Chris Wallace quits CNN to explore streaming and podcasting, Internet announces 'legacy media is dead'

WASHINGTON, DC: Veteran television journalist Chris Wallace is set to quit CNN after staying on the network for three years on a seven-figure contract, the Daily Beast published on Monday, November 11.

The 77-year-old broadcaster told the publication that he would venture into the world of streaming and podcasting next, seeking to create an independent platform. The announcement comes at a time when the cable television industry is facing mounting challenges with a marked drop in viewership.

Chris Wallace's legacy as a network TV host

Chris Wallace had joined CNN in 2021 after spending 18 years at Fox News. He was one of the network's main faces in the coverage of the 2024 general election and had correctly predicted that Democratic nominee Kamala Harris would need a "miracle" if she was to win against her Republican rival Donald Trump.

His career began on local TV in Chicago in 1973 and spanned NBC’s 'The Today Show' and 'Meet The Press', ABC’s 'PrimeTime Live', and 'Fox News Sunday'. On CNN, Wallace anchors 'The Chris Wallace Show' on Saturday mornings and 'Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?', which streams on Max.

CNN wanted to retain Wallace, and his decision to quit may be seen as a sign of the waning influence of the network. However, the anchor noted, "I have nothing but positive things to say. CNN has been very good to me."

CNN CEO and Chairman Mark Thompson released a statement that read, “Chris Wallace is one of the most respected political journalists in the news business with a unique track record across radio, print, broadcast television, cable television and streaming. We want to thank him for the dedication and wisdom he’s brought to all his work at CNN and to wish him the very best for the future.”

Chris Wallace on taking over an independent platform

Chris Wallace said that he wanted to get on independent platforms as it was "where the actions seem to be." He cited the example of Joe Rogan and Chalamagne tha God to show how podcasts have set the agenda for the 2024 election.

"I don’t flatter myself to think I will have that sort of reach," he self-consciously noted.

The fact that he was leaving his job comes across as "quite liberating to Wallace," as he shared, "This is the first time in 55 years I‘ve been between jobs. I am actually excited and liberated by that.”

Considering what streaming platforms would work for him, he said, "Not knowing is part of the challenge. I‘m waiting to see what comes over the transom. It might be something that I haven’t thought of at all.”

With his decades of experience in traditional media, Wallace assured that he would not play a partisan role on whatever platform he chooses next.

"I am clearly not going to become a hard-right or hard-left advocate. It’s just absent from my DNA,” he said, adding that he would maintain his own brand.

"I’ve interviewed presidents, princes, kings and one saint, Mother Teresa,” he stated.

Wallace added that his decision to take a different road in his professional journey came after a discussion with his wife Lorraine earlier this year. It was then that he had resolved not to renew his contract after the election.

Internet reacts to Chris Wallace leaving network TV

Netizens claimed Chris Wallace exiting CNN signaled the end of the "legacy media." The following tweets demonstrate the predominant takes.

"The Legacy Media is dead," wrote a user.

"The house of cards is collapsing right before our eyes," shared another.

"He’s tired of the fake news," quipped one more.

"I’m shocked he was able to stick around for that long," jibed a user.

"Someone told him he can make more money on X," chided another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.