About the Author
Doug was born on April 28, 1958, in the Sudbury Memorial Hospital. Raised in Azilda, Ontario, Doug attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School and then Chelmsford Valley District Composite High School (CVDCS) and Sudbury Secondary School where he graduated from Grade 13 in 1977. He attended Cambrian College with the intention of studying Business Administration, but after a year he decided it was not what he wanted to do.
In fact, he had already been following his dream of working in the world of broadcast radio. Like so many who wanted to get that proverbial foot in the door, Doug got his opportunity when he was hired as an operator at CKSO FM. What started in June of 1975 was supposed to be only a temporary summer job replacement, but turned into a permanent part-time arrangement for the next five years! In addition to his undying interest to be on the air, he also had a passion for the production end of radio and seized any opportunity to “experiment” in the production studio. By 1976 Doug was also operating in the AM department. Towards the later part of the 1970s CKSO AM and CIGM FM were preparing to become disaffiliated with the CBC Radio Network. This meant that more local programming would be required and that’s when Doug got his chance to do some over-night on-air hosting on AM and some fill-in from time to time on FM.
In 1979, Doug went to CFGO AM in Ottawa for a short stint in the radio production department but missed the on-air work and returned to CKSO for a few months before working full-time, hosting mid-days in Parry Sound, Ontario at what was then CFBQ AM. Doug next went to CFOR AM in Orillia to handle a variety of shifts in 1982 but returned before the end of that year to open a record retail store in Parry Sound. Doug also kept busy with a mobile disc jockey business established in 1977 and in operation for over 16 years. After selling the store and trying a hand at newspaper advertising sales, it was 1989 when Doug was back at the Parry Sound station, now CKLP FM, with a much greater audience, reaching most of Muskoka, East and West Parry Sound and Georgian Bay. Hosting various time slots and handling some sales, Doug eventually became a permanent morning host for a span of four years before resigning in December of 1996.
Doug went on to write software, handle computer consulting, with CKLP FM as one of his clients and did freelance voice tracking all under the banner of McCann Concept Developments. Eventually Doug and a business partner and relative, David Witt, launched Cambrian Hosting in 2001, an Internet company that provided hosting, web design, e-commerce and related services. The two companies would become known as McCann & Cambrian E-Media Services. In 2011 the company sold its clientele and web related services to a local tech firm. McCann & Cambrian retained its company name and continued in the field of audio and visual production. Under its brand, AirFlight Creative, broadcast radio production services were and continue to be provided.
One of Doug’s favourite passions was his involvement with Big Brothers in Parry Sound for over 20 years. He served in several capacities including President of the local organization. Most rewarding was spending time as a Big Brother!
In the spring of 2019, Doug launched his own Internet radio station, Parry Sound Eastern Shores Online Radio, ParrySoundRadio.com. Streaming 24/7 the station is geared to baby boomers and provides a variety of programming including adult contemporary, Christian contemporary music, modern country and oldies.
Married in April of 1998, Doug and his wife Josey reside in Parry Sound, Ontario. Doug is serving his third term as Councillor for the Town of Parry Sound.