Martha MacCallum, the steady voice behind The Story with Martha MacCallum at 3 p.m. on Fox News, manages to juggle breaking news coverage with family life and daily workouts, all while keeping her cool and staying ahead of the curve.
“No two days are exactly alike,” she explains. “You’ve got to stay adaptable because the news won’t pause for anyone.”
Early Starts and Headline Hunting
The day begins at 6 a.m. for MacCallum—a bit more restful than her old 4:30 a.m. wake-ups during her America’s Newsroom days. Her morning ritual starts with a cup of coffee and a deep dive into political blogs, newsletters, and news alerts. From bed, she takes stock of what’s unfolding in the world before launching into her workout, which might be in her home gym or an outdoor run if the weather is tolerable. “As long as it’s above freezing, I’ll take the dogs out for a run,” she laughs.
If she has a spare moment, she’ll tick off a few personal tasks before heading into the office.
Building the Show
By 9:30 a.m., she and her team are already laying out the day’s show, discussing the segments, potential guests, and news coverage. “We try to have most of the show mapped out by early afternoon, but breaking news can always change that,” she says. “And that’s the way I like it.”
A political science major with a theater minor from St. Lawrence University, MacCallum began her career at Corporate Finance Magazine and The Wall Street Journal, eventually moving to CNBC and finally landing at Fox News in 2004. Live TV still gives her an adrenaline rush: “Breaking news is a rush—it’s where I feel most alive,” she says.
Beyond the Desk
Outside her 3 p.m. show, MacCallum is a familiar face on America’s Newsroom, Fox Business, and long-form specials. She also hosts The Unknown Story podcast, where she unpacks complex political and cultural topics.
She’s known for her flexibility, whether it’s in the studio or out in the field. Big moments—like her exclusive interview with Trump’s former campaign manager Brad Parscale—see her traveling to make sure the story is covered fully. “It’s not about reading off a teleprompter,” she notes. “It’s about being part of the story and staying sharp.”
Juggling Headlines and Family
By early evening, she’s usually home for dinner with her family. She tries to stay in the moment with her husband and kids, though she’s never completely off duty—news alerts are always within reach.
A run in the evening helps her decompress. “It’s good for the dogs and good for me,” she says. Later, she’ll relax with a few chapters from her current read, The Unbroken Thread by Sohrab Ahmari, before heading to bed.
“It’s tough to completely unplug, but it’s essential. My team knows how to reach me if something major happens,” she adds.
Staying True in a Noisy World
MacCallum has learned to ignore the endless social media chatter: “I don’t pay much attention to the gossip or Twitter talk. I focus on doing honest work and staying true to who I am.”
With decades of experience behind her, she offers this advice to those starting out in journalism: “If you’re truly curious, this is the job for you. Use your voice, stand firm, and remember who you’re doing it for.”
She also shares how the pandemic has changed her relationship with New York City. “I miss the old Midtown energy—the busy restaurants and crowded streets,” she says. “It’s quieter now, and that’s been hard.”
“But in the newsroom, we’re like family. There’s nothing like the buzz of live news and chasing down the truth together.”
