Mike Carter, 73, the president of KANZA Communications and one-time KMBZ employee, passed away on Sunday, September 23. (Link to story)
He was a member of the prestigious Kansas City Media Legends group.
Carter started his broadcast career in the 60′s at 940 AM KIOA in Des Moines, Iowa. Not long after that, he landed at KMBZ in Kansas City. Carter and fellow KMBZ employee Bill Bilyeu then decided to form their own radio station in Hiawatha, Kansas.
KNZA went on the air in August of 1977. Four years later Mike purchased what was then known as KAOL AM & FM in Carrollton, the FM being re-branded as KMZU in 1982. He sold his interest in the Hiawatha station in June of 1983. After almost a decade in Carrollton, KANZA Communications acquired 93.5 FM KTRX in Tarkio and WHB in Kansas City.
In 1996, a new station formed on the dial at 103.9 FM KRLI, which will be forever known to the faithful listeners as “Curly”.
A memorial service will be held 9/30 at 4:00 p.m. at Gibson Funeral Home in Carrollton. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
SYMPATHIES
So sad to hear of Mike’s passing and send our condolences to his family.
We were a long time fan of KRLI radio and the format of big band, show tunes, and cabaret music. We sure missed the station when it changed to the noise that is broadcast on KRLI, now known as “The Grenade.”
Nothing could compare to the previous format.
Again our sympathies to Mike’s family and friends.