Shocking Reason Why Longtime Fox News Host Left After Nearly 30 Years – Uncovering Behind the News Empire’s Curtain
After 28 years on Fox News, Neil Cavuto is leaving the outlet, turning down a contract renewal. The news came as a shock to many viewers.
While many networks like CNN and MSNBC have had their ratings decline following the election (leading to some drastic rethinking), Fox News is closing out with a decade-high in ratings. So it’s unlikely that played a role in his exit.
For what Fox News had to say on the matter, “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. We wish him a heartfelt farewell and all the best on his next chapter.”
The New York Post reports that Cavuto turned down a “generous” offer from the network to stay on at the network. He hosted Cavuto Live and Cavuto: Coast to Coast. Of his exit, Cavuto said, “I’m not leaving journalism. I’m just leaving here.”
“I got to do what I love here — report the news, not shout the news, not blast the news,” he said. He said his goal was to “tell truth to power and fairness to all. That’s me.”
Neil Cavuto Exits Stage Left
However, some theorize that Trump’s incoming presidency may have played a factor. As Oliver Darcy points out in their Status newsletter, “Donald Trump not only remade the Republican Party in his own image, but he also remade the right-wing media landscape in it too. Fox News’ 2024 lineup is a reflection of that.”
Trump has been open about his criticism of the ex-Fox News anchor online. “‘Neil Cavuto, Fox’s Lowest Rated Anchor, is one of the WORST on Television. I actually prefer the losers at CNN and MSDNC,” he posted to Truth Social media. As Cavuto left the network, Trump wrote, “GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA! Neil Cavuto, the Lowest Rated Anchor on Fox, by far, is leaving – Should have happened a long time ago!”
However, an insider at Fox told AP News that the president-elect didn’t factor into the host’s decision to leave the network. It’s possible that Cavuto’s health issues over the years could have played a role as well. He suffers from multiple sclerosis and also underwent heart surgery previously several years ago. It’s also possible that the Fox News host just wanted a new change of scenery.
At this point, Cavuto has kept the real reasons to himself but thanked viewers for tuning in.