CNN Poaches From ABC News, But Will The Prey Include Early Start’s John Berman?

The big headlines about Jeff Zucker‘s 2013 revamping of CNN’s lineup have largely centered around his poaching of two of ABC News’ biggest names: Jake Tapper and Chris Cuomo.

Tapper will reportedly anchor a news broadcast; Cuomo is set to host a new morning show, reportedly co-anchored by Erin Burnett. All of this begs the question: What will happen to pre-Zucker ABC poach John Berman, currently the host of CNN’s Early Start?

Back in June, Berman was hired away from ABC News as a replacement for Early Start‘s Ashleigh Banfield, who now hosts the 11 a.m. hour of CNN Newsroom.

Berman was a well-respected ABC lifer who CNN brought over because of his “exceptional” journalism skills and distinctive voice in covering major news events. But his poaching occurred before Jeff Zucker took over the reins from Jim Walton and made clear he has every intention to shake things up.

CNN Executive Vice President Mark Whitaker was largely responsible for bringing Berman over; but just today, Whitaker resigned.

So will Early Start remain untouched by Zucker? Or will Berman be removed from his anchor role, continuing to file reports for The Situation Room?

CNN has no comment, so let the guessing games begin.

— —
>> Follow Andrew Kirell (@AndrewKirell) on Twitter

This is an opinion piece. The views expressed in this article are those of just the author.

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!