Wichita Kansas – May 14, 2012 -   Connoisseur Media is proud to announce the addition of Pat James as the new program director for 97.1 Bob-FM and 100.5 The Wolf.

“We are very happy and excited to have Pat join our programming department,” said Laura Hadley, general manager.“We have built two solid and very successful stations and I’m confident under Pat’s guidance, we will continue to grow and service our local community.”

New Program Director Pat James (most recently the Morning Co-host on WIL-FM in St. Louis and previously the assistant program director for KFDI in Wichita) says, “This is an exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundation they’ve already established for 97.1 BOB-FM and 100.5 The Wolf.  Plus moving back to Wichita, where we lived for nearly a decade, will be like coming home for my family.”

About Connoisseur Media
Founded in 2004 Connoisseur Media has rapidly expanded through both acquisitions, and new licenses granted by FCC to over 23 stations in Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Wichita, KS, Rapid City, SD, and Bismarck, ND.

Richard Lee

Published 06:59 p.m., Friday, April 13, 2012

Connoisseur Media’s purchase of four Long Island radio stations has drawn the attention of many in the radio industry.

The $23 million deal achieved by Jeffrey Warshaw, Westport-based Connoisseur’s CEO, impressed Roger Rafson, owner of Commercial Media Sales, in Pittsburgh, a specialist in radio station transactions.

“It’s certainly one of the largest deals of 2012. For us in radio, it shows that the recession is behind us and indicates that the banks are lending money,” Rafson said. “Stations in markets like Long Island are profitable. It’s rare to see a sale when stations are profitable. I’ve got 30 to 40 stations for sale now, and four or five awaiting approval by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission.”

Connoisseur, which owns and operates 22 radio stations in eight U.S. markets, adds WKJY 98.3-FM, WBZO 103.1-FM, WIGX 94.3-FM and WHLI 1100-AM in the purchase of the Long Island Radio Group from Al Kaneb, president and CEO of Barnstable Broadcasting Inc., which entered into the Long Island market in 1984.

Kalil & Co. and Bergner & Co. were brokers on the deal, which is pending approval by the FCC.

“We are so excited to have the privilege of continuing the legacy of service that Barnstable has created on Long Island,” Warshaw said. “These are great operations with terrific people. I was raised on Long Island and grew up listening to these stations.”

The Long Island stations were attractive because of their strong financial footing, Warshaw said, commenting that he expects to retain the 55 full-time employees and current formats. He operates stations in Bloomington, Ill.; Huntington, W.Va.; Billings, Mont.; Wichita, Kan.; Erie, Pa.; Omaha, Neb.; Rapid City, S.D.; and Bismarck, N.D.

“They do a tremendous amount of revenue, and they are very profitable,” said Warshaw, who operates Ferocious Media, a digital advertising business in Westport.

Kaneb credited his employees for the financial success of the stations.

“We are happy to be passing the torch to a committed broadcaster like Connoisseur,” he said in prepared comments.

General Manager Dave Widmer said he expects the stations to continue their service to their communities and advertisers under the new ownership.

The key strategy for radio stations in smaller markets should be to localize content — something that large stations within broadcast range of those communities cannot do, said Dr. Rick Wright, a professor at the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University who focuses on the radio and television industry.

“They’ve got to develop a strong local broadcast impact — a niche that is heavily local,” he said, adding that for stations affected by New York City stations, it is a logical option. The Long Island stations have done that with their own on-air personalities who develop their own followings.

Warshaw wouldn’t disclose the cash-flow multiples for the Long Island stations, but Rafson said a purchase price of a radio operation is typically five to nine times the cash flow (revenue minus operating expenses).

Radio stations can be an attractive purchase because of low overhead costs and their ability to adapt to changing advertising opportunities, Rafson said.

“Social media is an opportunity for radio stations to become more connected with their audiences,” he said.

In the $23 million Barnstable-Connoisseur sale, everybody wants to know the multiple.

Mike Bergner, one of the brokers involved (along with Kalil & Co.) refuses to open up about cash flow multiples for the Long Island transaction, though he knows it’s a highly-prized number. What Bergner will talk about is the turn in the station sale market, after some very ugly years. He says “Radio has bottomed…we’re entering a period where people who know the business well are seeing the stability of the advertising market” and are looking at possible acquisitions in a meaningful way. He jokes people now know “we’re not gonna die” as an industry, and even some lenders are turning around. But this isn’t 1999 deja vu. Finding financing for deals under $10 million is still almost in the “forget it” range – you’d need to bring in a lot of equity and tap private investors, friends, etc. However, if you’re Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw, with eight other markets and a strong track record, you have access to lenders. Quick review of the deal – Al Kaneb’s Barnstable is selling AC “K-Joy” WKJY (98.3), oldies “B103″ WBZO, Generation X-targeted “94X” WIGX, and standards WHLI at 1100. The price is $23 million – and this deal may well be a catalyst for the whole station-trading market. You may have also first found out about the sale in Monday’s TRI Extra afternoon headlines.

Connoisseur Media executive Jeff Warshaw grew up on Long Island, and now his Connecticut-based Connoisseur buys these four stations from Massachusetts-based Barnstable - AC “K-Joy” WKJY, Hempstead (98.3). Oldies “B103″ WBZO, Bayshore. Generation X-targeted “94X” WIGX, Smithtown. And standards WHLI, Hempstead at 1100. Warshaw was present at the Barnstable studios this afternoon, announcing the deal and meeting the staff. There will not be an LMA prior to closing. Barnstable Chairman/CEO Al Kaneb says “We are grateful to our dedicated employees…and we are happy to be passing the torch to a committed broadcaster like Connoisseur.” Barnstable has owned stations on Long Island since 1984. Buyer Jeff Warshaw says the current climate is favorable for checking out acquisitions, for a group like his that has kept its powder dry through the last few years. Brokers on the $23 million deal: Kalil & Company, and Michael Bergner.

Link to original article here.

A year and a half after selling half its Long Island market stations to JVC Media, Barnstable Broadcasting has struck a $23 million deal to sell its remaining four stations to Connoisseur Media. Al Kaneb-led Barnstable first entered the Long Island market in 1984.

“We are so excited to have the privilege of continuing the legacy of service that Barnstable has created on Long Island,” Connoisseur CEO Jeffrey Warshaw says, adding, “I was raised on Long Island and grew up listening to these stations.”   Today Connoisseur is based across the Long Island Sound in Westport, CT.

The cluster includes AC “K-Joy 98.3” WKJY, classic hits “B-103” WBZO (103.1), adult hits “94X” WIGX (94.3) and adult standards WHLI (1100).

“We are grateful to our dedicated employees, who together with we have achieved so many years of success on Long Island, and we are happy to be passing the torch to a committed broadcaster like Connoisseur,” Kaneb says.

General manager Dave Widmer says, “It has been a tremendous run with Barnstable. We have been able to provide great service to the community and our advertisers. I look forward to continuing this in the future with Connoisseur.”

Kalil & Co. and Bergner & Co. were the brokers on the deal.

Link to the original article here.

Westport, CT- March 26, 2012 –

Connoisseur Media which owns and operates 22 radio stations in 8 markets has entered into an agreement to buy Barnstable’s 4 Long Island stations. Purchase price is $23,000,000.

 “We are grateful to our dedicated employees, who together with we have achieved so many years of success on Long Island, and we are happy to be passing the torch to a committed broadcaster like Connoisseur,” said  Barnstable Chairman/CEO Al Kaneb.

Added Connoisseur CEO Jeffrey D. Warshaw, “We are so excited to have the privilege of continuing the legacy of service that Barnstable has created on Long Island. These are great operations with terrific people. I was raised on Long Island and grew up listening to these stations.

General Manager Dave Widmer said, “It has been a tremendous run with Barnstable. We have been able to provide great service to the community and our advertisers. I look forward to continuing this in the future with Connoisseur.

Barnstable first entered into the market in 1984. Today the Long Island Radio Group consists of WKJY 98.3-FM, WBZO 103.1-FM, WIGX 94.3-FM, and WHLI 1100 –AM.

Kalil & Co. and Bergner & Co. were brokers on the deal.

Connoisseur Media is headquartered in Westport, CT. The company owns or operates radio stations in Bloomington, IL, Huntington, WV, Billings, MT, Wichita, KS, Erie, PA, Omaha, NE, Rapid City, SD, and Bismarck, ND.

Westport, CT – March 23, 2012 –

Floyd Evans has been named Market Manager of Connoisseur Media’s Bloomington, IL operations. Evans will be responsible for WBBE-FM-BOB-FM 97.9, WVMG-FM-Magic 100.7, and WIHN-FM- I-Rock 96.7. Evans has an extensive background in radio. He last served as Regional Vice President/General Manager for NextMedia’s suburban Chicago radio stations.

  “I am very excited to be joining Connoisseur Media,” said Evans. “The Connoisseur team is an exceptional group and I really look forward to continuing to foster the dedication to our local community, clients and listeners.”

 “We are very happy to have Floyd leading our team in Bloomington. I am confident his experience will greatly benefit our clients, employees and the community,” said Connoisseur CEO Jeffrey D. Warshaw.

Connoisseur Media is headquartered in Westport, CT.   In addition to Bloomington, the Company owns or operates radio stations in Billings (MT), Huntington, (WV), Erie (PA),  Omaha (NE), Rapid City (SD), Wichita (KS), and Bismarck, ND.

HUNTINGTON, WV – March 28, 2011- Connoisseur Media flips formats on 101.5 FM from Adults Hits to the popular Country Legends format with the NEW Big Buck Country 101.5.

 “Huntington/Ashland’s average age is 48 years old. A big demand exists with Adults  for a radio station airing popular country artists that other local stations just won’t play,” said program director Jason Toy.

“We are very excited about the launch of Big Buck Country. The Huntington/Ashland market loves country music. Big Buck Country will provide our advertisers a new audience and Big Buck Country will partner well with our Adult Contemporary station Magic 97.9,” said general manager Randy Dunn.

About Connoisseur Media

Founded in 2004, Connoisseur Media has rapidly expanded through both acquisitions, and new licenses granted by the FCC  to over 24 stations in Billings, MT, Bismarck ND, Bloomington, IL, Des Moines, IA, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Rapid City, SD, and Wichita, KS.

Des Moines, IA – March 9, 2011 -   Connoisseur Media is proud to announce the debut of Rhythmic/CHR HITS 105.9.

“And we are very happy and excited to enter the Des Moines market,” said David Bevins, Chief Operating officer.  “We are committed to serving the local community and look forward to winning listeners with an exciting and energetic format.”

Program Director Chris Ryan (recently at Cumulus CHR Hot 975 Bismarck, ND) says “It’s been really exciting to build a new radio station from scratch. I’ve been given an incredible opportunity with Connoisseur Media to bring a fresh new sound to Des Moines. There is great radio in this market, but the listeners need a new source to hear their favorite artists on the radio. We’ll be playing the biggest hits from Ke$ha, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Britney, Gaga and more! We’re launching commercial-free for 105.9 days and that means we’ll be playing a lot of music for the next few months.” Reach out to Chris Ryan at cryan@connoisseurmedia.com.

Connoisseur Media has a successful track record of debuting radio stations from scratch. Since winning the rights from the FCC Auction in 2004 to build new radio licenses in over 10 markets throughout the nation, Connoisseur Media has successfully built and then launched stations in markets such as Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Huntington, WV, Rapid City, SD, Bismarck, ND and Wichita, KS. In each instance, Connoisseur Media has supported these new stations with thorough research, strong marketing, humility and a strong commitment to serve the local community.

About Connoisseur Media

Founded in 2004 Connoisseur Media has rapidly expanded through both acquisitions, and new licenses granted by FCC to over 24 stations in Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Wichita, KS, Des Moines, IA, Rapid City, SD, and Bismarck ND.

Westport, CT – September 28, 2010 – Connoisseur Media, LLC today announced the completion of an exchange of assets between itself, Elenbaas Media, Inc. and Cherry Creek Radio whereby Connoisseur Media now owns 730 AM licensed to Billings, MT, and Elenbaas now owns 93.3 FM, also licensed to Billings, MT. This disposes of the remaining Billings assets of Cherry Creek Radio, and was covered as a part of the recent sale to Connoisseur.

“We are delighted to be able to add 730 AM to our expanding Billings cluster,” said Connoisseur GM, Cam Maxwell. “This will make Connoisseur Media the largest radio operator in the region with six stations in the Billings market.”  The station receives new call letters, heritage KYYA will now be used to identify 730 AM.  With a signal that covers southern Montana and northern Wyoming, Connoisseur Media is moving its News Talk lineup, currently on KBLG 910 AM, to the bigger coverage area as the new News/Talk 730 KYYA AM.  Coming this weekend, 910 AM re-launches as Fox Sports Radio 910 KBLG.

 In addition to News/Talk 730 KYYA AM and Fox Sports Radio 910 KBLG, Connoisseur Media also operates the following radio stations in the Billings market: KRKX-FM,  “Big Sky Country”, at 94.1, KRZN-FM, “The Zone”, a rock station at 96.3, KWMY-FM, classic hits ”MY 105.9”, and KPLN-FM, 106.7, a modern hits music station also known as “The Planet”.

“Elenbaas Media, Inc. will retain the KURL call letters in the deal,” Elenbaas said. “We want to continue to use KURL considering our long history with our listeners and to reassure them that the format that they’re used to will not change except for the radio frequency.”  About Elenbaas Media:  Elenbaas has managed KURL since 1982, and bought KURL in 1994 from Christian Enterprise, Inc. They will still have an AM presence in Billings with KMZK-AM (added in 1997), a contemporary Christian music station, which will now also be on translator 97.5 FM.  

About Connoisseur Media:  Founded in 2004, Connoisseur Media has rapidly expanded through both acquisitions and new licenses granted by the FCC and owns or operates 24 stations in Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Wichita, KS, Des Moines, IA, Rapid City, SD, and Bismarck, ND.

Connoisseur Media Contact Information:                Elenbaas Media Contact Information:

Jeffrey D. Warshaw or Michael O. Driscoll                         Herm Elenbaas - CEO, Owner

136 Main Street, Suite 202                                                     Tel: 406-245-3121

Westport, CT 06880 

Tel: 203-227-1978 

www.connoisseurmedia.com

Cam Maxwell - GM, Billings

Tel: 406-248-7777

• Jeffrey Warshaw

  September 28, 2010

  
  

  Jeffrey Warshaw came from a radio family; his parents and uncle once owned Universal Broadcasting. So it was somewhat inevitable that he would follow suit, starting and building Connoisseur Communications in the ’90s. When he sold the company to Cumulus in 2000, it was equally inevitable that he would find his way back into the business - which he did in 2004, using an FCC Auction to launch what is now called Connoisseur Media. With around two dozen stations in relatively small markets, Warshaw quickly generated considerable success, in spite of the economy, relying on what he believes are the principles of good broadcasting. Here he explains just what that is.

•  

  This is your second go-round, of sorts, after you sold your first Connoisseur group of stations to Cumulus in 2000. Do you have any second thoughts about selling out now that you’re back in the game?

  I loved the company, but it was clearly a great time to sell. We couldn’t grow the company through acquisition anymore because the prices were so insane. We built the company to a position where we had tremendous market share and healthy margins. But we didn’t see more opportunities to grow, so when someone came along and offered us something that was more than satisfactory, we took it.

  The business environment had certainly changed in the four years between selling Connoisseur and starting over in 2004. Did you have to operate your stations differently this time around because of the changing economic conditions?

  We started by buying up stations in the Auction of 2004. We thought there would be an opportunity to come in and create a valuable business. There had been a vacuum created because many radio companies were overleveraged and could not devote resources to a lot of things we felt were important to make successful radio stations. In markets where we were competing, there was very little research and promotion being done. The street presence of various radios stations had been diminished. Although I didn’t see an opportunity to build huge market positions, there was an opportunity to take radio stations and build them into successful enterprises. Fortunately we’ve been able to do that.

  Our stations have grown in market share every year. In certain markets, we have built very strong positions. All of our markets are profitable; in the Spring book we were up in every one of our markets. We’ve been able to attract great people because we have a reputation for treating people fairly and with dignity. We try to build up the value of — and loyalty to — our stations over the long term. Because we’re not leveraged, we’ve been able to continue to do the things we think the radio industry needs.

  What kind of research are you talking about?

  We do research and promotion in our markets. We do perceptual research and we also continue to use the best consultants in the business.

  Being in diary-sized markets, you may have a choice between Arbitron’s diaries and those by Nielsen, not to mention the phone service done by Eastlan. While some have argued that Arbitron is placing too much emphasis on PPM and not enough on the diary, have you shopped around for a ratings service?

  All of our markets have Arbitron and we haven’t considered any other service. We plan to continue to use Arbitron; we think the data we receive is the best out there and our advertisers are interested in it. The problems this industry face aren’t because of Arbitron not focusing on smaller markets because of PPM. Many of our maladies have been self-inflicted.

  Could you describe those “self-inflicted maladies?”

  One of the biggest problems in our industry is decreased local service. Too many stations are sitting there, saying, “Woe is me,” yet just in the area where I live, there have been some natural disasters over the past year that have been largely ignored by local radio. There’s much less training going on. Because so many companies in our industry are so overleveraged, they do everything they can to grab business - things that don’t reflect the great value radio can bring to advertisers. Running 20 commercials an hour is not in our — or our advertisers’– best interests. Some stations in our markets are running so many commercials that our advertisers have a very real fear of being lost in the overcrowded environment. As we are now also competing with new media, it’s even more important that we aren’t so cluttered.

  Has a “less spots” approach paid off in the ratings?

  It definitely helped us get good ratings in our markets. For virtually all of our stations, we run 10 units or less, which definitely helped us get market share and put us on the map. When we came into the markets, they were very crowded and all the stations were owned by big radio consolidators. When we came into Billings, MT, we started two of our stations from scratch. Now we have four out of top-5 stations.

  Especially in an economy like this, how do you deal with rivals who cut spot price to get the client’s business?

  Obviously if our competition is charging lower rates, it’s increasingly difficult to have integrity when you come into these markets. If we didn’t have a long-standing heritage radio station, we weren’t in a position to have any leadership. But in the markets where we do have leadership, we exhibit spot-price integrity. In Erie, we had two stations with great ratings and we changed formats on the other two FMs. We re-launched the second Country station, now it’s the #1 Country station. We changed our Oldies format to Bob … and that has worked out well.

  You’ve have mentioned in past interviews your belief in developing new formats. What kind of new formats are you talking about?

  We have no plans to roll out any more new formats right now, but we have experimented with formats over past five years. Some have done better than others; we’ve definitely proved that we will try new things as long as our research and instincts tell us there’s a shot to succeed.

  We came into markets where there was virtually two of everything, so we had to do things that were unique. A format like Bob is very often music-intensive and one where we don’t play many commercials.

  So what of Connoisseur’s future growth? Is the time ripe for more station acquisitions?

  There’s a big gulf between what sellers are willing to sell for and what we think are reasonable prices. No deals are being done. We are an overleveraged industry, so there’s not a lot of deal flow. Overvaluation and too much debt have plagued this industry for years.

  We are constantly looking at new ways to develop our revenue; we have undertaken a variety of Internet initiatives and concentrated sales efforts. We weren’t active in the most recent FCC Auction; we feel better served by growing our business in the markets we already are in, by continuing to invest in them. It’s very rewarding to do all that we can for our listeners, our advertisers and our employees. If we can continue to serve those coalitions, we’ll get taken care of as well.

  Our radio stations don’t exist to make us rich, but as long as we take care of our advertisers, listeners and employees, we’ll do well enough.

  We tend to focus on stuff we can control — and what we can control is putting on great radio stations, providing great environments for advertisers and great place for people to work. We can control becoming a vital part of our communities. We can control the amount of debt we take on - and we make sure we don’t get into too much debt. We can control treating our people with dignity; we can control the number of commercials we air. If we control those things, we’ll do well no matter how bad the recession is or what our competitors are doing.

            Westport, CT – September 7, 2010 - Connoisseur Media has named Randy Dunn General Manager of its Huntington, WV station WMGA, Magic 97.9, and its Huntington and Tri-State powerhouse WXBW, 101.5 BOB, effective September 6, 2010. Dunn joins Connoisseur Media with over twelve years of radio sales and management experience, nearly all in the Huntington market. From 1998 to 2010 he was with the Clear Channel radio stations in Huntington, most recently as the General Sales Manager.

            “We are excited to have Randy lead our team in Huntington. I am confident his broad experience will continue to benefit our clients, employees and the community,” said Connoisseur Media COO David Bevins.

            “I’m very pleased to join such a dynamic company and quite frankly, I am stoked. I look forward to doing great things for Huntington and Tri-State listeners and advertisers,” said Dunn.

            Connoisseur Media is headquartered in Westport, CT. In addition to the Huntington stations, the company owns or operates 24 radio stations in Bloomington, IL, Billings, MT, Wichita, KS, Erie, PA, Omaha, NE, Bismarck, ND, Rapid City, SD and Des Moines, IA.

Jeff says “a lot of the damage that’s been done to the industry has been self-inflicted.” Bonneville’s Bruce Reese said (jokingly) “it’s been cut, but none of us [on the panel] did it – we all behaved responsibly.” Reese then said “it’s tough to generalize about 15,000 radio stations” and he says the recession didn’t just whack radio – “every person who runs a business has had to make some really tough decisions.” Jeff Dinetz at NextMedia said getting an entire cluster down to 20 sellers “is not good…there are not many people representing us on the streets.” He also believes “we have no bench for talent, and that’s pretty sad.” Maverick Media’s Gary Rozynek said he’s trying to hold the line on staffing and cuts – “We are still live and local 6am to 7pm. You have to have a certain level of staffing in the building to deliver on the commitments you’re making to the community and to your customers.” To him, being staffed up is “an advantage to us” versus the competition – “we can be out in the community. We can be doing promotions…our stations are going to be very relevant.”

Westport, CT – May 24, 2010 – Connoisseur Media, LLC today announced an exchange of assets between itself, Elenbaas Media, Inc. and Cherry Creek Radio whereby Connoisseur Media will acquire 730 AM licensed to Billings, MT, and Elenbaas will acquire 93.3 FM, also licensed to Billings, MT. This will dispose of the remaining Billings assets of Cherry Creek Radio, and was covered as a part of the recent sale to Connoisseur.

            “We are delighted to be able to add 730 AM to our expanding Billings cluster,” said Connoisseur GM, Cam Maxwell. “This will make Connoisseur Media the largest radio operator in the region with six stations in the Billings market.”

 In addition to 730 AM, which will have a new format, Connoisseur Media also operates the following radio stations in the Billings market: KRKX-FM,  “Big Sky Country”, at 94.1, KRZN-FM, “The Zone”, a rock station at 96.3, KWMY-FM, classic hits ”MY 105.9”, KPLN-FM, 106.7, a modern hits music station also known as “The Planet”, and KBLG-AM, a news/talk station at 910.

            “The ability to carry KURL programming on an FM translator, 97.5, that began in the summer of 2008 was very popular with our Billings area audience, and now being on a 100,000 watt FM will boost our range enormously, day and night,” said Herm Elenbaas, owner of KURL radio.

 “Elenbaas Media, Inc. will retain the KURL call letters in the deal,” Elenbaas added. “We want to continue to use KURL considering our long history with our listeners and to reassure them that the format that they’re used to will not change except for the radio frequency.”

About  Elenbaas Media:  Elenbaas has managed KURL since 1982, and bought KURL in 1994 from Christian Enterprise, Inc. They will still have an AM presence in Billings with KMZK-AM (added in 1997), a contemporary Christian music station, which will now also be on 97.5 FM, once the swap of KURL and KYYA is approved by the FCC, expected  sometime later this summer.

About Connoisseur Media:  Founded in 2004, Connoisseur Media has rapidly expanded through both acquisitions and new licenses granted by the FCC and owns or operates 23 stations in Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Wichita, KS, Des Moines, IA, Rapid City, SD, and Bismarck, ND.

Connoisseur Media Contact Information:                Elenbaas Media Contact Information:

Jeffrey D. Warshaw or Michael O. Driscoll                           Herm Elenbaas - CEO, Owner                                   

136 Main Street, Suite 202                                           Tel: 406-245-3121

Westport, CT 06880

Tel: 203-227-1978

www.connoisseurmedia.com

Cam Maxwell - GM, Billings

Tel: 406-248-7777

Westport, Ct – March 10, 2010 - Effective immediately, Debra Boechler joins Connoisseur Media as Station Manager of KKBO-105.9 BOB-FM in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Boechler has a long history of management experience in the Bismarck area, including six years with Cumulus Broadcasting. 

“We are excited to have Debbie join our management team. Her experience in the market will greatly enhance our operation,” said David Bevins, Chief Operating Officer.

“BOB-FM has made a big impact in the Bismarck community. Listeners and clients can all agree with BOB and I look forward to leading the charge for Connoisseur Media,” said Boechler. 

Connoisseur Media is headquartered in Westport, CT. Including the station in Bismarck, the company owns or operates a total of 23 radio stations in Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Des Moines, IA, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Rapid City, SD, and Wichita, KS.

Contact:

Debra Boechler

KKBO-FM

Ph: 701-751-8000

BILLINGS, MT – January 1, 2010 -   At 12:01AM, KRKX 94.1 FM changed format from Classic Rock to Mainstream Country. Connoisseur Media is proud to introduce, The New 94.1 K-Sky Big Sky Country. The first new station of the new decade and to celebrate, 94.1 K-SKY is airing 10,000 songs in a row with no interruptions. K-Sky is committed to airing the most country music with limited interruptions.“It’s a mainstream country station that leans toward new artists, with a small amount of 90’s in the mix. It’s a well researched station, playing the biggest hits from your favorite country artist.” said Cam Maxwell, Connoisseur Media General Manager.“Connoisseur Media has a proven track record of leading the way in Billings. In less than 4 years, we have developed 2 highly successful formats with Planet 106.7 and My 105.9. I look forward to repeating that same success with 94.1 K-SKY.” said Jack Seymour, Connoisseur Media Program Director.

About Connoisseur Media

Founded in 2004 Connoisseur Media has rapidly expanded through both acquisitions, and new licenses granted by FCC  to over 22 stations in Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Wichita, KS, Des Moines, IA, Rapid City, SD, and Bismarck ND.

www.941ksky.com

Contact: David Bevins, COO

216-402-0710

Nancy Dymond

814-461-1000

Erie, PA – December 4, 2009 – Connoisseur Media is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael Malpiedi to Director of Sales of its powerhouse six station cluster in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Malpiedi is a market veteran with over 19 years of success in various sales management positions.

From 1991 to 1993, Malpiedi served as Regional Sales Manager with Rambaldo Communications. From 1993 to 2005 he acted as Vice President of Sales with Rambaldo Communications and Next Media, and then went on to become General Sales Manager with Connoisseur Media.

 “We are fortunate to have such an experienced and dedicated industry professional lead our sales team,” said Nancy Dymond, Erie’s General Manager. “Michael has strong relationships with our key accounts and his experience in the market will assist us in driving revenue.”

“With his market experience and successful track record, Michael has the proven talent  to drive sales and maintain our leadership position in a competitive market,” said Connoisseur COO David Bevins.  “His skills and accomplishments will continue to be a great asset to our team.”

“I’m excited about my new role and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead,” said Malpiedi.

About Connoisseur Media:

Founded in 2004, Connoisseur Media has rapidly expanded through both acquisitions and new licenses granted by the FCC to over 22 stations in Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Wichita, KS, Des Moines, IA, Rapid City, SD, and Bismarck ND.

Consolidation in Billings, Montana: Cherry Creek Radio sells to Connoisseur

Cherry Creek owns three stations: classic rock KRKX (94.1), “Today’s New Rock/Zone 96.3” KRZN, and news/talk KBLG (910). While buyer Connoisseur Media has two FMs – CHR “Planet 106.7” KPLN and classic hits “My 105.9” KWMY (the former country/rock “Bar” KPBR). Connoisseur will start operating the Zone and KBLG on Friday (November 20) and then KRKX on December 1. That’s necessary because on November 30, Connoisseur is ending its LMA of Chaparral’s 92.5, where it’s been operating “My 92.5” for the past three years. Otherwise, Connoisseur would be over the FCC’s local-market limit for FMs, with five. No new format yet at 92.5, which the Billings Gazette says will be simulcasting with 105.9 through the end of November. Joe Schwartz of Cherry Creek Radio says “The Billings market needed a consolidation of ownership….we’re pleased that our good friends at Connoisseur had the interest and resources to take on our stations and to continue serving the community.” No price announced for the deal brokered by Kalil & Co.

BILLINGS, MT - November 17, 2009 -   Connoisseur Media and Cherry Creek Radio have announced the signing of an Asset Purchase Agreement where Connoisseur Media, through a related party, will acquire KBLG-AM, KRKX-FM, and KRZN-FM.  

KRZN-FM and KBLG-AM will be programmed by Connoisseur Media beginning November 20^th and KRKX-FM will be programmed effective December 1, 2009.

“We are extremely excited to begin working with such heritage radio stations, and Connoisseur Media looks forward to bringing to them the same passion we have for My 105.9 and Planet 106.7”, said Cam Maxwell, Connoisseur Media General Manager.

“The Billings market needed a consolidation of ownership to reduce the amount of clusters in the market.  We’re pleased that our good friends at Connoisseur had the interest and resources to take on our stations and to continue serving the community. We wish them the best of luck in the future”, said Joe Schwartz, President/CEO of Cherry Creek Radio.

About Connoisseur Media:

Founded in 2004, Connoisseur Media has rapidly expanded through both acquisitions and new licenses granted by the FCC to over 22 stations in Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Wichita, KS, Des Moines, IA, Rapid City, SD, and Bismarck ND.

About Cherry Creek Radio:

Cherry Creek Radio is a small market broadcaster that operations 65 stations in the Western United States in markets like Tri-Cities, WA, St. George, UT, and Great Falls, MT.  The company was founded in February, 2004 and is based in Denver.

Contact:          Jeffrey D. Warshaw, CEO

                        203-227-1978

                        Cam Maxwell, GM

                        406-248-7777

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

            Westport, CT – November 13, 2009 – Connoisseur Media, LLC today announced the appointment of David Bevins to the role of Chief Operating Officer.

            Bevins, 44, will be responsible for all day-to-day operations and execution of strategy for Connoisseur Media. For the past four years he had served as VP of Operations for the company. Before Connoisseur Media, Bevins’ management roles included: General Manager for Connoisseur Communications in Quad Cities and Rockford, IL from 1993-2000 when the company was sold to Cumulus Broadcasting; Director of Sales for Clear Channel and Station Manager for WKSC in Chicago from 2000-2003; General Manager/Vice President for Radio One in Cleveland from 2003-2006.

            “I am extremely excited to have David receive this recognition for his leadership role in our company. We will greatly benefit from his experience and proven record of success,” said Jeffrey D. Warshaw, CEO of Connoisseur Media.

            “I appreciate all of the opportunities that Connoisseur Media has provided to me during my 10 year career with both Connoisseur Communications and Connoisseur Media. I am very proud of what our company has accomplished in such a short period of time, and I look forward to being part of our continued growth,” said Mr. Bevins.

            Founded in 2004, Connoisseur Media has rapidly expanded through both acquisitions and new licenses granted by the FCC to over 22 stations in Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Wichita, KS, Des Moines, IA, Rapid City, SD, and Bismarck, ND.

Westport, CT – Nancy Dymond has been named Market Manager of Connoisseur Media’s Erie operation. Dymond will be responsible for Connoisseur’s market-leading group – WRTS (Star 104), WRKT (Rocket 101), WXBB (Bob), WTWF (The Wolf), WJET-AM and WFNN-AM.

Dymond has over 25 years of experience in radio sales and management. She has had a tremendous track record over the years as Vice President/General Manager for Fritz Broadcasting in Saginaw and Lansing Michigan, Cumulus Media in Flint Michigan, and as Director of Sales for Radio One in Detroit.

 “It will be exciting working with such great stations and a company that believes in ‘good radio’and serving the community”. I look forward to the challenge”, said Dymond.

Dymond will be taking over Erie’s most successful radio stations, such as the 50,000 watt powerhouse STAR 104. In the Fall Arbitron, Connoisseur Media’s 4 FM properties finished #1, #2, #3, and #4 with Adults 25-54 M-Sun 6a-12a. 

“We are fortunate to have someone like Nancy leading our operation in Erie. She is a real radio pro. I’m confident she will continue to build upon our success,” said David Bevins, Connoisseur Media’s VP of Operations.

Connoisseur Media is headquartered in Westport, CT. In addition to Erie, the Company owns or operates radio stations in Billings (MT), Bismarck (ND), Bloomington (IL), Des Moines (IA), Huntington (WV), Omaha (NE), Rapid City (SD), and Wichita (KS).

Contact Information:

Jeffrey D. Warshaw or Michael O. Driscoll

136 Main Street, Suite 202

Westport, CT 06880

Tel: 203-227-1978

www.connoisseurmedia.com

Effective Immediately - Peter Kosann steps down as Chief Operating Officer of Connoisseur Media in order to focus full-time on Compass Media Networks.

“We wish Peter much success in his new venture.  We know it will be a tremendous success.” said Jeffrey Warshaw, CEO of Connoisseur Media.

“The entire Connoisseur Media family has been extremely gracious to me,” said Peter Kosann, founder of Compass Media Networks. “I am very appreciative of the support and kindness from my friends and colleagues at Connoisseur Media.”

About Connoisseur Media:

Connoisseur Media owns and operates radio stations in Billings, MT, Bismarck, ND, Bloomington, IL, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Rapid City, SD, and Wichita, KS.

Contact:

Jeffrey Warshaw,

jeffw@conncos.com

203 227 1978

About Compass Media Networks:

Founded in 2009, Compass Media Networks seeks to provide outstanding representation and marketing services to the best brands and programs in national radio. Current clients include: DOWNLOAD HDFX, THE FREE BEER & HOT WINGS SHOW, and THE LARS LARSON SHOW.

Contact:

Peter Kosann,

peter@compassmedianetworks.com,

914 707 0034 

Westport, CT – With 100,000 watts of power with full market coverage, Connoisseur Media has launched 105.9 BOB-FM serving the community of Bismarck, ND.

Connoisseur Media has a successful track record of debuting radio stations from scratch. Since winning the rights from the FCC to build new radio licenses in over 10 markets throughout the nation, Connoisseur Media has successfully built and then launched stations in markets such as Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Huntington, WV, Rapid City, SD, and Wichita, KS. In each instance, Connoisseur Media has supported these new stations with thorough research, strong marketing, humility and a strong commitment to serve the local community.

“We are thrilled to enter the Bismarck market,” said Cam Maxwell, who oversees the region for Connoisseur. “Our team will work incredibility hard to earn the respect and trust of the people of Bismarck.”

Connoisseur Media is headquartered in Westport, CT. In addition to Wichita, the company owns or operates radio stations in Billings, MT, Bloomington, IL, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, Rapid City, SD, and Wichita, KS.

Westport, CT  – Effective immediately, Laura Handley joins Connoisseur Media as General Manager of Wichita’s fastest growing radio cluster – 97.1 BOB FM and 100.5 The Wolf.

A veteran of the Wichita broadcast market, Handley has held a variety of sales and sales management positions at some of the most prominent broadcast organizations serving Kansas. Most recently, Handley served as General Sales Manager for the Clear Channel Wichita cluster.

“We are excited to have Laura lead our team in Wichita. She has a long track record of success in the Wichita market,” said David Bevins, Connoisseur Regional Vice President.

“I am very excited to join Connoisseur Media,” said Handley.  “The Connoisseur team deserves tremendous credit for their success in the Wichita market and I look forward to working with my new colleagues to best serve our local community and clients.”

Since entering the Wichita market just a few years ago, Connoisseur Media has launched two new radio stations and experienced tremendous success as evidenced by the recent Arbitron ratings that rank 97.1 BOB-FM #2 A25-54 and 100.5 The Wolf  (which debuted on February 14, 2008)  #1 18-34 country station.

Connoisseur Media is headquartered in Westport, CT. In addition to Wichita, the company owns or operates radio stations in Billings, MT, Bismarck, ND, Bloomington, IL, Erie, PA, Huntington, WV, Omaha, NE, and Rapid City, SD.