The departure pf Cavuto -- a frequent critic of President-elect Donald Trump -- marks a notable shift amid economic pressures and what some suggest are editorial differences at major cable news networks, as the Daily Mail reports.

Departure Amid Industry Changes

Cavuto, 66, concluded his longstanding association with Fox News last week, choosing not to renew his contract. During his final broadcast, he referred to his last contract offer from the network as "a very generous opportunity," despite deciding to leave.

The decision comes amid general budget tightening across cable networks, which includes reduced salaries for some journalists.

The Los Angeles Times suggested that Cavuto's new contract included a pay reduction as part of these broader cost-saving measures.

His departure underscores a larger trend where seasoned journalists are stepping away from their roles rather than accepting less favorable terms. Cavuto’s move reflects the ongoing shifts within Fox News and other media outlets following significant political realignments.

Cavuto’s Critical Voice in Polarized Environment

Cavuto has been known for his willingness to challenge the status quo within the network, especially concerning controversial political figures and policies.

He was one of the few at Fox News who maintained a critical stance towards Donald Trump, particularly in the post-2016 media landscape that generally saw conservative outlets align more closely with Trump.

This stance was evident when Cavuto openly criticized COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and debunked Trump’s endorsements of unproven treatments like hydroxychloroquine.

His critical perspective made him a target for Trump, who took to Truth Social to express his approval of Cavuto's departure, labeling him as the "lowest-rated anchor" and stating it "should have happened a long time ago."

Significant Career and Public Reactions

Despite the criticisms, Cavuto’s career at Fox News has been impactful. Starting in 1996, he launched Your World with Neil Cavuto, and later Cavuto Live in 2018, which have been influential in shaping business news coverage.

Fox News recognized his contributions, describing his career as "a master class in journalism" and praised his role in defining the network’s business news segment. This acknowledgment highlights the significance of his tenure at the media giant.

However, his departure was not without controversy within the network itself. Tucker Carlson, another prominent Fox News personality, once criticized Cavuto’s decision to cut away from a press conference with Kayleigh McEnany, calling it media censorship.

Industry Trends and Future Implications

The industry is witnessing a broader pattern of seasoned journalists leaving their roles due to contract disputes or dissatisfaction with editorial directions.

This trend indicates a potential shift in how news is delivered and the voices that shape public discourse.

Fox News announced that rotating anchors would fill Cavuto’s time slot until a new program is developed. This interim solution suggests the network is still in the process of adapting to the new media landscape and the departure of key figures like Cavuto.

Oliver Darcy of CNN noted the personal impact on Cavuto, who had dedicated over two decades to the network.

"For someone who has been at the channel since its inception in 1996, and who has poured his heart and soul into the company, that probably stung just a bit," Darcy remarked.