Russ Coughlan's eminent career in broadcasting has earned him the warm respect of audiences and colleagues in his native San Francisco. He has "done it all" as a veteran broadcaster and top management executive for both the radio and television industry.

"Cog," as he was affectionally known in the Bay Area community, appeared on CHANNEL 7 NEWS AT 5:00PM with commentaries. He also presents station editorials on key issues for the Public Affairs Department. Cog traveled to Hong Kong and Beijing with two KGO-TV Asian producers to present the remarkable changes taking place in mainland China as they open their doors to western influence and a preview of Hong Kong as it prepares for Communist rule in 1997. The four-part documentary entitled, "A Tale of Three Cities" aired the first week of September.

A well-known and respected radio and TV personality, Coughlan began his broadcasting career during the second World War as one of the original members of Armed Forces Radio. After serving throughout the Pacific, Coughlan was discharged in 1945 and joined KROW Radio in Oakland as an announcer. He was General Manager when he left KRCW in 1957 to join KCBS Radio in San Francisco.

Coughlan joined KGO-TV in 1958 and became the station's General Sales Manager the following year, a post he held until 1968. While rising to the position of Vice President and General Manager of KGO-TV, he became a familiar face and voice to Bay Area residents as he hosted both a KGO Radio talk show and a Sunday evening television program. As KGO-TV's General Manager from 1971 to 1979, Coughlan strengthened KGO-TV's community involvement with strong editorials and countless afternoon speeches. Cog's personal commitment to community service remains strong as he currently makes over 100 personal appearances a year.

In May 1979, Coughlan was promoted to Vice President of the ABC Owned Television Stations in New York, but the Big Apple couldn't hold him. He returned to his native San Francisco in December 1980, as on-air personality for KGO Radio and KGO-TV.

He was also the voice of "Dudley Nightshade" in the Crusader Rabbit cartoon series.

Russ Coughlan passed away on December 29, 1990 of a heart attack. He was 71 years old. He was inducted into the NATAS Silver Circle in 1986.