What Is Brit Hume’s Net Worth?
Brit Hume, a well-known American news anchor and author, has accumulated a considerable net worth of $14 million. This figure is primarily derived from his extensive career in journalism, spanning several decades and encompassing roles at various prominent news organizations.
Brit Hume’s Career and Earnings
Hume’s professional journey began immediately after his graduation from the University of Virginia in 1965. He gained experience at publications such as “The Hartford Times” and the “Baltimore Evening Sun,” honing his skills in news reporting and writing. He also worked for United Press International, further expanding his journalistic expertise.
In the early 1970s, Hume collaborated with columnists Jack Anderson and Richard Pollack, contributing to their investigative reporting efforts. Notably, some of Hume’s reporting during this period led to his family being placed under surveillance by the Nixon administration. The surveillance footage and accompanying documents were later revealed, shedding light on the extent of the government’s actions.
Hume’s career took a significant turn in 1973 when he was hired by ABC News. Three years later, he became a correspondent, covering major political events and developments. In 1989, he was appointed as ABC’s White House correspondent, a prestigious position that allowed him to report on the administrations of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. His role as White House correspondent significantly raised his profile and contributed to his growing net worth.
In 1996, Hume transitioned to Fox News, where his wife had recently been hired as chief of the Washington bureau. He initially served as the network’s Washington managing editor, overseeing the news coverage from the nation’s capital. In 1998, he began hosting “Special Report with Brit Hume,” a news program that quickly gained popularity and became the #1 6:00 p.m. cable news program in the Eastern timeslot for many years. During his peak years, Brit Hume’s salary reached $5 million per year. This substantial income played a pivotal role in building his net worth.
Hume retired from “Special Report with Brit Hume” in 2008, marking the end of a successful run as a news anchor. However, he remained with Fox News as a political analyst on “Fox News Sunday,” providing his insights and commentary on current events. He also hosted “On the Record” for a period and participated in the network’s election night coverage of the 2020 Presidential election, demonstrating his continued involvement in the news industry.
Beyond his television career, Hume has also authored two books: “Death and the Mines – Rebellion and Murder in the United Mine Workers” (1971) and “Inside Story” (1974). These publications have further contributed to his overall income and net worth.
Brit Hume’s Early Life and Education
Alexander Britton Hume, known as Brit Hume, was born on June 22, 1943, in Washington, D.C. He is the son of Virginia Powell Minnigerode and George Graham Hume. On his father’s side, Hume is a descendant of George Home, who was a son of the 10th Baron of Wedderburn, Scotland. Hume’s family background and upbringing likely influenced his career aspirations and contributed to his eventual success in the field of journalism.
Hume received his early education at St. Albans School, where he was a classmate of Al Gore. He then pursued higher education at the University of Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1965. His academic background in English provided him with a strong foundation in writing, communication, and critical thinking, skills that would prove invaluable in his journalism career.
Brit Hume’s Personal Life
Brit Hume’s personal life has also been marked by both joy and tragedy. He was first married to Clare Jacobs Stoner on February 10, 1965, and they had two children together before divorcing. Their son, Sandy, worked as a reporter for “The Hill” newspaper and gained recognition for breaking the story of the failed attempt by Rep. Bill Paxon to replace Newt Gingrich as Speaker of the House.
Tragically, in February 2008, Sandy was arrested for DUI and subsequently attempted to take his own life in a holding cell. After being evaluated at the D.C. Commission on Mental Health’s Emergency Psychiatric Response Division, he was deemed to be no longer suicidal and was released. However, later that day, Sandy died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. This devastating event had a profound impact on Hume and his family.
The National Press Club established the Sandy Hume Memorial Award for Excellence in Political Journalism in his honor, recognizing his contributions to the field. Brit Hume has shared that in the aftermath of Sandy’s suicide, he “came to Christ in a way that was very meaningful to me,” suggesting a spiritual transformation in response to the tragedy.
Hume’s daughter, Virginia, has also had a successful career, contributing to “The Weekly Standard” and working in public relations, marketing, and political communications for 25 years. In 1996, she worked for the Republican National Committee as a deputy press secretary, demonstrating her involvement in the political arena.
Brit Hume has been married to Kim Schiller since July 1993. Schiller served as Washington bureau chief and vice president of Fox News before her retirement in 2006. Her career achievements and contributions to Fox News have likely complemented Hume’s own success and net worth.
Awards and Honors Received by Brit Hume
Throughout his career, Brit Hume has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his journalistic excellence. In 1980, the documentary “The Killing Ground,” which Hume co-wrote and narrated, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary, Features. This recognition highlighted his skills as a writer and storyteller.
In 1991, Hume won an Emmy Award for his coverage of the Gulf War, demonstrating his ability to report on major international events with accuracy and insight. In 2003, he was honored with the Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the industry.
Hume has also been recognized by the “American Journalism Review” with the Best in the Business award twice for his White House coverage. In 2023, he received the Media Research Center’s MRC Bulldog Award for Lifetime Achievement, acknowledging his long and distinguished career in journalism and his significant contributions to the field.
Real Estate Investments and Holdings of Brit Hume
In 2012, Hume acquired a 2,100 square foot condo in Arlington, Virginia, for $1.7 million. The property featured three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a terrace overlooking the Potomac River. He sold the home for the same price in 2021. This real estate investment suggests Hume’s ability to make sound financial decisions and manage his assets effectively, contributing to his overall net worth.
In 2014, Hume listed his home near Hume, Virginia, for $1.9 million. He later took it off the market before relisting it in August 2018 with an asking price of $1.49 million. The property eventually sold for $1.35 million two months later. Built in 2001, the four-bedroom home sat on 72 acres and included two ponds. This property indicates Hume’s interest in rural living and his willingness to invest in real estate outside of urban areas.