Blake Neff grew up in South Dakota and attended Dartmouth College, graduating in 2013. At Dartmouth he majored in history and government, and during his college years was involved with the conservative student publication the Review.
Shortly after graduation he entered journalism and commentary, securing a fellowship via the Collegiate Network and then working at news‑site The Hill in Washington, DC. From there he moved to The Daily Caller, a right‑leaning digital outlet co‑founded by Tucker Carlson.
Rise in Media and Role at Fox News
In late 2016, Neff was brought into Fox News to work on the primetime show hosted by Tucker Carlson. He quickly rose to become one of the lead writers for the show, and in an alumni magazine interview he said: “Anything [Carlson] is reading off the teleprompter, the first draft was written by me.”
During his tenure he worked on shaping commentary and monologues for the program, and his role placed him in a position of significant influence within conservative cable‑news media.
Controversy and Resignation
In July 2020, Neff’s career came under intense scrutiny when it was revealed that he had posted racist, misogynistic, and homophobic remarks on an online forum under a pseudonym. These posts included derogatory references to Black people, Asian doctors, women, and LGBTQ individuals.
Following the report, Fox News publicly condemned the comments and accepted his resignation. The network described his behaviour as “horrific” and stated that it did not reflect its values. Neff stepped down shortly thereafter.
Legacy and Significance
Neff’s rise and fall both reveal several themes in modern media and culture.
First, his rapid ascent—moving from college publication to national cable‑news writing in just a few years—illustrates the pathways available to young, well‑connected conservatives in media networks.
Second, the controversy underscored the growing public scrutiny of journalists’ and commentators’ off‑duty conduct, especially in the digital era where anonymous or pseudonymous postings can be traced and exposed.
Third, given that he helped craft commentary for one of the most‑watched shows on cable news, the revelations raised questions about whether and how behind‑the‑scenes content might influence on‑air messaging and tone.
What Happened After Resignation
After his departure from Fox News, Neff largely stepped out of the public‑media spotlight. The details of his subsequent professional engagements have not been widely publicised.
The incident appeared to dampen his profile in mainstream media, and there have been no major public appearances or media roles documented in the years following his resignation.
Broader Context
Neff’s story fits into a broader pattern of media organisations grappling with reputational risk tied to the personal conduct of high‑visibility staff. It also illustrates how social‑media footprints and online forum behaviour can carry professional consequences—especially in fields like journalism where credibility and public trust matter.
Moreover, his story is a reminder of how editorial influence—especially in opinion and commentary environments—often hinges on individuals behind the scenes whose work rarely receives the same level of public scrutiny as on‑air talent, but whose roles can be equally consequential.
Final Thoughts
Blake Neff’s career arc—from a Dartmouth Review contributor to a top writer for a major cable‑news programme, then abrupt resignation after online‑forum revelations—is both striking and instructive. It highlights how talent, connections and ideology can accelerate a media career. It also underscores how private or pseudonymous online activity can quickly become public and professionally consequential.
Whether or not he returns to a public‑facing role, his case will likely be cited for years as a cautionary tale about the intersection of media power, personal behaviour and accountability.
