The new question: WHO will Chris Wallace be talking to?
PF Media: Legendary Journalist Walks Away From the Sinking Ship That Is the Mainstream Media
The liberal mainstream media is a dying dinosaur, and it’s never been more clear than it has been over the last few weeks. While many anchors and reporters are having meltdowns and throwing tantrums rather than admitting their defeat and learning from it, one broadcasting legend is walking away and embracing new media.
It appears that he doesn’t have any specific plans just yet. “This is the first time in 55 years I‘ve been between jobs… I am actually excited and liberated by that,” he said, adding “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.”
If anyone understands the ins and outs of the legacy media and where it stands today, it’s Wallace. Across six decades, he’s worked in some capacity for CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox News, and CNN, winning numerous awards, including a few Emmys, for his work. He’s also the son of another media legend, the late Mike Wallace, who is best known for his work as a journalist on the TV show 60 Minutes.
Chris Wallace’s Leap into the Digital Frontier: Challenges and Considerations
In a surprising turn of events, Chris Wallace, a seasoned journalist with decades of experience in broadcast television, has decided to forrow what he describes as the new media landscape by venturing into streaming or podcasting. This move, while bold, is not without its set of formidable challenges, particularly when transitioning from the structured environment of a major network like CNN to the more autonomous and competitive world of digital media.
The Shift from Broadcast to Digital
Audience Adaptation:
Building a New Audience: Wallace has been a staple in the homes of viewers through television, where his audience is somewhat captive due to the broad reach of CNN. In the digital space, however, he must actively seek out or attract his audience. This involves not just maintaining his current viewers but also appealing to a demographic that is potentially younger and more accustomed to digital content.
Content Creation and Consistency:
Content Strategy: The nature of content in streaming or podcasting differs significantly from traditional TV news. Wallace will need to adapt his storytelling, perhaps moving towards longer-form content, deeper dives into subjects, or even a more casual, conversational style that appeals to podcast listeners.
Consistency: Establishing a regular schedule for content release is crucial in podcasting to keep listeners engaged. Without the infrastructure of CNN, Wallace must ensure he can maintain this consistency himself or with a very small team.
Technical Challenges:
Production Quality: Wallace has enjoyed the benefits of CNN’s high-quality production teams. Moving to independent digital media, he’ll need to either upskill in video/audio editing, invest in hiring a small crew, or find tech-savvy collaborators. This shift could affect the professional polish viewers are accustomed to seeing.
Monetization:
Revenue Streams: Traditional television offers clear avenues for revenue through ads, sponsorships, and network funding. In contrast, podcasting and streaming often rely on advertising, sponsorships, listener donations, or subscription models. Establishing these revenue streams from scratch can be daunting and less predictable.
Support System Challenges
Loss of Institutional Support:
Research and Fact-Checking: CNN’s resources include research departments that ensure the accuracy of information. Wallace will now need to either do this himself or find reliable sources, which could slow down content production and increase the risk of errors.
Legal and Ethical Support: Broadcasting on CNN comes with a layer of legal protection and guidance which independent creators often lack. Navigating the legalities of content, especially in a politically charged environment, could become a significant hurdle.
Networking and Bookings:
Guest Management: Securing high-profile guests might become more challenging without the clout of a major network. Wallace’s personal Rolodex will be crucial, but without the allure of a CNN booking, some guests might be less inclined to appear.
Marketing and Distribution:
Visibility: Without CNN’s marketing machine, Wallace must master digital marketing, SEO, social media promotion, and possibly engage with platform algorithms to ensure his content reaches its intended audience. This includes optimizing for search engines, engaging with social media platforms for promotion, and possibly leveraging guest appearances to cross-promote content.
The Podcaster’s Dilemma
Competitive Landscape: The podcasting world is crowded with thousands of shows competing for listeners’ attention. Wallace will need to carve out a unique niche or offer something distinct to stand out. His reputation might help, but content must be compelling enough to retain listeners in a market where listeners have endless choices.
Technical Skills: While Wallace brings a wealth of journalistic experience, the technical side of podcasting or streaming, from audio editing to video production, might require him to learn new skills or outsource to maintain a professional standard.
Branding and Identity: Without the CNN brand, Wallace must build or rebrand himself in the digital space. This involves not just the content but how he presents himself, his values, and his take on journalism in this new format.
Strategies for Success
Leverage Experience: Wallace can use his extensive experience and reputation to gain initial traction, perhaps by focusing on in-depth interviews or analysis only he can provide due to his background.
Collaboration: Partnering with existing podcast networks or digital media companies could offer some of the support and infrastructure he’s leaving behind. This could also provide immediate access to a broader audience.
Community Engagement: Creating a community around his new venture through social media, newsletters, or listener interaction segments in his shows can help foster loyalty and feedback, turning listeners into advocates.
Adaptation to New Formats: Wallace might explore formats that resonate more with digital audiences, like live streaming sessions, interactive Q&As, or even integrating multimedia content that goes beyond what traditional TV offers.
Conclusion
Chris Wallace’s decision to delve into podcasting or streaming is emblematic of the broader shift in media consumption. While it presents numerous challenges, especially for someone accustomed to the support of a large media conglomerate, it also opens up opportunities for innovation in content delivery and audience engagement. His success will hinge not just on his journalistic prowess but on his ability to adapt, learn, and connect with listeners in this new digital frontier.
The journey from a CNN anchor to a podcast host or streamer will undoubtedly be a learning curve, but if anyone can navigate this transition with grace and intelligence, it’s someone with Wallace’s track record and insight into the media landscape. Here’s to hoping he can redefine his career while setting a standard for other journalists contemplating a similar leap.