Remembering Dennis Richmond: Pioneering Black journalist and KTVU news anchor passes away at 81
Kumar Shivam | Feb 07, 2025, 00:47 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
Dennis Richmond, a legendary Bay Area news anchor and trailblazing Black journalist, passed away at 81. He spent over 30 years at KTVU, covering major events like the Patty Hearst trial, the Moscone-Milk assassinations, and natural disasters. A trusted voice, he broke barriers and shaped journalism. Colleagues remember him as a respected leader and steadfast presence in the newsroom.
Dennis Richmond, a revered Bay Area news anchor and pioneering Black journalist, passed away Wednesday at the age of 81, his former station, KTVU, announced.
"Dennis was a commanding presence in the KTVU newsroom for decades, leading by example and holding himself and his colleagues to the highest standards," said Mellynda Hartel, the station's general manager. "His influence is still deeply felt in our newsroom today."
Richmond anchored the news at KTVU—a Fox affiliate serving San Francisco and the surrounding areas—for over 30 years. He first joined the station as a clerk before earning the anchor role in 1976. He remained a steadfast presence at the desk until his retirement in 2008, just before turning 65.
A rarity in the industry, Richmond spent his entire career at a single station, forging a deep connection with viewers who welcomed his voice into their homes each night at 10 p.m. As one of the first Black anchors in a major market, he broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of journalists.
Through decades of triumph and tragedy, Richmond guided Northern California audiences through some of the region’s most defining moments. He reported on the 1976 kidnapping and trial of Patricia "Patty" Hearst—a sensational case that gripped the nation. He anchored coverage of the 1978 assassinations of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. And during times of crisis, he remained a steady presence, co-anchoring from the KTVU parking lot during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and covering the devastating Oakland Hills firestorm in 1991.
Julie Haener, Richmond’s longtime co-anchor, reflected on his passing in an interview with KTVU. "He was a fighter," she said. "He held on for as long as he could. He was deeply respected. This news is going to hit people really, really hard."
"Dennis was a commanding presence in the KTVU newsroom for decades, leading by example and holding himself and his colleagues to the highest standards," said Mellynda Hartel, the station's general manager. "His influence is still deeply felt in our newsroom today."
Richmond anchored the news at KTVU—a Fox affiliate serving San Francisco and the surrounding areas—for over 30 years. He first joined the station as a clerk before earning the anchor role in 1976. He remained a steadfast presence at the desk until his retirement in 2008, just before turning 65.
A rarity in the industry, Richmond spent his entire career at a single station, forging a deep connection with viewers who welcomed his voice into their homes each night at 10 p.m. As one of the first Black anchors in a major market, he broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of journalists.
Through decades of triumph and tragedy, Richmond guided Northern California audiences through some of the region’s most defining moments. He reported on the 1976 kidnapping and trial of Patricia "Patty" Hearst—a sensational case that gripped the nation. He anchored coverage of the 1978 assassinations of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. And during times of crisis, he remained a steady presence, co-anchoring from the KTVU parking lot during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and covering the devastating Oakland Hills firestorm in 1991.
Julie Haener, Richmond’s longtime co-anchor, reflected on his passing in an interview with KTVU. "He was a fighter," she said. "He held on for as long as he could. He was deeply respected. This news is going to hit people really, really hard."