The Cohns' love of media and each other developed at Ohio University and WOUB

Like many other Ohio University graduates who worked at WOUB, the station has a special place in the hearts of Aaron and Karen (Rafalski) Cohn. But it’s not just love for the professional experience the two got at the station that helped jump start their careers in sports media. WOUB is also a big part of their personal love story.

“We met in an audio class in the RTV building where WOUB is located,” said Aaron. “We also got engaged there after attending a WOUB anniversary celebration.”

“After the WOUB event, Aaron planned to propose outside the audio classroom where we met,” said Karen. “But I had a headache and wasn’t feeling well.”

“I was frantically searching for aspirin so she would feel better. I had this all planned out. I did eventually propose that night as planned, and we got married. So, I’ve been her headache now for the last 22 years,” said Aaron with a laugh.

Both Aaron and Karen grew up in the Cleveland area and were telecommunication majors. They came to Ohio University seeking careers in the music and film industries.

“I thought I was going to be a music director for an alternative or rock radio station,” said Aaron.

“I was interested in audio production, possibly in the film industry,” said Karen.

Both participated at WOUB by working on the radio. Aaron hosted WOUB AM’s Nightshift and eventually became music director. Karen primarily worked in the newsroom and anchored WOUB FM radio newscasts during the week and on the weekends.

“When I started at WOUB, it felt like that was a different level of responsibility. People are hearing you. I wasn’t doing this for myself or for a grade,” said Aaron. “WOUB was a very important step in knowing and understanding how to be a professional and knowing and understanding the power of radio. WOUB professional staff, like WOUB AM Program Coordinator Connie Stevens, was patient and nurturing and kicked me in the back side when I needed it.”

“Aaron asked me if I’d be interested in working the Nightshift once a week. I was terrified at being live on-air, but decided to jump at the chance to see if I could. I surprised myself and became confident and was hired at WOUB FM as well,” said Karen with a laugh. “I quickly realized the value of working there, and I tried to get my hands on everything I could at WOUB. I really liked being in that world. I eventually realized that my path was not audio or film. But WOUB helped me figure things out.”

“As music director, I learned about scheduling and communicating with record labels and reps that were trying to get their music played,” said Aaron. “I had to make sure that I was representing WOUB in a professional way.”

After graduation, both Aaron and Karen got jobs at radio stations back home in northeast Ohio in radio sales. But after a short time, both found a new direction to take their media talents.

“One of my clients was the Cleveland Crunch soccer team,” said Aaron. “I really enjoyed working with them because you could be creative with their ads. It was fun. I got a call from their head of sponsorship one day and he asked if I would come work with them to find sponsors for the upcoming season. That’s how it all started for me in the sports world.”

“I realized I wasn’t a fan of radio sales after about a year and accepted a sales position with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers,” said Karen.

The two found they really enjoyed working in sports media. And as is often the case when you are doing something you love, the opportunities kept on coming.

“I was contacted by the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and got a job with them. So, we moved to Tampa Bay,” said Aaron.

“I realized that sales really wasn’t for me. I was more of a creative person,” said Karen. “So, when we moved to Tampa Bay, I got a job in marketing with the Tampa Bay Lightning as well and found my career. I love public relations and marketing.”

Aaron spent two years with the Lightning before moving to the MLB’s Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Karen continued with the Lightning.

“I was there for a Stanley Cup. It was really fun,” said Karen. “Then we started having children, and I decided to do more part time work from home.”

After more than a decade in Tampa Bay, Aaron was offered a job with the MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates on their sponsorship sales and service team, and the couple moved to Pittsburgh. Aaron worked for the Pirates for seven years before he decided to start his own sponsorship firm, CohnCollab.

“Our marriage and careers started at WOUB,” said Aaron chuckling. “WOUB helped us both know the ins and outs of the media when we got jobs in the real world. We knew more than everyone else.”

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