Small-Market Radio Finds Advocate in Koehn
Julie Koehn Shapes the Future of Small-Market Radio
Julie Koehn, a 61-year-old radio industry veteran, is making waves as a prominent leader in the broadcasting world. As the president and CEO of Lenawee Broadcasting Co. and owner of Southeast Michigan Media, Koehn is shaping the landscape of small-market and regional radio in Michigan.
Koehn's journey in the industry began when she took the helm at Lenawee Broadcasting in 1990, a role she has held for over three decades. Her family-founded station, WLEN(FM), based in Adrian—a city of about 21,000 people, approximately 60 minutes southwest of Detroit—was established by her father John in 1965.
Under Koehn's leadership, Lenawee Broadcasting has modernized its operations with HD Radio technology since 2015, and she expanded her influence in Southeast Michigan radio markets when she acquired Southeast Michigan Media in 2020, which includes country station WQTE(FM) and sports simulcast WABJ(AM). The company now employs approximately 20 full- and part-time staff in a small market setting.
Koehn's impact extends beyond her local market, reaching into national radio business spheres. She serves on the NAB Radio Board and chairs the Small and Medium Market Radio Committee, and she was a finalist for "Legendary Radio Manager of the Year" in the NAB Marconi Awards. In 2016, she received the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Lifetime Achievement Award.
Koehn is keenly aware of the AM for Every Vehicle Act and predicts it will become law. She also approves of the push to eliminate or ease radio market ownership sub-caps, recognizing the importance of local content in small-market radio due to high competition.
Despite the challenges facing radio, Koehn remains optimistic about the future of the medium. She believes that AI can assist her stations but not replace human workers. In fact, she leads Lenawee Broadcasting's online station, Lenawee TV, which streams special programming including sports, community events, and public meetings.
Koehn graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in labor relations and political science, but her career path took a turn towards broadcasting. She has proven herself to be a key voice for small-market radio, demonstrating significant impact both locally and nationally.
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