Byron Allen buys BuzzFeed and shares in Starz, challenges Black America to fight for 'economic inclusion'

Allen told Breakfast Club co-host Charlamagne tha God in a May 20 interview, the battle has never been about “black or white…It's always been green.”  (Image: The Breakfast Club)

In a candid interview withThe Breakfast Club, media mogul Byron Allen — worth an estimated $800 million to $1 billion and one of the largest Black media owners in the U.S. — broke down his strategies for media dominance and challenged the nation to recognize that in order to become “one America,” we must achieve economic inclusion. 

Allen shared behind-the-scenes details on his recent acquisition of a 10.7% stake in Starz, the premium cable and streaming network, and a deal announced on May 11 for Allen Family Digital to acquire BuzzFeed, a digital media company that posted $46.3 million in revenue in quarter 4 of 2025. The latter gave Allen 52% ownership of the company 

He quietly bought the Starz shares from the former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin for $25 million, making Allen the brand’s second-largest shareholder. He noted that Starz targets the “the underserved” market, which is “code for Black,” and vows to ultimately control the company outright. 

HIs acquisition of 52% of Buzzfeed cost $120 million, and the deal bundles in HuffPost, the progressive news outlet, and Tasty, BuzzFeed's massive food content platform. 

Citing a conversation with Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr., Allen urged recognition that economic inclusion is an essential next chapter in our national story. 

"The greatest trade deficit in America," Allen said, "is the trade deficit between white corporate America and Black America. And until we close that trade deficit, we cannot achieve one America."

Allen recalled Scott King describing four major battles on the road to equality for Black Americans: one, ending slavery; two, ending Jim Crow; three, securing civil rights; and four, achieving economic inclusion. 

“It's our turn [for] this generation to achieve the fourth and final chapter,” said Allen.

Click here to listen to a 9-minute excerpt of the interview, and catch the full hour-long session on Netflix. 

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