As the face of The Story with Martha MacCallum on Fox News, Martha MacCallum brings clarity to chaos every weekday at 3 p.m. EST. But off-camera, the veteran anchor juggles breaking news with motherhood, marriage, and daily runs—all without missing a beat.
“No two days are ever the same,” MacCallum says. “You have to stay flexible. The news doesn’t wait for you.”
6 A.M. Wake-Ups and Morning Scrolls
Her alarm rings at 6 a.m.—a luxury compared to her old 4:30 a.m. starts from her America’s Newsroom days. First order of business? Coffee and catching up on the headlines. She scans through political blogs, newsletters, and news alerts from bed to get oriented for the day.
Once caffeinated and caught up, she starts an hour-long workout, either in her home gym or outside. “If it’s anywhere above freezing, I’ll go running outside with the dogs,” she says with a laugh.
If time allows, she’ll squeeze in a few personal to-dos before heading to the newsroom.
Planning the Show
By 9:30 a.m., MacCallum and her producers are already shaping the day’s broadcast—deciding on segment structures, guest bookings, and breaking news coverage.
“We aim to have 80% of the show locked by 1 p.m., but breaking news can blow that up at any moment,” she says. “And that’s just how I like it.”
A political science major with a theater minor from St. Lawrence University, MacCallum cut her teeth at Corporate Finance Magazine and The Wall Street Journal, before moving to CNBC and finally joining Fox News in 2004.
She admits that the fast pace of live TV is still what gets her adrenaline going: “Breaking news is electric. It’s where I feel most in my element.”
Beyond the Anchor Desk
Outside of her 3 p.m. show, Martha is a regular presence on America’s Newsroom, Fox Business, and Fox’s long-form features. She also hosts The Unknown Story podcast, diving deeper into political and cultural issues.
Her flexibility extends beyond the studio. In major moments—like her exclusive interview with Trump’s former campaign manager Brad Parscale, MacCallum will go remote to ensure coverage doesn’t miss a beat. “It’s not about reading a teleprompter,” she says. “It’s about living the story and staying sharp.”
Balancing Headlines and Home Life
By 5 p.m., she’s usually back home in time for dinner with her husband and kids. She tries to stay present during family time, even while keeping one eye on news alerts.
Evening runs help her decompress. “It gets the dogs tired and clears my head,” she says. When winding down, she might read a few pages from her current book, The Unbroken Thread by Sohrab Ahmari, before calling it a night.
“It’s challenging to unplug, but necessary. My team knows how to reach me if something big happens,” she adds.
Staying Grounded Amid Noise
MacCallum has learned to tune out social media chaos: “I read very little of the gossip or Twitter commentary. My focus is on honest work and staying true to myself.”
As someone who’s been in the industry for decades, her advice to young journalists is simple:
“If you’re genuinely curious about the world, this job is for you. Bring your voice, stay strong, and never forget who you’re doing it for.”
She also reflects on how the pandemic changed working in New York. “I miss the energy of the old Midtown—the packed restaurants, the crowds, the buzz. It’s quieter now, and that’s been hard,” she admits.
“But in the newsroom, we’re still a family. And there’s nothing like being live on air, chasing the truth together.”
