Richard “Rich” Preuss

B.S. Telecommunication, 1996

Emmy and Peabody Award-Winning Television Director and Producer

Hall of Fame 2025

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Rich Preuss is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television director and producer specializing in live and live-to-tape programming. He began his career at UFCJC, directing Gator Growl and news broadcasts for WUFT. While at UF, he was selected for the Television Academy’s prestigious internship program.

Over the past 25 years, Preuss has directed a wide range of variety television, including in-studio comedy shows, large-scale award ceremonies, red carpet specials, comedy specials, dog shows, cooking competitions, corporate events, e-sports, and even rocket launches. His direction of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj on Netflix earned widespread acclaim.

In 2024, Preuss directed a Dolly Parton special for CBS, a comedy series starring Sarah Silverman for TBS, the Peabody Awards, the Grammys Premiere Ceremony, the Creative Arts Emmys, the Billboard Music Awards, and a live Smashing Pumpkins concert at Wrigley Field. He also directed The Game Awards, a live special featuring performances by Snoop Dogg and Twenty One Pilots, with presentations by Harrison Ford and The Muppets. The event set a record with 154 million live streams.

Committed to fostering new talent, Preuss has hosted Television Academy internships and mentors young professionals launching their careers in television.