Connoisseur Media is preparing to exit a significant portion of its Missouri portfolio. They announced an agreement to sell fifteen stations to Carter Media LLC and Carter Media Too LLC. The Carrollton, Missouri–based broadcaster will assume control of the full cluster pending FCC approval, with the transaction expected to close early next year.
The deal covers a wide geographic footprint across northern and central Missouri. Carter Media will acquire KAAN-AM/FM in Bethany; KWIX-FM in Cairo; KKWK-FM and KMRN-AM in Cameron; KIRK-FM in Macon; KTCM-FM in Madison; and KRES-FM and KWIX-AM in Moberly. The company is also purchasing KJEL-FM and KBNN-AM in Lebanon, along with KFBD-FM, KOZQ-FM, KJPW-AM and KIIK-AM, all licensed to Waynesville.
For Connoisseur, the move reflects a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus resources in markets viewed as long-term growth priorities. The company has been reshaping its footprint following its September acquisition of Alpha Media markets. Leadership said the Missouri stations fell outside the vision for its next stage.
“These Missouri markets did not fit into the long-term plans we have to grow Connoisseur,” CEO and Founder Jeff Warshaw said. “We looked for another broadcaster that had success in and served these communities. We are pleased that we have found that trusted party in Miles Carter and the history of his family-oriented company.”
Carter Media has built a reputation across rural Missouri for its emphasis on local news and community engagement. According to owner Miles Carter, the opportunity to expand aligns with the company’s mission to elevate regional storytelling and provide reliable service in markets where local radio continues to play a central role.
“We have wanted to expand for a while. When the opportunity came, we were eager to talk with Connoisseur,” Carter said. “As we look toward the new markets, our mission remains the same. Bring trustworthy local news, agriculture coverage, and community-focused storytelling to areas that need a stronger voice. Expansion isn’t about getting bigger. It’s about serving more people with the kind of reliable, hometown broadcasting Carter Media was built on.”
While Connoisseur prepares to hand off the Missouri stations. The company continues to position itself as both a traditional broadcaster and a digital marketing force. Its combination of audio platforms and targeted marketing services reaches roughly 20% of U.S. listeners nationwide.
Kalil & Co. brokered the transaction. Connoisseur was represented by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, while Carter Media received legal counsel from Telecommunications Law Professionals, PLLC.
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