How Phil Donahue accidentally made broadcast history in Dayton

Talk show host Phil Donahue started his television career in Dayton.

Here are 3 things to know about the television pioneer:

1. Magazine want ad. Donahue answered an ad for a job in a magazine and wound up in the news department at WHIO. He later made a move to WLWD-TV (now WDTN) in 1967.

» READ THE ENTIRE STORY: How Phil Donahue used Dayton audiences to pioneer the daytime talk show

2. Format an accident. The live audience format for the show happened by accident. An audience mistakenly showed up at the studios for a show that had been cancelled. The decision was made to let them in to watch Donahue's interview.

3. Appearing in the Gem City. Countless newsmakers and celebrities came to Dayton to appear on the show. They included Johnny Carson, Lucille Ball, Jane Fonda and Gloria Steinem.

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