Surprising Reasons These Anchors Left FOX News!

Fox News has established itself as a staple in American media, attracting millions of viewers with its dynamic lineup of hosts and a unique blend of news and opinion. Over the years, many well-known personalities have departed the network, leaving a lasting impression and igniting curiosity about their lives after Fox. These transitions reflect various personal and professional motivations, from the pursuit of creative freedom to adapting to changes within the network. Let’s explore some notable former Fox personalities, the paths that led them to leave, and what they’re currently up to.

Bill O’Reilly was a central figure at Fox News, creating a significant presence with The O’Reilly Factor, a show that dominated cable news ratings for nearly two decades. His approach, marked by unfiltered commentary and clear analysis, resonated with viewers and contributed to Fox’s ascent as a media powerhouse. By 2017, O’Reilly was one of the highest-rated hosts on cable and a recognizable voice in news. However, his career took a dramatic turn in April 2017 when the New York Times reported that he had settled multiple sexual harassment claims, leading to major public controversy. Despite denying the allegations and claiming he was a target due to his prominence, Fox News ultimately decided to part ways with him after an internal review. O’Reilly’s departure marked a significant career shift, but his continued popularity is evident in his ongoing presence in digital media and publishing.

Megan Kelly rose to prominence during her time at Fox News, especially after the 2016 presidential election, where her incisive questioning of political figures set her apart. A pivotal moment came during the Republican primary debate when she challenged Donald Trump on his comments about women, igniting a public feud that elevated her profile. After the election, Kelly sought new directions, leaving Fox in 2017 to join NBC News. This move reflected her desire to broaden her media presence beyond a news analyst role. At NBC, she launched Megyn Kelly Today, aiming to blend news with lifestyle content, but struggled to connect with the network’s core audience, leading to disappointing ratings. Her tenure at NBC faced further complications after controversial comments regarding blackface in Halloween costumes led to her dismissal in 2018. Following her exit, Kelly launched The Megyn Kelly Show, a podcast allowing her to engage directly with listeners and explore a range of topics, reaffirming her influential voice in media.

Shepard Smith left Fox News in October 2019, expressing a desire for new professional opportunities after over two decades with the network. In his farewell, he emphasized the need for journalistic integrity, stating it was a personal choice rather than an involuntary departure. After leaving Fox, Smith transitioned to CNBC, where he hosted The News with Shepard Smith, focusing on transparency and factual reporting. However, his show was canceled in late 2022 as CNBC shifted its focus towards business news. Smith’s departure was amicable, and he expressed gratitude for his time at the network.

Greta Van Susteren, known for her legal expertise, spent 14 years at Fox News before leaving in 2016 to explore other media opportunities. She briefly joined MSNBC to host For the Record with Greta, but the show was canceled after six months due to low ratings. In 2022, she began hosting Full Court Press with Greta Van Susteren on Gray Television, focusing on political and social issues. She also took on a prominent role at Newsmax, continuing to apply her legal background to current events.

Tucker Carlson’s departure from Fox News in 2023 was a significant event, as his show was one of the highest-rated in cable news. His exit coincided with legal challenges for Fox, but Carlson suggested that leaving would allow him the freedom to pursue new ventures. Since then, he has launched Tucker on X, an independent show that enables him to share his commentary directly with followers, free from traditional media constraints. Carlson’s move to independent media has positioned him to engage directly with audiences on a variety of issues.

Chris Wallace’s exit in 2021 marked the end of his nearly two-decade career at Fox News. He transitioned to CNN’s digital platform, hosting Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace. Despite CNN Plus being discontinued, Wallace’s show moved to CNN’s main network, where he continued his probing interview style. His departure from Fox was motivated by a desire for greater journalistic independence and a shift away from the increasingly partisan environment he perceived there. Wallace aims to deliver neutral, fact-based reporting, aligning with CNN’s commitment to unbiased news coverage.