The surprise, though, is that he’s a sales guy, not a DJ. Dan McKeague is Sales Manager for Citadel Broadcasting’s KQRS-FM and its “Love 105” trimulcast of WGVX/Y/Z-FM Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Trying to turn a PR nightmare to its advantage after firing comedian Gilbert Gottfried for offensive jokes about the Japanese earthquake/tsunami disaster, Aflac announced public auditions to be the new voice of the insurance company’s trademark duck. Auditions were held in six cities. Minneapolis wasn’t one of them, but McKeague submitted his audition online.
After reviewing more than 12,500 live and online auditions, the 36-year-old married father of three was named the winner.
“I have long admired people who can act and make the most of their voice and have tried to emulate them. I want to thank Aflac for the incredible honor of voicing the greatest icon in corporate America and representing a company that not only leads its industry but also leaves a positive social imprint in every community it serves,” said McKeague.
The veteran radio salesman has done voiceovers for a few local spots, but the Aflac gig moves him into a whole new dimension of national radio and TV advertising.
McKeague knew he was one of eight finalists and the video below was taken as he got the word that he would be the new duck voice.
Since 2000, the Aflac Duck has appeared in 52 television ads and numerous radio ads, helping increase the company’s brand recognition from slightly more than 10% to an amazing 93%. The Aflac Duck is also a symbol for the company’s primary philanthropic cause, helping Aflac raise more than $62 million for the treatment and research of childhood cancer.
