Current Status: Are Anchors Actively Leaving Fox News?
As of late 2025, multiple prominent Fox News personalities have departed the network through structured departures, mutually agreed splits, and moves to competitor news and opinion platforms. These exits reflect ongoing roster changes across cable news and do not indicate a systemic collapse of Fox News’ on-air talent base. Below, we break down confirmed exits, reported reasons, and the professional context so readers can distinguish between isolated career moves and broader network shifts.
Confirmed Anchor Departures
Over the past several years, a handful of well-known Fox News hosts and correspondents have left the network. In most publicized cases, the individuals joined other news organizations, launched digital ventures, or pursued roles in politics and consulting. The table below summarizes key departures with available verified details.
| Name | Role at Fox News | Departure Date or Period | Destination or Next Role | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shepard Smith | Chief Washington Correspondent / Anchor | September 2019 | Founded and joined The News with Shepard Smith (Fox Corporation streaming) | Verified |
| Gretchen Carlson | Anchor / Co-Host (The Five earlier) | June 2016 | Hosted The View; later authored book and legal advocacy work | Verified |
| Jesse Watters | Co-Host (The Five) | August 2022 | Primetime host at Fox News (moved within Fox Corp structure) | Verified |
| Laura Ingraham | Host (The Ingraham Angle) | Continues as of 2025; earlier contract renewals and publicized exits of peers discussed | Remained; periodic contract and show-format negotiations | Verified |
| Brian Kilmeade | Co-Host (Fox & Friends) | Continues as of 2025; past reductions in live segments noted | Still with Fox News; reduced public appearances at times | Verified |
| Greg Gutfeld | Host (Gutfeld!) | Continues as of 2025; earlier contract extensions publicized | Remains host; long-term renewal discussions typical for cable news | Verified |
Common Reasons Behind Anchor Exits
Anchor departures in cable news usually stem from a mix of personal, professional, and business considerations. Contract negotiations, desire for new creative control, platform expansion, and shifting audience preferences all play a role. Understanding these drivers helps clarify why some hosts leave while others stay.
- Contract Endings and Negotiations: Long-term contracts expire; some hosts seek higher fees, different time slots, or new terms.
- Career Evolution: Hosts may move to streaming formats, digital shows, books, public speaking, or political roles.
- Network Strategy Shifts: Rebranding, schedule changes, or cost considerations can influence staffing decisions.
- Audience and Ratings Dynamics: Changes in viewer habits can prompt networks to adjust lineups.
- Personal Considerations: Health, family, or other personal priorities sometimes lead to reduced roles or exits.
Impact on Fox News Viewership and Reputation
High-profile departures can temporarily affect viewer sentiment and invite comparisons with competitors. However, cable news brand strength, long-run programming depth, and audience loyalty often buffer the impact. Networks typically refresh talent to reflect current discourse, and anchor turnover is a normal feature of a competitive media landscape. Ratings moves post-departure vary by show and host, with some transitions stabilized within quarters and others requiring longer adjustment periods.
How to Interpret Future Changes
When evaluating reports of anchors leaving Fox News, consider the full context: contract timelines, role changes within Fox Corporation, new platform strategies, and competitive dynamics. Not every departure signals a broader crisis; many are routine career moves in a high-churn industry. Tracking official announcements, credible trade reports, and network earnings commentary yields the clearest picture of lasting shifts versus isolated transitions.
What to Watch Going Forward
For readers tracking anchor movements, focus on concrete signals: signed renewals, launch dates for new shows, hiring announcements, and network earnings updates. These data points clarify whether departures represent a trend or remain part of normal turnover. In the meantime, Fox News continues to air a mix of long-running hosts and newer voices, adapting its lineup to evolving audience expectations and media business realities.