ABC News investigative reporter Chris Cuomo will wake up CNN’s morning news block in a new role with the cable network, CNN announced Tuesday.
The news come amid the departure Tuesday of CNN executive vice president and managing editor Mark Whitaker. Whitaker joined CNN in 2011 and oversaw the network's editoral coverage.
Cuomo, currently co-host of ABC News’ 20/20, will have a “major role in a new CNN morning show and across the network” according to CNN officials.
"Chris is an accomplished anchor who is already an established name in morning television, as well as a widely respected investigative journalist,” said recently named CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker said in a statement. “What I love about Chris is that he is passionate about every story he tells, never forgets about the viewer, and represents the type of journalism that makes CNN great.”
Added Cuomo: “This is a fantastic opportunity to do what I value the most and hopefully to do the work that I do best. While it’s very difficult to leave ABC News, a place filled with people I have loved working with for many years, I am excited about my future with CNN.”
The move doesn't bode well for CNN’s current and low-rated morning news program hosted by Soledad O’Brien. A network spokesperson would only say that "Soledad is very important to the network, and we're discussing various options with her."
In addition, CNN political contributors James Carville and Mary Matlin are also leaving CNN, according to Politico.com.
