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 establish an influential career in broadcasting, becoming a recognizable presence in California’s capital.
Cable started his broadcasting journey in radio from 1958 to 1966, working at various stations before moving into television. Between 1965 and 1969, he lived in Boise, Idaho, where he continued developing skills that would eventually define his work in Sacramento.
He joined the CBS affiliate in Sacramento in January 1969, which later became News10. The station became central to both his career and personal life. In 1973, intern Berta Gonzalez joined the newsroom; the two married in 1977 and were partners for 48 years.
Cable encountered obstacles during his career. In the late 1970s, he was briefly removed from the air due to programming changes targeting younger viewers. His strong rapport with the audience ultimately led to his return to the anchor desk in 1981.
His former 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.”
Over his long career, Cable developed a well-known commentary feature titled Cable’s Comment, which he wrote and presented from 1978 to 1996. The segment highlighted his strong writing skills and provided a way to discuss issues that mattered to Sacramento viewers. His approach emphasized authenticity and trust—cornerstones of journalism at that time.
Stan Atkinson, another legendary Sacramento broadcaster who passed away in 2025, once noted what set their era apart. He saw himself and Cable as part of a generation of journalists who valued integrity and substance rather than flashiness.
After 29 years at the station, Cable retired, leaving a significant legacy both inside and outside the newsroom. In 1991, he received a Silver Circle award honoring his lasting contributions to broadcasting. Governor Wilson even declared a Dick Cable Day in California, affirming his status as a pioneer in the field.
Even after stepping away from the spotlight, Cable’s presence remained strong in Sacramento. The Child Abuse Prevention Council named a boardroom after him, recognizing his service beyond journalism. ABC10 also honored him by naming their newsroom the Dick Cable Newsroom, ensuring his legacy would continue.
Risa Omega, ABC10 President and General Manager, reflected on his influence. “Dick leaves a legacy in this building and in this town,” Omega said.
Cable brought not only professional skill but also the personal qualities that made him loved on screen and in the community. Friends, colleagues, and viewers remembered his humor, kindness, and humility—traits that helped him form deep connections with Sacramento audiences throughout his career.
The media landscape Cable entered in the late 1960s was vastly different from today’s fragmented environment. At that time, local anchors were key sources of information and often developed lasting bonds with viewers. Cable embodied this tradition, providing steady, trusted coverage through decades of major events.
His career unfolded during a time of major transformation in television news—from analog broadcasting to the digital era. Cable adjusted to new technology and changing viewer habits while maintaining the journalistic values that defined his generation. His nearly three-decade run at KXTV reflects a level of continuity rare in today’s media world.
Family played a central role in Cable’s life. He had five children from a previous marriage, and he and Berta were grandparents to 10 grandchildren, all of whom survive him. Despite the demands of the newsroom, he remained devoted to his family and active in numerous community groups.
Dick Cable’s death represents the closing of a significant chapter in Sacramento broadcast history. To those who knew him—as coworkers, viewers, or community members—he is remembered not only as a skilled journalist but as someone who truly cared about the people he served for nearly 30 years.