Fox News anchor Brit Hume, host of "Special Report" will be stepping down after tonight's show.
His successor is scheduled to be Bret Baier, currently the chief White House correspondent for the network.
Hume is not quitting the network entirely however. He is expected to continue on as a senior political analyst, one presumes as a panelist on either "Fox News Sunday" or "Special Report."
Hume is one of the few openly right-leaning news reporters who managed to climb up the ranks of the elite television networks, first at ABC and later at Fox News.
Update 12-24 10:11. On his last program, Hume aired a tribute video put together by Fox News staffers with several prominent individuals tipping their hats to him, including Presidents Bush 41 and 43, and ABC anchor Charlie Gibson.
Watch it above.
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Comments Policy
Nothing against Snuffy
December 23, 2008 - 19:53 ET by Chris NormanNothing against Snuffy Baier, but Special Report with him and not Brit Hume is like The Ritz Carlton substituting Grape Nehi Soda for Dom Perignon.
Sad to see Brit go...
December 23, 2008 - 19:52 ET by dodecahedronSpecial Report with Brit Hume is my favorite television news program. Brett Baier is good, but Brit Hume is the best in my opinion.
Britt Hume -- what a professional journalist should be...
December 24, 2008 - 13:49 ET by wnaegele...but so rarely is.
-30-
→ Thanks Matt
December 23, 2008 - 20:08 ET by Cool ArrowLetting today pass without a thread on Brit Hume would have been a travesty.
I rarely miss Special Report on my days off (I have lots of days off).
The sendoff was great, as well as his parting comments.
Bye Brit!
December 23, 2008 - 20:13 ET by BlondeI managed to watch without shedding a tear...it was a close run thing, though.
It's been a great run....and I hope his replacement(s) can live up to his high standards of excellence.
Thanks, Brit Hume! I'm going to miss you, more than you'll know.
I concur. I have enjoyed
December 23, 2008 - 20:23 ET by BDI concur. I have enjoyed that show and prefer it to all its competitors and have for several years. Largely, I place the credit to Hume who I think has been guiding this show.
The thing I will truly miss is an actual presidential candidate debate in 2011 hosted by Hume. Real questions asked by a real honest questioner. But I suppose that is out of the question now.
Not necessarily, BD
December 23, 2008 - 22:09 ET by BlondeBrit Hume is going to stay at Fox, with a title of Senior Politcal Editor, or somesuch.
It wouldn't surprise me at all to see him moderating the next Presidential debates, since he's no longer an "anchor" with a requirement for staying neutral.
I'm going to miss Brit Hume horribly....he's the only watchable anchor left. I wish they'd appointed the mid-east reporter, Jennifer (I can't even remember her last name she's on so infrequently). She's the best reporter on the tube these days, and unfortunately, not seen much.
So long!
December 23, 2008 - 20:18 ET by northoneBrit is one of the best. He will be missed!
That's It
December 23, 2008 - 20:19 ET by MCPO AirdaleThe last nightly news program I could actually watch is now without it's lynchpin. I guess I'll just watch episodes of The Venture Brothers that I Tivo'd.
Sad Day
December 23, 2008 - 20:19 ET by LynnMy evenings always began with Brit Hume's Special Report. I will miss him terribly.
Bret Baier or Chris Wallace would have worked well. Thank goodness the powers that be didn't select the bland Jim Angle or the overbearing self promoter, Brian Wilson.
Perhaps the hot Major Garrett will get the White House spot.
Clearly One of the Best
December 23, 2008 - 20:23 ET by BourbeauThere's no question about it; Brit and his team, have established Fox News as the most informative and balanced news program on TV. I don't recall the last time I watched any of the other networks for a complete show and frankly, I don't miss them. What I enjoy the most about Fox News is it's consistent presentation and format - no bells and whistles, good news coverage, good reporters, excellent panels and competent, serious anchors. Congratulations to Bret Bair; I think he will clearly grow into chair, and one thing is certain, he will be the best dressed anchor on TV - he should be the standard for coordinating colors for suits, shirts and ties, he does it so well.
A True Professional
December 23, 2008 - 20:24 ET by richb313I will miss Brit Hume. He is a true professional. His true value however is his training of the younger journalists (a term I do not use lightly) at Fox News. His own personnal philosophy of accuracy is evident as Fox News has to have the lowest retraction rate due to inaccuracies of any news outlet. I liked it when during the tribute you heard him say Fair is not an attitude but a skill. Yes Fox News may come from a conservative point of view but thier fairness cannot be questioned by any regular viewers.
If this comes to your eyes Brit know that in a sea of spin and propoganda Fox News stands light a light house marking the way to facts and honest reporting. Much of this is due to your own hard work and leadership. I will miss you but am not concerned as I have seen the fruits of your labors. Thank You for all your hard work and dedication, but enjoy the Three G's, God, Grandchildren, and Golf. You rightly deserve them.
Jinx
December 23, 2008 - 20:33 ET by DingbatYou beat me to it and said it much more eloquently than I ever possibly could. Mr. Hume is a Class Act. I tell Lib friends that I watch Britt because I see what Katie et al will report AND I see what they refuse to report...like success in Iraq. Britt showed BOTH sides. I think it was a remarkable tribute that Charlie Gibson went on air to compliment Britt...I know they are friends but to do it on air took courage on the part of Mr. Gibson.
We will miss him but the mark of a leader is training successors. Chasing G'Kids is fun and we hope that he now has a lot of time to do that. God Bless Mr. Hume.
On Brit Hume
December 23, 2008 - 20:35 ET by UnsaneHe will be missed. I loved Special Report. This guy was and is a true professional in a field that BADLY needs more professionals.
"THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING!!! A WAR ON FREEWILL IS COMING!!!" - Nevermore, "Bittersweet Feast", from This Godless Endeavor (2005)
Fox News may as well go ahead and pull the plug on itself...
December 23, 2008 - 20:40 ET by R D Helm...as there is no-longer any reason to watch it anymore.
So long, Mr. Hume.
-Dave
Merry Christmas everybody!
Dave,By any chance, did
December 23, 2008 - 20:52 ET by Chris NormanDave,
By any chance, did you catch O'Reilly interviewing himself with Hume present (well, that was, in effect, what it was)?
Hume didn't look too comfortable with O'Reilly - geez, I wonder why?
Chris,
December 25, 2008 - 03:13 ET by R D HelmActually, I missed it. However, I have a pretty good idea of how it probably went.
BOR would try the patience of the Pope.
-Dave
Merry Christmas everybody!
The Pope...
December 28, 2008 - 13:25 ET by StarAZThe Pope is probably a pinhead for hiding under his desk. Still--I would rather watch Bill BS with all those blond women than anything on MSNBC anymore.
On the plus side,
December 23, 2008 - 20:41 ET by Chris NormanOn the plus side, Glenn Beck starts his show on Fox in a few weeks. A "plus", if he tones down the one-note economic armageddon - "a pox on both your houses" talk he has espoused to the neglect of other issue, as of late.
And stops the incessant
December 23, 2008 - 20:45 ET by DingbatAnd stops the incessant hustling of books, shows, etc (same with Hannity)...Doubt that I'll watch. Can't stand the negativity.
Hey, do you mean Beck
December 23, 2008 - 20:53 ET by Chris NormanHey, do you mean Beck didn't wear you down into buying "The Christmas Sweater"? :)
Nope
December 23, 2008 - 22:06 ET by DingbatThe incessant danged sweater thing made me reach, permanently, for the off switch..plus the doom and gloom. I tuned in for arguments with libs but that was about it and now that is gone.
→ Maybe so
December 23, 2008 - 22:16 ET by Cool ArrowBut Glenn was ahead of the curve on the financial meltdown. I made personal decisions based on his opinion rather than the opinions of many in this blog, and have benefitted greatly (financially) as a result. My life savings rode out most of the last 3 months in a guaranteed fund.
There was reason for Beck's prognostication, there is reason for his current outlook.
Res tantum valorum quantum vendi potest
December 28, 2008 - 21:25 ET by UnsaneGood to hear, but Glenn Beck is still an economics idiot for neglecting the absolute most basic economic principle of them all: res tantum valorum quantum vendi potest.
"THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING!!! A WAR ON FREEWILL IS COMING!!!" - Nevermore, "Bittersweet Feast", from This Godless Endeavor (2005)
→ Not neglected
December 28, 2008 - 21:56 ET by Cool ArrowI'm not too heavy into Supply/Demand curves either. Personally I didn't see a need to quantify the reckless spending of others, I just had to be aware of it. All Beck did was put into perspective how soon an implosion could come.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
You could have...
December 28, 2008 - 13:23 ET by StarAZYou could have thrown that sweater over your own bold fresh humanity piece....
Nothing wrong with Economic Armageddon when you are right
December 24, 2008 - 01:34 ET by PopularTechI have no problem talking about the economy negatively if you are right as Beck is.
Understanding the financial crisis (Video) (8min)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is Not Pollution
Huh?
December 25, 2008 - 21:05 ET by UnsaneAs in Glenn Beck? He's an economics idiot. Seriously. What part of res quantum valorem tantum vendi potest does he not understand?
"THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING!!! A WAR ON FREEWILL IS COMING!!!" - Nevermore, "Bittersweet Feast", from This Godless Endeavor (2005)
Beck doesn't understand Latin?
December 28, 2008 - 10:53 ET by PopularTechI did not know that was part of economics.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is Not Pollution
Not my fault you don't understand a little Latin
December 28, 2008 - 21:32 ET by UnsaneNo, but what that Latin phrase MEANS is one of the most basic underlying principles of economics. My own sister decided to be a dingbat and whine endlessly about how what evil ExxonMobil was charging for gas was "unfair". No surprise, she couldn't grasp that Latin sentence either, and I said it to her in English.
But, never mind the diversion there. I suppose your sarcastic remark was a request to translate the Latin? Nah. There are plenty of NB readers who know what it means. Grab someone you know who knows Latin to translate it. Or, run it through an online translator. If the logic of that saying escapes you, as it surely has Mr. Beck...then you truly have a lot to learn, as he does.
"THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING!!! A WAR ON FREEWILL IS COMING!!!" - Nevermore, "Bittersweet Feast", from This Godless Endeavor (2005)
Simply the Best
December 23, 2008 - 21:37 ET by Rush FanI don't watch much television, but I never miss Special Report with Brit Hume. He is the reason I subscribe to cable television.
As for Brit being "one of the few openly right-leaning news reporters", you certainly couldn't tell that from his comprehensive fair and balanced reporting. He is the consummate professional journalist.
Enjoy your semi-retirement Brit. You deserve it.
Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence.
Best news show on TV
December 23, 2008 - 21:48 ET by Captain KirockBrit Hume's show was the best news show on tv. No other news show even comes close. Hume and his professional yet personable manner will be sorely missed.
I especially
December 23, 2008 - 22:14 ET by littlemissmuffinI especially liked when Brit Hume got tickled at something he was reading (cleric wants to kill Mickey Mouse.) Brit just couldn't keep a straight face while telling this. Shows he's human and can laugh. I will miss Brit Hume terribly.
Remembering little Caylee Anthony (2005-2008). May justice be served.
Mr. Hume will be missed
December 23, 2008 - 23:48 ET by d1carterMr. Hume will be missed terribly. The most professional newsman in the business. He truly was "unafraid". So long...
I love Brit
December 24, 2008 - 00:46 ET by DelsaWe need people like him on the tube.
He has to be out front somewhere?
Things just will not be the same.
Fox News Sunday is a must.
R D Said it all
December 24, 2008 - 00:51 ET by DelsaFox may now pull the plug on itself.
So true.
Quite simply, Brit Hume is
December 24, 2008 - 01:29 ET by Gary P JacksonQuite simply, Brit Hume is one of the greats. A solid reporter who cares about getting it right. A man of good cheer and great wit.
He's the only nightly news I've watched for a long, long time. I am thrilled to know he will still do things at Fox, and figure he'll still do Fox News Sunday But as others have said, I hope he moderates a Presidential debate or two down the road.
Thank you Mr Hume for being one of the best.
www.teamsarah.org
Brit Hume = The Best of FOX News
December 24, 2008 - 01:33 ET by PopularTechBrit Hume is without question the one with the most class and professionalism on FOX. I am glad to hear he will be sticking around as a senior political analyst, you cannot replace quality. Besides not many at fox have the balls to talk about stories like this, not even O'Reilly (who is still confused about pollution):
An inconvenient truth: The Earth is cooling (The Baltimore Examiner, December 23, 2008)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is Not Pollution
Brit Hume is a terrific
December 24, 2008 - 01:41 ET by jdhawkBrit Hume is a terrific reporter. I look forward to his future work.
My hope is that Bret Baier proves his equal. Special Report is the only news show that I regularly watch.
Thank you NB for honoring him . . .
Brit Hume
December 24, 2008 - 08:10 ET by kiwikitwas never missed in our house. We TiVo'd it and watched it every evening. I think Bret Baier will be fine; certainly he go enough practice on Friday nights replacing Brit. Jennifer Grittith is very good and I hope we'll see her more on both Special Report and the Sunday show. Fox simply has the best: Charles Krauthammer and Fred Barnes always have worthwhile comments. As to Mort Krauthammer, he gets bees in his bonnet (gov ruled health care ) which make his time on air less worthy than the others. Mara Liason is just fine and has greatly improved since starting on the show: pleasant and reliable for reporting the NPR view of the world. Even Juan Williams has improved somewhat; possibly what I'll miss most is Brit's sparring with him.
To Brit, good luck on your spending time with your family. As someone who started concentrating on golf since retiring, let me encourage you by reporting that my husband, who turned 80 in September, continues his single digit handicap with four-times-a-week play. I hope you'll get as much out of it as does he!
Good luck and thanks for proving that there can be even-handed news!
grapevine
December 24, 2008 - 10:07 ET by triadwatchThe Grapevine will never be the same, good luck and hopefully will see you in a recurring role as one of the all stars during special report
Damn!
December 24, 2008 - 12:10 ET by gordonIt won't be the same! I remember when Hume would hand Juan Williams his political head on a regular basis when Williams would say something particularly outrageous. I just don't see Baier doing that. Hume had a thinly disguised lack of respect for any journalist seen as cheerleading for one candidate or one side. Hume should be running Fox News. That way, his respect for journalism would be spread through the whole organization and the people under him would be the better for it.
agreed
December 24, 2008 - 13:09 ET by aboBrit's interactions with Juan are hillarious, usually ending with Brit giving Juan an incredulous, discusted, head shaking look. Obviously thinking to himself, "How can you possibly think that way?" I hope he still shows up on Sundays.
Congratulations Britt
December 24, 2008 - 13:32 ET by CBrauMr. Hume, you are the best in the business and the reason I tune into Special Report. I'll miss you at the anchor chair greatly, but hope to see you frequently as an analyst.
Farewell Brit, you will be
December 24, 2008 - 13:36 ET by wiwfFarewell Brit, you will be missed.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Farewell, Mr. Hume
December 24, 2008 - 18:04 ET by sms5217Brit Hume was America's newsman/anchorman. He is a consummate professional and journalist.
I first saw him when he covered Bush I's White House as a chief correspondent for ABC news, and have been watching him nightly at Fox.
In my opinion, no other newsman on any network can come close to the professionalism, thoroughness, and fairness of Mr. Hume.
It is a testament to Mr. Hume that I never guessed he was a conservative all those years in ABC. He was that fair.
When you think of all the sleazy, left-wing, biased, and frankly corrupt and lazy anchors out there like Brian Williams and of course Dan Rather, Mr. Hume was a shining beacon to the entire journalism community.
You will be sorely missed. Godspeed, Mr. Hume.
Trial lawyers are the scum of the earth
So long Brit.
December 24, 2008 - 20:24 ET by riff_raffBrit Hume is smart, informed, objective, doesn't tolerate any BS, and his slow, relaxed, easy-going delivery of the news was wonderful to listen to.
I'd like to see Eric Shawn replace him. If for no other reason, just for the great work he did with the UN oil-for-food scandal.
"Don't blame me.....I voted for Palin"
rr... Yeah Shawn and I
December 24, 2008 - 20:43 ET by bigtimerrr...
Yeah Shawn and I think it was Joe Hunt (?) both did a great job on the oil for food scandal on Fox.
I have watched Bair (sp) for awhile, he seems to do a real good job to me, much better that I thought he would a year ago or so.
Sorry. I'm in a hurry, I would check on the spelling of these names normally.
too bad other networks, including Fox let this humongous scandal just slip under the table in my opinion.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Brit Hume Stepping Down
December 26, 2008 - 00:10 ET by Peggy CostionPeggy Costion Heck, I still miss Walter Cronkite. The landscape gets dimmer and dimmer on the journalism horizon, and Brit Hume's departure adds to the loss. I am tired of the hyenas, and satirists who pass as journalists. Young people watching these sophomoronic excuses for reporting and fact finding actually believe the comdey news is real news. Recent issues of Columbia Jourbalism Review were diss-turbing and looked like old Mad Magazines in news content or the lack of it. Yes, we will miss your dignity Brit Hume. There is so little left.
Amazing
December 28, 2008 - 13:19 ET by StarAZBrit got SO MUCH SMARTER the minute Junior was elected. I couldn't believe how astute I decided he was... I will miss his Juan Williams "school sessions," where he told Juan the facts of life.