The Connoisseur Angle

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Jeff Warshaw’s Connoisseur Media is picking up two Southern Connecticut stations and sending four stations in and around Allentown, PA, to Cumulus. The stations being acquired by Connoisseur are licensed to Westport (WEBE-FM) and Bridgeport (WICC-AM). Connoisseur will LMA the stations in two weeks.

Following this latest deal, Connoisseur will have 7 stations and one JSA in Connecticut.

Connecticut and the stations being traded to Cumulus Media are located in and around Allentown (WODE-FM, WWYY-FM, WEEX-AM, WTKZAM, and translator W234AX). An LMA for the stations for each respective party will begin May 1, 2019. The exchange is expected to close in the third quarter of 2019, pending FCC approval.

Warshaw said his company is Connecticut-based and that’s why this swap makes sense. “This transaction represents an exceptional opportunity to continue to invest in the southern part of the state and will offer more ways for us to serve our listeners, clients, and community. As a resident of Westport, the home to WEBE 108, I am thrilled to add these legendary stations to our Connecticut operations.”

Connoisseur Media Market Manager Kristin Okesson also has some history with WEBE and WICC. “As a lifelong Connecticut resident and the former GSM of WEBE/WICC, it is my privilege to lead these stations. The combined reach of our portfolio will offer exciting opportunities for our partners and to the communities we serve. We are acquiring premier radio stations and a talented team which will allow us to expand our position in Fairfield County.”

Connoisseur Media has owned the Allentown stations being exchanged with Cumulus for the last six years. Warshaw said he is very proud of the Allentown stations and has a tremendous respect for their tradition of success and service to the community.

1 COMMENT

  1. Jeff has made a good move here and it’s a great thing for everybody in Southern Connecticut. Add Long Island and Connoisseur is a major force in the New York – Boston radio megalopolis. Congrats Jeff!

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