OAKLAND, Calif. – It’s a name synonymous with local Bay Area news – Dennis Richmond.
As the community grapples with the passing of a legendary anchorman who broke barriers in broadcast journalism, reactions poured in from local and state leaders who share their heartfelt sentiment about his death on Wednesday at the age of 81.
Richmond died at his home in Grass Valley, Calif., with his wife Deborah by his side.
He worked for KTVU FOX 2 News for over 40 years, and was one of the first Black primetime anchors for a large market.
His life – and death – garnered sentiments from Congress to the governor of California.
Local perspective
“A newsman of the highest caliber, Dennis Richmond was a pillar of Bay Area life for over thirty years,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “One of the nation’s first Black anchors on a major TV newscast, he was familiar with and unshaken by adversity, known best for his composure. A rock in any storm, Dennis guided the public through some of the most historic moments in Bay Area history, including the assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.”
Newsom added: “Dennis was a man of integrity. He believed in finding and reporting the truth and in treating subjects and audiences alike with respect. His legacy lives on through all the reporters he inspired, the stories he shared, and the people who trusted in him. Jennifer and I join his family and friends in mourning the loss of this great man.”
Civil rights attorney, John Burris, a legend himself, remembered Richmond interviewing him over the years.
“He’s done many stories that I’ve been involved in down through the years,” Burris said. “I have many fond memories of him. He was like the Walter Cronkite of my era. You could rely on him. You knew he was trustworthy. You always knew the story would be accurately reported, so you trusted him.”
The former mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, also called Richmond a trailblazer.
“Dennis Richmond inspired every one of them to look to people of color, not only for broadcast purposes but for accuracy on information and Dennis set that standard,” Brown said.
Former Sen. Barbara Boxer also wanted to share her memories of the late anchor whom she said gave viewers a sense of calm while delivering the news.
“In a world with so many ups and downs,” she said. “Dennis Richmond had a calming effect as he brought light to every major story, no matter how complicated, disturbing or uplifting.”
The Source
KTVU reporting, interviews
