Veteran newsman Chris Wallace is officially leaving CNN, ending his three-year stint with the network as he plans to jump into the world of independent media. The 77-year-old broadcaster confirmed his departure in a recent interview, hinting at a pivot toward streaming or podcasting—platforms he claims are now “where the action seems to be.” After nearly two decades at Fox News, followed by a turbulent few years at CNN, Wallace appears ready for a fresh start.
Reflecting on this transition, Wallace described himself as feeling “excited and liberated” for the first time in his 55-year career. “This is the first time in 55 years I’ve been between jobs,” Wallace said, signaling a shift in his approach to news, one where he’ll be steering the content himself. Leaving CNN marks a major turning point for Wallace, who has built a reputation as a household name in political journalism.
CNN was reportedly interested in keeping Wallace on board. Despite low ratings, he was one of the network’s biggest names and came with a significant salary—reportedly around $8 million annually under former CNN boss Jeff Zucker. But according to The Ankler, CNN’s current leadership intended to offer him a significantly reduced contract, likely as part of the network’s recent cost-cutting efforts. Given CNN’s ratings troubles, it’s no surprise that Wallace decided to look elsewhere.
CNN Chairman and CEO Mark Thompson praised Wallace’s contributions to the network, calling him “one of the most respected political journalists in the business.” However, Wallace seems ready to move on from traditional cable news, where networks like CNN have lagged behind Fox News and MSNBC in recent ratings.
Wallace says he plans to stay clear of partisan punditry in his next role. “I don’t have plans to be either a hard-right or hard-left advocate,” he said. “It’s just absent from my DNA.” While he didn’t provide specifics on his next steps, he mentioned a strong interest in developing content for streaming or podcast platforms. With these comments, Wallace is making it clear he’s seeking a middle ground, but in today’s media landscape, neutrality may not be enough to draw in viewers.
The timing of Wallace’s departure comes as CNN faces continued ratings struggles, especially following their disappointing numbers on election night. Even with big-ticket hires, the network has struggled to compete with the clear conservative dominance of Fox News and MSNBC’s hold on the left. CNN’s challenges may have factored into Wallace’s decision, as he looks for a platform where he can have more control over the content without network interference.
As Wallace prepares to sign off from CNN, his last show, *Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace*, will air this Friday, and his weekly program, *The Chris Wallace Show*, will run until the end of the year. His willingness to explore independent options suggests he may follow the path of other well-known journalists who left mainstream networks to reach audiences directly on digital platforms. Wallace’s next move could be the latest example of the shifting media landscape, where audiences increasingly look to new formats over traditional cable news.
For Wallace, this career pivot might finally give him the creative freedom he’s been craving. As for CNN, losing another high-profile anchor is unlikely to help as the network grapples with the formidable competition from Fox News and the ever-growing world of alternative media. Wallace’s decision could be a sign of what’s to come as more journalists opt for the autonomy of independent media platforms over the constraints of corporate newsrooms.
