaw rivals will remain under separate ownership.

Below is a full roster of the stations included in the $171 million deal.

The sale is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Gray Television and Allen Media Group have both emphasized that more details — including transition plans for staff and programming — will be disclosed as the deal moves forward.

Past Turmoil: The Weather Team Controversy

Earlier this year, Allen Media Group proposed eliminating local weather teams across its stations, including ABC-12, in favor of centralized forecasts produced by Weather Channel staff in Atlanta. The plan would have displaced longtime meteorologists JR Kirtek, Kevin Goff, and Isaac Cleland, but was abandoned following pressure from major advertisers, allowing the local team to remain in place.

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