Hubbry Logo
Doug McConnellDoug McConnellMain
Open search
Doug McConnell
Community hub
Doug McConnell
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Doug McConnell
Doug McConnell
Doug McConnell
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Douglas Gene McConnell (April 30, 1945 – January 13, 2026) was an American television journalist who focused on environmental issues, with programs on the air continuously from 1982.[1] He created, produced and hosted many series, special programs, and news projects for local, national and international distribution. His broadcast awards include multiple Emmys, an Iris, and a Gabriel.

Key Information

McConnell was co-founder and managing partner of ConvergenceMedia Productions (CMP) in Sausalito, California. One of CMP's principal products is OpenRoad with Doug McConnell, Exploring the West for Public Television nationally. OpenRoad on Public Television is closely linked to OpenRoad.tv, The Traveler's Video Guide to the West. McConnell was co-executive producer and managing editor for both ventures. McConnell also developed and oversaw other media projects undertaken by CMP.

From 1993 to 2009, McConnell was the host and senior editor of the Bay Area Backroads television series on KRON in the San Francisco Bay Area.[2] Bay Area Backroads was one of the longest-running regional television series in American broadcast history, and was consistently the highest-rated locally produced, non-news program in the nation's sixth-largest market. During his Backroads years, McConnell co-authored two best-selling travel publications for Chronicle Books.

Life and career

[edit]

McConnell was born in Santa Monica on April 30, 1945.[3][4] He received a bachelor's degree in government from Pomona College (1967), and a master's degree in political science from the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University (1968).

From 1983, McConnell lived in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, two children, and a bevy of pets. He maintained a schedule of community activities, including serving on the advisory board of the local environmental watchdog San Francisco Baykeeper, and was honored by the Marin Humane Society as "Humanitarian of the Year," by the San Francisco Bay Trail Project as "Volunteer of the Year," by California State Parks as "Honorary Ranger of the Year," and by the National Park Service as "Honorary National Park Ranger." McConnell received many regional Emmys and other broadcast awards during his long career in television. In addition, McConnell was given the Harold Gilliam Award for environmental reporting and storytelling in Northern California.

Beyond his television work, McConnell managed significant communications programs for the President's Commission on Coal, the Governor of Alaska, the University of Alaska, the Institute of Ecology, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, among many other institutions.

One of McConnell's later ventures was the creation of an online travel community called "OpenRoad.tv – The Traveler's Video Guide to the American West". OpenRoad.tv will be stocked with all the video, imagery and information that McConnell compiled over the years and continued to collect.

McConnell died in San Geronimo on January 13, 2026, at the age of 80. He had been struggling with health complications stemming from a stroke he suffered in 2023.[4][5][6]

Television programs

[edit]

OpenRoad with Doug McConnell, Exploring the West

[edit]

OpenRoad with Doug McConnell, Exploring the West began on San Francisco Public Television station KQED and its sister station in San Jose, KTEH, in April 2009.[7]

Bay Area Backroads

[edit]

The Bay Area Backroads program aired for 23 years in the San Francisco Bay Area, from 1985 until 2008.[8][9]

In 1985, Jerry Graham (born Gerald Granowsky in Indianapolis)[10] a former TV announcer, WNEW-FM employee,[11] WGRG co-owner,[12] KSAN general manager (1975–1977),[9] and KPIX "Pacific Currents" show host,[13] was cast by Bob Klein, KRON Executive Producer, who developed the travel show for locals, as "Bay Area Backroads".[9][14] Its first segment profiled, by Jerry Graham, a local eccentric who carved tiki statues in his front yard. At age 60, Graham retired and moved to Santa Cruz.[9][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]

In 1993, McConnell was hired to complete the 1993 season after Graham's retirement, and remained as host for 15 years, until 2008.[8][22] The show's theme was to highlight offbeat individuals from the Bay Area, creating the impression that the production crew was simply encountering them on a recreational driving tour (when in fact, there was a small research team that had planned every show).[8]

  • Graham, Jerry (1990). Jerry Graham's Bay Area backroads (1st, rev. and updated ed.). New York: Perennial Library. ISBN 9780060964702.
  • Graham, Jerry (1994). Jerry Graham's complete Bay Area backroads (1st ed.). New York, NY: HarperPerennial. ISBN 978-0-06-273238-5.
  • McConnell, Doug (1999). Bay Area back roads (1st ed.). San Francisco: Chronicle Books. ISBN 9780811820912.

Other programs

[edit]

In addition to Bay Area Backroads, McConnell's television programs included:

  • Mac and Mutley, producer and host, KPIX-TV, Discovery Channel USA, Discovery International, and Westinghouse International[23]
  • The Adventurers, host, Discovery USA and Discovery International
  • Wild Things, host, Discovery USA
  • Wild Guide, narrator, Westinghouse International and Discovery's Animal Planet Channel
  • Petline, co-host, Discovery's Animal Planet Channel
  • Preview Vacation Bargains, co-host, NBC stations in eight cities
  • Pacific Currents, producer and host, KPIX-TV
  • KING 5 Magazine, producer and reporter, KING-TV in Seattle

McConnell's national specials and mini-series include:

  • Discoveries of a Lost Voyage, co-host, Discovery USA
  • Secrets of Alcatraz, producer and host, Discovery USA
  • Secrets of Alcatraz: Return to the Rock, producer and host, PBS
  • Secrets of the Gold Rush, producer and host, PBS
  • Secrets of the Wine Country, producer and host, PBS
  • Big Cat Tales, host, Discovery USA
  • Prime Time Primates, host, Discovery USA
  • The Crusaders, Pilot, producer and reporter, Buena Vista Television

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Doug McConnell

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Douglas Gene McConnell (1945–2026) was an American television , , and host specializing in environmental, outdoor, and cultural topics, with over five decades of experience focused on California's natural landscapes and . McConnell created and hosted Bay Area Backroads, a series that aired from 1981 to 2007 and remains one of the longest-running regional television programs in U.S. broadcast history, earning multiple for its exploration of the Bay Area's hidden gems, trails, and conservation efforts. He also produced and hosted OpenRoad with Doug McConnell from 2009 until his death, continuing his work on platforms like NBC Bay Area to promote , open spaces, and . Additional programs included Petline on , where he educated viewers on animal care, and hosting events like Pet Pride Day in San Francisco's . Among his notable achievements, McConnell received the Harold Gilliam Award for environmental reporting, honorary ranger status from the National and systems, and recognition as Volunteer of the Year by the San Francisco Bay Trail Project and Humanitarian of the Year by the Marin . A fourth-generation Californian raised in both Northern and Southern parts of the state, he held degrees from and and operated the Digital Story Company in Mill Valley while residing in Marin County.

Early Career

Entry into Television (1982–1992)

McConnell's entry into television occurred in , where he wrote, produced, and hosted radio and television programs from 1979 to 1982 as part of the University of Alaska's Arctic Environmental Information and Technology project, emphasizing and Arctic issues. These early efforts marked his initial on-air presence, building on prior experience in and broadcasting, though specific episode counts or viewership data from this period remain undocumented in available records. After concluding his Alaska work in 1982, McConnell briefly contributed to a television in , though details on the program's name, duration, or specific contributions are limited. In 1983, he relocated to the and joined , remaining there through 1992. At KPIX, McConnell hosted and produced Mac and Mutley, a series centered on human-animal bonds, featuring his two dogs as co-hosts and covering topics such as interactions and stories; the program also aired on the domestically and internationally. Episodes included segments on sea mammals and reached a 100th installment milestone, reflecting sustained local popularity during the late 1980s. This role established McConnell's on-camera style, blending personal narrative with exploratory reporting, prior to his later regional travel series.

Initial Bay Area Roles (1983–1992)

McConnell relocated to the in 1983 and began working in local television at , a affiliate. There, he hosted and produced Mac and Mutley, a series centered on adventures with his dog , often exploring animal-related topics such as mammals and encounters. The program aired primarily in the 1980s on and was syndicated to the in the United States and internationally, as well as Westinghouse. Mac and Mutley emphasized light-hearted, educational content about pets and nature, with episodes covering destinations like and featuring special segments on . McConnell's role as on-camera host allowed him to develop a style of engaging, exploratory that would later define his career. During this period, he also contributed to various news reports and specials on commercial television, building experience in production and on-location reporting. These early efforts at KPIX established McConnell's reputation in Bay Area before transitioning to more prominent regional series in the . The show's focus on accessible, family-oriented animal adventures reflected the era's interest in lifestyle programming amid growing environmental awareness in media.

Major Television Programs

Bay Area Backroads (1993–2009)

Bay Area Backroads premiered in 1985 on KRON Television, initially hosted by Jerry Graham until 1993, after which Doug McConnell assumed the roles of host and senior editor from 1993 to 2009. Under McConnell's direction, the half-hour series evolved into a staple of regional programming, renowned for its in-depth explorations of the 's overlooked locales, including rural roads, historical landmarks, natural preserves, and cultural sites. Episodes typically followed McConnell on field expeditions, blending on-location narration with interviews featuring local experts, historians, and conservationists to uncover stories of , indigenous heritage, and untamed landscapes. The format prioritized authentic discovery over scripted spectacle, often venturing into parks, trails, and emerging protected areas to spotlight and land preservation efforts. Over McConnell's 15-year tenure, the show contributed significantly to its cumulative output of approximately 700 episodes across 23 years, earning acclaim for fostering viewer engagement with the region's ecological and historical diversity. The series garnered multiple , an Iris Award, and a Gabriel Award for excellence in local and storytelling. Production halted in 2008 following the withdrawal of lead sponsor and KRON's economic pressures from broadcasting industry shifts, resulting in a formal hiatus with reruns continuing thereafter. McConnell expressed optimism about the franchise's enduring appeal, noting untapped narratives in the Bay Area's evolving terrain.

OpenRoad with Doug McConnell (2009–present)

OpenRoad with Doug McConnell debuted in 2009 on , reimagining the exploratory format of McConnell's prior series Bay Area Backroads after its production hiatus on . Hosted and produced by McConnell, the program shifted to NBC's local affiliate to continue documenting California's landscapes, , and communities through on-location filming. Episodes, typically 30 minutes in length, feature McConnell traveling with environmental experts, historians, or local guides—often billed as "friends"—to accessible sites emphasizing , conservation achievements, and cultural narratives. The series prioritizes destinations, including parks, trails, and restoration initiatives, such as the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's preserves and Santa Clara County Parks' milestones, while occasionally extending to broader Western locales like or Washington's . This approach highlights practical adventures, like trail improvements and wildlife viewing, grounded in direct observation rather than abstract advocacy. By 2025, OpenRoad had entered its sixteenth season on Bay Area, with new episodes airing weekly, including coverage of Bay Area water trails and habitats like the Santa Cruz kangaroo rat. The show maintains a companion website, OpenRoad.TV, functioning as a video to Western destinations, where McConnell contributes as co-executive and managing editor. Production emphasizes verifiable site-specific details, such as restorations and historical contexts, fostering viewer engagement with empirical exploration over interpretive framing.

Other Series and Specials

In addition to his primary travel series, McConnell produced and hosted Mac and Mutley on during the 1980s and 1990s, with episodes syndicated internationally on the and . The program featured exploratory segments on and , including episodes such as "Sea Mammals" and a 100th episode special, often incorporating adventurous outings that aligned with McConnell's interest in environmental storytelling. McConnell also hosted Pet Pride Day, an annual live event in San Francisco's focused on , , and community engagement with animals, which he emceed for multiple years including in 2002. Earlier in his career at KPIX, McConnell contributed to various news specials and reports, though specific titles beyond Mac and Mutley remain less documented in public records. These efforts preceded his shift to travel-focused programming and emphasized local Bay Area stories with an environmental bent.

Environmental Journalism and Advocacy

Core Themes in Coverage

McConnell's environmental coverage emphasizes the exploration and appreciation of Northern California's diverse landscapes, including coastal regions, redwood forests, and inland preserves, often highlighting their ecological significance and accessibility for public recreation. In programs like Bay Area Backroads and OpenRoad, episodes frequently showcase protected open spaces managed by entities such as the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, underscoring the value of land preservation for and connectivity. For instance, segments on wetland restoration projects and wildlife s, such as those involving California's native freshwater turtles and kangaroo rats, illustrate ongoing efforts to restore and protect amid urban encroachment. A recurrent theme is the promotion of conservation successes, including newly acquired protected lands and systems that enhance access to while preventing development pressures. McConnell's reporting often profiles partnerships between agencies and nonprofits, as seen in coverage of Measure AA-funded initiatives for conservation and large-scale projects like the largest restoration on the West Coast. These narratives frame conservation not merely as restriction but as active stewardship that yields measurable ecological benefits, such as improved in areas like Marsh Creek connecting to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Educational outreach forms another pillar, with episodes integrating lessons, indigenous cultural ties to the land, and practical guidance on sustainable outdoor activities to foster viewer . McConnell has addressed programs that connect urban populations to rural ecosystems, emphasizing "healthy parks, healthy people" principles linking exposure to physical and mental . Contemporary challenges like receive focused attention, including adaptations to sea-level rise—such as innovative shoreline solutions at Hayward—and the resilience of redwood ecosystems amid shifting conditions. Coverage extends to broader restoration efforts, like river rebirth projects on the , highlighting scalable strategies for landscape preservation against environmental stressors. This thematic consistency across over three decades positions McConnell's work as a chronicle of regional environmental progress grounded in on-site reporting and expert interviews.

Educational and Exploratory Impact

McConnell's programs, including Bay Area Backroads (1993–2009) and OpenRoad with Doug McConnell (2009–present), have advanced by documenting initiatives that teach audiences about local , restoration, and sustainable practices in parks and open spaces. Episodes frequently showcase hands-on programs operated by regional agencies, emphasizing species recovery successes and the role of community organizations in . This coverage extends to broader topics like , drawing on on-site reporting from protected lands to illustrate real-world conservation strategies employed by land trusts and public entities. By spotlighting lesser-known ecological features and human efforts to preserve them, McConnell's storytelling fosters public appreciation for open spaces, as seen in features on trails, wetlands, and forested preserves managed by districts like the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. His work encourages viewers to connect personally with nature, aligning with his longstanding passions for environmental advocacy and that highlight both natural beauty and anthropogenic threats, such as noise pollution's effects on documented through expert consultations. The exploratory dimension of McConnell's contributions lies in motivating active outdoor engagement, with programs guiding audiences toward undervisited sites like regional trails and historic preserves, thereby promoting discovery of the Bay Area's geographical and cultural diversity. This has amplified support for volunteer-driven conservation, including recommendations for participation in groups focused on park maintenance and land acquisition, ultimately enhancing collective responsibility for environmental preservation.

Balanced Perspectives on Conservation

McConnell's environmental journalism emphasizes practical, evidence-based conservation successes, such as the protection of over 70,000 acres through initiatives like Measure AA in the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, which funds restoration for including California's native freshwater and bats. His episodes highlight collaborative partnerships among land trusts, government agencies, and private landowners, as seen in features on Sonoma Land Trust's efforts to preserve open spaces amid urban pressures, integrating ecological preservation with public access for and . This approach underscores causal links between targeted interventions—like trail development and removal—and measurable outcomes, such as enhanced in areas like Coyote Ridge, without relying on hyperbolic narratives. In addressing challenges like climate change, McConnell maintains an optimistic frame grounded in verifiable adaptations, such as redwood forest resilience projects documented in collaboration with Sempervirens Fund, where he explores how preserved habitats buffer against environmental stressors through data on carbon sequestration and species migration patterns. He counters pervasive pessimism in broader media by attributing progress to human agency, citing examples like the restoration of wetlands and rivers, which demonstrate empirical improvements in water quality and wildlife populations over decades of stewardship. This perspective privileges local, incremental gains—e.g., Santa Clara County Parks' milestones in habitat connectivity—over abstract global doomsday projections, fostering public engagement through storytelling that connects viewers to tangible impacts. McConnell's work avoids ideological polarization by incorporating diverse stakeholders' viewpoints, including those of scientists, volunteers, and policymakers, as in segments on ' landscape-scale partnerships that balance preservation with sustainable use. For instance, his coverage of Save Mount Diablo's land acquisitions illustrates how conservation resolves tensions between development and open space through voluntary easements and community buy-in, yielding over 1,000 protected acres since the 1970s without coercive measures. This method reflects a commitment to causal realism, where outcomes are evaluated by on-the-ground results rather than partisan advocacy, as evidenced by his long-term documentation of recoveries and trail expansions that enhance both ecological health and human well-being.

Recognition and Legacy

Industry Awards

McConnell has earned multiple from the of Television Arts and Sciences San Francisco/Northern California Chapter for his work in local television and production. These regional honors recognize outstanding achievements in programming such as Bay Area Backroads and related environmental reporting segments. In addition to the Emmys, his broadcasts have received an Iris Award and a Gabriel Award, the latter typically bestowed for programming demonstrating ethical journalism or positive human values. These accolades highlight the impact of his storytelling on environmental and exploratory themes across decades of on-air work. McConnell was also awarded the Harold Gilliam Prize for environmental reporting in Northern California, named after the pioneering columnist and recognizing sustained contributions to public understanding of regional ecological issues through media. This award underscores his focus on factual, on-location coverage rather than advocacy-driven narratives.

Broader Influence on Public Awareness

McConnell's long-running television series, including Bay Area Backroads (1993–2009) and OpenRoad with Doug McConnell (2009–present), have documented California's open spaces, historical sites, and conservation challenges, thereby educating Bay Area audiences on the importance of . By profiling land preservation efforts, hotspots, and the individuals involved in habitat protection, these programs have highlighted threats such as urban encroachment and climate impacts while showcasing successful restoration projects, prompting viewers to value and support local ecosystems. His media contributions earned the 2024 Mountain Star Media Award from Save Mount Diablo, which specifically honors significant advancements in public awareness of the organization's conservation work and the mountain's ecological significance. Similarly, the Harold Gilliam Award for environmental reporting acknowledges his role in disseminating factual insights on Northern California's natural resources, countering with on-location reporting that emphasizes verifiable ecological over alarmist narratives. These recognitions reflect how McConnell's storytelling has influenced public engagement, as seen in his designation as Volunteer of the Year by the San Francisco Bay Trail Project for promoting trail access and habitat connectivity. Beyond awards, McConnell's four-decade career has amplified lesser-known conservation narratives, such as redwood preservation and restorations, fostering causal understanding of how individual actions contribute to broader landscape-scale outcomes. Organizations like Sempervirens Fund credit his episodes with seminal coverage that has sustained in trusts and anti-development initiatives, evidenced by ongoing partnerships and episode features on their platforms. This sustained exposure has arguably cultivated a regional culture of proactive , distinct from institutionalized prone to ideological skew, by grounding awareness in direct of terrain, species, and human interventions.

Personal Life

Background and Family

Douglas Gene McConnell was born in , in 1945. As a fourth-generation Californian, he grew up in and the Central Valley, with family road trips instilling an early appreciation for exploring California's landscapes. McConnell relocated to Marin County, settling in Corte Madera, where he has lived with his family since the mid-1980s. He is married to Kathy Taft and together they raised two sons amid a household that included dogs, cats, goldfish, and other animals. The family's routine often involved outdoor activities, such as walks with their dogs along local trails.

Interests and Residence

McConnell resides in , an area known for its natural beauty and proximity to preserved open spaces that align with his professional and personal pursuits. He frequently engages in local outdoor activities, such as walking trails like Corte Madera Ridge with his dogs, underscoring his attachment to the region's landscapes. His personal interests center on , , and adventure, stemming from his identity as a fourth-generation Californian who has extensively explored the state's diverse terrains. McConnell maintains a with various animals, including dogs and cats, reflecting a longstanding affinity for and pets that extends beyond his on-air environmental reporting. These pursuits complement his broadcasting career by fostering a hands-on appreciation for conservation and ecological in everyday life.

References

  1. https://localgetaways.com/california/king-of-the-road-bay-area-backroads-doug-mcconnell/
  2. https://marinmagazine.com/people/coversation-with-doug-mcconnell/
  3. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/doug-mcconnell-openroad-host-dies/4014189/
  4. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/openroad/bio-doug-mcconnell/76862/
  5. https://alaskaconservation.org/2011/07/doug-mcconnell-volunteer-extraordinaire/
  6. https://emmysf.tv/circles/silver-circle-members-a-m/mcconnell-doug/
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmfZxtRT29k
  8. https://sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Bay-Area-Backroads-on-production-hiatus-3197989.php
  9. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Bay-Area-Backroads-on-production-hiatus-3197989.php
  10. https://www.openspace.org/50-years/open-stories
  11. https://marinmagazine.com/people/doug-mcconnell/
  12. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/bay-area-backroads-on-production-hiatus-3197989.php
  13. https://baynature.org/article/meet-doug-mcconnell/
  14. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/openroad/
  15. https://sempervirens.org/news/openroad-with-doug-mcconnell-nbc-bay-area-tv-series/
  16. https://peopleinparks.org/death-valley-openroad-episode.html
  17. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/video/news/local/openroad/video-open-road-bay-water-trail/3884560/
  18. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/video/news/local/openroad/watch-openroad-episode-106-2/3930760/
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpNSPH1PyTQ
  20. https://abc7news.com/archive/6557004/
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3qTSrH84h0
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gexg_eTpso
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cchNZFMHViQ
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3K684Yl7kA
  25. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/openroad/iver-reborn-olympic-peninsula/3930281/
  26. https://co-co.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Developing-Landcape-Scale-Partnerships_TLC-Case-Study2.pdf
  27. https://savemountdiablo.org/blog/save-mount-diablos-annual-report-2020-2021/
  28. https://www.vagablond.com/blog/see-the-best-in-the-west-the-call-of-the-open-road/
  29. https://www.dougsroadtorecovery.com/
  30. https://savemountdiablo.org/about/our-history/the-mountain-star-award/
  31. https://sempervirens.org/learn/under-the-redwoods/paged-2/5/
  32. https://www.sfchronicle.com/tv/article/Doug-McConnell-of-Bay-Area-Backroads-back-on-6231108.php
  33. https://www.mymarinhealth.org/about-us/your-healing-place/healing-stories/doug-mcconnell-a-stroke-of-luck/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.