Fred Hickman, one of CNN’s original on-air personalities as co-host of the network’s Sports Tonight, has died a Kissimmee, Florida, hospital following a battle with cancer.
He was 66. His death was confirmed by CNN. In addition to his pioneering work at CNN – he was present on the network’s first day on air, June 1, 1980 – Hickman was the first anchor of New York’s regional YES Network in 2002.
In 2004, he moved over to ESPN, where he was a host of SportsCenter through 2008. Hickman began his TV broadcast career in his hometown of Springfield, Illinois, after college.
After two years at Springfield’s WICS-TV, he joined CNN. Hickman’s first gig with the fledgling network was as co-host, with Nick Charles, of the late-night Sports Tonight.
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