the power elite 2001

The Transmitters

 

Outside acquisitions and the fractionalization of the media render local media increasingly irrelevant. Here are the exceptions.
Arthur S. Brisbane. The influence of the daily newspaper is dwindling everywhere, and circulation is shrinking here, but The Star remains the area's only serious source of media power. Brisbane uses that power to advance a "mainstream" agenda, one that flatters the genteel left, insults the Christian right, and generally frustrates builders and developers. Even if Brisbane were not comfortable with this direction, parent company Knight-Ridder would prod him along.

Michael Carter. The most powerful local owner of any media outlet this side of Ingram's, Carter is president of Carter Broadcast Group. The company owns and operates radio stations KPRS-FM and KPRT-AM, the former being the most popular in Kansas City. Were Carter to suddenly use his stations to advance Republican causes, the howl would be heard from Washington.

Dick Bott. Although semi-retired to Lake of the Ozarks, Bott keeps a watchful eye on his two-state network of influential Christian radio stations, operated out of studios in Overland Park with the help of son, Rich Bott. Were the Botts to suddenly use their stations to advance Democratic causes, the howl would be heard from Washington.

Jerry Green. The majority owner of Union Bank and a major Budget Rent-a-Car franchisee, Green turned the Kansas City radio scene on its head when he upset Entercom powerhouse, KMBZ, to make his upstart station the top dog of local sports.
more...