‘Cost-cutting’: Fox Sports axes popular presenter Neroli Meadows

Fox Sports has parted way with high-profile journalist and presenter Neroli Meadows, according to a report from the Herald Sun.

Meadows has been dropped from Fox after more than a decade with the TV network. It is reported the decision came about due to “cost-cutting” measures.

In recent years, Meadows has become of the most recognised and respected voices in sports media.

She’s been a major fixture in both AFL and cricket coverage, having hosted the popular program On the Mark, as well as AFL Tonight. The journalist was also one of the faces of Fox Cricket last year, having held a prominent role in the ICC Cricket World Cup coverage.

Well-known for her in-depth one-on-one interviews with players, Meadows has been praised as one of “the best in the business” by media figures.

The decision to drop Meadows has been met with disbelief from others within the industry, with veteran cricket writer Peter Lalor saying he was “stunned and saddened” by the move.

“I’ve watched her work on cricket for over 10 years. Neroli is one of the best in the business. Hard working, smart and well connected. Breaks news. Gets great interviews. Knows footy & cricket inside out. This is terrible,” Lalor wrote.

 

The @FOXSportsAUS decision to sack @Neroli_M_FOX due to ‘cost cutting’ is idiotic. She has been the heart and soul of that joint for a decade. Smart fearless and passionate. No one else there has worked harder or achieved more. The management have embarrassed themselves on this.

— Dave Hughes (@DHughesy) October 28, 2019

She is an absolute gun. One of the best in the business. I have no doubt she will be picked up ASAP. A STAR ⭐️ @Neroli_M_FOX https://t.co/wAU8m6iZuK

— Erin Molan (@Erin_Molan) October 28, 2019

This is embarrassing. @Neroli_M_FOX is one of a select few decent journalists working at Fox. Moving Nez on while retaining the likes of King, Ralph and McGuire is just staggering: https://t.co/Bd6qbVWIVS

— Todd Davey (@ToddJDavey) October 28, 2019

Cannot fathom why Fox Sports has axed @Neroli_M_FOX … a bright, articulate and well-researched journalist & presenter. A very odd decision.

— Glenn Mitchell (@MitchellGlenn) October 28, 2019

According to the Herald Sun, it’s reported that Meadows may have fallen out of favour with Fox Sports executives after taking on a new gig as a host of the short-lived revamp on The Footy Show on the Nine Network earlier this year.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

I have been absolutely blown away by the messages of support from mates, family, colleagues & total strangers this past few days. THANK YOU!!! I am incredibly lucky to have people like that in my life. I am super excited to work with these guys on a new look @aflfootyshow. It is a new challenge and obviously a little scary but I never want to be someone who says no to an opportunity out of fear. I really hope we put together a show people enjoy watching & players enjoy coming on. Can’t wait to combine this new gig with @foxfooty, @foxcricket & also @triplemfooty!!! Bring on season 2019!!!!!

A post shared by Neroli Meadows (@nezm) on Mar 16, 2019 at 7:29pm PDT

At a time when women’s voices in sports journalism and commentary are badly needed, Fox’s decision to axe one of their most esteemed, female journalists will no doubt prove costly. Meadows will be snatched up by a rival network in no time.