After 28 years, Neil Cavuto, a veteran anchor and business journalist, ended his association with Fox News on Thursday, December 19, 2024. He declined an offer to extend his contract with the network.
During his final broadcast, Cavuto expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to report the news without sensationalism. “I got to do what I love here — report the news, not shout the news, not blast the news,” Cavuto said, emphasizing his commitment to “tell truth to power and fairness to all.”
Fox News commended Cavuto’s contributions in an official statement, lauding his career as a “master class in journalism.” The statement also recognized Cavuto’s programs as benchmarks for business news in the industry.
Joining Fox News in 1996, Cavuto, 66, played a pivotal role in establishing “Your World” during the network’s launch. He broadened his portfolio in 2018 by launching “Cavuto Live” and hosting “Cavuto: Coast to Coast” on Fox Business Network.
Geraldo Rivera, former Fox News anchor, applauded Cavuto as a “truth teller” during the “Time of Trump,” underlining his dedication to factual reporting. Cavuto stood out from opinion hosts due to his focus on separating facts from fiction, especially in financial reporting.
Cavuto’s commitment to factual reporting resulted in some remarkable on-air moments, such as when he interrupted then-White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany during her claims about illegal voting. This action drew a rebuke from fellow Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who deemed it media censorship.
Cavuto confronted major health issues throughout his career, including multiple sclerosis, diagnosed in 1997, and open-heart surgery in 2016. Later, he battled a severe case of COVID-19, which turned him into a vocal critic of vaccine denialism. Despite these health hurdles, Cavuto maintained his broadcast schedule, earning admiration from colleagues and audiences.
Cavuto’s exit comes amid wider changes in cable news networks, with budget adjustments impacting high-profile personalities. This week, CNN saw the exit of senior staffer Gloria Borger after 17 years and anchor Alisyn Camerota after a decade. Earlier, CNN parted ways with veteran journalist Chris Wallace, who reportedly had an annual pay of $7 million.
In past, President-elect Donald Trump has criticized Cavuto’s coverage. In September 2023, Trump posted on Truth Social, “Neil Cavuto, Fox’s Lowest Rated Anchor, is one of the WORST on Television. I actually prefer the losers at CNN and MSDNC,” after Cavuto’s analysis of Trump’s debate performance. Following Cavuto’s exit, Trump posted a celebratory tweet: “Should have happened a long time ago!”
The 4 p.m. Eastern time slot, preceding the popular program “The Five,” which was earlier hosted by Cavuto, will now be filled by rotating hosts until a permanent replacement is appointed. Meanwhile, “Coast to Coast” on Fox Business will become “Fox Business Live,” featuring rotating anchors until new programming is introduced.