Phil Donahue, Legendary Talk Show Host Fired by MSNBC for Airing Antiwar Views, Dies at 88

[Uncle Joe]

The pioneering TV host Phil Donahue, who revolutionized daytime television by tackling major social and political issues in front of a studio audience, has died at the age of 88. The Phil Donahue Show_, later renamed _Donahue_, ran from the 1960s through to 1996, and the affable host won 20 Emmy Awards and received a Peabody Award throughout his career. In 2003, Donahue was fired from his primetime MSNBC talk show for airing antiwar voices during the run-up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq, when most of the corporate media was cheerleading the Bush administration's drive for war. Donahue spoke with _Democracy Now! about his firing in 2013, describing it as a decision "from far above" in the network. "They were terrified of the antiwar voice," he said. Donahue is survived by his wife Marlo Thomas, his four children and his grandchildren.

Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs on over 1,500 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream at democracynow.org Mondays to Fridays 8-9 a.m. ET.

[GoreWon2000]

1. Donahue supported Nader in 2000...

as did the people at Democracy Now. Sorry Donahue has passed.

[FakeNoose]

2. Oh my I'm sorry to hear this

I loved Phil Donohue's show, when I was able to watch. He was unafraid to interview liberal Democratic candidates and discuss liberal issues.

Rest In Peace, Phil Donohue.

[Oopsie Daisy]

3. I remember that he and that Russian TV presenter, Vladimir Pozner, were very chummy.

During the Cold War era, Pozner was known for presenting the Soviet perspective on international affairs, which often aligned with the Soviet government's positions. He was a prolific defender of Soviet communism and policies. His proficiency in English (and his American accent) allowed him to present a friendly and seemingly nuanced approach to political issues while continuing to defend certain policies of the Soviet government and the KGB.

I never trusted him.

[Uncle Joe]

4. So, are you that suggesting that Phil Donahue was a secret commie? n/t

[Oopsie Daisy]

5. LOL! That cracks me up! How do you figure that?