Scott Richards

Scott Richards, whose evening newscast dominated the Birmingham market for 33 years, died in Birmingham, Alabama on February 14, 2024. He was 74 years old. Scott was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He attended Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Scott then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he began his broadcasting career in 1971 with the Southern Command Network based in the Panama Canal Zone. Three years later he was discharged from active duty and began working as a reporter, photographer, and news producer in Louisville, Kentucky while finishing his degree at the University of Louisville.

It was in Louisville where he met his wife, Yvonne Jaspan and they married in 1979. Soon after, Scott had the opportunity to move to WBRC in Birmingham, Alabama in 1981 to anchor the nightly news. He retired in 2014 and then became a contributor at CBS 42 News. During his 33 years with WBRC, Scott had been named the “Best News Anchor” nine times by the Associated Press and was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences “Silver Circle”. Scott served on the board of directors for Glenview Autism and Behavioral Health Services. He also volunteered and emceed for the Sight Savers of Alabama, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the National Veterans Award Dinner for many years. Scott was an avid golfer. He won many tournaments in high school and later became a member of the Wake Forest golf team. He loved spending time with his friends on the golf course and always looked forward to their yearly golf trips. Scott won several club championships after his retirement in 2014.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Scott Richards, Sr. and his brother, Tom Richards. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Yvonne and their sons, Trent and Brian. The family requests that donations be given to the Birmingham Veterans Administration Health Care System at www.volunteer.va.gov or the charity of your choice. A private graveside service will be held at a later date for Scott’s family.