A South Dakota has struck a South Dakota deal, as Connoisseur Media exits the Watertown market.
What We Know: Connoisseur Media has signed an agreement to sell six Watertown-area radio stations to Riverfront Broadcasting, LLC. Specifically, the stations include KLDO-FM, KIXX-FM, KSDR-AM, KSDR-FM, KWAT-AM, and KKSD-FM.
The deal awaits FCC regulatory approval and will likely close in late summer 2026. Notably, Kalil & Co. served as exclusive broker on the transaction.
What They Said: “The Watertown market was not a market we felt Connoisseur could make a material difference in with the focus and approach we bring to radio,” said Jeff Warshaw, Founder and CEO of Connoisseur Media. “We think Riverfront Broadcasting, being a South Dakota based company, understands the local market and can carry on providing local content and will excel in serving the community.”
Building on that, Carolyn Becker, President of Riverfront Broadcasting, added: “We are very happy to bring local ownership and local focus back to these great stations in the Watertown Market. Jeff and the Connoisseur team have taken an approach of selling to local ownership and we are grateful for the opportunity.”
What Remains Unclear: Even so, Connoisseur and Riverfront have not disclosed financial terms. Similarly, neither company has announced staffing or operational changes at the acquired stations.
What It Means: Taken together, this sale continues Connoisseur’s portfolio strategy, which accelerated after its Alpha Media acquisition last September. Meanwhile, Riverfront Broadcasting — a family-owned South Dakota company founded in 2004 — deepens its regional footprint.
As a result, the deal reinforces a broader industry trend toward local ownership in smaller markets. Altogether, it signals that hyperlocal operators are gaining ground.
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Bethany Kent is a Music Radio Editor for Barrett Media. She spent nearly 20 years bringing radio to life on stages, across the airwaves, and through unforgettable listener experiences. Her career spans local markets including Providence, Philadelphia, and New York City, most recently serving as National Director of Music Initiatives for Audacy. From producing major live events like HOT 97’s Summer Jam to leading strategic national marketing initiatives, she has built a career at the intersection of music, media, and culture. She can be reached at bethany@barrettmedia.com.
