Rich Brenner

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Rich Brenner was WRAL-TV’s primary sports anchor from 1978 to 1981.

Brenner got his career start at WLVA-TV (now WSET-TV) in Lynchburg, Virginia. He also worked at WAVY-TV in Portsmouth before joining the WRAL staff.

Brenner reported on all sports for WRAL, but his passion was NASCAR, and he pushed the station to cover the burgeoning sport long before other local sports teams in the region. According to former WRAL Sports Anchor Tom Suiter, Brenner’s philosophy of sports coverage was simple: “Be there” at the games and events so you can report the story first-hand. Suiter credits Brenner for teaching him more about television than anyone else.

Brenner left WRAL in 1981 to join WMAQ-TV in Chicago, but he soon returned to North Carolina. Following a stint at WTVD-TV, Brenner joined WGHP-TV in High Point, where he spent the last 21 years of his career. He retired in 2008 after winning numerous awards, including three regional Emmys.

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences inducted Brenner into the prestigious Silver Circle for the MidSouth region. The honor is reserved for broadcasters with at least 25 years in the business who have made significant contributions to the community and to television in the region.

Rich Brenner died February 27, 2012 after suffering a heart attack at a speaking engagement. He was 65.

To see Jeff Gravely’s tribute to Rich Brenner, go here: http://www.wralsportsfan.com/voices/video/10791192/

And Tom Suiter looks back on his time working with Rick in this interview: http://www.wralsportsfan.com/voices/video/10791216/

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Highlights for Rich Brenner

WRAL Action News 5 newscast Dec 12 1978

Action News 5 newscast from December 12, 1978. Charlie Gaddy was the solo news anchor. Bob Debardelaben was the weathercaster, and Rich Brenner was sports anchor. Also seen seated at the anchor desk was reporter Leila Tvedt, who primarily covered high profile court cases. Also seen in the newscast is legendary reporter Fred Taylor and sportscaster Tom Suiter.

The video shows the end of the lead-in ABC network program “Bewitched” followed by headlines, commercial break, Action News 5 open and then the newscast. Classic commercials have been saved as well.
Action News 5 anchor team

Late 70s – early 80s WRAL anchor team of Bob DeBardelaben, Rich Brenner, Charlie Gaddy and Bobbie Battista.
Rich Brenner on air at WRAL-TV

Former WRAL-TV Sports Director and anchor Rich Brenner during his days at the station.
Sports coverage 1980 Golf Hall of Fame Classic

WRAL Sports Anchors Tom Suiter and Rich Brenner provide coverage of the 1980 Hall of Fame Classic from Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Action News 5 newscast

Early newscast featuring Charlie Gaddy, Bobbie Battista, Bob DeBardelaben and sports with Rich Brenner. JD Lewis provides an editorial.

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Rich Brenner

Highlights for Rich Brenner

WRAL Action News 5 newscast Dec 12 1978

Action News 5 anchor team

Rich Brenner on air at WRAL-TV

Sports coverage 1980 Golf Hall of Fame Classic

Action News 5 newscast