San Fran Radio: Connoissuer Media To Acquire Bonneville Stations

Connoisseur Media, a Connecticut-based broadcaster with a rapidly growing national presence, has announced a landmark agreement to acquire Bonneville International’s four San Francisco Bay Area radio stations. 

The deal includes 102.9 KBLX (Urban Adult Contemporary), 99.7 KMVQ (Top 40, branded as "99.7 NOW"), 96.5 KOIT (Adult Contemporary), and 98.5 KUFX (Classic Rock, branded as "98.5 K-Fox") in San Jose. This acquisition significantly strengthens Connoisseur’s footprint in the vibrant San Francisco media market, complementing its existing Bay Area stations: Mix 106.5 (KEZR) and Bay Country (KBAY) in San Jose, and 95.3 KUIC and 101.7 KKIQ in the East Bay.

Jeff Warshaw

Jeff Warshaw, Founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media, expressed enthusiasm about the deal, stating, “San Francisco is a world-class media market, and these iconic stations are a perfect complement to our growing portfolio. We are thrilled to expand our service across the Bay Area, prioritizing local programming, local voices, and deep community engagement. This commitment defines Connoisseur Media and delivers the authentic, community-focused experience that listeners and advertisers deserve.”

Strategic Expansion and Portfolio Growth:  The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Connoisseur, coming just one month after its high-profile merger with Alpha Media, which bolstered its presence in multiple markets. Upon completion of the Bonneville deal, Connoisseur’s portfolio will encompass 220 stations across 48 markets, reinforcing its position as a major player in the U.S. radio industry. The addition of Bonneville’s San Francisco stations, known for their strong listener bases and diverse formats, aligns with Connoisseur’s strategy to target high-value markets with robust local identities.

The San Francisco stations bring a mix of popular formats to Connoisseur’s roster:

• 102.9 KBLX: A leading Urban Adult Contemporary station, serving a diverse audience with soul, R&B, and community-focused programming.
• 99.7 KMVQ (NOW): A Top 40 powerhouse, delivering contemporary hits to a broad, youthful demographic.
• 96.5 KOIT: An Adult Contemporary staple, known for its soft rock and holiday music dominance in the Bay Area.
• 98.5 KUFX (K-Fox): A Classic Rock station based in San Jose, catering to rock enthusiasts with a loyal regional following.

These stations, operated from Bonneville’s studios in Daly City, complement Connoisseur’s existing Bay Area stations, creating synergies across formats and geographic coverage. KEZR (Mix 106.5) and KBAY (Bay Country) in San Jose, along with KUIC and KKIQ in the East Bay, already give Connoisseur a foothold in the region, and the new additions position the company to dominate the broader Bay Area radio landscape.

Transaction Details: The deal, brokered by Kalil & Co., Inc., is pending approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is expected to close in late 2025. 

Connoisseur Media was represented by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, while Bonneville International was advised by Strong & Hanni. The purchase price has not been disclosed, in line with standard practice for such transactions pending regulatory approval.

Bonneville International, owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and headquartered in Salt Lake City, has been a significant player in the San Francisco market since acquiring these stations in 2018 for $141 million from an Entercom divestiture trust. In a statement, Bonneville indicated that the sale aligns with its broader strategy to focus investments across its diverse portfolio, which spans radio, television, streaming, digital platforms, and mobile apps. 

The company operates 22 radio stations in markets like Denver, Phoenix, and Seattle, alongside its KSL-TV and digital properties in Salt Lake City. The decision to divest its San Francisco cluster suggests a reallocation of resources toward other growth areas.