Kalamazoo Broadcast Pioneer Carl E. Lee Dies at 96

Longtime Kalamazoo broadcaster Carl. E. Lee died this past Sunday, it was announced today. He was 96 years old.

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Lee's long career in the radio and television industry began in 1939, shortly after graduating from the Michigan Academy of Radio Science. Lee began a long career with Fetzer Broadcasting, moving quickly up through the Fetzer organization and by 1958, was executive vice president and general manager of the company. In 1973, he became president of both Fetzer Broadcasting and Fetzer Television Co. The companies included what are now WWMT-TV and WKZO-AM. Lee also headed up six other CBS affiliates around the nation.

Lee's involvement with the broadcast industry's professional organizations was extensive. His service included roles as president or director of the Broadcasters Foundation, National Association of Broadcasters and National Broadcast Pioneers. He was chairman of the CBS Television Affiliates Board and was instrumental in establishing the Region 4 Emergency Broadcast System and inspecting early Radio Free Europe facilities.

Lee is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cheri and Jeffrey Weedman of Cincinnati, and two grandchildren; Carl Lee Weedman of Chicago, IL and Tatiana Eloise Weedman of Cincinnati, OH; a sister-in-law, Doris Lee of Kalamazoo; and many nieces and nephews. A private funeral service was held and burial has taken place.

A public memorial service is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.