Zoraida Sambolin Leaving CNN

By Chris Ariens 

Zoraida Sambolin, who joined CNN two years ago, is leaving the network and returning to Chicago, TVNewser has learned.

Sambolin, the host of “Early Start,” says battling cancer this year put life in perspective. “I love my job and the gifted and committed people I’ve had an opportunity to work with but life is beckoning me back to Chicago,” she writes in a note to staff.

“Zoraida Sambolin is one of the best journalists in the business,” a CNN spokeperson tells TVNewser. “Her insightful reporting, kind nature, strength and resilience are universally admired. Although we will miss her, we understand and support her decision and wish her and her family only the best.”

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Sambolin joined CNN in 2011 from NBC-owned WMAQ, where she anchored the morning show. Work is in her future, she says, but it’s not known where.

Sambolin, a mother of two, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and in May underwent a double mastectomy. She returned to CNN in August. Her final day with the network is next Friday.

Sambolin’s replacement will be announced soon, we hear.

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