After 28 years at Fox News, Neil Cavuto, a veteran anchor and one of the network’s original team members, has officially exited. His departure, announced last Thursday, has sparked discussions about the underlying reasons for his exit and its implications for the shifting media landscape.
Cavuto’s Legacy at Fox News
Neil Cavuto, 66, was a cornerstone of Fox News, having joined the network at its inception in 1996. Over the years, his programs became synonymous with business news excellence, consistently setting industry benchmarks. Fox News acknowledged his contributions in a statement, calling his career “a master class in journalism.” The anchor, known for his measured tone and analytical approach, played a pivotal role in establishing the network’s credibility in its early years.
Cavuto’s shows were notably distinct, offering a style of discourse that many have described as a “wormhole to another time”—a phrase used to contrast his era of journalism with the more polarized tone prevalent in today’s media landscape.
A Contentious Exit Amid Trump-Era Media Dynamics
Speculation about Cavuto’s departure suggests multiple factors at play. While the anchor hinted that his exit was a personal decision, reports suggest otherwise. Oliver Darcy, writing in his Status newsletter, indicated that Cavuto’s departure may have been influenced by internal cost-cutting measures. The Los Angeles Times echoed these claims, noting that Cavuto was offered a contract with reduced compensation—a situation reflective of broader trends across the cable news industry.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
Despite Fox News’ enduring profitability, reportedly delivering over $1 billion in annual revenue, financial prudence seems to have prompted adjustments. However, insiders believe Cavuto’s stance on Donald Trump also played a role. As one of the few remaining Trump-skeptical voices on the network, Cavuto became increasingly out of step with Fox’s Trump-aligned programming direction.
A Rocky Relationship with Donald Trump
Cavuto’s tenure at Fox News was marked by a contentious relationship with Donald Trump. Throughout Trump’s presidency, Cavuto frequently criticized the former president’s policies and rhetoric, earning him repeated attacks from Trump. The president-elect labeled Cavuto “the lowest-rated anchor” on Fox News and criticized him for his skepticism of controversial claims, including the use of hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 treatment.
In September, Trump lashed out on Truth Social, calling Cavuto “one of the WORST on television” after the anchor remarked that Trump lost a debate against Kamala Harris. Trump’s animosity towards Cavuto highlighted the growing tension between the network’s traditional journalism roots and its post-2016 shift toward more partisan programming.
Cavuto’s Stance on COVID-19 and Other Key Issues
Cavuto’s career was further defined by his willingness to address controversial topics, often diverging from the broader Fox News narrative. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he became an outspoken advocate for vaccination, a stance influenced by his own health battles. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1997 and having undergone open-heart surgery in 2016, Cavuto faced severe health challenges, including a near-fatal second bout with COVID-19. His criticism of vaccine denialism made him a target for Trump and other right-wing figures, underscoring his position as a rare dissenting voice within the network.
The Bigger Picture
Cavuto’s departure reflects broader changes within Fox News and the right-wing media ecosystem. Under Trump’s influence, the Republican Party and conservative media have increasingly aligned in tone and ideology. The defections of other Trump-critical anchors, such as Shepard Smith and Chris Wallace, mirror Cavuto’s exit and point to a shrinking space for moderate voices in the network’s lineup.
Trump himself celebrated Cavuto’s departure, calling it “GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA!” on Truth Social. For Fox News, replacing Cavuto with a more Trump-friendly anchor may help solidify its audience base and avoid friction with the incoming administration.
A Farewell to an Era
Fox News has credited Cavuto for his trailblazing work in business journalism, wishing him well in his next chapter. As the network continues to evolve, Cavuto’s departure marks the end of an era for one of its most respected figures. Whether his exit signals further polarization in the media or creates opportunities for reinvention remains to be seen.
Featured image via screengrab
