From a Farm in Stonewall to a career in Radio and TV
George Riba retired from Channel 8 on February 20, 2015 after working at WFAA TV for 37 years and five months. He spent nearly 42 years on Dallas Fort Worth Television having also spent time at KTVT TV Channel 11 and KXAS TV, Channel 5.
He joined Channel 8 in September 1977 and worked as a sports reporter, weekend sports anchor, executive sports producer and sports director. Long time Channel 8 sports anchor Dale Hansen estimated that Riba filed more than 8,000 stories during his years at WFAA.
Riba was raised on a farm and ranch in Stonewall, Texas and began his broadcasting career in 1966. At the time, he was a student at Fredericksburg High School in the Texas Hill Country. His first job included being a country disc jockey for radio station KNAF in Fredericksburg, Texas. He later worked for radio stations in Fort Worth, Texas, including KWXI, KFJZ and KFWD before turning to television.
During his years at Channel 8, his contributions helped the News 8 Sports Department win numerous awards.
Riba is an avid runner, having logged 34 marathons. He has run the BMW Dallas Marathon (Formerly Dallas White Rock Marathon) on 26 different occasions with a personal best of 3:01
Riba is a graduate from the University of Texas in Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Communications. He is married with no children.
Career Service Awards:
October 2016 Silver Circle Inductee: Honored for 25+ years of contributions to the Television Broadcasting community by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Lone Star Chapter
April 2016 Mayborn School of Journalism Career Service Recognition Award: University of North Texas
April 2016 Fit and Faithful Living Award: Fit and Faithful Living, Inc.
June 2015 Dallas Press Club North Texas Legends “Excellence in Journalism:” One of thirteen additions in 2015, including sports reporters and writers Dan Jenkins, Sam Blair and Brad Sham
April 2013 Excellence in Motorsports Journalism Award: Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame