If you turned on Fox News recently looking for that familiar, steady cadence of financial news and "calling balls and strikes," you probably noticed a massive void. It’s the end of an era. Honestly, it’s still weird to think about. After nearly three decades—basically since the very first day the lights went on at the network in 1996—Neil Cavuto has officially moved on.
This isn't just another rumor or a temporary medical leave like we’ve seen in the past. It’s done. Is Neil Cavuto leaving Fox? The answer is yes, he already did. His final broadcast aired on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
He didn't go out with a massive, weeks-long farewell tour or a dramatic burnout. He just... finished. He signed off from Your World after 28 years, telling his audience that while he’s leaving the building, he isn’t leaving the profession.
The Real Reason Behind the Departure
Whenever a titan like Cavuto exits, the rumor mill starts churning out some pretty wild theories. Was he pushed out because of his public spats with Donald Trump? Was it his health finally catching up to him?
The truth is a bit more "corporate-standard" than most people want to believe. Sources close to the situation, including reporting from the New York Post and CNN, indicate that it came down to a contract dispute.
Fox actually wanted him to stay. They offered him a renewal. However, the word is they offered it at a lower salary—a "haircut," as they say in the business. With the cable news landscape shifting and budgets tightening across the board, even the legends aren't immune to the accountants. Cavuto, at 66, reportedly looked at the offer and decided he’d rather walk away on his own terms than take a pay cut for the same grueling 12-hour-a-week on-air schedule.
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No, It Wasn't Just Politics
Look, we all saw the headlines over the years. Trump famously called him "the lowest rated anchor" and "one of the worst on television" after Cavuto fact-checked his claims about the 2024 election and the economy. Trump even posted "GOOD NEWS FOR AMERICA!" when the exit was announced.
But network insiders insist the politics didn't drive the bus here. Cavuto has always been a "news" guy in an "opinion" world. He survived the Ailes era, the post-Ailes era, and the rise of the fire-breathers. He was the one guy who would sit there and tell his audience that the stock market doesn't actually care who is in the White House as much as politicians claim it does.
A Legacy of Resilience
You can't talk about Neil Cavuto without talking about what he’s fought through physically. It’s actually kind of a miracle he stayed on the air as long as he did.
- Multiple Sclerosis: He was diagnosed back in the 90s.
- Cancer: He survived a near-life-ending bout with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Open Heart Surgery: In 2016, he underwent a triple bypass.
- COVID-19: He ended up in the ICU with a "very compromised immune system" during the pandemic.
He used to joke that he was a "medical marvel" or a "walking disaster," depending on the day. But that grit defined his broadcast style. He was steady. Even when his voice was raspy or he had to broadcast from home, he was there. Janice Dean, the Fox meteorologist who also battles MS, often credited him as her biggest inspiration for staying in the game.
Who is Filling the 4 P.M. Slot?
For a while, things were a bit chaotic. You probably saw a rotation of familiar faces filling in for Your World and Cavuto: Coast to Coast on Fox Business.
As of January 2025, Fox made a definitive move. Will Cain has taken over the permanent hosting duties for the 4 p.m. hour on Fox News. It’s a different vibe, for sure. Cavuto was very much a "business-first" journalist, whereas the new programming leans a bit more into the cultural and political zeitgeist that drives modern cable ratings.
Over on Fox Business, Cavuto: Coast to Coast transitioned into Fox Business Live. It’s a reminder that even in a world of "indispensable" stars, the machine keeps turning.
What’s Next for Neil?
He’s not retiring to a rocking chair just yet. In his final sign-off, he was very specific: "I'm not leaving journalism. I'm just leaving here."
There is a lot of speculation about where he lands. Could he go to a place like CNBC, where he started his career? Or maybe a digital platform where he can speak his mind without the constraints of a 24-hour cable news cycle?
For now, he seems to be taking a breath. He and his wife Mary own properties in New Jersey and Florida. After decades of being the "workhorse" of two different networks, he's earned a few months of silence.
Why This Matters for Fox
Cavuto's exit marks the departure of one of the last "original" voices from the 1996 launch. He, along with guys like Brit Hume, represented the "News" side of the "Fair and Balanced" slogan.
With Cavuto gone, the network feels a little different. He was the guy who would challenge a Republican CEO just as hard as a Democratic Senator. He brought a sense of institutional memory and financial gravitas that is hard to replace with just another talking head.
Key Takeaways for the Viewer
- Finality: Neil Cavuto has officially left Fox News as of December 19, 2024.
- The Reason: It was largely a contract renewal issue involving a proposed pay cut.
- The Replacement: Will Cain has taken over the 4 p.m. ET time slot on Fox News.
- Future: Cavuto has indicated he intends to stay in journalism, though his next move hasn't been announced.
If you’re looking for a silver lining, it’s that Cavuto left with his reputation for "calling balls and strikes" intact. He didn't get caught up in a scandal. He didn't get fired. He just decided that after 28 years, the deal on the table wasn't worth the time he has left.
To stay updated on where he might pop up next, keep an eye on industry trade publications like Adweek or Variety. He isn't the type to stay quiet for long, especially when the markets start getting volatile.
The best way to track his "second act" is to follow his official social media channels, though he’s notoriously low-key. For now, the 4 p.m. hour belongs to a new guard, and the "Cavuto mark" on financial journalism remains a high bar for whoever tries to fill those shoes next.
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Next Steps for Readers
Check your local listings or the Fox News app to see the new permanent lineup for the afternoon hours. If you're a fan of Cavuto’s specific brand of financial analysis, you might find similar "straight-shooter" reporting on Fox Business during the mid-morning blocks, though the 12-hour-a-week Cavuto marathon is officially a thing of the past.