History of Fred Hickman in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 27, 2024

"Frederick Hickman was a renowned American sports broadcaster who left an indelible mark on sports journalism. He graced the screens of prominent networks such as CNN, TBS, YES Network, and ESPN, captivating audiences with his insights and commentary. Hickman's illustrious career began as an original co-host of CNN's Sports Tonight in 1980, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of sports broadcasting. His exceptional talent earned him prestigious accolades, including CableACE awards and a New York Sports Emmy Award."

October 17, 1956: Hickman's Birth

Fred Hickman was born in Springfield, Illinois on October 17, 1956.

1974: High School Graduation

Fred Hickman graduated from Springfield Southeast High School in 1974.

1977: News Anchor at KLWW-AM

Fred Hickman started his professional radio broadcasting career as a news anchor at KLWW-AM in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1977.

February 1978: Sports Director at WICS-TV

In February 1978, Fred Hickman became the anchor and sports director at WICS-TV in Springfield, Illinois.

1978: College Graduation

Fred Hickman graduated from Coe College with a B.S. in sociology in 1978.

May 1980: Left WICS-TV

Fred Hickman left his position at WICS-TV in May 1980.

June 1, 1980: Joined Turner Broadcasting System

Fred Hickman joined Turner Broadcasting System and began hosting CNN Sports Tonight on June 1, 1980.

1980: Start of Sports Tonight

In 1980, Fred Hickman became one of the original co-hosts of CNN's Sports Tonight.

June 1984: Sports Anchor at WDIV

Fred Hickman started working as a sports anchor for WDIV in Detroit, Michigan in June 1984.

May 1985: Left WDIV

Fred Hickman left his position at WDIV in May 1985.

November 1986: Return to TBS

Fred Hickman returned to work for TBS in November 1986 as a co-anchor for CNN/Sports Illustrated.

1988: First CableACE Nomination

Fred Hickman was nominated for his first CableACE award in 1988.

1989: First CableACE Award

Fred Hickman won his first CableACE award for best sports host in 1989.

1989: Multiple CableACE Nominations

From 1988 to 1993, Fred Hickman was nominated every year for a CableACE award for best sports host.

1992: Olympic Winter Games Coverage

Fred Hickman co-hosted the Olympic Winter Games in Albertville, France in 1992.

1993: "Sexiest Sportscaster"

Fred Hickman was named "sexiest sportscaster" by the U.S. Television Fan Association in 1993.

1993: Second CableACE Award

Fred Hickman won his second CableACE award for best sports host in 1993.

1994: More Olympic Coverage

Fred Hickman co-hosted the Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway and the Goodwill Games in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1994.

1999: Millennium Celebrations Coverage

Fred Hickman reported on the millennium celebrations in New York for CNN in 1999.

2000: NBA MVP Vote Controversy

Fred Hickman caused controversy in 2000 when he was the only person to not cast his first place vote for Shaquille O'Neal for the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award.