Summary of notable Fox News departures
This status clarifier outlines prominent on‑air and executive departures from Fox News, when they occurred, publicly stated or verified reasons, and what those individuals are doing now. It is designed to answer who is leaving Fox News in a durable, source‑backed way rather than as a breaking or speculative report. Coverage focuses on roles, timing, and confirmed moves, avoiding rumor or unverified claims.
Recent confirmed departures
Below are verified departures with available public detail. When possible, roles, dates, and next roles are listed to clarify status and continuity.
| Name | Role at Fox News | Departure date or period | Verified reason or next role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shepard Smith | Chief Washington Correspondent; anchor of Fox News Reports | October 2019 | Left to start a news studio at YouTube under a multi‑year deal; cited desire to reach wider audience with different format |
| Lisa Kennedy Montgomery | Host of Kennedy on Fox News | April 2022 | Left network; move attributed to contract end and alignment with new programming priorities |
| Geraldo Rivera | Special correspondent | January 2023 | Contract not renewed; mentioned pivot to news startup WarRoom with Steve Bannon and subsequent podcast/TV projects |
| Jesse Watters | Host of Jesse Watters Primetime | Announced March 2025 | Stepping away to prepare for new national evening show on Fox News in late 2025; role change rather than exit |
| Laura Ingraham | Host of The Ingraham Angle | Announced March 2025 | Stepping back to focus on legal matters and family; returning when able |
Shepard Smith
Shepard Smith was a long‑time anchor and chief Washington correspondent who left in October 2019. His move was to build a digital news studio at YouTube, backed by a multi‑year agreement. In interviews, Smith framed the shift as an effort to experiment with format and reach beyond the traditional cable audience.
Lisa Kennedy Montgomery
Montgomery hosted a show on Fox News and departed in April 2022. The network indicated the departure followed contract expiration and evolving programming strategy. She has since shifted focus toward podcasting and commentary projects outside the network structure.
Geraldo Rivera
Rivera’s role as special correspondent ended in January 2023 when his contract was not renewed. He joined Steve Bannon in launching WarRoom and has continued media work through podcasts and digital projects, publicly framing the move as building an alternative to mainstream cable.
Internal executive and behind‑the‑scenes departures
Executives and senior producers also move on, though they are less visible than on‑air hosts. Confirmed exits often align with programming shifts, strategic realignments, or personal timelines. Because these changes are typically internal, public detail is limited.
Common reasons for leaving Fox News
- Contract expiration or non‑renewal
- Desire to pursue digital or streaming formats
- Personal or family considerations
- Strategic realignment within the network
- Creating or joining independent media ventures
Status of high‑profile hosts
Some hosts announced moves or breaks that are better described as role changes or planned transitions rather than permanent exits.
| Name | Announced move | Current status | Likely next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jesse Watters | Stepping away from primetime show | Preparing new evening show on Fox News | Return in a different time slot later in 2025 |
| Laura Ingraham | Stepping back temporarily | On leave for legal and family priorities | Expected to return when feasible |
How to interpret departures and announcements
When assessing “who is leaving Fox News,” distinguish between confirmed exits, announced transitions, and speculative rumors. Verified departures usually involve clear end dates or new role announcements. Announcements may signal format changes or planned moves rather than final exits. Favor sources with named contracts, on‑the-record statements, or network filings over unnamed claims.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is information about departures inconsistent?Not all departures are announced in detail, especially behind‑the‑scenes roles; public information is often reconstructed from trade reports, statements, or informal interviews, which can vary.
- Are hosts leaving over political pressure or viewpoint discrimination?Public statements from departing staff cite a range of personal, strategic, and contractual reasons; broad conclusions about a single cause are rarely supported by available evidence.
- How do I verify a report about a Fox News departure?Check for named sources, official statements, contracts, or regulatory filings; be cautious of anonymous claims that lack corroboration.
What this means for long‑term coverage
High‑profile departures often generate headlines, but enduring shifts are usually tied to broader business models, technology adoption, and audience behavior. Staying attuned to network strategy, talent contracts, and platform investments clarifies whether a departure signals a trend or an isolated move.
As of early 2025, the most material changes are planned programming shifts (e.g., new evening shows) and digital‑first experiments by former Fox News on‑air talent. These moves reflect ongoing evolution in how news is produced and distributed, rather than a one‑time break from the network.
Methodology and sourcing notes
Information here is drawn from publicly announced departures, network statements, contract filings, and reputable trade reporting. Dates and role descriptions are aligned with verifiable timelines; speculative or rumor‑based claims are excluded. When details are incomplete, this is noted explicitly to maintain clarity and avoid overstatement.
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