Terry Moran, a seasoned ABC News correspondent known for his journalistic accomplishments over nearly three decades, made headlines recently following his high-profile departure from the network. The fallout came after Moran's critical social media posts targeting former President Donald Trump and his adviser Stephen Miller, which were deemed a violation of ABC News policies. Following a suspension, ABC decided not to renew Moran’s contract, which was due to expire shortly thereafter.
Moran expressed his intent to continue his work via Substack, an online publishing platform that has become a popular choice for journalists departing traditional media roles. In a video shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, he stated, “For almost 28 years, I was a reporter and anchor for ABC News and, as you may have heard, I'm not there anymore. I'm here with you on Substack, this amazing space, and I can't wait to get at it, get at the important work that we all have to do in this time of such trouble for our country."
His comments on social media, particularly those directed at Trump and Miller, received significant attention and backlash, including from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who labeled Moran's remarks as "unhinged and unacceptable." The posts questioned Miller's role in the Trump administration, describing it as fueled by negative motives rather than intellectual merit.
ABC News, adhering to its standards of objectivity and professionalism, said in a statement that Moran's actions presented a clear breach of company policies, leading to the non-renewal decision. The network, however, did acknowledge Moran’s achievements and the internal disappointment among some staff members over the situation. An ABC News employee noted, "People love Terry here, I want to be clear, nobody thinks Terry is a bad person, but this was a very, very stupid thing to do in a time where all of our credibility is on the line."
Moran's move to Substack is part of a larger trend of journalists, such as former CNN figures Jim Acosta and Chris Cillizza, seeking new avenues to publish their work independently from traditional media constraints. This trend speaks to a shifting landscape in journalism where digital platforms offer more editorial freedom but also require journalists to self-regulate their content.
Moreover, Moran’s departure coincides with broader conversations about media objectivity and the responsibilities of journalists in an era where public trust in media institutions is being scrutinized. The event highlights the ongoing tension between personal expression and professional responsibility for journalists navigating the complex dynamics of today's media environment.
With Moran transitioning to Substack, his departure from ABC marks a notable chapter in media industry discussions about the boundaries of journalistic conduct in personal social media activities. It underscores the growing emphasis on maintaining professional integrity while recognizing the evolving nature of media platforms that enable greater writer autonomy and audience engagement. This shift reflects in Moran's own words as he embarks on his new endeavor: "We all have to do in this time of such trouble for our country," pointing to his continued commitment to journalism in the public interest.