CNN’s Jake Tapper will anchor the 9 p.m. ET hour through the November 8 elections, part of a revamped lineup that includes Alisyn Camerota co-hosting a two-hour block of CNN Tonight with Laura Coates. “The world has come to rely on Jake’s no-nonsense approach to covering the news, especially during high-stakes election cycles,” said CNN chief Chris Licht in a statement released by the network. “This move will showcase his tough reporting, smart analysis and consequential interviews as our audiences navigate the myriad of issues at stake in the midterms.”
The just-until-election-day schedule comes as CNN’s prime time lineup remains a work in progress since the exit of top-rated host Chris Cuomo, who was fired by the network last December. Since then, CNN has not named a new permanent host for the 9 p.m. hour.
New Day hosts John Berman and Brianna Keilar will take over Tapper’s The Lead at 4 p.m., while Don Lemon steps away from prime time to prepare for the launch of CNN’s new morning show sometime later this year.
CNN’s Erin Burnett and Anderson Cooper keep their longtime slots at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. ET, with the three hours between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. carrying the CNN Tonight branding. “By adding the insights, experience and strong voices of Alisyn and Laura,” Licht said, CNN will create “something complimentary and compelling in
Jake Tapper Moves To Prime Time As CNN Unveils New Lineup Through Midterm Elections (forbes.com)