Dick Cable, a beloved Sacramento news anchor who spent nearly three decades at KXTV, passed away in hospice on February 25, 2026, at the age of 89 after an illness.
Born Richard Arnold Cable on June 23, 1936, in New Rochelle, New York, he followed the path of his father, Homer Cable, who worked with the military outlet Stars and Stripes during and after World War II. Dick eventually built his own prominent career in broadcasting, becoming a familiar face in California’s capital city.
Cable’s career in broadcasting began in radio from 1958 to 1966, working at a range of stations before transitioning to television. From 1965 to 1969, he spent time in Boise, Idaho, developing the skills that would later shape his work in Sacramento.
In January 1969, Cable joined the CBS affiliate in Sacramento, later known as News10. The station played a major role in his career and personal life. In 1973, intern Berta Gonzalez arrived at the newsroom, and the two married in 1977, sharing 48 years together.
Cable faced challenges along the way. In the late 1970s, he was temporarily taken off the air during a program shift aimed at younger audiences. However, his strong connection with viewers helped bring him back to the anchor desk in 1981.
His longtime co-anchor, Jennifer Smith—who now resides in New Orleans—spoke warmly 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 the course of his career, Cable created a popular commentary segment known as Cable’s Comment, which he wrote and delivered from 1978 to 1996. It showcased his sharp writing ability and offered a platform to engage with viewers on issues important to Sacramento. His style focused on sincerity and trust—key elements of journalism at the time.
Stan Atkinson, another Sacramento broadcast icon who died in 2025, once reflected on what distinguished their era. He described himself and Cable as part of a generation of journalists who valued credibility and substance over showmanship.
Cable spent 29 years at the station before retiring, leaving behind a legacy that extended beyond his role in the newsroom. In 1991, he earned a Silver Circle award recognizing his enduring contributions to the industry. Governor Wilson even proclaimed a Dick Cable Day in California, cementing his status as a broadcast pioneer.
Even after retirement, Cable’s influence remained strong in Sacramento. The Child Abuse Prevention Council dedicated a boardroom in his honor, acknowledging his efforts beyond journalism. ABC10 also paid tribute by naming their newsroom the Dick Cable Newsroom, ensuring future generations would know his name.
Risa Omega, ABC10 President and General Manager, remarked on his lasting impact. “Dick leaves a legacy in this building and in this town,” Omega said.
Cable brought not only his professional expertise but also the personal traits that made him stand out both on air and within the community. Colleagues and viewers recalled his quick wit, warmth, and modest demeanor, qualities that helped him form strong bonds with Sacramento audiences throughout his lengthy career.
The news industry Cable entered in the late 1960s was far different from today’s fragmented media environment. At that time, local anchors were key sources of information, often building long-lasting relationships with viewers. Cable embodied this tradition, serving as a steady, trusted presence during decades of major news events.
His career spanned a period of substantial change in television news—from analog broadcasting to the digital age. Cable adapted to evolving technology and shifting viewer expectations while maintaining the journalistic principles that defined his generation. Spending nearly three decades at KXTV provided a level of stability that is increasingly rare in modern media.
Family was central in Cable’s life. He had five children from an earlier marriage, and he and Berta shared 10 grandchildren. Despite the demands of his profession, he stayed committed to his family while remaining active in multiple community organizations.
Cable is survived by his wife Berta Gonzalez Cable, his five children, and 10 grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an important era in Sacramento broadcast history. For those who knew him—whether colleagues, viewers, or community members—he is remembered not just as a talented journalist but as someone who genuinely cared for the people he served for nearly three decades.
