Connoisseur Media and Alpha Media today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement in which Alpha will be acquired by Connoisseur. The combined company will retain the Connoisseur name and be led by Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw.
Upon completion, Connoisseur’s broadcast footprint will consist of 218 radio stations in 47 markets covering approximately 20% of the U.S., including top markets such as San Antonio, Portland, Salt Lake City, Nassau-Suffolk, Palm Springs and San Jose. At close, Connoisseur will rank among the top 10 radio groups both by station count and by revenue, uniquely positioned to evaluate and pursue strategic growth opportunities.
Combining Alpha’s “live and local” philosophy with Connoisseur’s focus on community connectivity, the new platform will be focused on better serving the needs of its local listeners and advertising partners. In addition to its broadcast properties, Connoisseur currently owns and operates Ferocious Digital, a leading provider of digital marketing services. When integrated with Alpha Digital, the combined organization will continue to expand and enhance its digital capabilities – delivering forward-thinking integrated marketing services.
Warshaw commented, “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.”
The transaction is subject to FCC approval and expected to close in the second half of 2025. In the meantime, Connoisseur and Alpha have entered into a Local Marketing Agreement.