Veteran journalist Chris Wallace announced Sunday that he was leaving “Fox News Sunday” after 18 years, effective immediately.
Wallace concluded what now appears to be his final show with the surprise announcement, saying that while he was truly thankful and appreciative of his time at FOX, he was ready to try something different.
Fox News’ Chris Wallace: “After 18 years, I have decided to leave Fox. I want to try something new, to go beyond politics, to all of the things I’m interested in.” pic.twitter.com/vgMF8Ktdnr
— The Recount (@therecount) December 12, 2021
“After 18 years, this is my final ‘Fox News Sunday,'” Wallace began. “It is the last time, and I say this with real sadness, we will meet like this.”
Wallace went on to praise the network for giving him the freedom to report things as he saw them and never telling him what to say or what not to say.
“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 continued. “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. We’ve covered five presidential elections, interviewed every president since George H.W. Bush, traveled the world sitting down with France’s Emmanuel Macron and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.”
“And I’ve gotten to spend Sunday mornings with you,” Wallace said, turning his attention to the audience. “It may sound corny, but I feel we’ve built a community here. There’s a lot you can do on Sunday mornings. The fact that you’ve chosen to spend this hour with us is something I cherish. But after 18 years, I have decided to leave FOX. I want to try something new, to go beyond politics, to all of the things I’m interested in.”
“I’m ready for a new adventure, and I hope you’ll check it out. And so, for the last time dear friends, that’s it for today. Have a great week. And I hope you’ll keep watching ‘Fox News Sunday,'” Wallace concluded, signing off.
Fox News media reporter Howard Kurtz responded to the news on Twitter, saying, “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.”
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
— HowardKurtz (@HowardKurtz) December 12, 2021
Somewhat regular guest Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said that the news had taken him by surprise, adding, “Shocked to hear that Chris Wallace is leaving #FoxNewsSunday. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the show. Chris challenged everyone fairly and tried to give his viewers the best information to evaluate issues.”
“Best wishes to Chris Wallace, who just surprised us at the DC bureau of Fox News by announcing his last week hosting Fox News Sunday, after nearly 20 years,” Mollie Hemingway added.
Variety has reported that Wallace might be considering a move to CNN+, the streaming service set to launch in 2022.