Pivot – Byron Allen at Code 2023

Intro

In this episode of the “Pivot” podcast, hosts Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway interview Byron Allen, the founder, CEO, and chairman of Allen Media Group. They discuss Allen’s recent bid to buy ABC and other networks from Disney, his success with the Weather Channel acquisition, and his mission to achieve diversity and equity in the media industry.

Main Takeaways

Byron Allen’s Media Acquisitions

• Byron Allen recently put together a bid to buy ABC and other networks from Disney for $10 billion.
• His acquisition of the Weather Channel has been a phenomenal success, and he is unfiltered and always about the truth.
• Local news and sports are always in demand and a good investment.
• Legacy companies are having to reinvent themselves, which is a very challenging thing to accomplish.
• The decoupling of a national news service from its ecosystem is the biggest challenge for Disney.

Allen’s Media Company and Local Now

• Byron Allen is building the world’s biggest media company and prefers to stay private to be more entrepreneurial.
• Local Now, a fully distributed broadcast network, curates and streams hyper-local news, weather, sports, and traffic.
• Allen invested over $125 million to reposition Local Now and make it free, resulting in revenue going up 35x.
• AI is part of the Weather Channel and Local Now, used for geofencing and content curation.

Byron Allen’s Mission for Diversity and Equity

• Byron Allen sued the cable industry for not licensing cable networks to black people, Hispanic people, women, and Asians.
• He sued Comcast and Charter for refusing to carry cable channels owned by One America.
• Allen sued McDonald’s for racial discrimination, alleging that it only spent 0.3% of its ad budget at blackout media companies.
• He believes that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D E and I) require a real strong, equitable relationship, not just letters in a bank.
• Allen is spending $500 million to close the economic trade gap and create a better America.

Climate Change and Environmental Protection

• Climate change and global warming are the greatest threat to human beings.
• Allen emphasizes the importance of empathy and environmental protection in achieving his mission.
• Media can be used to unite us and make us one in the fight against climate change.
• Adapting to survive is crucial, or we will be flushed out of the system like food poisoning for the planet.

Polestar 2 and Electric Cars

• The Polestar 2 offers faster charging, improved range up to 320 miles, and advanced safety technology.
• The automotive industry is advancing with all-electric vehicles like the Polestar 2.
• The time to switch to electric cars is now.
• Book a test drive or order the Polestar 2 today at Polestar.com.

Summary

Byron Allen’s Media Empire and Mission

Byron Allen, the founder, CEO, and chairman of Allen Media Group, has made significant media acquisitions, including the Weather Channel. He believes local news and sports are always in demand and that legacy companies must reinvent themselves. The decoupling of a national news service from its ecosystem poses a challenge for Disney. Allen’s media company, including Local Now, has seen success through investments and the use of AI. Allen is also committed to achieving diversity and equity in the media industry, suing companies for racial discrimination and spending $500 million to close the economic trade gap. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and environmental protection in his mission.

The Fight Against Climate Change

Byron Allen considers climate change and global warming as the greatest threat to humanity. He believes media can be a powerful tool to unite and fight against climate change. Adaptation is crucial for survival, and environmental protection is a key aspect of Allen’s mission.

Polestar 2 and Electric Cars

The Polestar 2 offers faster charging, improved range up to 320 miles, and advanced safety technology. The automotive industry is advancing with all-electric vehicles, and now is the time to switch to electric cars for a sustainable future.

Conclusion

Byron Allen’s interview on the “Pivot” podcast highlights his media acquisitions, mission for diversity and equity, and the fight against climate change. His success with the Weather Channel and Local Now demonstrates the importance of local news and sports. Allen’s commitment to environmental protection and his investment in electric cars like the Polestar 2 showcase his dedication to a better future. Overall, Allen’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination to make a positive impact make him a significant player in the media industry.