Jeff Zucker to Head CNN

ATLANTA: After much speculation, former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Zucker has been named the new president of CNN Worldwide.

"Jeff’s experience as a news executive is unmatched for its breadth and success," said Phil Kent, the president of Turner Broadcasting. "He built and sustained the number-one brand in morning news, and under his watch NBC’s signature news programming set a standard for quality and professionalism. As a programmer, a brand-builder and a leader, he will bring energy and new thinking to CNN. I couldn’t be happier to welcome him or more excited about what he’ll accomplish here."

Zucker will be based in New York and report to Kent.

Zucker started as a field producer for the Today show in 1989 and became its executive producer in 1992. In 2000 he was named the president of NBC Entertainment, and three years later was promoted to president of NBC Entertainment’s news and cable group. He served as president of the NBC television group and was CEO of NBC. He became president and CEO of NBCUniversal in February 2007. He is currently the executive producer on Katie Couric’s syndicated daytime talk show.

Jim Walton, CNN’s current president and chief executive, announced in July that he would be stepping down by the end of the year. Walton has been leading the network, which has recently taken a hit in its ratings, for nine years.

“I am thrilled to join the distinguished team of journalists across the worldwide platforms of CNN,” said Zucker. “The global reach and scale of the CNN brand is unparalleled in all of news. Outside of my family and the Miami Dolphins, there is nothing I am as passionate about as journalism. I spent the most rewarding years of my career as a journalist, and it’s where I look forward to spending many more. I am grateful to Phil Kent for this opportunity, and I’m excited to return to daily newsgathering and compelling storytelling in a place that values those above all else.”