Television journalist and environmental advocate
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Key moments and achievements from Douglas McConnell's life.
Douglas was born
· Corte Madera, California, U.S.
Education
Doug McConnell received a bachelor's degree in government from Pomona College in 1967, followed by a master's degree in political science from the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University in 1968. These academic foundations informed his later career in journalism and environmental storytelling.
Education
Doug McConnell received a bachelor's degree in government from Pomona College in 1967, followed by a master's degree in political science from the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University in 1968. These academic foundations informed his later career in journalism and environmental storytelling.
Career Beginning
McConnell began his environmental television journalism career in 1982, focusing on the natural and cultural wonders of Northern California. His gentle demeanor and profound curiosity made him uniquely suited to exploring and sharing the region's outdoor treasures with Bay Area audiences.
Career Beginning
McConnell began his environmental television journalism career in 1982, focusing on the natural and cultural wonders of Northern California. His gentle demeanor and profound curiosity made him uniquely suited to exploring and sharing the region's outdoor treasures with Bay Area audiences.
Career Achievement
McConnell became the host of "Bay Area Backroads" on KRON-TV in 1993, a beloved regional television series. He hosted the show for 15 years until 2008, making it one of the longest-running regional television programs in the country and becoming a household name in Northern California.
Career Achievement
McConnell became the host of "Bay Area Backroads" on KRON-TV in 1993, a beloved regional television series. He hosted the show for 15 years until 2008, making it one of the longest-running regional television programs in the country and becoming a household name in Northern California.
New Series
In April 2009, McConnell launched "OpenRoad with Doug McConnell, Exploring the West" on San Francisco public television stations KQED and KTEH. The series expanded his environmental storytelling beyond the Bay Area to explore the broader American West.
New Series
In April 2009, McConnell launched "OpenRoad with Doug McConnell, Exploring the West" on San Francisco public television stations KQED and KTEH. The series expanded his environmental storytelling beyond the Bay Area to explore the broader American West.
Awards
McConnell received numerous regional Emmy Awards during his long career, along with the Harold Gilliam Award for environmental reporting and storytelling in Northern California. He was also named Honorary Ranger by both California State Parks and the National Park Service, reflecting his deep commitment to conservation.
Awards
McConnell received numerous regional Emmy Awards during his long career, along with the Harold Gilliam Award for environmental reporting and storytelling in Northern California. He was also named Honorary Ranger by both California State Parks and the National Park Service, reflecting his deep commitment to conservation.
Douglas McConnell passed away
