Fred Thompson Joins ABC News Radio

Feb. 25, 2006 — -- ABC News Radio has named former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., to the positions of special program host and senior analyst beginning this spring. He will host his first program on Memorial Day about America's brave servicemembers.

"Throughout my life, radio has always held a certain fascination for me, and I am very eager to lend my efforts to ABC News Radio," said Thompson, who is well-known for his role on "Law & Order." "I look forward to working with the experienced team at ABC News."

Thompson will host radio specials and programs, providing commentary and analysis of politics, policy, national security and current affairs. He also will fill in for Paul Harvey when the legendary radio host is on vacation.

"Sen. Thompson's contribution to ABC News Radio will offer our affiliates additional depth from a recognized and trusted public figure," said David Westin, president of ABC News.

A practicing attorney, Thompson has been a figure on the national political stage since the 1970s, when he served as minority counsel to the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, more commonly known as the "Watergate Committee," from 1973 to 1974. In November 1994, Thomson was elected as a Republican to the United States Senate from Tennessee. He served until 2003.

Thompson, who chaired the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee and served on the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee, was a frequent guest on virtually every national radio and television news broadcast during his public career.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sen. Thompson to the ABC Radio family and look forward to developing a variety of exciting projects that will benefit from his depth of talent," said John McConnell, senior vice president of programming for ABC Radio Networks.

Thompson began his motion picture career in 1985 and has appeared in numerous television episodes and motion pictures, including "The Hunt for Red October," "Cape Fear" and "In the Line of Fire."