Even national news anchors and political journalists like Bill Hemmer look forward to their time in the Hamptons. Time here is a breath of fresh air from outside life and politics; from the Hamptons, the rest of the country is all “up island.” Still, the Hamptons community remains engaged in our national political dialogue, even from the East End.
The country knows Bill Hemmer from his daily nationally syndicated news show “America’s Newsroom” on Fox News Channel and his extensive coverage of our nation’s most definitive moments over the past twenty years. When he’s not embedded with the US Navy or moderating political debates, Bill Hemmer is a frequent fixture in Sag Harbor.
Bill is easy to talk to, not just because it’s his job, but he is sincere when he speaks.
With an exciting political season fast upon us, Hamptons.com caught up with Bill Hemmer for an update on the summer’s election coverage and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a news anchor, why he loves the Hamptons, plus: where to practice if you have to throw an opening pitch at a baseball game.
For clarity on the day’s news and just to make sense of it all, tune in to America’s Newsroom on Fox News Channel on Weekdays from 9 am to 11 am EST.
How long have you been visiting the Hamptons?
Bill Hemmer: I’ve been coming to the Hamptons for over 20 years and have been an owner since 2005. I have made so many amazing friends in the Hamptons; it’s really such a special community.
What do you love about being here?
Hemmer: The Hamptons are where I refresh and rejuvenate, even if I only have 36 hours to escape the concrete and steel of the city. Peaceful, private, and with access to the water and golf? What’s better? In my time in the Hamptons, I find restoration to get ready for the grind again as an anchor.
Speaking of anchors – congrats on your sailing certification!
Hemmer: Thank you! I got my sailing certificate a few years ago. There is so much beauty to explore on the water. The sailing community in Sag Harbor is a fantastic place to learn about the Hamptons and meet new people. I’ll admit, though, that recently, my passion has been the Hamptons golf scene.
You got your start as a Sports broadcaster covering the Cincinnati Reds – have you had a chance to catch a ballgame in the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League? Go Whalers!
Hemmer: Not yet, but I love Mashashimuet Park and hope to get out there this year. I do have a good Hamptons Baseball story, though. A few years ago, I got to throw the first pitch for the Reds a few years ago. If you’ve ever seen someone throw a bad opening pitch, it’s not a good look. So I had to practice on a 9” mound, like they use in the Majors. So, I got my reps in practicing over at Pearson High School in Bridgehampton. And yes, it was a line drive.
We’re all excited about the PGA Tour’s return to Shinnecock Hills Golf Course; where do you hit the links when you’re in the Hamptons?
Hemmer: It is some of the best golf in the world. People outside of the sport may not know, but the golf in the Hamptons is world-class. Honestly, everywhere in the Hamptons is great for golf, including Locus Valley up Island. It’s great because I can get there from both Sag Harbor Village and the city. I was lucky enough to be here in 2018 during the last PGA to see how the community transformed, which showed how well the Hamptons can host.
You just returned from traveling with the U.S. Navy in the Arctic Circle. What was the highlight of that experience?
Hemmer: What a fantastic 72 hours. Beyond the sheer beauty and remoteness of the location – we took a plane and landed on a moving ice flow some 220 miles north of Alaska. I was blown away by the commitment of the service men and women, seeing the day-to-day life in this harsh environment. I loved hearing their stories about how they chose their careers.
Has the Hamptons sun warmed you up yet?
Hemmer: Yes, it has warmed me up finally, but I have to say, being that I was traveling on a nuclear submarine, I don’t think I’ve ever taken a hotter shower!
You know, there is an army base in Westhampton Beach…
Hemmer: David – that’s a great idea – I’ll have to pitch that to my producers!! In all seriousness, it would be pretty cool to see the view from the helicopters when they do the coastal flybys!
For those of us watching at home, what is it like operating the “Bill Board”? Did you come up with the name?
Hemmer: So glad the name stuck. Yes, I can claim that. It’s an enormous opportunity and a great privilege. The great advantage of the Bill Board is if you like geography, politics, and numbers – it’s the perfect blend. In the midst of an election, that board gives me all the data – and context to make sense of that data – that is necessary to understand before anyone else.
Speaking of names, can you please explain what “Chad-Lad” means?
Hemmer: That’s a blast from the past! If you’re old enough to remember the 2000 election, the entire country was introduced to the “chad,” a piece of paper that is either entirely or partially removed by a voting machine. I was down in Florida for 37 days and became an expert in all things Chad-related.
So, for those of us who have been living under a rock or have spent the last year shipwrecked on Gardiner’s Island, what does this summer have in store politically?
Hemmer: Get ready for a little national vertigo in a good way, so buckle up.
How would you describe your show, America’s Newsroom?
Hemmer: We’re a news show, not an opinion show. I don’t walk into the office with 100 ideas about changing government. I am passionate about the news of the day and helping our audience stay informed so they can make their own thoughts and ideas about the direction of our nation.
You had the first question in the first GOP debate in the 2016 election – what question would you ask this year?
Hemmer: That’s a great question! The icebreaker would be. Trumps 78, Biden’s 81. So much in the media makes a big deal out of these facts. Are you too old to be our president?
What issues do you think are most important to members of the Hamptons community?
Hemmer: It’s a diverse community, but the throughline is the land, the natural beauty: real estate, regulation to construction, environmental laws.
Let’s wrap up with a softball. What’s your favorite place to go when you’re in the Hamptons?
Hemmer: I’m a Sag Harbor guy, so I’ve got to say I love the American Hotel. The bones are solid, and the history is palpable.
