For more than four decades, Doug Krikorian stood as one of the most respected, colorful, and recognizable voices in Los Angeles sports journalism. From the press boxes of Dodger Stadium and Lakers courtside to radio studios across Southern California, his deep insight, wit, and unapologetic candor helped shape the region’s sports media identity.
Now, in 2025, as fans look back on the history of Southern California sports media, many are wondering: Is Doug Krikorian still alive? What is he doing now? In this detailed article, we provide the latest verified updates on Doug Krikorian’s life, contributions, legacy, and what makes him such an enduring figure in the sports world.
Is Doug Krikorian Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Doug Krikorian is alive as of May 2025. Though he is no longer active in daily sports writing, he remains a revered figure in the sports community, especially in Los Angeles. Known for his decades of work in both print and broadcast journalism, Krikorian is now enjoying a quieter life in retirement but still occasionally shares thoughts on sports events and memories from his career.
He continues to be honored by his peers and fans for the massive impact he made in shaping modern sports coverage in Southern California.
A Storied Career in Sports Journalism
Doug Krikorian began his professional journalism career after graduating from Fresno State College in the mid-1960s. He quickly made his way into the sports department at the now-defunct Los Angeles Herald Examiner, one of the largest and most influential newspapers on the West Coast at the time.
Krikorian spent 22 years with the Herald Examiner, covering major sports franchises like the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and significant boxing events both locally and nationally. He wasn’t just a reporter—he was a trusted and often provocative voice who brought unique color and perspective to every column.
Following the closure of the Herald Examiner, Krikorian transitioned to the Long Beach Press-Telegram, where he continued his sports writing career for another 22 years. His work there extended his reputation as a bold commentator with sharp opinions and entertaining takes.
Transition to Radio and Media Fame
Doug Krikorian wasn’t limited to the printed word. His second career blossomed in radio, particularly as the co-host of the “McDonnell-Douglas” show, a popular sports talk program that ran for nearly 13 years in Los Angeles.
Krikorian’s partnership with Joe McDonnell, another legendary sports journalist, made the show one of the most influential sports radio programs in the city. Together, they discussed everything from game outcomes and coaching decisions to behind-the-scenes controversies and athlete behavior—with a tone that was equal parts humorous, hard-hitting, and brutally honest.
The show’s unfiltered style, along with Krikorian’s fearlessness in challenging sports executives and even his own colleagues, helped build a fiercely loyal audience.
In addition to radio, Krikorian also appeared on local television sports panels and guest commentary shows, becoming a familiar face to fans who enjoyed his print work and were eager to hear more of his no-nonsense takes.
Authorship and Personal Storytelling
In 2013, Doug Krikorian published his memoir titled Between the Bylines: The Life, Love and Loss of Los Angeles’s Most Colorful Sports Journalist. The book blends professional anecdotes with a deeply personal narrative, offering readers an unfiltered look at both the sports world and Krikorian’s own life.
One of the most poignant sections of the memoir revolves around his late wife, Gillian, and the emotional toll her illness and passing took on him. Through his storytelling, Krikorian revealed a side of himself that was vulnerable and emotionally raw—contrasting with the often combative tone of his journalism career.
The memoir was well-received for its candor, humor, and heartfelt honesty, further solidifying Krikorian as a compelling voice both on and off the page.
Current Life and Recent Activities
Now in his 80s, Doug Krikorian lives in Naples, California, with his fiancée Kathy Drum, a former Olympic swimmer. Though retired from daily journalism, Krikorian occasionally contributes columns, participates in sports discussions, and attends community events when invited.
He is known to stay engaged with sports developments in Southern California, especially those involving the Lakers, Dodgers, and boxing—three areas he covered extensively during his career. While no longer a daily fixture in the media, his opinions and recollections still carry weight among fans and professionals alike.
Krikorian now enjoys a quieter, more personal lifestyle, spending time with loved ones and reflecting on a career that influenced generations of sports journalism.
Contributions and Lasting Legacy
Doug Krikorian’s contributions to sports media are both vast and lasting. As a columnist, he captured not just scores and stats, but the personality, politics, and drama that define professional sports. His voice was often critical, sometimes controversial, but always authentic.
His long-standing presence in two major newspapers made him a bridge between the old-school journalism of typewriters and deadlines and the fast-paced, digitally-driven media age. He was among the first to blend strong personal voice with analytical insight in sports coverage, a style now common in modern sports journalism.
In radio, Krikorian’s natural chemistry with Joe McDonnell helped popularize a new format of unscripted sports discussion. Their show laid the groundwork for future sports talk programming in Los Angeles and beyond.
Today, younger journalists often cite Krikorian as an inspiration, especially those who admire fearless, character-driven writing. His legacy continues in the voices of reporters, broadcasters, and fans who appreciate honest and passionate storytelling.
FAQs About Doug Krikorian
Is Doug Krikorian still alive in 2025?
Yes, Doug Krikorian is alive as of May 2025 and resides in California with his fiancée. He is no longer active in daily journalism but still contributes occasionally.
What is Doug Krikorian best known for?
He is best known for his decades of sports writing in Los Angeles newspapers and co-hosting the “McDonnell-Douglas” radio show, which became a staple of local sports commentary.
Has he published any books?
Yes, his memoir Between the Bylines was published in 2013 and explores both his career in journalism and his personal life, including the loss of his wife.
Is Doug Krikorian still working in journalism?
He has retired from regular journalism but occasionally writes opinion pieces and participates in interviews or events related to sports media.
Where is he living now?
Doug Krikorian currently lives in Naples, California, with his partner Kathy Drum.
Final Thoughts
Doug Krikorian’s life is a testament to what it means to be a passionate, fearless journalist. From the roaring crowds at Dodger Stadium to the behind-the-scenes politics of boxing and basketball, he chronicled the heart of Southern California sports like few others could.
Still alive and cherished in 2025, Krikorian continues to serve as a role model for aspiring writers who value truth, character, and voice in their storytelling. His legacy lives on not just in the columns and shows he created, but in the culture of sports journalism itself.