Introduction to Dennis McDougal
Dennis McDougal was a brilliant journalist and book author who recently passed away in a tragic car accident. He was known for his brash, witty, charming, and talented reporting style, which earned him a reputation as one of the best in the business. In this article, we will celebrate his life and career, and remember his contributions to the world of journalism.
A Personal Tribute
Columnist Rich Archbold knew McDougal as his managing editor and remembers one day in 1980 when Dennis, who was answering phones on the city desk, got a call from his wife, asking him to tell Archbold that she was about to go to the hospital to deliver their second daughter. Dennis yelled, "Hey, Archbold! You’d better get to Memorial if you want to see your next kid come into this world!" This anecdote captures the essence of McDougal’s personality and style.
A Life of Journalism
Dennis McDougal was the author of 14 books, ranging from true crime stories to serious biographies of notable figures such as Bob Dylan, Jack Nicholson, and Los Angeles Times publisher Otis Chandler. He was an accomplished journalist who covered Hollywood for the Times and the O.J. Simpson trial for CNN. His writing style was distinctive, often funny, and sometimes over-the-top, but seldom relying on journalistic cliches.
Memories of a Golden Time
Dorothy Korber, a former Press-Telegram reporter, worked with McDougal in the Long Beach Press-Telegram newsroom. She remembers a golden time more than 40 years ago, when a cadre of irreverent young reporters worked together, forging friendships that lasted nearly a half-century. McDougal stood out in the newsroom, with his brash, witty, brilliant, irreverent, skeptical, and charming personality.
A Gift for Cherishing People
McDougal had a singular gift for cherishing and nurturing the people he cared about. He was a loyal friend and colleague, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear. His friends and colleagues remember him as a kind and empathetic person, who could be tough when necessary, but always showed respect and understanding.
A Legacy of Journalism
Dennis McDougal’s legacy in journalism is undeniable. He was a talented reporter and author who left an indelible mark on the industry. His friends and colleagues will remember him for his wit, wisdom, and generosity of spirit. To sample some of his writing, visit his blog at dennismcdougal.com. To contribute to a journalism scholarship in his name, go to the GoFundMe link https://gofund.me/bGdeb2f9.
Conclusion
Dennis McDougal was a brilliant journalist and author who left an indelible mark on the world of journalism. His legacy will be remembered for years to come, and his contributions to the industry will continue to inspire and educate future generations of journalists. We will miss his wit, wisdom, and generosity of spirit, but his memory will live on through his writing and the countless lives he touched.
FAQs
Q: What was Dennis McDougal’s profession?
A: Dennis McDougal was a journalist and author.
Q: How many books did Dennis McDougal write?
A: Dennis McDougal wrote 14 books.
Q: What was the name of the newsroom where Dennis McDougal worked?
A: The Long Beach Press-Telegram newsroom.
Q: How can I contribute to a journalism scholarship in Dennis McDougal’s name?
A: You can contribute to a journalism scholarship in Dennis McDougal’s name by visiting the GoFundMe link https://gofund.me/bGdeb2f9.
Q: Where can I find samples of Dennis McDougal’s writing?
A: You can find samples of Dennis McDougal’s writing on his blog at dennismcdougal.com.
