GRAY MEDIA, INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Feb 26, 2026.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Feb 26, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-27.
0001437749-25-005406
Item 1A. RISK FACTORSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-02-26.
0001437749-26-005803
Item 1A. RISK FACTORSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 97 previous paragraphs and 92 current paragraphs.
60 unchanged; 29 reworded; 2 added; 8 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 41 previous and 41 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (2)
Current report
In July 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit vacated two aspects of the FCC’s Two-Station Limit that had placed additional restrictions on our ability to acquire additional stations in a market. Specifically, the court vacated the “top-four” prohibition, which prevented a broadcaster from owning two of the top four ranked stations in a market. The court also vacated the Note 11 amendment, which extended the top-four prohibition to low power television (“LPTV”) stations and multicast streams. We anticipate that the FCC will implement this decision in the near term.
Current report
In September 2025, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Ownership NPRM) in its 2022 Quadrennial Review of its media ownership rules. The Ownership NPRM seeks comment on specific aspects of the television ownership rule, including whether the Two-Station Limit remains necessary given competitive developments in the video marketplace. This proceeding remains pending.
Removed paragraphs (8)
Previous report
The FCC has taken actions to implement various provisions of the STELAR Reauthorization Act of 2014 affecting the carriage of television stations, including (i) adopting rules that allow for the modification of satellite television markets in order to ensure that satellite operators carry the broadcast stations of most interest to their communities; (ii) tightening its rules on joint retransmission consent negotiations to prohibit joint negotiations by stations in the same market unless those stations are commonly controlled; (iii) prohibiting a television station from limiting the ability of an MVPD to carry into its local market television signals that are deemed significantly viewed; and (iv) eliminating the “sweeps prohibition,” which had precluded cable operators from deleting or repositioning local commercial television stations during “sweeps” ratings periods.
Previous report
We currently are not a party to any agreements that delegate our authority to negotiate retransmission consent for any of our television stations or grant us authority to negotiate retransmission consent for any other television station. Nevertheless, we cannot predict how the FCC’s restrictions on joint negotiations might impact future opportunities.
Previous report
The FCC also has sought comment on whether it should modify or eliminate the network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity rules. We cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding. If, however, the FCC eliminates or relaxes its rules enforcing our program exclusivity rights, it could affect our ability to negotiate future retransmission consent agreements, and it could harm our ratings and advertising revenue if cable and satellite operators import duplicative programming.
Previous report
In addition, certain OVDs have explored streaming broadcast programming over the internet without approval from or payments to the broadcaster. The majority of federal courts have issued preliminary injunctions enjoining these OVDs from streaming broadcast programming. Separately, on December 19, 2014, the FCC issued an NPRM proposing to classify certain OVDs as MVPDs for purposes of certain FCC carriage rules. If the FCC adopts its proposal, OVDs would need to negotiate for consent from broadcasters before they retransmit broadcast signals. We cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt its proposal or other modified rules that might weaken our rights to negotiate with OVDs.
Previous report
To partially mitigate this risk, we have entered into interest rate caps pursuant to an International Swaps and Derivatives Association ("ISDA") Master Agreement with two counterparties in an aggregate notional amount of $1.9 billion. The interest rate caps protect us against adverse fluctuations in interest rates by reducing our exposure to variability in cash flows on a portion of our variable-rate debt. The interest rate caps effectively limit the annual interest charged on our Senior Credit Agreement’s current term loans to a maximum of 1-month Term SOFR of 4.96% and 5.047%. We are required to pay aggregate fees in connection with the interest rate caps of approximately $34 million that is due and payable at maturity on December 31, 2025. We received $6 million and $4 million of cash payments from the counterparties 2024 and 2023, respectively, that we reclassify to reduce interest expense in our consolidated statement of operations.
Previous report
Our defined benefit pension plan obligations are currently funded, however, if certain factors worsen, we may have to make significant cash payments, which could reduce the cash available for our business.
Previous report
We have funded obligations under our defined benefit pension plans. Notwithstanding that the Gray Pension Plan is frozen with regard to any future benefit accruals, the funded status of our pension plans is dependent upon many factors, including returns on invested assets, the level of certain market interest rates and the discount rate used to determine pension obligations. Unfavorable returns on the plan’s assets or unfavorable changes in applicable laws or regulations may materially change the timing and amount of required plan funding, which could reduce the cash available for our business. In addition, any future decreases in the discount rate used to determine pension obligations could result in an increase in the valuation of pension obligations, which could affect the reported funding status of our pension plans and future contributions.
Previous report
In December 2023, the FCC adopted two modifications to the top-four prohibition that make it more restrictive. These rule changes took effect in March 2024. First, the FCC extended the top-four prohibition to low power television (“LPTV”) stations and multicast streams. As a result of this change, a licensee will be prohibited from acquiring network-affiliated programming of another top-four station in a DMA and then placing that programming on either the multicast stream of a full-power station or a LPTV station in a DMA in which it already owns another top-four rated station. These additional restrictions will apply to transactions entered into after December 26, 2023. Existing combinations will be grandfathered, but may not be transferred or assigned except in compliance with the new rule, or a waiver of the new rule. Second, the FCC modified its methodology for determining a station’s audience share for purposes of the top-four prohibition (and failing station waiver requests) to (i) consider audience share data over a 12-month period immediately preceding the date the application is filed, (ii) expanding the relevant daypart for audience share data significantly, and (iii) requiring the inclusion of audience share data for all free-to-consumer, non-simulcast multicast streams.
Reworded paragraphs (29)
Previous wording
Our results are also subject to seasonal and cyclical fluctuations. Seasonal fluctuations typically result in higher revenue and broadcast operating income in the second and fourth quarters rather than in the first and third quarters of each year. This seasonality is primarily attributable to advertisers’ increased expenditures in the spring and in anticipation of holiday season spending in the fourth quarter and an increase in television viewership during these periods. In addition, we typically experience fluctuations in our revenue and broadcast operating income between even-numbered and odd-numbered years. In years in which there are impending elections for various state and national offices, which primarily occur in even-numbered years, political advertising revenue tends to increase, often significantly, and particularly during presidential election years. We consider political broadcast advertising revenue to be revenue earned from the sale of advertising to political candidates, political parties and special interest groups of advertisements broadcast by our stations that contain messages primarily focused on elections and/or public policy issues. In even-numbered years, we typically derive a material portion of our broadcast advertising revenue from political broadcast advertisers. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we derived approximately 14% and 2%, respectively, of our total revenue from political broadcast advertisers. If political broadcast advertising revenues declined, especially in an even-numbered year, our results of operations and financial condition could also be materially adversely affected. Also, our stations affiliated with the NBC Network broadcast Olympic Games and typically experience increased viewership and revenue during those broadcasts. As a result of the seasonality and cyclicality of our revenue and broadcast operating income, and the historically significant increase in our revenue and broadcast operating income during even-numbered years, it has been, and is expected to remain, difficult to engage in period-over-period comparisons of our revenue and results of operations.
Current wording
Our results are also subject to seasonal and cyclical fluctuations. Seasonal fluctuations typically result in higher revenue and broadcast operating income in the second and fourth quarters than in the first and third quarters of each year. This seasonality is primarily attributable to advertisers’ increased expenditures in the spring and in anticipation of holiday season spending in the fourth quarter, as well as increased television viewership during these periods. In addition, we typically experience fluctuations in our revenue and broadcast operating income between even-numbered and odd-numbered years. In years in which there are impending elections for various state and national offices, which primarily occur in even-numbered years, political advertising revenue tends to increase, often significantly, and particularly during presidential election years. We consider political broadcast advertising revenue to be revenue earned from the sale of advertising to political candidates, political parties and special interest groups of advertisements broadcast by our stations that contain messages primarily focused on elections and/or public policy issues. In even-numbered years, we typically derive a material portion of our broadcast advertising revenue from political broadcast advertisers. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we derived approximately 1% and 14%, respectively, of our total revenue from political broadcast advertisers. If political broadcast advertising revenues declined, especially in an even-numbered year, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Also, our stations affiliated with the NBC Network broadcast Olympic Games and typically experience increased viewership and revenue during those broadcasts. As a result of the seasonality and cyclicality of our revenue and broadcast operating income, and the historically significant increase in our revenue and broadcast operating income during even-numbered years, it has been, and is expected to remain, difficult to conduct meaningful period-over-period comparisons of our revenue and results of operations.
Previous wording
Uncertain financial and economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Current wording
Uncertain financial, economic and political conditions may have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Previous wording
Uncertainty of financial and economic conditions over the longer term and the continuation or worsening of such conditions could reduce consumer confidence and have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and/or financial condition. If consumer confidence were to decline, this decline could negatively affect our advertising customers’ businesses and their advertising budgets. In addition, volatile economic conditions could have a negative impact on our industry or the industries of our customers who advertise on our stations, resulting in reduced advertising sales. Furthermore, it may be possible that actions taken by any governmental or regulatory body for the purpose of stabilizing the economy or financial markets will not achieve their intended effect. In addition to any negative direct consequences to our business or results of operations arising from these financial and economic developments, some of these actions may adversely affect financial institutions, capital providers, advertisers or other consumers on whom we rely, including for access to future capital or financing arrangements necessary to support our business. Our inability to obtain financing in amounts and at times necessary could make it more difficult or impossible to meet our obligations or otherwise take actions in our best interests.
Current wording
Uncertainty regarding financial, economic and political conditions over the longer term and the continuation or worsening of such conditions could reduce consumer confidence and adversely affect our business, results of operations and/or financial condition. A decline in consumer confidence could negatively affect our advertising customers’ businesses and their advertising budgets. In addition, volatile economic conditions and/or the adoption or expansion of trade restrictions or other governmental actions related to tariffs or trade policies could negatively impact our industry or the industries of our customers who advertise on our stations, resulting in reduced advertising sales. Furthermore, actions taken by any governmental or regulatory body for the purpose of stabilizing the economy or financial markets may not achieve their intended effects. In addition to any direct negative consequences to our business or results of operations arising from these financial, economic and political developments, some of these actions may adversely affect financial institutions, capital providers, advertisers or other consumers on whom we rely, including for access to future capital or financing arrangements necessary to support our business. Our inability to obtain financing in amounts and at times necessary could make it more difficult or impossible to meet our obligations or otherwise take actions in our best interests.
Previous wording
We consider broadcast advertising revenue to be revenue earned primarily from the sale of advertisements broadcast by our stations. Although no single customer represented more than 5% of our broadcast advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we derived a material portion of non-political broadcast advertising revenue from advertisers in a limited number of industries, particularly the services sector, comprising financial, legal and medical advertisers, and the automotive industry. The services sector has become an increasingly important source of advertising revenue over the past few years. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 approximately 23%, 27% and 28%, respectively, of our broadcast advertising revenue (excluding political advertising revenue) was obtained from advertising sales to the services sector. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 approximately 20%, 20% and 17%, respectively, of our broadcast advertising revenue (excluding political advertising revenue) was obtained from advertising sales to automotive customers. Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected if broadcast advertising revenue from the services sector, automotive or certain other industries, such as the medical, restaurant, communications, or furniture and appliances industries, declined.
Current wording
We consider broadcast advertising revenue to be revenue earned primarily from the sale of advertisements broadcast by our stations. Although no single customer represented more than 5% of our broadcast advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we derived a material portion of our non-political local, national, and digital broadcast advertising revenue (“Core Advertising Revenue”) from advertisers in a limited number of industries, particularly the services sector, (primarily financial, legal and medical advertisers) and the automotive industry. The services sector has become an increasingly important source of advertising revenue in recent years. Approximately 26%, 23%, and 27% of our Core Advertising Revenue was derived from advertising sales to customers in the services sector for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Approximately 17%, 20%, and 20% of our Core Advertising Revenue was derived from advertising sales to automotive customers for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected if broadcast advertising revenue from the services sector, the automotive industry or certain other industries, such as the restaurant, communications, or furniture and appliances industries, declined.
Previous wording
We intend to continue to evaluate opportunities for growth through selective acquisitions of television stations or station groups, subject to our commitment to reducing our leverage ratio over time. There can be no assurances that we will be able to identify any suitable acquisition candidates, and we cannot predict whether we will be successful in pursuing or completing any acquisitions, or what the consequences of not completing any acquisitions would be. Consummation of any proposed acquisition at any time may also be subject to various conditions such as compliance with FCC rules and policies. Consummation of acquisitions may also be subject to antitrust or other regulatory requirements. In addition, as we operate in a highly regulated industry, we could be subject to litigation, government investigations and enforcement actions on a variety of matters, the result of which could limit our acquisition strategy.
Current wording
We intend to continue to evaluate opportunities for growth through selective acquisitions of television stations or station groups, subject to our commitment to reducing our leverage ratio over time. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify any suitable acquisition candidates, and we cannot predict whether we will be successful in pursuing or completing any acquisitions, or what the consequences of not completing any acquisitions would be. Consummation of any proposed acquisition may also be subject to various conditions such as compliance with FCC rules and policies, as well as antitrust or other regulatory requirements. In order to comply with antitrust or other regulatory requirements, the consummation of such acquisitions may also require waivers or be subject to various conditions for approval, and there can be no assurance that the approvals, waivers, or conditions will be satisfied and the consummation of any acquisitions will occur on the timelines contemplated or at all.
Previous wording
Our failure to identify suitable acquisition candidates, or to complete any acquisitions and integrate any acquired business, or to obtain the expected benefits therefrom, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Our failure to identify suitable acquisition candidates, to complete any acquisitions and integrate any acquired businesses, or to realize the expected benefits therefrom, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
The success of any strategic acquisition depends, in part, on our ability to successfully combine the acquired business and assets with our business and our ability to successfully manage the assets so acquired. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of ongoing business or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with clients, customers and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of an acquisition. Successful integration may also be hampered by any differences between the operations and corporate culture of the two organizations. Additionally, general market and economic conditions may inhibit our successful integration of any business. If we experience difficulties with the integration process, the anticipated benefits of an acquisition may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. Finally, any cost savings that are realized may be offset by losses in revenues from the acquired business, any assets or operations disposed of in connection therewith or otherwise, or charges to earnings in connection with such acquisitions.
Current wording
The success of any strategic acquisition depends, in part, on our ability to successfully combine the acquired business and assets with our operations and to effectively manage the assets so acquired. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of ongoing business or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with clients, customers and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of an acquisition. Successful integration may also be hampered by any differences between the operations and corporate culture of the organizations. Additionally, general market and economic conditions may inhibit the successful integration of any business. If we experience difficulties with the integration process, the anticipated benefits of an acquisition may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. Finally, any cost savings that are realized may be offset by revenue losses from the acquired business, by the disposition of assets or operations in connection with the acquisition, or by charges to earnings associated with such acquisitions.
Previous wording
One of our most significant costs is for the purchase of television programming. If a particular program is not sufficiently popular among audiences in relation to the cost we pay for such program, we may not be able to sell enough related advertising time for us to recover the costs we pay to broadcast the program. We also must usually purchase programming several years in advance, and we may have to commit to purchase more than one year’s worth of programming, resulting in the incurrence of significant costs in advance of our receipt of any related revenue. We may also replace programs that are performing poorly before we have recaptured any significant portion of the costs we incurred in obtaining such programming or fully expensed the costs for financial reporting purposes. Any of these factors could reduce our revenues, result in the incurrence of impairment charges, or otherwise cause our costs to escalate relative to revenues.
Current wording
One of our most significant costs is the purchase of television programming. If a particular program is not sufficiently popular among audiences relative to the cost we pay for such program, we may not be able to sell enough related advertising to recover the broadcast costs. We also typically must purchase programming several years in advance, and we may have to commit to purchase more than one year’s worth of programming, resulting in the incurrence of significant costs in advance of our receipt of any related revenue. We may also replace underperforming programs before we have recaptured any significant portion of the costs we incurred to obtain such programming or fully expensed those costs for financial reporting purposes. Any of these factors could reduce our revenues, result in impairment charges, or otherwise cause our costs to escalate relative to revenues.
Previous wording
Our business depends in large part on the success of our network affiliations. One or more stations in each of our operating markets are affiliated with at least one of the four major broadcast networks pursuant to individual affiliation agreements. Each affiliation agreement provides the affiliated station with the right to broadcast all programs transmitted by the affiliated network during the term of the related agreement. Our affiliation agreements generally expire at various dates through December 31, 2028 (with respect to Big Four networks).
Current wording
Our business depends in large part on the success of our network affiliations. One or more stations in each of our operating markets other than Atlanta are affiliated with at least one of the four major broadcast networks pursuant to individual affiliation agreements. Each affiliation agreement provides the affiliated station with the right to broadcast all programs transmitted by the affiliated network during the term of the related agreement. Our affiliation agreements with the Big Four networks expire at various dates from mid-2027 through December 31, 2028.
Previous wording
If we cannot enter into affiliation agreements to replace any agreements in advance of their expiration, we would no longer be able to carry the affiliated network’s programming. This loss of programming would require us to create and/or obtain replacement programming. Such replacement programming may involve higher costs and may not be as attractive to our target audiences, thereby reducing our ability to generate advertising revenue, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. On the other hand, replacement programming may provide additional advertising inventory than that provided to affiliated stations by their networks. Our concentration of CBS and/or NBC affiliates makes us particularly sensitive to adverse changes in our business relationship with, and the general success of, CBS and/or NBC.
Current wording
If we cannot enter into NEW affiliation agreements to replace any agreements in advance of their expiration, we would no longer be able to carry the affiliated network’s programming. This loss of programming would require us to create and/or obtain replacement programming. Such replacement programming may involve higher costs and may be less attractive to our target audiences, thereby reducing our ability to generate advertising revenue, and potentially having a material adverse effect on our results of operations. On the other hand, replacement programming may provide additional advertising inventory than that provided to affiliated stations by their networks. Our concentration of CBS and/or NBC affiliates makes us particularly sensitive to adverse changes in our business relationships with, and the general success of, CBS and/or NBC.
Previous wording
If we are able to renew or replace existing affiliation agreements, we can give no assurance that any future affiliation agreements will have economic terms or conditions equivalent to or more advantageous to us than our current agreements. If in the future a network or networks impose more adverse economic terms upon us, such event or events could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Current wording
If we are able to renew or replace existing affiliation agreements, we can give no assurance that any future affiliation agreements will have economic terms and conditions equivalent to, or more favorable than, our current agreements. If, in the future, a network or networks impose more adverse economic terms upon us, such event or events could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Previous wording
In addition, if we are unable to renew or replace any existing affiliation agreements, we may be unable to satisfy certain obligations under our existing or any future retransmission consent agreements with MVPDs and/or secure payment of retransmission consent fees under such agreements. Furthermore, if in the future a network limited or removed our ability to retransmit network programming to MVPDs, we may be unable to satisfy certain obligations or criteria for fees under any existing or any future retransmission consent agreements. In either case, such an event could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Current wording
In addition, if we are unable to renew or replace any existing affiliation agreements, we may be unable to satisfy certain obligations under our existing or any future retransmission consent agreements with MVPDs and/or to secure payment of retransmission consent fees under such agreements. Furthermore, if in the future a network limited or removed our ability to retransmit network programming to MVPDs, we may be unable to satisfy certain obligations or criteria for fees under any existing or any future retransmission consent agreements. In either case, such events could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Previous wording
We are also dependent, in significant part, on our retransmission consent agreements. Our current retransmission consent agreements expire at various times over the next several years. No assurances can be provided that we will be able to renegotiate all of such agreements on favorable terms, on a timely basis, or at all. The failure to renegotiate such agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Current wording
We are also dependent, in significant part, on our retransmission consent agreements. Our current retransmission consent agreements expire at various times over the next several years. There can be no assurance that we will be able to renegotiate all of such agreements on favorable terms, on a timely basis, or at all. The failure to renegotiate such agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Previous wording
In December 2019, Congress adopted the Satellite Television Community Protection and Promotion Act of 2019 and the Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019 (the “TVPA of 2019”). Among other things, these acts (i) made permanent the copyright license set out in Section 119 of the Copyright Act; (ii) limited eligibility for use of the Section 119 license to retransmit the signals of network television broadcast stations to unserved households to those satellite operators who provide local-into-local service to all DMAs; and (iii) modified the definition of unserved households to those households located in a “short market” (which, in turn, was defined as a local market in which programming of one or more of the top four networks is not offered on either the primary or multicast stream by any network station in that market). The TVPA of 2019 also made permanent the requirement that broadcasters and MVPDs negotiate in good faith and adds a provision that will (i) allow MVPDs to designate a buying group to negotiate retransmission consent agreements on their behalf and (ii) require large stations groups, including ours, to negotiate in good faith with a qualified MVPD buying group.
Current wording
In December 2019, Congress adopted the Satellite Television Community Protection and Promotion Act of 2019 and the Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019 (the “TVPA of 2019”). Among other things, these acts (i) made permanent the copyright license set out in Section 119 of the Copyright Act; (ii) limited eligibility for use of the Section 119 license to retransmit the signals of network television broadcast stations to unserved households to those satellite operators that provide local-into-local service to all DMAs; and (iii) modified the definition of unserved households to those households located in a “short market” (which, in turn, was defined as a local market in which programming of one or more of the top four networks is not offered on either the primary or multicast stream by any network station in that market). The TVPA of 2019 also made permanent the requirement that broadcasters and MVPDs negotiate in good faith and added a provision that (i) allows MVPDs to designate a buying group to negotiate retransmission consent agreements on their behalf and (ii) requires large station groups, including ours, to negotiate in good faith with a qualified MVPD buying group.
Previous wording
We generate a meaningful portion of our advertising revenue from the sale of advertisements on our digital platforms and through the sale of inventory on digital platforms owned by third parties. Our ability to maintain and increase this advertising revenue is largely dependent upon the number of users actively visiting the digital sites, digital apps, and platforms and our arrangements that allow us to sell and service such inventory. Because digital advertising techniques are evolving, if our content, technology and/or advertisement-serving techniques do not evolve to meet the changing needs of advertisers, our advertising revenue could decline. Changes in our business model, advertising inventory or initiatives could also cause a decrease in our digital advertising revenue.
Current wording
We generate a meaningful portion of our advertising revenue from the sale of advertisements on our digital platforms and through the sale of inventory on digital platforms owned by third parties. Our ability to maintain and increase this advertising revenue is largely dependent upon the number of users actively visiting the digital sites, digital apps, and platforms and our arrangements that allow us to sell and service such inventory. Because digital advertising techniques are evolving, if our content, technology and/or advertisement-serving techniques do not evolve to meet the changing needs of advertisers, our advertising revenue could decline. Changes in our business model, advertising inventory or initiatives could also cause a decrease in our digital advertising revenue. In addition, changes in or deprecation of third-party cookies, mobile identifiers and measurement tools; browser, device and app store policies; increased use of ad-blocking technologies; changes in brand-safety, suitability and viewability standards; and evolving privacy and data protection laws and industry frameworks may reduce our ability to target, deliver and measure advertising and could adversely affect pricing and demand. Policy or algorithm changes by major technology platforms, or disruptions in the digital advertising ecosystem, could also reduce the reach, monetization or effectiveness of our digital advertising offerings.
Previous wording
We rely on technology and data owned or controlled by us or our third-party service providers in substantially all aspects of our business operations. Our revenues are increasingly dependent on digital products and access to systems and data. Such use exposes us to cybersecurity threats arising from a variety of causes and forms, including from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. These cybersecurity incidents and similar attacks could include, but are not limited to, the deployment of harmful malware or ransomware, denial-of-services attacks, and other attacks, which may affect business continuity and threaten the availability, confidentiality and integrity of our systems and information. These attacks and incidents can also include employee or personnel failures, fraud, phishing or other social engineering attempts or other methods to cause confidential information, payments, account access or access credentials, or other data to be transmitted to an unintended recipient, and attempts to gain unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, data corruption or operational disruption. Cybersecurity threat actors also may attempt to exploit vulnerabilities through software including that is software commonly used by companies in cloud-based services and bundled software. If we are subject to a cybersecurity incident or a similar attack, it could result in business interruption, disclosure of nonpublic information, alteration or corruption of data or systems, decreased advertising revenues, misstated financial data, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection costs, litigation or investigations, including individual claims or consumer class actions, commercial litigation, administrative, and civil or criminal investigations or actions, regulatory intervention and sanctions or fines, investigation and remediation costs, financial consequences and reputational damage adversely affecting customer or investor confidence, among other things, any or all of which could materially adversely affect our business. While we have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past, and may experience additional cybersecurity incidents in the future, we are not aware of any cybersecurity incident having a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition to date. However, there can be no assurance that we will not experience future cybersecurity incidents that may be material. Although we have systems and processes in place to try to protect against risks associated with cybersecurity incidents in the future, depending on the nature of an cybersecurity incident, these protections may not be fully sufficient. In addition, because techniques used in cybersecurity threats change frequently and may not be recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measu…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Current wording
We rely on technology and data owned or controlled by us or our third-party service providers in substantially all aspects of our business operations. Our revenues are increasingly dependent on digital products and access to systems and data. Such use exposes us to cybersecurity threats arising from a variety of causes and forms, including from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. These cybersecurity incidents and similar attacks could include, but are not limited to, the deployment of harmful malware or ransomware, denial-of-services attacks, account takeovers and other attacks, which may affect business continuity and threaten the availability, confidentiality and integrity of our systems and information. These attacks and incidents can also include employee or personnel failures, fraud, phishing or other social engineering attempts or other methods to cause confidential information, payments, account access or access credentials, or other data to be transmitted to an unintended recipient, and attempts to gain unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, data corruption or operational disruption. Cybersecurity threat actors also may attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in widely used or bundled software, including software commonly used by companies in cloud-based services, and may target third parties on whom we rely for hosting, content delivery, advertising technology, audience measurements and other critical services. If we are subject to a cybersecurity incident or a similar attack, it could result in business interruption, disclosure of nonpublic information, alteration or corruption of data or systems, decreased advertising revenues, misstated financial data, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection costs, litigation or investigations, including individual claims or consumer class actions, commercial litigation, administrative, and civil or criminal investigations or actions, regulatory intervention and sanctions or fines, investigation and remediation costs, financial consequences and reputational damage adversely affecting customer or investor confidence, among other things, any or all of which could materially adversely affect our business. While we have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past, and may experience additional cybersecurity incidents in the future, we are not aware of any cybersecurity incident having a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition to date. However, there can be no assurance that we will not experience future cybersecurity incidents that may be material. Although we have systems and processes in place to try to protect against risks associated with cybersecurity incidents in the future, depending on the nature of a cybersecurity incident, these protections may not be fully sufficient or effective, particularly as threat techniques, tools and attack vectors…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Previous wording
Television stations compete for audiences, certain programming (including news) and advertisers. Signal coverage and carriage on MVPD systems also materially affect a television station’s competitive position. With respect to audiences, stations compete primarily based on broadcast program popularity. We cannot provide any assurances as to the acceptability by audiences of any of the programs we broadcast. Further, because we compete with other broadcast stations for certain programming, we cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to obtain any desired programming at costs that we believe are reasonable. Cable-network programming, combined with increased access to cable, satellite TV, internet-delivered multichannel video programming distributors (“vMVPDs”), as well as internet video services (such as YouTube) and internet streaming channels and services including subscription video on demand (“SVOD”) and advertising video on demand (“AVOD”) have become significant competitors for television programming viewers. Cable networks’ viewership and advertising share have been declining in recent years, while streaming viewership has accelerated and recently surpassed the combined viewership of broadcast and cable-network programming combined. Further increases in the advertising share of cable networks, internet video services, and internet streaming channels and services could materially adversely affect the advertising revenue of our television stations.
Current wording
Television stations compete for audiences, certain programming (including news) and advertisers. Signal coverage and carriage on MVPD systems also materially affect a television station’s competitive position. With respect to audiences, stations compete primarily based on broadcast program popularity. We cannot provide any assurances as to the acceptability by audiences of any of the programs we broadcast. Further, because we compete with other broadcast stations for certain programming, we cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to obtain any desired programming at costs that we believe are reasonable. Cable-network programming, combined with increased access to cable, satellite TV, vMVPDs, as well as internet video services (such as YouTube) and internet streaming channels and services including subscription video on demand (“SVOD”) and advertising video on demand (“AVOD”) have become significant competitors for television programming viewers. Cable networks’ viewership and advertising share have been declining in recent years, while streaming viewership has accelerated and recently surpassed the combined viewership of broadcast and cable-network programming combined. Further increases in the advertising share of cable networks, internet video services, social and short-form platforms and internet streaming channels and services could materially adversely affect the advertising revenue of our television stations.
Previous wording
In addition, new technologies and methods of buying advertising present an additional competitive challenge, as competitors may offer products and services such as the ability to purchase advertising programmatically or bundled offline and online advertising, aimed at more efficiently capturing advertising spend. The number of viewers and ratings of our television stations and advertising revenues in general may be impacted by viewers moving to these programming alternatives and alternate media content providers, and by eliminating or reducing subscriptions to traditional MVPD services (“cord cutting” and “cord shaving,” respectively). As these programming alternatives continue to drive changes in consumer behavior and other consumption strategies, our business and results of operations may be materially affected.
Current wording
In addition, new technologies and methods of buying advertising present an additional competitive challenge, as competitors may offer products and services such as the ability to purchase advertising programmatically or bundled offline and online advertising, aimed at more efficiently capturing advertising spend. The number of viewers and ratings of our television stations and advertising revenues in general may be impacted by viewers moving to these programming alternatives and alternate media content providers, and by eliminating or reducing subscriptions to traditional MVPD services (“cord cutting” and “cord shaving,” respectively). As these programming alternatives continue to drive changes in consumer behavior and other consumption strategies, including the fragmentation of audiences across platforms and devices, our business and results of operations may be materially affected.
Previous wording
Currently, we have a $5.7 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness, excluding intercompany debt and deferred financing costs. Subject to our ability to meet certain borrowing conditions under our Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Senior Credit Agreement”), we have the ability to incur significant additional debt, including secured debt under our $680 million revolving credit facility. The terms of the indenture (the “2031 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 5.375% senior notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”), the indenture (the “2030 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 4.750% senior notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”), the indenture (the “2029 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 10.5% senior secured first lien notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”), the indenture (the “2027 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 7.0% senior notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”) and the indenture (the “2026 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 5.875% senior notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes” and, together with the 2031 Notes Indenture, the 2030 Notes Indenture, the 2029 Notes Indenture, the 2027 Notes Indenture and the 2026 Notes Indenture, the “Existing Indentures” or the “Indentures”) also permit us to incur additional indebtedness, subject to our ability to meet certain borrowing conditions.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2025, we had a $5.8 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness, excluding intercompany debt and deferred financing costs. Subject to our ability to meet certain borrowing conditions under our Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Senior Credit Agreement”), we have the ability to incur significant additional debt, including secured debt under our $750 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The terms of the indenture (the “2033 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 7.25% senior secured first lien notes due 2033 (the “2033 Notes (1L)”, indenture (the “2032 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 9.625% senior secured second lien notes due 2032 (the “2032 Notes (2L)”, indenture (the “2031 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 5.375% senior notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”), the indenture (the “2030 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 4.750% senior notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”), the indenture (the “2029 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 10.5% senior secured first lien notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes (1L)”) and the indenture (the “2026 Notes Indenture”) governing our outstanding 5.875% senior notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) and, together with the 2033 Notes Indenture, the 2032 Notes Indenture, 2031 Notes Indenture, the 2030 Notes Indenture, the 2029 Notes Indenture, and the 2026 Notes Indenture, the “Existing Indentures” or the “Indentures”) also permit us to incur additional indebtedness, subject to our ability to meet certain borrowing conditions.
Previous wording
We recently have incurred impairment charges on our goodwill, other intangible assets and investments. In prior periods we have incurred impairment charges on our broadcast licenses. Any such future charges may have a material effect on the value of our total assets.
Current wording
We recently have incurred impairment charges on our goodwill, broadcast licenses, other intangible assets and investments. Any such future charges may have a material effect on the value of our total assets.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2024, the book value of our broadcast licenses was $5.3 billion and the book value of our goodwill was $2.6 billion, in comparison to total assets of $10.5 billion.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2025, the book value of our broadcast licenses was $5.3 billion and the book value of our goodwill was $2.6 billion, in comparison to total assets of $10.4 billion.
Previous wording
Also, during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we have recognized impairment charges of $25 million and $29 million, respectively, related to investments. These impairment charges were recorded upon our determination that the fair value of the investments had declined on an other-than-temporary basis or that the recorded value was not recoverable.
Current wording
Also, during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we have recognized impairment charges of $20 million, $25 million and $29 million, respectively, related to investments. These impairment charges were recorded upon our determination that the fair value of the investments had declined on an other-than-temporary basis or that the recorded value was not recoverable.
Previous wording
Not less than annually, and more frequently if necessary, we are required to evaluate our goodwill and broadcast licenses to determine if the estimated fair value of these intangible assets is less than book value. If the estimated fair value of these intangible assets is less than book value, we will be required to record a non-cash expense to write down the book value of the intangible asset to the estimated fair value. We cannot make any assurances that any required impairment charges will not have a material adverse effect on our total assets.
Current wording
Not less than annually, and more frequently if necessary, we are required to evaluate our goodwill and broadcast licenses to determine if the estimated fair value of these intangible assets is less than book value. If the estimated fair value of these intangible assets is less than book value, we will be required to record a non-cash expense to write down the book value of the intangible asset to the estimated fair value. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recognized an impairment charge of $2 million related to broadcast licenses and $28 million related to other intangibles. We cannot make any assurances that any required impairment charges in the future will not have a material adverse effect on our total assets.
Previous wording
There can be no assurance that the price of our equity securities will not fluctuate or decline significantly. The stock market in recent years has experienced considerable price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of individual companies and that could adversely affect the price of our equity securities, regardless of our operating performance. Stock price volatility might be worse if the trading volume of shares of our equity securities is low. Furthermore, stockholders may initiate securities class action lawsuits if the market price of our equity securities were to decline significantly, which may cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of our management.
Current wording
There can be no assurance that the price of our equity securities will not fluctuate or decline significantly. The stock market in recent years has experienced considerable price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of individual companies and that could adversely affect the price of our equity securities, regardless of our operating performance. Stock price volatility might be worse if the trading volume of shares of our equity securities is low. Significant volatility could also impair our ability to raise capital, use our equity as consideration for acquisitions, or retain employees through equity compensation. Furthermore, stockholders may initiate securities class action lawsuits if the market price of our equity securities were to decline significantly, which may cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of our management.
Previous wording
The FCC has pursued several enforcement matters regarding broadcast indecency and profanity and the statutory maximum fine for broadcasting indecent material is approximately $0.5 million per incident, up to a maximum of approximately $4.7 million for a continuing violation. In June 2012, the Supreme Court decided a challenge to the FCC’s indecency enforcement policies without resolving the scope of the FCC’s ability to regulate broadcast content. In August 2013, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comment on whether it should modify its indecency policies. The FCC has not yet issued a decision in this proceeding and the courts remain free to review the FCC’s current policy or any modifications thereto. The outcomes of these proceedings could affect future FCC policies in this area, and we are unable to predict the outcome of any such judicial proceeding, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Current wording
The FCC has pursued several enforcement matters regarding broadcast indecency and profanity and the statutory maximum fine for broadcasting indecent material is approximately $0.5 million per incident, up to a maximum of approximately $4.7 million for a continuing violation. The courts remain free to review the FCC’s current policy. We are unable to predict the outcome of any such judicial proceeding, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Previous wording
The FCC’s duopoly restrictions limit our ability to own and operate multiple television stations in the same market.
Current wording
The FCC’s local ownership restrictions limit our ability to own and operate multiple television stations in the same market.
Previous wording
The FCC’s ownership rules generally prohibit us from acquiring an “attributable interest” in two television stations that are located in the same market unless at least one of the stations is not ranked among the top-four stations in the market (the “top-four” prohibition).
Current wording
The FCC’s Two-Station Limit generally prohibits us from acquiring an “attributable interest” in more than two television stations that are located in the same market if the stations’ NLSCs overlap.
Previous wording
In November 2022, the FCC issued a Forfeiture Order finding that Gray’s acquisition of CBS programming from another broadcaster in the Anchorage market for Gray’s station KYES-TV was inconsistent with the local television ownership rule’s “top-four” prohibition given Gray’s ownership of KTUU-TV in the same market (a top-four ranked station) and imposed a fine of $0.5 million. Gray has brought a judicial challenge to the FCC’s Order, which remains pending.
Current wording
In November 2022, the FCC issued a Forfeiture Order finding that Gray’s acquisition of CBS programming from another broadcaster in the Anchorage market for Gray’s station KYES-TV was inconsistent with the local television ownership rule’s “top-four” prohibition given Gray’s ownership of KTUU-TV in the same market (a top-four ranked station) and imposed a fine of $0.5 million. This Forfeiture Order was vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11 th Circuit in March 2025.
Previous wording
Under the FCC’s National Television Station Ownership Rule, a single television station owner may not reach more than 39% of United States households through commonly owned television stations, subject to a 50% discount of the number of television households attributable to UHF stations (the “UHF Discount”). In December 2017, the FCC issued an NPRM seeking comment on whether it should modify or eliminate the national cap, including the UHF Discount. This proceeding remains pending. This rule may constrain our ability to expand through additional station acquisitions. Currently our station portfolio reaches approximately 37% of total United States television households.
Current wording
Under the FCC’s National Television Station Ownership Rule, a single television station owner may not reach more than 39% of United States households through commonly owned television stations, subject to a 50% discount of the number of television households attributable to UHF stations (the “UHF Discount”). In December 2017, the FCC issued an NPRM seeking comment on whether it should modify or eliminate the national cap, including the UHF Discount. This proceeding remains pending. This rule may constrain our ability to expand through additional station acquisitions. Currently our station portfolio reaches approximately 37% of total United States television households, and approximately 25% after applying the UHF Discount.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
In addition, as we operate in a highly regulated industry, we could be subject to litigation, government investigations and enforcement actions on a variety of matters, the result of which could limit our acquisition strategy.