Programmes
Doolan is famous for his live broadcasts from UK and abroad. Notable programmes have come from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hong Kong, the world's oldest radio station, KDKA in Pittsburgh, Birmingham Symphony Hall and the newly refurbished Town Hall. On his 60th and 65th birthday, Doolan broadcast his show live from Weston Super Mare with bus loads of BBC WM listeners. On one occasion an escaped prisoner rang up his show to put his side of things. Doolan handled this chap with dignity and maturity, persuading the chap to hand himself in to the police. Doolan didn't know where the police station was - but the prisoner directed him.
Brother George was a character on Doolan's show in the 1990s. Doolan would talk to his "brother" George "live" from Australia on the phone. There was some speculation on the true identity of brother George, as Doolan only has a sister. Before the days of digital, Doolan pre-recorded George and "talked" with him live by running the tape on an open fader.
Doolan's lunchtime show is transmitted without the usual nine-second delay; this has resulted in occasional embarrassing moments where his callers have used expletives.
Doolan presents a weekly programme called The Other Side Of every Sunday lunchtime at 1 pm when he interviews a well-known figure for an hour, playing their favourite music.
Doolan gives Dove Awards to people or companies who have done good things. He plays the sound of doves cooing. Doolan gives Turkey Awards to people or companies who have done bad things. He plays the sound of turkeys gobbling. Doolan has carried a manbag around for 20 years or more. It contains his heart medication. If something in it bleeps it is usually time to make his way around to the studio for his show.
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