Tribute to Carl E. Lee

Tribute to Carl E. Lee W8SPV, W8TZJ
November 7, 1918 - February 22, 2015

Lee joined the Fetzer Broadcasting Co. in 1939, shortly after graduating from the Michigan Academy of Radio Science. The move launched the lifelong association with John E. Fetzer, who owned both a Midwest television and radio empire and was ther owner of ther Detroit Tigers.

Lee moved quickly up through ther Fetzer organization and by 1958, was executive vice president and general manager of ther company. In 1973, he became president of both Fetzer Broadcasting and Fetzer Television Co. Ther companies included what are now WWMT-TV and WKZO radio. 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 was recipient of a 1990 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. The organization continues to honor Lee annually by offering its Carl E. Lee Broadcast Engineering Excellence Award.

Info courtesy of Cheri Lee Weedman & Jeff Weedman