2025 Hall of Achievement Inductee
Mike Donahue (1946–2023) was a Portland broadcasting icon whose 44-year career at KOIN-TV made him one of the most enduring and trusted figures in Oregon journalism. Born in Albany, Oregon, Donahue joined KOIN in 1968 right after graduating from the University of Oregon with a degree in journalism. Over the decades, he became a fixture in local news, covering stories that shaped the region—from the creation of Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens—and anchoring some of Portland’s highest-rated newscasts. For many of those years, he coanchored the news alongside Shirley Hancock. Together, they became one of the Northwest’s most recognized news teams.
Donahue’s warm, steady delivery and even-handed approach earned him the trust of generations of viewers, who came to see him as a familiar face and a reliable source of information in times of both triumph and tragedy. His colleagues remember him not only as a consummate professional but as a humble, kindhearted man who lived his Christian faith and quietly supported those around him.
When he retired from KOIN in 2012, Donahue spoke of devoting more time to his church and community. He later worked for Providence Health & Services, continuing his lifelong dedication to service. Known for his love of gardening—especially roses—Donahue shared his passions generously.
Upon his passing from pancreatic cancer in 2023, tributes poured in from across the Portland media landscape. Friends, coworkers, and viewers remembered him as “the best of the best” and “a truly good man.” His legacy is one of journalistic integrity, kindness, and a deep love for his city. For countless Oregonians, Mike Donahue was more than a news anchor—he was a part of the family.
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