Biografia
He attended high school, serving as a student representative, where he met his classmate Hella von Sinnen. After graduating, Domian studied German, philosophy, and political science at the University of Cologne. During his studies, he worked as a cable man for television, marking his initial and lasting connection to the media. Domian made his first appearance as a presenter in the live broadcast "Blue Monday," stepping in for Chris Howland. In the 1980s, he completed journalistic training at WDR and Deutschlandfunk. He also organized and hosted talk shows in Cologne cafés, attracting notable guests such as Elke Heidenreich, Jürgen von der Lippe, and Dagmar Berghoff.
In 1990, WDR radio appointed Domian as a permanent editor. From 1993, he hosted the talk show "Hot Number" on the WDR 1 youth program. In April 1995, WDR 1 transitioned into the youth station "Eins Live," where Domian was given a daily slot for his "Talk Radio." The program bearing his name was also aired on WDR television. In the bimedia night talk show "Domian," listeners could call in free of charge to speak with the host. While a specific topic was set for the Thursday-to-Friday night broadcast, on other nights callers discussed topics of their choice, often personal issues or social problems. Over nearly a decade, Domian’s phone talk show became one of the most popular radio programs, with its late-night TV broadcast drawing up to 220,000 viewers during its one- to two-hour duration.
During broadcasts, 40,000 to 60,000 listeners attempt to call in, though only a small fraction get through. The discussions often involve existential, sensitive, or tragic matters. To support the host, a psychologist is available to provide further help to callers when needed. At the start of 2003, Domian received the Medal of Merit of the Federal Order of Merit in recognition of his valuable social contributions through the show. In late October 2004, he launched a special celebrity edition on Saturday evenings, where a well-known figure responds to questions from both the host and the audience.
