Martha MacCallum has built an impressive career as a Fox News anchor, journalist, and author. Known for her insightful political coverage and interviews with major figures, she has become a household name in American journalism. Over the years, MacCallum has anchored several key shows, moderated debates, and covered significant events, making her a respected figure in the media landscape.
Early Life and Education
Martha MacCallum was born on January 31, 1964, in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Raised in Wyckoff, New Jersey, she grew up in a supportive family environment, the daughter of Elizabeth B. and Douglas C. MacCallum Jr. After completing high school at Ramapo High
School in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, she attended St. Lawrence University in New York, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. Her early interest in politics laid the foundation for her future career in journalism.
Building a Career in Broadcasting
Before entering the world of television journalism, MacCallum worked in corporate relations at Dow Jones & Company and as a freelance researcher for Corporate Finance magazine. It was during this time that she realized her passion for media, prompting her to transition into broadcasting.
Her first major role was at Wall Street Journal Television, where she worked from 1991 to 1996. Here, she served as a business news correspondent and anchor for several programs, including The Wall Street Journal Report, World Market Outlook, and Business USA. This early exposure to business journalism prepared her for the more intense world of political and national news.
MacCallum’s next move was to WBIS-TV, a short-lived sports and business station in New York, where she continued to sharpen her skills as an anchor and reporter. By 1997, she had landed a position at NBC/CNBC, marking a significant step in her career. Over the next six years, she contributed to major programs like The News with Brian Williams, Today, and CNBC’s Morning Call.
Fox News: A Breakthrough in National News
Martha MacCallum joined Fox News in 2004, and it was here that her career truly took off. Initially, she co-hosted The Live Desk and later transitioned to co-anchoring America’s Newsroom from 2010 to 2017. During this period, she established herself as one of the network’s most reliable and respected anchors.
In 2017, MacCallum was given her own show, The First 100 Days, which focused on the early days of the Trump administration. The program attracted an impressive 3.5 million viewers in its first month. Later that year, the show was rebranded as The Story with Martha MacCallum, airing at 7 PM ET. Though the show was eventually moved to a 3 PM time slot, it continues to cover the most pressing political stories of the day.
Her interviews with key figures such as President Donald Trump, President Barack Obama, and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh have garnered significant attention, demonstrating her ability to ask hard-hitting questions while maintaining professionalism.
Authoring “Unknown Valor”
In addition to her work as a journalist, MacCallum became an author in 2020 with the release of her book, Unknown Valor: A Story of Family, Courage, and Sacrifice from Pearl Harbor to Iwo Jima. The book, co-written with Ronald J. Drez, explores the personal stories of Marines who fought in the Pacific Campaign during World War II. The inspiration for the book came
from letters written by her mother’s cousin, an 18-year-old soldier who lost his life in the war. The emotional connection to these letters, and the story they told, motivated MacCallum to dig deeper into the experiences of those who served.
Unknown Valor was well-received and earned a spot on The New York Times bestseller list, further solidifying MacCallum’s place not only in journalism but also in historical storytelling.
Notable Achievements and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Martha MacCallum has received several awards for her work. She has been recognized for her dedication to covering military stories, receiving the John R. “Tex” Cray Award for Excellence in Journalism from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society in 2024. Her contributions to women in journalism have also been acknowledged, having received the Gracie Award twice—once in 1997 and again in 2003.
In addition to her TV work, MacCallum hosts a podcast, The Untold Story with Martha MacCallum, where she interviews key newsmakers and shares inspiring stories. The podcast has gained a strong following, offering listeners a deeper dive into the stories behind the headlines.
Personal Life
Martha MacCallum balances her high-profile career with a rich family life. She has been married to her husband, Daniel Gregory, since 1992. The couple has three children—Elizabeth, Reed, and Harry—whom they raised in Essex County, New Jersey. The family often spends time at their vacation home in Chatham on Cape Cod, a favorite destination where they unwind from the fast pace of city life.
MacCallum is also a dog lover, and the family has a five-year-old Whoodle named Squire, named after a beloved restaurant in Chatham. Despite her busy schedule, she always finds time to enjoy the things that matter most, whether it’s time with her family, boating on Cape Cod, or indulging in her favorite food—lobster rolls.
Conclusion
Martha MacCallum’s journey from a young woman in New Jersey to a prominent journalist and author is a testament to her dedication and passion for storytelling. Her ability to cover a wide range of topics—from hard-hitting political interviews to historical narratives—has made
her one of the most respected figures in news media today. As she continues to shape public discourse through her work on Fox News and beyond, her influence on American journalism remains undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Martha MacCallum’s role at Fox News?
Martha MacCallum is the anchor of The Story with Martha MacCallum and co-anchor of Fox News’ election coverage. She has been with Fox News since 2004.
2. What book did Martha MacCallum write?
MacCallum authored Unknown Valor: A Story of Family, Courage, and Sacrifice from Pearl Harbor to Iwo Jima, which was published in 2020 and became a New York Times bestseller.
3. Has Martha MacCallum moderated political debates?
Yes, Martha MacCallum has moderated several Republican primary debates and town halls, including the 2024 Republican debate with Bret Baier.
4. Where does Martha MacCallum live?
MacCallum resides in Essex County, New Jersey, with her husband and three children. The family also has a vacation home in Chatham, Cape Cod.
5. What awards has Martha MacCallum received?
MacCallum has received several awards, including the John R. “Tex” Cray Award for Excellence in Journalism and two Gracie Awards for her contributions to women in journalism.