Connoisseur Media continues to prioritize bolstering its programming infrastructure since closing on the Alpha Media acquisition.
Last week the company announced the promotion of Keith Dakin to Senior Vice President of Programming. Dakin, a 20-year industry veteran with prior roles at Entercom (now Audacy) and CBS Radio, brings expertise in content strategy, talent development, and multi-market coordination.
And now the company has announced new slate of format coordinators to enhance localized execution. These roles are designed to oversee specific genres across Connoisseur's expanded portfolio, ensuring consistency while allowing market-specific adaptations. The hires include:
Ben Davis: Top 40 — Operations Manager, Program Director, and co-host of Ben & Kelly in the Morning on WDJX/Louisville.
Keith Dakin - Kevin Begley: Hot AC — Program Director and afternoon host at WEZN (Star 99.9)/Bridgeport, CT, with a key role in the success of the syndicated Anna & Raven Show.
- Darrick Williams: Urban / Rhythmic Top 40 — Operations Manager in Columbia, SC, overseeing Connoisseur’s Urban stations and now adding Rhythmic Top 40 responsibilities.
- Ross MacLeod: News-Talk — Joined as Operations Manager and Program Director for KXL (FM News 101)/Portland in July.
- Rob Kelley: Country — Operations Manager for Lincoln, NE, and Topeka, KS, continuing as Country Format Coordinator, a role he previously held at Alpha Media.
- Allan Lamberti: Rock — Programs Mainstream Rock WPLR/New Haven and News-Talk WICC/Bridgeport, with 20 years of experience at Connoisseur Media’s Connecticut stations.
- Patrick Shea: Long Island-based, working with emerging technology and radio automation companies to drive efficiency and innovation across Connoisseur’s markets.
These additions bring the programming team to over 30 full-time strategists, up from 15 pre-acquisition. The move aligns with industry trends toward consolidation amid declining traditional radio ad revenue, positioning Connoisseur to compete more aggressively with giants like iHeartMedia and Cumulus.
The acquisition of Alpha Media, announced in late 2024 and finalized in August 2025, marked a significant milestone, transforming Connoisseur into one of the largest radio groups in the country with approximately 200 stations spanning 50 markets nationwide.