After nearly three decades at Fox News, Neil Cavuto, a veteran business journalist known for his weekday afternoon program, has left the network. Cavuto, who was with Fox from its inception in 1996, concluded his last show on Thursday, signing off with a poignant message to his viewers and the industry at large.
During his final broadcast, Cavuto covered a range of topics including a potential government funding deal, fluctuations in the stock market, and a strike by Amazon workers. His departure was acknowledged with a mixture of news segments and tributes from colleagues. He expressed gratitude to Fox News for the opportunity over the years but clarified his departure from the network, stating, “I’m not leaving journalism. I’m just leaving here.” Cavuto emphasized his commitment to journalism, saying, “I got to do what I love here — report the news, not shout the news, not blast the news,” underscoring his approach to providing factual reporting over sensationalism.
Fox News issued a statement celebrating Cavuto’s tenure, describing his career as a “master class in journalism” and acknowledging the significant impact his programs had on business news reporting. “We wish him a heartfelt farewell and all the best on his next chapter,” the statement read.
Cavuto’s relationship with President-elect Donald Trump was notably strained, having not interviewed Trump since 2017. His commentary often clashed with Trump’s views, particularly when he criticized Trump’s claims about the economy and his debate performance against Kamala Harris. On the day of Cavuto’s departure, Trump took to social media to express his satisfaction, tweeting in all caps that it was “GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA” and that Cavuto’s exit “should have happened a long time ago.”
Despite speculation that Cavuto’s exit might be politically motivated, sources within Fox News, speaking on condition of anonymity, clarified that his departure was due to his contract concluding at the end of the month. Although offered an extension, Cavuto chose to leave. This move reflects broader industry trends where even high-profile anchors like Hoda Kotb have opted to depart rather than accept reduced compensation amid financial pressures on cable news operations.
Tributes poured in during Cavuto’s final show, with guests like Aishah Hasnie and Ken Fisher lauding his integrity and friendship. Bob Cusack from The Hill praised him for his impartiality, saying, “You call balls and strikes. You’re not a yes man.”
Cavuto’s personal battle with health issues, including multiple sclerosis, heart surgery, and long bouts with COVID-19, made his dedication to his work particularly inspiring. Colleagues like Janice Dean publicly thanked him for the hope he provided to those sharing similar health challenges.
As of now, no replacement has been named for Cavuto’s 4 p.m. Eastern slot, which precedes Fox’s highest-rated show, “The Five.” Cavuto’s departure marks the end of an era at Fox News, leaving a void in their business news coverage and a legacy of straightforward journalism in an often polarized media landscape. His next steps remain undisclosed, but his commitment to journalism assures viewers that his voice in the industry will continue, just not on Fox News.