Maria Bartiromo, a prominent figure in financial journalism, concluded her twelve-and-a-half-year tenure with Fox News Media on Thursday, the network announced. The abrupt departure left industry observers and fans speculating about the reasons behind the split, as no detailed explanation accompanied the announcement. Fox News Media, which oversees both Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network, offered a concise public statement regarding the separation.
Through a spokesperson, the company conveyed its gratitude for Bartiromo’s contributions. "We thank Maria for her work over the lasts 12 1/2 years and wish her all the best on her next chapter," the statement read, providing no further insight into the circumstances of her exit. As of the announcement, Fox News Media has not named a replacement for Bartiromo’s various programming slots, nor has Bartiromo publicly disclosed her next career move.
Bartiromo had already established a legendary status in financial journalism long before her arrival at Fox. Her broadcasting career began behind the scenes at CNN Business News, a foundational period that preceded her rise to on-air fame. A pivotal moment occurred in 1993 when she transitioned to CNBC, embarking on a two-decade run that would transform her into a household name among market watchers and the general public alike.
During her time at CNBC, Bartiromo made history by becoming the first journalist to broadcast live daily from the bustling floor of the New York Stock Exchange. This groundbreaking work, delivering real-time market updates amidst the chaotic environment of shouting brokers and constantly ringing phones, earned her the enduring nickname "Money Honey." The label emerged during the roaring stock market of the 1990s, a period when Bartiromo’s face became synonymous with comprehensive financial news coverage. Her tenure at CNBC also included hosting duties for two major programs: "Closing Bell," which became essential viewing for market participants, and "The Wall Street Journal Report," later rebranded as "On the Money with Maria Bartiromo," further solidifying her authority in the financial news space.
Her influence even extended into pop culture. Joey Ramone, the iconic frontman of the punk rock band The Ramones, was reportedly a fan of her reporting and penned a song titled "Maria Bartiromo" in her honor. This unique tribute appeared on "Don’t Worry About Me," a posthumous solo album released by Ramone in 2002, pushing Bartiromo’s name into cultural territory rarely touched by business journalists.
A Brooklyn native, Bartiromo brought her deep roots and extensive experience to Fox in 2014. She joined Fox Business as global markets editor, quickly becoming one of the network’s signature personalities. Weekday audiences tuned in for her insights on "Mornings with Maria" and "Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street," both programs leveraging her decades of market expertise to build loyal followings. Her reach expanded to Fox News Channel, where she anchored "Sunday Morning Futures." This platform allowed her to delve into complex stories at the intersection of business, politics, and public policy, an area she had consistently covered since her early days at CNBC. Throughout her distinguished career, Bartiromo garnered significant industry recognition, including two Emmy Awards for her broadcasting excellence. In 2011, she was inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame, further cementing her legacy.
The sudden nature of her departure, coupled with the lack of detailed reasoning from Fox News Media, has left many within the industry and among her dedicated viewership wondering about the circumstances and what her next professional endeavor might entail.
