Lee Fondren spent nearly three decades at KLZ 560, rising from promotion manager to station manager, and was one of the most respected advertising figures in the country.
Career
Fondren started as a performer, entertainer and continuity writer at KGNC in Amarillo, then worked in sales and programming at KGGM in Albuquerque, where he hosted an interview show. He joined KLZ in Denver in 1941 and stayed until 1970, apart from three years in the Army in the Pacific. At KLZ he was promotion manager, national sales manager, director of sales and eventually station manager of KLZ-AM and FM.
He was president of the Advertising Club of Denver, chairman of the NAB Radio Code Board, chairman of the CBS Radio network affiliates and chairman of the Advertising Federation of America, which named him its Advertising Man of the Year. He was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado Hall of Fame in 2006.
Sources
Stations They Worked At
FROM THE TIMELINE
Career Moments
1941: Lee Fondren joins KLZ
1941 — Lee Fondren came to KLZ from KGGM in Albuquerque. Apart from three years in the Army, he stayed until 1970, rising from promotion manager to station manager of KLZ-AM and FM.
1970: Lee Fondren retires from KLZ
1970 — Lee Fondren wrapped up nearly 30 years at KLZ, where he had risen to station manager of KLZ-AM and FM.
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