Dick Cable, a cherished Sacramento news anchor who spent nearly 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 with the military publication Stars and Stripes during and after World War II. Dick went on to carve out his own notable career in broadcasting, becoming a well-known figure in California’s capital.
Cable’s broadcasting journey began in radio between 1958 and 1966, where he worked at several stations before shifting to television. From 1965 to 1969, he spent time in Boise, Idaho, sharpening the abilities that would later define his career in Sacramento.
In January 1969, Cable joined the CBS affiliate in Sacramento, which would eventually be known as News10. This station shaped both his personal and professional life. In 1973, intern Berta Gonzalez arrived at the newsroom, and the two married in 1977. Their marriage lasted 48 years.
Cable’s path wasn’t always smooth. In the late 1970s, he was briefly removed from the air during a youth-focused shift at the station. Still, his rapport with viewers proved strong, and he returned to anchoring in 1981.
His longtime co-anchor, Jennifer Smith—now living in New Orleans—remembered Cable fondly. “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 developed a well-known commentary feature called Cable’s Comment, which he wrote and presented from 1978 through 1996. It highlighted his strong writing skills and provided a way to connect with viewers on issues important to Sacramento. His style emphasized authenticity and trust—qualities central to journalism of that era.
Stan Atkinson, another Sacramento broadcasting legend who passed in 2025, once spoke about what set their generation apart. He described both himself and Cable as representatives of an earlier era in journalism, one that prioritized trust and depth over flashiness.
Cable dedicated 29 years to the station before retiring, leaving a legacy that reached beyond his newsroom work. In 1991, he received a Silver Circle award recognizing his lasting impact on the broadcasting field. Governor Wilson even declared a Dick Cable Day in California, affirming his place as a broadcasting icon.
Even after leaving the anchor desk, Cable’s name remained influential in Sacramento. The Child Abuse Prevention Council named a boardroom after him, acknowledging his work outside journalism. ABC10 further honored him by naming their newsroom the Dick Cable Newsroom, ensuring his legacy would continue for future journalists.
Risa Omega, ABC10 President and General Manager, spoke to his lasting 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 memorable both on screen and in the community. Colleagues and viewers recalled his sharp humor, friendliness, and humble nature, all of which helped him connect deeply with Sacramento audiences during his long tenure.
The news industry Cable entered in the late 1960s looked very different from today’s fragmented media world. At that time, local anchors were key information sources, often forming long-term relationships with viewers. Cable embodied this tradition, becoming a steady and trusted presence through decades of major news events.
His career covered a major shift in television news—from analog to digital. Cable successfully adapted to new technology and evolving viewer expectations while staying true to the core journalistic standards that shaped his generation. Spending 29 years at KXTV offered a level of continuity now uncommon in the modern media landscape.
Family played a central role in Cable’s life. He had five children from a previous marriage, and he and Berta shared 10 grandchildren. Despite the demands of his job, he remained devoted to his family while staying active in various community causes.
Cable is survived by his wife Berta Gonzalez Cable, his five children, and 10 grandchildren. His death marks the close of a significant chapter in Sacramento broadcast history. To those who knew him—colleagues, viewers, and community members—he is remembered not only as a skilled journalist but as someone who truly cared about the people he served for three decades.
