2025 Lookback: Prominent Liberal Journalists Leave Networks for Independent Platforms

The media landscape in 2025 became noticeably more fragmented as several well-known journalists departed major networks to launch independent shows, newsletters and podcasts. Some left by choice; others followed abrupt firings or suspensions. Across the board, these figures have adopted a more outspoken tone, underscoring how independent platforms can free hosts from corporate editorial constraints — while also raising questions about partisanship and ethics.

Jim Acosta (CNN)

Jim Acosta, long familiar to viewers as a theatrical White House correspondent and anchor, left CNN in January after being reassigned to a midnight slot instead of a daytime show. He launched The Jim Acosta Show on Substack, where he produces a liberal podcast alongside written reporting and commentary.

One of the year's most controversial segments involved an "interview" with a digitally animated avatar of Parkland victim Joaquin Oliver. Although the victim's father publicly supported the piece, many critics condemned it as ethically problematic for speaking through a representation of a deceased person — a moment that highlighted concerns about sensationalism in opinion-driven independent media.

Joy Reid (MSNBC — now MS NOW)

Joy Reid said she was abruptly dismissed from her long-running show The ReidOut in February and has suggested her coverage of the Gaza war and criticism of former President Trump may have contributed to the decision. In June she launched The Joy Reid Show, a YouTube program that has attracted a large audience — more than 382,000 subscribers at last count — and continued her outspoken, left‑of‑center commentary.

Reid's year included several contentious moments that drew public criticism, including a claim about the origins of the song "Jingle Bells," mocking a public figure's clothing after a traumatic event, and speculation about past reports concerning an attack on a public official. Those incidents prompted debate about the boundaries of provocative commentary on independent platforms.

Moran (Former ABC Correspondent)

A longtime ABC correspondent identified in reports only as Moran parted ways with the network in June following a suspension after a social media post that labeled President Trump and adviser Stephen Miller "world-class haters." Moran — who had recently interviewed the president in the Oval Office — moved to Substack with a newsletter called Real Patriotism, where he has critiqued mainstream outlets and praised the democratizing potential of alternative media despite its messiness.

Chuck Todd (Formerly NBC News)

Chuck Todd left NBC News in January after an 18-year tenure and relaunched his independent podcast, the Chuck ToddCast, in April. Todd said he had lost confidence in national media's ability to rebuild public trust and argued that new formats could help restore credibility. While he occasionally criticizes Democrats, much of his work remains sharply critical of Donald Trump.

Former Washington Post Columnist (Reportedly "Rubin")

A longtime Washington Post columnist, identified in reports as Rubin, left the paper in January after public friction with owner Jeff Bezos over editorial decisions, including a reportedly blocked endorsement. Rubin teamed with Norm Eisen to launch a Substack called The Contrarian, positioning it as a pro‑democracy opinion outlet promising "fearless and distinctive reported opinion and cultural commentary" without what they call false balance.

Rubin has criticized billionaire media ownership for undermining journalism’s civic role and argued that independent outlets are needed to confront perceived threats to democracy. Critics, meanwhile, warn that such outlets can deepen partisan echo chambers and occasionally cross ethical lines.

What This Shift Means

The departures illustrate a broader trend: journalists are increasingly using independent platforms to reach audiences directly. Supporters say this expands viewpoint diversity and frees journalists from corporate constraints. Critics caution that less editorial oversight can amplify partisanship, encourage sensationalism, and create new ethical challenges. As more public figures publish independently, audiences and platforms will need to weigh the benefits of direct access against the risks to public discourse and journalistic standards.