Erin Burnett’s Teary CNBC Sign-off

By Chris Ariens 

It takes a lot for grizzled CNBC veteran Mark Haines to get teary. This morning he did when he said goodby to his “Squawk on the Street” co-host Erin Burnett this morning.

After presenting him with a few gifts and a card, which she told him he couldn’t read on the air, a choked-up Haines said, “Give me your hand. Coming to work for the last 5 1/2 years has been an absolute joy. You are the best. The absolute best. We wish you the best of luck. We’re going to miss you a lot.” Burnett, choked up herself saying, “I feel the same way.”

Burnett is leaving CNBC for CNN early next month in an as-yet announced timeslot. Burnett still has one more hour to go, hosting “Street Signs” this afternoon. A new anchor for either show has not been named, though CNBC just snagged Brian Sullivan from FBN, so look for a slot for him in market hours.

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In addition to Burnett departing, her show producer Rich Carolan is also leaving CNBC. TVNewser has learned he’s going to be managing director at Burson Marsteller. The same PR firm where former CNBC reporter Jim Goldman now works.

A rising star at NBC, Burnett often filled in on “Today,” was a staple on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and also appeared on “Meet the Press” and “The Apprentice.”

Any chance at moving to a high-profile anchor role at NBC seemed to go by the wayside as “Today” is poised to name Ann Curry the co-anchor, Natalie Morales news anchor and Savannah Guthrie national correspondent.

  • Video of Burnett’s goodbye, after the jump

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