Kim Hume’s departure…
Here is FNC’s press release…
FOX News Vice President and Washington Bureau Chief Kim Hume will leave her position after the midterm elections in November, announced John Moody, Senior Vice President, News Editorial. Bruce Becker will serve as an interim bureau chief overseeing all Washington based newsgathering efforts.
In making the announcement, Moody said, “I’d like to thank Kim for her dedication and commitment to raising the standard of Fox News throughout her ten years here. Her experience and instincts have been a driving force behind the success of the Washington bureau. She has made an indelible mark on the way we produce political news and her contributions will continue to benefit the network for years to come.”
Hume added, “It’s rare to have the opportunity to go out at the top of one’s game. This was a wrenching decision to make. I’ve always wanted to finish well and that’s what I’m doing.”
Under Hume’s leadership, the bureau covered every midterm and presidential election between 2000 and 2006, both the Iraq and Middle East wars, as well as the 2002 Washington area sniper attacks. Hume also notably led coverage in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the Pentagon. Additionally, she oversaw the network’s coverage of the developments in Kenneth Starr’s investigation of the relationship between former President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky and the subsequent impeachment.Prior to being named to his interim position, Becker served as deputy bureau chief in Washington. He has been with FNC since its inception in 1996, and oversees the network’s Washington editorial newsgathering operation, where he has managed several area based breaking news events. Before joining FNC, Becker was the executive producer for FOX’s affiliate news operation and also had stints at WTTG-TV (FOX) and WETA-TV (PBS).
It’s sad to see Kim Hume, who presumably is retiring, leave FNC after contributing solidly to the growth and dominance of Fox News Channel. She works mainly behind the scenes, in contrast to her husband, Brit, who has been one of the major stars with FOX. I recall an interview that Brit had sometime ago, and he thought maybe he may retire in two or three years. That would be another huge loss when he does.
Kim, we want you to know you have done a great job, and
we wish you the best on your well-deserved retirement.
Comment by RGL — September 21, 2006 @ 4:15 pm
Hume: “I made this decision in May and it was a wrenching decision but I’m at peace with it. I have had a terrific career and the time spent at Fox was the crowning achievement. I needed to do this job . . . I’ve achieved the dream and I need to move on other dreams. ” (Fishbowl DC)
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This quote from Kim Hume via Fishbowl DC doesn’t sound like “retirement” to me.
Comment by Terance — September 21, 2006 @ 4:30 pm
is she married to Brit?
Comment by jerziegrl — September 21, 2006 @ 5:28 pm
If Brit leaves, I am done! Yikes!
No one could take his place.
Certainly not that wimp Jim Angle, who sits in for him on Fridays. I have never understood that!!
Comment by cella — September 21, 2006 @ 5:55 pm
Terance, that is a voluntary retirement. Most people going through the process of hanging up their gloves find it “wrenching.” She is of retirement age.
Yes, she is married to Brit. Brit, I thin, still has two years on his contract left, and I have a feeling he will stay longer. FNC has a stable of stars when it’s time for Brit to go. I have three in mind: Brian Wilson, David Asman, and Eric Burns (who moderates FOx News Watch on Saturdays afternoons.)
Comment by RGL — September 21, 2006 @ 6:23 pm
RGL,
If I had to make a choice, it would be Chris Wallace.
But let’s hope it doesn’t happen.
I have some random thoughts.
It won’t be David Asman. They moved him out to make room for Bill Hemmer. A little of Brian Wilson goes a long way.
I like Eric, but he doesn’t have the clout!
Comment by cella — September 21, 2006 @ 6:43 pm
cella, I actually think Asman moved to a “behind the scenes” role, and that it was voluntary. I think he’d be great as a replacement for Hume (if it ever came to that), but he may be more business- than politically-oriented.
Your idea about Chris Wallace would be great. Let’s hope he wouldn’t mind anchoring a nightly newscast if Brit retires in the near future.
Comment by Missy — September 21, 2006 @ 7:12 pm
I vote for Chris Wallace to replace Brit, if and when he decides to retire. Chris is a political junkie. I like his Sunday program.
Comment by Barb — September 21, 2006 @ 7:38 pm
Oh, I have had another thought. Tony Snow would be perfect.
If Brit leaves when his contract is up, the timing would work out.
Thanks, Missy, for the information on David. I didn’t know the circumstances of his move.
Comment by cella — September 21, 2006 @ 7:47 pm
David Asman has done an excellent job anchoring the news at 12 noon. He relinquished that slot voluntarily to do special programs and that Saturday business program with Steve Forbes. (He used to be an editorial writer for the Wall Street Journal.) With Fox planning to launch that business channel possibly next year, he may team up with Neil Cavuto to anchor those programs.
Comment by RGL — September 21, 2006 @ 9:18 pm