First on TVNewser: With the recent departures of both Chuck Roberts and Richard Lui, HLN has revamped its dayside anchor line-up with the shuffling of some talent.
Mike Galanos, who had been anchoring “Prime News,” will now anchor five four hours of HLN’s afternoon news programing (12-4pmET) with Richelle Carey, Susan Hendricks, and Christi Paul, among others, forming a Mon-Fri supporting ensemble. (Carey will continue anchoring 4-5pmET.)
TruTV’s “In Session” anchor Vinnie Politan will do double duty with the two Turner networks, hosting HLN’s “Prime News” at 6pmET while continuing with “In Session.” Also from “In Session,” Ryan Smith, who will be a contributor on “Morning Express.”
For Christi Paul, the HLN duties are tacked on to her “In Session” gig. An HLN spokesperson tells us, “In Session,” “will remain true to its core mission as the only place on TV for real-life courtroom coverage.”
Finally, Natasha Curry becomes the solo anchor of HLN Weekend News. She will continue to be the back-up for Robin Meade and will rotate with Hendricks and Carey as anchors of the 10amET hour.
“We’re adding smart, passionate personalities across our air,” HLN SVP Bill Galvin tells TVNewser. “Ryan adds a welcome expertise to an already terrific Morning Express cast. Vinnie brings top-notch interview skills to Prime News and the middle of the day gets the best of both worlds — an ensemble format mashed up with the personality that’s our primetime trademark.”
Lui left CNN/HLN in late July and was picked up by MSNBC. Roberts announced his departure from HLN late last month after 28 years with the network.