Breaking: TVNewser has learned that CNN will be moving its chief business correspondent, Ali Velshi, to the 1-3pmET “CNN Newsroom” time slot. A formal announcement from the network is expected shortly.
In a note to staff, CNN/U.S. President Jon Klein said that Velshi will remain chief business correspondent and continue to co-anchor “Your $$$$$.”
Velshi has been reporting out of the New York bureau, but the new gig will broadcast from CNN’s Atlanta HQ. Velshi, who’s best known for his business reporting and field reports, has become increasingly visible on the network over the past year, providing coverage of the financial crisis. He’s also filled in for Campbell Brown and Rick Sanchez. Most recently, he anchored the network’s coverage of the Christmas day attempted terrorist attack.
Klein wrote, “Ali brings the expertise and passion that viewers expect from CNN, as he recently demonstrated when he so deftly handled the Christmas day breaking news about the attempted terror threat.”
The announcement goes hand in hand with news of anchor Heidi Collins departure from the network.
Velshi starts on January 18th, the same day that Sanchez launches his new program “Rick’s List.” Wolf Blitzer’s “Situation Room” will move back an hour until John King’s show launches.
Klein’s note after the jump.
Dear Colleagues,
I am delighted to share with you some changes to our dayside lineup which we are announcing today. Beginning on Monday, January 18, Ali Velshi will join our daytime team to anchor CNN Newsroom from Atlanta from 1-3 pm. He will continue his role as CNN’s chief business correspondent and co-anchor of Your $$$$$.
Ali brings the expertise and passion that viewers expect from CNN, as he recently demonstrated when he so deftly handled the Christmas day breaking news about the attempted terror threat. He has a unique ability to break down complex ideas and events in a clear and concise way. He’s a skilled journalist and the right addition to our strong dayside team.
Beginning January 18, Kyra Phillips will anchor CNN Newsroom from 9-11 am, Tony Harris continues from 11-1 pm followed by Ali. From 3-5 pm Rick Sanchez anchors his new program Rick’s List.
With this move, Heidi Collins will be leaving CNN after seven years of dedicated service. Her last day on air will be Friday, January 15. Please join me in thanking her for her contributions to the network and in wishing her and her family the very best.
Many thanks, Jon