Shep is supposedly a news reporter as well as an anchor. Like a Dan Rather going into the field to report. If that was the position they're considering for Laura, seems odd to try her out on the Factor. But what do I know? (Don't answer that!)
Fox has been getting this mixed up as late. Reporting and anchoring use different skills. They've been taking good reporters and assuming they'll be good anchors. Doesn't work. Usually. Alison Camarada was a good reporter and is a dreadful anchor. Kelly Wright has done ok in the anchor's chair, although he's a better reporter. Brian Wilson does well at both. They need to get rid of the silly women in the morning slots and put genuine news people in. Shep is just hopeless and has no business being in a prime time slot. He needs a contract change.