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We take a look at what happened to Shepard Smith, one of the most respected journalists on Fox News Channel.
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Introduction
Fox News Channel’s chief news anchor Shepard Smith has announced his departure from the network after 23 years.
Smith, who had been with Fox News since its launch in 1996, made the announcement at the end of his Friday afternoon program.
“Recently I asked the company to allow me to leave Fox News and begin a new chapter,” Smith said. “After requesting that I stay, they obliged. Under our agreement I won’t be reporting elsewhere, at least in the near future.”
Smith did not give a specific reason for his departure, but he has been increasingly critical of President Donald Trump and his administration in recent months.
“This is my choice,” Smith said. “I knew it wasn’t going to last forever. But I could not be more proud of everything we’ve accomplished here and more grateful for the friendships I’ve made along the way.”
Smith will be replaced by Bret Baier on Fox News’ 6 p.m. ET newscast, “Special Report.”
Theories about Shepard Smith’s Departure
On October 11th, 2019, Shepard Smith announced his departure from Fox News Channel. This came as a surprise to many, as Shepard Smith had been with Fox News since it launched in 1996. There are a few theories as to why Shepard Smith left Fox News. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular theories.
He was tired of Fox News’ direction
According to multiple reports, Shepard Smith was tired of the direction that Fox News was going in and felt that it was becoming too partisan. In recent years, Fox News has been increasingly criticized for its biased coverage, particularly by conservatives.
Shepard Smith had been with Fox News since its inception in 1996 and was one of the original members of the network’s team. He was widely respected for his journalism and for his ability to remain impartial despite the network’s growing partisanship.
In October 2019, Shepard Smith abruptly announced his departure from Fox News, saying that he “could not continue” with the network. His departure came as a surprise to many, and it is still not clear why he decided to leave.
He was tired of Trump’s attacks
There are a number of theories about Shepard Smith’s departure from Fox News Channel. Some say that he was tired of Trump’s attacks, while others believe that he was pushed out by Fox News executives.
It’s no secret that Shepard Smith and Donald Trump did not see eye to eye. In fact, Smith was one of the few Fox News anchors who consistently criticized the president. This probably didn’t sit well with Trump, who has made it clear that he expects complete loyalty from those in his inner circle.
It’s also possible that Fox News executives decided they had had enough of Smith’s independent streak. In recent months, the network has been moving in a more pro-Trump direction, and it may have been decided that Smith was no longer a good fit.
Whatever the reason for his departure, Shepard Smith will be missed by many viewers who appreciated his willingness to hold power to account.
He was offered a better job
This is the most likely scenario, according to many industry insiders. Shepard Smith was reportedly given a highly lucrative offer to join another news organization, and he decided to take it. While this is speculative, it seems to be the most plausible explanation for his departure.
The Aftermath of Shepard Smith’s Departure
Shepard Smith was one of the most popular hosts on Fox News Channel. He was known for his impartiality and his willingness to hold both sides accountable. However, in October 2019, Shepard Smith abruptly announced his departure from Fox News. This sent shockwaves throughout the political world. Many people were left wondering what would happen to Shepard Smith’s show, and what this would mean for the future of Fox News.
His replacement
Fox News Channel announced Wednesday that its chief news anchor Shepard Smith is leaving the network.
“After 23 years at Fox News, I have decided to leave the network. I am proud of the work we have done together and am grateful for the friendships I have made over the years,” Smith said in a statement.
Smith’s departure comes as a surprise, as he has been one of the network’s most prominent faces for more than two decades. He has been a key player in Fox News’ success, helping to build the network into a powerful force in cable news.
Fox News did not immediately announce who will replace Smith, but it is widely expected that Tucker Carlson will take over his timeslot. Carlson is already one of the most popular hosts on Fox News, and his show frequently outperforms Smith’s in the ratings.
His fans’ reactions
The news of Shepard Smith’s departure from Fox News Channel was met with a range of reactions on social media, with some expressing support for the longtime anchor and others criticizing him.
Some of those expressing support for Smith pointed to his willingness to call out President Donald Trump, while others praised him as a fair and objective journalist.
Those critical of Smith accused him of being a liberal voice on Fox News and suggested that his departure was due to mounting pressure from the network’s more conservative viewers.
His colleagues’ reactions
Shepard Smith’s departure from Fox News came as a surprise to many, including some of his colleagues at the network. Several of them took to social media to express their thoughts on the matter.
Bret Baier, the host of “Special Report,” tweeted that he was “stunned and saddened” by the news. He added that Smith was “one of the best reporters” in the business and “a great friend.”
John Roberts, the chief White House correspondent for Fox News, tweeted that he was “saddened” by the news and called Smith a “class act.”
Geraldo Rivera, a Fox News contributor, tweeted that he was “heartbroken” by the news.
