A veteran Fox News anchor known for his candid critiques of Donald Trump has concluded his nearly three-decade tenure at the network amid speculations of cost-cutting measures.
According to Daily Mail, Neil Cavuto, who has been a prominent voice at Fox News since its inception in 1996, departed the network on Thursday afternoon after reportedly declining what was described as a generous contract renewal offer.
The departure comes as cable news networks implement widespread budget reductions, with industry insiders suggesting Cavuto's new contract would have included a significant pay cut. This move mirrors similar financial adjustments at competing networks CNN and MSNBC, where veteran journalists have faced comparable situations.
Cavuto's exit reflects a broader transformation in conservative media since Donald Trump's emergence as the Republican Party's dominant figure. His programming often stood out for its willingness to challenge Trump's statements and actions, making him one of the few remaining Trump-skeptical voices at Fox News following the departures of Shepard Smith and Chris Wallace.
The network's programming choices increasingly align with Trump's influence on conservative media. This shift has created tension between traditional conservative journalism and the new political landscape shaped by Trump's presidency and continued influence.
Former President Trump celebrated Cavuto's departure on Truth Social, characterizing him as "the Lowest Rated Anchor on Fox" and suggesting the move was overdue. The response highlighted the ongoing friction between Trump and journalists who have questioned his actions.
Fox News maintains its position as the ratings leader in cable news, reportedly generating over a billion dollars in profit annually. However, the network faces pressure to adapt its programming to maintain its audience while managing costs.
The network announced that rotating anchors would temporarily fill Cavuto's time slot until a new show launches in the coming year. This transition period reflects broader industry changes as networks adjust to evolving viewer preferences and economic pressures.
In a statement, Fox News praised Cavuto's contributions, with network executives saying:
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.
The circumstances of Cavuto's departure underscore significant shifts in the media landscape, particularly in conservative news coverage. During his tenure, he notably challenged COVID-19 vaccine skepticism, especially after his own near-fatal bout with the virus, and questioned Trump's promotion of hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 treatment.
Cavuto's health challenges have been part of his story at Fox News, including his battle with multiple sclerosis, diagnosed in 1997, and open-heart surgery in 2016. These personal struggles added depth to his reporting and perspective.
His departure joins a growing list of veteran journalists leaving major networks, including recent exits at CNN, such as Gloria Borger and Alisyn Camerota, suggesting a broader industry transformation.
Neil Cavuto's exit from Fox News marks the end of a significant era in cable news history. His departure stems from a combination of network cost-cutting measures and the evolving landscape of conservative media under Trump's influence. As Fox News prepares to introduce new programming in 2024, the transition reflects broader changes in how cable news networks adapt to political and economic pressures while maintaining their audience base.
