Fox News announced Wednesday that it has parted ways with Maria Bartiromo, the network's prominent business news anchor and conservative commentator who joined the channel in 2014. The departure marks a significant shift for one of cable television's most recognizable financial journalists.
Bartiromo served as host of 'Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street' on Fox Business Network and contributed to Fox News coverage. She previously worked at CNBC before joining Fox, where she became known for interviewing top business leaders and political figures.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic critics of Bartiromo have pointed to what they describe as her role in amplifying unverified claims about election fraud during the 2020 presidential race. Some progressive media reform advocates argue that her departure reflects accountability for on-air conduct that contributed to political division.
Progressives have noted that Bartiromo's interviews with Rudy Giuliani in late 2020, which aired claims of widespread voting irregularities without substantiation, drew scrutiny from journalism ethics watchdogs. Representative Jared Moskowitz of Florida said at the time that such broadcasts 'undermined public confidence in democratic institutions.'
Media watchdog groups aligned with progressive causes have argued that news organizations bear responsibility for the accuracy of claims broadcast under their umbrella, and some praised Fox News' decision as a step toward greater editorial accountability.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators expressed frustration with Bartiromo's departure, arguing she represented a valuable voice for free-market perspectives in business journalism. Some on the right suggested her termination reflected broader tensions between journalistic objectivity and political pressure.
'Maria has been a champion of entrepreneurship and economic freedom for decades,' wrote conservative commentator Ben Shapiro on social media. 'Her departure from Fox is a loss for viewers who want substantive financial coverage.'
Defenders of Bartiromo within conservative circles emphasized her three decades of business journalism experience and argued that her work interviewing CEOs and covering market developments served the public interest. Some suggested her controversies were overblown by political opponents seeking to silence dissenting voices.
What the Numbers Show
Bartiromo joined Fox News in 2014 after spending nearly two decades at CNBC, where she became known as 'the Money Honey' for her financial coverage. Her show on Fox Business Network regularly drew between 200,000 and 300,000 viewers during prime-time hours.
Fox Business Network has seen viewership fluctuations over the past five years, with its daytime programming averaging roughly 150,000 viewers in recent quarterly ratings periods. The network's evening lineup, where Bartiromo's show aired, typically outperformed its daytime schedule.
Bartiromo conducted high-profile interviews with then-candidate Donald Trump multiple times during the 2016 and 2024 election cycles, securing first-on television appearances that generated significant media attention.
The Bottom Line
The departure of a figure as prominent as Bartiromo signals a notable transition for Fox News' business coverage. Network executives have not publicly specified reasons for the separation or outlined immediate plans for replacing her time slot.
Industry observers will likely watch how Fox Business Network reconfigures its evening programming in light of this change. The network remains one of two primary cable channels focused on financial markets, alongside CNBC.
The timing of Bartiromo's departure comes as conservative media continues to evolve following the 2024 election cycle. Her next professional steps, and whether she will pursue opportunities with other platforms, remain unclear at this time.