Connoisseur Media is selling four Minnesota radio stations. Hometown Broadcasting will acquire the entire cluster.
What We Know The acquisition includes US Country 99 /KAUS-AM, KAUS-FM (Austin), KATE-AM, and The Breeze 94.9 /KCPI-FM (Albert Lea). Notably, the FCC must approve the transaction before closing. Connoisseur expects the deal to finalize in early fall 2026. Meanwhile, Greg Jensen leads Hometown Broadcasting, the locally owned buyer.
What’s at Stake Jeff Warshaw, Connoisseur’s founder and CEO, felt the company couldn’t make meaningful impact in this market. Clearly, this divestiture aligns with Connoisseur’s strategy to refine its portfolio and invest in stronger markets. Indeed, the move follows Connoisseur’s acquisition of Alpha Media stations last September. Consequently, Hometown Broadcasting now shoulders responsibility for serving the local Austin-Albert Lea communities.
What Remains Unclear Programming changes and format decisions haven’t emerged yet. Additionally, staffing plans under new ownership remain unstated at present. Furthermore, the station’s content strategy and community service focus need clarification. Ultimately, operational details after FCC approval still require definition.
What It Means Large consolidators often exit smaller markets where growth proves limited. Clearly, this deal illustrates that reality for Connoisseur’s strategic direction. Importantly, independent operators like Hometown Broadcasting fill critical roles in local radio markets. Overall, community-focused ownership typically delivers more localized content and engagement.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.