Fox News has decided to cancel “MediaBuzz,” marking the end of Howard Kurtz’s 12-year tenure as host of the Sunday morning media affairs program. This marks a substantial change in the network’s weekend programming. The cancellation follows President Donald Trump’s public call for Kurtz’s retirement on social media earlier this year.
The network announced the changes on September 10, 2025, with the new schedule taking effect on the weekend of September 20. Kurtz, 71, will assume the role of a political media analyst for Fox News, while continuing to host the Media Buzzmeter podcast and contribute to Fox News Digital.
Kurtz expressed pride in the program, noting that it had been “number one for over 12 years and built a loyal audience that liked our down-the-middle approach.” The show’s cancellation removes the last major media criticism program from national television, following CNN’s 2022 cancellation of “Reliable Sources.”
This decision follows a strong reaction on Truth Social from Trump in May 2025, in which he suggested Kurtz should retire, criticizing him for an inadequate defense of his administration and claiming that opposing “Woke Anchor[s]” featured on Kurtz’s show with negative remarks.
Trump argued that Kurtz’s support was so weak that silence would have been preferable. This criticism followed a “MediaBuzz” panel discussion about the resignation of Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Kurtz faced accusations from Trump supporters. Kurtz defended himself on social media, highlighting his 35-year acquaintance with Trump and questioning why Trump continued to give him interviews if there was animosity. Kurtz stated that some were uninterested in fairness.
Despite the controversy, Kurtz continued to provide critical analysis of the Trump administration. Recently, he critiqued President Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting it yielded little progress.
“MediaBuzz” will be replaced by “The Sunday Briefing,” a new show hosted by Washington correspondents Jacqui Heinrich and Peter Doocy, airing Sundays at 11 a.m. They will alternate hosting duties.
Fox News Media President and Executive Editor Jay Wallace commented on the programming changes, reaffirming the network’s commitment to comprehensive coverage. He recognized Kurtz’s role as a leading authority in media coverage over the past decade and expressed enthusiasm for his continued contributions.
The weekend programming overhaul extends beyond Kurtz’s exit. Former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany will host “Saturday in America” from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Correspondent Griff Jenkins has been appointed as a permanent co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend,” transitioning from his previous role as a guest host.
Additionally, Johnny Joey Jones and Tomi Lahren have been selected as permanent co-hosts of “The Big Weekend Show,” which will expand to three hours on both Saturdays and Sundays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The program will feature four panelists discussing weekly news topics.
Kurtz joined Fox News from CNN in July 2013, having hosted “Reliable Sources” since 1998. His departure from CNN followed several high-profile reporting errors. The Daily Beast terminated his role as Washington bureau chief after an incorrect report about NBA player Jason Collins.
During his time at Fox News, Kurtz faced limitations on covering certain stories involving the network. In February 2023, he disclosed that Fox News management prevented him from reporting on the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit against the network, a decision he disagreed with but complied with as an employee.
The programming changes indicate Fox News’ ongoing efforts to innovate its weekend offerings while maintaining its competitive edge in cable news. Earlier in 2025, the network added “My View with Lara Trump” to its weekend primetime lineup, underscoring its dedication to expanding weekend programming.