The write-ups are in on the Paula Zahn resignation, reported first on TVNewser. Zahn tells TVWeek’s Michelle Greppi, “I wanted to move on and he (CNN/U.S. president Jon Klein) wanted to move on.”
To Jacques Steinberg of the NYTimes, “when you look at the landscape, particularly in the 8 o’clock hour, it seems pretty obvious the audience is drawn to opinion-driven shows. That is not what I do.”
And on the persistent rumors surrounding the demise of her show, Zahn told the AP’s David Bauder “You’re not going to survive very long in this business if you internalize every rumor that is out there. To a certain extent, my staff and I were able to drown out the noise and do what we were expected to do.”
In his note to the CNN staff, Klein wrote, “throughout the coming weeks, we will be utilizing substitute hosts at 8pm leading up to the November launch of a new program anchored by Campbell Brown.”
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July 24, 2007
To: CNN U.S. Staff
From: Jon Klein
Paula Zahn has announced today that she will be leaving CNN. We are grateful for her dedication, professionalism and class over the last six years, as she has presided over our coverage of such significant news stories as 9/11, the launch of the war in Iraq, national elections and natural disasters, among many others.
In addition, she has used her on-air platform to tap into issues that were underrepresented in the national dialogue through her recent Out in the Open series, and the entire Paula Zahn Now team should be extremely proud of their work.
Paula’s last day on the air will be next Thursday, August 2. Throughout the coming weeks, we will be utilizing substitute hosts at 8pm leading up to the November launch of a new program anchored by Campbell Brown. Additional details will be forthcoming.