Fred Hickman, perhaps best known from his days as a CNN sports co-anchor alongside the late Nick Charles, has been hired as sports director of Fox affiliate WVUE in New Orleans. Hickman, who has also worked for ESPN and Fox Sports South in Atlanta, brings a wealth of experience to the station. He told The Times-Picayune that he’s always had a soft spot for New Orleans, which he’s visited numerous times while covering major sports events including the Super Bowl.

“I’ve been a big fan of the city of New Orleans for a long time,” Hickman said. “I’ve been there to cover Super Bowls and Sugar Bowls, but to be there and live there is very, very appealing to me and to my family, my wife and my kids. We’re looking forward to being a part of the fabric of the city.

“Coming back from Katrina and the whole thing, as a family we want to be a part of that.”