Connoisseur Media To Acquire Alpha Stations

Connoisseur Media has announced its intent to acquire Alpha Media.

Specific financial terms have not been disclosed, the acquisition involves Connoisseur, led by CEO Jeffrey Warshaw, taking over Alpha Media’s portfolio of over 200 radio stations across 44 U.S. markets.

Connoisseur Media: Based in Westport, Connecticut, Connoisseur currently operates 11 radio stations in Connecticut and Long Island, New York, after selling its Frederick, Maryland stations in 2024. The company, founded by Jeff Warshaw in 2004, has a history of strategic acquisitions and divestitures, including a $258 million sale to Cumulus Broadcasting in 2000 and a management buyout in 2019.

Alpha Media, Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, formed in 2014 through the merger of Alpha Broadcasting, L&L Broadcasting, and Main Line Broadcasting. It owns or operates over 200 stations, including full-power stations and FM translators, and has ventured into digital marketing and event spaces like the Skype Live Studio in Portland. Alpha underwent a Chapter 11 reorganization in 2021, with significant ownership by creditors like MetLife Private Equity Holdings (41.7%) and others, some foreign-based, leading to FCC approval for up to 100% foreign ownership in 2023.

Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw (right) stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Alpha Media into the Connoisseur family. In getting to know the Alpha team, it has become clear that we share many of the same values — a passion for serving our local communities, a deep commitment to our clients, supporting our colleagues and fostering a culture of integrity, creativity and achievement.”

“This transaction underscores our commitment to the irreplaceable role local broadcasters play in providing news, information and entertainment that truly resonates. Together, we will build an industry-leading platform of broadcast and digital. I could not be more excited to get started.”

Implications: The post-acquisition footprint will make Connoisseur one of the top 10 largest radio groups in the US by both revenue and station count, including 218 stations in 47 markets such as San Antonio, Portland, Salt Lake City, Nassau-Suffolk, Palm Springs, and San Jose. The new company’s coverage will include roughly 20% of the US.

The deal’s success hinges on FCC regulatory approval and Connoisseur’s ability to integrate Alpha’s assets effectively.