After three years with CNN, veteran broadcaster Chris Wallace, now 77, is stepping away from the network to explore new opportunities in the transformed media landscape. Eager to pursue independent media, Wallace sees podcasting and streaming as the emerging centers of influence.
“The people going independent, whether in podcasting or streaming, are where the action is today,” Wallace said Tuesday. His shift highlights the changing face of the industry, particularly from someone as established in traditional broadcasting as Wallace, who is the son of CBS News legend Mike Wallace.
Why did he leave?
He was originally brought on to be a key personality for CNN+, CNN’s streaming platform that launched in 2022. However, the company shut down CNN+ just one month after its debut, forcing Wallace to reshape his role at CNN.
He took on a Saturday morning political show, an interview program on Max, and regular appearances on CNN as a commentator. Wallace called his exit from CNN amicable, noting that the decision came down to finding a role that offers more control at this point in his career.
CNN CEO Mark Thompson spoke highly of Wallace, calling him “one of the most respected political journalists in the news business” and wishing him the best. Thompson himself faces challenges ahead, with CNN’s television ratings in decline and the network’s increased focus on digital media.
What is next for Chris Wallace?
At this stage, Wallace is drawn to the flexibility of independent work, though he doesn’t anticipate any significant changes to his style. Known for his balanced, nonpartisan approach to interviews and political analysis, Wallace intends to stick with this format.
Interest from prospective partners is already surfacing, suggesting that Wallace’s seasoned approach to news remains highly valued. Retirement, however, isn’t on the table. Inspired by his father, who worked well into his late 80s at “60 Minutes,” Wallace quipped, “nobody in my family wants me to retire.”
We should be able to see Chris yet again, this time with an independent online presence. It seems that the new media world is changing and Chris Wallace wants to be part of it immediately.
