After three years at CNN, Chris Wallace, now 77, has announced his decision to leave the network. He expressed excitement about exploring opportunities in the evolving media landscape. “When I look at the media landscape right now, the people who are going independent, whether it’s podcasting or streaming, that seems to be where the action is,” Wallace shared on Tuesday.
Wallace’s career has deep roots in traditional broadcasting. As the son of the legendary CBS News reporter Mike Wallace, he has a long history in journalism, having worked with ABC and NBC News, and hosting “Fox News Sunday” for 18 years before transitioning to CNN in 2021. His move to CNN was initially to help launch the CNN+ streaming service, which, unfortunately, was shut down just one month after its debut in 2022, leaving Wallace to redefine his role at the network.
Since then, Wallace has adapted by creating a Saturday morning political show and a broader interview series on Max, while also contributing as a commentator. However, as he moves forward, he emphasizes his desire for greater control over his projects, stating he intends to remain committed to interviews and political analysis without leaning towards any specific political side.
Wallace’s departure from CNN was amicable. CNN’s CEO, Mark Thompson, praised him as “one of the most respected political journalists in the news business” and wished him the best in future endeavors. However, Thompson now faces the challenge of navigating CNN’s declining television ratings and shifting priorities towards digital content.
Despite reaching retirement age, Wallace is not ready to step back. He noted that his father had a remarkable career at “60 Minutes,” working well into his late 80s. Furthermore, he remarked, “nobody in my family wants me to retire,” indicating his passion for journalism remains strong.
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David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder.
