Done Deal: Connoisseur Closes On Alpha Media
• Connoisseur Media announced the successful closing of its acquisition of Alpha Media, following FCC approval on August 13, 2025. With the addition of Alpha’s 205 stations to its portfolio of leading Connecticut and Long Island properties, Connoisseur now operates 216 stations across 47 markets, instantly vaulting the company into the top 10 U.S. radio broadcasters by both station count and revenue. Connoisseur Media now represents a powerful nationwide local media platform reaching 20% of the U.S. radio audience.
Notable new markets in the expanded footprint include San Antonio, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Jose, Palm Springs, and Louisville, alongside Connoisseur’s long-established heritage stations serving Fairfield and New Haven counties in Connecticut and Nassau and Suffolk counties in Long Island, New York.
“Local broadcasting has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Jeff Warshaw, CEO of Connoisseur Media. “Connoisseur started as a company rooted in radio serving local markets. Today we’re taking that same local-focused philosophy, which now includes our digital marketing and multi-platform expertise to some of the most dynamic markets in the country. 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. As I have travelled the country to meet our new colleagues in the Alpha Media markets, I have been impressed with their dedication to radio and their communities.” Warshaw added, “I am excited to be associated with such a great group of people.”
Advisors on the transaction included Guggenheim Securities as financial advisor, with legal counsel from Winston & Strawn, Wiley Rein, McDermott Will & Shulte, and Wilkinson Barker Knauer. Financing was provided by Brigade Capital Management and Sienna Lending.
