Chief White House Correspondent, Major Garrett is leaving Fox News after eight years at the network, after being poached by the National Journal in the role of Congressional Correspondent.  The departure has come as a bit of a shock, especially as Fox News has recently been moved to the front row of the White House press briefing room, a seat vacated by the recently retired Helen Thomas.

Brian Stelter of the New York Times writes;

"The White House last year labeled Fox, in essence, part of the political opposition, while making clear that they believe Mr. Garrett is a fair reporter. At the time Fox executives sought to distance the channel’s White House coverage from the opinion shows hosted by Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly and other conservative commentators.

"The White House last year labeled Fox, in essence, part of the political opposition, while making clear that they believe Mr. Garrett is a fair reporter. At the time Fox executives sought to distance the channel’s White House coverage from the opinion shows hosted by Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly and other conservative commentators."

Read more here.