Connoisseur Media has again identified another former Alpha Media market where the broadcaster says it could not “make a meaningful difference with the focus and approach we bring to radio,” and is divesting its stations to a locally owned, independent operator.
Connoisseur is selling KAUS-AM and US 99.9 (KAUS), both licensed to Austin, MN, along with 94.9 The Breeze (KCPI) and KATE-AM 1450, both licensed to Albert Lea, MN, to Greg Jensen’s Hometown Broadcasting.
This sale continues the portfolio realignment Connoisseur began after its September 2025 acquisition of Alpha Media’s stations, part of a broader strategy to focus resources on markets where the company believes it can make a meaningful impact. Connoisseur made a similar move elsewhere in Minnesota last year, selling its Luverne stations to Christensen Broadcasting.
Jensen previously ran Hometown Broadcasting in the same markets, owning Power 96 (KQPR) in Albert Lea and KQAQ in Austin before divesting both in 2018. In 2014, he also bought Rochester’s KNXR for roughly $1.1 million, rebranded it as 97.5 Pulse-FM, and sold it about a year later for $3.2 million.
Kalil & Co., Inc. served as the exclusive broker for the transaction. Connoisseur Media was represented by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP as legal counsel.
Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw said, “The Austin and Albert Lea market area was not a market where we felt Connoisseur could make a meaningful difference with the focus and approach we bring to radio. When we reach that conclusion, we look for strong local operators who can take the stations forward and continue serving the communities.”
“We have been talking with Greg Jensen for some time and have been impressed by his commitment to the community and his desire to return to radio. We believe he is the right person to lead these stations into their next chapter.”
Jensen stated, “I want to give a special thanks to Jeff Warshaw, Founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media, and Mike Orlandella of Kalil & Co., Inc. for bringing this transaction together.”
Jensen added, “We look forward to serving our communities and surrounding areas with hometown ideas, local broadcasting, and a commitment to being an active part of the communities we serve. We also look forward to hearing from our listeners and community members and building these stations together.”
