The details of Danny and Kait Hill’s Frequency Media’s acquisition of Connoisseur Media’s four stations in Bakersfield have been filed with the FCC.
Frequency Media will pay $1 at closing for CHR “Live 95.3” KLLY Oildale, Rhythmic AC “Groove 99.3” KKBB Bakersfield, and News/Talk 1560 KNZR Bakersfield/97.7 KNZR-FM Shafter. The deal also includes an Earn-Out Agreement where Connoisseur will take in 25% of the cash flow generated by the stations between closing and December 31, 2030. Additionally should Frequency sell or lease the stations during that time-frame, Connoisseur would receive 25% of the proceeds.
Original Report 11/14: Connoisseur Media has announced the sale of its Bakersfield CA cluster to Danny and Kait Hill’s Frequency Media for an undisclosed amount.
The Hill’s, which own “Rewind 98.1/93.5” KRWI Woffard Heights/K228GB Lakes Isabella and “Outlaw Country 1140/95.9” KVLI/K240FH Lake Isabella, will add CHR “Live 95.3” KLLY Oildale, Rhythmic AC “Groove 99.3” KKBB Bakersfield, and News/Talk 1560 KNZR Bakersfield/97.7 KNZR-FM Shafter. The Hills also host a syndicated morning show.
Connoisseur says the sale is another step in the company’s efforts to concentrate on markets where it can execute its successful playbook. It is one element in the strategic plan for the markets acquired in Connoisseur Media’s acquisition of Alpha Media that took place in September.
Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw said, “Bakersfield was a market that did not fit into the long-term plans we have for Connoisseur. We looked for a local operator that we felt could devote the time and energy that Bakersfield deserves. We are confident that we have found that in Frequency and the Hill family operation”
Kait Hill commented, “We have been working with the folks at Connoisseur for a while before their merger closed in September.” Danny Hill added, “We are excited to be acquiring these stations to serve the Bakersfield community, which is where we live and our hometown.”
Prior to acquiring KRWI in 2019, Danny Hill spent two stints at KLLY as PD/morning host first as Hot AC “Kelly 95.3” through its relaunch as Rhythmic CHR “Energy 95.3” from 2010-15. He would return from 2017-19 with time as VP/Programming and General Manager for H Hawaii Media and Market Manager for Ingstad Family Media in Kansas in-between. Kait Hill began her radio career with Danny in Hawaii and has co-hosted their syndicated morning show since. She also voicetracked for additional stations across the country.
