Fox Sports is making sweeping changes to its FS1 programming lineup, including the firing of longtime host Joy Taylor and the cancellation of three shows: Speak, Breakfast Ball, and The Facility. The shakeup follows the network’s attempt to revamp its daytime studio programming and reassess its approach to sports commentary and entertainment.
Taylor’s deal will expire, bringing to a close her nearly decade-long tenure with Fox Sports, reports The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand. She most recently co-hosted Speak with former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson and former NBA champion Paul Pierce.
The cancellation of Speak is a blow to the daytime schedule on FS1, especially with the high-profile talent that accompanied the show. It is one of three shows now scheduled to be phased out, with new programming reportedly in development as Fox Sports works to rebuild its lineup.
Also cut from the roster is Breakfast Ball, the show hosted by former WFAN personality Craig Carton, with regular recurring appearances by former NFL player Mark Schlereth and sportswriter Danny Parkins. Carton’s move into sports reporting in the morning was aggressive, but the show struggled to maintain momentum.
At the same time, The Facility, a newer series featuring a rotating panel of retired NFL players such as Emmanuel Acho, Chase Daniel, James Jones, and LeSean McCoy, also did not cut, having been on the air for less than one year. It was one of the efforts to gather inside athlete opinions on NFL topics, but it did not manage to find a devoted fan base.
What Happened Before Joy Taylor’s Exit?
Even though FS1 has not publicly disclosed a reason for Taylor’s departure, it follows in the wake of a significant legal scandal that arose early this year. Taylor had been sued by former makeup artist Noushin Faraji, who alleged a hostile and abusive work environment.
Faraji reported in the complaint that Taylor belittled her after she complained about sexual harassment and battery by then-Fox Sports executive Charlie Dixon. Taylor told Faraji to “get over it,” mocked her accent, and got irritated with her humming, which Faraji described in court documents as an involuntary symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Faraji’s lawsuit also named Dixon and former Undisputed host Skip Bayless. Bayless was accused of making unwanted sexual advances toward Faraji, compounding the accusations of a broader workplace culture issue within FS1’s production environment at the time.
Neither Taylor nor Fox Sports has publicly addressed the allegations since the suit was filed.
The Future of FS1
The axing of three shows and the firing of a high-profile host signal a broader strategic realignment at Fox Sports. With a more competitive sports media landscape where people, streaming, and shifting viewer habits increasingly rule the day, FS1 appears to be remaking itself more in line with viewer demand.
It is unclear what will replace the cancelled programming blocks, but according to sources within the network, new hosts and new formats are already being considered. The network has not made an official announcement regarding a timeline for the debut of its new programming.
As Fox Sports attempts to turn the page, industry observers will be watching closely to determine if the network can recover with improved, more compelling programming and how it handles the charges that continue to surround some of its recent leadership and talent decisions.
