Connoisseur Media

Pat James, New PD for BOB-FM and the WOLF in Wichita, Kansas

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:31:44 +0000

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.

CT Post.com : Connoisseur radio deal signals optimism

admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:16:06 +0000

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.

Radio-Info.com : “What’s the multiple?”

admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:18:54 +0000

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.

Radio-Info.com -$23M sale on Long Island, where Connoisseur buys 4 stations from Barnstable

admin — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:18:33 +0000

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.

INSIDE RADIO.com- Barnstable sells to Connoisseur

admin — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:00:54 +0000

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.

CONNOISSEUR MEDIA TO PURCHASE BARNSTABLE’S LONG ISLAND RADIO GROUP

admin — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:29:22 +0000

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.

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.

FLOYD EVANS TO LEAD CONNOISSEUR’S BLOOMINGTON, IL CLUSTER

admin — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:09:37 +0000

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.

BIG BUCK COUNTRY 101.5 LAUNCHES IN TRI-STATE AREA

admin — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:04:13 +0000

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.

HITS 105.9 DEBUTS IN DES MOINES

admin — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:04:41 +0000

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.

BILLINGS, MT STATIONS KURL (730 AM) AND KYYA (93.3 FM) EXCHANGE FINALIZED: CONNOISSEUR MEDIA GETS 730 AM, ELENBAAS MEDIA, INC. GETS 93.3 FM

admin — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:24:06 +0000

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