Condolences: WNYC’s Richard Hake
• Richard Hake, a beloved and trusted news host and reporter for New York Public Radio (NYPR) outlet WNYC/New York since 1992, passed away on Friday, April 24 at the age of 51. Hake’s family told WNYC that he died of natural causes.
In a statement to the NYPR staff, Pres./CEO Goli Sheikholeslami, said, in part, “For all of us at New York Public Radio and in WNYC’s listening community, Richard was one of the first voices we heard every morning. As the host of Morning Edition, he brought us the news, welcomed the new day, and helped us get ready for whatever lay ahead. It was the position he always wanted, and he worked very hard to get there. He loved to say he ‘woke up New York,’ and he brought the same warmth and generosity to listeners that he shared with his colleagues every day.” He continued, “Richard worked at WNYC for nearly 30 years as a host, reporter, and producer. He was an extraordinary broadcaster and journalist who had a passion for excellence and who took great pride in serving our audience. We will remember him very warmly. We know this incredibly difficult news is made only more challenging by our inability to be together in person. The newsroom is planning a tribute to celebrate Richard’s incredible legacy.”
A native New Yorker, Hake broke into radio while attending Fordham University, working at the University’s WFUV-FM as a morning drive reporter and newscaster. He was hired at WNYC when he was still a student. Hake’s stories earned him awards from The Associated Press Broadcasters Association, The Society of Professional Journalists, and The New York Press Club, among others. Hake was also the longtime SAG-AFTRA shop steward at WNYC. [Photo credit: Matthew Septimus]
