Dick Cable, a cherished Sacramento news anchor who spent almost 30 years at KXTV, died in hospice care on February 25, 2026, at age 89 following an illness.
Born Richard Arnold Cable on June 23, 1936, in New Rochelle, New York, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Homer Cable, who worked for the military publication Stars and Stripes during and after World War II. Dick went on to build his own distinguished broadcasting career, becoming a well-known figure in California’s capital.
Cable began his broadcasting journey in radio between 1958 and 1966, working at several stations before shifting into television. From 1965 to 1969, he spent time in Boise, Idaho, gaining experience that would later influence his work in Sacramento.
In January 1969, Cable joined the CBS affiliate in Sacramento, which eventually became known as News10. The station played a pivotal role in both his career and personal life. In 1973, intern Berta Gonzalez joined the newsroom; the two married in 1977 and shared 48 years of marriage.
Cable encountered obstacles throughout his career. In the late 1970s, he was briefly removed from the air due to programming changes targeting younger viewers. Yet his strong rapport with the audience helped return him to the anchor chair in 1981.
His longtime co-anchor, Jennifer Smith—now living in New Orleans—spoke fondly of him. “He was so warm and real and no-nonsense and certainly not any kind of how some people view TV anchors as kind of pompous and slick,” Smith said. “He was the opposite of that.”
Throughout his career, Cable created a well-liked commentary feature called Cable’s Comment, which he wrote and delivered from 1978 to 1996. The segment highlighted his strong writing skills and gave him a way to connect with viewers on issues that mattered to the Sacramento community. His approach emphasized honesty and trust—core journalistic values of the era.
Stan Atkinson, another Sacramento broadcast legend who passed away in 2025, once described what made their generation unique. He said that he and Cable belonged to an era of journalists who prioritized credibility and substance over flashy presentation.
Cable worked at the station for 29 years before retiring, leaving a legacy that extended well beyond the newsroom. In 1991, he received a Silver Circle award for his long-standing contributions to the industry. Governor Wilson even declared a Dick Cable Day in California, solidifying his stature as a broadcasting trailblazer.
Even after stepping away from the anchor desk, Cable’s presence remained influential in Sacramento. The Child Abuse Prevention Council named a boardroom after him, honoring his impact outside journalism. ABC10 also dedicated its newsroom as the Dick Cable Newsroom, ensuring his legacy would be remembered by future journalists.
Risa Omega, ABC10 President and General Manager, commented on his deep and lasting influence. “Dick leaves a legacy in this building and in this town,” Omega said.
Cable brought not just professional skill but also the personal qualities that set him apart both on camera and within the community. Colleagues and viewers remembered his sharp humor, warmth, and humility—traits that helped him form strong connections with Sacramento audiences over his long career.
The news industry Cable entered in the late 1960s was vastly different from today’s fragmented media landscape. At the time, local anchors were central sources of information, often forming lasting bonds with viewers. Cable represented this tradition, providing a steady and trusted presence through decades of major events.
His career stretched across a period of major transformations in television—from analog systems to the digital era. Cable adapted to new technology and changing audience expectations while upholding the journalistic values that shaped his generation. His nearly three decades at KXTV offered a level of continuity increasingly uncommon in modern broadcasting.
Family played a significant role in Cable’s life. He had five children from a previous marriage, and he and Berta had 10 grandchildren, all of whom survive him. Despite the demands of his job, he remained devoted to his family and active in numerous community groups.
Dick Cable’s death signals the close of a meaningful chapter in Sacramento broadcasting. To colleagues, viewers, and community members alike, he is remembered not only as a skilled journalist but as someone who sincerely cared about the people he informed for nearly three decades.