Exhibit 99.1
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/8-K/0001193125-19-001313/g681991image000155.jpg)
NEWS RELEASE
GRAY COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF RAYCOM MEDIA
AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Atlanta, Georgia – January 2, 2019. . . Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray,” “we,” or “our”) (NYSE: GTN)announced today that it has consummated its transformative transaction with Raycom Media, Inc. (“Raycom”).
Earlier today, Gray completed its acquisition of Raycom (the “Raycom Merger”). In connection with the Raycom Merger, Gray and Raycom completed the divestitures of nine television stations in overlap markets consistent with the parties’ June 25, 2018, joint announcement of their merger. These station divestitures satisfy the conditions placed on the merger by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission. In addition, immediately prior to the Gray/Raycom closing, Raycom completed the spin-offs to its shareholders of two of its wholly owned subsidiaries, CNHI, LLC and PureCars Automotive, LLC.
Gray’s acquisition of Raycom completes Gray’s transformation from a small, regional broadcaster to a leading media company with nationwide scale based on high-quality stations with exceptional talent in attractive markets. By combining these two great companies, Gray now owns the first or second highest rated television station in 85 markets, according to Comscore’s audience measurement data between December 2017 and November 2018. In total, Gray owns and/or operates television stations and leading digital properties in 91 television markets from Alaska and Hawaii to Maine and Florida. Collectively, these television stations broadcast almost 400 separate programming streams, including nearly 150 affiliates of the CBS/NBC/ABC/FOX networks.
Upon the closing,Hilton Howell became Gray’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, andPat LaPlatney, formerly Raycom’s President and Chief Executive Officer, became Gray’s President andCo-Chief Executive Officer. In addition, Pat and Raycom’s prior President and CEO,Paul McTear, joined Gray’s Board of Directors.
Bob Smith, Gray’s Chief Operating Officer, Local Media, oversees station operations and reports to Pat. Gray will continue to have a group of seasoned managers oversee stations with Raycom’sSandy Brelandand Brad Streitjoining Matt Jaquint, Mike King,Nick MatesiandChris Mossmanin their new positions as Senior Vice Presidents, Local Media.
Jim Ryan continues in his role as Chief Financial Officer, reporting to Hilton.Jay Cowartand Vance Luke continue in their roles as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, and Vice President, Controller, respectively. Upon the closing, Gray promotedSabra Cowart to Vice President, Accounting/Finance, andBecky Sheffield, formerly of Raycom, joined Gray as Vice President, Controller.
Kevin Latek continues in his role as Chief Legal and Development Officer, reporting to Hilton.Ellenann Yelverton, formerly of Raycom, is now Gray’s Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, overseeing Gray’s legal department.Rob Folliard is now Vice President, Government Relations and Distribution.
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