Bill Hemmer's First Day at Fox

Posted on August 29, 2005

After taking the summer off and having Lasik eye surgery, a glasses-less Bill Hemmer makes his debut to day as a new anchor on Fox News Live.

During his time off this summer, moving from CNN to Fox News, Hemmer had laser eye surgery. In the last few years on CNN, Hemmer took to wearing glasses and some media critics wondered if it was a ploy for Hemmer to add a little age and wisdom to hide his trademark boyish good looks.
"Some people thought it was a cosmetic thing, but I honestly couldn't see," Hemmer said. "I had the surgery this summer and can see now. It's an amazing procedure." Hemmer abruptly left CNN in May and it was announced last month he had signed on with Fox. Hemmer said he's ready to get back to work. "I had a great summer, but I got to get the bat off my shoulder and start swinging away." Hemmer said he could not comment about the contractual circumstances surrounding his CNN departure.
"I had a fantastic 10-year run. I had the opportunity to witness a lot of history first hand. I covet that opportunity. But now I'm focused on the future at Fox."

In the article, Hemmer denies he's having a midlife crisis and talks about how he bought a new home in New York City, which he decorated himself, joking that: "Martha Stewart has nothing to worry about." He also talked about how much he's looking forward to his new job:

"What's better than not getting up at four in the morning? It changes your whole outlook. You aren't walking around in a daze. Geez, I could have fallen asleep anywhere. It's a wonderful thing to sleep until 7 in the morning."

The article fails to delve into whether or not he's envious of Wolf Blitzer's new graphics-laden Situation Room set.