Brit Hume Stepping Down as 'Special Report' Anchor

Photo of Matthew Sheffield.

Brit Hume Fox News Channel Special Report screenshotFollowing 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."

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Hume's departure marks the end of an era of unprecedented programming continuity for FNC as New York Times TV reporter Brian Stelter writes:

While the other cable news channels have repeatedly tinkered with time slots, Fox’s 6 to 11 p.m. schedule — comprised of Mr. Hume, Shepard Smith, Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes, and Greta Van Susteren — has remained remarkably stable for most of the decade. The consistency has helped make Fox one of the most popular channels on cable for six straight years.

In the second quarter of 2008, “Special Report” attracted 1.34 million viewers a night, making it Fox’s fourth most popular program. While other Fox shows have tilted toward tabloid-type stories, the 6 p.m. hour of “Special Report” has remained the network’s political show of record, acting as an alternative to the evening newscasts that are broadcast at the same time.

Mr. Hume has been an unbridled supporter of Fox and a believer that the network acts as a counterweight to liberal bias on other networks. At Fox, he has helped shape the coverage of President Clinton’s impeachment, the 2000 election stalemate, and the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Mr. Hume previously spent 23 years as a reporter for ABC News, including eight years as the chief White House correspondent.

Hume has been a strong supporter of our efforts here at NewsBusters as well as our parent organization, the Media Research Center. He'll be missed. "Special Report" was a rare island of sanity in the chaotic sea of cable news.

Update 17:40. James Joyner is collecting blogger reactions.

—Matthew Sheffield is the creator of NewsBusters and its Executive Editor.


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Wow!

Big freaking Oxfords to fill, no doubt.

"I'd rather be governed by the first 2,000 people in the Boston
telephone directory than the 2,000 faculty at Hardvard Unversity." -
William F. Buckley Jr.

Unreal

Brit's show is the only news fit to watch.

It just won't be the same without him in the anchor chair.

I'm going to do a Scarlette O'Hara on this...and think about it tomorrow. Otherwise, it's just too depressing.

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

I could not agree more, Blonde

I was shocked when and read this and disappointed. It was so reassuring to watch his show and listen to him.

I like your Scarlett O'Hara idea...I will do the same.

It's all yours, DDM

Enjoy it...I use it alot.

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

I think Chris Wallace is

I think Chris Wallace is warming up in the bullpen - he's the only one left who has the oomph that approaches Hume's. Still, it ain't going to be the same - and probably tilting somewhat more liberal. also.

McNotObama '08

Chris Wallace might be okay

He's come around since he's seen the obvious bias in the rest of the media.

But if Charles Krauthammer is no longer on the panel....forget it. Charles & Brit are the best.

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

Here I am with you

again Blonde. I am simply in awe of Krauthammer, his insight and intelligence. That would be a real blow to all of us.

DDM

Charles Krauthammer is one of my all time favorites (did you know he's confined to a wheelchair...he was in some horrific wreck in his 20's?).

I believe he's got an MD (psychiatrist, maybe?...sorry tired after a long day).

I love everything he writes and says.  I'm going to miss Brit lofting him the question and Charles batting it out of the park.  So I hope he sticks around, I truly enjoy his quick wit and spot-on analysis of just about every topic I've ever heard him take on. 

I wonder what Brit will do next?  And I wonder if Tony Snow's passing had anything to do with him dialing back his work schedule.  I hope he takes some time and enjoys life....he really deserves it.  I'll miss him, though.

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

Krauthammer

Blonde: I agree, Charles is brilliant, I always tune in to hear his opinion no matter what the subject. I've often thought he should have his own show where he would just sit there and tell us stuff. Not just politics, all kinds of stuff. He's really knowledgeable on the subject of baseball, for instance.

He was injured in a diving accident, I believe when he was in college. And, Yes, he is a psychiatrist.

I'm so shocked about Brit Hume leaving Special Report that I can't process it yet.

 

Chai

Instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English—they’ll learn English—you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish. Barack Obama

Great Idea, Chai

Perhaps we should write to Fox and suggest a show for Charles...it would be awesome! 

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

Krauthammer on Barry's Iraq "Policy" Speech today

"He came, he saw, and he flynched".

Succinct.  And scathingly accurate.

Charles, we love you! 

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

I liked that one too. CK is

I liked that one too. CK is very talented in putting his thoughts into words.

I just

watched that and thought it was great.

I enjoy when Hume, normally

I enjoy when Hume, normally so calm, finally gets exasperated with Liasson or Williams, and explodes with a, "Oh, come on!"

McNotObama '08

Yes, I was aware of Charles' health issues,

not many of us can hold a candle to him and all he has accomplished. Most would have given up after an accident like his. I think one of his best writings was after the death of his brother Marcel.

I was wondering about the effect of Tony Snow on Brit also...Brit is 65 and may just want to retire.

DDC...yep he just may...he

DDM...yep he just may...he hasn't had it the easiest in life either...losing two of his kids to suicide...I think both were suicide if memory serves me.

M heart was broke for him when his son died, what about eight years ago or so now...they appeared together on many shows, he was going in the same business and the glean in Brit's eyes when they were together was beautiful...he was so proud.

"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

→ Thanks, Chris

I'll sign off on Chris Wallace.  And it better be a good contract.

  • LYDSEXICS UNTIE

A fair, wise and balanced newsman. He will be missed.

Enough said.... 

AnSy man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has not heart; and any
man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains.

 

 

→ Say it ain't so Brit!

Brit, I watch your show every day.  I have no clue what else is on the tube during the 5:00 pm hour here.

SpongeBob falls somewhere between you and the next best news source.

All I'm sayin' is I know it's your choice Brit, but ain't no bubble-headed bleach blonde gonna just step in and all's hunky-dorey.

  • LYDSEXICS UNTIE

Crap! "Special Report" is

Crap! "Special Report" is one of my "must watch" every day. I can't imagine it without Hume. How can they replace his intelligence and wit? I can't think of anyone who fits the bill. This ranks right up there with the disappointing news of the death of Tony Snow. I just hope there isn't a health issue involved with Hume.

Queen... You said

Queen...

You said everything I wanted to.

To a tee.

"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

Here's wishing you...

...a fond farewell Mr. Hume. You deserve 10 times the accolades the other media outlets might/could bestow upon you. 

You have brought a "classy order" to the MSM (msm-used loosely of course) that cannot, or dare I say will never be duplicated on those "other news" programs.

Good luck, and God Bless.

Brit Hume is one of the finest newsmen around.

He will be missed. I agree with the poster above....these are going to be some massive shoes to fill.

"women and minorities hardest hit"

Political Grapevine segment ....

.... best two minutes in TV, anywhere.

Tom...  ...By

Tom...

 ...By far.

"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

So much for weekday TV news. Special Report was it for me.

Guess the only news show left that is worth watching is Fox News Sunday.

Thanks, Brit, for a really great run. You were/are truly one of a kind.

The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz

Sad news...

This is not good news.  I'm happy Brit will have the chance to slow down and enjoy life, but I've always felt he was the rudder guiding Fox News.  He did an outstanding job and was always fair and balanced in his coverage.

Thanks for all you did Brit.  You'll be missed.

Sad news...

This is not good news.  I'm happy Brit will have the chance to slow down and enjoy life, but I've always felt he was the rudder guiding Fox News.  He did an outstanding job and was always fair and balanced in his coverage.

Thanks for all you did Brit.  You'll be missed.

Special Report and Fox News

Special Report and Fox News Sunday are the only shows left with the integrity that the Fox News Network started with. Bill O'Reilly has some sort of sexual issue that is very distasteful, Hannity and Colmes is annoying because Alan Colmes won't let one person get a word in edgewise, and Greta Van Susteren's show is just GOD-AWFUL.  With Brit Hume leaving, I just don't see a good future for Fox unless they decide to get serious once again and stop with the tabloid crap.

I agree with your view of

I agree with your view of FOX's decline. I'm sure I will enjoy Brit Hume's remaining broadcasts (as I always do) but fear what may come... I have seen way to much of Geraldo lately and She Smith is a joke. Now they've brought in Huckster, channel changes whenever any of these clowns appear. Wallace would suffice, just barely, sorta, kinda, maybe, but it won't ever be of equal QUALITY.

marpel, I agree. Fox News is going down the tubes.

BOR is boring, and H&C is all but un-watchable, and not just becuse of Alan, either.

As for Fox & Friends, the less said the better.

I hope Chris Wallace can keep things at least interesting.

The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz

Ditto

Except I don't trust Wallace.

Didn't see this coming...

The only news I watched religiously is losing it's most respected anchor. I guess from now on I get my news strictly from talk radio and off the net.

Good luck Brit in whatever you do. You have done your job well! 

45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm

Ct... Yep this is sad...I

Ct...

Yep this is sad...I was already down to two shows and Fox Sunday depending on guests ect. which was hard enough for me at times since Snow left... whereas I used to leave it on Fox all day for the most part while going about things at home...

Brian Wilson left too (I know he is still behind the scenes, not the same though), I used to watch him on week-ends when he took Snows place on Saturdays....

Fox is just getting to hard for me to take anymore...

"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

bt, Special Report is a

bt,

Special Report is a rarity among cable shows - an intelligent, but never boring, mix of news and discussion. It's nice to hear issues discussed without all the yelling and rudeness. Have you watched Laura Ingraham's show? If so, how is it? I hope it's not yet another yell-fest.

McNotObama '08

I've watched it a few

Hi Chris...

I've watched it a few times, I keep forgetting it is on...my schedule at home is all messed up anyway during the summer...to be fair to Laura the shows I did see were okay....no yell-fest...just not what I expected either.

I'm not the greatest person to ask about this having only watch some of her shows though...I did turn it there last week a coupl of times and E.D. Hill was subbing for her...so.... 

I'm more of an Ann Coulter type of gal anyway...

We all see things differently with our view-finders in life...

"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

Laura Ingraham usally

Laura Ingraham usally doesn't suffer foolish liberals gladly. I like how she gives to Bill O'Reilly as good as she gets. I'm never home early enough to catch it and I don't know if they ever repeat it in the wee hours.

McNotObama '08

I like Laura's show, I also

I like Laura's show, I also like the other Blond who does the political stuff during the day.  Her name, sorry just cant think of it.

 

"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg

There are so many blondes on

There are so many blondes on cable news these days, who could keep them straight? :)

McNotObama '08

what's next

Tanned, Rested and Ready....

Brit for Russert's Job in '09.

sb... Hey, I never

sb...

Hey, I never thought of that...although somewhere we were naming replacements for MTP, I thought of Hume too...

Do you really think as radical as NBC has become they would hire somebody from Fox?

I hope so..nobody would be better in that chair.

"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

doubt it

I don't remember if I saw or read this, but several months ago Brit Hume alluded that he had thought about retiring, but decided that he at least wanted to continue in his current role through this election. Brit - the very definition of gravitas.

I'm also a Brian Wilson fan as well.

A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
- George Bernard Shaw, 1944

MTP

fat chance...can you imagine the mtg room debate when those lefties at roc center are going through their (short?) list of candidates and Brit, Rush, Charles, others come up.  The ad guy (responsible for revenue) wanting ratings and a solid viewer base (a la Fox) and the editorship seeking someone from the UWS cocktail party circuit.  Eventually the debate comes down to what problem are we trying to solve?  Run a business or enhance our own standing within the social and political scene within NYC and DC?

 If NBC wants ratings, make a reality show of those meetings...kind of like the Politburo meets "The Office".  It would be fantastic theater.  

oh, wait.  The Ad guy wouldnt be invited to those meetings.  Nevermind.

Bret Baier is my fave

Bret Baier is my fave fill-in. Make him the host! Unless we want to make Chris Wallace work over-time.

Damian... That is exactly

Damian...

That is exactly who I think they are and have been planning on replacing Britt with...they have been getting him prepared for awhile now IMO.

"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

I concur. He takes the bulk

I concur. He takes the bulk of the Friday shows and actually does a decent job, IMO.

Hi Hermano... Plus he is

Hi Hermano...

Plus he is doing some Saturday shows too...

"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

BT

Does Biff's idiot comment, above (about Brit's "propaganda") show up in pink to you?

If so...what does that mean?  Troll Alert?

I want to learn how to do that

P.S.  I think you're right about T. Boone Picken's ad...I've seen it a bunch of times now...he's got windsocks up his sleeve, so to speak. 

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

Yes it does B... I had a

Yes it does B...

I had a half a line comment to him...then it said commenter doesn't exist, then went to pink on the site...

Yet he is still able to post...

You got me.

Yeah as to Pickens...he has oodles of $$$ invested and sees the possibility of oil opening up...just my opinion...plus different connections he was counting on in Congress...on and on it goes.

"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh

We'll have to ask Matt

This site just keeps getting better. 

Later...off to dinner.

David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive

 

BT...

If my memory is working (big if) Pickens has many natural gas holdings, so I think he is making a play to further pad his fortune. We shall see. 

45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm

Cool - I don't watch on the

Cool - I don't watch on the weekends - too many weeds to pull!

What a punch in the gut...

I dare say Special Report with Brit Hume is the best show on television.  It wouldn't be the same without Brit.

Brit

I always liked Brit, and I will miss him, and you are correct when you say it won't be the same show without him.  Bret seems to be the logical replacement, and that will be fine.  But really, ANYONE but that pompous dandy Sheperd.  I just don't like that fellow!

We'll all miss Brir in our

We'll all miss Bret in our own way.

"Burn that mother down." -- Jimmy Ellis

Didn't that midget have to

Didn't that midget have to go to the hospital the last time you "remembered in your own way"?

 

Bye, bye, Brit!

It's been nice.

"If it comes to be believed that we are simply a
propaganda organ of some kind, as a lot of people believe about some of
our competitors, that would be a problem."

Fox News as "a propaganda organ of some kind"? Surely, you jest?

Maybe it was the report on liberals watching Fox News more than ever that sent him walking...

Syrius

Witch report was

Witch report was that? 

 

"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg

Gosh...

GC,

You mean to tell me you haven't been keeping up with NB!

http://www.newsbuste...

Syrius

"...the dire consequences to society when people begin to believe that by
renaming someone to erase their humanity opens the door to the
devaluation of everyone's life..."-dscott

 

Syrius, the only "organ" around here is you.

The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz

No, No, say it isn't so!!!

No, No, say it isn't so!!!  

I would hope Brit will take the helm of another show at some point. 

 Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.  

Maybe Roger Ailes can lure John Stossel away from ABC.

Just a thought.  :-)

The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz

That's sad.  I've always

That's sad.  I've always liked Brit.  He'll be missed.  Best of luck in your future endeavors Mr. Hume!

Thanks Brit!

Have mercy!  I've had my near daily dose of Brit for so long...this is a real loss.  He always knows the issues well and is able to steer the conversation of "the panel" well because he does.  His follow-up questions to the panelists are (were), often, words from my mouth.

He responded to one of my emails once.  He had done a July 4th special a couple of years ago telling the story of how the British were kicking us around...how we almost lost that war.  My note to him was a simple compliment thanking him for the effort.  The reply was, "Thanks  B H".  hahaha  Not much.  But, I thought it was great.

Brit Hume and Charles Krauthammer have been my two favorite news guys for years, now. Brit leaving is another example of that ol' saying, regretfully, holding true...Nothing stays the same.

Special Report is the only

Special Report is the only "must watch" program left for me on TV. Hume is truly an outstanding anchor and commentator, the best we have, actually. I suspect Wallace has been groomed to take over, but time will tell.

FNC's loss.

I switched to the FNC for my evening News and Commentary fix several years ago on account of Britt Hume.  I do not enjoy the program as much when he is not there, he will be sorely missed.  Fox has really been playing musical chairs lately, not much that I care for there anymore.

Watching Less of Fox

So what's new. Eric Burns, John Gibson and Laura Ingraham. Anyone with a brain they force out. Women who look like Hooter girls, their in. Now Hume. When O'Reilly was on vacation that was the best week in months when John Kasich was a sub.

He let both sides talk without acting a fool, but kept them on topic. Plus he doesn't have an ego the size of New York. Bill always has to find a way to get his name in there somehow. Even when talking about Tony Snow, he had to bring up that he doesn't let just "anyone" take over his radio show. Like anyone cares. His show is becoming like "Extra".

On Brit Hume and Special Report

I loved Special Report.  Especially with Brit Hume as the host of the program.  Conveniently enough for me here in TX, it is on during the "evening news" hour.  Back in my college days, when my old man wanted to watch the propaganda on ABC, I opted out, went to my room, and watched Mr. Hume's show instead.

What a depressing story to read.  Whoever takes his place will take over the Brit Hume chair at the anchor desk...

"Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." - from the Bhagavad Gita, quoted by J. Robert Oppenheimer at 0530 MST on 16 July 1945

What a depressing story

What a depressing story to read. Whoever takes his place will take over the Brit Hume chair at the anchor desk...

I hope it's not Chris "Liberal" Wallace! Fred Barnes would be a palatable choice, if he wanted it.

Vote 4 change. Vote 4 anything. See Jack & Mr Shy's first campaign ad for the ONLY viable 3rd party candidate.

Brit Hume on Special Report

Brit Hume on Special Report is one reason that the network can draw my attention. While it seems other shows on the FNC require a beauty pagaent winner, preferrably blonde, SR is the one place where I can get real news. The current direction of FNC is the same reason that I quit watching traditional network news in the early 90's. Hume will be missed on the one bright spot in their programming line-up.

What happened to Ingraham on Fox?

Anyone know what happened to Laura Ingraham? She had a show for what, 10 days, and it disappeared last week?

I have to admit, the technical output was appalling. Laura's mike quality was AM quality, terrible... there were constant missed video cues, etc. Real amateur night out.

They must have put the Fox F crew on her production. But has she been canned already?

Vote 4 change. Vote 4 anything. See Jack & Mr Shy's first campaign ad for the ONLY viable 3rd party candidate.

Laura

When her program started, I read it was only going to be for 3 weeks. There was no explanation why. Maybe she wanted to find out if adding a TV show to her schedule would be too much to handle.

Chai

Instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English—they’ll learn English—you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish. Barack Obama

A sad day!

Brit you will be sorely missed.  I look forward to your news each night.  Good luck in all future endeavours and thanks for all you've done. 

Say, isn't that about the

Say, isn't that about the time that Katie Couric is going to be stepping down as the anchor of CBS News? 

*****

"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will 

I’m saddened to hear this

I’m saddened to hear this news since I consider Brit Hume one of the best journalists on television. Although I watch little television, I consistently watched Special Report. It was only yesterday when discussing objective journalism that I posted on NewsBusters this comment: "I still believe that objectivity in journalism is possible. As an example, FoxNews’ coverage of political news seems to me to be, for the most part, fairly balanced. Brit Hume’s Special Report with Brit Hume, appears to me to be the most balanced hour of news on television."

CAUTION: If you are interested in how the disgusting Lefties are taking this news than click HERE.

-----------------------------------------------------------

"They are actively promoting the decline of America." ~ Rush Limbaugh on liberals and Democrats

 

Wow, a lot of those comments

Wow, a lot of those comments were over the top. Understandable that they were all praising his departure. It is obvious that this is because they perceive him as being far right. Of course, compared to those commentors, he is far right. (Then again, so is McCain.)

Brit Hume on CSPAN

Brit Hume will be interviewed on CSPAN in the Q&A segment on Sunday at 8p.m. ET/PT.