Shepard Smith and Fox News are parting ways.
The cable news giant’s chief news anchor and managing editor made the announcement Friday and said that he will “deeply miss” his colleagues.
“Recently I asked the company to allow me to leave Fox News and begin a new chapter,” Mr. Smith said in a statement, Forbes reported. “After requesting that I stay, they graciously obliged. The opportunities afforded this guy from small town Mississippi have been many. 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. 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.”
Jay Wallace, president and executive editor of Fox News Media, also announced the news on his Twitter feed.
Fox said it would handle the situation in the short term by rotating anchors in his 3 p.m. ET time slot.
BREAKING via Fox News: “Shepard Smith will step down from his role as Chief News Anchor and Managing Editor of the network’s breaking news unit and Anchor of Shepard Smith Reporting, announced Jay Wallace, President & Executive Editor of FOX News Media.” Rotating anchors to do 3p
— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) October 11, 2019
President Trump, who had criticized Mr. Smith’s coverage of him, expressed mild sarcasm about his departure.
“Is he leaving? Oh, that’s a shame,” the president said. “Is he leaving because of his ratings? I wish him well.”
• Dave Boyer contributed to this report.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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