Neil Cavuto, a prominent business news anchor who had been a fixture at Fox News Channel since its inception, concluded his 28-year tenure at the network. His departure on a Thursday afternoon show marked the end of an era for a journalist known for his straightforward reporting, a style that occasionally put him at odds with figures like former President Donald Trump. Cavuto’s exit has sparked considerable interest, leading many to ask: Why Did Neil Cavuto Leave Fox News?
Cavuto, a veteran presence at Fox since 1996, wasn’t just a face on Fox News Channel; he also anchored programs on its sister network, Fox Business Network. Unlike many of Fox’s opinion-led hosts, Cavuto carved a niche as a news reporter, focusing on factual delivery rather than commentary. His final broadcast was characteristically business-like, covering a range of current events from potential government funding deals to stock market volatility and labor strikes. Addressing his departure at the show’s close, Cavuto expressed gratitude to Fox while clarifying, “I’m not leaving journalism. I’m just leaving here.” He emphasized his commitment to reporting, stating his aim to “report the news, not shout the news,” and to uphold principles of “truth to power and fairness to all.” He also humorously acknowledged viewers who offered anatomically challenging suggestions.
Fox News released a statement acknowledging Cavuto’s departure and celebrating his extensive career. “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,” the network stated. They further credited his programs with “defin[ing] business news and set[ting] the standard for the entire industry,” wishing him well in his future endeavors.
Interestingly, Neil Cavuto’s approach to journalism sometimes diverged from the prevailing sentiment at Fox News, particularly concerning Donald Trump. Notably, Cavuto had not interviewed Trump since 2017, a significant gap given Trump’s prominence in American politics and media. Tensions occasionally surfaced, such as in September when Cavuto declared that Trump had “decisively lost” a debate against Kamala Harris. He also publicly noted Trump’s tendency to attribute stock market gains to anticipation of his return to power, while blaming Democrats for market downturns. Trump himself reacted to Cavuto’s exit on social media with a capitalized statement declaring it “GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA” and suggesting it was overdue.
Despite Trump’s apparent satisfaction with Cavuto’s departure, sources within Fox News indicated that it wasn’t driven by political pressure. According to an insider who preferred anonymity, Cavuto’s contract was expiring, and while an extension was offered, he chose to leave. Cavuto himself confirmed receiving an offer but did not elaborate on his reasons for declining it. This explanation suggests that the reasons behind why Neil Cavuto left Fox News are more nuanced than simply political disagreements.
The broader context of the television news industry might offer additional clues into why Neil Cavuto departed from Fox News. The industry is facing financial pressures, leading to reported requests for salary reductions for even prominent personalities. The article mentions Hoda Kotb’s departure from the “Today” show as a possible example of a high-profile personality choosing to leave amidst such pressures. While not explicitly stated as the reason for Cavuto’s exit, the economic climate in media could have been a contributing factor in his decision to seek new opportunities.
Even before Cavuto publicly announced his departure on his final show, colleagues and guests paid tribute to him. Reporter Aishah Hasnie hailed him as a “hero,” and investor Ken Fisher offered his support and friendship. Bob Cusack from The Hill praised Cavuto’s objectivity, stating, “You call balls and strikes. You’re not a yes man.” These testimonials highlight the respect Cavuto garnered within the industry for his journalistic integrity and independent stance.
Adding another layer to Neil Cavuto’s story is his resilience in the face of significant health challenges. Throughout his career, he has openly dealt with multiple sclerosis, undergone heart surgery, and experienced bouts of long COVID. Janice Dean, a fellow Fox personality, shared on social media how Cavuto’s example inspired her upon her own MS diagnosis, giving her “hope” to pursue her ambitions. Cavuto’s ability to maintain a demanding career despite these health issues underscores his dedication and professionalism.
As of now, there has been no announcement regarding who will succeed Cavuto in the 4 p.m. Eastern timeslot on Fox News, a slot of considerable importance leading into “The Five.” The question of who will replace him remains open, marking another change at Fox News following Cavuto’s exit.
In conclusion, Neil Cavuto’s departure from Fox News after 28 years marks a significant shift. While the precise reasons for why Neil Cavuto left Fox News remain somewhat ambiguous, it appears to be a combination of factors including contract expiration, potential industry-wide financial pressures, and possibly a desire for a new chapter in his career. Regardless of the specific motivations, Cavuto leaves behind a legacy of journalistic integrity and dedication at Fox News, remembered for his commitment to reporting “truth to power and fairness to all.”
