George Richert will assume his role as Communications director of the diocese after he leaves WIVB-TV at the end of the month. (Courtesy of WIVB-TV)

Bishop Richard J. Malone, bishop of Buffalo, today announced that George Richert, well-known WIVB-TV Channel 4 reporter, has been named director of communications for the Diocese of Buffalo. 

The position was not filled in 2011, when Kevin Keenan left his position with the diocese and founded Keenan Communications Group.  Keenan was diocesan director of communications from 2000 to 2011.  For the past four-plus years, Keenan has served as chief communications counsel to the diocese.  He will transition to the role of consultant to Bishop Malone and will remain as the bishop's public policy representative to the New York State Catholic Conference.

"George has a deep and strong Catholic faith which makes him an ideal communications director," said Bishop Malone.  "He has a strong understanding of the news media in the digital age, is well respected in the community, among his viewers, the sources he's covered, and his fellow journalists.  I look forward to working with George as we evangelize and work to build up the Kingdom of God here in the Diocese of Buffalo."

A graduate of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, Kenmore, and Buffalo State College, Richert began his media career as a traffic reporter for WGR-AM & FM radio.  He went on to host "Newsday at Noon" on WBEN-AM before moving to television and joining the staff at WIVB-TV in 1998.  Richert is the recipient of a New York State Emmy, an Associated Press Award, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and the Pinnacle Award from the Buffalo Broadcasters.

"I am a proud lifelong Buffalo Catholic," Richert said, "and I've always believed that to everything there is a time and a purpose.  And, I really, really trust the timing of making this move.  I think it will be a great fit for me at this time in my life and also for the Catholic diocese." 

Richert, who will assume his new duties on March 7, and his family are members of St. Aloysius Parish in Springville.