- Byron Allen expresses continued interest in acquiring The Washington Post
- Set to control BuzzFeed and HuffPost through latest deal
- Envisions broader streaming strategy with BuzzFeed to rival established digital outlets
Byron Allen has said he still wants to buy The Washington Post, even as he prepares to take control of BuzzFeed and HuffPost in a deal that would dramatically expand his media empire.
Speaking to BuzzFeed employees on 19 May, the media entrepreneur said he had once raised the idea directly with Jeff Bezos after meeting him at a party. Allen told staff that he asked whether Bezos would consider selling the newspaper, according to remarks reported by theGrio.
“I actually asked Jeff Bezos would you consider selling me the Washington Post,” Allen said. “I ran into him at a party. And I said, why don’t you sell me the Washington Post?”
Allen said he made the pitch by contrasting his own ambitions with Bezos’s space-related interests at Blue Origin. “You know, I know you’re worried about the Trump administration,” he said. “You need to be worried that you’re trying to fly rocket ships into outer space. You need the government. I’m not trying to go into outer space. I’d like to go buy the Washington Post.”
He said Bezos did not shut the conversation down. “He didn’t say yes. He didn’t say no,” Allen said. “He took my old phone and gave me his contact information.”
Allen’s comments came days after reports that he had agreed to acquire a 52% stake in BuzzFeed for $120 million, with BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti moving into a new role as president of BuzzFeed AI. The transaction, which is expected to close later this month, also gives Allen control of HuffPost, another digital media brand once seen as a pioneer in online journalism.
According to The Washington Post, Allen has described BuzzFeed as the basis for a broader streaming strategy, with plans to build a free platform that could combine video, audio and user-generated content. He has said he wants the brand to compete more aggressively with established digital players by leaning on its existing audience and recognisable name.
At the same time, Allen told employees that he remains interested in The Washington Post, but said he does not see that deal as essential to his plans. “So for me, I will keep pursuing it,” he said. “But at the end of the day, if I don’t get it, I don’t really care. I actually think the HuffPost can beat it. But if we do get it, it’ll just be added.”
Allen also used the meeting to reassure BuzzFeed and HuffPost staff about his approach to newsroom culture, saying he wanted journalists to stay “fearless” and independent. He has repeatedly framed his recent purchases as part of a longer effort to build Black-owned media properties with national reach, alongside existing holdings that include theGrio, The Weather Channel and HBCU Go.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://blackphiladelphiamagazine.com/2026/05/19/byron-allen-reveals-he-asked-jeff-bezos-to-sell-him-the-washington-post-during-address-at-buzzfeed/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/05/15/byron-allen-plans-turn-buzzfeed-into-streaming-giant/ – Byron Allen, the comedian-turned-media mogul, has ambitious plans to transform BuzzFeed into a streaming powerhouse. After announcing a $120 million deal to acquire a controlling stake in BuzzFeed, Allen aims to rival platforms like YouTube by offering exclusive content. He envisions BuzzFeed as a free streaming service that leverages its established brand and audience to compete in the digital media landscape. Allen’s strategy includes integrating BuzzFeed’s existing media assets and expanding into free-streaming video, audio, and user-generated content.
- https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2026-05-11/entertainment-mogul-byron-allen-to-acquire-buzzfeed-huffpost – Entertainment mogul Byron Allen has agreed to acquire a majority stake in BuzzFeed Inc. for $120 million. The deal involves Allen Family Digital purchasing 40 million shares at $3 each, representing a 52% stake in the company. As part of the agreement, Allen will also take over HuffPost, another internet pioneer owned by BuzzFeed. The transaction is expected to close later this month, with BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti transitioning to a new role as president of BuzzFeed AI.
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-11/byron-allen-pays-120-million-for-52-of-buzzfeed-becomes-ceo – Byron Allen, the comedian and media mogul, has acquired a 52% stake in BuzzFeed Inc. for $120 million. Allen’s family office purchased 40 million shares at $3 each, with the transaction financed by $20 million in cash and a $100 million promissory note due in five years. As part of the deal, Allen will assume the roles of chairman and chief executive officer, while BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti will transition to the role of president of BuzzFeed AI.
- https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/11/buzzfeed-digital-media-deal-byron-allen – BuzzFeed, the digital media pioneer, has been sold to media entrepreneur Byron Allen for $120 million. Allen, who controls Allen Media Group, will replace BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti as chief executive, though Peretti will remain as president of BuzzFeed AI. The deal also includes Allen taking over HuffPost, which BuzzFeed owns. The acquisition is expected to close later this month, marking a significant shift in BuzzFeed’s leadership and strategic direction.
- https://www.thegrio.com/2026/05/19/byron-allen-reveals-he-asked-jeff-bezos-to-sell-him-the-washington-post-during-address-at-buzzfeed/ – Byron Allen has expressed interest in acquiring The Washington Post, even after expanding his media holdings with the recent acquisition of BuzzFeed. Speaking to BuzzFeed employees, Allen revealed that he approached Jeff Bezos about potentially selling the newspaper. He emphasized his vision for BuzzFeed and HuffPost, highlighting the importance of Black ownership in media and assuring staff that he does not intend to change the existing culture at either outlet.
- https://www.thegrio.com/2026/05/19/byron-allen-says-he-wants-buzzfeed-and-huffpost-journalists-to-remain-fearless-and-independent/ – During a visit to BuzzFeed and HuffPost offices, Byron Allen addressed employees and outlined his vision for the company following his recent acquisition. He emphasized editorial independence, truth-telling, and the significance of Black ownership in media. Allen encouraged journalists to remain fearless and outspoken, assuring staff that he does not intend to change the existing culture at either outlet.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article was published on May 19, 2026, reporting on events from the same day. TheGrio, a reputable news outlet, covered the same event, providing independent verification. ([thegrio.com](https://thegrio.com/2026/05/19/byron-allen-says-he-wants-buzzfeed-and-huffpost-journalists-to-remain-fearless-and-independent/?utm_source=openai)) The Black Philadelphia Magazine article appears to be a republished version of TheGrio’s report, with identical quotes and content. This raises concerns about originality and potential recycling of content.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to Byron Allen in the article are identical to those reported by TheGrio. This suggests that the quotes may have been sourced from TheGrio’s coverage, raising questions about the originality of the reporting. The lack of independent verification for these quotes further diminishes their credibility.
Source reliability
Score:
5
Notes:
The Black Philadelphia Magazine is a niche publication with limited reach and may not have the same editorial standards as larger, more established news organizations. The apparent reliance on TheGrio’s reporting without additional independent sources raises concerns about the reliability and independence of the information presented.
Plausibility check
Score:
7
Notes:
The claims made in the article align with known facts about Byron Allen’s recent acquisition of BuzzFeed and his previous attempts to acquire The Washington Post. However, the lack of independent verification and the recycling of content from another source without additional corroboration diminishes the overall credibility of the narrative.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The article’s reliance on content from TheGrio without additional independent verification, coupled with concerns about the originality and reliability of the source, leads to a FAIL verdict. The recycling of content and lack of independent corroboration significantly diminish the credibility of the narrative.
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