Shep Smith Out At Fox News!

SHEP LEAVES FOX
TRUMP CRITIC EXITS
COLLEAGUES STUNNED
PRESIDENT CELEBRATES
For 23 years, David Shepard Smith held the reign of straight news over at Fox. The veteran journalist announced he was departing from the network due to the feud with Laura Ingraham, Tucker Carlson and Sean "Softball" Hannity.

Despised by Donald J. Trump and many of the far-white agitators, Smith kept it honest.

Smith began his career with Fox News in 1996. He was one of the original members of a rare class of hosts and commentators. The only ones left are Neil Cavuto and "Softball" Hannity.

Pres. Trump mocks outgoing Fox News anchor Shepard Smith's ratings, then says, "I wish him well." https://t.co/IVcaHEyHzV pic.twitter.com/AoHYJMMLSj

— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) October 11, 2019

Employees at Fox News were caught off guard by the news. Not the opinion hosts. They were openly feuding with Smith. Fox News top men warned Smith to stop attacking the agitators. He refused. So they decided to throw him in the cannon and fire him out.

Based on what I'm hearing, it's almost too obvious what happened: Fox's primetime stars, especially Ingraham, whined to brass about Shep's fact-checky jabs. Fox gave him an ultimatum; he refused. They pushed him out. https://t.co/ya9rgt3qsT

— Andrew Kirell (@AndrewKirell) October 11, 2019

News that Shepard Smith is leaving Fox News is a bombshell in the world of television journalism. Smith has been a pro and a straight shooter as a reporter and anchor. His departure suggests a bigger story, but I wish him well in his future pursuits.

— Dan Rather (@DanRather) October 11, 2019

THIS JUST IN: Shepard Smith's honesty & journalistic integrity proves incompatible with Fox "News" #FauxNews https://t.co/VoM5IdDn4J

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) October 11, 2019

Smith's final edition of his afternoon program "Shepard Smith Reporting" aired Friday and the network will use a rotating series of news anchors in the 3pm (EST) timeslot on what will now be known as "Fox News Reporting."

"Shep is one of the premier newscasters of his generation and his extraordinary body of work is among the finest journalism in the industry. His integrity and outstanding reporting from the field helped put Fox News on the map and there is simply no better breaking news anchor who has the ability to transport a viewer to a place of conflict, tragedy, despair or elation through his masterful delivery," Fox News president and executive editor Jay Wallace said in a statement.

As one of Fox News Channel's original hires Smith has covered nearly every major story for more than two decades.

"We are proud of the signature reporting and anchoring style he honed at Fox News, along with everything he accomplished here during his monumental 23-year tenure," Wallace added. "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."

"Recently I asked the company to allow me to leave FOX News and begin a new chapter. 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," Smith said in a statement.

Prior to taking the over the breaking news division with the advent of "Shepard Smith Reporting," he anchored "The FOX Report" and "Studio B," both of which ranked number one in their respective timeslots.

The cable news veteran offered an emotional goodbye to viewers as he signed off for the final time, echoing his official statement.

"A personal moment now: gathering and reporting the news has been my life's work. 33 years, the past 23 right here, since the day we launched Fox News Channel in 1996," Smith said. "The opportunities afforded this guy from small town Mississippi have been many. Fox News has allowed me to travel the country and the world, gathering the facts of the day for you. At Columbine, Katrina, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, 9/11, and every life-altering event along the way."

Smith said he's met "leaders, heroes, and victims of all stripes."

"I’ve witnessed and reported on the events that shaped our reality. Together with my colleagues, we've written a first draft of history and endeavored to deliver it to you while speaking truth to power without fear or favor, in context and with perspective. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity. For handing me the breaking news reins as Managing Editor, Senior Correspondent, and Chief News Anchor for this network, I am thankful and humbled," Smith said. "I've worked with the most talented, dedicated, and focused professionals I've ever known. They sacrifice endlessly and tirelessly  to get the news exactly right and I am so proud of them and I'm honored to have anchored their work each day. I'll miss them and our time together, greatly and deeply."

Smith continued: "So recently I asked the company to allow me to leave Fox News. After requesting that I stay, they obliged. Under our agreement, I won’t be reporting elsewhere, at least in the near future."

He signed off for the final time with a message for viewers.

"Even in our currently polarized nation, it's my hope that the facts will win the day. That the truth will always matter. That journalism and journalists will thrive," Smith said.