Baier Succeeds Hume As Host Of 'Special Report'

Fox News Channel has named chief White House correspondent Bret Baier to succeed Brit Hume as anchor of the network’s Special Report.

Hume’s hosted his final Special Report show Dec. 23 at 6 p.m., with the show featuring a video collage of on- and off-air moments, plus video tributes from President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and former ABC colleague Charlie Gibson. Hume will remain with Fox News as a senior political analyst.

In making the announcement, Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes said: "Bret Baier has the combination of both hard news reporting and anchoring skills that will serve him well in this new position. His 10 years of experience with FNC will enable him to uphold the same impeccable standard Brit Hume set for Special Report."

Baier begins his new job Jan. 5. A successor for his current position has not been appointed.

Before serving in his role as chief White House correspondent, Baier worked as a national security correspondent based at the Pentagon covering military and domestic security affairs, plus defense, military policy and the intelligence community