the most important aspects of Donahue’s work was his willingness to address controversial subjects.
His program explored issues involving race, religion, gender equality, reproductive health, politics, consumer rights, and other topics that were often considered uncomfortable for daytime television.
He did not always agree with the people who appeared on his show. Nor did he necessarily attempt to make every conversation pleasant.
Instead, he created a setting where opposing views could be brought into the open.
That sometimes meant inviting controversial guests to explain their beliefs. It also meant allowing