(BD TOP NEWS BLOG)_Dennis Richmond-just the sound of his name sends an immediate echo through many minds, including those who have been in journalism, particularly those in the San Francisco Bay Area. He spent his career conveying news with poise, integrity, and control as a trusted news anchor on KTVU. He also had one of the longest-spanning careers to date. In this light, Richmond's case is one that epitomizes perseverance, determination, and never faltering commitments toward the field of journalism.
Dennis Richmond was born in Rossford, Ohio, in 1943 and was raised through some of the most turbulent times of social and political change in America. Early life instilled in him a disciplined and determined work ethic. He attended higher education at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, before finding his way into journalism. It was no overnight enterprise on the part of Richmond to enter broadcasting, but once he found his calling, he gave it his all. That brilliant career, launching off with his joining in 1968, would make long-lasting impressions in the annals of journalism.
At KTVU, as a writer and production assistant, he took the first step upwards. Richmond soon proved his capabilities at KTVU. It soon noticed his caliber, and he became a reporter in no time. His deep voice, composed demeanor, and authoritative delivery instantly clicked on the screen. In fact, by 1976, he had emerged as a top anchor in the evening newscasts on KTVU. But then, he became a role model when few African American journalists enjoyed equal opportunities in the media; Richmond broke into the newsroom and inspired many to become broadcasters.
His anchoring style was marked by a no-nonsense approach. As a hard-nosed news man, Richmond was not into sensationalism or unwanted embellishments. He believed in giving news as it was sans biased or undue dramatization. His professionalism earned him the viewers' trust; people tuned in every night, getting their news from a person they felt was a steady and sure journalist. He covered some of the biggest events in Bay Area history: earthquakes, political upheavals, and cultural shifts that shaped the region over the decades.
He was quite dedicated to his work throughout his career, rarely taking time off and making sure he was on deck for the biggest stories. His commitment to factual reporting and journalistic integrity set a high standard for those with whom he worked. Many younger journalists saw him as a mentor, and helping to shape the careers of those who followed him was something in which he took great pride. He was more than a television personality; he was an integral part of the community, a presence felt on and off the screen.