Doug MacKinnon 1968Doug MacKinnon started in radio as an engineer for KIOA in 1953. His father-in-law, Lyle Nolan was one of the people who built KIOA in 1948. Lyle was chief engineer of the station for many years.
Lyle Nolan in 5th and Park studioDoug helped his brother Don get into the business and Don became one of the most famous DJs of all time. See Don MacKinnon profile.
Doug was quite an entertainer himself and went on the air as a combination announcer/engineer from the KIOA transmitter at Swan, Iowa (near Hartford) doing the all night show. Doug took some liberties and had a very comical program that many a teen stayed up at night to hear. He did a number of voices and the element of the unexpected was always present on his shows.
Later, Doug did various shifts on KIOA, including morning drive. He left KIOA in the mid-60s. He also worked for KWKY, KJJY and for KRNT doing afternoon drive in the late 80's. Doug also worked in a number of other markets including Indianapolis, the Twin Cities and Denver.
Doug is retired and lives in Des Moines in the Beaverdale neighborhood.
In the fall of 2000, Doug was guest host for Dic Youngs on the KIOA Original Saturday Night Oldies Show while Youngsy was out with an illness. We have some highlights from that night. Doug made some comments that evening that will give you more insight into his career.
Doug MacKinnon on KIOA - fall of 2000
Doug MacKinnon on WYOO Minneapolis/St. Paul 1973 courtesy of Rick Burnett www.TwinCitiesRadioAirchecks.com
Dec 7 06
Over Labor Day weekend, 2003, Doug was inducted into the Iowa Rock N Roll Hall of Fame at Arnolds Park
Doug accepting his award - Sept 2003History of KIOA in pictures and sound
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Doug MacKinnon Pictures