Connoisseur Media Sells South Dakota Radio Stations to Local Operators

Connoisseur Media has announced the sale of five radio stations in South Dakota to Brookings Radio LLC, a local operator led by Cami Powers. The transaction includes two AM stations, KBRK-AM and KJJQ-AM, and three FM stations, KBRK-FM, KDBX-FM, and KKQQ-FM. The deal is pending approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is expected to close in early summer 2026.

Another Small Market Asset Sale Seen By ConnoisseurConnoisseur to Sell 5 South Dakota Stations to Local Staff

The stations were previously owned by Alpha Media, which acquired them in 2015. Connoisseur Media, led by CEO Jeff Warshaw, purchased Alpha Media's holdings in September 2022. Warshaw indicated that the Brookings market did not align with Connoisseur's long-term strategic vision, prompting the decision to sell to local operators who are already familiar with the community.

Connoisseur to Sell 5 South Dakota Stations to Local Staff

Cami Powers has been with KBRK(AM/FM) since 1994, rising through the ranks to become Market Manager by 2000. Her experience in local radio has been extensive, and she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead Brookings Radio. Chad Hogie, who has served as the Business Manager at Brookings Radio since 2015, is also part of the new management team. Derrick Powers, Cami's husband, is involved in the ownership group as well.

Connoisseur to Sell 5 South Dakota Stations to Local Staff

Jeff Warshaw stated, “The Brookings market did not fit into the long-term vision we set out for Connoisseur. As we pursued a potential sale, we looked for local quality operators to purchase these stations and found that the best operators in the market already worked for us.” Cami Powers emphasized the importance of local radio, saying, “Turning this dream into a reality has been incredibly meaningful... Together, we’ll continue building on what we value most—serving our clients, listeners, and community with trusted, locally focused broadcasting.”

Another Small Market Asset Sale Seen By Connoisseur

While the sale has been framed positively by Connoisseur and Brookings Radio, there are concerns about the implications of consolidating media ownership in smaller markets. Critics argue that local voices may be diminished if larger entities control more stations, potentially impacting the diversity of content available to listeners.

Connoisseur to Sell 5 South Dakota Stations to Local Staff

The sale is contingent upon FCC approval, with a Form 314 filing expected to be submitted soon. The transaction represents a strategic shift for Connoisseur Media as it refines its portfolio and focuses on priority markets.

Another Small Market Asset Sale Seen By Connoisseur

• “ Warshaw, founder and CEO of Connecticut-headquartered Connoisseur, commented, “The Brookings market did not fit into the long-term vision we set out for Connoisseur.” — Jeff Warshaw, CEO of Connoisseur Media

Another Small Market Asset Sale Seen By Connoisseur

• “Turning this dream into a reality has been incredibly meaningful, and I’m deeply grateful to Jeff and Connoisseur Media for the opportunity,” — Cami Powers, Market Manager of Brookings Radio

Another Small Market Asset Sale Seen By Connoisseur

• “To us, local radio has always been the life blood for a close-knit community,” — Chad Hogie, Business Manager at Brookings Radio

Another Small Market Asset Sale Seen By Connoisseur