After an impressive 28-year tenure, Neil Cavuto, a respected business journalist at Fox News Channel, has departed from the network. His weekday afternoon news program, known for its straightforward reporting, often drew the ire of former President Donald Trump and his supporters. Cavuto’s exit on Thursday marked the end of an era for a journalist who had been with Fox since its inception in 1996.
Cavuto wasn’t just a fixture on Fox News Channel; he also hosted shows on its sister network, Fox Business Network. Distinguished from the opinion-driven hosts that Fox News is also known for, Cavuto carved a niche for himself as a news-focused journalist. His final broadcast was a typical news rundown, covering pressing topics such as government funding negotiations, stock market volatility, and the Amazon worker strike. In his closing remarks, Cavuto addressed his departure, expressing gratitude to Fox for his long run but clarifying, “I’m not leaving journalism. I’m just leaving here.”
He reflected on his journalistic ethos during his time at Fox, stating, “I got to do what I love here — report the news, not shout the news, not blast the news.” He emphasized his commitment to “tell truth to power and fairness to all.” With a touch of his characteristic humor, he thanked viewers, including those who offered suggestions he found “anatomically impossible.”
Fox News Media released a statement acknowledging Cavuto’s departure, stating: “Neil Cavuto’s illustrious career has been a master class in journalism and we’re extremely proud of his incredible 28-year run with Fox News Media. His programs have defined business news and set the standard for the entire industry. We wish him a heartfelt farewell and all the best on his next chapter.”
Despite being at Fox News, Cavuto notably hadn’t interviewed Donald Trump since 2017, a fact that underscored his independent journalistic approach. There were instances where his commentary openly contradicted Trump’s viewpoints, causing friction. For example, Cavuto declared that Trump “decisively lost” a debate against Kamala Harris in September, a statement that surely didn’t please the then-President. He also pointed out the double standard in Trump’s market analysis, where positive market trends were attributed to anticipated Republican policies, while downturns were blamed on Democrats.
On social media, Trump reacted to Cavuto’s exit with a starkly different tone, proclaiming in all caps that it was “GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA” and that it “should have happened a long time ago.” While some might see Cavuto’s departure as removing a critical voice from Fox News just before a presidential election cycle, insiders at the network insist that politics played no role in his decision. According to a source within Fox News who wished to remain anonymous, Cavuto’s contract was concluding, and although an extension was offered, he chose to move on. Cavuto himself confirmed the contract offer but did not elaborate on his reasons for leaving.
The broader context of financial pressures in the television news industry may also be relevant. With declining revenues, many networks are reportedly asking prominent personalities to accept reduced salaries. The departure of figures like Hoda Kotb from NBC’s “Today” show, who opted to leave rather than take a pay cut, highlights this trend. Whether this played a part in Cavuto’s decision remains unconfirmed, but the economic realities of the media landscape are undeniable.
Regardless of the precise reasons for his departure, the high regard for Cavuto within the industry was evident during his final show. Guests like Aishah Hasnie lauded him as a “hero,” and investor Ken Fisher offered his ongoing support. Bob Cusack, editor in chief of The Hill, praised Cavuto’s journalistic integrity, stating, “You call balls and strikes. You’re not a yes man.”
Cavuto, at 66, has persevered through significant health challenges throughout his career. He has openly discussed his battles with multiple sclerosis, heart surgery, and bouts of long COVID. Janice Dean, a fellow Fox personality, shared on social media how Cavuto’s example gave her hope when she was diagnosed with MS, demonstrating his inspiring resilience.
As of now, Fox News has not announced who will take over Cavuto’s 4 p.m. Eastern timeslot, a significant position leading into “The Five,” one of the network’s most popular programs. Cavuto’s departure marks a notable shift at Fox News, leaving viewers and industry insiders to ponder the future direction of the network’s business news coverage and the legacy of a journalist who prioritized factual reporting over partisan commentary.
