Chris Wallace's exit from CNN goes beyond his decision to pursue podcasting: 'Excited and liberated'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Veteran television news anchor Chris Wallace is revealed to be one of the first prominent figures to be laid off by CNN as the network brutally slashes its workforce in the face of dropping ratings, the Daily Mail reported on Friday, November 15.

The news contradicted Wallace's announcement earlier this week that he was leaving broadcast media of his own volition, to seek his fortune in independent media such as streaming and podcasts.

CNN's decision to axe shows hosted by Chris Wallace

According to Puck News, Chris Wallace was informed that his two shows on CNN, 'The Chris Wallace Show' on Saturday mornings and 'Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?' which streams on Max, was being axed by network CEO Mark Thompson.

He was offered to stay in a greatly reduced role as an analyst on a far lesser salary than his current earnings of $7 million a year, but Wallace has chosen to refuse the offer.

After the news became public, Wallace maintained that he was never open to discussing his options with the network, as he had decided to leave six months back.

"It doesn't matter what was or wasn't said in that meeting because I had already decided with my wife six months ago to leave CNN," the journalist reportedly told Puck. "Any further speculation is irrelevant."

He had previously acknowledged that he did not have any job lined up, saying, "This is the first time in 55 years I‘ve been between jobs. I am actually excited and liberated by that.”

"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,” he added.

Wallace's 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,' before he joined CNN.

Internet reacts to news of Chris Wallace getting laid off by CNN

Netizens mocked Chris Wallace on the social media platform X after the news of him getting the boot from CNN was made public. The following tweets demonstrate the predominant takes.

"Chris Wallace ruined himself. lol," wrote a user.

"He proved himself to be worthless there. Added no value and was only a contrarian," shared another.

"No one will even notice," jibed a third.

"Chris Wallace has been meaningless for years. Never could fill his Daddy's shoes," chided a fourth.

"Wow. He was always insufferable but over the last few years he became increasingly so," noted a fifth.

"Couldn’t happen to a worse person," mocked yet 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