First victim of CNN layoffs revealed to be high-paid host who insisted he was leaving to 'pursue podcasts' (Chris Wallace)

CNN anchor Chris Wallace was the first network star given the boot as the channel faces a staffing bloodbath in the face of cratering ratings. Puck News reported that Wallace, who was paid $7 million a year, was told his two shows on the network were being axed by CEO Mark Thompson. He was told he could stay on in a greatly-reduced role as an analyst on a far smaller salary, but decided not to, according to journalist Dylan Byers.