Connoisseur Closes On Alpha Media Deal

Connoisseur Media, a Westport, Connecticut-based radio broadcasting company, announced on Thursday, the successful completion of its acquisition of Alpha Media, a major deal that significantly expands its footprint in the U.S. radio industry. 

The acquisition, which received approval from the FCC on August 13, 2025, merges Alpha Media’s 205 radio stations with Connoisseur’s existing portfolio of 11 stations in Connecticut and Long Island, creating a combined company that operates 216 stations across 47 markets nationwide. This strategic move positions Connoisseur among the top 10 radio broadcasters in the United States, according to the company’s statement.

The acquisition, initially agreed upon earlier in 2025, broadens Connoisseur’s geographic reach into key markets, including San Antonio, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Jose, California; Palm Springs, Florida; and Louisville, Kentucky. These additions complement Connoisseur’s established presence in local markets such as Fairfield and New Haven counties in Connecticut, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island, New York. 

The expanded portfolio enables the combined company to reach approximately 20% of the U.S. radio audience, significantly enhancing its influence and market share in the broadcasting industry.

Jeff Warshaw

Jeff Warshaw, CEO of Connoisseur Media, emphasized the company’s commitment to local broadcasting as a core pillar of its mission. “Local broadcasting has always been at the heart of what we do,” Warshaw said in a statement. “This acquisition is about assembling the scale and resources to keep radio strong, serve our communities, empower our employees, and create even more value for advertisers.” 

The deal not only bolsters Connoisseur’s operational scale but also strengthens its ability to deliver targeted content and advertising solutions to diverse audiences across the country.

Connoisseur Media, founded as a radio company focused on serving local Connecticut and Long Island markets, has grown steadily over the years. The acquisition of Alpha Media, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, marks a significant milestone in its growth strategy, enabling the company to compete more effectively with larger national broadcasters while maintaining its emphasis on community-oriented programming. 

By acquiring Alpha Media, Connoisseur gains access to a diverse portfolio of stations, including various formats such as music, talk, and sports, which cater to a wide range of listener demographics. This diversity strengthens Connoisseur’s position as a leading player in the industry, capable of adapting to changing listener preferences and market dynamics.