Connoisseur Media has announced an agreement to acquire Alpha Media, which affects four Aberdeen-based radio stations: ESPN Radio 1490 KWOK, 104.7 KDUX, KXRO News Radio (101.7 FM, 1320 AM) and KIX 95.3. The combined company will retain the Connoisseur name and be led by Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw.

According to a press release issued Monday, 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.

“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,” said Jeff Warshaw, CEO of Connoisseur Media via the press release. “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.”

According to the press release, once the deal is completed, Connoisseur’s broadcast footprint will consist of 218 radio stations in 47 markets covering approximately 20% of the United States, including San Antonio, Portland, Salt Lake City, Nassau-Suffolk on Long Island, Palm Springs and San Jose. The acquisition of Alpha will put Connoisseur among the top 10 radio groups both by station count and by revenue in the U.S.

The release added that 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 digital marketing services company Ferocious Digital. The combined organization will continue to expand and enhance its digital capabilities.