ABC: Fred Thompson Signs On as Paul Harvey Substitute

It's pretty clear that ABC Radio is preparing former Senator Fred Thompson to replace radio legend Paul Harvey.

The 87-year-old Harvey has made no announcement about retiring, but financial analysts have complained that ABC has not made adequate plans for his departure.

On Friday, ABC News Radio, America's largest commercial radio news organization, officially named former Senator Fred Thompson to the position of Special Program Host and Senior Analyst beginning in the Spring of 2006.

Thompson, a Republican from Tennessee, well-known for his acting roles on television's Law & Order, will be based from ABC News Radio's Washington, D.C. bureau.

Thompson will host ABC News Radio specials and programs. He will provide commentary and analysis of politics, policy, national security, and current affairs.

The release also noted that Thompson will also fill-in for Paul Harvey when the legendary radio host is on vacation.

"Senator 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 ("Watergate Committee") from 1973-1974. He was later elected as a Republican to the United States Senate from Tennessee in the November 8, 1994, special election to fill the unexpired portion of the term ending January 3, 1997, left vacant by the resignation of Albert Gore, Jr. Thompson served in the Senate until 2003.

"We are thrilled to welcome Senator 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, ABC Radio Networks.

"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," Thompson said. "I look forward to working with the experienced team at ABC News."

Senator Thompson was Chairman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee. He also served on the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee. During his public career, Thompson has been a frequent guest on virtually every national radio and television news broadcast.

"Senator Thompson will host his first program this Memorial Day, focusing on America's brave servicemen and women," said Steve Jones, Vice President and General Manager of ABC News Radio.

Thompson began his motion picture career in 1985 and has appeared in numerous television episodes and motion pictures, including The Hunt for Red October (1990), Cape Fear (1991) and In the Line of Fire (1993). Thompson is noted for his portrayals of authoritative characters. Thompson holds a B.A. from Memphis State University and a J.D. degree from Vanderbilt University 1967.