Connoisseur Media Set to Acquire Alpha Media

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 5, 2025

Connoisseur Media

Connoisseur Media and Alpha Media have announced a definitive agreement under which Alpha Media will be acquired by Connoisseur. The combined entity will retain the Connoisseur name and be led by current Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw. Once the deal is finalized, Connoisseur's expanded footprint will include 218 radio stations across 47 markets, reaching approximately 20% of the U.S. population.

Major markets in the combined portfolio will include San Antonio, Portland, Salt Lake City, Nassau-Suffolk, Palm Springs, and San Jose. The merger will position Connoisseur among the top ten radio groups in the country by both station count and revenue.

"We are thrilled to welcome Alpha Media into the Connoisseur family," said Warshaw. "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."

Warshaw emphasized the importance of localism and innovation in broadcasting. "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."

The new Connoisseur will blend Alpha's "live and local" radio philosophy with Connoisseur's emphasis on community engagement. The merged company will also expand its digital services by integrating Alpha Digital with Connoisseur's Ferocious Digital division, aiming to deliver advanced, integrated marketing services to advertisers and audiences.

The transaction is subject to FCC approval and is expected to close in the second half of 2025. In the interim, the two companies have entered into a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) to begin coordinated operations.

Guggenheim Securities is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Alpha, with legal counsel provided by Wiley Rein. Connoisseur is being advised by McDermott, Will & Emery and Wilkinson Barker Knauer, with transaction financing from Brigade Capital Management.