When prominent television hosts leave high-profile cable news networks, viewers often wonder where their favorite personalities went. The shift from cable news desks to independent digital platforms, competing networks, or complete career pivots has accelerated dramatically over the last decade. Understanding the current whereabouts of former Fox News anchors reveals a broader transformation in modern media consumption.
Major Career Transitions of Prominent Anchors
The path away from a major cable network rarely leads to retirement. Instead, many high-profile journalists use their established name recognition to build independent media empires or take on new challenges across different networks.
- Megyn Kelly: After spending thirteen years at Fox News and a subsequent stint at NBC, Kelly transitioned away from traditional television entirely. She launched The Megyn Kelly Show, a daily independent talk show and podcast distributed via SiriusXM and digital video platforms.
- Shepard Smith: Having spent over two decades with Fox News, Smith departed the network and joined CNBC to anchor a nightly news hour. Although that specific program later ended, Smith remains a key fixture at CNBC as its chief general news anchor.
- Gretchen Carlson: Following her departure from the network, Carlson became a prominent advocate for workplace rights. She co-founded Lift Our Voices, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending toxic non-disclosure agreements and forced arbitration clauses in employment contracts.
- Glenn Beck: After hosting a popular commentary program during the early 2010s, Beck parted ways with the network. He expanded his independent media company, Mercury Radio Arts, and continues to grow TheBlaze media network.
The Shift Toward Independent Digital Media
The traditional career playbook for a departing cable news anchor used to involve jumping to a competing broadcast giant like CNN or MSNBC. While that route still happens occasionally, today's media landscape favors direct-to-consumer digital distribution.
Podcasting, subscription newsletters, and video-sharing platforms give former network stars total editorial freedom. Without corporate program constraints or advertiser boycotts tied to network-level controversies, independent broadcasters can monetize their personal brands directly through sponsorships, listener subscriptions, and merchandise sales. This shift explains why many marquee names choose to build personal studios rather than sign restrictive new corporate contracts.
Common Reasons for Departure
Exits from major cable networks typically stem from three distinct factors: contract disputes, editorial disagreements, or personal career realignment.
- Contract Expirations and Salary Disputes: When long-term contracts expire, networks and talent sometimes fail to agree on financial terms or scheduling demands.
- Public Controversies: High-intensity newsrooms occasionally face intense public scrutiny over on-air statements or behind-the-scenes disputes, prompting mutual separations.
- Burnout: Daily live broadcasting requires grueling hours and relentless public pressure, leading some anchors to step back from daily TV entirely.
For more background on how television networks manage talent rosters and corporate structures, you can read reporting by PBS NewsHour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do so many former cable anchors start podcasts?
Podcasts offer complete creative control, flexible schedules, and direct monetization without the overhead or editorial oversight of a traditional television network.
Do all former anchors stay in the media industry?
No. While many remain in journalism, commentary, or digital media, some pivot entirely to advocacy work, non-profit leadership, corporate consulting, or private business ventures.
How do networks handle sudden anchor departures?
Networks typically rely on rotating substitution co-hosts from their existing talent pool while conducting nationwide searches or promoting internal correspondents to permanent roles.
Can a cable news anchor return to mainstream television after leaving?
Yes, industry mobility is common. Several personalities have moved back and forth between cable news, digital startups, and independent platforms depending on market demand and personal goals.
