Brit Hume Stepping Down

Posted on July 15, 2008

Following the November elections, Brit Hume, longtime host of “Special Report” on Fox News Channel and one of its guiding lights, will step down from his anchor post and as managing editor for the Washington bureau.

The news broke this afternoon via Washington Post media writer Howard Kurtz who reports that Hume will not be leaving the channel entirely–he will be retaining his role as a panelist on “Fox News Sunday.”

No decision has been made by FNC chief Roger Ailes about the future of “Special Report.”

Washington Post:

Sources familiar with the situation say that Hume, 65, will give up his job as Washington managing editor and anchor of “Special Report.” They say he is near a deal to continue with Fox in a senior statesman role, not unlike that of Tom Brokaw at NBC, for roughly 100 days a year.
In his new role, Hume would be a senior political analyst, anchor special events, serve as a panelist on “Fox News Sunday” and occasionally substitute for the host, Chris Wallace.

Allahpundit:

He’ll be there through the end of the year so election night coverage should proceed as usual. I’m always surprised by how much respect Hume commands among conservatives, not because he doesn’t deserve it but because you’d think he’d be drowned out by the O’Reilly and Hannity megaphones. Not so; in my conversations with people, as genial, gentlemanly conservative journalists go, he’s second in esteem to no one but … Tony Snow, actually. Where are Fox viewers going to get their nightly shot of gravitas now? The closest to Hume in that regard is Wallace but I doubt he wants to do five shows a week. Bret Baier is solid but he’s not a trademark FNC personality the way the rest of the late afternoon and evening crew is.

Sister Toldjah says…say it aint so:

Thank goodness he’s not leaving the network altogether, but evenings at 6pm ET just won’t be the same without Brit Hume at the helm of Special Report. Or will there even continue to be a Special Report once Hume’s role is reduced?

Betsy’s Page:

At least he’ll still be around on Sundays and as senior political commentator. I’ll look forward to seeing him then.

This is very sad news to me. Brit was the epitomy of the “fair and balanced” concept FOX touted. He garnered a lot of respect from me, and I loved his round table discussion panel. His humor was right on que, and he delivered with a style and confidence that can’t be copied. He seemed to always ask the right questions at the right time, and highlight things others ignored. He fairly covered and credited the blogosphere. I’ll definitely miss his beloved “Grapevine” segment. I’m definitley sad to hear this news. FOX will find it difficult to replace his show.

James Joyner is rounding up reactions.

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4 Responses to “Brit Hume Stepping Down”

John Anthony on July 15th, 2008 9:51 pm

Get rid of Shepherd Smith and outdo the MSM with a Brit news hour. Fair and balanced.
Patricia Snow on July 15th, 2008 11:32 pm

Re Brit Hume, I didn’t know nor can I believe that he is leaving Special Report. With Fox News additions of Laura Ingraham and Larry Elder(s), I would nominate Dennis Praeger (?spelling), for a spot on the Fox News Roster. He is a wonderful radio host and has taught various classes,lectured extensively and been a guest commentator on Fox News.
Jay on July 16th, 2008 12:24 am

Well at least he goes out without a scandal and a respected and fond memory.
Tennyson Williams on July 16th, 2008 3:52 pm

I think he’s a genuine person and a pretty good journalist. He’s left little hints here and there about his self improvement (like his son dying) and I think he is admirable for continuing with life and carrying on.