Michael Couchman

Michael A. Couchman, commonly known Mike Couchman, is an American radio personality and Program Director for WAYK "WaYfm" which is an FM radio station in West Michigan.

Career

Radio career

Mike Couchman's paid radio career began in 1995 when he joined WLNZ, the Lansing Community College radio station as an intern and air talent. Shortly thereafter he began his first commercial station job, 94.1 WBHR "The Bear" (later called 94.1 WKIX "Kix 94") which began his first run in the country music format.

In early 1998 Couchman left the commercial radio business and joined 88.1-WLGH, a non-commercial, contemporary Christian FM radio station ("88.1 The Light"). There he became the Imaging and Production Director in addition to running the afternoon drive time slot while also keeping his previous position at the country station 94.1-WKIX.

Michael returned to commercial radio in September of 1999. This time with WHZZ ("Z101.7 Lansing's Hottest Hits"), at the time a contemporary hit radio (also known as CHR, Contemporary Hits, or Top 40). In addition to his on-air responsibilities he also became the Promotions Director. During this period he also began moonlighting at WKQI ("Q95-5...now "Channel 9-5-5"), a Contemporary Hit Music (CHR/Top 40) radio station in Detroit, Michigan where he soon quit to refocus on his career.

In August, 2000 Mike returned to 88.1 The Light, this time as the Program Director and AM Drive host where he stayed 3 years before taking a position with his current station WAYG -Way FM.

Michael Couchman also does voice work for stations in Alaska, the Midwest and Northeast to this day. He also travels the country helping non-profit Christian radio stations raise money to continue funding for their broadcasts.

Other Media

Michael Couchman is often cited in Radio and Records Magazine (Billboard magazine's industry-focused weekly), occasionally in Billboard Magazine, Radio Ink and Christian Radio Weekly. He also has been quoted in various "Infinite Dial" columns written by Edison Media Research. Edison Media Research columns often end up being published in Radio & Records, Billboard, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.

Local newspapers like the Grand Rapids Press and the Kalamazoo Gazette regularly seek him for information on concerts throughout the year.

Michael Couchman is also a contributing writer for the Ross Brittain Report, which is serviced to hundreds of radio stations each morning.

Industry Recognition

Radio & Records 2006 Station of the Year 2006 Echo Awards Finalist for Program Director of the Year
2006 Echo Awards Finalist for Music Director of the Year
2006 Echo Awards Finalist for Air Talent of the Year
Radio and Records 2003 nominee for Music Director of the Year
Michigan Association of Broadcasters 1st Place Production Award, college division, 1996
Michigan Association of Broadcasters 2nd Place Best Aircheck Award, college division, 1996

Personal

Michael was born in Niles, Michigan. At the age of 11 Michael and his mother moved to Lansing, Michigan, which he considers his hometown. In late 2003 he moved to West Michigan for his current position.

Married in 1999, Michael in his wife Jennifer have two sons, Hezekiah and Ephraim.

Mike Couchman graduated from Grand Ledge High School, and anticipates earning a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Cornerstone University in 2008.