Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame

John MacDougall
Inducted 2004

Born and raised in Minneapolis, John MacDougall began his broadcasting career playing the role of Sgt. Johnny Mac on “Midnight in Munich” on the Armed Forces Radio Network. Following his military service, MacDougall studied radio broadcasting at the University of Minnesota and KUOM. Upon graduation, he was hired by WLOL, and in 1948 he moved to New York, where his deep voice and smooth diction earned him major voiceover accounts with several large advertising agencies. While visiting Minneapolis in 1958, MacDougall learned that Bill Ingram was leaving KSTP-TV. MacDougall applied for the position and went on to anchor the 10 PM News. In 1970, MacDougall and Bob Ryan served as the first dual-anchor television news team in the Upper Midwest on “Twin News Tonight” on KSTP. In 1971, MacDougall left KSTP to join a Saint Paul ad agency, but returned 13 years later when he was named news director of KSTP AM, where he continued to work until his death, at the age of 68, on October 13, 1993.

For all who knew him, John MacDougall is remembered as an inspiring mentor who set the benchmark for professional broadcast news delivery.