A number of CNN regulars will be anchoring 7pmET broadcasts for CNN this fall as a part of a special rotation and TVNewser has learned some of the early plans.
Lou Dobbs’ abrupt departure from CNN last week left an obvious hole in the network’s 7pmET time slot. CNN/U.S. President Jon Klein quickly announced that Sunday “State of the Union” host John King would be moving into the slot with a new political show in early 2010.
But until then, CNN said it would air a program titled “CNN Tonight” hosted by a series of rotating anchors.
Last Thursday, the day after Dobbs announced his resignation, CNN went with the “Situation Room” fourth hour, and Friday, the networked aired a veterans special in the 7pmET slot.
Last evening (Monday), “CNN Tonight” debuted with lead-off anchor John Roberts, who also worked his “American Morning” gig earlier in the day.
Who’s next? It seems a permanent rotation may not be set, but a CNN spokesperson tells us Roberts will be anchoring through Thursday evening and “AC360” correspondent Erica Hill will be in on Friday. Both Roberts and Hill are based out of New York.
The following week, Roberts, Hill, and D.C.-based reporter Tom Foreman will split anchor duties.