Connoisseur Media continues to spin off some of the stations it acquired last year, this time finding another homegrown buyer for four of its Kansas properties.
The company announced Monday that it has agreed to sell its Topeka stations to the northeast Kansas-based MSC Radio Group.
The deal for 98.5 KSAJ(FM), 106.9 KTPK(FM) and 580/94.5 WIBW(AM/FM) is pending FCC approval and is expected to close early this summer, according to a release. Terms were not disclosed.
The four Topeka properties came to Connoisseur through its acquisition of Alpha Media’s stations last year.
Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw called the latest deal an important step in executing the company’s post-acquisition strategy, allowing it to focus resources on “key growth markets.”
We’ve also covered the company’s spinoffs in South Dakota and Minnesota.
Kanzaland
Buyer MSC Radio Group’s six stations along the Kansas/Nebraska border include 103.9 KNZA(FM), as well as 96.9 KOZA(FM), 101.3 KLZA(FM), 92.1 KMZA(FM), 1230 KTNC(AM) and 93.7 KAIR(FM).
“As the only radio group operating in Topeka, our focus will be on serving and engaging listeners, supporting local businesses, and strengthening community partnerships,” MSC President Justin Fluke said in the release.
Fluke grew up in Medicine Lodge, Kan., and began his career as KNZA’s sports director in 2001. His role evolved into sales, management and ultimately ownership, leading him to become president of KNZA Radio Group in 2022.
The stations since rebranded as MSC Radio Group, with a particular focus on live high school game broadcasts. Approximately 30 of its 40 employees are involved in live sports coverage, according to MSC’s website.
Last year, Fluke was named the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Media Person of the Year.
Greg Guy of Tideline Partners served as the broker representing MSC Radio. Connoisseur was represented by Wilkinson Barker Knauer, while KNZA/MSC Radio Group was represented by Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth.
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