Chris Wallace departs CNN after three years from ‘Fox News Sunday’
Longtime journalist and anchor Chris Wallace is leaving CNN after over two years with the network.
A CNN spokesperson confirmed his exit to YSL News on Monday. Mark Thompson, the CEO and chairman of CNN, remarked that Wallace is “one of the most esteemed political journalists in the field” with a remarkable history across various platforms including radio, print, broadcast, cable, and streaming.
The 77-year-old Wallace revealed to The Daily Beast his plans to pursue opportunities on an independent streaming or podcasting platform.
“We appreciate the dedication and insight he has contributed during his time at CNN, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” the statement concluded.
Currently, Wallace hosts “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” on Max and leads “The Chris Wallace Show” on Saturdays for CNN. According to The Daily Beast, he is expected to conclude his work at CNN by year-end, with the final episode of “The Chris Wallace Show” airing next month and the last installment of “Who’s Talking” scheduled for Friday.
Chris Wallace grew weary of solely covering politics at CNN
The former anchor of “Fox News Sunday” made headlines in 2021 when he announced his move from Fox News after nearly twenty years. He was initially expected to be a major face for the now-defunct streaming service CNN+, which was canceled shortly after its launch.
During his tenure at Fox, Wallace moderated debates for both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.
In an interview with YSL News in 2022, Wallace described his journey to “Who’s Talking” as “a bumpy road.”
“After 18 years of hosting a Sunday talk show, I thoroughly enjoyed that experience. However, I have numerous interests beyond politics,” he expressed. “I’m passionate about entertainment, sports, business, and culture.”
Wallace also mentioned, “I simply got tired of covering politics in such a narrow scope.”
“Reporting on politics exclusively felt increasingly trivial,” he reflected. “Week after week, it was just another minor update on the Build Back Better bill. It felt like we were slicing a very thin piece of salami repeatedly.”
Throughout “Who’s Talking,” Wallace has engaged with notable personalities including Robert De Niro, Whoopi Goldberg, Matt Damon, and Carol Burnett, along with political figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders, Gloria Steinem, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
What lies ahead for Chris Wallace?
In a recent discussion with The Arizona Republic, part of the YSL News Network, Wallace shared that he still takes pleasure in covering U.S. politics despite his extensive career.
“I really do. Believe me, I still enjoy it. I’m thrilled by everything I do. I love covering political campaigns and conducting interviews,” he said.
When asked about how long he intends to continue interviewing, Wallace mentioned his father’s longevity—Mike Wallace, the late correspondent for “60 Minutes.”
“I can’t predict how long I’ll go on, but the Wallace family is known for working long into life. My dad was active well into his 80s. While I might not follow in those exact footsteps, I have no intention of quitting anytime soon. Life often decides for you, but for now, I feel sharp, energetic, and my curiosity is as strong as ever. What more could I ask for?”