Robert J. Coleman
1892-1981
Biographical Information:
Born December 17, 1892, Robert J. Coleman had a distinguished career in educational and public radio, particularly in Michigan and Ohio. He started his broadcasting career in 1922. By 1934, he developed Michigan State University's radio station,WKAR, and served as its director. In 1936, he lengthened the popular book-reading show The Radio Reader to a half-hour, becoming the show's first regular reader.
Coleman also spent many years with the National Association of Educational Broadcasters (NAEB). He served on the board from 1943 to 1945, and became vice president in 1946. That year, he hosted the NAEB convention. From 1955 to 1959, he served as treasurer.
Robert J. Coleman died in April 1981.
Bibliography:
- [Robert J. Coleman and Norris E. Grover talk about plans to begin broadcasting over FM radio from Michigan State College station WKAR]. Broadcast on WKAR (The News in View), September 11, 1948.
