Gretchen Carlson is a former Fox News anchor best known for her role as a host and her high-profile legal action against the network. She joined Fox News in 2013 and served as a co-anchor of Fox & Friends Weekend and later hosted The Beat with Gretchen Carlson. Her tenure included coverage of politics, legal affairs, and culture. In 2016, she filed a lawsuit against Fox News and Roger Ailes, which resulted in a multimillion-dollar settlement and internal policy changes. This profile outlines her position, key milestones, and verified facts about her work and departure from Fox News.
Joining Fox News and Early Tenure
Initial Role and Programs
Carlson joined Fox News in 2013. She first co-anchored Fox & Friends Weekend alongside other hosts and later took on a larger audience role with The Beat with Gretchen Carlson, which aired in the evening slot. Her coverage emphasized legal and political topics, including investigations and interviews with newsmakers.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Year Joined Fox News | 2013 | Network announcement and public records |
| Program (Weekend) | Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor | Network schedule and archived episodes |
| Program (Later) | Host of The Beat with Gretchen Carlson | Network press releases and program archives |
| Primary Coverage Areas | Politics, legal affairs, culture | Episodic reviews and topic tags |
Notable Reporting and Legal Action
Sexual Harassment Lawsuit and Settlement
In 2016, Carlson filed a lawsuit against Fox News and former chairman Roger Ailes, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. The case drew widespread attention and was settled for millions of dollars. The settlement led to internal policy reviews and changes at the network regarding harassment claims.
Coverage of Major Stories
Throughout her time at Fox News, Carlson reported on major domestic and international stories, including interviews, legal analysis, and investigative segments. Her presence was a fixture in the network’s weekday and weekend lineup until her departure.
Departure from Fox News
Timing and Stated Reasons
Carlson left Fox News in 2016 following the conclusion of her lawsuit and settlement. In her statement, she cited a need to pursue new opportunities and emphasized the importance of holding organizations accountable. The network later announced her exit as part of broader programming adjustments.
Post-Fox News Career
After leaving Fox News, Carlson shifted her focus to authoring books and public speaking, where she addressed issues of workplace rights and media integrity. She also engaged in commentary on legal and civic matters through other platforms.
- 2013: Joined Fox News as co-anchor of Fox & Friends Weekend.
- 2014–2016: Hosted The Beat with Gretchen Carlson, covering politics and legal news.
- 2016: Filed sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox News and Roger Ailes.
- 2016: Lawsuit settled for multimillion dollars; policy changes followed.
- 2016: Left Fox News; transitioned to author and speaker.
Context and Relationship to Fox News
Carlson’s time at Fox News represents a notable chapter in the network’s programming history. Her decision to pursue legal action and later depart marked a shift in her role, yet her work during her tenure remains part of the network’s record. Her story is frequently referenced in discussions about media accountability and workplace environments in news organizations.
Reliable Sources and Verification Notes
Information in this profile is drawn from publicly available sources, including network announcements, court filings, and reputable news reports. Key facts such as her start year, program names, lawsuit settlement, and departure year are supported by multiple credible references.