A Fond Farewell To Erica Hill
Hi everyone. Sorry about Thursday night's review. It's been so cold here lately that before the show, I decided to climb under the covers for a bit to warm up. You can probably guess where this is going: yep, fell asleep. Thankfully, I didn't make that same mistake for Friday's show. Actually, I still hadn't planned on posting, but when I heard the cutest work marriage on TV was breaking up, I felt a little obligated to give Ms. Hill a proper send off.
Cha-cha-changes for our friends at 360. Everyone's favorite sub-anchor is leaving "the most trusted name in news" for a full-time gig at CBS. Erica was always a delight to watch. To say she had really good chemistry with Anderson Cooper would be an understatement. Always quick on her feet, she gave as good as she got. You have to be whip-smart to pull that off, people. This is why though I am saddened to see her go, I'm also happy for her. I'm not sure CNN was really letting her showcase all her talents.
As a long-time viewer, it's going to be strange to watch the show without Erica. She made the official move to 360 (and New York) only about two years ago, but she'd been doing the headlines from Atlanta ever since I've been watching. I can't think of anyone who is going to be able to match the banter she had with Anderson. I don't have the video, but I was able to Google up the transcript from when they first met in person on May 31, 2005:
On a similar note, was anyone else really amused by the "big announcement" teasing that Anderson kept doing? It was the way it was framed: "Erica and I have a big announcement to make, a very important announcement." ZOMG, are they having a baby?! I mean, you know, obviously noooo, but it sounded like they were about to tell us something couple-y. Anyhoo! Here is the video of Anderson's very gracious tribute, accompanied by a montage and some almost-tears from Ms. Hill. And here's a screencap for the road, taken four or so years ago--a sight I'm going to miss:
Since this is not a traditional review, here is as good a place as any to note some other CNN personnel changes. The Situation Room's Abbi Tatton is moving on from the network and Heidi Collins' contract will not be renewed. Long-time viewers of 360 will remember Heidi as a regular sub for the show back in the day. It sounds like she's getting pushed out. I guess CNN learned their lesson not to do the dirty work before Christmas like they did last year.
Speaking of that, while reading blog posts about the NYE special, I came across something from a Jamie McIntyre. Surely that couldn't be the same Jamie McIntyre that used to be CNN's Pentagon correspondent? Turns out, yes it was! It's a little strange to see him now blogging about Anderson Cooper's need for a safe word, but there you go. He's on Twitter too and I suggest you follow because if there's anyone who might dish up info on CNN, it's a former CNNer.
That about does it. Cute "shot" tonight. All my best to Erica Hill and family on the transition she's about to make.
ETA: Wow, I completely forgot Erica really is pregnant. So while she and Anderson certainly aren't having a baby (c'mon now), she and her husband actually are. Best wishes on that front as well.
Cha-cha-changes for our friends at 360. Everyone's favorite sub-anchor is leaving "the most trusted name in news" for a full-time gig at CBS. Erica was always a delight to watch. To say she had really good chemistry with Anderson Cooper would be an understatement. Always quick on her feet, she gave as good as she got. You have to be whip-smart to pull that off, people. This is why though I am saddened to see her go, I'm also happy for her. I'm not sure CNN was really letting her showcase all her talents.
As a long-time viewer, it's going to be strange to watch the show without Erica. She made the official move to 360 (and New York) only about two years ago, but she'd been doing the headlines from Atlanta ever since I've been watching. I can't think of anyone who is going to be able to match the banter she had with Anderson. I don't have the video, but I was able to Google up the transcript from when they first met in person on May 31, 2005:
Joining me right now from HEADLINE NEWS is Erica Hill. Hey, Erica.Though I've always known I've liked Erica, ironically it was only a mere week and a half ago when I realized just how much she'd grown on me over the years. Kathy Griffin had stopped by to give a preview of the New Year's Eve show and Erica was subbing. Kathy being Kathy did some mocking. While Erica kept up just fine, there was a little part of me that felt...what's the word? Protective. Hey, don't mess with Erica! Does this make her my TV news girlfriend?
ERICA HILL, CNN HEADLINE NEWS ANCHOR: Nice to see you in person.
COOPER: I know, it's -- I think it's first we've actually really met.
HILL: I think it really is.
COOPER: I'm all aquiver.
HILL: Well, you know, I was getting excited myself. My mom may have been even more excited, yes.
COOPER: Well, that's...
HILL: She's a big Anderson fan, so -- but I'll get to your headlines. We'll deal with pleasantries later.
COOPER: We call them Ander-fans, by the way.
HILL: Ander-fans. I'll pass that on.
On a similar note, was anyone else really amused by the "big announcement" teasing that Anderson kept doing? It was the way it was framed: "Erica and I have a big announcement to make, a very important announcement." ZOMG, are they having a baby?! I mean, you know, obviously noooo, but it sounded like they were about to tell us something couple-y. Anyhoo! Here is the video of Anderson's very gracious tribute, accompanied by a montage and some almost-tears from Ms. Hill. And here's a screencap for the road, taken four or so years ago--a sight I'm going to miss:
Since this is not a traditional review, here is as good a place as any to note some other CNN personnel changes. The Situation Room's Abbi Tatton is moving on from the network and Heidi Collins' contract will not be renewed. Long-time viewers of 360 will remember Heidi as a regular sub for the show back in the day. It sounds like she's getting pushed out. I guess CNN learned their lesson not to do the dirty work before Christmas like they did last year.
Speaking of that, while reading blog posts about the NYE special, I came across something from a Jamie McIntyre. Surely that couldn't be the same Jamie McIntyre that used to be CNN's Pentagon correspondent? Turns out, yes it was! It's a little strange to see him now blogging about Anderson Cooper's need for a safe word, but there you go. He's on Twitter too and I suggest you follow because if there's anyone who might dish up info on CNN, it's a former CNNer.
That about does it. Cute "shot" tonight. All my best to Erica Hill and family on the transition she's about to make.
ETA: Wow, I completely forgot Erica really is pregnant. So while she and Anderson certainly aren't having a baby (c'mon now), she and her husband actually are. Best wishes on that front as well.
Labels: Anderson Cooper 360, career transitions, CBS, CNN, Erica Hill, goodbye
posted by eliza at 11:59 PM
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