Former HLN head Ken Jautz has taken over as head of CNN, following the dismissal of Jon Klein.

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As he begins his first week at the helm, we talked to Jautz today about his big picture plans for the network, whether HLN talent could end up at CNN and the characterization that he’s the “opposite of Jon Klein.”

Mediaite: As you look at the CNN you’re inheriting, obviously there are some issues that you’ll be looking to correct. Big picture, what is your vision there?

Jautz: Big picture I think I’d like CNN to be as engaging and lively in its programming as it always has been informative in its reporting. My mandate is to ensure that our strong, nonpartisan journalism continues to be showcased in the best manner possible. Also, we want to make the programming, particularly prime time, a little more compelling, engaging, lively. That will be my focus.

Mediaite: You have two new shows starting, that certainly will be traced to Jon Klein. Would you say they’re safe?

Jautz: We are going to adhere

to the programming moves and scheduling announced. Of course, we’ll be launching Parker Spitzer on October 4, and Piers Morgan after the turn of the year. I have been involved in the development of these shows, that Jon has led, all along. I was in the first meeting that Piers had at CNN and was an early advocate of that show. I could see in that meeting he was smart, dynamic and charismatic person, who fills the room, fills a set. I lived in the U.K. in the mid-90s when he was prominent newspaper editor and journalist there. I’ve been very familiar with his work for some time.

Mediaite: You’ve been in the building with CNN, and had a job with CNN Worldwide, in addition to your HLN duties. As you looked at CNN over the past six years, has there been anything that struck you as something where you could say, ‘I wouldn’t have done that’?

Jautz: No.

Mediaite: Nothing?

Jautz: I don’t feel this early in my tenure it is productive to start second guessing what other people here or elsewhere have done.

Mediaite: You’ve had huge success at HLN. Is there any chance some of the people who are stars there under your reign, like Joy Behar or Robin Meade, could come over to CNN?

Jautz: I had a mandate at HLN to revamp and rename the network, to differentiate it from CNN.

We wanted to set up two networks that were different in their basic audience appeal, and had a different offering to advertisers. We spent many years doing that. We purposely made HLN more about pop culture, more female skewing in audience. I have no interest in now undoing that. We would like to continue to keep these networks different.

Mediaite: One CNN insider I talked to described you as the “opposite of Jon Klein.” Someone who talks to people, listen to what they have to say. How do you feel about that characterization?

Jautz: I think it’s important to be open to new ideas. I’m open to input from others. I have worked in many different parts of this organization – at different networks and different divisions. This organization has a tremendous number of great, creative journalists who are passionate about journalism and CNN, and I want to be able to use all that great creative energy. It’s an impotent part of my job – to be open and collaborative with as many great parts of this organization as possible.

Mediaite: We talked to some people at CNN about their reaction to the news Friday. What was your reaction?

Jautz: I’m honored and humbled to be sitting in this position. It’s particularly meaningful for me having worked in this organization for a long time.

(This has been edited for length and clarity.)

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Tags: CNN, HLN, Jon Klein, Ken Jautz