Fox News Channel’s Brit Hume has left the building.
Well, he’s not quite gone for good, but he’s on his way out.
According to Hume’s rep, the network’s top political anchor is expected to leave his daily newscast at the end of the year. But even then he won’t be gone for good. The 65-year-old is expected to sign on for a part-time role at Fox.
Reports say Hume will continue as a panelist on “Fox News Sunday” and work at Fox News Channel during special events.
The Washington Post says negotiations are still under way so Fox News will not release an official statement at this time.
Frankly, I’m surprised Hume held on this long. Not for nothing, but he’s no spring chicken and has had a lengthy career in TV news. He was a longtime ABC News reporter before joining Fox and appearing on “Special Report,” which airs at 6 o’clock on weeknights.
The Washington Post is reporting that Hume wants to follow in Tom Brokaw’s footsteps and still contribute to a network in some capacity.
If the rumors are true Hume’s departure would be the first major change in years for Fox News Channel’s nighttime lineup, which has done well against its other cable news competitors.
Insiders say Hume’s move was not a surprise. The veteran newsman went public last year saying that he was considering semi-retirement when his contract expired at the end of the year.
“I’ve been doing this a long time, and it’s just not as fascinating to me as it used to be,” Hume told the New York Observer two years ago. “Look, journalism is a lot about enthusiasm. You have to have it. I find I am no longer as interested in politics as I was.”
Hmmm… if that’s not a sign to move on I don’t know what is.
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