Phillip John "
Phil"
Donahue (born December 21, 1935) is an American media personality, writer, and film producer best known as the creator and host of
The Phil Donahue Show. The television program, also known as
Donahue, was the first talk show format that included audience participation. The show had a 29-year run on national television in America that began in
Dayton, Ohio, and ended in New York City in 1996.