A Fox News personality surprised audiences by apologizing for the entire cable news industry during a recent podcast, prompting discussions about the state of U.S. television journalism. Jessica Tarlov, co-host of Fox News’ “The Five,” delivered this apology while speaking on the Prof G podcast on May 24, 2025.
On the podcast, co-hosted by Tarlov and Scott Galloway, they engaged with Larry Sabato, founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, about issues in contemporary politics. Sabato criticized television news for echoing social media trends instead of providing substantial information. He noted that while he watches more TV news than before, it primarily mirrors what succeeds on social media.
“That makes me rage,” Sabato stated about television news during the Friday interview.
Tarlov admitted her part in this issue, apologizing globally for what the cable news industry produces.
In response, Sabato laughed but emphasized that social media’s grip on political discourse is a significant challenge for journalism today. He wished for time travel to prevent social media’s creation and lamented the persistent influence of social media, despite giving up on advancements like flying cars.
This conversation took place amidst broader criticism of the cable news industry. Former NBC News anchor Chuck Todd recently told Mediaite in April 2025 that he became disillusioned with cable news content before leaving the network in January 2025. Todd observed that much cable news content appears driven by algorithmic manipulation instead of informative broadcasting.
Todd attributed the industry’s issues to a shift from journalism to entertainment, citing CNN’s O.J. Simpson trial coverage in the 1990s as a moment when news divisions realized the profitability of sensational content. He noted that prior to 1994, news divisions were expected not to lose money, rather than focus on revenue maximization.
Former Fox News and NBC host Megyn Kelly also critiqued the cable news sector during her podcast last year after the 2024 presidential election coverage. Kelly expressed dissatisfaction with cable news’ failure to adapt, maintaining outdated formats despite technological and social shifts. She described cable news as featuring brief, predictable panel discussions with artificial conversations.
Kelly noted that while television presenters’ appearances have evolved, the core format and approach of cable news remain unchanged and out of sync with modern media consumption.
Sabato commented further to The Daily Beast on media coverage, criticizing what he described as “sane-washing” of political figures by multiple outlets. He suggested that intimidation has led media companies, law firms, and universities to adopt a defensive strategy of balanced coverage over aggressive journalism.
The political scientist suggested that some media organizations have chosen to keep their heads down and stick to both-sides coverage, hoping to avoid becoming targets themselves. However, Sabato warned that this approach may prove ineffective in the long term, as political figures who engage in intimidation tactics will eventually target all media organizations regardless of their coverage approach.
Tarlov’s remarks came amid controversy over her recent appearances on “The Five,” where she faced critiques for discussing cryptocurrency during unrelated political topics. On May 23, 2025, during a panel discussion on potential health-related cover-ups in the former administration, Tarlov shifted the focus to President Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency activities, claiming significant portions of his wealth came from digital currency investments during his presidency.
Her co-hosts challenged Tarlov for changing subjects, with Greg Gutfeld responding critically to her tactics. This exchange led to social media backlash, with critics questioning Tarlov’s role at Fox News and suggesting she might be better suited for other programs.
The ongoing debate about cable news quality reflects broader concerns about media consumption patterns in the digital age. Industry veterans like Todd and Kelly have expressed frustration with the emphasis on entertainment value over informational content, while academics like Sabato worry about the influence of social media algorithms on traditional journalism practices.
As the cable news industry faces declining viewership among younger demographics and increasing competition from streaming platforms and podcasts, personalities like Tarlov find themselves caught between traditional television formats and evolving audience expectations. The tension between maintaining ratings and providing substantive journalism continues to challenge news organizations across the political spectrum.
Multiple cable news hosts have departed the industry in recent years, citing concerns about algorithmic influence and entertainment-focused programming. The criticism from within the industry suggests broader structural issues that extend beyond individual networks or political affiliations, affecting the entire cable news ecosystem.
Tarlov’s apology represents an unusual moment of self-reflection within an industry that rarely acknowledges its own shortcomings publicly. Her willingness to criticize the medium that provides her platform demonstrates the depth of concern among some industry professionals about cable news’ current trajectory and its impact on American political discourse.
