Robert Dougall

Robert Neill Dougall MBE (27 November 1913 – 18 December 1999) was a distinguished English broadcaster and ornithologist, best recognized for his role as a newsreader and announcer. Dougall embarked on his professional journey at the BBC, initially working in the accounts department. His broadcasting career took off in 1934 when he became a radio announcer for the BBC Empire Service. During the early years of the Second World War, he reported for the network before leaving in 1942 to serve in the Royal Naval Volunteer Service.

Following his military service, Dougall rejoined the BBC, contributing to the Far Eastern Service in Singapore before transitioning to the BBC Light Programme in London. In the 1950s, he made his mark in television as a prominent newsreader and continued to captivate audiences until his retirement in December 1973.

In addition to his broadcasting achievements, Dougall was a passionate advocate for bird conservation, serving as president of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) from 1970 to 1975. Under his leadership, the organization experienced remarkable growth, with membership soaring from 50,000 to 250,000. In recognition of his contributions to broadcasting and conservation, Dougall was honored with the title Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) during the 1965 Birthday Honours.