Kansas City, MO (Jan. 27, 2025) — Kansas City PBS is excited to commemorate the legacy of one of the nation’s oldest Black-owned radio stations with the premiere of Diamond Jubilee: A 75-Year Celebration of Carter Broadcast airing Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. on Channel 19.1.
“The story of Carter Broadcast is more than a history of a radio station — it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of an iconic Kansas City institution,” said Kliff Kuehl, Kansas City PBS president and CEO.
Kansas City-based filmmaker Kerry Rounds captures the incredible story of Carter Broadcast through archival footage, interviews with industry legends and personal stories from listeners and staff, bringing to life the impact of a station that has been a cultural cornerstone of the city for 75 years.
Founded in 1950 by Andrew “Skip” Carter, the Carter Broadcast Group began its historic journey with a 500-watt transmitter donated by former Kansas Gov. Alf Landon. Soon after, the station became a beacon for Black culture, broadcasting music by Black artists like James Brown and Ray Charles. Today, Carter Broadcast Group is home to several popular channels, including KPRS Hot 103 Jamz, Gospel 1590 AM and 106.1 FM, and RNB 106.9 FM.
“The exact reason that KPRS was started in 1950 was to help and contribute to a community that needed a voice; 75 years later, that same mission and goal is what powers the business,” Rounds said. “They are truly giving everything they have to make sure that the Kansas City community is heard and understood.”
“This documentary is an opportunity for the community to reflect on the station’s legacy, its impact on civil rights, and its ongoing influence in the music and media industries,” said Robinson Carter, KPRS Marketing Executive. “Sharing this story allows future generations to appreciate and continue the work of Carter Broadcast, preserving its place in the history of Kansas City.”
To learn more about Diamond Jubilee visit kansascitypbs.org/diamondjubilee.
Watch Diamond Jubilee at the Reel Black Film Fest
Join Kansas City PBS for a free screening of Diamond Jubilee: A 75-Year Celebration of Carter Broadcast alongside other local films at the Reel Black Film Fest on Saturday, Feb. 22, starting at 3 p.m. at The Truman. Diamond Jubilee will play at 6 p.m.
The event is designed to celebrate local Black filmmakers in Kansas City. Attendees will have the opportunity to shop with local vendors, watch three new Kansas City PBS films and hear from the filmmakers behind the lens.
Doors and vendors will open at 1:30 p.m. and screenings and panels will begin at 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Health Forward Foundation proudly supports this event. For more information and updates, visit kansascitypbs.org/reelblack.
About the Filmmaker
Rounds is a media production expert whose work is comprised of local, regional and national projects (Scripps, Grays, KSHB41, BET Jams, XXL Magazine, Revolt, Rolling Stone, Vevo, Billboard). He won a regional Emmy Award for his production of A Century of Change: Negro League Centennial Celebration, which aired on Kansas City PBS in 2020.
