Dick Cable, longtime ABC10 anchor and respected community figure in Sacramento, passed away at the age of 89. Cable spent over 29 years at KXTV News10 Sacramento, anchoring all major newscasts, writing the popular commentary segment Cable’s Comment, and serving as a spokesperson for numerous local campaigns.
He is survived by his wife, Berta Gonzalez, whom he married in 1977, and his five children from a previous marriage.
Born Richard Arnold Cable on June 23, 1936, in New Rochelle, New York, Cable began his broadcasting career in radio, working from 1958 to 1966 at stations including KCOL Radio in Fort Collins, Colorado, KCHY Radio in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and KEST in Boise, Idaho.
During this time, he also served as program director for the Pacific Adult Radio Network in Oregon. From 1965 to 1969, Cable moved into television at KTVB-TV in Boise, Idaho, where he anchored news, hosted talk shows, reported, and worked as a news photographer.
In 1969, Cable joined KXTV News10 Sacramento, where he became a household name. He anchored all major newscasts, authored the popular Cable’s Comment from 1978 to 1996, and became widely recognized for his dedication to community causes.
He was particularly active with the News10 campaign “For Kids’ Sake,” advocating for children and families across the Sacramento area.
Beyond journalism, Cable’s commitment to community service was extensive. He served on boards and executive committees for the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento, the United Way of Sacramento, the Community Services Planning Council, and the Community Alcoholism Rehabilitation Effort (CARE), even serving as CARE’s president.
He also contributed to the Juvenile Service Council and Volunteers in Probation, earning a reputation as a tireless advocate for youth and families.
Throughout his career, Cable received numerous honors recognizing both his professional and philanthropic work.
Notable awards included an Emmy in 1973 for “Eye on Alcoholism,” focusing on female alcoholics, multiple Best Commentary awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, and recognition from the California School Boards Association for a series on school dropouts.
He was also named Best Sacramento News Anchor by Sacramento Magazine in 1990, and received distinguished community service awards from United Way Sacramento and the National Society of Fundraising Executives.
In 1999, he was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Sacramento Arthritis Foundation.
Cable’s educational background included studies at Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland in Munich, and graduation from the Northeast School of Broadcasting in Boston in 1958.
In the 1970s, he also taught a lecture course on TV news and writing at UC Davis.
On a personal note, Dick Cable married Berta Gonzalez in 1977. He had five children from a previous marriage and remained deeply devoted to his family throughout his life.
“He and his wife anchoring together. He was the more “jovial “ of the two, but they had chemistry. He had been ill for a while, so rest easy. Prayers for his wife and family,” wrote a community member.
Dick Cable is remembered not only for his decades-long journalism career but also for his dedication to the Sacramento community and countless charitable organizations, and undoubtedly, many community members only had great things to say about the late anchor.
Elizabeth Brown wrote, “He was my oldest brother. Kind and generous and always there for me. Our dad was also a journalist, and both were excellent at their jobs. My heart is sad, but my memories fill me with joy.”
Another individual added, “His integrity, personality, and competence was a formidable force against the talent, deep bench and financial resources over at KCRA. He created a very loyal viewership with his easy, yet, professional style. He served Sacramento and beyond well.”
His legacy combines professional excellence with a profound commitment to service, making him a respected and beloved figure both on and off the screen.
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