Aric Richards FOX 5 Bio: Wiki, Age, Husband, Height, Net Worth

Aric Richards: Former Emmy-Winning FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI Morning Anchor and Fitness Enthusiast

Aric Richards, an Emmy-winning morning anchor and reporter, has officially announced his departure from FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV) and KUSI News after nearly ten years. His exit closes a significant chapter in his career, during which he became a trusted voice in San Diego’s local news. Reflecting on his tenure, Richards shared:

“Nearly a decade with FOX 5 San Diego – the longest & best job in my adult life. But it’s time to move on — and sleep in.”

His words convey gratitude for the role and a lighthearted nod to the demanding early-morning schedule that required him to start his day at 4:30 a.m. delivering live reports across San Diego County.

Early Life and Education

Richards grew up in Bakersfield, California, where he discovered a passion for storytelling early on. After high school, he interned at the local NBC affiliate (KGET-TV), gaining firsthand experience in news production.

Opting to drop out of college, Richards chose to pursue a full-time journalism career, describing it as “getting a career before a degree.” By age 19, he was producing evening newscasts, gaining experience in fast-paced broadcast journalism. He has kept much of his family background private.

Career Beginnings and Rise in Journalism

Richards began his professional journey as a reporter in Bakersfield, building essential reporting skills. In 2015, he moved to San Diego to join FOX 5 as a multi-media journalist, writing, shooting, and editing his own stories. By the end of that year, he transitioned to the morning news shift, delivering live reports across San Diego starting at 4:30 a.m.

Over the years, Richards became a fixture on the FOX 5 Morning News, recognized for his versatility, dedication, and on-location reporting. He earned an Emmy award and actively promoted diversity in journalism through his board membership with the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) San Diego chapter.

Career Highlights at FOX 5 and KUSI

Richards’ work at FOX 5 included covering major events such as:

• 2017 Las Vegas Mass Shooting – On-the-ground reporting from the scene.

• Presidential Visits – Documenting U.S. presidents visiting San Diego.

• California Wildfires – Reporting from active wildfire zones.

• U.S.-Mexico Border and Immigration Crisis – In-depth coverage of ongoing regional challenges.

Following Nexstar Media Group’s acquisition of KUSI-TV in September 2023, Richards contributed to both stations, delivering community-focused journalism, including segments on local sports, charity drives, and human interest stories.

His Emmy award, while unspecified in category or year, underscores his excellence in live, on-location reporting.

Reasons for Departure

Richards’ statement suggests a personal decision to step away, partially motivated by a desire for a lifestyle change after years of early-morning shifts. The reference to “sleep in” reflects the challenge of his 4:30 a.m. schedule, a common aspect of morning news work. Details about his next steps—whether joining another station, exploring new career paths, or taking a break—have not been publicly shared.

Personal Life & Interests

• Fitness: Maintains a disciplined, athletic physique aligned with the “Men’s Physique” lifestyle.

• Lifestyle: Enjoys hiking in La Jolla, solo travel, and cultural exploration.

• Identity: Openly gay and in a committed relationship, occasionally sharing glimpses on Instagram.

• Professional Engagement: Active in AAJA, advocating for diversity and inclusivity in journalism.

Legacy and Impact

Over nearly a decade, Richards informed and connected San Diego communities through his dynamic reporting and anchoring. His contributions to FOX 5 Morning News and KUSI’s local programming, including the Prep Pigskin Report, resonated with viewers across the region. His departure marks the end of an era in San Diego journalism, where he was celebrated for professionalism, community engagement, and commitment to inclusive storytelling.

Aric Richards Age:

Aric Richards is 39 years old, born in 1986. His zodiac sign is Virgo. Richards is of Asian descent, as indicated by his membership in the Asian American Journalists Association, and he holds American nationality.

Aric Richards Spouse:

Aric Richards is openly gay and frequently shares photos with his partner on social media, particularly Instagram. However, he has not publicly disclosed his partner’s name or confirmed whether he is married or engaged. His posts suggest a close relationship, often featuring shared moments from travel and fitness activities.

Aric Richards Height:

Aric Richards FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News

Aric Richards anchored the morning news at FOX 5 San Diego and also contributed to KUSI News, hosting an early-morning shift from 4:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Known for his dynamic reporting and early-morning live coverage, Richards was a prominent figure in San Diego’s media landscape. His career reflected a commitment to storytelling, hands-on reporting, and advocacy for diversity in journalism.

Early Career Beginnings in Bakersfield

Richards began his journalism journey in Bakersfield, California, where he developed a passion for storytelling at a young age. After high school, he interned at the local NBC affiliate, KGET-TV (NBC 17), gaining firsthand experience in the newsroom. Opting to drop out of college, Richards described this choice as “getting a career before a degree,” allowing him to fully immerse himself in professional journalism.

By age 19, he was producing two evening newscasts for Kern County and later transitioned to on-camera reporting, covering local stories and community events. This early experience at KGET-TV provided the foundation for his versatile approach, including writing, shooting, and editing his own segments.

Transition to San Diego – FOX 5 (KSWB-TV)

In 2015, Richards moved to San Diego to join FOX 5 San Diego as a multi-media journalist. In this role, he handled the full reporting process—writing, shooting, and editing his stories for evening newscasts. By winter 2015, he shifted to early-morning coverage, delivering live reports across San Diego County starting at 4:30 a.m., often with the support of a photographer.

Richards quickly became a familiar face on the FOX 5 Morning News, anchoring weekday mornings from 4:30–6:00 a.m., covering breaking news, weather, traffic, and major events. His work earned him an Emmy award, reflecting his excellence in live and on-location journalism.

Role at KUSI News and Integrated Operations

Following Nexstar Media Group’s acquisition of KUSI-TV in 2023, FOX 5 and KUSI integrated studios, resources, and branding, allowing Richards to contribute seamlessly to both outlets. While maintaining his FOX 5 morning anchor duties, he also reported for KUSI, expanding his reach across the region’s local newscasts, including high school sports coverage via programs like the Prep Pigskin Report.

This dual role underscored his impact in San Diego, where KUSI has been a respected independent station since 1982. Richards collaborated with notable colleagues, delivering stories that resonated with the city’s diverse audience.

Notable Coverage and Achievements

Throughout his career, Richards reported on major national and regional events with a focus on live, on-location journalism:

• 2017 Las Vegas Mass Shooting: On-the-ground coverage of the deadliest shooting in U.S. history.

• Presidential Visits and Political Events: Documented high-profile arrivals and developments in San Diego.

• California Wildfires: Frontline reporting on destruction and emergency response.

• U.S.-Mexico Border and Immigration Crisis: Multiple trips covering ongoing regional challenges.

• Local San Diego Stories: Community events, pandemic food drives, Belmont Park reopening, and hotel strikes before Comic-Con.

As a board member of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) San Diego chapter, Richards also advocated for diversity and representation in media.

Career Timeline and Station Summary

KGET-TV (NBC 17, Bakersfield, CA)

• Internship (post-high school)

• Evening Newscast Producer (by age 19)

• Reporter (pre-2015)

FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV, Channel 69)

• Multi-Media Journalist (2015)

• Morning Reporter/Anchor (winter 2015–2025)

KUSI News (KUSI-TV, Channel 51)

• Contributor/Reporter (post-2023 acquisition)

Colleagues

Aric Richards is part of a broader newsroom that includes several notable colleagues. Here are a few of the prominent names associated with his stations:

FOX 5 San Diego Colleagues

• Raoul Martinez – Morning anchor and reporter

• Shally Zomorodi – Morning anchor known for lifestyle segments

• Chrissy Russo – Meteorologist and traffic anchor

• Brad Wills – Weather anchor

• Phil Blauer – Evening anchor

• Andrew Luria – Anchor and reporter

KUSI News Colleagues

• Logan Byrnes – Anchor and reporter

• Lauren Phinney – Morning anchor

• Hunter Sowards – Reporter and anchor

• Paul Rudy – Sports anchor

• Mark Mathis – Meteorologist

Aric Richards Net Worth and Salary:

Aric Richards’ estimated net worth ranged between $1 million and $5 million, with his annual salary as a morning anchor and reporter estimated to have been between $25,000 and $135,500. His income was derived primarily from his journalism career, with potential additional earnings from his involvement in fitness competitions and related activities.

Is Aric Richards Married?

Aric Richards is not confirmed to be married. He is openly gay and shares a close relationship with his partner, as seen on social media, but no official information confirms a marriage or engagement.

How Old Is Aric Richards?

Aric Richards is 39 years old, born in 1986.

Where is Aric Richards Working?

Aric Richards is no longer working at FOX 5 San Diego or KUSI News. He announced his departure from FOX 5 San Diego on Instagram, stating, “Nearly a decade with Fox 5 San Diego – the longest & best job in my adult life. But it’s time to move on — and sleep in.”

As of now, there is no publicly available information regarding his current employment.

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