Connoisseur LMAs Alpha Stations

Connoisseur Media surprised the industry Monday by announcing a major acquisition of Alpha Media’s radio stations, a significant move in an era of sluggish radio station sales. 

The merged entity will operate under the Connoisseur name, with Jeff Warshaw continuing as CEO.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. 

The transaction requires FCC approval and is slated to close in the second half of 2025. In the interim, Connoisseur and Alpha have entered into a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA).

Alpha Markets

Alpha’s portfolio of 207 stations across 44 U.S. markets, including San Antonio, Portland (Ore.), Salt Lake City, Nassau–Suffolk, Palm Springs, and San Jose, will join Connoisseur’s existing 11 stations in Long Island and Connecticut. This expansion will position Connoisseur among the top 10 U.S. radio groups by station count, per the release.

Jeff Warshaw

Warshaw noted that the LMA was recently signed, adding, “We’re excited to get to know the team and work together to grow the business.” He also emphasized the merger’s digital synergy, combining Alpha Digital, Alpha’s marketing arm, with Connoisseur’s Ferocious Digital.

Alpha drew attention in 2023 for introducing “AI Ashley,” an AI voice, on its Portland Top 40 station 95.5 KBFF-FM during middays, though it recently hired human host Tamara Dhia for the slot. 

In 2021, Alpha filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to address over $250 million in debt, and in 2024, Alpha ws impactewd with significant staff reductions at its Missouri stations.

Connoisseur, headquartered in Westport, Conn., previously divested many stations in 2018 and 2019 and made two unsuccessful bids for Cumulus Media’s stations in 2022. Warshaw founded the company in 2004.

Alpha, based in Portland, Ore., was established by Larry Wilson and is currently led by CEO Bob Proffitt.