Don Lemon is headed to the day shift.
The CNN host will leave the 10 p.m. ET hour later this year and help launch a new morning show along with co-hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins, the network announced Thursday.
“The last eight years have been an incredible ride. I’ve had the opportunity to work with one of the best show teams in the business, but it’s time to shake things up. I am so appreciative of the ‘Don Lemon Tonight’ team, my wonderful, loyal viewers and everyone who has believed in me,” the 56-year-old anchor said in a statement.
“It’s going to be a thrill to take on this challenge with Poppy and Kaitlan,” he added. “I’ll get to work with two of my dearest friends.”
The trio, whose show name has not yet been announced, will replace “New Day” hosts John Berman and Brianna Keilar. CNN said Thursday said the pair will shift into new roles at the network later.
Harlow currently hosts “CNN Newsroom” from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., while Collins is the chief White House correspondent.
The shuffling marks the latest move by new CEO Chris Licht at the news network, reinventing the morning lineup and also freeing up time at night. Early in his career, Licht made a name for himself in the mornings as a leading producer on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”
Licht was named CNN’s chairman and CEO in May as Warner Bros. and Discovery merged and he immediately promised to move the network back toward the center from its left-leanings One of his first decisions as boss was to fire “Reliable Sources” host Brian Stelter.
Last week, Licht hired John Miller, the former deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism for the NYPD who faced criticism earlier this year for falsely claiming that the police department did not spy on Muslims after 9/11.
CNN White House correspondent John Harwood also announced last week that he was leaving the network.
“There is no stronger combination of talent than Don, Poppy and Kaitlan to deliver on our promise of a game-changing morning news program,” Licht said in a statement Thursday.
“They are each uniquely intelligent, reliable and compelling. Together they have a rare and palpable chemistry. Combined with CNN’s resources and global newsgathering capabilities, we will offer a smart, bold and refreshing way to start the day.”
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