A Fox News host has issued a surprising apology for the cable news industry during a podcast appearance, prompting discussions about the state of television journalism in the U.S.
Jessica Tarlov, co-host of Fox News’ popular show “The Five,” made the apology on behalf of her industry while appearing on the Prof G podcast on May 24, 2025.
In the podcast, which Tarlov co-hosts with Scott Galloway, she inquired from University of Virginia Center for Politics founder Larry Sabato about the issues that most frustrate him in current politics. Sabato criticized television news for echoing social media trends without offering substantive content. He noted he now watches more television news than before, but believes it mainly echoes popular content from social media rather than setting trends.
“That makes me rage,” Sabato said about television news during the interview.
Tarlov admitted to contributing to the problem, acknowledging her role in cable news and apologizing globally for the industry’s output.
Sabato laughed at Tarlov’s remarks but highlighted social media’s dominance as the core issue in modern journalism. He humorously suggested that if time travel were possible, he would prevent the inception of social media platforms. Sabato expressed that while technological advancements such as flying cars seem out of reach, social media’s influence remains unmanageable.
This conversation took place amid broader criticism of the cable news industry. Former NBC News anchor Chuck Todd recently shared with Mediaite in April 2025 that he felt demoralized by cable news content long before leaving the network in January 2025. Todd mentioned that much of cable news seemed driven by algorithms rather than informative reporting.
Todd attributed the industry’s issues to a transition from journalism to entertainment, citing CNN’s coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial in the 1990s as a pivotal moment when news organizations realized they could profit from sensational content. Before 1994, news divisions were primarily focused on not losing money rather than maximizing profits.
Similarly, former Fox News and NBC host Megyn Kelly criticized the cable news industry on her podcast last year after covering the 2024 presidential election. Kelly expressed her disappointment that cable news has not evolved, maintaining outdated approaches despite societal and technological changes. She described cable news as featuring short, predictable discussions with little depth.
Kelly argued that although the appearance of TV personalities has changed, the fundamental format and style of cable news programming remain disconnected from modern media consumption habits.
Sabato further expressed disappointment with what he called “sane-washing” of political figures by various outlets. He noted that media companies, law firms, and universities have been intimidated, leading to a focus on balanced coverage over assertive journalism.
The political scientist warned that some media outlets have adopted a cautious approach, aiming to avoid becoming targets. However, Sabato cautioned that this strategy might be ineffective in the long run, as political figures who use intimidation tactics will eventually target all media outlets, regardless of their approach.
Tarlov’s remarks came amid controversy over her recent appearances on “The Five,” where she was criticized for discussing cryptocurrency during unrelated political discussions. On May 23, 2025, during a panel on potential health-related cover-ups in the previous administration, Tarlov shifted the focus to President Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency activities, alleging he amassed wealth through digital currency investments during his presidency.
Her co-hosts challenged her for changing the topic, with Greg Gutfeld responding critically. The exchange led to social media backlash, with some questioning Tarlov’s role at Fox News and suggesting she might be more suited for other programs.
The debate over cable news quality reflects broader concerns about media consumption in the digital age. Industry veterans like Todd and Kelly have voiced frustration with the shift towards entertainment over information, while academics like Sabato worry about social media’s influence on traditional journalism.
As the cable news industry faces declining viewership among younger audiences and competition from streaming platforms and podcasts, personalities like Tarlov are navigating between traditional TV formats and evolving audience expectations. Balancing ratings with quality journalism remains a challenge for news organizations across the spectrum.
Several cable news hosts have left the industry recently, citing concerns over algorithmic influence and entertainment-focused content. The criticism suggests structural issues beyond individual networks or political biases, affecting the cable news ecosystem.
Tarlov’s apology marks a rare moment of introspection within an industry that seldom acknowledges its faults publicly. Her willingness to critique the medium she works in underscores the concerns some industry professionals have about cable news’ direction and its impact on American political dialogue.
