DougalStevenson
- Newsreader
When television's nightly news finally went nationwide in 1969, newsreader Dougal Stevenson was the person chosen to read the very first bulletin. Six years later, Stevenson and Bill McCarthy were given alternating command of Television One's 6.30 news slot. These days the beloved broadcaster, occasional actor and car fan presents regional show Dunedin Diary, back in the town where his TV career first began in 1964.
Biography
Dougal Stevenson was one of the first newsreaders to become a household name across New Zealand.
When local newscasting went from regional stations to a nationwide bulletin in 1969, Dougal Stevenson was one of three names who delivered the day’s events via the primetime news. Alongside Philip Sherry and Bill Toft, he was one of the authoritative voices that kept New Zealanders in touch with the world’s goings on. As Stevenson puts it: “When we read the news, that's exactly what it was — it didn’t masquerade as anything else."
Screenography
Awards
2012 Queen's Service Medal
For Services to Broadcasting
1976 Feltex Television Awards (New Zealand)
Best Personality (shared with John Clarke)
“His voice is still authoritative. If there is an end-of-the-world broadcast kept in readiness for the final moments on Earth, I hope TVNZ has chosen Dougal to announce it.”