Reflections on 30 Years at Fox News

In 1996, I made a decision that seemed illogical to my wife. At the time, CNN was an established force in cable television, and I had a secure position there. Yet, I chose to join Fox News Channel, a new network spearheaded by the controversial Australian media mogul, Rupert Murdoch. With three young children at home, the move seemed risky.

Fox News was a start-up facing challenges to get on cable systems in big cities like New York. But I believed they would be innovative and give me a chance to be part of a new era in news. Over the last 30 years, Fox News has risen to the top, even becoming the number one cable channel on many occasions.

From the beginning, Fox employed colorful graphics and fast-paced stories. The network featured clear narratives of heroes and villains, with a focus on crime and war. The on-air talent spoke directly to viewers, engaging with them as friends and neighbors, not as distant experts. As Brit Hume, now Fox’s chief political analyst, explained, Fox highlighted stories ignored by other networks and featured right-of-center voices.

Roger Ailes, the first head of Fox, was a top consultant for the GOP. His team knew what they wanted from me as a journalist willing to engage in debate. Viewers appreciated lively discussions, contrasting views, and a refreshing break from conventional news formats.

Fox effectively covered major events, from the impeachment of President Clinton to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Iraq war, and the political landscape during the Obama era. In 2008, I was deeply moved when Barack Obama won the Iowa caucuses, marking a significant moment in Black American history.

The network thrived on engaging political debates, which sometimes turned into viral moments. As a co-host of ‘The Five,’ I represented center-left views, often sparking discussions with my conservative colleagues. Over the years, the show became a platform for open and honest debate, demonstrating that people of differing opinions could find common ground.

Fox News grew in influence, drawing diverse audiences, including many Democrats. During my book tours, I encountered conservatives who appreciated hearing my perspective, even if they disagreed with me.

The experience at Fox has been enriched by professional relationships. I’ve worked with colleagues like Brit Hume, Shannon Bream, Bret Baier, Sean Hannity, and others. Despite on-air arguments, off-camera moments often led to meaningful discussions and friendships.

Reflecting on Fox’s 30th anniversary, the focus is not just on ratings or political clashes but on connections with the audience. The network serves as a reminder that social media bitterness often doesn’t reflect real life.

As I celebrate this milestone, I am grateful for the friendships, both with viewers and behind-the-scenes staff. People rarely seen — such as editors, producers, and technical teams — play crucial roles. To the audience, thank you for making our success possible. Three cheers for Fox News, one for each decade.