newscast, routinely beat rivals on CNN and MSNBC in the ratings and a key demographic, according to Nielsen. “Shepard Smith Reporting,” the anchor’s 3 p.m. “Is he leaving because of bad ratings? Tell me, I don’t know.” He added: “I wish him well.” “Did I hear Shepard Smith is leaving?” he asked reporters on the South Lawn.
Smith’s exit, sounded surprised by the news. Trump, asked at the White House on Friday if he had a connection to Mr. Murdoch is usually reluctant to make prominent personnel moves at his media properties because of public or private pressure. Following that who knows - he is not retiring.” “He’s taking an extended period of time off to be with his family. “This was Shep’s decision and his alone,” Mr. Smith, Chris Giglio, said “there is absolutely no truth” to a connection between the two events. Trump’s attorney general, William Barr.Ī spokesman for Mr. Trump had orchestrated the departure of his least-favorite Fox News anchor through a private meeting this week between Rupert Murdoch, the mogul who controls the network, and Mr. In a farewell statement, Jay Wallace, the network’s president and executive editor, called the anchor’s exit “especially difficult.” “I’ll miss them and our time together greatly.” “I’ve worked with the most talented, dedicated and focused professionals I’ve ever known,” Mr. On Friday, in public at least, all parties played down any difficulties. Smith had been considering an exit from Fox News for several weeks, the people said. Smith, 55, who was dismayed at the disconnect between some of the pro-Trump cheerleading in prime-time and the reporting produced by the network’s newsroom, according to two people close to the anchor who requested anonymity to share his private observations. Smith on-air, a rare moment of intramural discord bursting into public view. Smith on Twitter as the network’s “lowest-rated anchor.” Other Fox News personalities were also unimpressed: Last month, Mr. In second place in that poll was Laura Ingraham, another Trump-supporting anchor with an evening show.His pointed comments, closer in tone to that of CNN anchors like Anderson Cooper than of Fox News mainstays like Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson, irked Mr.
Just 23% of Republicans had a favorable view of Smith in that poll, with 21% perceiving him unfavorably.Ĭarlson, in contrast, was the most popular Fox News host among Republicans, having a net favorability of 31%. Trump has not hesitated to blast Smith in the past, even as he praised others on Fox News.Ī Morning Consult poll last November found that Smith was the "least-loved Fox News personality" among Republicans. On Thursday, Trump called Smith out by name on Twitter as he fumed over a Fox News poll that showed a slight majority of voters favor impeachment and removal of the president. "While this day is especially difficult as his former producer, we respect his decision and are deeply grateful for his immense contributions to the entire network," Wallace said.
Wallace said in his own statement, "Shep is one of the premier newscasters of his generation and his extraordinary body of work is among the finest journalism in the industry." "Like you I'm a little stunned and a little heartbroken, I don't know what to say." "Whoa!" said a clearly surprised Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto on the air after watching Smith's sign-off. Smith said on air that "under our agreement" with Fox News "I won't be reporting elsewhere, at least not in the near future." I've worked with the most talented, dedicated and focused professionals I know and I'm proud to have anchored their work each day - I will deeply miss them." "It's been an honor and a privilege to report the news each day to our loyal audience in context and with perspective, without fear or favor.
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