Fox ending Smith's nightly newscast

[alp227]

Source: AP

Fox News Channel is eliminating one of Shepard Smith's two daily newscasts and putting him in charge of a news team designed to quickly break in to other Fox shows when something big is happening.

Smith, the network's top news anchor, signed a new multi-year contract, the network said Thursday. He will keep his 3 p.m. Eastern newscast while the 7 p.m. show is eliminated.

"We don't have to wait 'til 7 anymore," said Smith, named managing editor of the breaking news unit. "When it's ready, we'll put it on the air. When it's breaking, I'm ready to do it."

Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes described Smith's new role as a quarterback able to call an audible when news is happening and get it on the air quickly. Except for Smith's show and Bret Baier's Washington report, Fox's evening schedule is driven by opinionated, personality-driven programming.

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/fox-ending-smiths-nightly-newscast

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FILE - This May 24, 2011 file photo shows Fox News Channel anchor Shepard Smith during a broadcast of his "Studio B" program, in New York. Fox News Channel is eliminating one of Shepard Smith’s two daily newscasts and putting him in charge of a breaking news team where he will travel more to stories and break into other Fox shows with special reports. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Shepard Smith has occasionally spoken some things that annoy right wingers. Such as condemning Guantanamo and supporting gay marriage (links go to the right wing Media Research Center). In 2009, the NY Times published a profile of Smith, " Fox News Anchor Draws Ratings, and Ire of Conservative Critics". Search his name in right wing sites like the MRC, Newsbusters, Free Republic, etc. and the majority of results are anti Smith.

[Cooley Hurd]

1. Shep needs to get himself out of that loony bin...

He's proven himself to be a good journalist and anchor - WAY too good for the likes of Faux!!!

[TheDeputy]

5. I couldn't agree more.

He seems to be the only "fair and balanced" anchor they have.

[Scairp]

14. Except he seems obsessed

With "True Blood" of all things. He is always asking guests if they are going to watch "the True Blood". Sounds a little nuts to me.

[7962]

2. I remember seeing him reporting from New Orleans during Katrina

This isnt an exact quote, but he was pretty much hollering into the camera "where the hell is everybody? ANYBODY, to help these people?"

[longship]

3. His Katrina coverage eschewed the FOX network line.

I never liked him when I first saw him. But I have softened on that. He goes off the Fox script often enough, which says a lot.

He should replace Wolf at CNN, and they should give him broad freedom to do things. That would be an interesting exercise, at least worth seeing.

Still cannot stand Fox Noise. But Shep is the best they have. I'd like to see this guy unbuttoned.

[geek tragedy]

4. His use of "really" was the best in live tv history. nt

[dawn frenzy adams]

6. Sorry but I'm not feeling all of this love for Shep.

He works for a company that has caused utter misery to people, not just to Americans, but people worldwide. They have destroyed people's careers, propagated racism, sexism and homophobia. They were the network that participated in the stolen election of 2000. Furthermore, Murdoch has used his empire to slander Muslims all over the world. No one that is a serious journalist, with a slither of respect, would associate with the likes of Fox. Just because Shep has had a moment or two of clarity, does not make me respect him.

[Ian David]

7. Free Shep! n/t

[TalkingDog]

8. +1

n/t

[kskiska]

9. Sounds like a comedown to me

Maybe they're clearing his spot for Hannity, who's being moved from the prime time 9:00 spot in favor of Megyn Kelly.

[Tigress DEM]

10. Aw it's broke all right.

[dballance]

11. I Remember him from FOX Miami. He was a decent guy.

I think he's too good for FAUX news. He was a good anchor in Miami and I met him through friends there a couple of times. Decent fellow.

[Quantess]

12. I actually like Shepherd Smith. He's good.

He is so clever that he could occasionally make sarcastic comments that went right over idiot fox viewers heads.
Definitely the sharpest talking head on FOX.

I hope he gets a good job with another network.

[louis-t]

13. I'm sure he'll be presiding over the 'breaking news' when

the House votes for the 42nd time to overturn Obamacare.

The repugs in my office were beside themselves yesterday, running around proclaiming "Megyn Kelly's going PRIMETIME!1!1!"