First on TVNewser: Tom Bettag, the former EP of Nightline during the Ted Koppel days is joining CNN as Senior EP of “State of the Union with Candy Crowley.”
Michelle Jaconi, who had been EP of SOTU with John King is going with King to the 7pmET slot when that begins later this month.
As ABC News began its search for a replacement for George Stephanopoulos on “This Week,” Koppel was considered. Bettag was also in talks to join ABC, but not as EP of a Koppel-hosted “This Week.”
> More: Press release after the jump. “Adding such a renowned producer as Tom to CNN’s lineup further reflects the network’s commitment to serious journalism,” says CNN DC SVP David Bohrman.
News Veteran Tom Bettag Joins CNN as Sr. Executive Producer
Bettag to Take the Reins of State of the Union with Candy Crowley and Reliable Sources
Tom Bettag joins CNN Worldwide as senior executive producer of State of the Union with Candy Crowley and Reliable Sources, it was announced today by David Bohrman, SVP of Programming and Washington bureau chief. Bettag will oversee the Sunday public affairs programming lineup, effective immediately.
“Adding such a renowned producer as Tom to CNN’s lineup further reflects the network’s commitment to serious journalism,” said Bohrman. “Candy now will be a member of a very exclusive team of greats—such as Ted Koppel and Dan Rather – who have had the opportunity to work with Tom.”
“For years, Candy has been one of my favorite reporters. She’s not only tough and fair, but also brings a breath of fresh air to Sunday morning talk. I look forward to joining Candy and the team,” added Bettag. “And I’m thrilled to be part of, what I consider, to be the preeminent news organization in the country.”
Since launching one year ago, State of the Union has cemented its reputation as the place to hear the voices of everyday Americans, informed experts and A-list politicians. Candy Crowley took over the anchor chair earlier this month and will continue to work with her stellar team to craft a show that is relevant, interesting and informative.
In Bettag’s more than four decades in journalism, he has served as executive producer of CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, of ABC’s Nightline with Ted Koppel and of Koppel on Discovery on the Discovery Channel. Throughout his career he has earned six duPont-Columbia University Silver Baton Awards, three Overseas Press Club Awards and 30 Emmy Awards. In 2004, Bettag was honored with Quinnipiac University’s Fred Friendly Award, which recognizes those who have shown courage and forthrightness in preserving the rights of the First Amendment.
Bettag earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a graduate degree from Columbia University’s School of Journalism.