He worked with anchor Peter Jennings for more than two decades and advised Roger Ailes and Rupert Murdoch.
Michael Clemente, the longtime TV executive and producer who spent nearly three decades at ABC News and served as a chief deputy to, Clemente worked closely with Peter Jennings as chief writer and producer, starting when Jennings was named principal anchor of the broadcast in August 1983.
Barry Blaustein, Writer for Eddie Murphy on 'Saturday Night Live' and the 'Coming to America' Films, Dies at 72Alongside Jennings, Clemente traveled extensively and produced coverage of some of the defining events of the late 20th century, including papal conclaves, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the first Gulf War, the Tiananmen Square protests, the Palestinian Intifada and the disputed 2000 presidential election recount. He also produced interviews with several U.S. presidents, starting with Ronald Reagan.
As executive-in-charge of ABC News’ digital operations from 2006-09, he helped pioneer online and streaming journalism, overseeing the launch of the streamer ABC News Now and guiding the transformation of ABCNews.com into one of the country’s most-read digital news platforms. In 2009, Clemente joined Fox as a senior vp and was promoted to executive vp in 2012. He oversaw daily news operations and major political programming, including presidential primary debates during the 2012 and 2016 election cycles.
Among them was the 2015 Republican primary debate, then the most-watched primary debate in U.S. history. One of his most notable international assignments came in 2013 when he produced Fox News’ interview with Bashar al-Assad, during which the Syrian president announced he would relinquish his country’s chemical weapons stockpile.
“He cared about people in a way that is rare in the news business,” Douglas Kennedy, the journalist and son of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy Sr. who worked with Clemente at Fox News, said in a statement.
“On any given day he could manage huge personalities like Peter Jennings, Roone Arledge and Roger Ailes while also giving time and attention to reporters, producers and technicians. ” Added Bill O’Reilly, who worked with Clemente at ABC News and at Fox: “I can tell you he was an old school journalist who sought verifiable facts. Excellent family guy as well. Deep respect.
”in July 2016, days after longtime CEO and chairman Ailes resigned following sexual harassment allegations from ousted anchor Gretchen Carlson. Born on Feb. 20, 1956, in Suffern, New York, Michael Scott Clemente spent his childhood in New York, Massachusetts, California and Maryland before graduating from Gaithersburg High School in 1974 and earning a degree in Journalism from American University in 1978.
He also served as an executive producer at CNN in 1996-97 and more recently was an adviser and consultant to“Michael was a true pro, a television pioneer and as loyal a friend as one can have,” said Mike Huckabee, the U.S. States ambassador to Israel who worked with Clemente at Fox News and whose program at TBN he produced. Clemente was an avid collector of vintage vehicles, and his eclectic collection included a 1958 Mack truck cab and a 1963 Pontiac station wagon reminiscent of cars his family drove during his childhood.
Survivors include his wife, Jeanne; his children, Meggie, Mike, Cassie and Noelle; his siblings, Richard , Lisa , Lynn, Joyce and Anne; and 12 nieces and nephews. Viewing hours will be held from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on May 20 at Chapman Funeral Home in Harwich, Massachusetts, with a funeral at Holy Trinity Chapel in West Harwich to follow. A larger memorial celebration of his life and career will be announced.
Newport Beach TV Fest: Mindy Kaling Set for Artist of Distinction Award, Live Episode of THR’s ‘Awards Chatter’ PodPlus Icon The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2026 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Please follow us on Google to support us United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
5 Biggest Worldwide Opening Weekend Box Office Movies Of 2026 (So Far)Michael Jackson in Michael
Read more »
Mayor of Southern California city to plead guilty to acting as agent of China, feds sayMichael Kosnar is the Justice Department Producer for NBC News.
Read more »
Michael Jackson Accused of Child Sex Abuse, Former Alleged Victims Detail Disturbing ClaimsSiblings who claim they were part of Michael Jackson's 'secret family' allege the late pop star sexually abused them as children, detailing disturbing behaviors including forced 'booty rumble' games and drinking urine as a twisted expression of love
Read more »
Former Footballer Wins Partial Victory in Racial Discrimination Case Against Former Manager and Crawley TownAmrit Bansal-McNulty has seen several claims of racial harassment upheld by an employment tribunal following abuse from ex-manager John Yems, though claims against QPR were dismissed.
Read more »