Fox News has stunned viewers with the announcement that it is canceling “MediaBuzz,” the long-running media criticism show hosted by Howard Kurtz. The move ends more than twelve years of a program that became a staple for media analysis on cable news, and ushers in a bold new direction for the network’s weekend programming. In its place, Fox is betting on fresh faces and revamped formats, with Kayleigh McEnany set to anchor “Saturday in America” and White House correspondents Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich rotating as hosts of “The Sunday Briefing.” The shake-up marks not only the end of an era but also signals a strategic pivot that could reshape Fox’s approach to weekend news—and possibly the future of televised media criticism.

Howard Kurtz: Closing a Chapter, Not Leaving the Story

For Howard Kurtz, the cancellation of “MediaBuzz” is a significant turning point. Kurtz, who joined Fox News in 2013 after a long tenure at CNN with “Reliable Sources,” quickly became one of television’s most respected media critics. Under his stewardship, “MediaBuzz” consistently led ratings in its category, earning a loyal following for its balanced take on sensitive topics and its willingness to call out the press across the political spectrum. “I’m extraordinarily proud of the program,” Kurtz said in a statement, emphasizing its independence and loyal audience. While the show is ending, Kurtz isn’t leaving Fox News entirely—he’ll transition to a media analyst role, continuing his “Media Buzzmeter” podcast and contributing to Fox News Digital.

A Void in Media Criticism

The cancellation of “MediaBuzz” leaves a notable gap in television’s media criticism landscape. CNN’s “Reliable Sources” was axed in 2022, eliminating what was once the only other major show dedicated to holding the press accountable. With Fox now removing its own program, viewers are left without a single dedicated media watchdog on air. Some media observers view this as a troubling development, reflecting the industry’s increasing reluctance to critique itself. Others see Fox’s move as part of a broader shift toward personality-driven, panel-focused content, prioritizing opinion and conversation over traditional analysis.

New Faces, New Formats: Fox’s Weekend Overhaul

In place of “MediaBuzz,” Fox News is doubling down on star power and familiar personalities. Kayleigh McEnany, who joined Fox in 2021 after serving as President Trump’s press secretary, will anchor “Saturday in America” from 10 a.m. to noon. Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich, both prominent White House correspondents, will rotate as anchors of “The Sunday Briefing,” providing viewers with direct insights into national politics each Sunday morning.

The network is also shoring up other parts of its weekend lineup. Correspondent Griff Jenkins becomes a permanent co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend,” while Johnny Joey Jones and Tomi Lahren are confirmed as anchors for “The Big Weekend Show,” which will expand to three hours on both Saturdays and Sundays. These moves highlight Fox’s strategy of leveraging well-known personalities with established followings, expanding panel formats, and creating more appointment television on weekends.

Why the Shake-Up? Fox’s Bigger Play

Fox executives have pitched the changes as part of a long-term vision to “expand and innovate” their weekend schedule. “As we expand and innovate our weekend programming, we are proud to bring our audience unrivaled depth and expertise,” Fox News Media president Jay Wallace said, praising Kurtz’s contributions and the network’s “dynamic roster” of new hosts. Yet, behind the official statements, speculation swirls that Fox may be preparing for an even more significant transformation—possibly tied to the upcoming 2025 election cycle or a reimagining of how the network engages viewers in an era increasingly dominated by streaming and digital platforms.

The removal of “MediaBuzz” feels less like an ending and more like the beginning of a new chapter. Fox’s new slate of weekend programming suggests the network is not just refreshing its lineup but reinventing its approach, betting on familiar conservative voices and panel-driven discussion to maintain audience engagement. While Kurtz’s expertise remains within reach in his new analyst role, the absence of a dedicated media criticism show leaves viewers with unanswered questions about Fox’s true strategy.

Is this overhaul simply about new faces, or is it the first step in a much larger transformation? For now, Fox News has left its audience with both a sense of loss and anticipation, hinting at a more ambitious vision waiting to be revealed.