In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the media landscape, Liz Claman, the prominent host of Fox Business, has officially parted ways with Jeff Kepnes, the head of MSNBC, after 24 years of marriage. This unexpected split was brought to light when keen-eyed viewers noticed that Claman had been appearing on her show, *The Claman Countdown*, without her wedding ring, prompting speculation and intrigue among fans and industry insiders alike.
The revelation of their separation has sparked a flurry of discussions, particularly regarding Claman’s recent on-air commentary that seemed to reflect a growing discontent with the political climate and her network’s coverage. “I started to dislike how she reported her anti-Trump stance, but now it all makes sense,” remarked one viewer, echoing the sentiments of many who have been following her career. The timing of the split raises questions about the personal and professional ramifications of their respective roles in the highly polarized media environment.
As the news broke, social media erupted with theories and opinions, with some suggesting that Claman’s decision to distance herself from her husband’s network was a strategic move to redefine her brand in an increasingly competitive landscape. “I think anything people do to separate themselves from MSNBC is quite telling,” another viewer commented, hinting at the broader narrative of media personalities navigating their identities amid partisan divides.
The couple’s breakup not only marks the end of a long-standing partnership but also highlights the complexities of maintaining personal relationships in the high-stakes world of media. As both Claman and Kepnes move forward, the implications of their separation will likely resonate beyond their personal lives, influencing their professional trajectories and the narratives they choose to embrace in the ever-evolving landscape of American journalism. The media world will undoubtedly be watching closely as this power couple’s split unfolds, eager to see how it shapes their future endeavors and the stories they choose to tell…
Unlikely media power couple Liz Claman – of Fox Business fame – and MSNBC boss Jeff Kepnes have split after 24 years of marriage.
The anchor of The Claman Countdown and MSNBC’s managing editor have separated, DailyMail.com can confirm, after viewers of her show keenly observed her not wearing her wedding ring.
Kepnes, meanwhile, is also the boss of Morning Joe, and was a senior producer at CNN from 2003 to 2017.
The 51-year-old media boss was also briefly a producer at Fox News – though the couple wed in Beverly Hills during his work on the CNBC/MSNBC show ‘The News With Brian Williams’.
Before Williams took over Nightly News, Claman was a star alongside him – on the NBCUniversal-owned business channel.
The 61-year-old has since earned a reputation of being ‘the CEO whisperer’ – obtaining interviews with bigwigs like Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Jamie Dimon.
The pair share two teen children, a boy and a girl. Photos posted to their social media show them all together in 2018, with Claman and Kepnes not photographed together since.
The couple wed in 1999. Page Six, who broke the story, reports that the media couple ‘quietly separated in 2023.’
Unlikely media power couple Liz Claman – of Fox Business fame – and MSNBC boss Jeff Kepnes have split after 24 years of marriage
Ratings are up for Fox News overall, while at MSNBC, they are down.
The network has averaged 1.13 million viewers during the first full month of the Trump administration during primetime – down 16 percent year-over-year.
Fox, in contrast, has commanded an average of 3.09 million viewers in the same timeframe, and a total of 2 million in total day.
The latter statistic represents an increase of 50 percent from this time last year,, compared to MSNBC dip of 25 percent.
The recently canceled ReidOut averaged around 770,000 viewers – representing a roughly 45 percent decline from the 1.4 million average it achieved in 2024.
The 61-year-old host has also interviewed the likes of Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Jamie Dimon on her eponymous show, which is successful ratings-wise
Friends familiar with the matter reportedly said the split was amicable, and that the two had simply drifted apart over the years
Kepnes, in addition to being MSNBC’s managing editor, is also the boss of Morning Joe, and was a senior producer at CNN from 2003 to 2017. His channel is set to become apart of a new publicly traded company separate from NBCU
Meanwhile, SpinCo – a newly created spinoff of some of NBCU and Comcast’s channels – is discussing how to properly separate channels like MSNBC and CNBC from NBCUniversal, including decisions surrounding future editorial strategy.
MSNBC, CNBC, and networks like USA, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and the Golf Channel will go the new, publicly traded company, led by longtime NBCU exec Mark Lazarus.
Comcast, the owner of NBCU, will retain NBCUniversal assets like the NBC broadcast and NBC News. The spin off is expected to launch sometime later this year.