7 Fox News Female Anchors Who Left The Network
Hey guys, it's your favorite news junkie here, ready to dive deep into a topic that's been buzzing around the media world: female anchors leaving Fox News. It's no secret that the landscape of cable news is constantly shifting, and sometimes, popular personalities move on to new opportunities, or perhaps, face other circumstances. Today, we're going to explore the stories of seven prominent female anchors who have, at one point or another, departed from the Fox News Channel. This isn't about dwelling on the negative, but rather understanding the dynamics of the industry and celebrating the careers of these talented women, whether they're moving to greener pastures, pursuing different ventures, or simply seeking a change. The world of broadcast journalism is a tough gig, and these women have navigated it with grace and professionalism. Let's get into it and see who's been on the move!
1. Gretchen Carlson: A Trailblazer's Departure
When we talk about female anchors leaving Fox News, the name Gretchen Carlson often comes up first for many. Her departure wasn't just a simple exit; it was a seismic event that sent shockwaves through the industry and beyond. Gretchen Carlson, a former Miss America, had a long and distinguished career at Fox News, serving as a co-host on Fox & Friends and later anchoring her own show, The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson. She was a fixture on the network, known for her sharp interviewing skills and her ability to engage with diverse topics. However, her departure in June 2016 was shrouded in a significant controversy. Carlson filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment against former Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes. This courageous act, which involved breaking her silence and speaking out against powerful figures, is perhaps what she is most remembered for in her post-Fox News career. Her lawsuit and the subsequent investigations led to Ailes's ouster and prompted a broader reckoning within Fox News regarding its workplace culture. Carlson's bravery in coming forward not only changed the narrative around her own departure but also empowered countless other women in various industries to speak out against harassment. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, leaving is not just a personal decision but a catalyst for significant change. She has since become a prominent advocate for workplace equality and has continued to be a vocal presence in media, often discussing issues of harassment and empowerment. Her transition from a news anchor to a leading voice in the #MeToo movement highlights her multifaceted career and her commitment to justice. The impact of her actions extended far beyond the confines of Fox News, influencing corporate policies and public discourse on workplace misconduct across the globe. It's a testament to her strength of character and her unwavering pursuit of a fair and equitable environment for all.
2. Megyn Kelly: From Fox News Star to Media Mogul
Another female anchor leaving Fox News who made massive headlines was Megyn Kelly. For years, she was arguably the network's biggest star, hosting the highly-rated The Kelly File. Megyn Kelly was known for her direct interviewing style, her willingness to engage in tough debates, and her ability to command attention. Her role in covering major political events, including presidential debates, solidified her position as a powerful voice in conservative media. Her contract with Fox News expired in 2017, and after much speculation, she announced her move to NBC News. This transition marked a significant shift in her career, moving from a network with a strong conservative leaning to a more mainstream, albeit still debated, media giant. At NBC, she hosted a morning show, Megyn Kelly Today, and pursued various other projects, including interviews and documentaries. However, her tenure at NBC was met with mixed reviews and eventually ended amidst controversy surrounding her comments on blackface. Despite the challenges, Kelly's career trajectory post-Fox News demonstrates a desire for broader influence and a willingness to explore different platforms. Her departure from Fox News wasn't tied to the same kind of scandal as some others, but rather a professional decision to seek new challenges and potentially a different audience. She has since taken breaks from television and remained a figure in public discourse, often sharing her thoughts on media, politics, and social issues. Her journey highlights the complex decisions that high-profile anchors face when their contracts are up for renewal and the allure of new opportunities, even with inherent risks. The sheer scale of her audience at Fox News meant that any move she made would be scrutinized, and her NBC venture was no exception. It was a bold move, aiming to capture a different demographic and expand her personal brand beyond the Fox News ecosystem. Her story continues to be a fascinating case study in media evolution and personal brand management.
3. Greta Van Susteren: A Veteran's New Horizons
Greta Van Susteren is a name synonymous with legal analysis and political commentary for many years. As the host of On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, she was a consistent presence on Fox News, known for her straightforward approach and her deep knowledge of legal and political matters. Her departure from Fox News in 2016 came as a surprise to many viewers. Greta Van Susteren cited a contract dispute as the reason for her leaving, but speculation at the time also linked it to the changing leadership at the network following Roger Ailes's departure. After leaving Fox News, Van Susteren quickly found a new home at MSNBC, where she hosted For the Record with Greta. This move showed her resilience and her ability to adapt to different network environments. Her experience as a prosecutor and her long career in journalism provided her with a unique perspective that was valued across different platforms. While her time at MSNBC was shorter than her tenure at Fox News, it demonstrated that her voice and expertise were still in demand. She has continued to be an active voice in media, occasionally appearing on other networks and engaging with audiences through digital platforms. Her career exemplifies the longevity and adaptability that a seasoned journalist can possess, navigating shifts in the media landscape with professionalism and purpose. The decision to leave a long-term, successful role is never easy, but Van Susteren approached it with a clear vision for her next steps, proving that a career in news can have many chapters. Her continued presence in public commentary, even outside of a daily anchor role, underscores her enduring influence and her commitment to staying connected with the issues that matter. Her journey is a reminder that established journalists can find new avenues for their work and continue to contribute meaningfully to public discourse.
4. Laurie Dhue: A Career in Transition
Laurie Dhue is another female anchor leaving Fox News whose career has seen several interesting turns. Dhue was a prominent anchor at Fox News from 2000 to 2008, hosting Weekend Live and also contributing to The O'Reilly Factor. She was known for her polished delivery and her ability to handle breaking news with composure. After her departure from Fox News, Dhue moved to CNN, where she co-anchored American Morning before transitioning to the Investigation Discovery channel. Her career path illustrates a common theme among many journalists: the exploration of different formats and networks to find the right fit or to pursue new challenges. Laurie Dhue's move to Investigation Discovery showcased a shift towards documentary-style programming and true crime, a genre that has gained significant traction. While she may not have remained in the high-stakes world of daily cable news, her continued work in television demonstrates a sustained passion for storytelling and informing the public. Her career trajectory is a testament to the diverse opportunities available within the media industry and the ability of individuals to reinvent themselves. She has also been open about her personal struggles, including her battle with alcoholism, and has become an advocate for recovery. This aspect of her life adds another layer to her public persona, showing a different kind of strength and vulnerability. Her journey highlights that a career in media isn't always linear and can involve significant personal growth and adaptation. The transition from a major cable news network to specialized channels or different forms of content creation is a path many seasoned professionals explore, seeking different ways to engage with audiences and utilize their skills. Dhue's story is one of resilience and adaptation in a dynamic industry.
5. Jennifer Santiago: From Anchor to Producer
Jennifer Santiago is a name some long-time viewers might recall from her time at Fox News. She worked as a correspondent and fill-in anchor for the network. While not always in the spotlight as a main anchor, Jennifer Santiago was a dedicated member of the Fox News team, contributing to various news programs. Her departure from the network marked a transition into a different facet of the media industry. After leaving Fox News, Santiago moved into production, taking on roles behind the scenes. This career shift is quite common for individuals who have spent years in front of the camera. The skills developed as a reporter and anchor, such as storytelling, research, and communication, are highly transferable to producing roles. Moving behind the scenes allows for a different kind of creative input and involvement in shaping the narrative of news and other media content. Her journey underscores the idea that a career in media can evolve beyond on-air talent. It's about utilizing your expertise in new and impactful ways. While specific details about her current projects may not be widely publicized, her transition highlights the multifaceted nature of the media industry and the many paths available for seasoned professionals. It’s a great example of how talent and experience can be leveraged in different capacities, contributing to the broader landscape of media production and storytelling. The ability to adapt and pivot within an industry is crucial for long-term success, and Santiago's career is a prime illustration of this principle.
6. Andrea Tantaros: A Controversial Exit
Andrea Tantaros was a familiar face on Fox News, known for her appearances on The Five and as a co-host of Outnumbered. Andrea Tantaros was often part of lively debates, bringing a strong perspective to the discussions. Her tenure at the network ended abruptly in 2016. Her departure was notably linked to allegations of sexual harassment, similar to Gretchen Carlson's experience. Tantaros filed a lawsuit alleging that she had been retaliated against after reporting unwanted advances from a senior executive. This situation, like Carlson's, brought further attention to the workplace culture at Fox News during that period. Her case contributed to the ongoing narrative of misconduct and the subsequent efforts to reform the network's environment. While her on-air career at Fox News concluded under challenging circumstances, her story is a significant part of the network's recent history. The legal battles and public scrutiny surrounding her exit highlight the complexities and risks involved when individuals speak out against alleged wrongdoing in high-profile environments. Her departure serves as a stark reminder of the personal and professional toll such situations can take. Following her exit from Fox News, Tantaros has largely stayed out of the public eye regarding her media career, though she has occasionally commented on related issues. Her story emphasizes the importance of accountability and the courage it takes to confront workplace misconduct, even when it means sacrificing a seemingly stable career.
7. Jenna Lee: A New Chapter in Business
Jenna Lee, a former anchor and reporter for Fox News, also decided to pursue a different path after her time with the network. She was known for her work on Strategy Room and as a reporter covering financial markets. Jenna Lee brought a clear and concise delivery to her reporting, focusing on business and economic news. After leaving Fox News in 2014, she transitioned away from traditional broadcast journalism into the business world. She has since focused on entrepreneurship and has been involved in launching and managing businesses. Her career pivot demonstrates a strategic move towards leveraging her analytical skills and understanding of markets in a more direct business capacity. Leaving broadcast news to enter the entrepreneurial space is a bold step, requiring a different set of skills and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Lee's journey highlights the versatility of individuals who work in news, possessing transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of industries. Her focus on business and finance, areas she covered extensively as a journalist, likely provided her with a solid foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavors. Her story is an inspiring example of charting a new course and building a career outside the confines of a television studio. It’s a reminder that the skills honed in journalism can open doors to diverse opportunities, including the exciting and demanding world of business and startups. Her successful transition underscores the value of adaptability and forward-thinking in today's ever-changing professional landscape.
The Evolving Landscape of News
As we've seen with these seven incredible women, the reasons for female anchors leaving Fox News are as varied as their careers themselves. From courageous stands against harassment to pursuing new professional horizons in different networks, industries, or entrepreneurial ventures, their departures tell stories of personal growth, professional evolution, and sometimes, necessary change. The media industry is in constant flux, and these anchors, like many others, have navigated its currents with resilience and determination. Their contributions to journalism and public discourse are undeniable, and their journeys beyond Fox News continue to inspire. Whether they moved on to achieve greater fame, pivoted to behind-the-scenes roles, or bravely initiated industry-wide conversations, their legacies remain. It's a testament to their talent, their professionalism, and their adaptability in a demanding field. The stories we've explored today offer a glimpse into the dynamic nature of broadcast news and the many paths talented individuals forge for themselves. Keep an eye on these remarkable women; their stories are far from over!
