Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott’s Ruthless Overhaul Elevates Campos-Duffy and Jones, Reshaping Conservative Media
July 28, 2025 – In a bold and polarizing move, Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott has unveiled a sweeping internal overhaul, cementing her reputation as a strategic mastermind while raising questions about the network’s future direction. The shakeup, announced hours ago, elevates Rachel Campos-Duffy and Lawrence Jones to prominent roles, signaling a shift toward younger, dynamic voices in conservative media. This calculated power play could redefine Fox News’ dominance and send shockwaves through the broader conservative media landscape, but it also risks alienating loyal viewers and testing Scott’s leadership.
Suzanne Scott, who became Fox News’ first female CEO in 2018, has long navigated the network’s turbulent waters with a focus on audience loyalty and revenue growth. Her latest restructuring, described by insiders as “cold and ruthless,” prioritizes fresh talent to reinvigorate the network’s brand. Rachel Campos-Duffy, already a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend and host of Fox Noticias, has been named lead anchor for a new primetime slot, Campos-Duffy Unfiltered, set to debut in September 2025. Lawrence Jones, the youngest Black co-host in cable news history, will take over a revamped Fox News @ Night, expanding his role as a key enterprise reporter. These promotions, announced by Scott in a press release, aim to “connect with the next generation of viewers while honoring our core audience.”
Campos-Duffy, a Hispanic mother of nine and former reality TV star, brings a relatable yet polarizing voice to primetime. Her advocacy for conservative values, rooted in her work with The LIBRE Initiative, resonates with Fox’s base, particularly on issues like family, faith, and economic empowerment. Her new show promises “unapologetic truth-telling,” according to a Fox News statement, positioning her as a counterweight to established hosts like Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham. Jones, known for his “man-on-the-street” segments and Keeping Up With Jones on FOX Nation, will anchor Fox News @ Night with a focus on investigative storytelling, appealing to younger demographics. Both moves reflect Scott’s strategy to diversify Fox’s on-air talent while doubling down on conservative commentary.
The overhaul, however, is not without controversy. Sources within Fox News describe a “cutthroat” atmosphere, with several veteran producers and anchors sidelined to make way for Scott’s vision. Posts on X reveal mixed reactions, with some praising the elevation of Campos-Duffy and Jones as “a win for fresh perspectives,” while others call it a “betrayal of Fox’s roots.” One user wrote, “Suzanne Scott’s playing chess, but she’s risking the board.” The decision to bypass established names has sparked speculation about internal power struggles, with rumors of tension between Scott and longtime hosts who feel overshadowed by the new guard.
Scott’s leadership has faced scrutiny before. Critics have pointed to her handling of sexual harassment scandals and defamation lawsuits, including a 2022 case that tested her strategy to prioritize conservative viewers over broader coverage. Her decision to elevate Campos-Duffy and Jones comes amid a 12% ratings dip in Q2 2025, attributed to competition from digital platforms and conservative streaming services like Newsmax. By promoting younger, diverse faces, Scott aims to counter this trend, leveraging Fox News Digital’s 110 million unique users in June 2025 and the success of streaming ventures like FOX Nation and FOX Weather.
The broader conservative media landscape is watching closely. Scott’s overhaul could set a precedent for how legacy networks adapt to a fragmented media environment. Rivals like OAN and Newsmax have gained traction among younger conservatives, while platforms like X amplify unfiltered voices. Campos-Duffy’s primetime slot, with its focus on cultural and economic issues, aims to reclaim this audience, while Jones’ investigative role could bridge traditional and digital media. However, the gamble risks alienating Fox’s older, loyal viewers, who have long tuned in for familiar faces like Hannity and Tucker Carlson, the latter of whom departed in 2023.
Scott’s track record suggests she’s unafraid of bold moves. Since 2018, she has launched FOX Nation, FOX News International, and FOX Weather, while fostering workplace initiatives like Women @ FOX and employee mentoring programs. Yet, her critics argue this overhaul prioritizes optics over substance, with one X post stating, “Scott’s betting on star power, but will it deliver?” The success of Campos-Duffy and Jones will hinge on their ability to maintain Fox’s ratings dominance—Fox & Friends Weekend remains the top-rated cable morning show, per Nielsen Media Research—while navigating a polarized audience.
As Fox News braces for this new chapter, the industry waits to see if Scott’s gamble will solidify her legacy or fracture the network’s foundation. Campos-Duffy and Jones, now at the forefront, carry the weight of a changing media landscape. Whether this overhaul reshapes conservative media or sparks backlash, one thing is clear: Suzanne Scott is playing to win, and the stakes have never been higher.
