Fox News anchor Chris Wallace just made a major career change!
The veteran Fox host announced on Sunday, December 12, that he was leaving Fox News to host a new weekday show on CNN+.
Wallace, 74, has been moderating “Fox News Sunday” since 2003. He announced his sudden departure at the end of today’s episode.
“It is the last time, and I say this with real sadness, we will meet like this,” Wallace said. Although he said that he had a “great ride” at Fox, he was now “ready for a new adventure” at CNN.
What Will Wallace’s New Role Be With CNN+?
#ChrisWallace in the news today, leaving Fox.
Here was my October 2020 appearance on his Sunday show, when I called out his incredibly biased performance as debate moderator:pic.twitter.com/PWbgq6MdV0
— Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) December 12, 2021
CNN+ is a new streaming service that CNN will be launching in 2022. According to a CNN press release, Wallace will host a new weekday show that features interviews with newsmakers “across politics, business, sports, and culture.”
In a statement, Wallace said that he is “thrilled” to join CNN+, adding, “After decades in broadcast and cable news, I am excited to explore the world of streaming. I look forward to the new freedom and flexibility streaming affords in interviewing major figures across the news landscape — and finding new ways to tell stories.”
CNN President Jeff Zucker seemed equally excited to bring Wallace on board. He said that the new addition of Wallace to the CNN family “speaks volumes about our commitment to journalism and CNN+, and we are thrilled to have Chris on the ground floor of helping us build the next generation of CNN and news.”
What Do His Former Fox News Coworkers Think Of The Career Switch?
Chris Wallace and I have been friends since we covered the House of Representatives together in the late 70’s. I was delighted we ended up together at Fox News, and am sad to see him go. I wish him all the best in his next adventures. The photo below is from New Hampshire, 2020. pic.twitter.com/4LUJsVke0M
— Brit Hume (@brithume) December 12, 2021
According to sources close to Wallace, he had several options when his four-year contract with Fox expired at the end of 2021. Although he was reportedly given the option to renew his contract with Fox for a few more years, Wallace decided to leave Fox News to join the fledgling CNN+ streaming service.
Fox News Chief Political Anchor Bret Baier tweeted, “Sad to see Chris go- he’s had an amazing run at @FoxNewsSunday. Chris – I wish you well with your next adventure. It was an honor to work alongside you all these years.
Fox News host and commentator Howard Kurtz tweeted, “Chris Wallace just announced this is his last Fox News Sunday, wants to try other things after 18 years. He has been a stellar journalist and superb colleague. A real loss for us.”
CEO and Editor of The Dispatch Stephen Hayes tweeted, “Chris Wallace had an incredible run. He served as a great example of how to do news – and do it well – during tumultuous and often disorienting times. It was an honor to appear on his panel. Eager to see what comes next.”
There is still no word on who will replace Wallace on Fox News Sunday.
