Brit Hume is a prominent American journalist, political commentator, and author with a net worth of $14 million. Over a distinguished career spanning several decades, Hume has worked for major media outlets such as ABC News and Fox News, earning recognition for his insightful political analysis and reporting. Known for his tenure as the host of Special Report with Brit Hume on Fox News, Hume has become one of the most respected figures in broadcast journalism. Here’s a detailed look at his career, personal life, and achievements.
Net Worth and Salary
Brit Hume has an estimated net worth of $14 million, with his peak salary reaching $5 million per year during his time at Fox News. His wealth has been accumulated through his long career in journalism, book publications, and real estate investments.
Early Life and Education
Brit Hume, born Alexander Britton Hume, was born on June 22, 1943, in Washington, D.C. He is the son of Virginia Powell Minnigerode and George Graham Hume. Brit comes from a distinguished lineage, being a descendant of George Home, the 10th Baron of Wedderburn in Scotland.
Hume attended St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., where he was classmates with future Vice President Al Gore. After graduating in 1961, he pursued higher education at the University of Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1965.
Early Career
Hume began his journalism career with The Hartford Times and The Baltimore Evening Sun. He later joined United Press International and worked as a journalist for the “Washington Merry-Go-Round” column by Jack Anderson.
During his time with Anderson, Hume reported on significant stories, including one involving the Nixon administration’s settlement of an antitrust case with ITT Corporation after a major donation to the Republican National Convention. Hume’s investigative reporting led to him being placed under surveillance by the Nixon administration in 1972, marking a pivotal moment in his early career.
Hume published two books during this period:
- Death and the Mines – Rebellion and Murder in the United Mine Workers (1971)
- Inside Story (1974)
ABC News Career
In 1976, Hume joined ABC News as a correspondent, covering Congress for over a decade. He later became ABC’s Chief White House Correspondent, reporting on the administrations of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Hume also covered major presidential campaigns, including those of Walter Mondale in 1984 and George H.W. Bush in 1988.
During his tenure at ABC, he earned acclaim for his insightful reporting and received several awards for his work.
Fox News Career
Hume joined Fox News in 1996, serving as the network’s Washington managing editor and anchor. In 1998, he became the host of Special Report with Brit Hume, a flagship program that became the #1-rated cable news program in its time slot.
Hume retired as the host of Special Report in 2008 but continued his association with Fox News as a senior political analyst and panelist on Fox News Sunday. He also hosted On the Record after Greta Van Susteren left the network in 2016. Hume remains a respected voice in political journalism, contributing to Fox News’s election coverage and offering analysis on major political events.
Books and Publications
In addition to his television career, Hume is an accomplished author. His books include:
- Death and the Mines – Rebellion and Murder in the United Mine Workers (1971)
- Inside Story (1974)
Both works highlight his dedication to investigative journalism and his ability to uncover and analyze complex issues.
Awards and Honors
Brit Hume has received numerous accolades for his contributions to journalism, including:
- An Emmy Award in 1991 for his Gulf War coverage.
- The Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism in 2003.
- Twice winning the American Journalism Review’s “Best in the Business” award for his White House coverage.
- The Media Research Center’s Bulldog Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2023.
Additionally, Hume co-wrote and narrated the 1980 documentary The Killing Ground, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.
Personal Life
Brit Hume has experienced both triumphs and tragedy in his personal life. He married Clare Jacobs Stoner in 1965, with whom he had two children: Sandy and Virginia. His son Sandy was a promising journalist who worked for The Hill newspaper but tragically died by suicide in 1998. Following Sandy’s death, the National Press Club established the Sandy Hume Memorial Award for Excellence in Political Journalism in his honor.
Hume later married Kim Schiller in 1993. Schiller served as Fox News’s vice president and Washington bureau chief before retiring in 2006. Hume has credited his Christian faith with helping him cope with the loss of his son, stating that his faith became deeply meaningful after the tragedy.
His daughter Virginia has worked in political communications and contributed to The Weekly Standard.
Real Estate Investments
Hume has made significant investments in real estate over the years.
- In 2012, he purchased a 2,100-square-foot condo in Arlington, Virginia, for $1.7 million and sold it for the same price in 2021.
- In 2014, he listed a property near Hume, Virginia, for $1.9 million. The four-bedroom home, situated on 72 acres and featuring two ponds, was eventually sold for $1.35 million in 2018.
Legacy
Brit Hume’s career spans decades of significant political events and transformative moments in American journalism. From his early investigative reporting to his leadership roles at ABC News and Fox News, Hume has left an indelible mark on the industry. With his sharp political insights, numerous accolades, and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, Brit Hume remains a respected figure in the media landscape.
