In an unexpected move, a prominent Fox News figure recently issued an apology for the entire cable news sector during a podcast appearance. Jessica Tarlov, co-host of Fox News’ highly-rated program “The Five,” extended a broad apology on behalf of the industry while appearing on the Prof G podcast on May 24, 2025.
During the podcast, which Tarlov co-hosts with Scott Galloway, she inquired of Larry Sabato, founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, about his greatest frustration with current politics. Sabato criticized television news for emphasizing social media trends over substantial reporting, stating that he follows more TV news than ever but feels it primarily reflects what is popular on social media instead of driving the conversation.
“That makes me rage,” Sabato stated about television news during the Friday interview.
Tarlov acknowledged her part in the ongoing issue, admitting that as a member of the cable news industry, she apologizes globally for the content her field produces.
Sabato responded with laughter at Tarlov’s acknowledgment, while emphasizing that social media’s role in political discussions is a significant challenge for modern journalism. He expressed a wish for time travel technology, suggesting he would use it to prevent the emergence of social media platforms. Sabato noted that despite this desire, he has lost hope for other technological advancements like flying cars.
The conversation occurred amid wider scrutiny of the cable news industry. Former NBC News anchor Chuck Todd recently informed Mediaite in April 2025 that he became disheartened by cable news content long before his departure from the network in January 2025. Todd argued that many cable news programs are more focused on manipulating algorithms than informing viewers.
Todd attributed the industry’s problems to the shift from journalism to entertainment, citing CNN’s coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial in the 1990s as a pivotal moment when news outlets realized the potential for profit through sensational content. Prior to 1994, he recalled, news divisions were tasked with not losing money rather than maximizing profits.
Megyn Kelly, formerly of Fox News and NBC, also criticized the cable news industry on her podcast last year following the 2024 presidential election. Kelly expressed that cable news has not adapted, retaining the same format despite technological and societal changes over recent years. She described cable news programming as consisting of brief, predictable discussions.
Kelly noted that while the appearance of television personalities has evolved, the core format and style of cable news remain outdated and disconnected from modern media consumption habits.
Sabato provided further comments to The Daily Beast about media coverage, expressing dissatisfaction with what he termed “sane-washing” of political figures across various outlets. He noted that media companies, law firms, and universities have been intimidated into adopting defensive strategies focused on balanced coverage over assertive journalism.
The political scientist suggested that some media organizations have opted to maintain neutrality in coverage to avoid becoming targets. However, Sabato cautioned that this strategy might fail long-term, as political figures who use intimidation tactics may ultimately target all media organizations regardless of their coverage style.
Tarlov’s remarks were made amid controversy over her recent appearances on “The Five,” where she faced criticism for discussing cryptocurrency during unrelated political discussions. On May 23, 2025, during a panel about potential health-related cover-ups in the previous administration, Tarlov shifted the focus to President Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency dealings, claiming he amassed wealth through digital currency investments during his presidency.
Her co-hosts challenged Tarlov for changing topics, with Greg Gutfeld sharply reacting to her diversion tactics. The exchange led to backlash on social media, with critics questioning Tarlov’s role at Fox News and suggesting she might fit better on other shows.
The ongoing debate over cable news quality highlights broader concerns about media consumption in the digital era. Industry figures like Todd and Kelly have voiced frustration with the focus on entertainment over information, while academics like Sabato worry about the impact of social media algorithms on traditional journalism.
As cable news grapples with declining viewership among younger audiences and rising competition from streaming services and podcasts, figures like Tarlov are navigating between conventional TV formats and shifting audience expectations. The challenge of balancing ratings with quality journalism continues to confront news organizations across the political landscape.
Several cable news hosts have left the industry in recent years, citing concerns about algorithmic influence and entertainment-driven content. The internal criticism highlights structural issues that transcend individual networks or political affiliations, affecting the entire cable news sector.
Tarlov’s apology is a rare instance of introspection within an industry that seldom publicly acknowledges its flaws. Her readiness to critique the medium that provides her platform illustrates the concern among some professionals about cable news’ direction and its impact on American political dialogue.