Chris Wallace quits CNN after three years to explore streaming and podcasting

CNN broadcaster Chris Wallace revealed he’s leaving the network after three years.

On Monday, the 77-year-old TV personality told the Daily Beast he will leave the news station at the end of the year and explore a career in streaming and podcasting, which is “where the action seems to be.”

“This is the first time in 55 years I’ve been between jobs,” Wallace said. “I am actually excited and liberated by that.”

Chris Wallace, seen here in 2016, revealed he is leaving CNN after three years. Getty Images The news personality made the announcement to the Daily Beast on Monday. POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Wallace further acknowledged the success of Joe Rogan and Charlamagne Tha God during the recent presidential election with their respective interviews with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

“I don’t flatter myself to think I will have that sort of reach,” the “Chris Wallace Show” host added, explaining he needs to figure out whether streaming or podcasting would work best for him.

“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.”

Wallace told the outlet that he wants to explore a career in streaming and podcasting. REUTERS The Emmy winner explained he saw the success Joe Rogan and Charlamagne tha God’s had when they interviewed the 2024 presidential candidates earlier this year. AP

Wallace decided to leave the news network at the end of his three-year contract, which was worth seven figures, per the Daily Beast.

According to the outlet, CNN wanted to retain the “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” host as the network has been struggling with lower ratings.

“I have nothing but positive things to say,” Wallace said. “CNN has been very good to me.” 

“I don’t flatter myself to think I will have that sort of reach,” he said. Getty Images CNN+ Wallace previously worked at Fox News, where he has interviewed Donald Trump. MerlinProduction

CNN CEO Mark Thompson addressed Wallace’s departure in a statement to the Daily Beast, describing the newscaster as the “the most respected political journalists in the news business.”

“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,” Thompson said.

Wallace began his career in 1973 as a local broadcaster in Chicago.

The Emmy winner’s extensive resume includes “The Today Show,” “PrimeTime Live,” “Meet the Press” and “Fox News Sunday.”  

He also served as the moderator for the 2020 presidential debate. REUTERS Mark Thompson, CNN CEO, addressed Wallace’s departure in a statement, describing him as the “the most respected political journalists in the news business.” Getty Images CNN+

Wallace was employed by Fox News for 18 years before landing at CNN in 2021.

The news personality famously interviewed Trump several times throughout his many years at the conservative news outlet.

In 2020, he also moderated the presidential debate between Trump and President Joe Biden.