Our story begins with a dream and a vision of Andrew “Skip” Robinson Carter. Carter was born in 1919 and raised in Savannah, Georgia. In 1933, at the young age of 14, Carter’s aspirations of operating a Black radio station began, and he built his first radio.
He studied physics at Georgia State for three years and went on to the RCA School of Electronics and New York University, where he earned his first-class broadcast license from the Federal Communications Commission in 1947.
In 1950, Carter’s dream was achieved with the support of former Kansas Governor and fellow broadcaster, Alf Landon. Alf Landon provided Carter with the transmitter, and KPRS-AM debuted as the nation’s first Black radio station west of the Mississippi River.
In 1952, Carter and Ed and Psyche Pate became business partners. By 1969, the Carter family had controlling interest in the station. In 1971, KPRS-AM’s music format was moved to FM and became KPRS-FM. KPRT-AM adopted a full-blown gospel music format. In 1975, KPRS-FM became one of the first fully automated radio stations in the Midwest. KPRT-AM was fully automated soon thereafter.
In 1987, due to Andrew’s declining health, Michael L. Carter, Andrew’s grandson, was named president of the company. One of Mike’s first moves was to take both stations back to the “live” formats.
In 1989, Andrew Carter passed away in his Florida home. Carter’s legacy lived on and moved forward. Andrew’s widow, Mildred Carter, became chairperson of the board. The stations continued to grow and solidify their standing in the Black community with various outreach programs and promotions, until her death in 2003. According to Nielsen, an audience measurement service, KPRS-FM jumped from 8th to 5th in 1990. In 1995, KPRS achieved its highest ratings with a number one slot. KPRS continues to be a top-rated radio station in Kansas City.
In 2017, Carter Broadcast Group launched a full-service digital advertising agency, LiftOff Interactive. KPRT-AM Gospel 1590 simulcasted on 106.1 FM.
On May 15, 2023, RNB 106.9 FM launched the all-new RNB 106.9 FM (K295CH), Kansas City’s New Home for R&B.
As of 2024, Carter Broadcast Group has transitioned into Carter Media. Our company is determined to evolve and adapt to the many changes that radio faces and continue carrying Carter’s legacy on in the Kansas City community.
The name Carter Media was chosen to bring awareness to the fact that we are no longer just a radio station. We are now a full-fledged marketing agency, equipped with the best tools and strategies to meet our clients’ needs.
Today, Carter Media is the oldest Black-owned and family-operated radio broadcasting company in the United States, with over 74 years of serving our community!
Carter Media has received numerous accolades over the years. Here are some of our best achievements:
- 1995
Andrew “Skip” Carter inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame (Chicago, IL)
(3) Crystal Radio Awards for Excellence in Community Service from the National Association of Broadcasters in 1995, 2003, and 2016 - 2000
Urban Radio Station of the Year from the Radio Music Awards
(2) Marconi Awards Urban Station of the Year from the National Association of Broadcasters in 2001 and 2014 - 2002
The Mildred Carter Mentoring & Inspiring Women in Radio Mentoring Program was launched - 2014
Andrew “Skip” Carter inducted into the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame
