Dickson: My tribute to Doug Wright
Jun 30, 2023, 4:15 PM | Updated: Jan 11, 2024, 12:19 pm
(Photo: Amanda Dickson)
(Photo: Amanda Dickson)
SALT LAKE CITY — Today was the last Movie Show for Doug Wright on KSL NewsRadio.
Tim Hughes and I had a chance to chat with him this morning before he went on the air. We reminisced, had a hug and wished him well.
My heart has been aching since he left the booth. I have spent the last 33 years in the company of this extraordinary man. I met him in 1989 when I interviewed for the weekend host position at KSL. The program director at the time was introducing me to several people in the newsroom, and Doug said something warm and funny like, “Don’t let these guys scare you away.”
“Let me know if I can help”
He would extend his generous spirit to me (and everyone he worked with) repeatedly over the years.
“Let me know if I can help,” was a common refrain from Doug.
I remember the first time I filled in for him on his talk show, I couldn’t sleep the night before. I was so scared. How could I formulate my thoughts like Doug?
It took some maturity to realize that I shouldn’t try.
Doug and I have done 30-plus fundraising events for Primary Children’s Hospital together, emceed events and welcomed crowds at LaVell Edwards Stadium before BYU football games. We’ve hung out with Santa, celebrities and the most wonderful people of all — KSL’s listeners.
We’ve comforted each other in times of sorrow, encouraged each other in times of frustration and laughed together at celebrations of every variety.
Scott Seeger, Amanda Dickson and Doug Wright at a celebrity dinner for Primary Children’s Hospital, circa 1998
Doug Wright, Amanda Dickson and Santa at holiday celebration at The Gateway, circa 2002
“Step into my office”
When Doug used to pop in every morning to promote what was coming up on his show, we would occasionally greet him with, “Step into my office.”
We would laugh, at the world and ourselves, and quickly realize all was well.
When I was hired at KSL in 1990, Doug was already an icon to me and thousands of Utahns.
Now, 33 years later, he is simply one of the most important Utahns of our time.
He has spoken with world leaders, had an impact on legislation and been there at the pivotal moments of the last half-century.
He is the most trusted voice of my generation.
There is no way to thank someone who has given this much of their life to all of us. All we can do is say: We love you, Doug. May the road rise up to meet you as you travel the world.
