History of Howard Fineman in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 14, 2024

"Howard David Fineman was a prominent American journalist and television commentator with a career spanning almost five decades. He dedicated 30 years to Newsweek magazine, where he held key positions such as chief political correspondent and senior editor, shaping the magazine's political coverage. He was recognized for his insightful "Living Politics" column on Newsweek.com. Later, he served as global editorial director for the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, further solidifying his influence in the media landscape."

November 17, 1948: Howard Fineman Born

Howard David Fineman was born on November 17, 1948. He would become a prominent American journalist and television commentator.

1948: Early Life and Family

Howard Fineman was born in 1948 and raised in a Jewish family in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, where his parents, Jean and Charles Fineman, worked as teachers.

1966: Graduation from Taylor Allderdice High School

Howard Fineman graduates from Taylor Allderdice High School in 1966.

1978: Joins The Louisville Courier-Journal's Washington Bureau

In 1978, Howard Fineman transitioned to The Louisville Courier-Journal's Washington bureau after covering the environment, coal industry, and state politics.

1980: Moves to Newsweek

Howard Fineman joined Newsweek in 1980, marking a significant step in his journalism career.

1981: Marriage and Family

Howard Fineman married lawyer Amy Nathan in 1981, and the couple went on to have a son, Nick Fineman, who followed in his father's footsteps into the world of news media as a television news producer, and a daughter.

1983: Becomes Panelist on Washington Week in Review

Howard Fineman joined the panel of PBS's Washington Week in Review in 1983, offering his perspectives on current political events.

1984: Named Newsweek's Chief Political Correspondent

Howard Fineman's expertise and contributions were recognized in 1984 when he was appointed Newsweek's Chief Political Correspondent.

1984: John McEvoy Aids Hart Campaign

John McEvoy served as a top aide in Gary Hart's 1984 presidential campaign.

1988: Howard Fineman's Reporting on Gary Hart

In 1988, Howard Fineman wrote a profile piece on Democratic presidential candidate Gary Hart for Newsweek. The article, based on unattributed rumors and speculation about Hart's personal life, contributed to a media frenzy that ultimately led to Hart's withdrawal from the race.

1993: Appointed Newsweek's Deputy Washington Bureau Chief

Howard Fineman's responsibilities at Newsweek expanded in 1993 when he was named Deputy Washington Bureau Chief.

1995: Joins CNN's Capital Gang

Howard Fineman became a panelist on CNN's Capital Gang in 1995, contributing to discussions on political issues.

1995: Becomes Senior Editor at Newsweek

In 1995, Howard Fineman's role at Newsweek further evolved as he took on the position of Senior Editor.

1998: Concludes Role on CNN's Capital Gang

In 1998, Howard Fineman concluded his time as a panelist on CNN's Capital Gang.

2000: Covers the 2000 Presidential Election

Howard Fineman covered the intensely contested 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore.

November 2001: Newsweek Cover Story on George W. Bush

In November 2001, Howard Fineman wrote a cover story for Newsweek featuring an extensive interview with President George W. Bush, marking the president's first major interview following the September 11 attacks.

2010: Becomes Huffington Post's Political Editor

Howard Fineman joined The Huffington Post as its political editor in 2010, contributing his extensive political knowledge to the online platform.

2017: Howard Fineman Teaches at UPenn

Howard Fineman joined the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School of Communications as a lecturer in 2017, leading a seminar on "New Media Journalism and Politics in the Trump Era."

2018: Joins NBC News as Commentator

Howard Fineman's career took another turn in 2018 when he joined NBC News as a commentator, offering his insights on political affairs.

2018: Reflection on the Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting

In 2018, Howard Fineman authored an opinion piece for The New York Times in response to the tragic shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue, where he had his bar mitzvah. He connected the attack to a broader pattern of hate and violence.

2019: Howard Fineman Concludes Teaching at UPenn

In 2019, Howard Fineman concluded his tenure as a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School of Communications.

2020: Howard Fineman as Contributing Correspondent

In 2020, Howard Fineman served as a contributing correspondent for RealClearPolitics during the election cycle.

March 2022: Howard Fineman Writes about Ukraine

In March 2022, prompted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Howard Fineman revisited his experiences of exploring his family's Jewish roots in Ukraine, a journey he undertook using a grant.