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On Sunday, the longtime host ofFox News Sunday, 74,announcedthat he would no longer be hosting the weekly show during his morning broadcast.
“After 18 years, I have decided to leave Fox,” Wallace, who anchored the series since 2003, signed off. “I want to try something new, to go beyond politics, to all the things I’m interested in.”
“I’m ready for a new adventure, and I hope you’ll check it out,” he continued, adding, “and so, for the last time, dear friends, that’s it for today. Have a great week. And I hope you’ll keep watchingFox News Sunday.”
Shortly after signing off, CNN confirmed Wallace will be joining its streaming serviceCNN+in 2022 with apress announcement.
“I am thrilled to join CNN+. 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,” Wallace was quoted in the statement. “As I embark on this adventure, I am honored and delighted to join Jeff Zucker and his great team. I can’t wait to get started.”
A selection of other Fox News anchors will now hostFox News Sundayin rotation until a permanent replacement is found, according to the network’s statement.
“We are extremely proud of our journalism and the stellar team that Chris Wallace was a part of for 18 years. The legacy ofFox News Sundaywill continue with our star journalists, many of whom will rotate in the position until a permanent host is named,” Fox News shared with PEOPLE.
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He also thanked his superiors at Fox News for keeping their word to “never interfere” with his practices as a journalist.
“Eighteen years ago, the bosses here at Fox promised me they would never interfere with a guest I booked or a question I asked. And they kept that promise,” Wallace explained. “I have been free to report to the best of my ability, to cover the stories I think are important, to hold our country’s leaders to account.”
“It’s been a great ride,” he continued, before noting how he has covered five presidential elections, traveled the world to talk to other political figureheads, and loved how he was able to “spend Sunday mornings” with viewers.
“It may sound corny, but I feel we’ve built a community here,” Wallace said. “There’s a lot you can do on Sundays. The fact you’ve chosen to spend this hour with us is something I cherish.”
Wallace began his career in broadcast journalism at NBC News in 1975. He is the son of60 Minutesreporter Mike Wallace. Chris later joined ABC News, where he worked for about 15 years, before joiningFox News Sundayin a role that host Tony Snow previously held.
Lindsey Graham, who was a guest on Sunday’s episode,tweetedthat he was “shocked” to hear of Wallace’s departure after his appearance.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the show,” he wrote. “Chris challenged everyone fairly and tried to give his viewers the best information to evaluate issues.”
source: people.com
