Dennis Richmond Dies at 81: Legendary KTVU anchor and a leading figure in the world of broadcast news, has died, which is certainly a loss to Bay Area journalism. In many ways, he was the voice of broadcast journalism, an institution in journalism. The legendary KTVU anchor died Wednesday in Grass Valley, California, with his wife, Deborah.

A Legendary Career in Journalism

Richard was introduced to the viewing public through KTVU at 10 p.m. in 1976 and, after serving as a livid TV anchor for over 32 years, retired in 2008. With a professor’s voice, his deep, commanding delivery made him one of the most trusted news anchors in America. The man with a moustache and a sense of professionalism was more than just a journalist; he was indeed an institution.

Starting as a part-time clerk and typist at KTVU in 1968, he was one of the first black anchors on national television in one of its major markets. And based on his high standard set for journalistic integrity, he influenced Bay Area journalism to this day.

Mellynda Hartel of KTVU has said, “Dennis was a powerful presence in the KTVU newsroom for literally decades and provided guidance for the entire team while raising the bar for himself and his colleagues. His presence is still with us today in the KTVU newsroom.”

Richmond’s most memorable moments during his years at KTVU were when he assisted in covering some of America’s historic news. Among those events are:

• The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake—Richmond provided clear and steady updates from one of the Bay Area’s most devastating natural disasters live from KTVU’s parking lot.
• The O.J. Simpson chase in 1994—a national event watched by millions—Richmond commandeered KTVU’s on-air effort.
• The 1978 assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk of San Francisco—perhaps one of his more memorable on-air moments—is the deft questioning of Dan White’s attorney.
• 1991 Oakland Hills fires—Delivering important and sad news with the same steady hand that established him as a household name.

Richmond was known near and far for delivering hard news straight, no chaser. His coolness in the heat of crisis became a welcome source of news and strength in the site of the Bay Area’s most trying times.

A Mentor and Role Model for Generations

Beyond his on-air presence, Richmond had been a mentor to many in the industry. KTVU assistant news director Darren Zulberti recalled how Richmond enlightened young journalists, saying:

“He always reminded me and those around him to treat the viewer with respect, always reporting difficult news during uncertain times with clarity and context and straightforward delivery.”

Fellow journalists spoke to his uncompromising standards and steadfast devotion to the truth. CNN anchor Sara Sidner, who worked on the air with Richmond earlier in her career, described him as “a stickler for the facts,” one who always strove for the highest of journalistic standards.

Julin Haener, longtime co-anchor and a colleague at KTVU for decades, expressed her condolences at his passing. On social media, Haener expressed, “There was mutual respect, partnership, and friendship while telling good stories for Bay Area viewers. Incredibly professional at what he did, and he did it because he loved it.”

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Timeless Beauty of the Bay Area

Dennis Richmond, after being greatly pronounced as an anchor in the Bay Area, would live up to the definition of loved. For several decades he stole the limelight, courtesy of his professionalism, uprightness, and extraordinary interaction with the viewers. After semi-retiring, his name stayed influentially close to KTVU.

“Like many other Bay Area residents, I have fond memories of growing up watching Dennis Richmond on the news. He set the benchmark for journalistic integrity and excellence, hence constituting inspiration for generations of journalists. He was dearly cherished and will not be forgotten,” former Berkeley mayor and current senator of California Jesse Arreguin summarized Richmond’s legacy in a heartfelt tribute.

A special noon broadcast on KTVU in which Dennis had an archive of his various careers and a few short interviews with many of his older colleagues honored his legacy. The tributes from colleagues, politicians, and viewers alike underscore the enormous respect and admiration he had earned throughout his career.

A Life Beyond the Newsroom

After Richmond retired in 2008, he moved to Grass Valley, California, where he enjoyed tennis, working out, and watching nature programs. He, to a certain extent, remained close to KTVU while making occasional visits to the station.

For the past few years, Richmond struggled with health problems, including a heart attack and a fall two months ago, before succumbing to his ailment. Richmond, nonetheless, was a fighter until the very end.

He is survived by his widow Deborah, a daughter, and stepson.

A Final Farewell to a Legend of the News

Dennis Richmond’s death is a death knell sounding for Bay Area journalism; it’s the ending of an era. For over thirty years, he was the voice millions turned to for news that mattered. His legacy will remind generations of writers and journalists what true journalism really is, perhaps even beyond his death.

Rest in peace, Dennis Richmond. Your voice, your presence, and your mission to bring the truth out will never be forgotten.

References:

https://www.kqed.org/news/12025865/dennis-richmond-beloved-former-bay-area-news-anchor-dies-at-81

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/dennis-richmond-face-of-bay-area-news-dies-at-81/ar-AA1yufp5

https://www.ktvu.com/news/legendary-ktvu-anchor-dennis-richmond-dies

https://www.sfgate.com/sf-culture/article/bay-area-tv-news-anchor-dies-81-20149233.php