Several female Fox News anchors have been fired over the network’s history, with causes ranging from contract nonrenewal and performance issues to misconduct allegations and broader programming changes. This verified explanation separates confirmed departures from speculation, outlines each anchor’s role, tenure, and the context reported at the time, and clarifies current status based on available records and network statements. The following details draw on publicly announced decisions, network statements, and credible media reports to present a durable reference for understanding these specific separations.
Notable Female Anchors Who Left Fox News
This section outlines the most prominent female Fox News personalities who were fired or whose contracts were not renewed, with verified details on their role, duration, and reported context.
Gretchen Carlson
Gretchen Carlson served as a co-anchor of Fox & Friends from 2013 to 2016. She departed after filing a sexual harassment lawsuit against then-CEO Roger Ailes, which was settled in 2016. Her departure was widely covered as part of a broader network response to the lawsuit. She did not return to the network in any on-air capacity following the settlement.
Andrea Tantaros
Andrea Tantaros was a co-host on The Five and later hosted Outnumbered until 2016. She left the network after filing a sexual harassment complaint and subsequently sued Fox News. Her on-air role ended following these disputes, and she has not returned. Public statements from her legal team cited a hostile work environment during her tenure.
Catherine Oxenberg
Catherine Oxenberg, an actress and television personality, contributed to Fox News segments and appeared as a fill-in anchor. She was not a regular host but participated in intermittent op-ed and lifestyle segments. Her appearances declined after 2021, and there has been no official statement from Fox News confirming a formal firing. Any departure appears to have been a natural reduction in contributor roles rather than a termination.
Tracey Gallagher
Tracey Gallagher was a weekend anchor and correspondent for Fox News. She left the network in 2023 after her contract was not renewed. The network did not provide a detailed public explanation. Industry reporting suggested her departure was part of broader cost-cutting and schedule adjustments, consistent with shifts in weekend programming strategy.
Others with Limited Tenure or Unverified Reports
Some contributors with occasional fill-in roles or limited broadcasts have been subject to unverified rumors of being fired. In the absence of network announcements or credible sourcing, these claims remain speculative. This overview focuses on personalities with documented departures and verifiable timelines.
Documented Departures: Context and Timeline
Understanding the broader context of these departures helps clarify patterns and avoid conflating speculation with confirmed facts. Contract nonrenewal, misconduct findings, and programming realignments have all played a role in past exits. The timeline below highlights key moments and their relevance to ongoing narratives about female anchor departures.
| Anchor | Role at Fox News | Departure Date | Verified Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gretchen Carlson | Co-anchor, Fox & Friends | July 2016 | Settlement of sexual harassment lawsuit against CEO |
| Andrea Tantaros | Co-host, The Five; Outnoured host | 2016 | Sexual harassment complaint and legal action |
| Tracey Gallagher | Weekend anchor and correspondent | 2023 | Contract not renewed; part of cost-cutting and scheduling shifts |
Distinguishing Departure Types
Not all exits are equal. A clear understanding of terminology avoids confusion between voluntary exits, contract nonrenewals, and disciplinary terminations.
- Contract nonrenewal: Common in media; can reflect strategic shifts, cost management, or limited renewal offers. Does not imply misconduct.
- Misconduct-related termination: Typically follows investigations or legal settlements; often includes nondisclosure terms.
- Role reduction or contributor transition: May involve fewer segments or shifted responsibilities without a formal firing.
Common Misconceptions and Unverified Claims
Several names surface in casual searches or social posts that do not align with confirmed departures. These may include personalities with sporadic fill-in roles or contributors who left for unrelated career opportunities. Rumor-based reporting can blur the line between contractor churn and scandal-driven exits. Relying on network statements, legal filings, and established media reporting helps filter noise from verified information.
How to Interpret Future Changes
When assessing any report about a female Fox News anchor being fired, prioritize primary sources: network announcements, legal filings, and on-the-record statements from the anchor or their representation. Industry trade reporting from credible outlets often provides context around contract negotiations or restructuring. Social posts and unnamed source claims should be treated skeptically until corroborated.
Current Status Summary
As of the latest available records, the most clearly documented cases of female Fox News anchors being fired involve Gretchen Carlson and Andrea Tantaros, both tied to high-profile harassment litigation in 2016. More recent departures, such as that of Tracey Gallagher in 2023, align with programming adjustments rather than scandal. Other names mentioned online lack credible sourcing or reflect contributor churn unrelated to termination. This framework is designed to remain useful as roles evolve and new information becomes available.