Two O’Brien’s To Anchor American Morning; Hemmer Leaving CNN

“Miles O’Brien, co-anchor of CNN’s Live From, will join American Morning as co-anchor with Soledad O’Brien starting Monday, June 20,” CNN confirmed today. O’Brien will continue to serve as CNN’s space correspondent.

“Miles is a superb anchor and correspondent and he will be a terrific addition to the show,” Jon Klein wrote in an e-mail to staffers this morning. “Kim Bondy and I are committed to American Morning being the clear news alternative to the other morning shows, and we believe that with Miles and Soledad at the helm we will fulfill the promise of making AM the smartest morning show.”

“Bill Hemmer has decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere, and we wish him the best,” Klein’s e-mail continues. “Bill is a highly respected colleague and I know that everyone who worked with Bill over the years will miss him. Jack Cafferty has been reassigned to the upcoming 3 p.m.-to-6 p.m. newsblock where he will continue to provide his unique and incisive commentary.” Hemmer’s last day at CNN is June 17. Where is he persuing other opportunities?

> And: Klein says in the P.R.: ” “In a morning television landscape littered with mindless entertainment, there will be one name you can rely on for no-nonsense news: O’Brien.” Update: 4:03pm: “FYI, we’re already calling “American Morning” “The O’Brien Factor” here at CNN,” an e-mailer says.