Connoisseur Media’s Bold Move: Aiming for Radio Excellence, Not Just Size
The radio landscape is shifting, and Connoisseur Media is making waves. Following its acquisition of Alpha Media, a deal that will give them control of 218 stations across 47 markets reaching approximately 20% of the U.S. population Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw shared insights into the company’s future direction.
Warshaw emphasized that Connoisseur is not simply focused on becoming the biggest player. "The goal is not to be the biggest," he stated, "It is to be the best." This philosophy underscores a commitment to quality, local focus, and community engagement.
According to a recent article on KEYC, the purchase includes Mankato stations Country 103-5, Z99, River 105, and Rock 95. While financial details remain undisclosed, the deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending federal approval.
Warshaw told Borrell Associates CEO Gordon Borrell, on Borrell’s “Local Marketing Trends” podcast that despite the size of Alpha Media, “We all have room for growth. Although [their stations] are very much local focused, we have the resources and the belief that larger sales forces, with relationships and the ability to sell multi-platform, is really critical for radio to be successful.”
Multi-platform is especially important. “We sell digital, we sell events, we sell radio. We sell lots of things to try to get results for our clients.”, says Warshaw.
He believes that the secret to success is building vital local presences. When asked about how to compete with digital Warshaw explains that “Local advertisers need help getting better results from their advertising [and] are hungry for creative ideas [and] community involvement. Radio is a very trusted medium, local talent is beloved and trusted and a very effective advertising tool in a local community.”
The acquisition allows Connoisseur to expand its reach nationwide. Aside from Connecticut and New York, states in which Alpha have radio stations include, Alaska, California, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and Virginia.
The deal signifies a strong commitment to the power of local radio broadcasting. "This transaction underscores our commitment to the irreplaceable role local broadcasters play in providing news, information and entertainment that truly resonates," Warshaw stated.
This move prompts the question: What will this acquisition mean for the future of local radio, and how will Connoisseur Media's approach reshape the industry? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
