Fox News anchor Chris Wallace is leaving the network for a “new adventure” effective immediately, he announced Sunday.
“After 18 years — this is my final FOX News Sunday. It is the last time — and I say this with real sadness — we will meet like this,” he said at the end of Fox News Sunday, which Wallace has anchored for 18 years. “I have decided to leave Fox. 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 added. “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.’”
The 74-year-old Chicago native, a widely respected journalist who has moderated multiple presidential debates, did not elaborate on his next apolitical undertaking.
Wallace, whose father was longtime “60 Minutes” reporter Mike Wallace, praised network bosses for providing him independence and allowing him to report on key stories over the years.
“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,” he said during the network’s flagship hour-long 10 a.m. Sunday program. “I have been free to report to the best of my ability to cover those stories I think are important to hold our country’s leaders to account. It’s been a great ride.”
He also gave thanks to regular viewers of the program.
“It may sound corny, but I feel we’ve built a community here. There’s a lot you can do on Sunday mornings,” Wallace said. “The fact you’ve chosen to spend this hour with us is something I cherish.”
In a statement, Fox News Media praised Wallace.
“We are extremely proud of our journalism and the stellar team that Chris Wallace was a part of for 18 years,” read the statement. “The legacy of FOX News Sunday will continue with our star journalists, many of whom will rotate in the position until a permanent host is named.”
During his 46-year career, Wallace has also reported for ABC and NBC as well as the Boston Globe.