Craig Savage, Esteemed Fox News Cameraman, Passes Away at 61

Craig Savage, a highly regarded cameraman with the Fox News Channel, has passed away at the age of 61 following a courageous battle with cancer. His death on Sunday marked the end of a vibrant career in broadcast journalism, spanning nearly three decades.

Savage joined Fox News on October 3, 1996, just a few days before the network launched. His contributions significantly shaped the network’s success over the years. Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott and President and Executive Editor Jay Wallace announced the tragic news in a memo to staff on Monday, describing Savage as a “pioneering force” within the organization.

Early Years at Fox News

Shortly after joining Fox News, Savage’s remarkable talent and creative vision quickly caught the attention of Kim Hume, the network’s then-Washington bureau chief. Hume assigned Savage to the White House unit, where he faithfully served for the duration of his career.

Scott and Wallace praised Savage’s significant role in numerous historic events at Fox News Channel. They referenced his involvement in the network’s first presidential interview with former President Bill Clinton and noted his participation in nearly every presidential interview that followed. Additionally, Savage played a vital role by operating the FOX floor camera during the 2000 and 2004 presidential conventions, taking on a challenging assignment he met with enthusiasm.

A Versatile Photographer and Technician

Notably, Craig Savage’s versatility proved invaluable to the White House unit. He was instrumental as the industry transitioned from analog to digital formats. Savage mastered complex shifts to LED lighting and established a reputation as an award-winning photographer. He dedicated countless hours to perfecting the visuals for news programming, covering major events such as elections, wars, and natural disasters.

Moreover, Savage consistently sought to expand his knowledge of the latest technologies, often sharing insights with his colleagues. His ability to troubleshoot technical issues made him the go-to person for complex challenges, particularly regarding flawless live broadcasts from the White House.

Remarkable Field Assignments

One remarkable instance that showcased his dedication occurred during a significant pool trip for Fox News when then-President Clinton visited Africa. Instead of opting for his traditional role that would have provided him a front-row seat to a historic event, Savage chose to assist in engineering the broadcast. His decision exemplified his commitment to his team and the assignment.

Throughout his career, Savage played a crucial role during critical moments in American history. He covered then-President George W. Bush’s secret visit to Iraq in 2003 to meet with the troops for Thanksgiving and was also present for President Trump’s covert trip to Afghanistan in 2019.

Scott and Wallace commended Savage for his stealth and proficiency in capturing footage under challenging conditions, highlighting his unwavering skill and commitment to his craft.

A New Chapter as a Drone Pilot

In more recent years, Craig Savage embraced a new technological frontier, becoming a skilled drone pilot. He devoted hundreds of flight hours to Fox News’ news-gathering initiatives, covering diverse stories, from the southern border to various natural disasters that have impacted the nation.

Through his innovative contributions, Savage left an indelible mark on the network and played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of many young journalists. His legacy of excellence will endure within the journalism community.

A Lasting Legacy

Craig Savage is survived by his wife, Anne Marie Riha, a senior producer at Fox News, along with his three sons: Jake, Andrew, and Maxwell. He also leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Alexa, his stepchildren Zachary and Carly Norins, and his beloved grandchildren, Sloane and Evander Savage.

The loss of Craig Savage reverberates through the Fox News family and beyond. He will be remembered not only for his significant contributions to journalism but also for the friendships and mentorship he provided along the way. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the craft of journalism will continue to inspire future generations.