Russell Perry is a businessman, banker, community leader, former state official, publisher and broadcaster. He is a man of many hats, all successfully worn. Through the years, he has utilized his talents to serve the African American community.After being associated with an Oklahoma City newspaper for several years, Perry started his own publication, the Black Chronicle, in 1979. Today, the Black Chronicle is the largest weekly paid newspaper in Oklahoma. He owns the controlling interest in a small Oklahoma City bank. Governor Frank Keating appointed Perry his Secretary of Commerce, the first African American to ever serve in that position.In 1993, recognizing the African American community was not being served by radio in Oklahoma City, Russell Perry made his first radio acquisition—a daytime AM station, now KRMP. The purchase of a 50,000 watt FM in Tulsa followed, then acquisitions in Lawton, Duncan, Anadarko, and an additional station in Tulsa. KVSP was added to the Oklahoma City market. Today, Perry Publishing & Broadcasting is the largest independently-owned radio group in Oklahoma. Its network of eleven stations reaches 99% of the African American community in Oklahoma with Urban radio.In 2004, Perry Publishing & Broadcasting built a 2,000 foot tower, the tallest radio or television tower in Oklahoma. They also produce a weekly cable TV show, The Urban Outlet, which is seen in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lawton.Russell Perry has had the fortitude and perseverance to reach his personal and professional goals and to serve an under-served community in doing so. His aim was to bring Urban radio to the Oklahoma City African American community; his accomplishments have brought it to the entire state.In 2006, Perry was inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.Russell Perry—the pioneer of Urban radio in Oklahoma.
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