Connoisseur Media Sells Five South Dakota Radio Stations to Brookings Radio LLC

Why It Matters

The deal highlights a growing trend of large broadcast groups shedding small‑market properties to local operators, preserving community‑focused programming while allowing the parent company to concentrate on higher‑value markets. It also underscores the importance of FCC clearance in reshaping regional radio landscapes.

Key Takeaways

• Connoisseur exits South Dakota, sells five stations.
• Brookings Radio LLC gains full market ownership.
• Sale aligns with Connoisseur’s strategic portfolio focus.
• Local operators Cami Powers and team assume control.
• FCC approval expected by early summer 2026.

Pulse Analysis

Connoisseur Media’s recent move to offload its South Dakota cluster reflects a broader industry shift toward portfolio optimization. After acquiring Alpha Media’s assets in September, Connoisseur has been pruning stations that fall outside its core growth markets. By concentrating resources on larger, revenue‑rich territories, the company aims to boost profitability and attract national advertisers, while reducing the operational complexity of managing dispersed, low‑population stations.

For the Brookings community, the transfer to Brookings Radio LLC represents a rare opportunity for truly local ownership. Cami Powers, a veteran who began her radio career at KBRK in 1994, along with her husband Derrick and partner Chad Hogie, will steer programming, sales and community outreach. Local control often translates into more relevant news, sports coverage, and event sponsorships, which can strengthen listener loyalty and provide small businesses with a trusted advertising platform that national chains may overlook.

Regulatory clearance remains a critical hurdle. The pending FCC Form 314 filing signals that the commission must evaluate the transaction’s impact on market competition and public interest. Assuming approval by early summer 2026, the deal could set a precedent for other mid‑size groups to partner with local entrepreneurs rather than selling to distant conglomerates. Such transactions may preserve the diversity of voices on the airwaves, sustain local economies, and reshape the competitive dynamics of the U.S. radio sector.

Deal Summary

Connoisseur Media announced the sale of its five South Dakota radio stations – KBRK-AM & FM, KDBX-FM, KJJQ-AM and KKQQ-FM – to local operator Brookings Radio LLC, owned by Cami Powers, Derrick Powers, and Chad Hogie. The transaction, pending FCC approval, is expected to close in early summer 2026. The deal reflects Connoisseur’s strategy to refine its portfolio after its recent acquisition of Alpha Media.