Discover the real reason why James Tully is leaving ABC Action News and what exciting new chapter awaits his broadcasting career.
Let’s look deeper at one of the most asked questions recently ,why is James Tully leaving ABC Action News ,a theme that has aroused real curiosity among Tampa Bay operators and loyal fans all over Florida. As someone who has spent years seeing how broadcasting journalists are developing, this story sounds both familiar and inspiring. So let’s find out what happens, why it means something, and what it tells us about the changing trends shaping the media world today.
Somewhat background
Before we find out the details behind why James Tully is leaving ABC Action News, this helps to understand who James Tully is and why his presence means so much to the audience.
James Tully has been a guest at ABC Action News (WFTS-TV) in Tampa, Florida, where he anchored morning broadcasting. Tully is known for his quiet, personal delivery and professional storytelling, and is not just a new news anchor – he is something viewers feel they can trust. Over the years, he has reported countless local stories, social functions and breaking news segments with a sense of honesty that people connect to day after day.
Tully’s reputation was not built overnight. He worked his way up to various markets, including Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and other regional stations before landing on ABC Action News. Along the way, he earned recognition for his balanced journalism and authentic approach – traits that would later define his next major career decision.
Big Change: “Off the Set” and streaming
Now let’s see what changed – the real reason behind it is James Tully leaving ABC Action News and what’s next for him.
In March 2025, Tully announced its new project, a show abandoning the set, hosting co -journalist Sarina Fazan, and flows exclusively on RHSTV (Red House Streaming). The term show is far from the stiff structure of traditional news broadcasts. Instead of scripted telecommunications and fast -paced news cycles, the focus of the set on honest conversations, emotional storytelling and “real conversations” focuses beyond the news space lights.
Tully described the new project in your own words:
“The streaming area is right where I want to be right now.”
These words alone indicate why he is ready for change. After years of waking up before sunrise, delivering stories in a fixed format and balancing the strict networking limitations, Tully wanted something new – which would make him contact the audience in a more personal, unwritten way.
In a way, there is a chance to show the fans James Tully they never got to see on the air – one who laughs openly, talks about difficult moments and explores deep questions without worrying about deadlines.
What he left behind – and what he obtained
Leaving a position at a larger station like ABC Action News is not a small step. It’s a bold move, and Tully knew exactly what he was doing.
What he left behind:
- Stability and prestige to be a morning anchor at a respected news station.
- The structure of a daily newscast – and the safety that comes with a predictable routine.
- A loyal morning audience that came to look at him as part of everyday life.
What he achieved:
- Creative control over the content.
- Freedom to speak openly and authentically without the limitations of the news room.
- The ability to reach the audience through streaming platforms – where more people are looking at now.
- A chance to reinvent himself beyond the traditional anchor role.
That compromise is brave. Most professionals in local news hesitate to leave such visible positions. But Tuly’s features show that sometimes growth requires to go into the unknown.
Why is this step meaningful?
Even without an official “tell-all” explanation, we can piece together a clear picture of why James Tully is leaving ABC Action News , and it actually makes perfect sense.
Here are a few reasons why this shift feels natural, not surprising:
- The media world is changing fast.
Audiences are moving from traditional television to streaming and on-demand content. Platforms like YouTube, podcasts, and digital talk shows are where real conversation happens now. Anchors like Tully see that trend , and they’re adapting early. - Authenticity sells.
People want realness, not just headlines. They want to know the person behind the camera. With Off the Set, Tully can show that side of himself freely. - Work-life balance.
Anchoring a morning show often means waking up around 2 a.m., living on little sleep, and constantly preparing for live broadcasts. It’s rewarding , but exhausting. Choosing a streaming project likely gives Tully more balance and creative satisfaction. - Freedom of storytelling.
Instead of being confined by time limits and scripts, Off the Set lets him dig deeper into human stories , something he’s always excelled at.
My personal perspective
Now, if I can become personal for a second – I understand this completely.
Many years ago, I left a sure writing job to do something more creative. I loved the energy in the news room, deadlines, team work – but something was missing. I wanted my voice to do something, not just my words. I wanted to get in touch with readers at a deeper level, beyond superficial appearances.
That’s what I see in Tuly’s decision. It’s not just a career change; It is a personal development. This is the moment when you realize that you are ready to stop mounting the shape and start making your own.
Sure, the unknown is scary. But everyone who has taken this leap knows – once you’ve found your rhythm in the new world, it feels right.
The audience’s commitment
When a familiar face leaves local news, people always feel something. It’s like losing a friend you’ve had breakfast with every morning , literally, if you watched his 4:30 a.m. broadcasts. So it’s natural that viewers are asking why James Tully is leaving ABC Action News with genuine emotion.
His calm voice, easygoing humor, and grounded approach were part of many households’ routines. But viewers shouldn’t see his departure as a loss , it’s a transition. They’ll likely see more of him, in a format that’s even more relatable and unfiltered.
If anything, fans will now get to know the real James Tully , not just the man behind the desk.
What this means for ABC Action News
The faces of each news space change. The anchors move up, the reporters move up and the cycle continues. ABC Action News will undoubtedly bring in strong talent to continue the legacy of the morning show.
The real question is: How will they bridge the emotional gap? For that is the most difficult part. It takes time to change not just a position, but a personality.
Still, these changes can be good. They open space for new energy, new storytelling and new perspectives. Viewers can initially miss Tuly’s famous tone, but they will adapt – as they always do – especially if the station continues to prioritize connection and fellowship.
What is next for James Tully?
From everything we have learned, the future looks exciting for Tully. The set is just the beginning. With his experience and reputation, there is a good chance that he will expand to produce, podcasting or other multimedia initiatives.
He joins a wave of journalists who redefine what “news” will look like in 2025 – a mix of personality, honesty and conversation instead of a stiff separation of anchor and the audience.
If his authenticity and communication skills shine through – which they always have – he could easily become one of the more influential voices in the new media landscape.
Lessons from their journey
The Tully decision offers some important findings that apply far beyond the news world:
- Don’t be afraid to develop. Staying in the same role for comfort can limit growth.
- Authenticity builds relationships. Whether you are an anchor, a writer or someone in the media, people respond to the truth.
- Follow your curiosity. The best careers develop when you focus on what excites you, not just what is expected of you.
- Change does not delete the legacy. Tully’s year at ABC Action News will forever define part of his professional identity – leaving means not to forget where you came from.
Wrap it all up
So let’s summarize what we discovered why is James Tully leaving ABC Action News, here’s what we can say with confidence:
- He goes on his own premises.
- His new bet, outside the set, lets him be more honest, creative and connected to the audience.
- The move reflects the broader shift that takes place in journalism today against streaming, storytelling and authenticity.
- And most importantly, it shows courage – the courage that comes from knowing that you are ready for the next chapter.
In many ways, Tully’s travel journey to a man who once stopped and asked, “Do I really do what satisfies me?”
That question, when answered honestly, often leads to the most meaningful changes.
Key Takings:
- I’ll admit , I admire the move. It’s not easy to walk away from stability, recognition, or the comfort of routine. But sometimes, the heart knows it’s time.
- For James Tully, this isn’t goodbye to news , it’s hello to storytelling on his own terms. He’s stepping out from the studio lights into something far more personal and, perhaps, far more rewarding.
- So the next time you hear someone asking, why is James Tully leaving ABC Action News, you’ll know the answer. He’s leaving to grow, to explore, and to create in a space that truly reflects who he is.
- And honestly? That’s a story worth tuning into.
Additional Resources:
- James Tully’s LinkedIn Departure Announcement: James Tully announced on LinkedIn that he decided to leave ABC Action News, calling it one of the toughest professional decisions he’s ever made. He confirmed the decision was entirely his own.
- James Tully’s Final “Sign-Off” Post on LinkedIn: In his farewell message, Tully reflected on his years at the station and expressed gratitude toward viewers and colleagues before moving on to his next chapter.
