Connoisseur Takes Bakersfield Exit
• Connoisseur Media announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its Bakersfield, CA radio stations to Frequency Broadcasting, Inc. a local company in the Bakersfield area. Frequency will acquire Top 40 KLLY (Live 95.3), Rhythmic Oldies KKBB (Groove 99.3), and Conservative Talk duo KNZR-AM/FM (1560/97.7).
This sale by Connoisseur is another step in the company’s efforts to concentrate on markets where it can execute its successful playbook, and is one element in the strategic plan for the markets acquired in Connoisseur Media’s acquisition of Alpha Media that took place in September.
Frequency Broadcasting is owned by Kaitlyn and Danny Hill, who also own Hot AC KRWI (Rewind 98.1)/Wofford Heights, and Classic Country KVLI-AM/K279CZ (Outlaw Country 95.9)/Lake Isabella, both serving the Bakersfield market.
“Bakersfield was a market that did not fit into the long-term plans we have for Connoisseur,” said Jeff Warshaw, Founder & CEO of Connoisseur Media. “We looked for a local operator that we felt could devote the time and energy that Bakersfield deserves. We are confident that we have found that in Frequency and the Hill family operation.”
Interestingly, Danny Hill formerly spent five years as PD/morning talent at KLLY during its Hot AC “Kelly 95.3″era under Buckley Broadcasting, right through its sale to Alpha Media and 2015 format flip to Energy 95.3. He returned to KLLY in April 2017 and exited in late 2018.
“We have been working with the folks at Connoisseur for a while before their merger closed in September,” said Kait Hill. Danny Hill added, “We are excited to be acquiring these stations to serve the Bakersfield community, which is where we live and our hometown.”
The transaction is pending regulatory approval by the FCC and is expected to close early next year. Connoisseur Media had legal representation by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, while Frequency was represented by Smithwick & Belendiuk, P.C.
