A highly respected television producer and director who was instrumental in getting CTV back on air following the devastating 2011 earthquake has died.
Doug McCammon, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was described by his family as “a true gentleman, a kind soul, and a great guy.”
Doug’s life was marked by a series of remarkable accomplishments, from proudly representing New Zealand as a pilot, to becoming an influential figure in television sport.
Doug in the CTV studio / Former Mayor Bob Parker with host Kineta Knight (May 2011)
“It truly was one of life’s greatest pleasures to be directed by Doug. I had him in my earpiece every morning for over three years, subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, giving me excellent direction to make every piece of live television perfect. He was funny, talented, and so good at his job. He made me a better television presenter in so many ways.
“When I think back over my career, and to where I am today, I would most certainly credit Doug for his patience, kindness and knowledge. And, my goodness! He was such a character to whisper funny and inappropriate things into my ear piece, but he was also incredibly clued up on so many things. He most certainly contributed to how I see the media world and life in general.”
Nick Boyd with Doug
Former head of CTV News Editing Nick Boyd said “I had the honour of working with Doug for 5 years at CTV. He was the most talented, knowledgeable, funny, and kindest person I have met in the television industry.
“He was always happy to share his expertise, and help young people in the industry. His vast experience of over 50 years in the industry was second to none.
“I shared many a good laugh and conversation with Doug, and I am very privileged to consider him a friend. I even started the Doug McCammon Fan club, complete with T-Shirts and a Facebook fan page that had a big following.
It was such a pleasure to have known you Doug. The world is a much better place for having had you in it. Thank you for everything.”
As a senior sports producer in the 80s, Doug was known for bringing innovation and energy to live broadcasts.
One of his most notable achievements was the introduction of “Trotcam” an innovative visual technique used during harness racing coverage in 1987.
Mounted on the back of the mobile gate at Addington, the specially designed camera gave viewers a dynamic, trackside perspective of the race start.
Doug in the CTV control room with Stef Banbury. (September 2011)
Trotcam transformed harness racing coverage by offering a vivid sense of speed and intensity, earning praise for its originality and impact.
Doug was also a Vice President of the New Zealand Softball Umpire Association, where he made a passionate and lasting contribution to the sport he loved.
Former CTV administrator Mary-Anne Jackson said Doug played a pivotal role in getting CTV back on air after the devastating earthquakes that destroyed the station’s building.
“He worked in the old days at TVNZ Gloucester Street. He was such a lovely guy and never got stressed.”
Kineta Knight with CTV presenters Pete Smith and Jo Kane, and director Doug McCammon (November 2011)
In a death notice in the Christchurch Press it said, Despite his public achievements, Doug’s family say his greatest legacy was the love, respect, and admiration he earned simply by being a good man.
“He was a man of quiet strength, deep warmth, and unwavering integrity, a wonderful man who leaves the world gentler, kinder, and prouder for having known him.”
Doug (top middle) winning a business award in September 2011, surrounded by CTV colleagues
A memorial service to honour Doug’s life will be held at Westpark Chapel, 467 Wairakei Road, Burnside, on Saturday, May 31 at 2.00pm.
Messages for the family may be addressed to: The family of the late Doug McCammon, c/- PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Society in Doug’s memory would be appreciated and can be made online at cancer.org.nz.
