Connoisseur Media is continuing to unwind former Alpha Media holdings that fall outside its long-term strategy, announcing deals that will shift its Luverne, MN, and Madison, SD, stations into the hands of locally based owners. The company says the moves are part of a broader realignment of its footprint around core markets.
In Luverne, Christensen Broadcasting LUV LLC will acquire KLQL and KQAD-AM. In Madison, Christensen Broadcast Group, Inc. will take over KJAM-FM and KJAM-AM. Both transactions are subject to FCC approval and are expected to close early next year. Financial terms for the upper midwest sales were not disclosed.
Regulatory filings in the FCC Licensing and Management System also show Connoisseur exiting Bakersfield, CA, under an unusual structure. The company is selling its Bakersfield cluster to Frequency Broadcasting for an initial payment of just one dollar, with future compensation tied entirely to station performance. Under the earn-out arrangement, Connoisseur will receive portions of Broadcast Cash Flow, revenue tied to Z Entertainment, and a share of any future resale proceeds through 2030.
Connoisseur has additionally agreed to divest 15 stations in Missouri, with specific details of that package still to be released. Together, the transactions continue a pattern of trimming outlying markets while directing resources toward a more narrowly focused group of properties.
Kalil & Co., Inc. served as the broker on the announced sales. Connoisseur was represented by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, while the Christensen entities were represented by Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, PLC.
In a statement, Christensen Broadcasting said it is “grateful for the opportunity to strengthen locally focused broadcasting within these communities,” adding that its mission is to provide “reliable, community-centered programming that reflects the values and voices of the region.” The company pledged to honor each station’s heritage while supporting future growth and service.
Connoisseur Media founder and CEO Jeff Warshaw framed the choice of buyer as deliberate, saying the group sought out local operators “that we felt had experience in these communities and could serve them best.” He added that Connoisseur is “very happy that Christensen Broadcasting shares our values and stepped up to the challenge” as the company continues to reshape its radio portfolio.