Radio Talk Show Star Doug McIntyre '79 Named Outstanding Alumnus

March 29, 2010

Radio talk show host, columnist, screen writer, producer and director Doug McIntyre '79 was honored with the College's Outstanding Alumnus Award on Saturday, March 27.

The host of the nationally syndicated news talk radio show Red Eye Radio as well as McIntyre in the Morning on WABC radio in New York, McIntyre is a Page One Columnist for the Los Angeles Daily News.

In presenting the Outstanding Alumni Award to McIntyre, Stonehill President Rev. Mark Cregan, C.S.C. '78 said: "Those looking for proof of the power of a liberal arts education at Stonehill need look no further than you. A quintessential Renaissance man, you are actor and author, pundit and producer, host and historian. Forging a successful career in the world of entertainment, you are not content to achieve merely in one area, as you have accomplished much across many different disciplines."

Associate Professor of Communication Rev. James Chichetto, C.S.C. '64 gave the invocation at the event, noting that McIntyre "echoes the best songs and aspirations of the human spirit in his work, as if some angel of midnight or heavenly comic talks with him until daybreak! Tonight, indeed, we wish to honor him and outline his profile of talent and genius."

McIntyre was joined by his wife Penny Peyser, who is an actress, writer, and producer, as well as his brother Jeff and numerous classmates at the event.

In his acceptance remarks, which were laced with his trademark humor, he spoke about the "deep personal affection" that he has for Stonehill and about the lifelong bonds of friendship that he made while at the College.

"We were part of something bigger than ourselves and my Stonehill friends remain part of my life, even when we do not see other for a while, once we reconnect we pick up right where we left off," he said.

In a touching moment, McIntyre also recognized the loss of several classmates, including Timothy Coughlin who was killed in the September 11th attacks in New York. He noted how the "spirit" of those college friends remains with him and with the members of the Class of 1979.

During the ceremony, President Cregan announced the establishment of an Internship in Los Angeles program, which will give Stonehill students the option of learning more about the production and business sides of the entertainment industry.

With his contacts in television and radio, McIntyre is helping the College with this initiative, which has also benefited from the support of the College's Director of Media and Videographic Services Michael Pietrowski who also has many ties to the industry. Fr. Cregan reported that four Stonehill students are set to participate in the program later this year.

This past fall, McIntyre in the Morning moved from KABC in Los Angeles to WABC in New York. Red Eye Radio was resurrected last month after a five year absence when McIntyre took over the morning spot on KABC radio. The overnight show can now be heard in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Portland, and many other cities.

Year after year, McIntyre has been selected by his peers as one of the "most popular" and "most admired hosts" in the annual LARadio.com poll. He was also named one of 50 Top Radio Hosts in America by Talkers Magazine.

Also a television screenwriter and producer, McIntyre has written for several hit series, including the critically acclaimed PBS series Liberty's Kids, which earned him a Humanitas Prize nomination for excellence in television writing, Married... with Children, WKRP in Cincinnati, Mike Hammer-Private Eye, and Full House.

McIntyre is a frequent guest on CNN's Lou Dobbs Tonight, HBO's Real Time, as well as Fox News Channel's The O'Reilly Factor and Hannity & Colmes.

McIntyre and his wife Penny (pictured left), together, wrote, produced and directed the 2008 documentary film Trying to Get Good: The Jazz Odyssey of Jack Sheldon, the American bebop and West Coast jazz trumpeter, singer, and actor.

A New York advertising copywriter at the beginning of his career, McIntyre has written comedy for standup comics, including the legendary radio team, Bob & Ray.

A 1979 graduate of Stonehill, McIntyre majored in English. Active on campus, he served as student body president, worked for the College's radio station WSHL and acted with the Greasepaint Players and Stonehill theater. In 2004, Stonehill Alumni Magazine featured him on the cover of its summer issue in a story called "From the Hill to Hollywood."  

"Throughout his multi-talented career, which covers broadcasting, directing, writing and beyond, Doug has always expressed an abiding affection for the College. He is proud of his Stonehill education and has never been shy about sharing his success with his alma mater. Everything he has accomplished professionally has reflected well on the College. We were delighted to welcome him back to campus for this Outstanding Alumnus Award," said Anne (Pollick) Sant '88, director of Alumni Affairs.

The recipients of the Outstanding Alumnus Award are honored by the Alumni Association because of their professional successes, which, in turn, have brought honor to Stonehill College. McIntyre was the 32nd graduate to be honored with the award.

Contact

For more information, contact Communications and Media Relations at 508-565-1321.