November 10, 2022

Fred Hickman, One of Cable TV's First and Best Sportscasters, Has Passed Away at Age 66

black sportscaster, CNN, ESPN, Fred Hickman

Fred Hickman was the cool smooth sports anchor on cable TV that gave viewers the best highlights of that night's sports action across the country. Undoubtedly he was the first Black sports anchor many Americans had ever seen. This was 1980. Was it on ESPN? No. Sports Tonight was on CNN--(when CNN meant news as in the Cable News Network and MTV was Music Television) He and Nick Charles were the best source for national sports news that cable TV had to offer.

He anchored the NBA in-studio coverage on TBS in the 80's as well. He spent 21 years at Turner Broadcasting before going to New York City to help launch the YES Network in 2002. After the YES Network he worked as a sports anchor in various local markets including New Orleans.

In 2019 Hickman transitioned out of sports anchoring to join BNC (Black News Channel) based in Florida to become the former cable news channel's prime time news anchor.

BNC March 2020

The CNN Business website has more on his career. (CNN) - Fred Hickman, a pioneering sports broadcaster and anchor who helped to launch two major cable networks and influenced and informed a generation of sports journalists and fans, has died. Hickman, who turned 66 on October 16, died peacefully in hospital after battling liver cancer according to his widow Sheila. “A light has gone out,” Sheila Hickman told CNN. Read more

Rest in Peace Fred Hickman.

RIP Fred Hickman🙌🏿…You showed me that someone who looked like me from Springfield, Illinois could be a great broadcaster on any platform, thank you! Peace & Blessings to the family❤️ https://t.co/pjjYhMGdeB
— marcclarke (@marcclarke) November 10, 2022

So very sad to hear about the passing of Fred Hickman. I was the only female anchor at CNN Sports, and Fred was such a welcoming presence…always with a laugh, a quip, a story…and supremely talented. Rest In Peace, my friend. pic.twitter.com/a6A1hAfX8D
— Hannah Storm (@HannahStormESPN) November 10, 2022

Saddened that Fred Hickman,broadcasting legend has gone home to be with The Lord. He was Must See TV for me on CNN Sports Tonight.
Fred inspired countless young black men on the come up. He made the dream a reality to us with his smooth voice,culture vibes. RIP King🙏🏽✊🏽👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/40B72krx6y
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) November 10, 2022