Black radio stations have been vital in amplifying Black voices and fostering community empowerment. Historically, mainstream media often ignored or misrepresented Black people, and these stations provided a crucial platform to express concerns, share stories, and address issues like racial inequality, police brutality, and social justice. They gave Black communities a voice in shaping public discourse and advocating for change.
These stations also celebrate Black culture, promoting music genres like jazz, blues, gospel, and hip-hop, which are central to Black identity. By doing so, they preserve and share Black culture with broader audiences while providing a space for cultural pride. Additionally, Black radio has played a significant role in political activism, from the Civil Rights Movement to more recent efforts like Black Lives Matter.
Beyond activism and culture, Black radio serves as a community hub, connecting listeners to local events, resources, and news that mainstream outlets might overlook. They also support Black-owned businesses, offering economic opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship. Black radio stations are integral to shaping both community identity and public perception, offering an alternative to stereotypes and reflecting the diversity of Black life.
Kansas City PBS is commemorating the legacy of one of the nation’s oldest Black-owned radio stations with the documentary, Diamond Jubilee: A 75-Year Celebration of Carter Broadcast. Kansas City filmmaker Kerry Rounds tells the extraordinary story of Carter Broadcast Group through archival footage, interviews with industry icons, and personal anecdotes from listeners and staff, showcasing the profound impact of a station that has been a cultural pillar of Kansas City for 75 years. Today, Carter Broadcast Group is home to several stations, including KPRS Hot 103 Jamz, Gospel stations 1590 AM and 106.1 FM, as well as RNB 106.9 FM.
Carter Broadcast Group’s 75th anniversary is a significant milestone in the history of both Kansas City and the broader landscape of Black-owned media in the United States. As the oldest Black-owned radio station in the country, Carter Broadcast Group has played an essential role in shaping the cultural, social, and political landscape, especially for Black people in the Kansas City area.
Founded by Alvin A. Carter Sr. in 1950, the station has been an enduring symbol of the power and influence of Black media in an era when opportunities for Black people in the media industry were limited. Mr. Carter had the audacity to start a Black radio station during the height of Jim Crow and just prior to the Civil Rights Movement.
Throughout its history, Carter Broadcast Group has not only provided entertainment but also a platform for community voices, local news, and social change, reflecting the values and experiences of Black Americans.
Celebrating 75 years in business is a monumental achievement. It is a testament to the resilience and dedication in maintaining its mission, often through challenging times. The station’s enduring success is a product of its commitment to providing programming that resonates with the community — whether it’s music, talk shows, or news that highlights the issues and achievements of Black people.
Also, the station has had a profound impact on Kansas City’s cultural fabric, becoming a vital part of the city’s Black heritage. Over the years, it has provided both a voice and a platform for various influential figures. The station’s historical significance goes beyond just broadcasting; it’s about creating a space where Black people can see themselves represented, heard, and celebrated.
When I was growing up in Kansas City, Carter Broadcast Group was an essential part of my life. KPRS Hot 103 Jamz was the soundtrack of my childhood, and it felt like a constant companion in our home. My parents, who grew up listening to KPRS and the KPRT Gospel station, introduced me to the station at an early age. I still remember the excitement in their voices when their favorite songs came on, and that carried over to me and my siblings.
I have always loved tuning into KPRS, especially the shows hosted by Sean Tyler and Julee Jonez. Sean’s energy and humor were contagious, and he always knew how to make the music feel even more alive. You can still always count on Julee and that signature voice for the latest songs and great conversations. It wasn’t just the music that made KPRS special, it was the connection to the community, and how these personalities brought us all together.
On my way to work, I listen to Deona Hustle and Brian B. Shynin’, and then on the way home it’s The Playmaker Show.
What makes this experience even more meaningful is that Sean and Julee are not just radio personalities to me — they’re friends. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to connect with them on a personal level, and their authenticity is just as impactful off the air as they are on it. Knowing them personally has made my connection to KPRS even more special, as it’s never just about the music, but about the people behind the voices who shaped my love for radio.
As the city reflects on this 75-year milestone, it’s also a moment to recognize the broader struggles and triumphs of Black media ownership. Carter Broadcast Group’s legacy is a reminder of how far the industry has come in terms of representation, while also highlighting how much further there is to go in empowering and supporting Black-owned media across the country. This anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity but also of the pivotal role the station has played in the ongoing fight for Black voices in the media.
The documentary is informative and beautifully put together by Kerry Rounds. Taking a trip down memory lane, learning the history and hearing all the stories were fun. It’s a moment to honor the past, recognize the present, and look forward to a future where the Carter Broadcast Group continues to thrive and influence future generations. Here’s to 75 years of impact, and to many more years of serving the Kansas City community and beyond.
The documentary is available to stream on the PBS App and at www.kansascitypbs.org/diamondjubilee.
