Raymond Bell is an Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer with over 35 years of experience in television, known for crafting powerful sports narratives and honoring legacy through original programming.
A native of Berkeley, California, Raymond graduated from UCLA in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Television from the College of Fine Arts. As a three-year letterman and starting linebacker for the Bruins, he played a pivotal role in the 1975 team’s historic upset of the undefeated, top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in the 1976 Rose Bowl.
Raymond began his television career in 1982 as a sports intern at KTLA Channel 5. The unpaid role quickly evolved into a paid position, where he honed his skills in sports and news coverage. Rising through the ranks to become a sports producer, he covered landmark moments including Magic Johnson’s 1991 announcement that he was HIV positive.
In 1992, Raymond joined KTTV Fox Channel 11 as a sports producer, taking on one of the most dynamic roles in one of the nation’s top television markets. He coordinated live pre-game and post-game coverage for major teams including the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, Angels, Kings, Ducks, UCLA, and USC football. His coverage spanned four Lakers NBA Championships, the Angels’ MLB World Series win, and the Ducks’ NHL Championship.
In 2002, Raymond independently produced and brokered a deal with Fox Sports International for a ten-episode sports entertainment series titled “Inside Pitch“. The show featured high-profile guests such as Will Smith and Sylvester Stallone, Jessica Simpson and Shaquille O’Neal.
By 2009, Raymond brought his talents to KCBS Channel 2 as a feature news producer, expanding his storytelling to include news, entertainment, and impactful community stories that reflected the heart of Los Angeles.
Raymond’s commitment to honoring legacy was evident in 2006 when he organized the 30-year reunion of the 1976 UCLA Rose Bowl Championship team, led by Coach Dick Vermeil. He also produced a two-part commemorative DVD celebrating the team’s historic season.
In 2010 he received Television’s highest honor when he won an Emmy Award for Producer of Best Sports Reporting for KTTV Fox Channel 11.
His work has earned the industry’s highest honors. In 2010, Raymond received an Emmy Award for Best Sports Reporting at KTTV Fox Channel 11. In 2014, he won a second Emmy for Light News – Single Story for the Justin Carr Story on KCBS2 Story. In 2015, he was honored with a Los Angeles Press Club Award for Best Sports Feature for David Kopay NFL Secret.
Raymond continues to champion diversity, legacy, and educational impact through his current work on the CALLED-UP documentary and curriculum initiative.
In 2018, Ray was nominated for three Los Angeles Press Club Journalism Awards. He received the following recognition for two of them.
Los Angeles Press Club Journalism Award (2nd Place) Producer/Sports – Television/Film “From Devastation to Defensive Line”
Jun 2018, Los Angeles Press Club
Tells how Kenny Clark, a first-round pick of the Green Bay Packers, and his family had to cope with his father being put in prison for murder while he was growing up.
Los Angeles Press Club Journalism Award (2nd Place) Producer/Entertainment Personality Profile/Interview -Television/Film “Misty Copeland”
Jun 2018, Los Angeles Press Club
Misty Copeland tells her story about going from living in a motel as a child with her siblings and mom to becoming the first African-American principal dancer in the 75-year history of American Ballet Theater.
Beverly Robinson Performance Arts Award
Mar 2018, UCLA Black Alumni Association/Winston C. Doby Legacy Scholarship 2018 Awards Dinner
Honored for working over 35-years in Television, being a Co-Producer of the play Ghost in the House, the story of heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson and as a filmmaker, including as the executive producer for current documentary project CALLED UP: The Emmett Ashford Story about the first African-American umpire in Major League Baseball.
