What Influence Did Trump Have On Fox News Canceling Media Buzz?

Fox News last week announced a major overhaul of its weekend programming, effectively canceling Media Buzz, hosted by Howard Kurtz. The show's final episode aired Sunday. It will be replaced by a new hour-long program called The Sunday Briefing, hosted alternately by Fox News White House correspondents Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich. 

The new show will emphasize White House news, national and international developments under the Trump administration, and key policy issues, aligning with Fox's focus on in-depth political coverage. 

Fox News President and Executive Editor Jay Wallace praised Kurtz's contributions, stating, "For more than a decade, Howie Kurtz has served as the lead authority for media coverage in cable news and we look forward to continuing his smart analysis across our programming." Kurtz himself expressed pride in the show's run, noting in a statement: "I’m extraordinarily proud of the program, which was number one for over 12 years and built a loyal audience that liked our down-the-middle approach of contrasting viewpoints and tackling sensitive subjects, with great independence, but time marches on." 

He will remain with Fox as a political media analyst, continue hosting his Media Buzzmeter podcast, and contribute columns to the network's website.

Joe Concha

The cancellation has sparked mixed reactions. Some viewers and commentators lamented the loss of a balanced media analysis program, with one X user calling it "the best, mostly balanced news show anywhere" and expressing disappointment alongside unrelated tragic news. Others, particularly Trump supporters, celebrated the end of what they viewed as a critical voice, with posts like "Omg Media Buzz with Trump hating Howie Kurtz is ending!" and calls to "Fire Howard Kurtz he's a flaming liberal and Trump hater."

Earlier in 2025, specifically on May 4, President Donald Trump publicly called for Howard Kurtz's removal from Fox News, accusing him of insufficiently defending the president during a Media Buzz segment. 

In a May 2025 Media Buzz episode, Howard Kurtz discussed the ouster of national security advisor Mike Waltz, airing critical clips from MSNBC and CNN while offering a mild defense of Trump’s actions, including comments on January 6 and a rally remark about Arnold Palmer. Trump, unhappy with the coverage, called Kurtz’s defense “pathetic” on Truth Social, demanded his retirement, and praised Fox contributor Joe Concha as a better alternative. Kurtz defended his fairness on X, noting his 35-year relationship with Trump and dismissing critics as trolls. The incident sparked backlash from Trump supporters, who labeled Kurtz a “Trump hating hack” and called for his firing, marking a significant escalation in Trump’s previous criticisms of him.