Fox Business Network just solved the biggest puzzle on its schedule, and it solved it well. After Maria Bartiromo’s high-profile exit, the network needed a credible plan for her old timeslot. On Thursday, it delivered one.
Dagen McDowell, Brian Brenberg, Taylor Riggs, and Barron’s reporter Josh Schafer will host Big Money in the Morning from 6-9 AM ET. Notably, that’s the same window Bartiromo held before her exit. Continuity matters in morning television, and this move honors it.
Frankly, this is the best-case scenario for the network. Fox Business could have chased a splashy outside hire. Instead, it built a roster that viewers already know. Moreover, the choice reflects a clear strategy.
Familiar Faces, Smart Investment
First, the cast already connects with the audience. McDowell, Brenberg and Riggs have earned viewers’ trust across Fox’s platforms, so they won’t need an introduction.
Meanwhile, Schafer brings financial journalism credentials from Barron’s. That adds depth without disrupting the chemistry. Familiar faces give a new show an immediate head start, and Fox Business gets that head start here.
Second, the move is a genuine investment. Morning is the most valuable daypart in business television, because investors want market context before the opening bell. A four-person team sends a clear message. Fox News Media still finds tremendous value in Fox Business Network.
Otherwise, it wouldn’t commit this much talent to a three-hour block. A deep bench also gives the show room to breathe. Four voices can debate, react and break down market moves without one host carrying every minute.
Timing Worked in Fox’s Favor
Equally impressive is the timing. Smart communicators know that timing shapes perception, and Fox understood that here. The network let the Bartiromo headlines cool before it made its next move.
As a result, the announcement doesn’t reignite old debates. Today’s story centers on the new hosts, not the departure.
Consider the alternatives. Had Fox Business rushed a replacement, critics would have spun theories about how it handled her exit.
Conversely, a long delay would have looked like paralysis, with executives afraid of a wrong call. Fox found the middle path. It moved with patience, then it moved with confidence.
A Real Fight With CNBC
Now comes the fun part. Big Money in the Morning will face Squawk Box on CNBC, which features Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. That’s a strong, established show with a talented cast.
However, Fox Business has the tools to compete. The ratings race between these two networks has been very close in recent months and quarters, and I doubt that changes anytime soon.
Consequently, every new ratings release should carry real drama. Both networks have credible talent, loyal viewers and a lot to prove. I’ll happily follow the battle, because competition like this makes business television better.
Fox Business Network made the right call, and the audience will reap the benefits.
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We’ll see how the ratings pan out compared to what they were with Mornings With Maria. I doubt they’ll even be close since most 6-9am viewers have left FBN in protest to the firing of Maria. Because Maria pursued the Truth about the 2020 election, Covid, China, the Mueller investigation, and more, the Murdochs became a little too uncomfortable with so much Truth coming out. FNC and now FBN are the Controlled Opposition.
Truth? Are you out of your mind. Considering what going on domestically and internationally by Trump, I find it amazing there’s people like you supporting anything on Faux News or Faux Business.
They seem to be reading themselves of any employee high profile anyway that had anyway supported Trump and still do they seem to be cleaning house
I’m won of many who have left fox business and now I watch cnbc in the early morning. Marie getting to the truth was important to me as a viewer. I was looking forward to her reporting on China but I guess I will get that report when Maria goes to 60 Minutes. Marie keep up the great reporting. You are the best.
If Fox business thinks that moving 4 flukies will outclass Maria Bartiromo’s consecutive #1 ratings, it is heading for oblivion! Come on, Maria’s follows go back her days at MSNBC! IF THEY HAD BEEN DECENT ABOUT HER BEING LET GO! PEOPLE WOULD HAVE A DIFFERENT ATTITUDE!
As a long time follower of Maria Bartiromo, I will tell you that the lightweight Suzanne Scott sycophants (except for Dagan) that Fox had waiting in the wings, cannot, and never will, come close to the ability of Maria Bartiromo to attract the best, most informative guests and secure the most impactful interviews in business news. Maria, rightfully so, is an icon of business news reporting, and I am anxious to see her recover from this travesty and come back to BURY Fox Business Channel from wherever she re-emerges! Long live Maria Bartiromo! Down with Fox Business!
BTW, did any of you lovers even learn English? Reading your posts is torture.