There is life after TV after all. Former ABC News correspondent Terry Moran; former ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jen Ashton; and former ABC News, NBC News, and CBS News anchor Vinita Nair have taken their talents on the independent route.
Each journalist has recently launched their own independent outfit, joining many journalists who utilize digital publishing platforms to showcase their work, reach new audiences, and stay relevant.
Beehiiv has been the platform of choice for these veteran journalists. Launched in 2021, it has given journalists, creators, media companies, and brands the tools to publish, grow, and monetize their own audiences across newsletters, websites, podcasts, memberships, and other products.
Moran, who was let go from ABC News in June 2025, started Real Patriotism, combining his journalistic expertise in political reporting and analysis to provide content centered on current political discourse.
“It’s the best and hardest job I’ve ever had,” said Moran to TVNewser.
Ashton built her digital platform Ajenda, which focuses on nutrition, fitness, and wellness, from a one-person operation into a nearly 20-person business that generated seven figures in its first year and doubled revenue in its second. In addition, Ajenda has grown into two newsletters and a membership program, and it will soon launch a podcast and expand into live events.
“It’s been exciting and gratifying,” said Ashton on her new line of work.
Nair founded Vinita Speaks, a platform that coaches business leaders to communicate simply and confidently, and designs and facilitates customized communication training programs for global brands.
Her @vinitaspeaks TikTok account has more than 240,000 followers, and she also runs a newsletter.
“Building something I have complete control over has been the most fulfilling, educational, and unpredictable experience of my career,” said Nair.
As they embark on this new frontier, these three personalities shared additional thoughts with TVNewser about this new path and what it’s like to be an independent journalist.
Follow your passion
Moran said everything he does, whether on air or in writing, comes from his own “reporting, analysis, and passion.” However, he acknowledged it can also be difficult because he is learning so much as an independent journalist, including production, business strategy, tech issues, and customer support.
Ashton said that for 18 years as a broadcast journalist, she never had a choice in topic selection. Since starting Ajenda, it has enabled her “to be more intentional and contemplative in the topics.”
Meanwhile, as an independent journalist, Nair recognized the unique opportunity in how communication was changing in real time. She made the pivot: “I was seeing how a digital, AI-centered world was affecting human connection, yet no one was reporting on it,” Nair said.
Though the job creates more independence, all three journalists noted they did miss the people they used to work with and offered high praise for their former teammates.
Still, independence creates autonomy and the ability to set your own schedule.
Ashton said she doesn’t miss the early wake-up calls and the heavy hair and makeup required for news networks, while Nair echoed similar sentiments, adding she doesn’t miss the long hours and unpredictable travel.
Moran said newsrooms can lack civic spirit, calling it “a rhetorical ornament, put up for show, rather than a democratic necessity and journalistic obligation.”
Establish credibility and build a connection
In this new space of journalism, being seen as a credible voice takes work, and as Nair pointed out, no newsroom staff validates your work; you have to do it all yourself.
“I use the same reporting standards and editorial judgment I developed in network news. Before I publish anything, I ask myself whether it is accurate, useful, and responsible,” Nair said.
However, credibility can take different forms with different audiences.
Moran says credibility is about getting it right and telling the truth about what it means, while Ashton says that in today’s world, having your name attached to a news organization doesn’t automatically make you a credible voice: “Being a good communicator with good credentials does,” Ashton added.
Don’t wait for the audience to come to you
Becoming an independent journalist isn’t easy, especially when you have to build and sustain audiences. Moran said that the main thing is to establish a connection with the audience, adding, “You’ll know you’re connecting by their authentic responses to the work.”
According to Ashton, a primary goal is establishing trust and authenticity with an audience. Nair added that her advice is to focus on your goals and make sure everything you produce follows that core idea.
For those considering this field, Ashton emphasizes patience and focus, noting that audiences won’t just come to you.
“You have to go to them. You need to find them, and they need to choose you as their source,” Ashton said.
Nair says you should be willing to take a risk within this new space, adding that you should use the skill sets that you have honed as a reporter to your advantage, using investigative experience to “understand what people need.”
Finally, Moran says your audience should get the truth from you: “Don’t fake outrage if you don’t feel it. Don’t run from a hard subject. Do follow your heart.”
